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Upcoming Diocese Events | |
To register or for more inforamtion please go onto the Dicoesan Web Site below or call the local congregation:
July 21
Safeguarding God's Children
TRAIN THE TRAINER
Diocesan Offices
July 27
Episcopal Night at the Red Hawks Game
7:05 p.m.
August 3 - 5
Happening - Youth who have completed 10th - 12th grade
Christ Church, Tulsa
August 11
Safeguarding God's Children
Diocsean Offices
10 - 1
August 24 - 26
Godly Play Training
St. Augustine of Canterbury, OKC
September 27-30
Co-Ed Spanish Speaking Cursillo
St. Crispin's
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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,
July 21, 2012. |
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We Are Epiok.org
July 13, 2012
Issue 28 |
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News, Events, and Offerings |
77th General Convention
Diocese of Oklahoma Receives Apostles in Transformational Stewardship Award
Good stewardship can be a transforming experience, and the Episcopal Network for Stewardship celebrated four success stories with its Apostles in Transformational Stewardship awards during a July 6 reception at General Convention, meeting here.
TENS president J.R. Lander and the Rev. Laurel Johnston, the Episcopal Church's program office for stewardship, welcomed representatives of four dioceses - New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Taiwan - who accepted awards recognizing innovative, creative programs emphasizing stewardship of time, talent and treasure.
The award winners were nominated by their dioceses at the request of TENS. Short video presentations described the programs and their effects.
Following the awards presentation, the gathering heard a keynote address from the Rev. Canon Edwin Bacon, rector of All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena, in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
Field Griffen of the Diocese of Oklahoma's stewardship commission accepted the TENS award on behalf of the diocese. The commission created an annual giving campaign titled "Gratitude, Prayer and Faith," which was intended "to bring about life-changing attitudes toward gratitude, giving and discipleship," according to a program description. "While often our culture stresses the contractual nature of giving, [the program] addresses the joyful nature of covenantal giving," the description said. Some congregations achieved a 30% increase in giving and many first-time pledgers.
"Retelling people what they already know about stewardship is not enough," Field said as he accepted the award, adding that what is necessary for success is to build a program that can transform lives. |
More News from General Convention
...Also announced were bishops elected to the committee to nominate a new presiding bishop: Tom Shaw (Massachusetts); William Franklin (Western New York); Nathan Baxter (Central Pennsylvania); Duncan Gray (Mississippi); Wendell Gibbs (Michigan); John Smiley (Wyoming), Ed Konieczny (Oklahoma); Mary Glasspool (Los Angeles); and Lloyd Allen (Honduras). They will be joining members elected in the House of Deputies, both clerical and lay. |
New Dean Appointed for St. Paul's Cathedral
I am delighted to announce, that upon recommendation of the Cathedral Vestry, I have appointed The Rev. Justin Lindstrom to serve as the next Dean of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Justin comes to St. Paul's from the Diocese of Texas where he currently serves as Vicar of St. Aidan's Episcopal Church in Cypress. Justin founded the church in 2002 with 26 people and has grown the community to over 700 active members. Prior to St. Aidan's, Justin served as Assistant Rector for Youth and Family Ministries at St. Martin's in Houston, Texas, the largest Episcopal Church in the United States with more than 7,000 members.
Justin has been married for 16 years to Susan Hiebert Lindstrom. They have two children, a son, Covell, 13 and a daughter, Cooper, 10.
Justin has a deep love for Jesus Christ, a passion for the Gospel and a commitment to serve the people of God. We are blessed to welcome Justin and his family to the Cathedral and the Diocese.
I look forward to our continued ministry together.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny
Bishop of Oklahoma |
Did you Know?
The Diocese of Jerusalem has a wonderful newsletter that comes out monthly. You can sign up to receive it by going to: http://www.j-diocese.org.
This month's newsletter has the below picture of Bishop Ed and said, "... Everyone enjoyed coffee in the Guest House garden after service and then joined with Bishop Suheil in the Bishop's Reception Hall for a discussion on the institutions of the Diocese of Jerusalem."
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VBS - Resurrection, OKC, Style
Over 30 children ascended on Church of the Resurrection in OKC, to participate in their VBS - "The Race"...Experiencing God's amazing grace. From a tent "whale" to a tent holding food goods for the Guild of St. George's, children held scavenger hunts, had tropical fruits and nuts for snacks, made necklaces and rockets, and planted seeds in clear pouches.
Tent holds food goods for the Guild of St. George's.
Making real "bottle" rockets!"
Youth played an important role as group leaders for the youngest saints at Resurrection! |
A Walk in the Woods - St. Crispin's Conference Center
Interview with Aaron Mooney
St. Crispin's Summer Camp Director
by Ferrella March, Whole Creation Community
If you ask an Episcopalian from Oklahoma whether they have heard of St. Crispin's, chances are they have been there for a conference, Cursillo, meetings, or camp. Many wonderful things are happening on campus that encourage environmental stewardship. Mike and Joanne Roberts are doing a great job of providing a beautiful place for participants and securing St. Crispin's legacy for generations to come. One of the many uses of St. Crispin's is summer camp when youth from around the Diocese gather to pray, learn and develop the tools to help them become positive leaders in their communities.
