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Upcoming
Bishop's
Events
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January
6 - 8
Alabama Bishop's Consecration
15
St. Paul's, Holdenville
18
St. Augustine of Canterbury, OKC
Visitation and Confirmation
22-27
Episcopal Camps and Conference Center Annual Meeting
28
All Saint's, Duncan
Installation
The Rev. Anita Slovak
29
St. Philip's, Ardmore
30 - 2/2
Program, Budget and Finance Meeting
The Episcopal Church USA
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Upcoming Diocese Events
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To register, please go onto the Dicoesan Web Site below:
January 21
Christ Church, Tulsa
Institution and Induction
The Rev. Everett Lees
January 21
Episcopal Diocse
Youth Commission Meeting 10 a.m.
January 28-29
New Beginnings 37
St. Crispin's
January 28, 2012
Godly Play Learning and Sharing Event
St. Augustine of Canterbury
OKC 9 until noon
February 12
Celebrate Summer Camp
St. John's OKC
10:30 a.m.
February 17 - 19
Vocare
St. Crispin's
February 19
Celebrate Summer Camp
St. Patrick's, Broken Arrow
10:30 a.m.
March 10, 2012
Godly Play Learning and Sharing Event
Christ Church, Tulsa 9 until noon
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The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
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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.
New Web site:
http://uruguay.anglican.org/
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The Next Issue of this Newsletter will be on Friday, January 13, 2012.
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We Are Epiok.org
January 6, 2012
Issue 1 |
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Join Us on A Journey to the Holy Land!
This is a trip of a life-time~4 spaces remaining!
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
~presents~
A Journey to the Holy Land
Under the Direction of
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny
Local Guide: Canon Iyad Qumri
Hosted at Saint George's
Limited to the first 25
Depart: June 8, 2012
Return: June 20, 2012
Total Cost: $4,100.00 per person
To secure your spot, send your deposit check in the amount of $500, made payable to the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, 924 North Robinson, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 attention: Jeni Kaufman.
Jordan River
For more information, go to www.epiok.org and click on the Journey to Holy Land link. |
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Clergy Transitions
Celebration of New Ministry
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny
Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma,
and
The Wardens, Vestry,
and Congregation
of
All Saints Episcopal Church, Duncan
Cordially Invite You
to the
The Institution and Induction of
The Reverend Anita Slovak
as Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church
Saturday
January 28, 2012
Eleven O'clock in the Morning
All Saints Episcopal Church
809 West Cedar
Duncan, Oklahoma
Your Prayers and Presence are Requested
Clergy: Red Stoles
Diocese Welcomes The Rev. Heber Papini
We are pleased to welcome The Rev. Heber Papini to the Diocese and to St. Peter's Tulsa, as their new Rector. Heber is tri-lingual, English, Portugese, and Spanish, and comes to us from the diocese of Texas.
The Lees Welcome New Daughter
The Rev. Everett Lees (Christ Church, Tulsa) and wife, Kristin, welcomed the arrival of their second child, Catherine Ann, on December 29th.
Mother and baby are doing well. Our congratulations and prayers are with the Lees family.
Clergy Up-Date
The Rev. Mary Hileman has retired from her duties as Chaplain at Oklahoma State College as of the end of the year. Mary will continue to serve at St. Mark's, Perry and will serve as Dean for the NW Region. |
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Diocesan Web Site Up-Date
In an effort to make the web site more user friendly, there is now a link for Google Translate which will let you translate this page into numerous languages. This is located on the bottom, left-hand side of the web page. www.epiok.org. |
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How Are You Using the Newsletter?
We continue to strive to provide current information and photographs to our weekly newsletter. But the newsletter is only as good at being shared if it is opened. Of our 3,000+ email addresses, only some 800 actually opened the last issue. This newsletter is sent to every clergy, including deacons and retired clergy, parish, everyone in our data system in house and those who have signed up to receive it.
Please continue to stress the importance of opening the newsletter to stay up-to-date with the events in our diocese, parishes and the National Church.
