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K-O Conference Prayer Calendar
for the week of April 12th
``Rev. Krista Betz - KO Conference Interim Conference Minister ``Ms. Jane Tedder - KO Representative to National UCC Executive Council ``Members of the Central, North Central, Western & Eastern Associations
who are attending their association meetings on April 17th.
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INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER
Visitation Schedule
April 25 - Central UCC, Topeka, KS, preaching in morning worship
May 2 - Midland Community UCC, Nickerson, KS, preaching in morning worship as they dedicate renovated facilities
May 9 - Manhattan UCC, Manhattan, KS
May 16 - Plymouth UCC, Lawrence, KS
May 23 - Immanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS
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The Spirit of Art Class at Faith UCC, Wichita scheduled for
Tuesday April 13th,
has been POSTPONED
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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.
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.
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Disciples and UCC within driving distance of Enid, Oklahoma
You are invited!
· Do you have a passion for global mission?
· Are you a member of your congregation's mission and outreach committee looking for new ideas?
· Are you a pastor interested in energizing your congregation through global mission involvement?
· Have you had or would you like to have an individual or group trip experience serving overseas?
· 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!
Ministries and Mission Interpreters (MMI) Training Event
with special participation of Sister Denisse Pichardo,
Director of Caminante in the Dominican Republic and
Global Ministries Global Mission Intern, Erin McKinney
who serves with Caminante
sponsored by
Global Ministries
hosted by
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Oklahoma
at
Central Christian Church
1111 W. Broadway St. Enid, OK 73703-5897
on
Thursday April, 22, 2010 from 1pm to 5pm (optional 6pm dinner and worship at 7:30pm) and
Friday April 23 from 9:00am to Noon
Cost: $14 for the dinner at 6pm on Thursday, April 22. An MMI training notebook, Global Ministries display board, and a supply of GM resources to tell the story will be made available to each participant free of charge. Your DMF $ at work!
To register, contact by email: Marilynn Knott or call 405-528-5568
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ECUMENICAL ADVOCACY DAYS
A report by Timothy Beauchamp
I was blessed to attend the Ecumenical Advocacy Days in Washington, DC from March 19 to March 22nd as a UCC scholarship recipient. Before I continue to describe this incredible event, I must thank Karen Spradlin, Justice & Witness Organizer, Kansas/Oklahoma Conference, Sandy Sorensen, minister for communications and media advocacy, and Michael Fisher Jr., intern for policy advocacy, for all their help to those of us visiting and advocating for positive change. I would have been lost without Michael's guidance and constant updates. Karen provided me a lot of helpful information and support getting to and from the conference.
I am fortunate to be a founding member of two UCC churches in the Tulsa area, the UCC Community of Hope in Tulsa, founded by Reverend Leslie Penrose and currently pastored by the Reverend Bob Lawrence, and UCC Open Table, a sister church founded by Reverend Melinda Foster in Owasso, OK. Both churches are experiencing a lot of challenges dealing with the broken immigration system, and we have been searching for ways to alleviate the suffering of those who are victims by our nation's unfair and inequitable system. Ecumenical Advocacy Days had some wonderful workshops dealing with those very issues.
As a child, I lived on a temporary basis for several years in the Dominican Republic as my father was the late major league professional baseball player and coach, Jim Beauchamp. Dominican Republic shares the same island of Hispaniola as Haiti and, although the Spanish colonized side of the island is a little better off than the French Haitian side, it is a third world nation. I've often said, "Dominican Republic is definitely third world and if there was such a thing as fourth world then Haiti would be it." Some of my earliest memories are of playing in the sugar cane fields there and coming upon deplorable scenes of abject poverty stricken villages of "camposinos" (country workers) that would rival those of "Save the Children" commercials. In fact, I befriended many poor children, played with them, and we developed our own "Spanglish" language to communicate. This early exposure sensitized me to the plight of the poor. Children can not rationalize or develop justifications for why some can eat, have shelter and other's can not. Adults can not adequately explain to children why their little friends have to suffer, and are unable to prevent the seed of the just idea from being planted that if some suffer so much while others enjoy prosperity then the system is inherently wrong, unfair, and unsustainable. I consider it a blessing I experienced those things at such an early age because it has made me an advocate for the poor, and drawn me to the social justice ministries of the United Church of Christ. For those interested, a very interesting history of Hispaniola can be found here.
