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KANSAS-OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
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K-O e-NEWS
FEBRUARY 21, 2011 |
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Global Missions /Justice Witness |
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Rev. Michael Poage attended the border conference referred to in the following press release. He represented the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference Justice Witness Ministries Commission and will have his own report available soon.
Disciples and UCC Immigration Conference
February 18, 2011
Inspired by the general theme "Turning Walls Into Tables," Disciples and UCC constituents met at Iglesia Cristiana Casa De Oracion in San Diego, California, on February 10-13, 2011, for a Border Conference with the purpose of learning about and engaging in issues of immigration policies and border ministry.
Seventy participants from the United States and Mexico gathered to reflect on the challenge that the US/Mexico border reality and the immigration laws represent for the church; learn from specific ministries on both sides of the border that address those issues; and experience firsthand the border reality, including a visit to various humanitarian projects on the Tijuana side of the border. The event included keynote presentations on the subject "To Welcome the Stranger, To Welcome Ourselves" by Rev. Dr. Daisy L. Machado, Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Church History at Union Theological Seminary in New York City; Rev. Dr. Carlos J. Correa Bernier, Director of Centro Romero in San Ysidro, California, who introduced the group to the Tijuana experience; and Ms. Jean Smyers, Associate Director for Immigration and Refugee Policy with Church World Service, who invited the participants to "Love Thy Neighbor" by taking action for needed reforms." Worship throughout the conference was led by a team of young adults, including college students, seminarians and recently ordained ministers.
Participants also had the opportunity to hear the border issues testimonies of the executive church leaders of three Disciples/UCC partners in Mexico: Rev. Manuel Tovar, President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Mexico; Rev. José Martínez, President of the Confraternity of Evangelical Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ); and Mr. Miguel Villa Panduro, Superintendent of the Christian Congregational Churches of Mexico.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants produced a statement calling the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ to be more welcoming of all migrants by learning more about the borderlands; oppose the militarization of the border; provide humanitarian assistance to immigrants; speak out against economic practices that disrespect human life; advocate for righteous national immigration reform; speak out against anti-immigrant attitudes, especially those against the undocumented; build relationships through immersion experiences on both sides of the border; review our assumptions and language regarding the "other" and what it means to be "American" ... and even "Christian;" and provide resources needed to make immigrant pastors and congregations full partners in ministry. As part of the statement, participants confessed that as "part of the body of Christ" we have failed to live out the words of Jesus, to love God, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:41), and to offer hospitality to strangers as we would Christ (Matthew 25:35). Click here for full statement from the conference. http://globalministries.org/news/lac/statement-of-the-participants.html
The Border Conference ended with an atmosphere of commitment to identify the walls that exist in our communities that impede the creation of God's realm on earth, to change walls that divide into tables that welcome everyone regardless of immigration status, and to respond to the Gospel call to welcome the stranger.
The Border Conference was jointly sponsored by the Disciples/UCC Global Ministries, Disciples Home Missions, the UCC Justice and Witness Ministries, and Disciples Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries.
For more information about the conference and follow-up on the implementation of the statement, please contact Rev. Jennifer Riggs, jriggs@dhm.disciples.org, or Rev. LaMarco Cable, lcable@dom.disciples.org.
Rev. LaMarco Cable
Program Associate for Advocacy and Education
Short-Term Volunteer Administer
Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
And United Church of Christ
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Madhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India |
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A new Bishop for the Madhya Kerala Diocese of the Church of South India has been called. He is Rev. Thomas K Oommen. Most recently, Rev. Oommen was the lead pastor at the Ascension Church, Church of South India, in Kottayam. He is married to Susan. Susan has a degree in Feminist Theology from San Francisco School of Theology.
They have two adult children.
Edit note: I have had the occasion to meet Rev. Thomas K Oommen and his family on both of my trips to Kerala, India. I will never forget being the guest at their home two years ago, where I had a chance to meet their adult children. That night before we ate, we sang songs and read scripture together and then the electricity failed and we sat together in candlelight.
A services of Consecration for the new Bishop is to be scheduled sometime next month.