I recently had the privilege to speak with Aaron Mooney who serves as the summer camp director at St. Crispin's. We discussed how our youth are great environmental stewards. They intuitively integrate respect for creation into their spiritual lives by striking a balance many of us find difficult to maintain. I was humbled by the realization that our youth are living by the Whole Creation Community Rule of Life: praying for God's creation, sharing with others about stewardship of God's Creation and acting to sustain God's Creation.
PRAY
- Creative Hikes-Camp participants go on short hikes to one of the many scenic overlooks where they can reflect, journal, do a leaf rubbing, take pictures or engage in other ways that help them connect with nature and God.
Photo by Ferrella March
- Yoga Morning Prayer-Senior high campers are introduced to various Yoga poses while morning prayer is read from the Book of Common Prayer.
Photo by Aaron Mooney
- Labyrinth-A labyrinth is used to help youth focus their prayer. One of the contemplative activities is to write a burden on a stone. The stone is then placed at the center of the labyrinth releasing the burden back into the wild.
Photo by Aaron Mooney
SHARE
- Healthy Eating-The addition of a salad bar to the daily menu promotes healthier eating. Mike and Joanne have planted a garden that encourages "locavorism" . "Locavorism" according to our friend, Fr. David Stock from St. John's-OKC, means one who eats locally grown food. The garden has been used as a teaching opportunity for many of the campers.
- Water Bottles-Campers are encouraged to bring their own water bottles or purchase bottles available to the campers upon registration. This teaches campers about reducing their waste through reuse.
ACT
- Reuse and Reduce-Aaron has acquired reusable cups that are used for drinks during snack time. This reduces waste generated from the use of disposable plastic, paper or polystyrene (foam) cups. This action also teaches campers about reducing waste and encourages similar behavior at home.
- Recycle-Recyclables from camp are taken by staff to participating recycling centers.
St. Crispin's has effectively provided an environment that fosters an awareness for God's creation. As a result, youth learn to integrate the elements of creation into their daily lives through prayer, sharing, and action. Through opportunities and experiences provided at St. Crispin's, youth will lead us into a bright future of environmental stewardship resulting in a happier and healthier planet Earth. Impacts are cumulative resulting from the culmination of stepping stones along a path. We choose the path. Our youth chooses a path. Just think, it all began at camp! |
You Are Invited
Christ Memorial Church, 500 South Baker, El Reno, OK, is hosting it's 7th annual Men's Choir on August 5th, 10:30 am We will have over 20 voices with a fabulous reception to follow. We would like to invite all who wish to attend. |
Save the Date
October 27 (Saturday)
Health Fair
St. Christopher's Midwest City
9 a.m. Speaker - Bruce McIntyre of Quail Springs Church of Christ, speaking on "Graceful Transitions"
10 a.m. Booths open
Mary Mahoney nurses will be here to give flu shots
November 30
One-on-One with Dave Hagan from Digital Faith - helping to design, implement, and improve your congregational web site.
Diocesan Offices
Starting at 1 p.m. with 30-minute appointments
December 1
Website Training Program
Diocesan Offices
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Learn tips for beginning, up-dating, or taking your website to the next level. Bring your computers! |
Happening #60 Set For August
Happening is designed for those who have completed the 10th - 12th grade and are looking for an intense, amazing and inspirational retreat. It is a time set apart to learn a little bit more about who we are, what we think and how we can carry that in to the world.
Happening #60 will be held at Christ Church, Tulsa, August 3-5th. It will start at 7 p.m. Cost is $50 for participants, $25 for staff. For Registration form, click here.
Got Happening questions? Contact Ashley Haggard at 918 527 6743. Lay Rector for this event will be Philip Newcomer. |
Whole Creation Community
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St. Crispin's Summer Camp
Summer Camp Sessions officially have begun! We ask your prayers over each of our youth groups, staff, deans, and nurses.
Please pray for these individuals: Summer Camp Director: Aaron Mooney. Full-time summer staff: Evelyn Langley, Katherine Whalen, Noah Allen, Hannah Hutchison, Kirsten Rysted, Phillip Bedford, Josh Keegan, Libby Fosmire, Emily Bibens, John Putnam, and Austin Woodliff.
Staff for July 15 - 21 (our final week of camp for 2012)
Deans: Rev. Blake and Laura Beth Woods
Nurse: Linda Newcomer, Janie Hill
CIT's: Abby Langley, Hailey Engle, Sydney Hinds, Will Bernston
Volunteers: Megan Shepherd, Matt Jewett-Williams
Camp Wish List
Check in those miscellaneous drawers and closets around your house and see if you have any of the items requested from camp! If you do and would like to donate to the supply closet, we'd love to have them. Donations can be dropped off at the Diocesan Offices for delivery to camp.
