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KANSAS-OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
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 K-O e-NEWS
October 17, 2011
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Check out the K-O Facebook page for pictures from the Annual Meeting and
watch for highlights in future editions of the
K-O e-NEWS .
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| A big thank you to all the women and men that donated items for the KOWF Arts & Crafts Fundraiser! It was so much fun to see the talent that exists in our midst! We raised $875. Plus the KOWF Executive Council has added $125 from our treasury so that the total contribution is $1,000.
This will be split 50/50 between OCWM and White Memorial Camp. Thank you again to all that donated time, talents and dollars!
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Small is Beautiful: Transforming Worship
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Small congregations can, and should, have beautiful worship! Small is Beautiful: Transforming Worship in the Small Church, a new five-week course from the Center for Progressive Renewal, will provide a vision and practices to transform worship in small congregations. Participants will explore the theology and spirituality of worship, learn how to plan vital and creative worship, and explore ways to enliven diverse styles of music in corporate worship. We will explore worship and music for the seasons of the year, creative healing services, and worship that nurtures mind, body, spirit and social concern. Rev. Bruce Epperly, Ph.D. is a theologian, spiritual guide and pastor. Ordained in the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), he is the author of 19 books. He has been described as one of America's leading progressive theologians.
Daryl Hollinger, DMA, is Dean of the Chapel and Adjunct Professor of Worship and Music at Lancaster Theological Seminary. He serves as Minister of Music at St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Course Starts Monday, October 24, 2011 7:00PM-8:00PM EST Cost: $199.00
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The Great Religious Recession or
a Great Spiritual Awakening?
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Tuesday, October 25, 2011,
07:00pm - 09:00pm
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On Tuesday, October 25th, The Center for Progressive Renewal will be co-hosting a MAJOR 2 hour web event with Diana Butler Bass in partnership with the EDGE Ministry Network of the United Church of Canada.
Like other aspects of American life, religion is going through a challenging period of change, erosion, and decline. Many Americans are no longer satisfied with forms of faith and church that no longer seem to speak to the soul. From membership to traditional beliefs, nearly every measure of conventional religiosity is down. Diana Butler Bass explores the religious trends reshaping our understandings of faith, practice, and community, drawing out the real questions that Americans are asking about their spiritual lives. Probing these deeper questions--and addressing them in meaningful ways--opens paths for a different sort of Christianity, one that offers genuine hope for spiritual awakening and cultural transformation.
When: Tuesday, October 25th from 7:00-9:00PM EASTERN TIME
Cost $29.99
REGISTER HERE
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ELEVEN POWERFUL DAYS
in which UCC members will take actions to feed the hungry and confront
hunger-related injustice. Here is the national challenge:
1. In 11 days, the UCC nationally will collect more that ONE MILLION ITEMS
OF HEALTHY FOOD and other household items for local food banks
and outreach services. (Members may bring food items to church to be
counted and reported as part of the "One Million Items.")
2. In 11 days, the UCC nationally will gather special donations to "Neighbors in Need." Neighbors in Need (NIN) is the UCC mission that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry(CAIM). Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries(JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. Website: http://www.ucc.org/nin/ Campaign Goal is to raise $111,111, so be sure to record donations in church.
3. In 11 days, the UCC nationally will offer (get sent) more than 11,111 LETTERS TO CONGRESS asking our government to direct U.S. foreign assistance in a way that more effectively benefits hungry and poor people worldwide, especially helping to provide a major "final push" to Bread For The World's 2011 "Offering Of Letters" campaign.
(WE - that means you - can start writing letters NOW to members of Congress supporting Bread For The World's initiatives on U.S. Domestic and Foreign Aid. We simply tally those letters and report them "sent" to your own church's "Mission 1" reps to be counted as part of the 11,111 Letters To Congress campaign. See more, below, on What-to-Write and Who-to Write.)
4. Sunday, November 13th will be the UCC's national CELEBRATION SUNDAY, the day that results of this national "Mission 1" campaign will be announced.