The retiring Bishop, Bishop Thomas Samuel, will be leaving the Bishop's House in Kottayam and moving to a brand new house (I was there to help consecrate his new home) with his wife, Lilly in the town of Tiruvalla (about an hour and a half south of Kottayam)
I know that the Kansas Oklahoma Conference of the United Church of Christ, joins me in sending all good wishes and God's blessings upon the new Bishop Thomas Oomen and wish all the best for the critical ministry to the people of Kerala, India
Written by Rev. Dr. Peter A. Luckey on February 16, 2011
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UCAN Stop AIDS eNews-February 2011 |
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Reverends Loyce Edwards, Leslie Penrose, and Lizette Merchan are part of this National effort.
Link to the newsletter.
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NEW CHURCH START BOOT CAMP |
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I am pleased to announce that the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ, will host a "New Church Start Boot Camp", May 18-20, 2011 at the MACUCC Conference Center in Framingham, Mass. This workshop will be lead by Jim Griffith, the leading new church start trainer in the country. This gathering is for those pastors and teams that are contemplating a new church start or have begun one.
In this workshop you will learn all the practical skills of how to:
- Network and gather new people
- How to raise "virtue" capital
- How to develop leadership
- How to determine the public launch of worship
- And many other strategies essential to a fruitful new church start
Please click here for a flyer with all the details.....
I hope key leaders in your Conference will take advantage of this terrific workshop, and if you have any questions, please feel free to call on me.
With grace and peace,
Rev. Paul B. Nickerson
Associate Conference Minister for Evangelism, Vitality and New Church Starts
Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ
508-875-5233, ext. 236
Nickersonp@macucc.org
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Insurance Board Webinars |
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Litigation 101: You Have Been Sued
On March 2nd at 11AM Eastern and again at 3PM Eastern Special Guest, Don Clark, Esq. hosts this webinar that is free and open to any church leader.
Litigation 101: You Have Been Sued - When suit papers arrive you must act. A review of the steps you must take in response, including disposition of suit papers, claim reporting, protection of evidence and the steps that follow in the litigation process.
You can register for any of our webinars by clicking here. |
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K-O WOMEN |
ATTENTION ALL WOMEN IN KS-OK CONFERENCE:
Please consider attending the K-OWF "ASSEMBLY"
at White Memorial Camp (north of Council Grove, KS)
on APRIL 8-9-10th...
Theme - "Where's the HOPE?"
Keynoter - Rev. Elaine Blanchard, TN
Have you wondered about the HOPE found in the Bible, especially in such
places as Revelations as written long ago, with eery visions and creepy verses amidst words from cherished hymns and funeral-familiar promises of salvation?
Have you wondered how HOPE exists in your own life in these trying times?
Have you thought about the "story of HOPE" that lies deep within your own soul?
 | | Elaine presenting a skit at a gathering in Tennessee |
K-O Women have a rare opportunity to listen and learn from and be inspired by a very gifted, creative Biblical storyteller, teacher and pastor, Elaine Blanchard, at this spring's gathering. You truly will not want to miss this opportunity!
Sign up to attend all or part of this great event.
See you in APRIL at White Memorial!!
APRIL 7, 8, 9 & 10
Come for all or part....just COME!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE
AND REGISTRATION FORM
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The Pilgrim Press launches 'Your Life, Better' book series and weekly, streamlined e-newsletter |
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When The Pilgrim Press joined the UCC's communication ministry one year ago, it envisioned reaching out to serve the people in the pews.
That goal now accomplished, the vision will come to full fruition this spring with the introduction of "Your Life, Better" -- a book series offering transformative, creative and straightforward suggestions to add spirituality to everyday experiences.
The first set of "Your Life, Better" books are available for pre-order and will ship in mid-March. The second set will be available this summer.
For more information, email UCCRMarketing@ucc.org
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Survey for Ministerial Candidates and
Local Church Search Committees |
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On-Line Survey for Search and Call
The United Church of Christ is currently engaged in revising the Search and Call process. Four major aspects of the process are being looked at; the Employment Opportunities listing, the Searchable Ministerial Profiles Database (accessed only by Conference Staff), the Ministerial Profile and the Local Church Profile. Long-range visioning is also taking place. Surveys have been developed to gather information from the wider church.
