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KANSAS-OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
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K-O e-NEWS
July 3, 2012
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Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!
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Kansas-Oklahoma Women's Fellowship
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"GATHERED AS GOD'S FAMILY"
KS-OK Conference WOMEN
FALL ASSEMBLY GATHERING
@ White Memorial Camp
AUGUST 17-18-19, 2012
Guest Keynoter/Bible Study Leader-
Pastor Cinthia Molini of Missouri
SCRIPTURES: 1-2 Peter; 1-2-3 John; Jude
KOWF 2012 Assembly Registration
ATTENTION WOMEN and Friends:
Everyone attending the KS-OK Women's ASSEMBLY,
August 17-18-19th at White Memorial Camp (see additional article and link for registration forms!), are being asked to bring supplies to assist in CHURCH WORLD SERVICE's urgent call for
BABY KITS.
Perhaps others can help bring or send the following:
* Six (6) cloth diapers;
* Two (2) T-shirts or undershirts (not onesies);
* Two (2) washcloths/ baby washcloths;
* Two (2) infant gowns or sleepers;
* Two (2) diaper pins;
* One (1) sweater or sweatshirt-type jacket
(may be hand knitted or crocheted);
* Two (2) receiving blankets (One may be a
hand-knitted or crocheted baby blanket).
Items must be NEW and under 12 MO in size!
Each kit will also require $2.00 for processing. Donations toward this shipping are appreciated. Please send to:
KOWF Treas. Rosetta Bartels
Box 425
Inman, KS 67546
Notate it is for CWS Baby Kits.
Thank you for supporting KO Women's Service Project. Please register for KOWF Assembly in AUGUST soon!
KOWF 2012 Assembly Registration REMINDER REMINDER REMINDER
"Dues"/financial support for KO Women's Fellowship
Rosetta Bartels, KOWF Treas. PO Box 425, Inman, KS 67546 Special offering support to:
KS-OK Women's Endowment Fund
c/o the KO Foundation Board
Kansas Oklahoma Conference
1245 Fabrique
Wichita, KS 67218
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WOMEN--
An invitation is offered again this year to attend a retreat event on October 3-5 Midweek / October 5-7 Weekend with our KS Disciples Women Sisters. Registration deadline is September 1, 2012
Our Speaker, Dr. Sharyn Dowd, brings such a great knowledge and love of scripture; it will be an incredible experience. Mark your calendars so you don't miss this special speaker and enjoy time spent with your sisters across the region.
This year will see the second kid's Day Camp for those attending the Saturday Only retreat sessions. This is open for children age 2 through middle school ($25). The retreat and day camp registration forms are now on the website at www.kansasdisciples.org.
Cost of the retreat remains at $75 for a full retreat and $45 for a partial (no overnight) retreat, thanks to a generous grant from the Kansas Bible Chair Fund. The hands-on service project this year will be to assemble Church World Service baby care Kits. See the KO Women's notice that outlines the contents, or go to the CWS website
ATTN: The regional office staff in Topeka said they are already noticing a slowdown of mail delivery due to changes for the United States Postal Service, so send those forms in at least one week ahead of the deadline.
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Practicing Progressive Christianity in the 21st Century
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The Center for Progressive Renewal has announced Praxis21: Practicing Progressive Christianity in the 21st Century as the theme for its annual New Church Leadership Institute (NCLI) to be held August 8-10, 2012. Created six years ago, NCLI features world-class church planting and renewal experts within the progressive church, and is one of the main programs of the Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR). The conference will be held at the Courtyard by Marriott Conference Center; 130 Clairmont Road; Decatur, GA 30030, and registration is now open at www.progressiverenewal.org.
Dozens of speakers will participate in NCLI, the only conference of its kind in the United States. Presenters will include Phyllis Tickle, Laurie Beth Jones, Eric Elnes, Ben Guess, Ken Samuel, Cameron Trimble and Michael Piazza. Praxis21 will focus on six major themes including global trends that are reshaping what it means to be church in this time; how leaders can "retool" themselves to lead churches into a new age; and how to build sustainable ministries for the present and future. Modeled after the TED conference format, each session will be presented in plenary format with 4 to 5 speakers, presenting their best ideas in short, 18 minute segments. For those who desire to spend more concentrated time on specific issues, a one-day pre-conference intensive will be held in seven specific areas including "Pre-Launch Church Planting," "Digital Discipleship: Social Media in Ministry," " Hispanic Ministry in the Progressive Church," and "The Black Church: Defining a Future of Growth."
The EARLY BIRD registration discounted fees end on June 8th. So encourage registration now to receive discount. There are several discounts as well for groups of 2 - 5, 6 - 10 as well as for seminary students. We also offer scholarship aid http://praxis21.org/registration/scholarship-information/
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White Memorial Camp Maintenance Needs |
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Maintenance Needs at WMC - July 2012
- Drills of all sizes
- Hammers
- Screw drivers
- Wrenches
- Socket sets
- Big vise
- Log chains
- Cutting torch hose
- Mig or stick welder
- Garden hoes
- Shovels
- Higher end Non-kinking garden hose (vs. the cheaper kind)
- Heavy duty floor jack
- More than 2000 pound chain hoist
Please keep in mind that we welcome donations at all times, all year long. If you have tools, equipment, or handy items that are 'slightly used', do think of us before you discard them.