WHAT-TO-WRITE and WHO-TO-WRITE: Bread For The World's "Take Action" page suggests sermons, letters, & actions:
http://www.bread.org/ol/2011/sample-letter.html
WRITE YOUR OWN LETTER USING IDEAS FROM THE SAMPLE BELOW:
BEST LETTERS ARE "SHORT AND SWEET" HAND-WRITTEN, ON ONE PAGE.
AT THE TOP, START .....
to US Senator, US Senate, Washington, DC 20510
(OK Senators: Jim Inhofe or Tom Coburn)
(KS Senators: Pat Roberts and Jerry Moran
to US Representative, House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515
(OK Reps: John Sullivan, Dan Boren, Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, James Lankford)
(KS Reps: Tim Huelskamp, Lynn Jenkins, Mike Pompeo, Kevin Yoder
Date ___________
Dear Senator ______________ or Representative _______________,
As Congress and the Super Committee work to reduce our nation's deficits, I urge you to create a circle of protection around programs for hungry and poor people in the United States and around the world.
The numbers are staggering. Millions of families in the United States continue to feel the effects of the recession-nearly one in six people in our country are poor. Around the world, nearly 1 billion people are hungry, and one child dies every 3.6 seconds from poverty, hunger, and preventable diseases. This isn't the time for Congress to cut programs that provide vital assistance to those in need.
Programs for hungry and poor people make up only a fraction of the federal budget, but these have a tremendous impact. The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit keep millions of families out of poverty, reward work, and promote economic mobility. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) has responded quickly and effectively to need, preventing an increase in the percentage of families struggling to put food on the table for three consecutive years.
International poverty-focused development assistance reduces the likelihood of conflict and strengthens our national security. Moreover, cuts to poverty-focused development assistance will restrict our ability to respond to humanitarian emergencies, such as the ongoing famine in the Horn of Africa.
We must do all we can to reduce the budget deficit, but not on the backs of the most vulnerable people. As you consider deficit-reduction proposals, I ask you to take a balanced and fair approach and consider all areas of the budget, including revenues. Please form a circle of protection around funding for hungry and poor people at home and abroad.
I look forward to receiving your reply to my letter. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Address
THIS ALERT COMPOSED AND SENT BY
The Peace House in Oklahoma City www.PeaceHouseOK.org
Nathaniel Batchelder, director, and member Church of the Open Arms UCC
Editor's note: Couldn't have put it any better Batch! Thanks.
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Lawrence church holds immigration discussion
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More than 100 people filled a room at Lawrence's Plymouth Congregational Church Wednesday night, to learn about immigration in America.
The list of speakers included professors from the University of Kansas in various fields. They talked about the many concerns and issues surrounding both documented and undocumented immigrants.
Kansas may not have the highest population of immigrants, but the topic in our state has become a hotly debated one in recent years. That's why local religious leades decided to engage the community in a discussion, looking at current laws, deportation, access to education, government benefits and more.
The church provides English as a second language or ESL education, so leaders say they see first hand the need to keep people informed about immigration issues.
The church says immigration will continue to be a focus throughout the year, so it's planning additional events on the topic.
Click here to see the news cast VIDEO
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If you can't view the image above, click here for the pdf file
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This time we are reading Liberating Hope! Daring to Renew the Mainline Church by two UCC pastors, Michael Piazza and Cameron Trimble. The book was just published in July so it is full of fresh ideas and commentary. The clergy group meets on the following days from 10:30am-12 noon at the Conference Office in Wichita, KS. Folks that have time then go out to lunch.
Please join us on these days as we discuss the following chapters:
October 27-Chapters 7 & 8
November 10-Chapters 9, 10 & 11
If you are unable to come to Wichita, then we still encourage you to read the book-either with a group of pastors in your area or just on your own.
Rev. Krista Betz
Interim Conference Minister
Kansas-Oklahoma Conference
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The Insurance Board is holding these upcoming webinars you do not want to miss!