If you are a Ministerial Candidate that has been in the Search and Call process sometime in the last year, regardless of whether you have been called or are still searching we would like your feedback at: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e3errsumgk5gkota/start
If you are a member of a Local Church Search committee that has been in the Search and Call process sometime in the last year, regardless of whether you have called a candidate or are still searching we would like your feedback at: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e3euetrzgk5yvww1/start
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WMC MATCHING GRANT CHALLENGE |
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White Memorial Camp has been awarded a $30,000 MATCHING GRANT for a High Ropes Course from the Hopkins Foundation of Lyon County, KS.
Our challenge now is to raise the other $30.000.00 by the spring so we can have the course up and running before summer starts. The addition of a high course that accessible to all will enable the camp to be more self sustaining, enrich the lives or our camp family, and expand our conference participants.
The UCC Puritan Congregational Church in Drummond OK and the Conference Wide Youth Committee have both given $1,000.00 and are challenging other churches to meet their donation.
Our challenge to you is to be part of this exciting addition to camp and help us reach this goal. Climb on! For more information call the camp office 620-767-5165 or send a check to the Conference office with "High Ropes Course" in the comment section.
If you are associated with construction of challenge courses or might know of someone who is working in this field please let Sara know. She is sending out requests for bid proposals and would like to include several contractors. |
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Celebrate Seminary Sunday on February 27th |
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Please plan to celebrate
Seminary Sunday
February 27th
or any Sunday that works for your congregation.
This is an opportunity to lift up UCC theological education during worship. For more information, visit the CUE Seminaries website:
www.cueseminaries.org or contact Kiely Todd Roska,
651-255-6121, kiely@cueseminaries.org
What does "CUE" stand for?
CUE is an acronym for:
How many students are currently attending these seminaries?For the 2009-10 academic year: | Chicago: | Total enrollment, 223 students | | United: | Total enrollment, 186 students | | Eden: | Total enrollment, 210 students |
What is the current tuition at each seminary?For the 2009-10 academic year: | Chicago: | $11,496 | | United: | $12,069 | | Eden: | $12,200 |
What is the current cost to each seminary per student per year?For the 2009-10 academic year: | Chicago: | $35,345 | | United: | $37,800 | | Eden: | $36,000 |
What can my church do to help support theological education at these seminaries?Churches are encouraged to make support for theological education a priority in their annual budgets and/or take a special offering in support of theological education each year. All gifts may be sent through each local conference or mailed directly to: CUE FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Michelle Turnau
PO Box 120357
St. Paul, MN 55112
phone: 651-255-6117
fax: 651-633-4315 email: mturnau@unitedseminary.edu
How can we arrange for a speaker from one of these seminaries to come to our conference, association or local church gathering?Please contact the CUE regional seminary staff representative at each seminary: Chicago Theological Seminary
Chris Dorsey
Vice President of Development and Marketing
phone: 773-322-0249
email: cdorsey@ctschicago.edu United Theological Seminary
Kathleen Remund
Church Relations Coordinator
phone: 651-255-6112
email: kremund@unitedseminary.edu Eden Theological Seminary
Jacqueline Hamilton
Director of Development
phone: 314-918-2627
email: jhamilton@eden.edu
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K-O YOUTH EVENT ~ March 18 - 20 |
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FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
www.whitememorialcamp.com
or Click here to download registration form
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28th GENERAL SYNOD |
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 Planning on joining us? |
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Nominations for Prophetic Justice Work |
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The Board of Directors of Justice and Witness Ministries has approved the recommendation that we seek candidates to honor at our General Synod XXVIII dinner who have done exemplary work in the area of justice.
