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K-O Conference Prayer Calendar
for the week of March 15th
First Congregational, Stockton, KS - Rev. Vince Williams & Congregation
Central Congregational UCC, Topeka, KS - Rev. Dr. Sherry Triggs & Congregation
First Congregational, Topeka, KS - Rev. Tobias Schlingensiepen & Congregation
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ATTENTION PASTORS AND CHURCH SECRETARIES
ANNUAL REPORTING FORMS FOR THE UCC YEARBOOK WERE DUE IN THE CONFERENCE OFFICE AT THE END OF JANUARY. THERE ARE STILL CHURCHES THAT HAVE NOT COMPLETED THEM. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE OR HAVE MISPLACED THE FORMS, PLEASE CALL THE CONFERENCE OFFICE.
THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE UPDATED INFORMATION WILL SOON END. THIS INFORMATION IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR FUTURE PROGRAMS OF YOUR ASSOCIATIONS, THE K-O CONFERENCE AND THE UCC AS A WHOLE.
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CLERGY GATHERINGS
This Spring in five locations across the conference, clergy are gathered to meet, visit, and worship together with Rev. Krista Betz, the new Interim Conference Minister. Krista will begin the gathering with a 20-30 minute worship service then there will be time for conversation, questions, and refreshments. Please come and be strengthened by colleagues and the Spirit for your on-going ministry. There will be one event in each Association, but clergy are invited to attend any one that suits their calendar.
April 13 - Immanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS from 12noon to 2pm
April 15 - First UCC, Newton, KS from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
April 22 - ECM office on KU Campus from 10am to 12noon
Dates for Oklahoma Association and North Central Association are still pending
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The Kansas-Oklahoma Conference would like to pursue some options for having virtual meetings-webinars, video conferencing, skype, etc, etc. However, we need some help in researching and implementing the best option for the conference. We are looking for a couple of people to help in this task-is it you or maybe someone you know?
If you are interested, please contact Rev. Krista Betz for more information at kbetz@kocucc.com.
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Local Church Youth Groups
If you would like a DVD of this video, contact Sean Weston
CWYMC members are starting to visit local youth groups soon.
If your church has yet to be contacted and you would like to make sure your youth group is visited, please contact
Sean Weston who will forward your request to a committee member in your area.
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OUR CHURCH'S WIDER MISSION
"Changing Lives, That's Our Church's Wider Mission" is more than a slogan or phrase; it is the lifeblood of ministry and mission in the United Church of Christ. We thank you for your support of the many local and global ministries provided through the contributions you make to this offering. Our covenant as local churches, associations, conferences and the national settings of our denomination is made evident through this mission together.
We appreciate all congregations and individuals that support Our Church's Wider Mission, but today we especially want to recognize the congregations that increased their amount of support for Our Church's Wider Mission in 2009:
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United Parish, Lenora, KS-they gave nothing in 2008 but stepped up in 2009!
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Community Church, Carbondale, KS-an increase of almost 3%
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First Congregational UCC, Manhattan, KS-an increase of more than 5%
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Marshallese UCC, Enid, OK-an increase of 7%
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Church of the Open Arms UCC, Oklahoma City, OK-an increase of 7%
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Zion UCC, Kansas City, KS-an increase of 8%
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Trinity United Christian, Cheney, KS-an increase of 18%
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Congregational UCC, Kinsley, KS-an increase of 100%-- they doubled their giving!
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Cross Walk UCC, Enid, OK-an increase of more than 150%-- they almost tripled their giving!
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Peace UCC, Alma, KS-an increase of about 150%-- they more than doubled their giving!
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Open Table UCC, Owasso, OK-an increase of more than 200%-- they almost tripled their giving!
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Rosedale UCC, Kansas City, KS-an increase of 294%! They more than tripled their giving! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
REVITALIZING THE CHURCH
If you are interested in renewing and revitalizing a congregation or starting a new church, the UCC through the Progressive Center for Renewal has a great training program to attend.
The New Church Leadership Institute.
