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KANSAS-OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 

wheat harvest 

Rev.  

Rev. Jack Ulmer celebrates 50 years of Ordination

 

ulmer 50
Rev. Krista Betz presenting a certificate to Rev. Jack Ulmer celebrating 50 years of ordination.  Rev. Max and Rev. Lillie DaMetz look on.  

 

ulmer 

 

PRAYER REQUESTS FROM OUR K-O FAMILY

 

 

 

 

  

Judy Vincent's husband Richard, is scheduled for another surgery on June 21.  If you would like to send a card of support, their home address is 1101 E Marion Road, Wichita, KS 67216.

 

K-O PRAYER CALENDAR 

 

Friedens UCC, Bern, KS ~ Rev. Kenneth Tubbesing and Congregation

 

First Congregational UCC, Manhattan, KS ~ Rev. Kent Cormack and Congregation

 

First Congregational UCC, Onaga, KS ~ Pastor Scott Caulley, Interim and Congregation

UCC CALENDAR OF PRAYER
 

 UCC PRAYER CALENDAR

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K-O ANNUAL MEETING RESOLUTIONS 

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION 

 

The deadline to submit resolutions for consideration at the 2011 Annual Meeting is July 1, 2011. 

 

 A resolution may be submitted by any Annual Meeting delegate, local UCC congregation or Conference Program Unit/Committee.  For more information, please consult the Guidelines for the Presentation and Consideration of Resolutions  here or go to the KO website Resources/Resolutions. 

 

If you have questions or wish to submit a resolution, please contact Rev. JF Wickey at 

[email protected] or Rev. Krista Betz at [email protected].

 

 

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 Everything you need to know about what's happening at 

General Synod

 

Everything you need to know about what's happening at General Synod can be found athttp://www.ucc.org/synod/ .  

Take some time to tour the website and find out what will be discussed by the delegates at General Synod.  The plenary sessions will be webcast so plan on spending some time with your computer July 1-5 even if you can't make it to Tampa. 

Kansas-Oklahoma Conference will be represented by 7 delegates, 2 associate delegates and several visitors.  The delegates and associate delegates are:  

Jim Ahrens (First Congregational UCC, Manhattan, KS), 

Jan Gian (Community Church of Garden City, KS), 

Jim Massey (Fellowship UCC, Tulsa, OK),

Lizette Merchan (Community of Hope, Tulsa, OK), 

James Rix (Pilgrim UCC, Wichita, KS), 

JF Wickey (CrossWalk UCC, Enid, OK), 

Jennifer Wachowski (Fellowship UCC, Tulsa, OK), 

Nancy Wolfe (Community UCC, Carbondale, KS) and 

Krista Betz (Interim Conference Minister). 

 

The delegates would love an invitation to come to your church and discuss the General Synod experience.

 
 SAVE THE DATE -- SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 
SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCH WORKSHOP
 

 

Small church summit 

 IF YOU DON'T SEE THE IMAGE ABOVE,

 CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE DOCUMENT 

 
  Completion of Capital Campaign brings ECM at KU 
much happiness and excitement!

By: Teresa Zaffiro, Development Coordinator

We are excited and immensely happy to announce that we have successfully completed our $832,000 Ministry of the Hearth Capital Campaign. We just recently received the check for our $119,000 capping grant from the Mabee Foundation in Tulsa, OK, which finished out our two year campaign.

 

We know that the success of this campaign is due to the generosity of a myriad of individuals, groups, congregations and foundations. Without their support, this successful campaign would not have been a reality. The success of the campaign can also be attributed to the many individuals associated with ECM that gave their time and energy to work on the campaign in one capacity or another.

 

Our campaign was coordinated by a Steering Committee that was co-led by John Wilson and Sara Dean, with consultation by Judy Keller, staff member at Jeffery Bryne and Associates, Inc.  In February, ECM hired me as part time development coordinator, and I provided assistance in the last few months of the campaign. Our campus Minister, Thad Holcombe, who will be very humble about this, has given countless hours and endless energy to this campaign. We also have an all-volunteer Board, led by Board President Bob Minor, who gave their time and support to the entirety of this campaign. Everyone at the ECM has been a part of this campaign in one way or another.

 

With the funds raised we are able to complete critical building improvement projects for this building that is on the Local, State and National Register of Historic Places. More importantly, however, we are able to better prepare the building for use by hundreds of new students and a variety of community and ministry programs this fall.

 

The ECM is a special place; it is an important place to many students and community members alike.  I am happy to know that the success of this campaign means that the ECM is able to continue to be a place where people gather around a hearth open to all - to discuss, learn and grow.

 

We are overjoyed to have completed this campaign that has been such a long process, and are grateful to everyone that has been a part of it! We look forward to a productive and happy fall full of old and new friends, renewed energy in programming, exploration of faith, critical dialogue and community building. 

  

 

 

 
News from CUE Seminaries 

 

Seminary Graduation

In May, Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries celebrated the graduation of 115 students. These students will serve in many capacities across the country and around the world. We rejoice with them as they begin a new phase of their ministry in the world.

