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Bishop's Schedule
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February 17
St. Timothy's
Pauls Valley
February 24
St. Thomas
Pawhuska
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Save the Date
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February 22 - 23
Women's Retreat
St. Crispin's
April 15 - 16
Retired Clergy and Spouses Retreat
St. Crispin's
April 26 - 28
Altered (formerly Vocare)
St. Crispin's
May 2 - 4
Men's Retreat
St. Crispin's
August 2 - 4
Happening 10th - 12th Graders
All Souls' Church
Oklahoma City, OK
August 15 - 17
EFM Mentor Training
St. Crispin's
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Upcoming Diocese Events
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To register or for more information please go onto the Dicoesan Web Site below or call the local congregation:
February 26
Safeguarding God's Children
Diocesan Offices
10 - 12:30
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New Web Sites and Links
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Kevin Martin, Diocesan Congregational Development Officer's Blog
www.kevinoncong.blogspot.com
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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,
February 15, 2013.
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We Are Epiok.org
February 15, 2013
Issue 7
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 News, Events, and Offerings |
St. John's, Durant, Continues Tradition
St. John's Episcopal Church of Durant continued their fifteen year tradition of a community pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday. A silent auction also has been part of the festivities for the past several years. This year's supper and auction probably produced the largest number of community guests and the largest revenue yet. New vestry member David Northcutt chaired this year's Shrove Tuesday event. David has lived in New Orleans and has worked as a chef as well, bringing his experience and talents to this year's event. All advertising this year was cost free, utilizing two yard banners they church already owns, an article explaining Shrove Tuesday in the local Sunday newspaper, a ticket give-a-way on
 a local radio station,and announcements spread on members' Facebook pages. Silent auction items included original works of art and various items ranging from a skateboard to china serving dishes. Most of the food was donated either by members or by the local Potter's Sausage Company. Publicity was enhanced through the Durant Chamber of Commerce network, St. John's being their newest Not-for-Profit member. |
Lenten Stations of the Cross 
St. David's Episcopal Church, located at 3333 North Meridian, Oklahoma City, will offer Stations of the Cross every Friday during lent with the exception of Good Friday. They will start at 6:00 p.m. with soup and sandwiches to follow. This event is open to all denominations. Please join them.
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Community Lenten Services at Claremore
This Lent season St. Paul's, Claremore, will host the Community Lenten Services in conjunction with the Claremore Ministerial Alliance. Each Wednesday of Lent, at 12 Noon, a different church in the community will provide about a thirty minute devotion followed by a luncheon in our parish hall. Six different churches will lead and serve the luncheon that follows. This allows all members of the community regardless of denomination to join together in prayer and share a meal.
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Stewardship and Fundraising - There is a Difference!
I remember sitting in 5th grade class diagramming sentences. Breaking down words to the most essential function and watching how they interact and form a sentence. The same can be done for philanthropy. Think of philanthropy as the direct object, formed at the formation of its very different noun and verb, stewardship and fundraising, respectively. If constructed separately and correctly, the end product will be true philanthropy!
Stewardship is not only the burden of trust, the responsibility and the accountability of a donor's donation, but the cultivation and care of the donor himself. The Golden Rule of Stewardship is best expressed by Luke 6:31, "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." How do YOU want to be treated when you are being asked to give of your time, talent and treasures?
I know fundraising seems overwhelming. But, if you have properly stewarded your donor, the good news is that 75% of your work is done! All that's left is to determine how the donor would like to give to your church. Will it be an outright gift? A bequest? A stock? This is the fun part! The time where you see all of your hard work come to fruition and the donor's dreams for their treasures come true!
If you would like more information on stewardship or fundraising, please contact Emily Abernathy at 405-232-4820 or via email at eabernathy@epiok.org.
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Cursillo #124 Scheduled for April 4 - 7
 Cursillo is a movement of the Episcopal Church designed to renew and deepen Christian commitment. Its goal is to help those in the church to understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders by equipping and encouraging them to live out their Baptismal Covenant to serve Christ. To participate in the April 4-7 weekend at St.Crispin's, please consult with your clergy about sponsorship, and submit an application at least two weeks prior to the weekend.
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Whole Creation Community - "Praying for the Planet"
The following meditation written by Dean Lindstrom of St. Paul's Cathedral in OKC was posted the week of February 14, 2013 on the Whole Creation Community Facebook page. Please continue to join Whole Creation Community in daily devotion http://stpaulsokc.org/whole-creation.
