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KANSAS-OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
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PRAYER REQUESTS FROM OUR K-O FAMILY
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- Thank you to everyone for your prayers and expressions of concern for us as my husband Richard had his open heart surgery. He is recovering at home and progressing as the doctor expected.
Judy Vincent
- Prayers for the family of Grace Kasitz who passed away Saturday June 4th. Her husband Harry Kasitz was the first managing director of White Memorial Camp.
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K-O PRAYER CALENDAR
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Congregation of First Congregational, Anthony, KS
Congregation of St. Peter's UCC, Inman, KS
Congregation of Highland Trinity UCC, Newton, KS
The June, July, August K-O Prayer Calendar is posted on the KO website www.kocucc.com/prayercenter
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| UCC CALENDAR OF PRAYER |
| Request for Support |
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As you have probably heard, we are sponsoring a group of German Youth from the Baden Baden area of Germany this coming week.
This is the group that our youth from all over K-O Conference visited last year in Germany.
The German youth are being paired with K-O youth and staying in private homes during the first week of their visit, but the second week is Camp Week and they all have the opportunity to experience a week at White Memorial Camp and Conference Center.
If you or your church are able to help with funding for the extra expense of 25 more campers, please let Sara Shaw know as soon as possible. This will be a wonderful opportunity for all the youth to enjoy the blessings of Camp while these special visitors are here.
Thank you!
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K-O ANNUAL MEETING RESOLUTIONS DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
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The deadline to submit resolutions for consideration at the 2011 Annual Meeting is July 1, 2011.
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Health Insurance Premium Credit for Churches
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It has recently come to the attention of the Conference Office that some of our churches may be eligible for a credit for small employer health insurance premiums. As a part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act signed into law by President Obama in March 2010, small employers may qualify for a refund of a portion of the health insurance premiums they have paid.
The UCC Pension Boards provides a general introduction to the Health Care Tax Credit at http://www.pbucc.org/interior_art.asp?id=Small_Employer_Health_Care_Tax_Credit .
Our brothers and sisters in the UCC Massachusetts Conference have also prepared a website with helpful links at http://macucc.org/pages/detail/2460.
And you may also want to read what the Internal Revenue Service has to say at http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=220839,00.html .
We are hearing that the credits are quite substantial for some churches so it is well worth the effort of wading through the jargon to figure it out.
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| Secure, Cost-effective Electronic Payment Solutions for Churches |
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UCC: e-giving
If you are a local church and are interested in gaining information on how you can enter the world of electronic giving for members who wish to contribute in that manner, the UCC has partnered with Vanco Services, LLC to offer several secure, cost-effective electronic payment solutions for local churches.
It can help process giving to a local UCC church through:
...Direct Debit (ACH) Example: can debit a member's checking or savings account on set dates or set amounts.
...Credit-Debit Card Example: can set up a credit card contribution on a regular basis.
...Online Giving Example: can provide opportunities for members and non-members to give on line as they determine how and when to give.
...Donation by Text Example: Givers can complete a one-time, online profile and then can text to give a contribution anytime they wish.
Vanco can work with a local church to set up a system that does not have a monthly service fee or monthly minimums. This is perfect for churches that handle only a handful of transactions without large service fees.
For more info: Vanco Services 1.800.774.9355 www.ucc.org/e-giving
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BROWN GRANTS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION
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If you are a UCC Clergy (Ordained or Licensed) and wish to attend a Continuing Education event, don't let the cost of attending such a event prevent you from attending. The national UCC through its Brown Grant program offers authorized UCC clergy Continuing Education grants through a simple application process. Grants are processed at 2-3 times during the year. Next deadline is June 20 for approval review in July. The next deadline is October 15 for a November approval review. These funds are there to support UCC clergy and are another way the national UCC supports the whole church.
For more info contact, Minister of Grants, Scholarships and Resources at PLL, Veronica Jeffers: jeffersv@ucc.org I don't know the ratio of applicants to actual grants awarded but I think there is very good chance if you apply, you will be awarded some amount of a Continuing Education grant; so apply!
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BIBLE STUDY MATERIALS for UCC WOMEN:
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The HORIZONS Ecumenical Bible Study
for 2011-2012 is entitled:
"Confessing the BEATITUDES" by Rev. Margaret Aymer,
which will focus on specific scriptures in Matthew and Luke, plus others in Psalms, James and Romans, and help us learn together what it means to speak the truth about who God is calling us to be.
