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Upcoming
Bishop's
Events
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3/3
Vestry Academy
St. Crispin's
3/4
Church of the Redeemer
Okmulgee
3/11
St. David's
OKC
3/14
Ordination of
Tim Sean Youmans
Emmanuel, Shawnee
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Upcoming Diocese Events
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To register or for more inforamtion please go onto the Dicoesan Web Site below:
March 8 - 10
Men's Retreat
St. Crispin's
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
March 3
Vestry Academy
St. Crispin's |
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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,
March 9, 2012.
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We Are Epiok.org
March 2, 2012
Issue 9 |
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Welcome to New Baby!
The Rev. Stephanie Mitchell (St. Luke's, Bartlesville ) and her husband, Richard Jenkins, are the proud parents of Henry (Hank) David Jenkins. Hank arrived into the world February 24 at Jane Phillips Hospital. Mother and baby are doing well. Our congratulations and prayers are with Stephanie, Richard and their entire family. |
Diocese Offers Pilot Program - Episcopal Youth Leadership Academy - E.Y.L.A.
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.
This program is a one-year commitment meeting alternate months with a project to be completed in-between time. Youth will work with a mentor on these projects and will report on their results at the next month's meeting.
Go to the Diocesan web site to download a brochure! http://www.epiok.org/Christian%20Formation/e-y-l-a-launches-2012-13-program.html. |
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What Congregations are Doing for Lent
A few years ago, St. Christopher's, OKC, began the tradition of "burying the alleluias" in one of the side yards of the church. Taking advantage of loose ground left by tree removal, each year we find some sort of "alleluia" to bury with the kids. This year everyone was invited to decorate a paper butterfly and write "Alleluia" on it. The butterflies plan to return after spending Lent in a buried PVC cocoon. Burying the alleluias is an intergenerational tradition we look forward to every year.
St. David's Episcopal church, 3333 N Meridian OKC, OK is having Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 6:00 PM except Good Friday. Everyone is invited to join us.
St. Andrew's - Grove - Have you ever experienced the Episcopal service of Morning Prayer? If you haven't, you've really missed out. And I'd like to correct that, if you'll let me. Beginning February 29th, I'll offer the service of Morning Prayer each Wednesday morning at 9 a.m.
St. Paul's - Altus - QUIET DAY - On the fourth Saturday of Lent, March 24, we will be hosting a Quiet Day at St. Paul's. Throughout the day there will be times where participants will come together to practice the discipline of "keeping the daily offices" or "observing the divine hours." This fixed-hour prayer, together with the hallowing of the Sabbath and the celebration of Communion, is the oldest authentic form of Christian spiritual practice. Like Sabbath observance and participation in the communal Passover meal, it comes to us out of ancient Judaism and by way of the devout, practicing Jews who were first Jesus' disciples and then after the resurrection His evangelists and missionaries. Through them and through the early regimens of the Church, all three,...Sabbath, Communion, and fixed-hour prayer...were passed to us and have remained with us as central, though adapted, parts of Christian discipline and Christian worship. The day will provide not only the opportunity for you to experience this ancient practice but also a day of quiet reflection. The entire church facility, including the library, will be open and you may use the time in that manner most beneficial for you personally; prayer, study of scripture, reading and study of library resources, personal meditation, and personal reflection. You may come to spend the day, a part of the day, or you may choose to attend only the fixed-hour prayer of The Morning Office at 8:00 a.m. (with Administration of Communion from Reserved Sacrament by a Deacon), The Midday Office at 11:30 and The Office of Vespers at 3:00 p.m. A light lunch will be provided so please tell Deacon Suzanne of your plans to attend so adequate food will be present. The fixed-hour prayer offices themselves are very short, only about 10-15 minutes. So it you plan to attend only the offices make every effort to be on time or you may miss them!....
New in our Congregations
 St. Christopher's recently purchased an AED (automated external defibrillator) for mounting in the parish hall and hosted an AED training between services for as many people in the congregation who wanted to learn, led by two very experienced rescue team members from the local law enforcement community. About 40 people came between services to reach a level of comfort with the machine and get some brief CPR refreshers. It was so popular we are now going to schedule a full CPR training for our members. As you can see, even our children enjoyed practicing compressions.
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Beau Geste XIV at St. Mary's School
St. Mary's Episcopal School
Parent Organization
Invites you to
BEAU GESTE XIV
THE ST. MARY'S DERBY
RACING FOR THE FUTURE
Artwork by Lauren Miller, 2nd Grade |
Saturday, March 3, 2012
UCO Ballroom
Dinner, Cocktails, Live and Silent Auctions
$50 per person
Emcee - Matt Jones
Auctioneer - Richard Clifton
Gates Open 6:00 P.M.
For ticket information call 341-954
or to help underwrite the cost of the event, mail your contribution to
St. Mary's Episcopal School, 505 E. Covell Rd., Edmond, OK 73034 |
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THE PARADIGM SHIFT IN RELIGIOUS GIVING
The motivation for religious giving has changed in recent years. This emerging paradigm will continue. The indication is that churches must change how they ask members for offerings. The following is current research from The Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at Indiana University with commentary from Charlene Fabian, Director of Stewardship.