Here's a few ideas for parishes:
1. Copy the newsletter and put on your bulletin board.
2. Copy the newsletter and send to shut-ins or those who you know do not have a computer.
3. Add a copy to your newcomer's or visitor's packets.
4. Send an e-mail copy to your college students and encourage them to sign-up to receive the weekly news.
5. Send to those in your parish serving in the military. |
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Reading the Bible as Spiritual Discipline
Take part in The Bible Challenge! We are encouraging all parishes to join in and make this a priority in the spiritual life of your parish. You are encouraged to read 3 chapters of the Old Testament, one Psalm, and one chapter of the New Testament each day. Starting in 2012, the Center for Biblical Studies will offer a one-year Bible reading plan. It will include a meditation on each day's reading, a question and prayer to go with the daily reading written by bishops, clergy, seminary deans, authors and scholars.
If your parish chooses to begin the Bible Challenge, let the Diocese know. We'd love to know how this process is transforming you and others. Additional Information is available at www.thecenterforbiblicialstudies.org. |
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Haiti Collection Follow-Up
At our Diocesan Convention, it was noted that our offering collection would be designated for to Haiti and their on-going rebuilding needs for Holy Trinity Cathedral. We are pleased to inform you that $21,339.41 was collected and sent to the Episcopal Church Center for appropriate distribution. Thank you so much for your support of this effort! |
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Oklahoma Cursillo Reunion
Calling all Cursillistas in the state...we're planning a big reunion. This is a chance to get together for great fellowship and renew that "DeColores feeling". We'll also meet with the Cursillo Secretariat as they direct plans for the upcoming Cursillo events. Our meeting will take place at St. Crispin's Friday, Jan. 27 and Saturday, Jan. 28. If you're unavailable for the Friday evening meeting, join us Saturday, the 28th for worship, breakfast and fellowship. Join us and renew your friendships ... worship and help us plan the future of Oklahoma Episcopal Cursillo. If you haven't attended a Cursillo, but are interested in learning more about it, we'd love to have to join us.
Friday & Saturday : $46(Double Occupancy); $66 (Single Occupancy) Fees include Saturday morning breakfast. Just breakfast and Saturday meeting $6.
For details and to reserve your spot contact Bebe Dotter 405-760-4304 or by email labluv@cox.net Deadline for Reservations January 18th. |
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SAVE THE DATES!!
Celebrate Summer Camp
in the middle of Winter
-Sing Camp Songs -Make Camp Crafts
-Participate in a Youth Led Eucharist
-Share Lunch with your Friends
February 12th, 2012 - St. John's, OKC
February 19th, 2012 - St. Patrick's, BA
*Services at 10:30am, show up by 10:00am*
Wear your favorite Camp T-Shirt!!
Please RSVP to StCrispinsDirector@gmail.com |
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Happening # 59 in the Books!
While many were nestled all snug in their beds, St. Crispin's was alive with Happening and Happeners, which was led by Emily Bibens as Lay Rector, and a great staff: 
Libby Fosmire-gopher
Philip Newcomer-gopher
Kaylie Wilson
Kirsten Hoopert
Katie Hargis
Caitlin Kenney
Adam Baker
John Putnam
Blake Woods-spiritual director
Laura Beth Woods-mom
Scott Jackson-dad/co-director
Ashley Haggard-co-director
While our numbers were small, the participating and staff grew together in community and focus with the talks, activities, music, games, laughs, and fun of Happening. Our newest Happeners are: Ben Abla and Lillie Bucher. |
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The Spiritual Well
Transforming Trauma with Dr. James Finley
A special event is coming to Tulsa. Dr. James Finley, renowned spiritual author and speaker will present a weekend conference on February 3rd - 5th, 2012. "Transforming Life's Traumas, Large and Small, into Healing and Spiritual Growth" will be the subject of the conference. Go to www.JFCTULSA.com for more information and online registration. Continuing Education Units are available for Social Workers and other professionals.
Retreat leader and teacher/practitioner of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition, James Finley is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Santa Monica, CA. Once a Trappist monk and student of Thomas Merton's, today he is a Merton scholar and author of several books including Merton's "Palace of Nowhere" and "Meditations for Christians: Entering the Mind of Christ." He is currently at work on the book format of his acclaimed "Transforming Trauma" presentations.