 

cts grads 

 

CUE Seminaries Video

Many of you were able to view the CUE Seminaries Video during recent Conference Annual Meetings. The video highlights and celebrates the work of Chicago, United, and Eden Seminaries. The video can be shown during Church Committee Meetings, Seminary Sunday worship services, at new clergy gatherings, at Association Meetings, or in other settings.  It is 5:50 long and avaiable on DVD at no cost. Soon, it will also be available to view directly on the CUE website: www.cueseminaries.org. If you would like to view the video, you can view it at this link: http://vimeo.com/23274342. If it asks you for password, the password is cue (lowercase). You will need Flash player to play it. If you need to get Flash, here is a link:http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

To obtain a DVD copy, please contact Kiely Todd Roska, CUE Development Coordinator:[email protected] or 651-255-6121.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That they may all be 1.

 

From 11/1/11 to 11/11/11 all UCC churches are invited to share in a terrific mission.

 

"In a nutshell, 'ONE United Church on a shared mission for 11 powerful days to feed the hungry and confront food-related injustice.' is the centerpiece of this major push that we are launching today," reported Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, the UCC's general minister and president. "If you've ever yearned for the whole UCC to walk hand in hand to achieve a common goal, this is the answer to that prayer."

 

"Mission : 1" -- as  the campaign will be called -- plays on the prevalence of the number "1" in the November, 2011 timeframe and calls for three overarching goals:

  • In the 11 days, the UCC will collect more than 1 million items of healthy food and other household items for local food banks and outreach services. Donations will go to local food pantries and be reported to National UCC to keep a count.

 

  • In the 11 days, the UCC will make an extra-special push to gather online contributions of more than $111,111 for Neighbors in Need, offerings that will be shared for hunger-action purposes with agencies of justice and compassion throughout the United States.

 

  • In the 11 days, the UCC will offer more than 11,111 letters to Congress asking the government to reform U.S. foreign assistance in a way that more effectively benefits hungry and poor people worldwide, helping to provide a major final push to Bread for the World's 2011 "Offering of Letters" campaign.

 

Rev. J. Bennett Guess, UCC's communications director, outlined the "Mission:1" concept as a step toward addressing five critical needs prevalent across the denomination's life:

  1. The need to respect and encourage local mission;
  2. The need to embrace our churches' ministries of compassion as well as commitments to justice;
  3. The need for newer ways to measure our impact on those we serve beyond membership totals or dollars given; 
  4. The need for transparency and accountability for achieving what we say we are going to achieve;
  5. The need to "wildly celebrate" what we accomplished together.

 

Can you find 11 people in your church who will pledge to give $11 or $111 online to Neighbors in Need on Nov. 1?

 

Will your church set a goal of gathering no fewer than 1,111 food items or 111 letters to Congress?

 

Use your creativity and playfulness to achieve these big goals. And tell us how you plan to meet the challenge.

 

Rev. Krista Betz

Interim Conference Minister

Kansas-Oklahoma Conference

316-686-4331

 

  

 

Disciples of Christ TEAM 2 Workshops 

 

 

 

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.

 

Secure, Cost-effective Electronic Payment Solutions for Churches
 

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

 

ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCE COMING EVENTS

Link to

the K-0

Calendar 

July 1 - 5 ~ General Synod

July 4 ~ Independence Day - Office Closed

July 15-16 ~ K-O Council Retreat at White Memorial Camp

October 7, 8 & 9 ~ K-O Conference 50th Annual Meeting ~ Topeka, KS

CONFERENCE OFFICE SCHEDULE

 

June 21 - 24 -- Judy Vincent will be on vacation.    

 If you need immediate assistance while Judy is out of the office, please contact Krista Betz at[email protected] or 316-686-4331.

 

June 29 - July 6 -- Krista Betz will be attending the United Church of Christ General Synod.  

If you need immediate assistance during that time, contact Judy Vincent at[email protected] or 316-686-4331.

K-O INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER'S SCHEDULE
 

June 26 ~            Friedens UCC, Bern, KS

June 29-July 6 ~ UCC General Synod in Tampa, Florida

July 15-16 ~         Conference Council Retreat, White Memorial Camp

July 21-22 ~         UCC Fitness Review Process Evaluation in Cleveland, OH

July 31~               Mayflower UCC, Oklahoma City, OK

 

Krista would be happy to visit your congregation.  Call her  at 316-686-4331 to schedule a date.

 PULPIT SUPPLY LIST

 

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

K-O CHURCHES IN TRANSITION
 



 

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.     

First Salem UCC, Wichita, KS  Pastor John Werner has announced his resignation.  His last Sunday leading worship will be August 28

 

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 

 

QUICK LINKS
 

 Archived e-NEWS emails 

 

United Church of Christ

 

Kansas-Oklahoma Conference  

 

White Memorial Camp and Conference Center 

 

Find us on Facebook

CONTACT INFORMATION
           

   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
   
[email protected]

 
    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.