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Bishop's Schedule
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March 5 - 14
House of Bishops
Kanuga Conference Center
March 16
Vestry Academy
St. Crispin's
March 17
St. James
Wagoner
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Save the Date
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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:
Altered/Vocare
April 26-28, 2013
Open for Young Adults 19 - 30
http://tinyurl.com/aqvv8uj
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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.
Web site for Diocese of Uruguay:
http://uruguay.anglican.org/
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The Next Issue of this Newsletter will be on Friday,
March 15, 2013.
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We Are Epiok.org
March 8, 2013
Issue 10
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Daylight Saving Time Begins March 10
Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night, March 9th. |
 News, Events, and Offerings |
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Diocese Welcomes Marcia Crawford to Staff
The Diocese welcomes Marcia Crawford, Executive Assistant to Bishop Ed to our staff. She will be the primary contact for his correspondence and schedu  ling. She can be reached at mcrawford@epiok.org Marcia comes to us from the Office of the Governor, where she served as an Assistant to Governor Mary Fallin. Prior to working for the Governor, Marcia served as Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of a Banking Institution. Marcia is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma. Marcia has been married to Scott for 37 years. Together they have two children and two grandchildren. Please join us in welcoming Marcia to the Diocese. |
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St. Augustine of Canterbury, OKC, Doing Spring Cleaning - Items Offered for Other Congregations
6' x 3' lateral file with dividers
3' x 3' cabinet with sliding doors
(2) end tables 22" x 26"
Coffee table 45" x 20"
Shelf 4' x 3' (includes two shelf boards shown on bottom level)
Choir cassocks - 30+ in assorted sizes, all in very good condition
They would like to have these gone by next week. Please contact Karen Koch (pronounced Cook) hunnykoch@me.com for more information. |
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Calling all Episcopal Women!! Bring Some Laughter into Your Life!
Please join us at Episcopal Church of the Resurrection on Saturday, March 9 for a special presentation for women in the Oklahoma City area. Lyn Hester, local author will present her program on using humor to defuse stress...."Take Two Chuckles and Call Me in the Morning". Registration will begin at 9:30 am followed by Lyn's program and luncheon for $5. Church of the Resurrection is located in Oklahoma City on north Rockwell, between NW 122nd and Memorial Road -- 13112 North Rockwell Avenue. Reserve your place for this day of lunch and laughter by calling Bebe at 760-4304 or emailing Joann at speers2@cox.net. |
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Retired Clergy, Spouses, and Widows Retreat Registration Deadline
If you are planning to attend the April 15 and 16 gathering at St. Crispin's, this is your last call! Bob and Georgia Gates have to turn in the numbers attending on March 15th. This will assure we have ample food and room availability.
Those who plan to attend but have not notified them really need to do so quickly.Email: Frb426@aol.com |
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All Souls' ECW Welcomes Recording Artist and You Are Invited!
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JAMI SMITH
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Luncheon ($8) begins at Noon
For reservations please call 842-1461
Jami is a native of Chickasha, Oklahoma. She attended Oklahoma Baptist University. Although her childhood dreams included becoming the next Amy Grant, during college, she felt the divine tug of a powerful God. You may have heard Jami singing her song "Faith In You," which was used in one of the St. Anthony's television commercials. Her songs can be heard on radio stations around the world. For 15 years, she has traveled the world to help believers connect with the Lord. One of Jami's passions includes honoring teachers for the sacrificial work they do in the classroom. For several years, she has organized a benefit concert for educators in the Oklahoma City metro area. Jami rallied business, religious and political leaders to give back to teachers. She wrote the song "You Dreamed For Me" as a thank you to teachers. |
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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. You can find the application at: http://www.epiok.org/links.html.
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Mind, Body, and Spirit in the 2nd Half of Life II - Event for All Ages! Registration Deadline - March 25
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. No, This event is open to all ages!
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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Stewardship and Development - How Often is Too Often?
Are you worried about seeming pushy to your donors? What I like to do is send donor communications at least 5-7 times before asking for another gift. So if you're afraid about asking too much, this will help alleviate that worry. Because if you're making them the hero in the communications you send them, and then telling them about the wonderful things you're doing, without asking for money, you're building the relationship.
So your communications calendar could look like this:
1. Fall Appeal: September 10, 2013
2. Annual Report: October, 2 2013 (highlight successes and challenges of last year)
3. E-newsletter: November 2, 2013 (highlight a volunteer)
4. E-newsletter: November 10, 2013 (highlight a program of your church)
5. E-newsletter: November 20, 2013 (highlight your healthy aging program)
6. E-update: Look what we've been doing for you and the community.
7. Winter Appeal: Dec 1, 2013 (thank you for helping us create the successes of the past year, including story of someone who has benefitted from your church, we couldn't have done it without you, please help more people just like person X this holiday season.)
Don't have an e-newsletter? GET ONE! They're a cheap/free way to communicate to your congregation. MailChimp has a free program if you have uner 2000 subscribers!