An Evening Meditation and Book-Signing with John Dear
Pax Christi of Eastern Oklahoma and Fellowship Congregational Church are sponsoring a return visit to Tulsa by Fr. John Dear, part of a national tour for his new book, "Lazarus, Come Forth!".
John will be in Tulsa on Wednesday evening, March 28 at Fellowship Congregational Church. Further details will be announced shortly. Check www.paxchristitulsa.org for more details.
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come forth!" The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth. So Jesus said to them, "Unbind him and let him go." - John 11 - In chapter eleven of John's Gospel, Jesus approaches the tomb where his friend Lazarus lies dead, and issues three new astonishing commandments:"Take away the stone!" "Lazarus, come forth!" and "Unbind him and let him go free!"
Internationally known author and peacemaker John Dear has just published a ground-breaking new book, Lazarus Come Forth! which suggests that Lazarus represents "humanity" stuck in the culture of death, and that Jesus represents "the God of life" calling humanity out of the tombs, out of the culture of violence and war, into "the new life of resurrection peace."
Join John Dear for an evening reflection and book-signing on March 28. John will propose that the Gospel invites us to carry on this liberating work of Jesus today and obey these new commandments-to take away the stone that keeps us trapped in our violent culture of war, to call each other out of the tombs, to unbind one another and to set each other free to live in peace and nonviolence. Through this work, we will find new hope and the fullness of life. |
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The Civic and Community Engagement of Religiously Active Americans
Some 40% of Americans are active in a church, religious, or spiritual organization. Compared with those who are not involved with such organizations, religiously active Americans are more trusting of others, are more optimistic about their impact on their community, think more highly of their community, are more involved in more organizations of all kinds, and devote more time to the groups to which they are active
To continue reading this article, click here. |
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Robes, Cassocks, and Albs
Last Call! We still have the following available for any parish in need:
11 black cassocks
24 white albs
4 white cottas
13 red acolyte robes - children's sizes
lots of cinctures
If you are interested in these, please call Sabrina at the Diocesan Office or come by and check them out! |
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Casady School Open House
Upper Division -9th -12th grade (January 19,2012) 6:30 - 7:45
Middle Division - 5th - 8th grade ( January 26, 2012) 6:30 - 7:45
Lower Division - 1st - 4th grade ( January 22, 2012) 2:00 - 4:00
Primary Division Pre K3 - Kindergarten (January 22, 2012) 2:00 - 4:00
Casady is located at 9500 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, OKC. For more information, contact Curt Foster, Director of Admissions, 749-3185 |
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College Students News, Ideas, and Resources The Vocare Weekend
The Vocare weekend provides an intentional period of time for young adults, ages 18-30, to intentionally engage with their God-given vocations in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Led by other young adults, the Vocare weekend finds its heart in a series of twelve talks, each focusing on a unique aspect of the Christian faith and life, and each connecting to an overall consideration of the theme of God's call to us, here and now. Talks may be followed by discussion, contemplation, worship, or any number of activities - but the weekend's ultimate theme is found in the intentional consideration of the themes of calling and vocation.
In his book Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner writes of Vocation:
"It comes from the Latin vocare, to call, and means the work a person is called to by God. There are all different kinds of voices calling you to all different kinds of work, and the problem is to find out which is the voice of God rather then of Society, say, or the Superego, or Self-Interest. By and large a good rule for finding out is this: The kind of work God usually calls you to is the kind of work (a) that you need most to do and (b) that the world most needs to have done. If you really get a kick out of your work, you've presumably met requirement (a), but if your work is writing cigarette ads, the chances are you've missed requirement (b). On the other hand, if your work is being a doctor in a leper colony, you have probably met requirement (b), but if most of the time you're bored and depressed by it, the chances are you have not only bypassed (a), but probably aren't helping your patients much either. Neither the hair shirt nor the soft berth will do. The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."
It is our hope that the Vocare weekend serves as a catalyst for the life-long task of discerning the vocation to which God calls us - both in our lives within the church and in our lives in the larger world. We hope that Vocare provides each participant with the opportunity to thoughtfully consider where his or her own deep gladness meets the world's deep hunger.
