Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
Contents
Time Change Reminder
New Clergy for St. Andrew's, Lawton
Godly Play Learning and Sharing Event
Vestry Academy
Diocesan Journal Part II Available
Diocesan Office Welcomes New Staff
Lenten Activities in our Congregations
News from Our Congregations
St. Patrick's Day Celebration Offered
Holland Hall Youth Works as Human Rights Activist
Acolyte Festival
Episcopal Youth Leadership Academy
Vacation Bible School Curriculum Review
Clegy Spouse Emails Needed
St. Simeon's
Retired Clergy and Spouses Events
Second Half of Life
Closing Prayer
 

Upcoming 
Bishop's
Events

 

 

3/11

St. David's

Oklahoma City

 

3/14

Ordination of

Tim Sean Youmans

Emmanuel, Shawnee 

 

3/15 - 22

House of Bishops

Camp Allen

Navasota, TX

 

3/24

Acolyte Festival

 

3/25

St. James

Oklahoma City

 

 

Upcoming   Diocese  Events

 

 

To register or for more inforamtion please go onto the Dicoesan Web Site  below:

 

 

   

March 10, 2012

Godly Play Learning and Sharing Event

Christ Church, Tulsa  9 until noon

 

March 19 -23

Mission Camp

Joplin, MO

  

March 24

Acolyte Festival

St. Paul's Cathedral , OKC

9 -3

 

April 20-22

Clergy Spouse Retreat

St. Crispin's

 

April 26-29

Co-Ed English Speaking Cursillo

St. Crispin's

 

June 16

Diocesan Christian Formation Training Event

Celebremos la Fiesta

Let us Celebrate the Feast!

9:30 - 3

Santa Maria Virgen Episcopal Church, Oklahoma City

 

September 27-30

Co-Ed Spanish Speaking Cursillo

St. Crispin's

 


The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

          

 Link to Our Web Site

 

                            

Companion Diocese Uruguay


Uruguay

     two bishops

 

 

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/

 


 
The Next Issue of this Newsletter will be on Friday, 
March 16, 2012.
 

We Are Epiok.org

March 9, 2012

Issue 9

 

Time Change Reminder 

 

DST 2012 spring 

This Saturday night, the time will spring forward! Change your clocks before you go to bed!

New Clergy for St. Andrew's, Lawton

 The Rev. Shelley Forrester

The Diocese is pleased to announce that The Rev. Shelley Forrester from the Diocese of Chicago has accepted the position of Rector at St. Andrew's Lawton. Her first Sunday will be March 11.
 
Please welcome her to the Diocese.

Godly Play Learning and Sharing Event  

GP new logo
 
Just a reminder that those interested in learning about Godly Play or sharing insights about Godly Play will be held Saturday at Christ Church, Tulsa, 9 a.m. until noon. There is no cost for this event.

Vestry Academy

 

Vestry academy 2

 

The Annual Vestry Academy was offered last Saturday at St. Crispin's. There were 106 participants representing 31 congregations throughout the Diocese in attendance.

 

Discussions were held between Bishop Ed and the group on The Anglican Communion, The Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Oklahoma, the role of vestries and bishop's committees, canonical requirements, and licensing of ministries. John Sorensen, Comptroller, was present to discuss the relationship with the diocese and reporting requirements. Charlene Fabian, Stewardship Officer, shared her role in Stewardship and Development.

Diocesan Journal Part II Available

 

The Clergy Directory and Journal of Proceedings from Diocesan Convention is available on our Diocesan web site. If you go to www.epiok.org. and click on Our Diocese on the left-hand side, then Diocesan Convention, you will find Journal Part II listed at the top of the page.

Diocesan Office Welcomes Two New Staff Members 

 

We are pleased to announce the addition of  two new staff members to the Diocesan Offices.

 

Pam SnyderPam Snyder has begun work as the new Assistant to the Comptroller. Pam came to us from Golf USA, Intl., where she served as Office Manager. In her current position, she will be responsible for Accounts Payable, cash receipts, general insurance questions for health and church policies, and St. Crispin's financials. Will Leonard

 

 

Wil Leonard

has been hired to serve as a Senior Accountant in the Comptroller's Office where he is currently responsible for data conversion, monthly closings , and IT special projects. He has over 15 years in the accounting field, all of them in industry.  

 

We welcome both of these individuals to our Staff.

More Lenten Activities  in our Congregations

 

Signaling the beginning of the Lenten season, the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Oklahoma City, hosted its annual  Mardi Gras celebration on Saturday evening, February 18, 2012 at The Center, 4312 N.W. 50th Street  in Oklahoma City. The traditional Cajun buffet included shrimp gumbo, fried fish and smoked brisket along with such favorites as the fresh vegetable medley, salads, bread pudding with Bourbon Sauce and a smorgasbord of other desserts.