Your kindness is greatly appreciated!
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White Memorial Camp 2012 Schedules
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All are welcome, you do not have to be a member of a UCC Church, we are open for all. I do have some scholarships still available.
Camps with openings include:
Men's Weekend (all men and boys welcome)
July 27th - July 29th
Last Blast - (grades 3rd - 12th)
July 30th - July 12th
Family Camp - Weekend (open to all families)
August 3rd - 5th
Rainbow Family - Camp (all are welcome here)
August 6th - 10th
Washunga Weekend Cabin and Campsites Available:
Cabin space available to rent for the Washunga Weekend.
Cabins that sleep 16: $75.00 a night
Cabin that sleeps 32 and $150.00 a night
Each of the smaller cabins have small kitchenettes and the larger cabin has a full kitchen.
RV sites with electric hook up access to water and we have a dump site fee is $20.00 per night.
Tent sites available $12.00 per night and a small
apartment available that sleeps 4-7 for $50.00 a night.
* Food is not provided unless prior arrangements have been made.
**If interested in a weekend this summer other than Washunga Weekend please contact our office.
Thanks,
Sara A. Shaw
620-767-5165 (Office)
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The staff at WMC requests for you to keep your eyes open for small items you could donate to Camp White to be used as incentives and prizes during games.
White Memorial Camp is in search of water skis for the water front program. Thank you so much.
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Report of Proxy to Annual Meeting of Annuity Fund by Lois Gibson, Illinois South Conference
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I just returned from serving as your proxy at the 98th Annual Pension Board meeting in Cleveland. The proxy voting process is required to fulfill the State of New Jersey corporate regulations. It is essential that participants return the proxy voting cards to establish a quorum for the meeting. This year of the 16,000 voting participants in the Annuity Plan, only 4,097 ballots were returned.
The vision statement for the Pension Board is: To strengthen the church by helping participants achieve health and economic security. Even though the Annuity Plan is the foundation, the Pension Board supervises other programs including UCC Health and Dental Benefits, Ministerial Assistance, Clinical Intervention, Life Income Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Healthy Stewards and Member Education.
The changes to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation were passed with only a few negative votes. Changes will allow the Pension Board to charge a user fee for benefits to other denominations and groups within the UCC such as United Church Funds.
The chief investment officer, David Klassen, gave a very detailed report on stock and bond performance and the state of the economy. He projected a self-sustaining but slow recovery. Detailed information is in the 2011 annual report.
The Insurance Board is separate from the Annuity Plan; however, many questions were raised and answered. Health costs are increasing by 1/3 because of inflation and 2/3's due to increased use. We have more high cost claims than other denominations and more sick people. In 2011 the top 100 claims cost a total of 6 million dollars. Persons are allowed to enroll beyond the 90 day window if they can prove to be healthy at the time of application. Last year 92 persons applied, and 58% were enrolled. Of the 42% denied, 7 appealed and were admitted. UCC plan is based on "medical necessity" as determined by a hospital board. Thus benefits do not include Viagra, treatment for autism or transgender procedures among other things. It will pay for post-surgical needs after transgender surgeries.
The Pension Board is trying to increase communication to members through e-mail to reduce postage costs. Mailings will continue to those who do not have internet access. The Board has 13,500 addresses out of 22,829 members.
There are still challenges to the tax laws regarding housing allowance. The Church Alliance is working to protect that benefit. Some Conferences and churches are questioning the 14% contribution rate to the Annuity Fund. In the United Church of Christ 2,140 churches have a yearly budget less than $100,000. Only 9% of lay workers in the UCC are participants in the Fund even with a 3% contribution rate. There will soon be more retirees than active participants in the Annuity Fund. New participants last year were equal to the number of deaths.
Our own Krista Betz was introduced as the new head of the Ministerial Assistance Fund. She will be moving to Manhattan in October to begin this new ministry as Doug Borko retires.
The complete minutes of the annual meeting will be posted on the web site www.pbucc.org Also found on the web site is the detailed 2011 annual report.
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Phillips Theological Seminary Board Approves New Directions
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Tulsa, Okla., June 26, 2012 - Cultivating vital communities, vital conversations, and the public good are at the heart of a new strategic plan approved by the board of trustees at Phillips Theological Seminary. The plan builds upon PTS's reputation for educating leaders for service in both congregations and the wider community and includes both new public statements and new programs to reach a broader audience.
The new identity statement reads: Phillips Theological Seminary offers theological education dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital communities, vital conversations, and the public good.
PTS's newly stated mission is to learn and teach how to be: attentive to God; responsible biblical and theological interpreters; faithful individuals and communities acting with God to transform the world.
