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KANSAS-OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 

 K-O e-NEWS

November 2, 2011


 


   


mission1  

 

 

 

 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.) 

 

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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

 

BEST LETTERS ARE "SHORT AND SWEET" HAND-WRITTEN, ON ONE PAGE.  WRITE YOUR OWN LETTER USING IDEAS FROM THE SAMPLE BELOW:

 

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  

 


 


In Hope of the Resurrection 

 

 

Prayers of condolence to Loretta Weaver, a member of Faith UCC, Wichita in the death of her mother, Margie Dean Huffman. Margie worked in the K-O Conference office from 1964 - 1977.  Visitation with the family  is Thursday, Nov. 3rd from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at Broadway Mortuary, 1147 S. Broadway, Wichita.  Funeral service will be held at the same location on Friday, Nov. 4th at 10:00am.

Share condolences at www.cozinememorial.com

 


 

"Bonhoeffer in New York"

 
 

 

Dr. Ferdinand Schlingensiepen, this year's King Lecturer at Washburn University and Theologian in Residence at the University of Kansas, will give a lecture, entitled

 

"Bonhoeffer in New York" 

 

This lecture will be held on Tuesday, November 8 at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, located at 1701 SW Collins Ave in Topeka, Kansas.

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer was in New York on two separate occasions. The first time, from 1930-1931, where he was a student at Union Theological Seminary, and again briefly, from June 2 - July 22, 1939. Examining these two visits, Dr. Schlingensiepen will explore their importance for the development of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as a theologian and political activist. 

 

Following the lecture, there will be a panel discussion, entitled "Faith and Politics," which will explore consequences of Bonhoeffer's theological outlook for the church in today's world.

 

Panelists will be: Rev. Dr. Robert Harder, Rev. Thad Holcombe (Ecumenical Campus Ministries at the University of Kansas), Rev. Dr. Jim McCollough (Dir. Topeka Center for Peace and Justice), Rev. Dr. Tobias Schlingensiepen (Sr. Minister First Congregational Church), Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Schlingensiepen (Biographer of Dietrich Bonhoeffer from Duesseldorf, Germany), Dr. Artie Shaw (Lawrence, Ks.)

  

  Our 2012 Budgets: An Open Letter from one K-O Pastor







 


Dear K-O Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I am writing this as one person, not representing any group or even my own congregation in this appeal. However, I am writing as one pastor in our conference. 

 

I urge each congregation to prayerfully consider taking the amount you have been including in your local church budget for association dues, and marking that amount in your 2012 budget for the new K-O Committee on Ministry.

 

 Our congregation in Oklahoma City, Church of the Open Arms, has done just that. We had been giving about $1,200 each year in association dues. In our 2012 budget that amount will be marked for the K-O Committee on Ministry. We are also increasing our giving to OCWM for 2012. 


I know that our associations have not yet voted to dissolve, but the vote to unite in a single conference-wide Committee on Ministry was unanimous at the annual meeting.  
I hope,  that what were our associations, transform into a cluster for fellowship, support, and shared ministry. Our new unified COM for the conference will need financial resources to operate. It will take time to work out all the details of how this new system will function. Let's be patient and forward-thinking with each other through this time of transition.

 

Best wishes for each of your congregations as we prepare for a new year in ministry together.

Sincerely,

 

Kathy McCallie   

 

 

 

 

 


   
 

 

 

 

 hope

 

NEXT MEETING IS November 10-Chapters 9, 10 & 11

10:30am-12 noon at the Conference Office in Wichita, KS. 

Folks that have time then go out to lunch.  

 

 

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 

 

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

316-686-4331 

 

The Insurance Board is holding these upcoming webinars you do not want to miss!

 
  
 

 

 

 

Nov 2, 2011

 2PM Central time 

 Abuse Prevention 2.0 - Making SafeConduct™ Your Goal 

 

 

Nov 16, 2011

10AM Central time  & 2PM Central 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.

 

 

White Memorial Camp Project for 

Collective Souls Showcase Event   

 

 

 

 

We are going to make holiday baskets to sell at

the November 26th Collective Souls Showcase

Event in Council Grove.   I sure could use your

help in acquiring the following:

 

  • Baskets
  • Gently used or new holiday items 
  • Homemade cookies, candies, and goodies 
  • Clear wrap to cover the baskets
  • Quilts and/or knitted items to sell to benefit the camp or put in the baskets

 

(If you get items gathered up for us I can make a special trip to see you and pick up these items)

 

Please call me if you are interested in helping with the baskets.   

Thanks ahead of time for all your help!

 

 

Sara Shaw

Director

White Memorial Camp and Conference Center

 

 

  Rally for Repeal - Wichita, KS

 

 

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)

 

 CPR LOGO

 

 8 Ways Small Churches are Changing the World
(and How Yours Can, Too!)

WEBINAR


 
Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, Pastor, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Red Oak, IA  is a leading voice in promoting the effective, healthy and world changing power of small churches. 