If you know a prophetic justice worker, a local church, or grass roots organization that you think deserves to be honored for effective justice work, please fill out the form below. You may duplicate this form (link provided below) for more than one nominee.
http://www.ucc.org/justice/justice-award-nomination.html |
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SYNOD CONTEST TO HONOR CONGREGATIONS |
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Six congregations that have imagined something significant - and then worked to make it possible - will be honored at General Synod, July 1-5, in Tampa, Fla. The celebrated churches will help bring to life the Synod's theme, "Imagine What's Possible. God is Still Speaking,"
Congregations should email submissions to synodcontest@ucc.org, with "Synod Contest" in the subject line, by Friday, March 11. Submissions can also be mailed to General Synod Contest, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.
Submissions should include:
- A one-to-two page essay describing how your congregation envisioned something significant and then made it happen. Be sure to include details about obstacles, perceived and real, that were overcome, and how the achievement has impacted your church and/or community.
- Photos, videos, YouTube or web links, or other materials, that will assist contest judges with understanding your church's story.
- A brief description of your congregation, as well as some basic information: Name of your church, address, pastor's name, association/conference, region (if known), and applicant's name, email and phone numbers.
Winners will be announced no later than Tuesday, April 5.
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PART-TIME CHILDREN/YOUTH LEADER |
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CHURCH OF THE SAVIOR
5600 NW 63rd Street, OKC, OK 73132 405-721-5241
www.cotsokc.org
Job detail available here
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OPENING FOR HALF-TIME CAMPUS MINISTER |
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The board of directors for the Wichita State University Campus Ministry is accepting applications and/or resumes for a half-time position as campus minister at Wichita State University. The campus has a diverse, 14,000 plus student body with many international and commuter students. The ministry has an office in the Ratigan Student Center and a part-time administrative assistant.
Please send your information and/or queries to: Rev. Phil Shull, 2220 N. Yale, Wichita, KS 67220 or phil@uumc.net. |
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ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCE COMING EVENTS |
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Link to
the K-0
Calendar |
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February 28, March 1-2, 2011 -- K-O CLERGY RETREAT
April 16 -- Central/Western Association Spring Meeting
April 16 -- North Central Association Spring Meeting
April 30 -- Eastern Association Spring Meeting - Ecclesiastical Council |
| Prayer Requests from our K-O Family |
| K-O PRAYER CALENDAR |
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Community Congregational - Gaylord, KS - Rev. Linda Kemp & Congregation
Congregational UCC, Kinsley, KS - Pastor John Wolf & Congregation
KO Conference Financial Associate - Ms. Judy Vincent
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| UCC CALENDAR OF PRAYER |
| K-O INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER'S SCHEDULE |
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February 18-23 -- Annual UCC Consultation of Conference Ministers, Collegium, and Staff Team Leaders in Long Beach, California
February 27 -- The United Parish of Lenora, Lenora, KS
March 6 -- Service of Ordination into the Christian Ministry for Jerry Scribner, First Church, Newton, KS
March 13 -- The United Church of Norman, Norman, OK
March 18-20 -- Conference Youth Event, White Memorial Camp
Krista would be happy to visit your congregation. Call her at 316-686-4331 to schedule a date. |
| K-O CHURCHES IN TRANSITION |
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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
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.
Highland Trinity UCC, Newton, KS
Immanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS Rev. Larry Young has resigned and his last Sunday leading worship is March 13.
St John UCC, Baldwin City, KS Rev Lewis Hinshaw is supply pastor
St. Paul UCC, Eudora, KS Pastor Rodney Nitz is interim pastor
St. Peter's UCC, Inman, KS Rev. Jim Nelson has resigned and his last Sunday leading worship is February 27
United Church of the Good Shepherd, KC, KS Rev. Art Foster is supply pastor.
United Church of Norman, Norman, OK Rev. Warren Jensen is interim pastor.
Zion UCC, Junction City, KS. Rev. Patty Brown-Barnett is interim pastor |
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| QUICK LINKS |
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| CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Rev. Krista Betz, Interim Conference Minister
Kansas-Oklahoma Conference 1245 Fabrique
Wichita, KS 67218
800-880-6466
Sara Shaw, Camp Director
620-767-5165 (Camp Office)
620-202-0311(Cell)
620-767-7244 (Fax)
1271 South 1050 Road
Council Grove KS 66846-8520
wmcucc@tctelco.net
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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