reconcile (def)

1. to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired;
2. to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable;
3. to compose or settle;
4. to bring into agreement or harmony; make compatible or consistent;
5. to reconsecrate;
6. to restore.

The Regional Youth Council kicked off 2018 with the first of six (6) weekend events focused on the different ways people reconcile with themselves, one another, and with social systems that order living.  Chi Rho youth and adults from 11 congregations attended Reconcile 1, Feb. 24-25.  Crown Heights Christian Church opened their fellowship hall and sanctuary to the group during the day when games, singing, and simple mission projects led to worship and a message from Rev. Darryl Burton (darrylburton.org) who shared his story of being wrongfully incarcerated for twenty-four years.  His story of hope and journey with Jesus gave the group something to ponder and inspiration for their living.

Following dinner the group traveled to the Oklahoma Science Museum for the evening and overnight in the museum.  The “Star Wars” theme at the museum helped participants think about the science within the story, and it was a hyper-sized gift to have the entire museum reserved for the group.  Click here to see the photos.

Thank You . . .

• To the Adults that sponsored their groups and gave their time to help make this event possible.
• Pastor Ron Motley and Crown Heights Christian Church for the hospitality.
• Rev. Valerie Austin (Community Christian Church Ponca City) for connecting us to Rev. Darryl Burton.
• The staff at the Oklahoma Science Museum.
• The RYC planning team for Reconcile 1 led by Pastor Tara Dew (First Christian El Reno) and Matthew Gillett (Western Oaks Christian Church Oklahoma City).
• The congregations that sent groups:
  • Arnett Christian Church
  • First Christian Church Chickasha
  • First Christian Church El Reno
  • First Christian Church Hennessey
  • First Christian Church Midwest City
  • First Christian Church Norman
  • First Christian Church Sulphur
  • First Christian Church Woodward
  • Crown Heights Christian Church OKC
  • New Covenant Christian Church OKC
  • Western Oaks Christian Church OKC
• AND all the Regional Youth Council who represent these congregations:
  • Disciples Christian Church Bartlesville
  • First Christian Church Cyril
  • First Christian Church El Reno
  • Central Christian Church Enid
  • First Christian Church Hennessey
  • First Christian Church Midwest City
  • First Christian Church Norman
  • New Covenant Christian Church OKC
  • Western Oaks Christian Church OKC
  • First Christian Church Sulphur
  • Forest Park Christian Church Tulsa
  • First Christian Church Woodward

Next Events:

Reconcile 2 (Chi Rho & CYF) : April 14 in Tulsa

Reconcile 3 (Chi Rho & CYF) : April 28 @ Leadership Training School / Regional Assembly

The waiting and anticipation of Advent is how Christians begin another year.  The journey to Bethlehem begins this Sunday, December 3rd.  The Regional Youth Council has created a devotional ebook for the journey of Advent and invite you to download it and read along each week.   Advent can be counter cultural when we make time to be still and silent in the midst of parties, end of year work, travel, cheer and sorrow.

Click here to download Colors of Advent

Did you miss the latest edition of the Children, Youth, and Adult Intersection?  Click here to read it.

As fall approaches, some of us are thinking about next year: the places we will go with our youth groups, the things we want our groups to experience and learn, and what those opportunities might cost.  The Region is doing that as well.  Visit the Families and Youth webpage to see what the Regional Youth Council and Children, Youth, and Young Adult Commission is working on for 2018.

This week, Grand Camp, the newest addition to the Region’s Outdoor Ministry begins under the direction of Rev. Gina and Rev. Chuck Jackson.  This two night/three day event is hosted at Camp Christian and welcomes Grandparents of all ages with their grandchildren K-8th grade.  Check-in for Registered campers opens at 2pm on July 18 (download the Welcome to Camp letter).  Through song, story telling, crafts, and games campers will have an opportunity to connect to biblical stories, family stories, and experience the connections of our little frontier movement.  Please keep these persons in your prayers this week.