When asked why the seminary made these changes, PTS President Gary Peluso-Verdend responded, "The world of graduate theological education for ministry is in the midst of a radical change. At PTS, we're reimagining the seminary enterprise. We will continue to educate candidates for professional ministry. In fact, we're devoting considerable resources to re-thinking the coursework and outcomes for the master of divinity degree, focusing on how to cultivate vitality in conversations, in local places of service, and in the broader public. But we are also widening the conversation circles for PTS."
As expressions of the commitment to engage broader audiences, PTS is introducing two new programs this Fall and has created options for non-degree students within current course offerings.
The Interreligious Understanding program is designed to facilitate broad-ranging conversation among adherents of different religious traditions. PTS aims to prepare individuals for life and work in religiously diverse communities. Visit www.ptstulsa.edu/interreligious for more information.
The FaithLife Connections (FLC) program is a topical, weekend lecture and workshop series where PTS faculty members will present Friday night and Saturday morning at a local congregation in each of 7 locations. FLC will be offered twice per year over a 3 year period.
The PTS faculty has also opened selected courses in Biblical Languages, Biblical Studies for non-degree students. In addition, a General Studies graduate certificate is available.
The new public statements and programs are the first fruits of a strategic planning cycle, in which the seminary's board has been engaged since February 2011. The new language for the statements was developed after input from faculty, staff, students, alums, clergy and seminary friends. Over the course of several months the statements and goals were then drafted and revised before being approved by the PTS Board of Trustees on May 11, 2012.
The new mission and identity statements and strategic goals are available on the seminary website, as well as a question and answer session with President Peluso-Verdend. Visit www.ptstulsa.edu/definingidentity.
About PTS
Established in 1907, Phillips Theological Seminary is dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital communities, vital conversations, and the public good. Affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Phillips provides an ecumenical education, with students representing more than 20 denominations. The mission of PTS is to learn and teach how to be: attentive to God; responsible biblical and theological interpreters; faithful individuals and communities acting with God to transform the world. In addition to serving the church's need for an educated ministry, the seminary also welcomes students who are not pursuing ministerial degrees but who want to explore their faith through courses in the curriculum and through programs designed for larger publics. www.ptstulsa.edu.
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K-O PRAYER CALENDAR |
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Fairview UCC, Fairview, KS ~ Rev. Shane Spangler and Congregation
United Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City, KS - Rev. Dr. Art Foster and Congregation
Rev. Max and Rev. Lillie DaMetz, retired clergy and UCC Pension Board Visitors
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UCC CALENDAR OF PRAYER
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K-O UCC CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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Link to
the K-0
Calendar
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K-O Conference Council Meeting
July 20-21 at White Memorial Camp
K-O Conference Annual Meeting
November 8, 9, 10 & 11 Wichita Airport Hilton
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K-O INTERIM CONFERENCE MINISTER'S SCHEDULE
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July 8th ~ Emmanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS July 20-21 ~ Conference Retreat at White Memorial Camp July 23-31 ~ Vacation Aug 17-19 ~ KO Women's Retreat at White Memorial Camp Aug 26th ~ Community of Hope, Tulsa OK 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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Congratulations to Gaylord Community UCC and First Christian Church, Smith Center for calling Rev. Randy Hill as their pastor. Randy has standing with the Disciples of Christ and comes to Kansas most recently from serving a church in Texas.
Congratulations to First Congregational UCC, Goltry, OK for calling James White to serve as their licensed pastor.
Central Congregational UCC, Topeka, KS ~ Rev. Scott Kenefake is interim pastor
Carrier Congregational UCC, Carrier, OK ~ Rev. Gordon Epps is interim pastor.
Colonial UCC, Prairie Village, KS - has made the decision to call an Associate
Minister for Christian Development to work with the congregation and their Senior Pastor, Rev. Aaron Roberts
Community of Hope, Tulsa, OK
First Congregational UCC, Anthony, KS
First Congregational UCC, Centralia, KS - Pastor Scott Caulley has announced his resignation effective July 31, 2012
First Congregational UCC, Great Bend, KS ~ Rev. Stan Crawford is interim pastor
First Congregational UCC, Manhattan, KS ~ Rev. Victor Force is interim pastor
First Congregational UCC, Onaga, KS - Pastor Scott Caulley has announced his resignation effective July 31, 2012
First Salem UCC, Wichita, KS
Immanuel UCC, Ellinwood, KS ~ Rev. Katrina Palan has been the interim pastor and will be leaving July 15.
Open Table UCC, Owasso, OK
Puritan Congregational Christian Church, Drummond, OK. ~Rev. Matt Perkins is supply pastor
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
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
1271 South 1050 Road
Council Grove, KS 66846-8520
620-767-5165 (Camp Office)
620-202-0311(Cell)
Kelli Moore, Office Associate
1245 Fabrique
Wichita, KS, 67218
800-880-6466
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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