 

The silent auction drew high bidding for such items as a custom-made quilt and an antique picture frame. Dancing and drawings for door prizes continued throughout the evening. The final drawing was for a 36" color flatscreen television set.

 

The Mardi Gras Celebration continues as Redeemer's major fundraising effort.  The 2012 event was a sellout and its popularity as a community "happening" is sustained after many years of success.

 

St. Mary's, Edmond, hosted their annual Pancake Tuesday and Auction.

 

St. Mary's Pancake Supper2

   St. Mary's Pancake Supper

 


St. Mary's Pancake Supper 3 

 

 Bridges out of Poverty

News From Our Congregations

 

 Gail Parsley - guymon

 

The above photograph includes members of St. Stephen's, Guymon. The
congregation regularly volunteer in the month of March, and they were honored to be present when parishioner Gail Parsley received the Kudos award from Main Street Guymon.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration Offered

 

worship poster

 

St. Pat's

Holland Hall Youth Works as Human Rights Activist 

 

Nahrie Chung is presumably the youngest human rights activist for North Korea. As a one-fourth North Korean (her grandmother fled North Korea during the Korean War and currently lives with Nahrie in the States), Nahrie's eyes were opened to the human rights crisis taking place within North Korea and its neighboring countries when she researched the issue and invited a group called Liberty in North Korea (LiNK) to raise awareness at her high school Holland Hall. 

 

During a one-month stay in Seoul, South Korea in the summer of 2011 at an rescue organization for North Korean refugees, Nahrie's life was changed as she documented the lives of these refugees. Their stories of survival in and escape from North Korea were evidence of an injustice unheard of in today's progressive society. Nahrie returned to the U.S. with a newfound direction in her life, and the need to tell others of this human rights crisis prompted her to attend political rallies in Washington, D.C. and give a speech at the National Press Club in D.C. From these transformative experiences, she committed herself to the cause of the North Koreans and vowed not to stop fighting until justice was won for every individual. 

 

Today, Nahrie's mission continues. She has begun a campaign called One Goat One Loaf, a movement formed after Nahrie met North Korean refugees who were 3-4 inches shorter than normal and some refugees who had become orphans when their families died of starvation. This campaign raises funds to provide starving North Korean families with milk goats and supply children in North Korea with yearlong lunches. Nahrie is also starting a Voice for the Voiceless speaking tour to raise awareness about this multi-faceted crisis and call her audience to action as she believes that the issue of North Korea is not simply a Korean problem but an issue the world must recognize as its own. As a full-time student in her last year of high school, Nahrie is currently a volunteer at Good Samaritan Health Services and has founded an organization at her school called Future Physicians for Human Rights. The collaborative work in these two activities serves as a foundation for Nahrie's true dream of becoming an activist-doctor in North Korea.

 

Nahri has done speaking engagements at numerous churchs and events and is available to speak to your congregation. You may contact her at: [email protected].

Acolyte Festival 

 acolyte festival1

The event is scheduled for March 24 at St. Paul's Cathedral, with a Festival Eucharist to be held at 2 p.m. The registration for is on the Diocesan web site at:  http://www.epiok.org/Christian%20Formation/acolyte-festival.html 

   

Go ahead and send in your registrations as soon as possible. You  can pay at the door. 

Summer Camp Registrations On-Line
 
Will you be at St. Crispin's this summer? Registrations are on-line, and we have already started receiving them. They are on the diocesan web page, www.epiokorg under summer camp on the left side of the page.

Several of you have asked why you can't pay on-line when you register. The answer is the year we did accept payments on-line, we lost a good deal of money due to fees and expenses associated with maintaining the payment account. We are looking into other options but as of now, payments must be mailed into the diocesan offices, even though you can register on-line.
Attending NAECED Conference

 

For those of you who don't know, NAECED stands for National Association for Episcopal Christian Educators. When I took on my first "official" role in a parish, I asked that they register me with NAECED because I knew they had a listserv which had proved helpful to other youth workers in Oklahoma. As a "new" youth director, I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn as much as I could from those "in the know", so I made plans to attend NAECED's annual conference.

 

On the last chilly day of January, I packed my bags and headed to New Orleans for my first NAECED conference. When I arrived in NOLA, I noticed not only a change in the weather but also a change in perspective. As I met other youth ministers, I felt excited about not only my vocation, but about my faith again. In my conversations with my colleagues I quickly learned that people in every diocese experience stress and frustration with budgets, over-committed families and "church politics". But what I also came to appreciate was that for those, like myself, who chose to commit themselves to working with young people, the issues that face all churches mattered less than the joy and love and passion that can be found in helping someone discover their faith.

 

The people that I met- just like the youth workers of this diocese- do not do their jobs for the money or the glory. They do it to be the match that lights a spark in a young person's faith. They do it because someone along the way was influential in the way their path headed and they want to carry on that legacy. They do it because their love of Jesus Christ is too big to keep to themselves.

