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KANSAS-OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
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| K-O e-NEWS
November 8, 2011
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Dear Friends,
Mission: 1 is clear evidence that audacious faith and courage are alive and well in the United Church of Christ! We have heard God's call to address one of the world's most pressing needs. Two years of severe drought have devastated crops and livestock in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. The result is famine in the Horn of Africa, which is witnessing the largest humanitarian crisis in the world today -- over 13 million people urgently need assistance.
The good news is that we are not helpless in the face of hunger; we can and are taking action. Mission: 1 enables us to respond to hunger both in Africa and in our own communities. We can help now by giving generously to East Africa famine relief and to Neighbors in Need hunger ministries. Many of our churches are collecting food for distribution in local pantries and writing letters to Congress advocating for food justice.
The Mission: 1 campaign lasts only 11 days, but our response will enable many famine-stricken children to live full lives. Because we are not helpless, the hungry need not be hopeless. After today, there are three more days of Mission: 1. Be sure to report your congregation's donations of food and letters, and to send in your monetary donations by mail or online -- so that we can update and celebrate together at ucc.org.
Blessings,
The Rev. James Moos
Executive Minister of the UCC's Wider Church Ministries
Co-executive of UCC/Disciples' Global Ministries
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TONIGHT ---"Bonhoeffer in New York"
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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.)
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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
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The Insurance Board is holding these upcoming webinars you do not want to miss!
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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.
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Pilgrimage to a Sacred Place
Thanksgiving Ceremony
AT WHITE MEMORIAL CAMP
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CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE THE IMAGE ABOVE
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White Memorial Camp Project for
Collective Souls Showcase Event
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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
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ADVENT RESOURCES
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Find United Church of Christ liturgical resources for the Advent season at http://www.ucc.org/advent/ or www.ucc.org/worship and children's activity sheets at www.ucc.org/children.
Order additional material from UCC Resources (UCCR) online at www.uccresources.com or by telephone at 800-537-3394.
What is Advent? A booklet for tweens ages 9-12 using puzzles and activities, teaches about Advent celebrations and symbols, with instructions for making an Advent calendar (UCCR).
Advent: A Calendar of Devotions 2011 is a large-print booklet of daily devotions (UCCR)
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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
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"Gospel Without Borders"
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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
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Attention Association LayWomen
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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.
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A MESSAGE FROM CUE
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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 kiely@cueseminaries.org.
Kiely Todd Roska
Director, CUE Seminaries
P.O. Box 120357
St. Paul, MN 55112
kiely@cueseminaries.org
www.cueseminaries.org
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The Chautauqua United Church of Christ Society
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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.
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Community News and Events
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- Deanna and Jerry Lewis have arrived at their new home and asked that we post their contact information.
2120 Rosemont Dr, Colfax, NC 27235
deannalewis64j@yahoo.com.
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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 windmill@mindspring.com
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K-O PRAYER CALENDAR
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First Congregational Church, Great Bend, KS ~ Rev. Stan Crawford and Congregation
St. Paul UCC, Holyrood, KS ~ Rev. Debra Rains and Congregation
Mission 1 event
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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 19TH - K-O CONFERENCE COUNCIL
10:30 AM
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| K-O INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER'S SCHEDULE |
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November 13 ~ Colonial UCC, Prairie Village, KS
November 19 ~ Conference Council
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
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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| 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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