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Oct 12, 2011
11AM Eastern time & 3PM Eastern time
Building Trust, Preventing Disaster 2.0 - Financial Controls and Other Insights
Nov 2, 2011
11AM Eastern time & 3PM Eastern time
Abuse Prevention 2.0 - Making SafeConduct™ Your Goal
Nov 16, 2011 11AM Eastern time & 3PM Eastern time Church Tenants - Sharing Your Church and Managing Risk Make sure you visit our website often for a list of upcoming webinars. You can register for any of our webinars by clicking here. You can also access our website for other valuable information! Thank you. |
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Rally for Repeal - Wichita, KS
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Rally for Repeal - Wichita, KS
November 5th - 1pm-4pm
Since the execution of Troy Davis, millions have woken up to the reality of the death penalty, and momentum for repeal is building rapidly. Please join the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty and repeal advocates from across the state for the Rally for Repeal.
Keynoted by Jeremy Schroeder, leader of the successful movement to abolish the death penalty in Illinois, the Rally will also feature a series of skill building workshops to make you a better advocate for repeal. 2011 was Illinois' year to repeal.
Come to the Rally for Repeal and help make 2012 the year Kansas repeals. Call (785) 235-2237 for more information.
Rally for Repeal - Wichita State University Metroplex (5015 E 29th St. North)
1pm - Annual Member Meeting
1:15pm - Welcome Reception
(co-sponsored by the ECM at KU)
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Attention: CHURCH HISTORIANS
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PRESERVING OUR HISTORY / GUIDING OUR FUTURE:
A Workshop for Local Church Historians
The Kansas Area Commission on Archives and History of the United Methodist Church, serving both the Kansas East and West Conferences, is holding a
workshop for local church historians called Preserving our History / Guiding our Future.
This is a workshop geared primarily for local church historians. However, it is open to anyone regardless of conference or denomination who is interested in recording, preserving or presenting their local church history. We hope to not only equip people with knowledge but with an enthusiasm for this task.
The workshop will offer study in four areas:
Our History and Discipline
Web Resources
What to Keep and What to Toss
Photos, Computers, and Other Things Digital
The workshop will be held on Saturday, November 5th at the Great Bend Trinity United Methodist Church at 5700 W Broadway in Great Bend,
KS 67530.
The workshop will begin at 9 am and end at 3 pm. The registration costs $25 and includes lunch. If you have any questions or wish to attend this event, you can email Rev. Larry Danforth at charles.danforth@yahoo.com or call 785-743-2040.
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Topeka Center for Peace & Justice
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Nov. 10, 7:00 PM
Washburn University
Mabee Library
Is There Help for Human Trafficking Victims?
Story of Veronica'sVoice
and Other Kansas Efforts
Kristy Childs, Veronica's Voice
Dorthy Stucky Halley,
KS Attorney General's Office
Angie Wilson,
KS Bureau of Investigation
Free public events
sponsored by
Executive Director Jim McCollough
www.topekacpj.org phone 232-4388
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NAACP FREEDOM FUND BANQUET
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National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People - Topeka, KS Unit #4042
501 SE Jefferson Street, Suite 31, Topeka, Kansas 66607
Address Correspondence to: P.O. Box 1451, Topeka, KS 66601
Ph: 785 26-NAACP (266-2227) E-mail: naacptopeka@cox.net
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The Mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.
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Freedom Fund Banquet
The Topeka Unit National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will host its 98th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, October 29, 6:00 p.m. at the Ramada Hotel Regency Ballroom, 420 SE 6th Street, Topeka, Kansas.
We extend to you a personal invitation to join us at this exciting and memorable event. It will give you and your unit an opportunity to meet and network other NAACP members as you help us celebrate our milestones, history and success of the NAACP in the Topeka community.
Our theme for this year is, Affirming America's Promise. Our keynoter will be Rev. Delmar A. White, Pastor of 9th Street Missionary Baptist Church, Lawrence, KS. Rev. White is an outstanding speaker and will provide us with an inspiring message.