Recently I have been made more aware through various experiences and media coverage of the extreme water shortage we are under here in Oklahoma. We must pray for rain! I pray that the rains will come and bring us short-term relief of our drought conditions. But, at the same time, I pray we will be mindful of the long-term transformation that we all must go through. Right now, conservation is something that many are thinking about and putting into action. We cannot just be conservationists when we are in desperate need. Maybe what we do now will help us be more proactive in the future whether it is conserving water or fuels, caring for animals and plants and trees. Maybe what we learn today because of the crisis we are in will help us learn how to be more disciplined and smart about what we do the earth. What changes are you making today to conserve water because of the drought that you can continue when the drought is over? Dean Justin+
From the Book of Common Prayer: O God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy kingdom and its righteousness all things necessary to sustain their life: Send us, we entreat thee, in this time of need, such moderate rain and showers, that we may receive the fruits of the earth, to our comfort and to thy honor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Focus Story
Recently, Whole Creation Community had the opportunity to share with others across OKC what it means to nurture Creation through prayer. See link below to a KOCO segment on "Praying for the Planet" which highlights WCC and our efforts.
http://www.koco.com/news/oklahomanews/okc/Oklahoma-s-faithful-praying-for-the-planet/-/11777584/18539192/-/4pidco/-/index.html
In addition, WCC has partnered with the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and the Oklahoma Conference of Churches to encourage other faith communities and Christian denominations to participate in the Oklahoma Interfaith Days of Prayer for Rain. There will be several events leading up to the kick off which will be held on April 22nd at the Capitol after which a luncheon will be held for legislators, church leaders, and other key individuals. Subsequent days of prayer have be set for May 1st, June 26th, and September 18th. Please consider hosting one or more of these days of prayer in your area inviting all people of faith to participate. More details to follow.
For more information, contact Ferrella March at Ferrella@hotmail.com. |
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Mind, Body, and Spirit in the 2nd Half of Life II
We're doing it again. The Diocese of Oklahoma and the Senior Ministries Committee is offering a great opportunity to gather with your friends to learn about issues specifically tailored for those in the 2nd Half of Life.
The date is April 4, 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and will be held at Church of the Resurrection Episcopal Church, 13112 North Rockwell, OKC. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE REGISTRATION BROCHURE THAT CAME IN THE MAIL HAS THE CORRECT DATE AND NOT THE CORRECT DAY. IT IS ON THURSDAY, APRIL 4.
Program will include: Plenary Panel Session "Getting It All Together: The Messy Paperwork of Life." The Rev. Michael A. Jasper, Rector at Church of the Resurrection and Shirley Cox, Legal Services Developer, OK Department of Human Services will share their knowledge and the session will be mediated by The Rev. John Belzer.
Four workshops will be offered, of which you may choose two: Laughter Yoga, Driving Safely and Safety, Scripture, Aging, and Lectio Divina, and Being a Grandparent in Today's Society.
For Registration forms Click here . If you have questions now, contact Sabrina Evans, sevans@epiok.org, or call 405 232 4820.
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Safeguarding God's Children Training Opportunities
February 24 All Saints, McAlester  12 - 3:30 p.m. Contact Karen Asked to register: karen.askew@gmail.com
February 26 Diocesan Offices 10 a.m. Contact Sabrina Evans to register: sevans@epiok.org
March 2
St. Paul's, Claremore
9:00 a.m. until noon
Rev. Kay Bowman will be our trainer.
To register, please call St. Pauls (918) 341-0168.
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Oklahoma Episcopal Youth Events
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Dates of Interest
Province VII Mission Week in Dallas, July 8 - 13 - for HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ONLY. Check out information at: http://province7youth.org/
Happening for 10th - 12th Graders - August 2 - 4, All Souls' Episcopal Church, OKC, OK. |
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Summer Camper Registration Forms Now On-Line
Yes, everything you need to register for Summer Camp 2013 is now on-line. Camp sessions are as follows: May 31 - June 1 ABC (overnight camp for children who have finished Kindergarten through 2nd grade) and a parent/guardian. This gives the child and parent a taste of the camp experience. Campers stay in cabins with other campers, swim, make crafts, and play like big campers! |
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June 2 - 8 Sr. High (10th - 12th graders)
June 9 - 15 8th and 9th graders
June 16 - 22 3rd - 5th graders
June 23 - 29 6th and 7th graders
June 30 - July 6 8th and 9th graders
July 7 - 13 3rd - 5th graders
July 14 - 20 6th and 7th graders
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Summer Camp Staff Selected
We are pleased to announce the 2013 Summer Camp Staff for St. Crispin's:
Thomas Adams, Durant
Noah Allen
Kelsey Brass
Molly Dowd
Elizabeth Fosmire
Josh Keegan
Austin Lawhorn
Caity Miller
Philip Newcomer
Kirsten Rysted
Darcy Waller
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Young Adult/Campus Ministry News
Urban Pilgrimage Application
The Episcopal Peace Fellowship Urban Pilgrimages will be held during spring breaks in March 2013. During the pilgrimages students and young adults will be able to reflect spiritually, theologically, philosophically, and politically on the societal causes and concepts of homelessness, immigration and hunger. Please submit application by March 1, 2013. Participant subsidized cost is $150 plus transportation.
