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K-O Conference Prayer Calendar
for the week of April 5th
Rev. Thad Holcombe - Ecumenical Campus Ministries-University of Kansas
Rev. David Jones - Ecumenical Campus Ministries-Kansas State University
Rev. Nancy Eggen - United Campus Ministries, Tulsa University
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NEWS FROM THE INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER
How goes your Lenten journey?
I was visiting one of our congregations recently and spied some unusual items leaning against the communion table up front-it was a sturdy black back pack and a pair of brown flip flops. My first thought was that someone must of set those down prior to church and forgot to remove them before the service started. But then, I looked around to the other areas of the chancel and observed symbols and signs for Lent-then it hit me! The backpack and flip flops weren't haphazardly placed, but put there intentionally to remind the worshippers that Lent is a season that takes us on a journey. It is a journey that takes us to a cross in Jerusalem, where Jesus suffers and dies, seemingly putting a conclusion to it all. But as Easter Christians we know that it is not the end of the journey. After three days of mourning, God triumphs even over death so that we can proclaim, "Allelulia! Christ is risen!" on Easter morning. It is the mystery and the power of our faith that we proclaim even to this day as we journey through life.
My Lenten journey this year will include an actual journey and not just a metaphorical one. I will be traveling to the Middle East spending time in Turkey and Israel, including celebrating Holy Week and Easter in Jerusalem. This is a trip that I have been traveling for over a year and I am looking forward to the adventure of it. As I travel, I will no doubt be thinking about the wonders and realities of our faith-in resurrection, transformation, and new life. This seems like a timely topic for me as I ponder these things in the midst of our ministry here in Kansas-Oklahoma. After a long season of shadows and conflict, where is God's light breaking forth here? How is the resurrection happening here in our congregations and in the hearts of our people? What is the role of each of us in bearing witness to and bringing about the next steps of transformation? These are good questions for the journey ahead, may we travel well together in God's way.
Krista on the ramparts over the Old City Jerusalem
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Esperanza 2010 mission trip
has been cancelled.
Hopefully we can regroup next year.
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New 'God is Still Speaking' ad
set to spiral on April 16th
What will the new Stillspeaking video message be like?
Called "The Language of God," the new 90-second video commercial invites people to explore more deeply what it means when, in the United Church of Christ, we say "God is still speaking," Through a rapid-paced experience of images, music and soundscapes, the ad encourages us to broaden our concept of when, where and how God is speaking in the world.
Is this an "advertisement" similar to our previous Bouncer, Ejector or Steeples ads?
Unlike our past ads, "The Language of God" is an experience more than a product advertisement. Most, we believe, will interpret "Language" as a pastoral message that invites exploration of the prophetic and sacramental sightings of God's handiwork. "Language" celebrates the outward and visible signs of God's grace that may too often go unnamed and unclaimed by religious people. The prominent theme in our first series of ads emphasized an extravagant welcome to those who have felt excluded or rejected by institutionalized religion. The prominent theme in "The Language of God" focuses on reintroducing people to a God that can be found and celebrated in all of life. In short, "sacred" + "secular" = "Stillspeaking God!"
Is it controversial?More than sparking controversy, the hope is that it will ignite joy and wonder. The overall goal is to pique curiosity in a church that sees and hears God at work in diverse, out-of-the-ordinary and whimsical ways. Since "The Language of God" invites people to contemplate a God that is still speaking in the world, some may find imagery that resonates more or less with their understanding/interpretation of this proclamation.
Can we see the ad early so we can decide if we want to use or share it on April 16?
Surely everyone will reserve judgment until they have seen the new ad - this is understandable. But by releasing the new ad to everyone at the same time we are increasing the likelihood that our viral launch will build anticipation and eventually spiral with enthusiasm - not trickle out slowly.
What will happen on April 16?
At 9 a.m. ET, a special edition of Keeping You ePosted will share the new ad with our more than 60,000 subscribers, appear on the UCC's Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and YouTube pages, and be available at ucc.org If you do not receive Keeping You ePosted, sign up here. The "viral" aspect of our campaign will then depend on the commitment and creativity of our supporters.
How should we get ready for the new ad?
First , tell people in your church about April 16 and explain the power (and affordability) of viral messaging on the internet, especially if people-power is involved. Just consider the math: The UCC has 25,386 fans on Facebook. If each posts "The Language of God" for their Facebook friends to see, it will reach 3,554,040 viewers in minutes. And if just a fraction of these re-post it, even millions more will learn of the UCC.