 

During my time in the Big Easy, I learned that youth ministry is hard. We all come across things that hinder our abilities. What the workshops and speakers at the conference reminded me was that you can take those things that frustrate you about the church and let them bring you down or you can use those things as a lesson and grow from them.

 

Victoria Garvey from the Diocese of Chicago gave one of the keynote addresses in which she quoted Alice in Wonderland. When Alice is in the midst of her journey through Wonderland she comes upon a caterpillar who wants to know just who she is. Alice responds "I hardly know sir, just at present- at least I know who I WAS when I got up this morning, but I think I must have changed several times since then." That's the way it is with youth. They are in a time of great confusion and constant change. They need someone along the way to guide them. And I think as youth ministers our vocation is in a constant state of change. After attending the NAECED conference, I understand that we can and should be guides for each other along the way.

 

Next year's NAECED conference will be hosted in Albuquerque, NM. I plan to attend and I truly hope that other youth workers in Oklahoma will join me to grow in our roles as ministers to young people.

 

P.S. During this conference, NAECED elected to change it's name to FORMA to more correctly identify with its current membership. I encourage you to join FORMA at http://naeced.org/. It is the best $50 or $70 you can invest in!  Sabrina Evans

Adults Who Work with Youth Conference

Adults Who Work with Youth Conference @ Kanuga (week following the Christian Formation conference) June 17-22, 2012 "Rhythms for the Road: Faith Practices for the Long Haul."
 
In our culture, how do we equip our young people with a sustainable faith, a faith that will last and endure on the complicated journey of life? We will consider what practices, ancient and contemporary, can bouy such a faith.
 
If you are interested in attending but need some financial help, contact Sabrina Evans at the Diocesan Offices. 

Youth
 
  

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Episcopal Youth Leadership Academy (E.Y.L.A.) for the Diocese of Oklahoma. This program is open to youth grades 6 - 10. It will provide opportunities to learn to be a leader not only in your congregation, diocese and beyond but these skills will apply to school and other organizations. Go to:

http://www.epiok.org/Christian%20Formation/e-y-l-a-launches-2012-13-program.html and download a brochure! 

  

March 24 - Acolyte Festival at St. Paul's Cathedral. THE REGISTRATION FORM IS ON THE WEB SITE.

  

EpiscoPosse - Tulsa

A city wide youth group for Episcopalians and their friends 6th-12th grade.  This group meets weekly for worship, formation, service, and fun from 4-6pm!  

      
 
March 11th Lenten Program @ Good Shepherd, Sapulpa 

March 18th No Meeting 

March 25th Lenten Program@ Christ Church 

  

The Youth Commission and members will be a part of the Christian Formation training event on June 16 at Santa Maria, OKC. The three workshops include: Small group facilitation, The Abundant Life Project from ERD (Episcopal Resource and Development),  and Camp Crafts (making friendship bracelets and God's eyes/lanyards.) If you would like to be a part of this training event, please contact the dioceses.

 

MIQRA - Save the date. Next January 19-21, as we offer our first MIQRA. What is MIQRA? It is an event to youth and adults who want to participate in reading the Bible from beginning to end! That's right - three days of non-stop Bible reading - but wait! There's more! There will be games, movies, activities, quite time, and much more going on at the same time! This will be held at St. Mary's Church, Edmond.

 

NEXT YOUTH COMMISSION MEETING - May 5. Would you like to join us? We will begin at noon at the Diocesan Offices. Hope to see you here.

Ideas for Celebrating Easter 

 

paschal candle

Would you like to have some fun ideas for celebrating Easter in your congregation? What about making your own Paschal Candles? You can used old beeswax candles from your altar, if available, and using a product called Wax Works Sticks or Wikki Sticks (found at Hobby Lobby) you can design replicas of the Paschal Candle used in the Nave.

 

If you have enough larger candles, you can use a pattern found by using Google images, tape it on the candle and tracing the picture using an unfolded metal paper clip. When this is done, take the paper off. You will then use acrylic paint and a sponge brush to fill in the outline. Wipe off the excess paint.

 

Another option for Paschal Candles is to use Candle Medium and mix it with acrylic paint to paint directly on to the beeswax candles. Candle Medium is a DecoArt product and should be found in your local craft store or can be purchased on line.

 Pysanky Eggs

What about making Pysanky eggs? These are Ukrainian Easter eggs. You can use paper mache eggs or plastic cones. If you use paper mache, you can paint a base color on the eggs in advance of the children painting so they will have ample time to dry. If you use plastic eggs, use permanent markers for designs. Go to LearnPysanky.com: symbols and colors to get lots of information.