August 9-13 in Atlanta, GA
If you can't afford the time or money to attend a 4 day event, check out these webinars that happen throughout the year-from the comfort of your own home:
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Oklahoma Ministries and Mission Interpreters (MMI)
Training Event
When: April 22, 2010, 1:00pm Where: Central Christian Church 1111 W. Broadway St. Enid, Oklahoma Contact: Marilyn Knott Phone: 405-528-5568 Email: marilynn@crownheightschristian.com
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Do you have a passion for global mission?
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Are you a member of your congregation's mission and outreach committee looking for new ideas?
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Are you a pastor interested in energizing your congregation through global mission involvement?
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Have you had or would you like to have an individual or group trip experience serving overseas?
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Do you want to learn more about what Disciples and the UCC are doing in mission around the world so that you can tell the story in your congregation more effectively?
If you said yes to any of the above, this event is for you!
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Churches Exploring.......The Challenge of Diversity-
the future of the Faith Community
Sponsored by Kansas Ecumenical Ministries
April 24, 2010...10 AM-3PM
(registration begins at 9:30)
First United Methodist Church,
West - 867 Hwy 40, Lawrence KS
Cost: $20 for 1st person -$15 for any additional
registrations included in same envelope
(includes lunch)
Dr Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches will be the keynote speaker.
He will make two major presentations:
Current Culture and How it Impacts our Congregations,
both Urban and Rural, and Our Future.
and
How Do We Move Forward in Ministry as Our Culture Continues to Change.
Following the first presentation Presidents Dr. Myron McCoy, St Paul United Methodist Seminary; Dr. Ronald Benefield, The Nazarene Seminary, and Dr. Molly Marshall, Central Baptist Seminary will respond to Dr. Kinnamon's presentations. There will be an opportunity for questions from the audience of both Dr. Kinnamon and the Seminary Presidents.
Registration forms are available on the KEM website. For additional information contact Linda Kemp at or 785-224-8185.
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ATTENTION EASTERN ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
In order to maximize attendance of the KEM presentation on
April 24, 2010 mentioned above,
The
Eastern Association Spring Meeting
has been moved to
April 17, 2010
at Central Congregational UCC, Topeka
Save the Date -- Details to Follow
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ESPERANZA 2010
JUNE 5 - 13
All adults, young adults and youth are invited to the K-O Conference-sponsored Esperanza 2010 mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico. This will be the 15th consecutive Esperanza adventure. The cost is $800 per person and the dates are June 5 - 13.
WE NEED YOUR REGISTRATIONS TO THE CONFERENCE OFFICE ASAP!!!
If you have questions or need a registration form please contact Mike Poage,
316-682-8818 (mpoag@aol.com) or Judy at the conference office, 316-686-4331.
Paz en el mundo todo, Mike Poage
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K-O Women
We are delighted to announce the keynote speaker for
2010 K-O Women's FALL ASSEMBLY:
Elaine Blanchard is a gifted Biblical Storyteller, UCC pastor, keynote speaker, humorist and entertainer. She brings new insights into the Scriptures and can also speak on women's issues and the process of community building.
"...Many of us were born and steeped in the Christian tradition, a tradition that emerged from the life of a storyteller who told stories to ordinary people on city streets, in wheat fields, on hillsides and sea coasts. Jesus shared his divine power through stories, holding a mirror up so people could see themselves in the beginnings, the middle and endings..."
White Memorial Camp, SEPTEMBER 9-10-11, 2010.
Mark your calendars. Registration forms will be out shortly. Be sure to get yours in by the August deadline!
You will not want to miss this one!
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K-O Conference and Plymouth Church UCC, Lawrence,KS
Joint Mission Trip to India
JANUARY 2011
Rev. Peter Luckey reports that there are five or six from Plymouth Church planning to take the trip and we hope that several more from the Conference are interested in joining this mission.
Cost will be around $3,000 depending upon how much fundraising churches of the Conference are able to do.
Itinerary includes: staying at the Church of South India in Kottayam, Kerala, India; visits to schools and churches; a sightseeing trip into the mountains and the famous backwaters of Karakoram; and overnight train trip to visit our UCC Global Ministries-sponsored orphanage, the Family Village Farm.
