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Companion Diocese Uruguay
Holy God, source of healing and of peace, bless with your grace the companion dioceses of Oklahoma and Uruguay. Through our partnership one with another may we grow in mutual affection and communion, seek a more profound experience of truth, build up the Church in unity and give glory to Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
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The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
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The Next Issue of this Newsletter will be on Friday, May13. |
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We Are Epiok.org
May 13, 2011
Issue 15 |
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WHAT ARE THE GREAT FIFTY DAYS?
Contrary to what many people think, Easter is not a single day. It is actually a season that begins on Easter Sunday and continues for seven full weeks. This seven-week cycle is known historically as the Great Fifty Days or the Week of Weeks. During this time, the church celebrates the Lord's resurrection, His appearances to the disciples after Easter, His post-resurrection teachings, His ascension into heaven, and the disciples' eager anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Ascension Day the 40th of the Great Fifty Days is frequently commemorated with a special evening worship service since it always falls on a Thursday.
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Bishop's Schedule
May 15 St. Dunstan's, Tulsa
May 22 St. Patrick's, Broken Arrow
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Visitors to Diocesan Offices
Bishop Ed, Sister Ephrance, and Ivan Williams, (BARHD)
Sister Ephrance has been visiting throughout the Diocese of Oklahoma and dropped by to give an up-date on her ministry and to present the Diocese with a Bible in the native language of West Ankole, Uganda.
We continue to encourage congregations in the dioceses to support the mission and ministry of Sister Ephrance and her work in Uganda. |
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Clergy Couple Welcome First Child
Congratulations to Tim and Kirsten Baer on the arrival of their new baby, Hannah Grace. Tim and Kirsten are our seminarians and will soon take their new roles in parishes in Tulsa and Broken Arrow. Baby Hannah Grace is the granddaughter of Henry Baer and is the Treasurer for the Diocese.
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iPray BCP
A new iPhone application called iPray has been developed by a group from All Souls' Episcopal Church in Nichols Hills and Oklahoma City-based Phase2 Interactive. The new app presents the traditional Book of Common Prayer in an easy-to-navigate format for daily use.
For a Youtube demo video of this app, click here: http://www.youtube.com/user/iPrayBCP
To read the complete article from the Oklahoman, Click here
You may search for "iPray BCP" in iTunes app store.
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STUDENTS HELP STUDENTS BY VOLUNTEERING AND DONATING MONEY
Check presentation - L to R: Service Learning Director of St. Mary's School, Cathy Pugsley; 2d grader Tre Damon; Executive Director and Founder of the Regional Food Bank, Rodney Bivens
When the second graders at St. Mary's Episcopal School learned that one in five children in Oklahoma is at risk of going hungry every day, they devoted themselves to do something about it. With the assistance of Service Learning Director, Cathy Pugsley, and second grade teachers, Pam Alltizer and Sandy Mitchell, the students participated in a class-wide Read-a-Thon, whereby family members and friends supported the cause by donating for each book read. At the end of the Read-a-Thon, the class had earned nearly $1,000 for the Food for Kids backpack program.
The Regional Food Bank started the Food for Kids Backpack Program in January 2003 in response to hearing a firsthand account of an Oklahoma City elementary student who fainted on a Monday morning, while waiting in the school lunch line, due to lack of food over the weekend. The program provides chronically hungry children, identified by school personnel, with backpacks filled with non-perishable, kid-friendly food to eat on weekends and school holidays.
But giving money wasn't enough for the students. They also wanted to volunteer their time at the Regional Food Bank with a "hands-on" project that would help families with children, who receive food assistance from one of the 450 participating agencies of the food bank.
The students had learned that for many children, hunger isn't just an occasional missed meal, it is a way of life and that over one-third, or 15,000, of the Regional Food Bank's emergency food recipients on a weekly basis are children.
"I wanted to help other kids because they can't survive without food," said second grader, Dylan Price.
With protective hairnets and vinyl gloves, the students worked to package frozen shredded carrots into two pound bags that would be given to needy families.
L to R: second graders Sophia Dykstra and Charlie Schultheis work to package carrots in two pound bags |
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ST. PATRICK'S BROKEN ARROW SHOE AND SOCK COLLECTION
The Parish of St. Patrick's is giving 54 pairs of new shoes with at least 2 pairs of new socks in a gift bag for the homeless. These have been gathered for specific homeless people who are part of the Thursday Nite Dinner in Owen Park. Beyond that we also have some gently used shoes and socks, as well as new socks to share as well.
Gathering these shoes are an outgrowth of Jesus' washing the disciples feet, and commanding us to do the same. That is why the collection was centered around Maundy Thursday. We are caring for the feet of Christ in the homeless and putting action to the Gospel.