The Bible Study is the "Spring Edition" of the subscription or "partnership" in "UCC Women in Mission Partners" - part of our covenantal partnership with UCC women's ministries, being UCC women together and supporting the missions,
leadership development opportunities, and ministries of UCCWM. Electronic individual subscriptions are $24.00. Printed paper copies individual subscriptions are $34.00
Each "partnership" gives a person a copy of each of the COMMON LOT Quarterly publications...a Summer edition, Fall edition, and the Winter edition (which shares the "Women's Week" materials), and then the Spring edition is the large Ecumenical Bible Study (materials written in a format to provide 9 Lessons, plus "suggestions for leaders" for each lesson and some additional materials).
Subscriptions (which should be requested ASAP, so that the Bible Study for 2011-12 can be included) will be secured by sending checks to:
UCC WM (UCC Women in Mission) Attn: Financial Services 700 Prospect Ave E Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.
The study materials look to be very user-friendly and interesting, so hope you will enjoy using them as well as reading and sharing the COMMON LOT quarterly
materials.
Submitted by: Jo Ann Chance, KOWF |
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Making Churches Safe (for all God's Children)
One of five members of our congregations carry the experience of sexual abuse. Jaime Romo, Ed.D. - Is a Commissioned Minister for Healing and Healthy Environments in the Southern California/ Nevada UCC Conference. He works with survivors, supporters, clergy lay leaders, and parents to protect children from abuse and live and learn in healthy environments. Listen to his sermon from a Safe Church Sunday Service.
As an associate with the Center for Progressive Renewal, he is offering an on-line course to help you lead your congregation through learning and transforming process that will lead individuals and the congregation as a whole to be more of a healing community. The products from this process that begins June 9 are the creation of a helpful Safe Church policy that includes:
· An effective Response Team that expands responsibility and resources from pastor's shoulders;
· A meaningful education program that engenders congregational literacy and solidarity to prevent abuse and promote healing;
· Good assessment that promotes congregational learning and growth.
Learn more and register at:
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Healthy Congregations Workshop - June 11, 2011 |
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Zion United Church of Christ in Junction City invites you to join us for a "Healthy Congregations" Workshop on Saturday, June 11, 2011. A brochure with all the information can be downloaded here. The deadline for registration is June 1, 2011.
Directions to the church are provided below.
From east of Junction City:
Take I-70 west and turn off at Exit 295.
Turn north/right (onto Highway 77) at the stop sign.
Then turn left at the second light, which is McFarland.
Turn left immediately into the parking lot of Zion United Church of Christ,
which is on the corner of Highway 77 & McFarland.
From west of Junction City:
Take I-70 east and turn off at Exit 295.
Turn north/left (onto Highway 77) at the stop sign.
Then turn left at the second light, which is McFarland.
Turn left immediately into the parking lot of Zion United Church of Christ,
which is on the corner of Highway 77 & McFarland.
We hope you will join us.
In God's Shalom,
The Rev. Dr. Patty Brown-Barnett
Interim Pastor
Zion U.C.C.
Junction City, KS 66441
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CELEBRATE
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| | |  Fairmount UCC in Wichita, KS at 1650 Fairmount St, Wichita, KS is celebrating the completion of our extensive Historic Preservation renovation. We invite you to come on Sunday, June 12 from 2-4 pm. If you have questions, please contact the church office on weekday mornings at 316-682-1597. |
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Tax-Smart Donating
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Anytime during calendar 2011, a donor aged 70½ or older can make a charitable contribution from an IRA directly to your church, the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference or Foundation without being taxed on the amount distributed. The amount of the distribution is not subject to income tax even if it is part of your required minimum distribution. Nor can the donor include the amount as a charitable deductions.
Some rules (paid directly by IRA, maximum $100,000, a donor cannot receive any benefit, etc.) apply. Your tax preparer, IRA custodian or KOC Foundation Board representative can tell you more.
Foundation Board Officers:
Chair - Mr. Russ Townsley
Vice chair - Ms. Verla Thomason
Secretary - Mr. Jeff Keller
Treasurer - Rev. Bob Lawrence
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Kansas Conference on Poverty
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The 2011 Kansas Conference on Poverty will feature:
- Over 25 workshops and activites focused on cutting edge programs and the most up-to-date information.
