Where’s Michael: October

“May we all forgive” was tattooed on his arm
Like a sign from God or a hit and run
He handed me my coffee he just poured
May we all find the mercy we’ve been longing for

There’s a big wide sky filled with stars
That feels so close but feels so far
I’m tired of all the rage tired of all the worry
I’m ready for a great wild mercy
A great wild mercy

Carrie Newcomer, “A Great Wild Mercy.” (Light Records) 2023.

Describe your church in 3 words.

That’s what I’ve been asking clergy and laity as I’ve traveled the Region and corresponded with people.  How would you answer?
Email me your 3 words.

Last month, two congregations celebrated the installation of a new minister.    With liturgy and prayer, we celebrate their leadership, reaffirm their ordination or commissioning, and affirm their service.  First Christian Church in Pond Creek and Southern Hills Christian Church welcomed their ministers.  On October 12th, First Christian Church in Moore will install their new minister, Rev. Matthew Ricks.  Please put Regional Assembly, March 6-7, 2026, on your calendar and plan to attend my installation on the afternoon of March 7th.

The Northwest Area and the Northeast Area sponsor clergy retreats each year.  The Northeast Area’s retreat is typically held the Sunday after Easter, and the Northwest Area’s is in mid-September (just returned).  These retreats are for active clergy in the area, and when space is available, they invite colleagues beyond the area.  The retreats include continuing education, a completely free afternoon, vespers, and conversations with persons who share a call to ministry.   The Northwest Area retreat focused on clergy mental health.

• A clergy lectionary group continues to meet on Monday mornings to study scripture and share sermon ideas.
• The Commission on Clergy meets this month with candidates Incare on the journey to ordination or commissioning.  It’s exciting to have 7 people Incare (under the care of the Comm on Clergy).  The Commission will also hold an ordination council.
• The Executive Committee will meet to finalize the Region’s 2026 budget and present it to the Regional Board on November 1st.  At the fall Board meeting, our Commissions report on their 2025 work and plans for 2026. 
• The fall appeal for the Annual Fund was mailed.  Your financial gifts support the work and ministry of the Region.  The three income sources for the Region are the Disciples Mission Fund, the Annual Fund, and Endowment investments.  Through this funding, we respond to the needs of clergy and congregations, organize volunteers to offer camps, retreats, intergenerational education, or mission opportunities, and perform the administrative work of our Region on behalf of the denomination.  Thank you for your gift to the annual fund.

I trust that God will continue to bless us with gospel to be and ministry to do in our congregations and through this covenant we claim and share: the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma.  Thank you for reading.

Disciples, you are a blessing.