Second, promote April 16 by ordering this special promotional card that helps explain what exactly will happen that day. It's only $5 per packet of 100 (plus S&H) and available from United Church of Christ Resources (800-537-3394). Or download here.
Third, host an after-church seminar so that someone knowledgeable in social networking can show others in your church about Facebook, YouTube, etc. and how to "share" something for others. While not everyone will want to become involved in the social networking sphere, they can get excited knowing that others soon will learn about the UCC because of it.
Fourth, on April 11, celebrate those who will participate in the April 16 viral launch. Ask them to stand and bless/consecrate their hands for sharing!
Fifth, ready your church to welcome newcomers. Send a press release or call a reporter and ask them to cover your church's participation in the viral launch on April 16. Seek local publicity for this national event. Present your church as ready to embrace technology and marshal its people to seek out and others.
Sixth, following the ad's launch on April 16, a new "Stillspeaking Voices" campaign also will launch. This will be an opportunity for UCC members and supporters to opt-in individually in the Stillspeaking Movement and get involved personally. The goal is for every Stillspeaking church to enlist 10 percent of its members to become Stillspeaking Voices.
Seventh, for local church webmasters: "The Language of God" will be embedded on a YouTube player so that we can count the number of viewers. We request you do the same by embedding the same YouTube version so we're tracking viewer counts together no matter where people see the ad. If you have questions, contact our webmaster at webmaster@ucc.org
Eighth, order a DVD copy of "The Language of God" for your church or family for $7.95 by calling 800-537-3394. Orders placed before April 11 will be shipped for a Friday, April 16 arrival.
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White Memorial Camp 2010 Camp Schedule and
Brochures are posted.
While you are looking, check out the Wish List!
Open House
April 17, 2010 1:00 -5:00pm - Earlier Bird Registration for Summer Camp. Register and prepay at camp and get $5.00 off. Register and prepay for a friend and get and receive another $5.00 discount. Everyone is welcome to come spend the day at camp enjoying a wide range of activities and concessions. Donations are welcome at the gate or prior to the event.
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UPDATE ON HAITI RELIEF
Global Ministries' partners are now preparing for the move from emergency relief to recovery and rebuilding in Haiti. The generous support of United Church of Christ members and friends will allow us to walk with our sisters and brothers through this long, difficult and expensive process.
Thank you for sharing your resources and helping to change lives.
How You Can Help:
1. Pray for the people of Haiti their leaders and humanitarian aid workers.
2. Please help the people of Haiti by sending gifts payable to your congregation marked for "Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund" with the request they be sent through your Conference office on to Wider Church Ministries.
OR
Send gifts, made out to Wider Church Ministries and marked in the memo portion " Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund" to Wider Church Ministries; 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115.
OR
Make a secure online donation to the Haiti Earthquake Relief fund.
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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 - Western Assoc. - Immanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS from 12noon to 2pm
April 15 - Central Assoc. - First UCC, Newton, KS from 1:30pm to 3:30pm
April 20 - North Central Assoc. - First UCC, Manhattan 10am
April 22 - ECM office on KU Campus from 10am to 12noon
Date for Oklahoma Association is still pending
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TECH GEEKS
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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All K-O WOMEN ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APPROACHING
Central Association Women's Fellowship
Wednesday, April 21
Faith UCC, Wichita
A great day has been planned for by the Central Association Women's Fellowship officers and ladies from Faith UCC and Fairmount UCC. We hope women from each church will join us, as the day promises to be a good one. Dress is casual or dressy whichever you like, jeans and slacks are as welcome as dresses, but do come somehow with "a rose."
Lessons this year will be dealing with Revelation and HOPE.
Rev. Krista Betz will be speaking.
Come get acquainted with our new interim Conference Minister.
The theme for this coming year is
"Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today."
The day will begin with registration and a continental breakfast starting at 9. The opening call to worship will be at 9:30. We hope to close with Communion worship before 3 p.m.
Please mail the registration form ( click here) and fees before April 10. ***********************************************
"Fishing for Men and Women"
Theme for this year's "UCC Women's Week" and "Women's Day"worship service was "From Now on You'll Be Fishing for Men and Women," based on LUKE 5: 1-11. The Winter Issue of COMMON LOT (UCC Women in Mission quarterly magazine) provided information for the worship, from the call to worship based on Isaiah 6:1-8, to prayers,
benediction, children's message ideas, and a "sacrament of holy communion" written by KO's own Valerie Miller-Coleman of Lawrence.