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Godly Play Training to be Offered
You asked and we listened. We are offering a three-day Godly Play Core Training event at St. Paul's Cathedral, 127 NW 7th Street, Oklahoma City. Classes will be offered on:
Thursday, June 9th from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Friday, June 10th from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 11th from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
Godly Play is an approach to religious education in which the teacher shows the various ways to use the sacred stories, parables and liturgical actions of the Christian faith as tools for approaching the larger questions of life. These components of religious language become the starting points for wonder and discussion. Following the Montessori tradition, the materials are always available for children to use in retelling the story, thus helping them to truly make the stories their own. Class structure follows the pattern of worship. There is time to share the story in community and time to respond individually (through art materials or the story manipulatives). At the end of the response time, the community of children comes together for prayers and a "feast." This method was begun by the Rev. Jerome Berryman, an Episcopal priest, who studied with Sofia Cavalletti, who pioneered the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program.
The cost for training is $295. However, don't let this be an impediment in your taking the training. Many smaller congregations have asked about this and we want you to be able to attend. Contact Sabrina if you need scholarship help. Additionally, we will help you look at alternative materials that help reduce the set- up costs. A registration form an brochure is on line.
You may check out Godly Play on their web site: http://www.godlyplayfoundation.org/newsite/Main.php
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Men's Retreat
The Brotherhood of St. Andrews is sponsoring a
Men's Retreat
with
Father Joseph Alsay
May 19-21, 2011
St. Crispin's Conference Center
Thursday Supper - Saturday Lunch
2 nights/6 meals
$120 double/$150 single
Deadline: 5/10
Contact: Bob Baker 918-258-5656
baker111@tulsacoxmail.com
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The Alleluia Fund
GOD IS A GIVER.... THEREFORE WE ARE GIVERS
We are made in the image of God. He is generous, therefore we are generous. When we are giving, we are reflecting the likeness of God. It is our basic nature to give of ourselves.
THE ALLELUIA FUND is a diocesan-wide offering. It's purpose is to empower our diocese to respond to God's call to build the church by creating new resources for mission and ministry, and to encourage every member of our Diocese to live more fully into his/her baptismal covenant. The Alleluia Fund will be celebrated June 5th. Contributions can be made through your home church or sent to The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, 924 North Robinson, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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Did You Miss the Easter Bunny?
He made a surprise visit to St. Augustine of Canterbury the Saturday before Easter.
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Eco-Justice Immersion Experience 2011
Episcopal Leadership Institute for Young Adults
August 27-September 1
Seattle, Washington
We are writing to invite you to an Episcopal Church pilot project initiative of leadership and advocacy training around themes of sustainable economy, climate justice, eco-theology, and our spiritual and physical ties to the life that surrounds us. Selected participants for the program will have the opportunity to spend six days interfacing with national and regional leaders from both the faith and non-profit worlds, hiking in some of this nation's most beautiful country, and putting their hands and heads to work advocating for eco-justice.
The event offers an incredible opportunity to:
* discuss and learn about a range of issues connecting Christian faith with care and justice for all creation,
* learn about Episcopal Church polity and policy,
* learn how the church participates in advocacy,
* develop skills and knowledge to use in dioceses, churches, and communities around the country, and
* develop relationships to encourage your interest in this area of ministry.
Women and men between the ages of 18 and 30 from across the Episcopal Church are invited to apply for this exciting opportunity. Only 20 individuals will be selected to participate due to funding and logistics constraints in this pilot year. Selected participants will be expected to arrive for dinner on Saturday, August 27, 2011 and should plan to depart after breakfast on Thursday, September 1, 2011. All local costs are covered; participants are responsible for raising funds to cover their transportation costs.
Applications (attached) are due June 15. So don't delay! Read more in the attached letter and distribute widely.
Questions and completed applications can be sent to:
Jason Sierra
jsierra@episcopalchurch.org
The Office for Young Adult and Campus Ministries
The Episcopal Church Center
Seattle, WA
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Day of Deeper Understanding
The Cursillo community is offering a Day of Deeper Understanding at St. Crispin's on Saturday, May 14, from 10 am to 3 pm. The cost of the day is $7 which covers lunch. This Ultreya is open to all who have made their Cursillo and to those who are interested in learning about the Cursillo experience. For details, contact Jeannie Haas at 524-7812 or at jbhaas@okcps.org.
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Province VII Older Adult Network
Province VII Older Adults Ministry (OAM) Network, at Camp Allen during the annual Abundant Aging Conference in March, 2011.
In the back row, left to right are: Rev. Charles Brown, Oklahoma Diocese; Rev. Rebecca (Beck) Schubert, W. Missouri Diocese; Dr. John McNeil, Rio Grand Diocese; Rose Kelly, W. Kansas Diocese; Jane Mossbarger, Ft. Worth Diocese; Dr. Alma Belzer and Rev. Dr., John Belzer, OAM Network Co-chairs.