- A Welcome to Topeka Reception
- The "Poverty: A-Z", Art as Advocacy experience
- A Health Care Reform Panel Dinner, where an expert panel will provide an overview of the consumer protections and market reforms of the Affordable Care Act that impact the work of all anti-poverty advocates.
- More...
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Ramada Hotel & Convention Center: Downtown Topeka
When:
Wednesday July 20, 2011 at Noon -to- Friday July 22, 2011 at 1:30pm.
Registration Fee: $135, includes most meals, see registration form for complete details.
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NOW is the time to register to participate in the2011 Kansas Conference on Poverty, the premiere event in the Midwest for training and networking for human service professionals and
anti-poverty advocates.
Signing up for this life changing event in Beautiful Downtown Topeka, July 20-22nd, 2011, just got easier, as the event is
now accepting credit card payments for registration!
You will be inspired to change the landscape of Kansas, and America, by leaders and experts from across the Nation. We are pleased to announce that this year's keynote addresses will be presented by:
Linda C. Crompton:President and CEO of BoardSource, Linda has more than 25 years of experience in business, finance, and organizational strategy. She will be presenting on commitment to social responsibility and exceptional governance.
Lindsey Hodel: Director of Training and Partnerships for Nonprofit VOTE, Lindsey will highlight trends and challenges for human service nonprofits as we approach the 2012 elections.
Kent Rader: Known as the "World's Cleanest Comedian and Speaker," Kent helps people and associations learn and experience how laughter matters in reducing stress and building quality organizations.
We hope you will seriously consider our invitation to join the fight against poverty. Follow this link to learn more about the 2011 Kansas Conference on Poverty.
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Disciples of Christ TEAM 2 Workshops
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Disciples of Christ TEAM2 Workshops Announced
The KS region's training and educational event, TEAM2, is August 26-27.
TEAM2 workshops will include the following:
Stewardship of Accumulated Resources;
Disciples Stewardship & the Jubilee Fund;
Re-visioning the Pastoral Relations Committee;
Parish Nursing; Lay Pastoral Care;
Spirituality of Stewardship;
Understanding the Generations;
Global Mission;
Raising Up Leaders: the Call to Ministry;
The Stewardship of Leadership: Doing it Right;
Intentional Interim Ministry;
The Family Budget; and
Youth Sponsors Training.
For flyer, schedule of events, workshop descriptions, and registration form go to the TEAM2 page on the website.
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ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCE COMING EVENTS |
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Link to
the K-0
Calendar
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July 1 - 5 ~ General Synod
July 4 ~ Independence Day - Office Closed
July 15-16 ~ K-O Council Retreat at White Memorial Camp
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| K-O INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER'S SCHEDULE |
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June 12 Evangelical UCC, Marysville, KS
June 26 Friedens UCC, Bern, KS
Krista would be happy to visit your congregation. Call her at 316-686-4331 to schedule a date.
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PULPIT SUPPLY LIST |
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On the KO website resources page is a list of persons willing to serve as supply pastors in our congregations. These folks are willing to fill in when a pastor is on vacation, sabbatical, or attending a continuing education event.
If a pastor is needed for a more long term time of transition in the congregation, please see Rev. Krista Betz for assistance in making those arrangements.
The pastors were very enthusiastic about being included on the list and look forward to the opportunity to come, visit and lead worship with a sister congregation.
Rev. Krista Betz
Interim Conference Minister
Kansas-Oklahoma Conference
316-686-4331
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| K-O CHURCHES IN TRANSITION |
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Cathedral of Hope, Oklahoma City, OK Rev. Joe Meinhart is interim pastor
Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City, KS Rev. Art Foster is serving as stated supply
Congregational UCC, Carrier, OK Rev. Gordon Epps is interim pastor.
Community Congregational UCC, Gaylord, KS Rev. Linda Kemp 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.
Highland Trinity UCC, Newton, KS Rev. Bill Hickerson is supply pastor
Immanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS
Midland Community UCC, Nickerson, KS Rev. Bob Smith has announced his retirement. His last Sunday leading worship was May 22.
St John UCC, Baldwin City, KS Rev Lewis Hinshaw is supply pastor
St. Peter's UCC, Inman, KS
United Church of Norman, Norman, OK Rev. Warren Jensen is interim pastor.
Zion UCC, Junction City, KS. Rev. Patty Brown-Barnett is interim pastor
Zion UCC, Kansas City, KS
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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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