 

You can also order kits from S & S Worldwide at: http://www.ssww.com/item/ukrainian-eggs-craft-kit-GP1120/cmc+SRCH/v+ZWdncw%3D%3D/p+3.

Vacation Bible School Curriculum Review
 
Each year, Virginia Theological Institute reviews various VBS materials and ranks them with helpful information to make it easier for you to choose a "canned" VBS. This year, they have added several new features to the webpage: 1. Direct links to publishers of our top 5 picks, and 2. Wisdom from the Field, films featuring educators who share their ideas and suggestions. They talk about why we offer VBS, how to work with volunteers, how to create a program from scratch, among other topics. https://www.vts.edu/ftpimages/95/download/VBS%20reviews%202012,%20web.pdf
Resources for the Congregation

Faithguides, from Channing Bete Company provides wonderful resources for all types of topics. From scripture, evangelism, Episcopal religious education, to seasonal materials, you might want to check them out at www.faithguides.com.
Clergy Spouse Emails Needed

If you are a clergy spouse, please send your current
email address to Denise at the Diocsean Office -
[email protected]. We are trying to build up a complete data base for future clergy spouse mailings.

Good Practices for a Stewardship Program

  

What makes for a good stewardship program in your church? Churches who adhere to the best practices listed below find members are faithful in their giving because they believe themselves to be partners in Kingdom Building. If you would like to learn more about implementing best practices, please contact the Stewardship Office at [email protected] or call 918-712-7002.

 

Stewardship Best Practices

Operational Management - Sound Fundraising Methodology

  1. Mission clarity
  2. Narrative budget
  3. Annual giving program
  4. Multiple opportunities for financial generosity
  5. Donor appreciation

Stewardship Integration in Worship - Stewardship Every Sunday

  1. Provide worship resources
  2. Preach
  3. Nurture young stewards
  4. Celebrate the offering as an act of worship

Stewardship Formation - Create a Culture of Gratitude and Generosity

  1. Formation for youth
  2. Adult discussion groups
  3. Personal finance training

Stewardship Leadership - Leadership Development and Support

  1. Send leaders to training events
  2. Involvement in wider church roles

Spiritual-Nurture Opportunities

  1. Invitations to classes, retreats, events that increase spiritual consciousness
  2. Scripture reflection/meditation part of every meeting

Engagement in Social Justice Concerns

  1. Invitations to outreach committees and projects

Year-Round Congregational Stewardship: Six Best Practices," (c) The United Church of Canada, 2009, based on Growing Generosity: Identity as Stewards in The United Church of Canada, by Barbara Fullerton (Washington, D.C.: Wesley Theological Seminary, 2009).  Used with permission.

St. Simeon's
 
St. Simeon Spring
 

Retired Clergy and Spouses Events 

   

The Retired Clergy and Spouses event is scheduled for April 16-17, 2012, and we're going wired! The program theme is "Protecting yourself on the Internet." Mr. Greg Harper who is an IT Specialist @ Jane Phillips Medical Center  in Bartlesville will be the guest speaker. Greg has many years in this industry, and well versed in modern technology usage. A part of the presentation will include a "power point" presentation of the history of communication technology beginning with the Victrola to present-day "gadgets".

 

As booking procedures have changed at St. Crispin's, please contact Bob or Georgia NO LATER THAN March 16 so they  can give information to camp with regards to  meals and room needs.

 

All information regarding this event has been sent in a recent letter. However, if you have any questions,  contact Bob or Georgia at (918)335-0929 or [email protected] or [email protected].

 

The other dates below reflect the next Retired Clergy and Spouses retreats at St. Crispin's!

 

October 8-9, 2012

April 15-16, 2013

October 7-8, 2013

Second Half of Life 

 

  Mind, body and spirit

 

Mind, Body, and Spirit for the 2nd Half of Life Registration on line! The Diocese and the Senior Ministries Committee are pleased to offer our first program for all ages! Go to:  http://www.epiok.org/ministries/older-adults.html for registration form.

 

The event will be April 17, from 9 - 2, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 14700 North May Avenue, OK. Workshops offered: Graceful Transitions; A Healthy Start: Breakfast/Brunch for 1 or 2; Better Balance with Tai Chi; Your Right to Decide: Oklahoma's Advance Directive and Other Health Care Planning Tools; Be Still and Know; Using Medications Safely - A Key Ingredient to Your Health. Lunch will be catered by Nunu's Mediterranean Cafe and Market, and we will have two speakers during lunch discussing "How Not To Get Scammed."

 

Cost is $10.

Closing Prayer

 

spring

 

God of the seasons, thank you for the many signs of spring - gentle rains, warmer weather, first buds from trees and flower, and birds singing. May You guide us into a season of new life and promise as we welcome the joys of spring. In Your loving and precious name, Amen.

Contact Information

Sabrina Evans

[email protected]

(405) 232-4820