During these tough economic times having an organization as the NAACP is to ensure that in our society all individuals will have equal rights. The Freedom Fund Banquet is our annual major fund raising event to help with the many causes of the NAACP.
We certainly hope you will take this opportunity to be a part of this exciting evening we have planned.
If you have questions or need additional information about this event, please contact me at 785.273.7828 or e-mail me at byoung36@cox.net or contact the unit at the above contact information.
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Ecumenical Campus Ministries at the
University of Kansas
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The Ecumenical Campus Ministries at the University of Kansas has many programs that we are proud of. These programs, however, don't happen by chance or magic -- they are carefully planned and carried out by a fantastic team of committed young adults with the guidance of the campus minister. The ECM "student leadership team" is a team of 24 student and non-student young adults that are the heart of ECM's ministry.
This year we were so fortunate to receive a grant from the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations that enabled us to take the group on a team-building retreat to Heartland Presbyterian retreat center in Kansas City. At this overnight retreat the team got to know one another, planned their areas of ministry for the year, and shared and explored their gifts with one another. The retreat got us off to a very successful start and many programs are already in full swing! We hope you will check out our website for more information and that you will consider joining us for some of our events!
ECM- practicing compassion, exploring faiths, building community!
1204 Oread Ave, Lawrence KS 66044 785-843-4933
www.ecmku.org
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K-O PRAYER REQUESTS
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Family of Rev. Bob Smith, retired pastor who passed away. If you would like to send his wife Dee a card, their home address is 2101 S. Elizabeth #802, Wichita KS 67213
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K-O PRAYER CALENDAR
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The newly elected officers and council members of the Kansas Oklahoma Conference
Rev. Leslie Penrose - Representative to the National UCC Justice and Witness Ministries
Mr. Mike Munz - Treasurer of the K-O Conference
October
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| UCC CALENDAR OF PRAYER |
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ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCE COMING EVENTS |
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Link to
the K-0
Calendar
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November 5 - All Conference Committees on Ministry Retreat - Wichita, KS
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| K-O INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER'S SCHEDULE |
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October 19-23 ~ vacation
October 24-27 ~ UCC West Central Region Conference Staff Meeting, Schuyler, Nebraska
November 3 ~ guest speaker at UCC History & Polity Class at Phillips Theological Seminary, Tulsa, Oklahoma
November 5 ~ Conference-wide Committee on Ministry Retreat
November 6 ~ Church of the Savior, Oklahoma City, OK
November 12 ~ Conference Council
November 13 ~ Colonial UCC, Prairie Village, KS
November 20 ~ First Congregational UCC, Manhattan, KS for the farewell service of Rev. Kent Cormack
November 22 ~ UCC Parish Life & Leadership meeting, Chicago, IL
Krista would be happy to visit your congregation. Call her at 316-686-4331 to schedule a date.
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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.
Congregational UCC, Haven, KS
Community Congregational UCC, Gaylord, KS Rev. Linda Kemp 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 supply pastor First Congregational UCC, Manhattan, KS Rev. Kent Cormack has announced his resignation. His last Sunday leading worship is November 20. First Congregational UCC, Onaga, KS Pastor Scott Caulley is supply pastor. First Salem UCC, Wichita, KS Pastor Myra Sorrell is serving as supply pastor through January 2012. Highland Trinity UCC, Newton, KS Rev. Bill Hickerson is supply pastor Immanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS Rev. Katrina Palan is interim pastor Kiowa Congregational UCC, Kiowa, KS Puritan Congregational Christian Church, Drummond, OK St John UCC, Baldwin City, KS Rev Lewis Hinshaw is supply pastor St. Peter's UCC, Inman, KS Rev Christine Edwards is the interim pastor United Church of Norman, Norman, OK Rev. Warren Jensen is interim pastor. United Parish of Lenora, Lenora, KS 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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