I never answer the phone at the Regional Office, but one evening back in December, when the phone rang, I answered. “Rev. Holt,” the woman said, “my name is Julia from Global Ministries. I’d like to extend an invitation to you to join a delegation of Regional Ministers from the Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ to travel to the Middle East.” As she took a breath, I said, “Me?” “Yes, ma’am! We’d really like for you to go.” After gaining further clarity, I finally asked how I should budget for this trip. She said, “Global Ministries will take care of you.” I hung up, shocked. I made three phone calls: to the Regional Minister of Kansas, to the Moderator of the Region of Oklahoma, and to my husband.
I am very excited to tell you that on February 28th, I will join a delegation of twenty-one pastoral leaders from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ who will travel to Cairo, Egypt; Beirut, Lebanon; Amman, Jordan; and Jerusalem under the leadership of Dr. Peter Makari, Ph.D., Executive, Middle East and Europe Global Ministries. We are scheduled to return on March 11th. I will keep a journal and take plenty of pictures to share with you upon our return. Please pray for us as we represent you to our partners in ministry in the Middle East.
Delegates from DOC: GM&P, Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins; Regional Ministers Paxton Jones (KS); Pamela Holt (OK); Rick Speth (IN); Denise Bell (GA); Susan Gonzales Dewey (PSW); Thaddeus Allen (WV).
Delegates from UCC: GM&P, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer; Conference Ministers James Antal (MA); John Deckenback (Atlantic); Edward Davis (Southern); Campbell Lovett (MI); Rich Pleva (IA); Franz Rigert (WI); Kent Siladi (CT); Tulani Ndlanzi (S Africa); Ms. Fikile Roseline Mcopela (S Africa); David Armour (Canada); Traci Blackmon (Ex. Minister, Justice & Witness).
Delegates from Global Ministries: Rev. Marco Cable (Africa), Dr. Peter Makari (Middle East).
Remember your “quilt square” project for Regional Assembly: Festival of Missions! in Tulsa. April 29-30, 2016.
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE . . .
From the Search Committee for the General Minister and President —
The search process for our next General Minister and President is underway and the Search Committee is seeking your input in this process. We hope to hear from you — What qualities do you think we need in a General Minister and President? How important are the current roles to you? Is there a role not mentioned that you feel should be included?
With your help, our goal is to further define the gifts needed to lead our denomination. Please take 2-3 minutes to complete and submit your answers by February 29. Be assured that all the answers you provide will be kept in the strictest confidentiality.
Click here to begin the survey.
Lenten Resource
The youth of the Oklahoma Region have created a wonderful Lenten Devotion Booklet for your journey to Jerusalem.
Click here to download this resource.
