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Kansas Oklahoma Conference
United Church of Christ
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Stay tuned for a special edition of the e-NEWS
featuring the K-O Conference Annual meeting! |
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GET ELLEN TO SYNOD 2011 m
Members attending Fitness Review Training inviting Ellen to Synod. |
SAVE THE DATE!!
K-O CLERGY RETREAT
JANUARY 31, FEBRUARY 1 & 2 |
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WHITE MEMORIAL CAMP NEWS FROM SARA SHAW
Brrr... It getting colder out here at camp but, things are heating up with new programing, fundraising, community building, repairs, and booking groups for 2011.
NEW!
Give the Gift of Camp this Holiday Season! Camp Gift Certificates can be purchased to put under tree for your children or you can purchase a gift certificate to be donated to area children in need who may not have anything under the tree on Christmas Morning. Holiday Camp Certificates cost $150.00 and Summer Camp Certificates Cost $250.00. Last year we had 21 campers that came to Holiday Camp all but one came on scholarship. At least 7 of the Holiday campers told me the gift of camp was the only thing they got under the tree. Help spread some cheer this holiday season and give the gift of camp.
White Memorial Camp gives back! White Memorial Camp and Conference Center has been helping with the Abundant Harvest in Emporia. This is a food bank that serves meals and provides food to people from Emporia, Chase County, Americus, Council Grove, and Olpe. We have provided them with some leftover food from our larger groups, food storage containers from containers of food we use during our season, kitchen items that we don't need or no longer use, and Sara and Pam have been to the Abundant Harvest and helped out there at least once this past year and will be returning as needed. They both volunteer there as representatives of White Memorial Camp and the Kansas Oklahoma Conference. HELP NEEDED ASAP the Abundant Harvest needs the following items ASAP due to changes in the way they are required to serve and hand out food they need Foam Lidded Containers, Thermoses, and smaller then camp has Plastic Containers. If you have any of these items get them to camp and Sara will deliver them.
The Challenge Ropes Course - the challenge course at camp got a face lift and the staff has learned some new things. What this means is that the course and staff are now designed to help build your group into a higher function team with better communication skills, understanding of team dynamics, and the ability to think outside the box. Who can do the challenge course? Any group regardless age, body type, or size (most effective with groups of at least 8) who want to grow as a team and learn how to really function more effectively together.
Camp staff to the schools, churches, and other organizations - Need help with your group, organization, or school? Want to do some teambuilding on site? Need some able bodied people to help with an event? Give the camp a call. We love to help out! Combined our staff both seasonal and year round have over 25 years of experience in teambuilding, problem solving, marketing, vision planning, and facilitating games and activities.
Fundraising!
White Memorial Camp and Conference Center Friends Campaign and Grant writing for 2010 and 2011: We are focusing on 3 main goals for the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011. The first being sustainability. For camp being sustainable means being able to secure or future for years to come by running outcome based programs, having up to date and safe equipment and facility. Through focusing on these two things camp will be able to attract new user groups and provide the best for our children and conference. Second is creating an endowment fund for the camp that can give the camp the financial cushion it needed as things need repaired or replaced, and as new trends in the camping industry come to light. This can also help in lean years as needed to pay for operating expenses. Third is generation of an immediate shot of money to make repairs for the 2011 season, update cabins, and GREEN up the camp by installing money saving heating, cooling, and water heating. A total goal and Friends Campaign letters have not been released yet but will be in the next week or so. If you are interested in helping out with fundraising or would like to make a donation please contact Sara at the camp office 620-767-5165 or on her cell 620-202-0311.
Community Building J
White Memorial Camp and Conference Center is part of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. This has proven to be very beneficial to the camp. We have had 3 new groups since joining at the start of the summer and have helped out with 4 major community programs. All of which have resulted in new campers, 15 additional tours of camp, 7 new volunteers, 2 family reunions on the books for 2011, 1 child's birthday party, a good working relationship with the Life Center in Council Grove, and a new working relationship with Fort Riley. So as you can see the more we are involved in the community the more people know about the camp and the KO Conference. Through camp at least 1 family has started attending the Council Grove UCC church and one other is talking about joining.