Moral Obligation → Donor Cultivation
Theology of Duty → Theology of Grace
Institution Centered → Donor Centered
There was once a time when members gave out of obligation and with no expectation of accountability from the church. The emerging paradigm suggests that members want to be brought into the process of seeing their gifts 'work' in Kingdom Building. The church must educate about what they are doing to make this happen, and continually invite members to participate. The donor must see that his/her offering is helping the church live out its mission.
Institutions are to be Trusted → Institutional Trust must be Earned
Institutions are Autonomous → Donors are Collaborative Partners
The church must view members as shareholders and be accountable for its use of offerings through frequent and regular reporting.
Budgets are Need-Driven → Giving is Value-Driven
Financial Focus is Insular → Financial Focus is Global
Different from Business → Embraces Business Principles & Practices
Members want to see their gifts are used for helping others, fostering Christian goals, nurturing spirituality, and creating positive change.
They are not impressed when their church asks them to give toward a bigger budget that does not explain how the church is doing these things. The church must model good stewardship through sound management of the offerings that were made.
Giving is a Contribution → Giving is Creating Change
Fundraising is Raising Money → Fundraising is Nurturing Generosity
The process by which we ask members to contribute to the ongoing work of the church should nurture them in their spiritual lives. They also need to see themselves as able to create change by their participation.
Incomes Sources are Limited → Income Sources are Diverse
The Gift as an End to Philanthropy → The Gift as a Means to Philanthropy
The church must recognize that an annual pledge may be the first step in a donor's need for expressing generosity through giving. The church must engage the donor in ongoing partnership that provides the opportunity for a transformational experiences for the donor.
If you would like more information about how your church can meet the changing paradigm of religious giving through best practices and stewardship planning, please contact the Office of Stewardship, 918-712-7002 or email cfabian@epiok.org |
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Diocesan Mission Trip Needs Adult Volunteers
This year's Mission Trip is headed to Joplin, Missouri, during Spring Break March 19-23. We are in need of several adult females to meet our child/adult ratio. If you are interested in serving, please contact Jennifer Burris [jennifer.burris8@gmail.com]. |
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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 the web site to download a brochure! http://www.epiok.org/Christian%20Formation/e-y-l-a-launches-2012-13-program.html.
Mission Camp - This will be March 19 - 23 in Joplin Missouri. It is for 9th - 12th graders and is limited in number to 7 males and 7 females and is on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS.We now only have: 5 spaces for males and 0 spaces for females. Need 1 male staffers and 1 female staffers. Registrations are on the diocesan web site under Camps on the left hand side of the homepage.
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 4th Lenten Program St. Patrick's
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. |
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Millennials Will Benefit And Suffer Due to Hyperconnected Lives
In a survey about the future of the internet, technology experts and stakeholders were fairly evenly split as to whether the younger generation's always-on connection to people and information will turn out to be a net positive or a net negative by 2020. They said many of the young people growing up hyperconnected to each other and the mobile Web and counting on the internet as their external brain will be nimble, quick-acting multitaskers who will do well in key respects.
At the same time, these experts predicted that the impact of networked living on today's young will drive them to thirst for instant gratification, settle for quick choices, and lack patience. A number of the survey respondents argued that it is vital to reform education and emphasize digital literacy. A notable number expressed concerns that trends are leading to a future in which most people are shallow consumers of information, and some mentioned George Orwell's 1984 or expressed their fears of control by powerful interests in an age of entertaining distractions.
To read rest of article and survey, click here.
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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 gatageorge@aol.com or frb426@aol.com.
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 |
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Second Half of Life
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. |
| Our Anglican Connection
Pollution goes against God's will, say church leaders in Ash Wednesday message
Leaders of churches in Britain including the Archbishop of Canterbury and the head of Scotland's Roman Catholics have made a Lenten call for repentance and a "change of direction" to combat the dangers of climate change.
Rowan Williams has joined Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, among other church leaders, in signing a declaration which says reducing dependence on fossil fuels is "essential" to Christian discipleship.
The launch declaration comes on Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent, traditionally a period of penitence, prayer and reflection for Christians in the run-up to Easter. The declaration will be marked by a service in central London this evening.
Many Christians receive a mark of ashes on the forehead as a token of penitence and mortality.
"Continuing to pollute the atmosphere when we know the dangers goes against what we know of God's ways and God's will," the declaration said.
"We are failing to love not only the earth, but our neighbours and ourselves, who are made in God's image. God grieves over the destruction of creation and so should we."
To read another take on this event, cick here. |
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Closing - March
Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated each year on March 17th. In Ireland, Saint Patrick's Day is both a holy day and a national holiday. Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland as he was the one who brought Christianity to the Irish.
According to legend, Saint Patrick used a shamrock to explain about God. The shamrock, which looks like clover, has three leaves on each stem. Saint Patrick told the people that the shamrock was like the idea of the Trinity - that in the one God there are three divine beings: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The shamrock was sacred to the Druids, so Saint Patrick's use of it in explaining the trinity was very wise. |
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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