It is always important to note the history of a place when considering why we have collective responsibility to our brother's and sister's in far away places, not to mention it is just the right attitude to have period. For instance, I often used the scourge of slavery to explain to some who have objected to our nation's responsibility to the people of the island of Hispaniola. Many of the people, living on that island today, would not be there if their ancestors had not been brought there, against their will, because of the evil institution of slavery. "Our nation has collective culpability and the responsibility in directly allaying the problems of people who still experience the negative consequences from that unjust and evil institution. Sure, slavery existed before the United States, but our nation exacerbated the problem and Hispaniola made a convenient way station for slaves to be shipped to our shores. The Community of Hopeis involved in ministries in Nicaragua and is plugged directly into the move
to have our nation reform its Monroe Doctrine approach and change its unfair economic policies that feed the problem rather than create solutions for our neighbors. The UCC Open Table in Owasso is a startup church, but we've already been discussing and attempting to reach consensus on our future mission work. One of the ideas that is very popular is doing HIV mission work in Africa!
I attended the "Latin America" track, and as a member of the LGBT community, I chose to attend the optional "Intersection of Human Rights, Immigration Policy and the Lives of LGBTQ People. UCC Rev. Michael Schuenemeyer gave the "Welcome, Introductions and Opening Prayer." Geronimo Desumala provided some great information on the "Uniting American Families Act" and all of the speakers offered ways in which we could assist in helping to ensure LGBT families are included in immigration reform.
There was so much good information at the conference, it is hard to condense it down to one article but I was especially grateful for the focus on the drug war in Columbia and its negative consequences.
Coming from a state where our legislators are known, not only for their political conservatism, but also their supposed focus on fiscal responsibility the facts we were armed with to support arguments in favor of immigration reform that appealed to that focus was invaluable. Did you know:
- "Last year the government used almost $2 billion of U.S. taxpayer dollars to detain over 340,000 immigrants in a patchwork of privately run jails, federal facilities and county cells."
- "There is broad agreement that the system needs to be changed. 2/3 of Americans support a path to citizenship for 12 million 'undocumented' workers"
- "Faith communities all over the map are calling for reform: UCC, UMC, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Roman Catholics, Evangelicals, state councils of churches around the country."
- "The current system allows unethical employers to take advantage of hard working, undocumented workers." This causes the undercutting of workers who have already immigrated via legal channels.
- "The congressional budget office estimates $66 billion new income and payroll taxes if we had dealt with this in 2006."
- "Aside from the untold cost to find, round up and deport the 12 million undocumented workers, A Perryman Group study showed that mass deportation would shock local economies resulting in $1.8 trillion in annual lost spending. These are folks who are earning and spending here in the US."
The system is broken and it is time for us, as faith communities, to act and continue to ask our legislators in Washington, DC to do the right thing. We need to be the change we want to see in the world. It is the right thing to do and I urge my brothers and sisters in the United Church of Christ to focus their attention to this very important issue.
Another exciting opportunity was to hear the keynote speaker, Sister Helen Prejean, of "Dead Man Walking". I purchased BOTH of her books, and there was a very small line in order to get her to sign our books. I pretended to think she was Susan Sarandon and she replied in her deep Southern drawl, "Oh, honey, you men are ALL the same... if you ever met Susan Sarandon, you'd melt like 'buttuh!'" Her keynote words deeply inspired me to continue to focus on those less fortunate with the idea that it is in their brothers and sisters in Christ where they will truly find the Kin-dom of God!
Thank you, UCC for the opportunity to attend such a phenomenal event. Unfortunately, I've already received a disappointing letter from one of my legislators regarding the advocacy I've done on this issue but I know it is a journey and I refuse to be disappointed. I will gather up my truth and continue to work and march forward in working towards a better future for all God's children. I know you will too!
-Timothy Beauchamp is the co-director of the "Tables to Go!" ministry - UCC Community of Hope, Tulsa, OK and a member of UCC Open Table, Owasso, OK.
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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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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 @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
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.
================================ 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. ***********************************************
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. @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
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 the
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. ***************************************************************** 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 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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
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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.
Federated 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
July 1, 2010 is the deadline to submit resolutionsto the conference council that you want to be presented to the KO Conference Annual Meeting.
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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