White Memorial Camp and Conference is on Face Book. In March of 2010 we had only 85 friends as of today we have 300. If you haven't added White Memorial Camp as a friend yet please do so. While you are at it please add (Sara Shaw) so she can help keep you up to date on camp happenings. Our website has a new look check it out at www.whitememorialcamp.com . A special thanks to past campers and now staff members Greg Schwarz and Justin Whittaker. Greg is the creator of the web page and Justin is the creator of the camp video.
Attached is a letter that was sent out to all local business in the Morris County area. This was round 1 of a major PR push. Round 2 will focus on similar letters going out to surrounding areas and to Universities and Schools.
Camp Repairs Needed and Done:
OH No we have sprung some leaks L I have discovered at least two water leaks on camp this past week. Both located at shut off valves. One by the pool and one by the amphitheater, both have been turned off for the time being but, will need to be repaired soon. Good news is these are both in areas where we don't need water for the winter. Bad new they may require a backhoe (very expensive), new parts or welding. HELP!!!!!
Other repairs needing done include repairs to the Bronco to get it ready for winter including updating the snow blade. A new generator for the camp incase electricity goes out this winter. More HELP needed here!!!!!
Repairs done include the end caps on the front of the administration building have been replaced to prevent the support beams from rotting away. The new blinds in the Dining Hall are up and look amazing, check it out the photos on Sara Shaw's Face Book page under mobile uploads. We have a donated 4x4 truck that runs well and has proven to be a huge help around camp. We are also in the process of updating tractors. The John Deere has some issues and with replacing this and selling the John Deere we will be able to operate a safer tractor and one that cost less to upkeep. The food line heating element has been replaced thanks to a donation of money for updating the kitchen. They Labyrinth has been updated; it is a bit wider and looks a lot cleaner.
Improvements that need to be completed and are pending due to funding, cold weather, needing for volunteers, or all these: painting inside of buildings, painting outside of buildings, gravel, repair of old shut off valve for pool drain, handicap accessible ramp to dock and to basement, storage shed behind Dining Hall, new AC unit for Dining Hall.
2011 Groups already Booked (new groups are in bold):Holiday Camp, Kansas Fire Crews, Wisdom Keepers, Council Grove Conference, KO Women, Brave Voices, Mother Daughter Camp, Family Federation Camp, Rees Family Reunion, Kansas Grasslands, Cursillo Weekend, Universal Unitarian Group. There are 5 groups that I am still in discussion with for 2011. Of course we will have 8 to 10 UCC Summer Camp weeks and 2 weeks of FBC of Augusta Camps. The kids from Germany will be here this summer and we are working on funding for their time at camp. If you would like to help with this please contact Sara Shaw or Greg Schwarz. This is pretty outstanding for it not even being December yet. Many of the groups that come to camp do not get on the calendar until February, March, or April. So next year is shaping up to be a good yearJ.
Remember everyone is welcome at White Memorial Camp and Conference Center. You are never too old for camp, play and praise helps keep you young. If you have an idea for a new program at camp or would like to help set up an adult retreat for 2011 or 2012 give Sara a call.
Blessings to all of you this Holiday Season, may your winter be filled with the happiness and warmth of family and Friends. |
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CELEBRATING THE GIFTS OF LAY WOMEN
The nominations for K-O honored lay woman at General Synod in Tampa, July 2011 are due by November 22nd. Download the nomination form here.
Forms should be returned to Nancy Phipps, Secretary of KOWF. 403 N. Elm, Whitewater, KS 67154 |
Report to K-O Conference Council by Sean Weston
United Church of Christ Local Church Ministries
The fall 2010 meeting of the Board of Directors of Local Church Ministries took place at the Church House in Cleveland, Ohio, from October 21st to October 22nd. We began after lunch on Thursday with opening worship with all of the Local Church Ministries staff present. Our chaplain was Rev. Dr. Ted Huffman, a UCC minister from Rapid City, South Dakota, who preached on the parable of the talents. The message he had for us was not an easy one: Remaining faithful as the United Church of Christ means that we won't be the richest and that there will be dark and difficult times. He reminded us that "[The disciples] wanted a Messiah who would lift them out of the realities of this world instead of one who would walk with them through its darkest places. We want Jesus to lift us out of the realities of the tough decisions that lie ahead of our church instead of promising to be with us through the darkness and grief...But the tears and grief and darkness are not the end of the story. The cross is not the end."