 

Join us as she presents 8 ways your church can make a difference in lives of your congregation, community and the world.

 

When:   November 15, 2011 - 8:00 - 9:00 PM EST
 
Cost: $14.99

 

 

 What a bargain!! 

This woman is a dynamo...check it out!!!

   

REGISTER HERE 

 

 

 

 

 

 "Gospel Without Borders"

 

Dear Friends: 

 

I am delighted to inform you about a special documentary on DVD which has been produced regarding the issue of immigration. It is entitled "Gospel Without Borders." I have seen the DVD and it is a marvelous resource.

The video will be launched officially on Friday, November 18, at a premier and panel discussion held at St. John's Missionary Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. 

The Oklahoma Conference of Churches is a co-sponsor of the event. I am very pleased to tell you that a free copy of the DVD will be given to any OCC congregation that sends a representative to the premier on November 18 (one DVD per church, please).

I hope that you or someone from your congregation can attend.

I look forward to seeing you there.

 
The Rev. Dr. William Tabbernee
Executive Director
Oklahoma Conference of Churches
301 NW 36th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

 

 

 

 

Attention Association LayWomen 

 

Nominations for 2012 Association Honored Lay Women are due by December 31, 2011.  This is your opportunity to recognize the contributions of the women in your local churches.  

 

A Nomination form can be downloaded here or request a hard copy from the conference office.   

 

 

A MESSAGE FROM CUE

 

Highlight: Eden Seminary

 

Eden Theological Seminary is the "E" in CUE Seminaries, and as one of the seven seminaries of the United Church of Christ, our mission is to serve the Church by preparing women and men to be effective ministers and leaders. Students from 14 US states, 11 countries, and 18 different denominations immerse themselves in an intensive learning environment on our St. Louis campus. A rigorous academic program combined with significant opportunity for practical ministry experience helps Eden to be faithful to our educational mission. The support of individuals and churches allow our work in the community to draw congregations, pastors, faculty and students together and promote the traditions of the progressive Christian movement. For more information about Eden and the ways we partner in the life of churches, please visit us at www.eden.edu 

 

 

CUE Seminaries Survey

 

In order to better communicate with congregations in the region, CUE Seminaries (Chicago, United, and Eden) is collecting information about how and why congregations support theological education. Please take a few minutes to participate in a congregational survey for CUE Seminaries. Here is a direct link to the online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7GDKQHQ. You can also connect to the survey directly on the CUE website: www.cueseminaries.org

 

If you have questions, please contact Kiely Todd Roska, CUE Director,651-255-6121 or [email protected].


Kiely Todd Roska
Director, CUE Seminaries
P.O. Box 120357
St. Paul, MN 55112
[email protected]
www.cueseminaries.org  

 The Chautauqua United Church of Christ Society

 

The Chautauqua United Church of Christ Society is seeking nine UCC clergy to serve as Chaplain of the Week during the Summer of 2012. Each chaplain serves during one week, Saturday through Saturday, during the regular Chautauqua summer season. For information about schedules and themes, please see www.ciweb.org

 

As Chaplain of the Week, you will be expected to preach in the Society's Sunday morning (8:45) worship service, lead an afternoon vespers service, and participate in the community life of the Society. You will receive housing, two gate passes, and free parking. For information on how to apply, please visit the Chautauqua UCC Society website at www.cuccs.org

 

The application deadline is November 25, 2011.

 

Community News and Events

 
  • Deanna and Jerry Lewis have arrived at their new home and asked that we post their contact information.

 

2120 Rosemont Dr, Colfax, NC 27235  

[email protected].  

  

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  • Kent Cormack and Bill Pugh are leaving First Congregational UCC, Manhattan after 11 years, and we plan to honor them with a potluck dinner after worship on November 20, 2011. 

 

Our church extends an invitation to anyone who has been touched by the ministry of Kent and Bill to join us for worship at 10:45 AM with potluck to follow. 

 

Please contact me if you wish to donate to a farewell gift for Kent and Bill as they continue their journey in Athens, Tennessee.

 

 Jeff Keller  [email protected]

 

 

K-O PRAYER CALENDAR 

 

 

First Congregational Church, Athol, KS  

 
Mission 1 event

 

Community Church, Gorham, KS

UCC CALENDAR OF PRAYER
 

 UCC PRAYER CALENDAR

ASSOCIATIONS AND CONFERENCE COMING EVENTS

Link to

the K-0

Calendar 

 

 

November 5 - All Conference Committees on Ministry Retreat - Wichita, KS

K-O INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER'S SCHEDULE
 

 

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.

K-O CHURCHES IN TRANSITION
 









 

Cathedral of Hope, Oklahoma City, OK Rev. Joe Meinhart is interim pastor

 

Central Congregational UCC, Topeka, KS Rev. Sherry Triggs has announced her resignation. Her last Sunday leading worship is November 20

 

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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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.