Daily meditations and editorial also provided materials for possible sermon creation, sharing that we are all called to "take the risk, step into that deep unknown and offer the good news..."
For those churches and groups who are supporting the Global Ministries "woman-to-woman world wide service project" for 2010(info on ucc.org website) -- Rawdat el Zuhur Primary School in East Jerusalem and/or DSPR Gaza children's counseling services, the same Winter Common Lot issue includes a poem that could be used in relation to that mission, "shining faces of hope," by Jo Ann Chance.
Thank you to the churches of Gaylord, Faith in Wichita and Cheney who have reported that they have held a Women's Day worship service!
Gaylord Community UCC's observance was on February 7th. Seventeen ladies assisted with the service in some way, serving as readers, ushers and with special music. Meditation, "Come and Follow Me," was shared by Wanda Scheuerman. Special music included a piano/organ prelude, a solo by the youngest memberof the congregation (Kaitlynn Godsey, 2nd grade), and an anthem by a women's ensemble. The church deaconesses assisted Rev. Linda Kemp with the communion service and served as
readers and ushers.
At Faith UCC, Wichita, most of the women of the church helped in some way, as readers, ushers, etc., when they celebrated Women's Day in February. Several helped with special music, and Pastor Nancy Phipps brought the message.
Trinity United Christian, Cheney, also held to the suggested February 7th date for their "Casting Our Nets" service. Nearly twenty women and girls served as readers,greeters, ushers, praise song leaders, etc. A special collection and dedication of the annual "Blessing Box Offering" was
included. Tonia Stoehr brought the children's message and shared fishing-swivel bracelets with all the little ones to help them remember the Luke 5 message. Following the closing hymn, "Here I Am, Lord," and benediction, the TUCC Women's Fellowship hosted coffee fellowship time
with Valentine's cupcakes and other goodies.
Other churches may have or could yet use the COMMON LOT Women's Day worship materials. This service can be held any time, and many churches have found it helpful for a pastor-vacation Sunday need.
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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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K-O Women
We are delighted to announce the keynote speaker for
2010 K-O Women's FALL ASSEMBLY:
Elaine Blanchard
Who's that? Someone you will NOT want to miss!
Elaine studied theater at Lambuth College in Jackson, TN and earned an associate degree in nursing from Union University in Jackson. She's been a licensed registered nurse since 1979, and is also a certified parish nurse. She worked for twenty-five years in acute care settings and with people recovering from addictions. She earned a BS from UT Martin in 1992, with a double major in English and philosophy. She has earned a Master of Arts in Religion and a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary.
Elaine began her ministry in the United Methodist Church, serving as a local pastor for Methodist congregations from 1989-1994. Ordained in the United Church of Christ in 2000, Elaine has served UCC churches in Denver and Birmingham. She currently preaches and tells stories in churches and other venues around the country. Elaine is a very talented, creative and inspiring person,and she is really hoping to meet many new KO friends.
Special invitations will also be sent to this year's
KO Association Honored LayWomen who are all
young women (16-25 yrs) in KO.
Those announcements will be made soon. Other women from each of these
five churches and Associations should consider helping sponsor and support their attendance at "Fall Assembly."
So, save the dates and get your registrations mailed back before August 31st for this important women's event!
(Husbands who want to work at WMC during the event may also attend, and childcare for infants and preschoolers can also be provided.)
White Memorial Camp
SEPTEMBER 9-10-11, 2010.
Mark your calendars. Registration forms will be out shortly.
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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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STUDY GROUP FOR K-O PASTORS
When: Thursday, April 29 starting time 10 am
Where: White Memorial Camp
What: Book Study chapter 3 and 4
Lunch is $8
Click here for details
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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.
Norman UCC, Norman, OK.
Federated Church, Weatherford, OK. Harrell Davis is interim pastor.
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UPCOMING CONFERENCE & ASSOCIATION
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Here is the link to the KO Conference calender
ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
EASTERN ASSOCIATION - APRIL 17
NORTH CENTRAL -- APRIL 17
CENTRAL/WESTERN -- APRIL 17 OKLAHOMA -- May 15 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you know that the K-O Conference has a facebook Fan Page?
It's a great way to stay up on current news of the conference.
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