Diocese of Oklahoma Vocare is scheduled for February 12 - 19 at St. Crispin's. Keep this opportunity in your prayers! |
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Online School for Spirituality and Mission
Seminary of the Southwest offers their Spring 2012 courses: February 6 - March 23
The Art of Illumination:
Praying the Hour, a Liturgy of Time
Lynda Young Kaffie
Delighting in the Father and His Delights:
Reflections on the Parable of Luke 15
Tony Carr
Fashioned for Joy:
Readings from the Celtic Christian Tradition
Mary C. Earle
Find details course descriptions, get answers to frequently asked questions, and register online at: www.ssw.edu/curriculum/online. |
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Seminary of the Southwest Offers Certificate Program
The Certificate Program in Christian Formation will offer its next session on June 18 - 22 at the Austin campus of the Seminary of the Southwest. The courses offered this June are:
*Liturgy and Catechesis* taught by the Rev. Nathan Jennings<http://www.ssw.edu/faculty/bio/nathan-g-jennings>
*Pastoral Education & Leadership in an Age of Anxiety* taught by the Rev. Charlie Cook.
The Certificate Program in Christian Formation is designed to meet the needs of Christian educators, who seek to deepen their understanding of the Christian theological tradition.
For more info check out the SSW website at http://www.ssw.edu/curriculum/ccmv/certificate-program-in-christian-education, contact Jean McGraw at jean.mcgraw@ssw.edu or 606 263-0155 or the seminary admissions office at at 512.472.4133, ext. 357, brobertson@ssw.edu.
Note - Sabrina Evans, our Director of Christian Formation completed this three-year program and speaks highly of the thorough, in-depth courses. If you would like more information about this educational event or to talk about potential scholarship money, contact Sabrina at the Diocesan Offices. |
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Parish Resources
Free curriculum for children
We still have quite a bit of Witness curriculum available for FREE!
Witness Is:
- Biblical: based on a strong biblical foundation
- Mission-oriented: dedicated to the mission to "Learn from the Bible to Live the Good News"
- Salvation story focused: Committed to teaching the salvation story each year within a complete two year cycle (Year Red and Year Blue) of well-loved Bible stories
- Age-appropriate: Focused on presenting the Bible stories in a way that engages learners appropriately for their age
Lent
Lent, yes, Lent begins February 22, and the Diocese has been working hard to assure you have the newest resources available for your parish. Here's what we have that might interest your groups!
NOOMA - We have 24 Videos and study guides that address many different aspects of our faith journey.
Final Words on the Cross by Adam Hamilton - DVD and study guide 7 teachings
24 Hours that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton - DVD and study guide 7 sessions
40 days of Peace - http://www.uspg.org.uk/resource.php?id=55 , 4 week study guide. This is from the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel.
http://www.livinggodslove.org/resources/resource/lent-course-2012. This is from the Church of England, Diocese of Alban.
http://www.pmc.org.au/resources/22-resources/36-lent-2012-study-resources - This is from the Anglican Diocese of Brisbane
http://www.er-d.org/lent/ Episcopal Relief and Development
http://www.cam.org.au/eic/news/2012-ecumenical-lenten-resource-2012-fast-pray-give-and-receive.html Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission, Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne
40-day Journey with Kathleen Norris
40-day Journey with Joan Chittister
40 day Journey with Parker Palmer
Even though these are designed for individual use, all have insights, reflections, and questions to ponder.
Confronting Death - A Christian Approach to the End of Life with Walter Wangerin, Jr. (DVD) 5 sessions and study guide.
The Power of Forgiveness - (DVD) 4 studies and discussion guide.
Embracing Emergence Christianity by Phylllis Tickle - 6 week study session (DVD), leader's guide, participant guide.