Box Fans
Bibles (New, Hardcover, all versions)
Embroidery Thread (for friendship bracelets)
Clean Glass Jars (with or without lids)
Scrabble Letters
Large Fake Jewels
Dominoes
Magnetic Tape (self-adhesive)
Children's Fishing Poles, fishing line, hooks, bobbers
Children's and Young Adult's Toothbrushes
Mini Toothpastes
Scissors
Single Hole Punches
Sidewalk Chalk
Jewelry Clasps
Jewelry Wire
Sharpies (Black and Colors, Fine Point)
Masking Tape |
Safeguarding God's Children Training
Safeguarding is required every 4 years for clergy, vestry, treasurers, bishop's committee members, those who work with children - Sunday School teachers, youth ministers, choir directors, and sextons, those who serve on vestry or Bishop's Committees, and anyone with a key to a congregation. This would be a great time to get trained before the beginning of your program year.
July 18 5:30 (pizza supper) training starts at 6 p.m. (If you are registering for this event and want pizza, the cost is $5 per person)
St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Edmond
Contact Sabrina Evans [email protected] to register or go on-line to the diocesan web site:
http://www.epiok.org/resources/safeguarding_god_s_children.html
August 11 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Diocesan Offices, OKC
Contact Sabrina Evans [email protected] to register or go on-line to the diocesan web site: http://www.epiok.org/resources/safeguarding_god_s_children.html
August 25 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Trinity, Guthrie
Contact Sabrina Evans [email protected] to register or go on-line to the diocesan web site: http://www.epiok.org/resources/safeguarding_god_s_children.html
July 21 at 10 a.m. at the Diocesan Offices will be a train the trainer event. This is an all day event. Completion of this training will allow you to do training in your congregation and throughout the Diocese.
Contact Sabrina Evans [email protected] to register or go on-line to the diocesan web site: http://www.epiok.org/resources/safeguarding_god_s_children.html |
Oklahoma Episcopal 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!
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 is September 29, at the Diocesan Offices, Noon. Planning for Convention and Miqra. Come join the fun. Please note the change of date. |
Christian Formation Resources |
Godly Play Training Coming Back to OKC
We are pleased to be offering a Godly Play Training here in OKC for August 24 - 26. NOTE WE CHANGED THE DATE TO BEGIN ON FRIDAY, 3 P.M. AND END ON SUNDAY AT 4:30 P.M. Registration is now on line. If this is something you are interested in attending, please let me know. Training is limited to 12 people. Click here for information and registration
Sabrina ([email protected]) |
New Resources Available for Check-Out
We have a quite a few new resource books regarding death, dying, grieving, and suicide for parents and teens. These include:
The Grieving Child, a parent's guide by Helen Fitzgerald
Helping Children Grieve When Someone they Love Dies, by Theresa M. Huntley
When a Friend Dies, A book for Teens and Grieving & Healing, by Marilyn E. Gootman, Ed.D.
When a Child you Love is Grieving, by Harold Ivan Smith
Survivors of Suicide, by Rita Robinson
The Power to Prevent Suicide - a Guide for Teens Helping Teens, by Richard E. Nelson, Ph.D., and Judith C. Galas
No One Saw My Pain by Andrew Slaby, M.D. and Lili Frank Garfinkel
Suicide, The Forever Decision, by Paul G. Quinnett
When Your Parent Dies, by Ron Klug
NEW VIDEOS
Discovering Christian Classics with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove and Lauren F. Winner - This is a 5 session video excellent for high school and adult formation and includes a leader's guide.
Workshops include:
1. The meaning of Conversion and prayer - from the Desert Fathers and Mothers
2. How to Love - from the sermons of St. John Chrysostom
3. St. Benedict's Rule of Life
4. How to have an Intimate Relationship with God
5. What it means to "pick up your cross"
The faith and practice of the Earliest Christians - a DVD study of the Didache. This 6 video series will look at:
1. The most Important Book You've Never heard of
2. The Way of Jesus
3. Baptism, Fasting, Praying, and the Holy Communion
4. How to be Church
5. Looking to the Future
6. Back to the Roots of Faith
Praying in Black and White - An Instructional DVD featuring Sybil (author of Praying in Color) and Andy MacBeth. Men bring distinctive gifts-and challenges-to the spiritual enterprise of prayer. Praying in Black & White honors the unique wiring of men and offers a simple, concrete approach to prayer. With a pen and a piece of paper, they are free to bring their skepticism, task-orientation, self-sufficiency, and independence into a new connection with God. |
Going for Growth Resources
The Church of England's newsletter, Going for Growth, has six great resources: a page devoted to the up-coming Olympic games; information about an early Harvest Festival that used to be celebrated at the beginning of the Harvest season on 1 August and was called Lammas, meaning 'loaf Mass'; a range of sites to explore the Lord's Prayer; resources to help children and parents become familiar with the Bible; criteria for choosing resources; and creating a library for faith. Check them out at: http://tinyurl.com/7gbh6gl. |
Closing Prayer for July
God of eternal light, though the heat of summer may be too much sometimes, we thank you for the gift of summer, especially summer camp, fresh food from the garden, swimming, trips to grandparents' houses, and vacations with families. Bless the rest of this summer, that it, too, may be filled with fun and rest, to the glory of Your name. Amen. |
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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