In the front row, left to right, are Bettye Brown, Ardmore Village, OK; Rev. Dr. Helen Appelberg, Director Center for Spirituality of Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, and Chair of Abundant Aging Conferences, Texas Diocese; and Dr. Betty Anne Cody, W. Texas Diocese.
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Summer Camp Registration Forms
Available Online
Summer Camp at St. Crispin's is quickly approaching. Don't miss out on all of the amazing worship, outdoor activities, and rekindled friendships! We offer week-long sessions for those who have completed 3rd-12th grades and a special overnight for our young campers-to-be. Information and registration forms can be found at http://www.epiok.org/camps/stcrispins.html and questions can be answered by Summer Camp Director Aaron Mooney at StCrispinsDirector@gmail.com.
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Summer Camp Staff Lunches on Saturday Need Help
Hello Everyone,
My name is Aaron Mooney and I am the new Summer Camp Director at St. Crispin's. While I've met many of you, I look forward to meeting the rest of you and having you come visit us this summer. I'm writing to you today with a request. But first a little background.
Last summer, as a money-saving endeavor, the summer camp committee decided to cancel the Saturday staff-only lunch service provided by the conference center. We decided to provide for ourselves. Sometimes we would eat sandwiches, sometimes a member of the staff would prepare the meal for us or order something in, etc. While this indeed saved us money, it took one or more of the staff out of the community for a period of time.
So, here's the pitch. We are looking for parishes to come prepare lunch for the camp staff on Saturdays this summer. Our staff usually numbers about 25 people. We can offer the use of the small kitchen in the staff lounge as well as $50 in reimbursement for food costs. Food could be prepared here or at the home parish. It could be as simple or as complex as your volunteers wish. If you or someone in your parish has any interest In helping us out, please contact me at StCrispinsDirector@gmail.com.
Looking forward to this summer, Aaron
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Embroidery thread (for friendship bracelets)
Glitter
Clean jars with lids (all sizes)
Christmas ornament hooks
Aluminum/tin cans CLEANED
Scrabble letters
Large jewels
Epsom salt
Lavender, peppermint, lemon oils
Votive/tea lights
Dominoes
Grated paraffin wax
Magnetic tape (self-adhesive)
Box Fans - as many as 9
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Episcopal Relief & Development
Releases New Curriculum
Real Heroes versus Rita Mosquito: A Children's Program on Malaria - This new teaching tool will introduce children to malaria, how it's prevented and empower them to participate in the NetsforLifeŽ Inspiration Fund. This fund is a church wide campaign inspiring Episcopalians to help fight the spread of malaria by increasing awareness and raising $5 million for NetsforLifeŽ, a program partnership serving communities in 17 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
In this program, our goal is to invite children to share in the ministry of building a community of malaria prevention. Partnering with churches and faith-based groups in rural communities, NetsforLifeŽ fights malaria by training local community members to deliver and hang life-saving nets, educating community members about how to use and care for nets, and providing ongoing monitoring and evaluation of net use. This ministry truly is one of shared participation by people all over the world, and we seek your involvement and that of your children as partners in this ministry.
Real Heroes versus Rita Mosquito can be used for:
ˇ Vacation Bible School
ˇ Sunday School
ˇ Children's Chapel
ˇ Weekday or weeknight programs
ˇ Rotation Sunday School programs
These materials are flexible, and you are encouraged to use all or part of them as best suits your parish, school or group. The program may be used for children ages 4 and up or for intergenerational groups. Options are provided for varying ages of children.
To access this new resource, please click on the highlighted NetsforLife(R)Inspiration Fund link here. By clicking to the right of the heading for the new children's curriculum, you will be able to download this new curriculum, along with several other excellent resources for children, youth, and adults.
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Christian Formation and Youth Minister Listserve
It has been suggested that we form a listserve so we can share information, ideas, and curricula. Well, now you can use okformation@listserve.com to do so. You will need to go to this site to register to use the above email address.
http://mailman.listserve.com/listmanager/listinfo/okformation. Let's begin the sharing!
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A Women's Retreat
CREATION
CENTERED
SPIRITUALITY:
And God Called
Creation
"Good"
8-9 October 2011
St. Crispin's Camp and Conference Center
Retreat Facilitator: The Rev. Debora L. Jennings
Want more information, contact Pam Hudson, 2800 N.W. 21st Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73107. |
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Closing - Prayer for May
Lord God our Father,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ
you have assured your children of eternal life
and in baptism have made us one with him:
deliver us from the death of sin
and raise us to new life in your love,
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
From the Church of Ireland
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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