For further information, go to: http://epfnational.org/urban-pilgrimage-application/
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Christian Formation Resources |
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Last Minute Lenten Programs
If you are still looking, or might want to use these resources at some other time, here are some options:
* The Diocese of California started posting some 5 part sessions for churches a few years ago. Not all of the lessons are free to the public, but some are available for anyone to use and I highly recommend these fabulous studies. The newly posted "Pro/Claim: Engaging the Baptismal Covenant" uses public narrative to help people tell their own stories. Online video stories from across the diocese of CA help to illustrate each session, and participants are encouraged to upload their own stories. A great resource from the Episcopal Diocese of California! Could be useful for adult confirmation as well.
* Read the Spirit website (an in-depth look at world religions) is offering some lovely stories each week in Lent through their "Intimate Lenten Journey" postings. Perhaps share with others online, or print out and hold a discussion group after church or at lunch. These are accessible, intimate stories of family and life that draw the reader into the meaning of Lent that might be a great way to engage with those less active in a church community but who are searching for spiritual dialog.
* Credo is offering online Lenten readings around "Feeding and Fasting." These are available as both audio and written reflections concluding with a spiritual practice. Could be an interesting lead in for any wellness program - personal or as a group. Or use this before starting a community gardening program or for those working with a food pantry.
* Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) is offering online videos around prayer for the season of Lent. Sign up for this series on "Praying our Lives." |
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New Resource Book
God of My Heart, a Prayer Book for Youth has just come out with its second edition, revised and expanded. I had the opportunity to review this prior to its release and was very impressed. It is written by youth and for youth. It gives voice to their faith but also to their fear, hope, failings, regret, longing, joy, and passion. It is divided into Liturgical seasons and has a scripture index and topical index. Each prayer could stand on its own as a worship experience for your youth group.
We have a copy of this book in our Resources now and you may check it out by calling the Diocesan Offices or emailing sevans@epiok.org.
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Mission Trip and Work Camp Ideas through Appalachian Ministry Resource Team
Interested in a Mission Trip in East Tennessee? You can find good starter information on the website, www.etdiocese.net under Mission and Ministry.
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Good Friday Offering Materials
Once again, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori is encouraging the whole of the Episcopal church to join in supporting the Good Friday Offering. It's not too early to order your materials in support of this appeal. Go to www.episcopalchurch.org/goodfridayoffering
and download the materials. These materials are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and French.
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Anglican Rosary
 In some form, the rosary also been part of the tradition of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, and Orthodox faithful for centuries. Jesus himself incorporated prayer as an essential and cultural expression of knowing and communicating with God. He and Paul, as Jews, would have been familiar with the Jewish prayer tradition of counting prayers. Jesus made it very personal in the sense that he called God "Abba," which translates as "Father." From its Jewish roots, the early Christian Church understood prayer as a connection of earth and heaven: it was the authoritative way of building a personal relationship with God. Believing that the repetition of prayers is a natural tendency for religious practitioners, religious individuals have used strung beads, knotted rope, and bags of pebbles to count their prayers. In today's time of intellectual inquiry and rational thinking, prayer is often difficult to grasp and express. However, many spiritual and religious leaders believe that inherent in human beings are a hunger for the sacred and a need for that which is spiritual and eternal. While the focus of prayer is spiritual and sometimes mental, as humans we find that something tangible helps. Lately, Anglicans and other Protestants have begun to use prayer beads to assist their meditations on and with God. The Anglican rosary, also known as Anglican/Episcopalian prayer beads, has elements of the Orthodox and Catholic traditions. It has thirty-three beads, which represent Jesus' thirty-three years on Earth. There are four sets of seven "weeks," recalling the Jewish and Christian belief in the perfection of the number seven; there are also the seven days of Creation, the seven days of the week, the seven seasons of the church year, and the seven sacraments of the church. Four slightly larger or different colored beads called "cruciforms" separate these four weeks; equally spaced in the circle of the rosary, they form a cross and remind us of four seasons and four directions of the compass. Attached to the last cruciform is an "invitatory," from which hangs a cross. As prayer starts at the cross, the invitatory "invites" us to pray along the remaining 32 beads. Moving to the right, three times round the rosary brings us to ninety-nine, the complete number of the Divine Names in Middle Eastern traditions; adding the cross at the beginning or end brings us to one hundred, which is the total of the Orthodox rosary, in addition to representing the fullness of creation. There is no set prayer for the Anglican rosary; there are several traditional and contemporary prayers available, or you can assemble a set of prayers on your own. For example, try finding a Bible verse, psalm, or prayer that you like. Likewise, you can purchase a set of beads or create your own, following the layout of beads described above. There are several Internet sites where you can find more information on purchasing rosaries or creating prayers:
http://www.trinityreno.org/Anglican%20Rosary.pdf
Suggested Prayers
Gloria Patri: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Kyrie: Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison, Kyrie Eleison. (Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.)
Lord's Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Trisagion: Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us.
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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