For more information contact Rev. Peter Luckey at peterluckey@sunflower.com or call 785-843-3220.
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StillSpeaking Magazine
Premiering in late April, the StillSpeaking Magazine will be an 88-page, twice-annual publication filled with compelling stories and engaging photography about people in the United Church of Christ. Every issue will be chock full of features and images celebrating how the UCC is changing lives - individually, systemically and globally.
The magazine's full-color, high-end design will make it a perfect fit for any coffee table or office lounge - or better yet, for sharing with friends, family and church visitors.
Buy a subscription for yourself, and then purchase bulk copies at a reduced cost to share with others. Information on subscriptions and bulk orders is available at www.ucc.org/magazine or by calling 800/537-3394
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Sacred Chaos
A Retreat of Renewal for Religious Leaders in Transition
April 5-9, 2010
Oriental, North Carolina
The Rev. Dr. James R. Newby, Senior Minister
Church of the Savior,UCC 2501 NW 49th Place Oklahoma City, OK 73112 Tel: 405-219-6275 For more info: www.sacredchaos.org
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HOLY WEEK WORSHIP RESOURCESWorship resources to recognize Holy Week and Easter are available here. If you do not wish to use this year's resources, there is an archive of materials available.
STUDY GROUP FOR K-O PASTORS
When: Fri, March 19, 10am - 12pm
Where: Faith UCC 2135 W Thirteenth, Wichita, KS
What: Book Study & Discussion
Click here for details
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ATTENTION: 20-30 year old CLERGY
UCC 2030 Clergy Network
A time for clergy renewal connection,
professional resourcing, and vital worship
Chicago Theological Seminary
5757 S. University Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
June 1-3, 2010
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VOLUNTEER MINISTRIES NEWSLETTER
Lots of opportunities to serve here.
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED Summer Young Adult Service Communities and UCC Companion Communities: Young Adult Service Communities
Experience: Community Living
Hands-On Justice Advocacy/Service Opportunities
Leadership Development
Faith Conversation that links local and global mission issues
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Stewardship Skits
UCC & Disciples of Christ Global Ministries is pleased to share six skits focused on Stewardship, Capital Campaigns and Disciple Special-Day Offerings, written by David Ingram, member of Webster Groves Christian Church in Saint Louis, MO, where they originally were presented. You are welcome to adapt them for use in your own congregation. CLICK HERE.
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CHURCHES IN TRANSITION
United Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City, KS.
Rev. Art Foster is supply.
First Congregational UCC, Anthony, KS.
Congregational UCC, Carrier, OK. Gordon Epps is supply.
Community Congregational UCC, Gaylord, KS. Rev. Linda Kemp is interim.
First Congregational UCC, Great Bend, KS. Rev. Stan Crawford is interim pastor.
Federation Church, Kingfisher, OK. Rev. Sam Steele is interim pastor.
First United Church of Christ, Newton, KS.
Colonial United Church of Christ, Prairie Village, KS. Rev. Lisa Gardner, interim pastor. Rev. Aaron Roberts has been called and will begin in June 2010.
Norman UCC, Norman, OK.
Federated Church, Weatherford, OK. Harrell Davis is interim pastor.
UPCOMING CONFERENCE & ASSOCIATION
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
March 16 - 1:00pm -- Finance & Assets Committee, Conf. Office
March 18 - 1:30pm -- Central Assoc. Clergy Mtg. Conf. Office
March 19 - 10:00am - KO Pastor's Study Group, Faith UCC, Wichita
March 24 -- KO FOCUS APR/MAY ISSUE -- DEADLINE
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A note from Nancy Wolfe, K-O Conference Communications Coordinator
Some folks have been sending emails to the kofocus@yahoo.com address thinking that they are communicating with the conference staff. While I am always glad to help, I am not a member of the conference staff. I am a volunteer working from my home base in Topeka, KS. The kofocus@yahoo.com address is typically used to submit articles or to subscribe to the K-O Focus or the KO e-NEWS weekly email and to provide feedback on those publications. If you need to communicate with staff, you can best reach them via their direct emails:
Thank You and God bless.
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