The cross is not the end, my friends. The Spirit is working through Local Church Ministries, but not for the survival of the United Church of Christ. The Church is not on this earth to survive. We are on this earth to proclaim the Good News and to live the Good News so that the whole world may have peace, that we may all be one. We are here to thrive. Throughout the whole weekend, we had to make some very difficult decisions, especially regarding unified governance. Though it is clear that unified governance has in the past been an issue of significant conflict, a level of consensus seems to have been reached in the leadership of the United Church of Christ. 28 of the 30 members of the Unified Governance Working group have agreed on a proposal, one that we discussed and eventually approved, recommending that the Working Group consider the comments from the covenanted ministries, refine the proposal as appropriate, and present a final proposal, with proposed constitution and bylaw amendments, to the next General Synod for action .The proposed plan and more information can be viewed at www.ucc.org/governance. Unified governance is not a decision made for survival, it is a decision made to allow the UCC to more faithfully respond to God's call for us in a changing world.
Rev. Steven Sterner, Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries, led a discussion on the changing role of the denomination. No longer will the denomination be the originator of mission for the Church, but a network and hub system to coordinate mission among the various expressions of the UCC, first and foremost the local church. There is a growing emphasis on partnerships and consulting to do the work of the church in more creative ways. Though this change has grown from difficult financial realities - we approved an $8,934,000 with a $300,000 shortfall (reduced from a $1 million shortfall expected at the beginning of the budget process), it is change that simply make sense, allowing us to be better stewards of our resources without duplicating efforts. One great example of such a partnership is the Center for Progressive Renewal, an ecumenical partnership between Local Church Ministries, Cathedral of Hope UCC in Dallas, and the Southeast Conference of the UCC. The CPR has done tremendous work in leading renewing and new congregations. We are beginning to explore a partnership with the Disciples of Christ for women's ministry. These are only a few examples.
We didn't spend the whole time in abstract discussion, of course. We elected the Rev. Holly MillerShank as Parish Life and Leadership Team Leader. Holly is a tremendously talented minister from Pennsylvania who, I might add, at the age of 32 is still considered a young adult within the UCC. We received the report of the search committee for the Executive Minister of Local Church Ministries. The deadline for applications has been extended to November 15, 2010 from the original date of September 30, 2010 to encourage additional applicants. We approved funding for new and renewing churches, including our very own OpenTable UCC in Owasso, OK.
The work of the United Church of Christ is the work of its local churches, who covenant together believing that together we can do more, that we are more than the sum of our parts. We are a holy (and, yes, sometimes frustrating) group working with God to change the world. The work of Local Church Ministries is the work of supporting and equipping those local churches, by raising up and supporting vibrant leadership, by envisioning church vitality and discipleship, supporting education and faith development, empowering youth and young adults, supporting higher education and seminaries, and providing resources to local churches through UCC resources. We are here to serve you. As your representative, I welcome your contact for any reason, so that Local Church Ministries can empower your local church, and the whole church, for vital mission in this new century.
The cross is not the end.
Respectfully submitted,
Sean Weston, weston.sean@gmail.com, 785-313-5792
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INTRODUCING THE CHURCH BUILDER BONUS INVESTMENT ACCOUNT
On November 16, 2010 the Cornerstone Fund will be releasing a new investment product developed to help UCC churches and organizations raise money for their general fund or for a capital campaign.
The new "Church Builder Bonus" investment account will be the feature presentation on KYeP on Tuesday, November 16. It is hoped that you will use the attached news release information to write a story in your weekly e-newsletter to the conference and encourage your readers to read the full story on KYeP or go to our website for all of the details. The Cornerstone Fund's website is www.cornerstonefund.org.