Men's Resource
Praying in Black and White, by Sybil and Andy Macbeth -This book is a prayer experience specifically for men. Sybil is the author of Praying in Color, and Andy is an Episcopal Priest. |
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Second Half of Life
Here, from the American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging, are leading experts' top 10 healthy New Year's resolutions for older adults:
Eat your vegetables - and your fruits, whole grains, fish, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats Experts recommend eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily -- but less than a third of older adults do this. Don't miss out. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables. Go for deep colors: dark green, bright yellow and orange choices like spinach, collard greens, carrots, oranges and cantaloupe are extra nutritious. Choose fiber-rich whole grain bread, rice and pasta instead of the white stuff. Pick less fatty meat, like chicken, and low-fat milk, cheese and yogurt. Shoot for heart-healthy fish, like tuna or salmon, twice a week. To help keep your bones strong, include sources of calcium and Vitamin D -- two daily servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese are a good bet -- in your diet. And use healthier fats, such as olive and canola oils, instead of butter or lard.
Take a multivitamin-mineral Check labels and choose one that includes 100% of the "Daily Value" for most vitamins and minerals.
See your doctor or healthcare provider regularly That means at least once a year, unless he or she says you should come in more often. At each visit, talk to your provider about the medications you're taking. Ask whether you should be getting any shots or tests for vision, hearing and other health problems such as breast or prostate cancer. If you're planning to start exercising, or exercise more, check with your provider first (see below). Also let him or her know if you need help quitting smoking and if you're feeling sad or worried, or having trouble sleeping.
Move Exercise is safe and healthy for older people -- even older people with illness like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis. Many of these conditions actually improve with exercise. Exercising can also help you control your weight, build your muscles and bones, and improve your balance, posture, and mood. Ask your healthcare provider to help you come up with an exercise plan that's right for you. Try working up to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise - like walking, bicycling, swimming, dancing or gardening - most days; and strength training exercises twice a week. Many YMCAs and YWCAs offer strength training classes. A free, easy to follow, exercise guide older people is available on The American Academy of Physicians' Web site, at
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/seniors/staying/754.html
Toast New Year's Day with a smaller glass Drinking a "moderate" amount of alcohol may lower your risks of heart disease and some other illnesses. But what's "moderate" for a younger adult can be too much for an older person -- and some older people shouldn't drink at all. According to experts, moderate drinking means just 1 drink per day for older men and ½ a drink daily for older women. (A "drink" is 1 oz of hard liquor, 6 oz of wine, or 12 oz of beer.) Since alcohol can interact with certain drugs, ask your healthcare provider whether even this much is safe for you.
Guard against falls One in every three older people falls each year -- and falls are a leading cause of injuries and deaths among seniors. Exercises such as walking or working out with an elastic exercise band can boost your strength, balance, and flexibility, and help you avoid falls. You should also bring all of your medications to your doctor or healthcare provider so he or she can make sure you're not taking any pills that can make you more likely to fall. Getting rid of things in your home that are easy to trip over, like throw rugs, putting "grab bars" in your bath or shower, and using night lights so it's easier to see, can also help.
Give your brain a workout The more you use your mind, the better it'll work. Read. Do crossword puzzles. Try Suduko. Socializing also gives your brain a boost, so join a bridge club or a discussion group at the local library, senior center or church. Or take a course at your local community college. Some offer free classes to adults 65 and older.
Get help quitting You can lower your risks of many health problems, breathe easier, enjoy more energy, and better sleep if you quit smoking- no matter how long ago you started. To make quitting easier, the National Cancer Institute has a special Web site, www.smokefree.gov, just for older smokers. Ask your healthcare provider for help, as well. If you take medications affected by smoking or have a smoking-related health problem, Medicare will pay for counseling to help you quit. Medicare's prescription drug benefit also covers nicotine patches and other products that can make quitting easier. Because some of these products can interact with certain drugs, though, always ask your provider before using them.
Speak up when you feel down or anxious About 1 in 5 older people suffer from depression or anxiety. Lingering sadness, tiredness, loss of appetite or pleasure from things you once enjoyed, difficultly sleeping, worry, irritability, and wanting to be alone most of the time can all be signs that you need help. Tell your healthcare provider right away. There are many good treatments for these problems.
Get a good night's sleep Older adults need less sleep than younger people, right? Wrong! Older people need just as much - at least 7 to 8 hours a night. Avoid daytime naps, which can keep you up in the evening. |
| Closing - Thought for New Year
We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential.
- Ellen Goodman |
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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