Please contact Emily Abernathy at 405-232-4820 if you have any questions or need help with your donor communications calendar! |
Whole Creation Community - Lenten Longing
Whole Creation Community is a spiritual community that brings together people of faith who will commit themselves to praying for God's creation, teaching stewardship of God's creation, and working to sustain God's creation. Please join us daily on facebook http://stpaulsokc.org/whole-creation for daily meditations.
Below is a meditation/ reflection posted this week by Fr. Dwight Helt, St. John's-Norman.
Affirmations for a reconciled humanity: One
We acknowledge our deep longing for peace and unity as the common heritage of all humanity, born of our separation and alienation and compounded by our desire to manipulate and rule the world. Dwight
Focus Stories
Adopt A Street-OKC - As part of the Whole Creation Community, we strive to keep our environment clean. Join SPC Green Team and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew for breakfast and our second Adopt A Street clean up event. We will meet at SPC on Saturday, March 9th at 8:30 am. The Brotherhood of St. Andrew will prepare breakfast and then we will work together to clean up the streets in our community. As a reminder, SPC has adopted Robinson Street between 4th and 16th Streets.
We welcome all congregations to join us in this effort. Maybe you just want to see what it is all about so you can adopt a street in your community. Regardless of your motivation, you are invited!
Please let me know if you are able to attend. We will need to ensure we have enough adult supervision for anyone between the ages of 11 and 18. RSVP Ferrella@hotmail.com or hsessing@gmail.com. You may also call the church office at 405-235-3436.
Order Coffee/Support WCC - Whole Creation Community has partnered with Pura Vida Create Good to provide you with your morning coffee!
The Create Good Foundation is: Committed to helping the poor who live in coffee growing regions around the world through water and economic infrastructure investments aimed directly at creating sustainable communities. Please click on this link to be directed to the Pura Vida Create Good website. A portion of your purchases will be rebated to Whole Creation Community.
You may also navigate directly to the Pura Vida Create Good website and make your purchase, attributing it to Whole Creation Community by typing WHOLECREATION in the "Coupon/Fundraising Code" box in your shopping cart.
Thank you for your support!
Contact Information: Ferrella March Ferrella@hotmail.com 405-397-7960 |
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The Episcopal Church Office of Communication Offers White Paper - Understand What Your Church Needs to Know about Marketing and Advertising
 Since the time of the Gospel writers the Church has used effective marketing techniques to reach potential members. Though the tactics change (epistle, preaching, book, tract, television, radio, social media) the strategy does not.
In this white paper you will learn:
How to "plunder Egypt" - what you can take from the world of commercial advertising
What a conversion funnel is and how to use it
How to generate inbound leads
Getting the most out of your church's website (HINT: It has nothing to do with your homepage)
The 5 components of a church marketing plan
Does your church have a website?
Is your church on Facebook and Twitter?
Do you still advertise in the Yellow Pages or newspaper?
If you do - or even if your church has never done any advertising - this white paper will teach you the basics of marketing strategy and planning so that you can learn to use these powerful tools effectively.
Click on this link, http://tiny.cc/k16itw fill out the requested information at the bottom of the page, and get your free White Paper.
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Safeguarding God's Children Training Opportunities
March 9
St. Andrew's, Lawton
9 a.m. until noon
Contact St. Andrew's standrewslawton@att.net to register.
April 21st
St. Michael's, Norman
2: 00 p.m.
Contact Amy Gardner to register: awgardner@yahoo.com
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Oklahoma Episcopal Youth Events
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Episcopal Youth Leadership Academy Meets in Tulsa
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 | | Keifer Kehl and Tim Sean Youmans begin project. |
 | | Lily Cummings and Maggie Jones show their project. |
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| The group's March meeting was held this past weekend at Trinity, Tulsa. This month's leader was Kathryn Gage, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Edmond, OK. The beginning exercise was to complete a structure that would hold 50 sheets of paper using marshmallows and spaghetti. |
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Hailey King and Victoria Dina's winning structure!
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Another agenda item covered how to design, implement, and close a project. They group was then assigned three projects to help New Hope - organize their craft supplies; sort and inventory their camping equipment; and sort clothing and shoes.
After these projects were completed, they discussed professionalism - from cell phones, introductions, manners, to etiquette in fine dining. The group then went to a "fine dining" establishment and had dinner in order to practice the skills offered. |
 | | Braxton Clarke, Jenna Elmer, and Keifer Kehl sort and prepare inventory list of camping supplies for New Hope. |
Upon returning to Trinity, the group stuffed some 700 Easter eggs with candy for New Hope.
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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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Young Adult/Campus Ministry News
Altered: A Retreat for Young Adults 19-30
Who is God calling you to be? Come explore this question April 26-28, 20-13, at St. Crispin's. This is a weekend of exploring your faith, personal growth, meeting other young adults, worshiping God, singing, reconnecting with God, thinking about your life purpose, stepping back from your busy life, and especially relaxing. This retreat is run by and for young adults, led by Episcopal lay and clergy leaders from around the diocese. Go to: http://www.epiok.org/Christian%20Formation/vocare.html for additional information and registration form. |
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Christian Formation Resources |
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Resources for Congregational Gifts/Talents
The book, Live Your Calling by Kevin and Kay Brennfleck is a good source. Lots quizzes, assessments and charts and an appendix in the back that outlines how to best use the material in a small group setting.
Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts by Lloyd Edwards.
Knowing Me, Knowing God by Malcolm Goldsmith, which is based on the Myers Briggs.
Corinne Ware's book, Discover Your Spiritual Type, published by Alban, is a classic. It builds on the typology developed originally by Terry Holmes in "A History of Christian Spirituality" and also explored by John Westerhoff in "Spiritual Life the Foundation for Preaching and Teaching. Corinne's exercises are short and fun and the graphics you end up with are very helpful in creating a picture of your congregation as well as the gifts of the individuals in it. It is a great conversation starter on its own and also sets you up for deeper exploration of who you are and where you might be headed using the protocols of Appreciative Inquiry to grow through your strengths.
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Walking the Labyrinth
We are all on the path... exactly where we need to be. The labyrinth is a model of that path.
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness. It combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The Labyrinth represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools.
A labyrinth is an archetype with which we can have a direct experience. We can walk it. It is a metaphor for life's journey. It is a symbol that creates a sacred space and place and takes us out of our ego to "That Which Is Within."
Labyrinths and mazes have often been confused. When most people hear of a labyrinth they think of a maze. A labyrinth is not a maze. A maze is like a puzzle to be solved. It has twists, turns, and blind alleys. It is a left brain task that requires logical, sequential, analytical activity to find the correct path into the maze and out.
A labyrinth has only one path. It is unicursal. The way in is the way out. There are no blind alleys. The path leads you on a circuitous path to the center and out again.
A labyrinth is a right brain task. It involves intuition, creativity, and imagery. With a maze many choices must be made and an active mind is needed to solve the problem of finding the center. With a labyrinth there is only one choice to be made. The choice is to enter or not. A more passive, receptive mindset is needed. The choice is whether or not to walk a spiritual path.
At its most basic level the labyrinth is a metaphor for the journey to the center of your deepest self and back out into the world with a broadened understanding of who you are.
 This is the classical or seventh circuit labyrinth. Seven circuits refers the seven paths that lead to the center or goal. This is an ancient design and is found in most cultures. It is sometimes dated back more than 4000 years. Also known as the Cretan Labyrinth it is associated with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. This design was found on Cretan coins.
Labyrinths have most likely always been used in a spiritual manner. They can create a heightened awareness of the human condition and aid psychological and spiritual growth. To build a labyrinth is to create a sacred space. To walk a labyrinth is to imbue it with power and meaning. The more a labyrinth is used the more powerful it becomes as a symbol of transformation.
The classical labyrinth has an association with Christianity. A cross is the starting point used to construct this labyrinth. The cross at the center can become the focus for medita tion and the experience of the labyrinth. The classical labyrinth design is found in many churches in Europe.
The Middle Ages showed a renewed interest in labyrinths and a design more complex than the classical seven-circuit labyrinth became popular.
This was an eleven-circuit design divided into four quadrants. It was often found in Gothic Cathedrals but over time many of these eleven-circuit designs were destroyed or intentionally removed.
The most famous of these remaining labyrinths is at Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. The labyrinth at Chartres was built around 1200 and is laid into the floor in a style sometimes referred to as a pavement maze. The original center piece has been removed and other areas of the labyrinth have been restored.
This labyrinth was meant to be walked but is reported to be infrequently used today. In the past it could be walked as a pilgrimage and/or for repentance. As a pilgrimage it was a questing, searching journey with the hope of becoming closer to God. When used for repentance the pilgrims would walk on their knees. Sometimes this eleven-circuit labyrinth would serve as a substitute for an actual pilgrimage to Jerusalem and as a result came to be called the "Chemin de Jerusalem" or Road of Jerusalem.
In walking the Chartres style labyrinth the walker meanders through each of the four quadrants several times before reaching the goal. An expectancy is created as to when the center will be reached. At the center is a rosette design which has a rich symbolic value including that of enlightenment. The four arms of the cross are readily visible and provide significant Christian symbolism.
There is no right way to walk a labyrinth.You only have to enter and follow the path. However, your walk can encompass a variety of attitudes. It may be joyous or somber. It might be thoughtful or prayerful. You may use it as a walking meditation.
Adults are often serious in the labyrinth. Children most often run in and out as fast as they can in a playful manner.
When you walk a labyrinth choose your attitude. From time to time choose a different attitude. Make it serious, prayerful, or playful. Play music or sing. Pray out loud. Walk alone and with a crowd. Notice the sky. Listen to the sounds. Most of all pay attention to your experience.
Some general guidelines for walking a labyrinth are:
1. Focus: Pause and wait at the entrance. Become quiet and centered. Give acknowledgment through a bow, nod, or other gesture and then enter.
2. Experience: Walk purposefully. Observe the process. When you reach the center, stay there and focus several moments. Leave when it seems appropriate. Be attentive on the way out.
3. Exit: Turn and face the entrance. Give an acknowledgement of ending, such as "Amen."
4. Reflect: After walking the labyrinth reflect back on your experience. Use journaling or drawing to capture your experience.
5. Walk often.
Taken from http://www.lessons4living.com/labyrinth.htm |
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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