If your readers do not receive KYeP they can signup to receive KYeP at www.ucc.org/news/keeping-you-eposted/
Should you have any questions about the news release or the new product, please do not hesitate to contact me or Mary Seymour.
Gordon
Gordon J. Gilles
President and CEO
United Church of Christ Cornerstone Fund
700 Prospect Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3830
888-822-3863
gillesg@ucc.org
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K-O CONFERENCE PRAYER CALENDAR
United Church of the Good Shepherd, KC, KS Rev. Art Foster, supply pastor and Congregation
Zion United Church of Christ, Junction City, KS. Rev. Patty Brown-Barnett, interim and Congregation
Zion United Church of Christ, Kansas City, KS Rev. Kevin Olsen and Congregation
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Passing of Mrs. Peg Post
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Interim Conference Minister Schedule
November 20 Open Table UCC, Owasso, OK
November 21 Fellowship UCC, Tulsa, OK
November 21 Community of Hope, Tulsa, OK
December 1-6 UCC Search and Call Gathering for Conference Staff
Krista would love to come and visit your congregation as well-all she needs is an invitation.
Contact her at kbetz@kocucc.com or 316-686-4331. |
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K-O Conference and Associations Coming Events
Here is the link to the K-O Conference Calender
November 18 -- Parish Life and Leadership Committee
10:30 am
Conference Office, Wichita
November 20 -- Vision Task Force Meeting
10:00 am
Conference Office, Wichita
K-O Conference Council Meetings Schedule
February 5, 2011 10:30 AM Pilgrim Parish House, Wichita
May 14, 2011
10:30 AM Pilgrim Parish House, Wichita
July 15 - 16, 2011
White Memorial Camp and Conference Center |
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-----CHURCHES IN TRANSITION-----
Cathedral of Hope, Oklahoma City, OK Rev. Joe Meinhart is interim pastor
Congregational UCC, Carrier, OK Rev. Gordon Epps is interim pastor.
Community Congregational UCC, Gaylord, KS Rev. Linda Kemp is interim pastor.
Fairmount UCC, Wichita, KS Rev. Monte Gravenstein is interim pastor.
Federated Church, Kingfisher, OK Rev. Sam Steele is interim pastor.
First Congregational UCC, Anthony, KS
First Congregational UCC, Centralia, KS Pastor Scott Caulley is supply pastor.
First Congregational UCC, Great Bend, KS Rev. Stan Crawford is interim pastor.
First Congregational UCC, Goltry, OK
First Congregational UCC, McPherson, KS Rev. Constance Lunn is interim pastor
First Congregational UCC, Onaga, KS Pastor Scott Caulley is supply pastor.
First United Church of Christ, Newton, KS Pastor Jerry Scribner is supply pastor.
The United Church of Norman, Norman, OK Rev. Warren Jensen is interim pastor.
St John UCC, Baldwin City, KS Rev Lewis Hinshaw is supply pastor
St. Paul UCC, Eudora, KS Pastor Rodney Nitz is interim pastor
United Church of the Good Shepherd, KC, KS Rev. Art Foster is supply pastor.
Zion UCC, Junction City, KS. Rev. Patty Brown-Barnett is interim pastor |
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If you can't see the wonderful pictures that are embedded in the K-O e-NEWS emails, it is because of certain settings in your email client.
If you don't want to mess around with the settings, there is a way around it! All emails are archived about an hour after they have been sent. You can view them outside of your email program by going to the link below. |
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Rev. Krista Betz, Interim Conference Minister
Kansas-Oklahoma Conference 1245 Fabrique
Wichita, KS 67218
800-880-6466
Nancy A. Wolfe, Conference Communications Coordinator
3020 SE Virgo Ave
Topeka, KS 66605
785-806-4580
Our Church's Wider Mission is the lifeblood of ministry and mission in the United Church of Christ. Your contributions to this offering make this weekly e-communication and much, much more possible. Thank you for your generous support! Our covenant as local churches, associations, conferences and the national setting of our denomination is made evident through this mission together. |
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