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Bishop's Schedule
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April 6
Provincial and Diocesan
Daughter's of the King Assembly
All Soul's
Oklahoma City
April 7
St. Aiden's
Tulsa
April 8 - 10
Province VII Bishops
St. Crispin's
April 19 - 21
Clergy Spouses Retreat
St. Crispin's
April 21
BACAM
St. Crispin's
April 26
ECW Annual Meeting and Bishop's Day
St. Andrew's
Grove
April 28
Trinity
Tulsa
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Save the Date
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April 26 - 28
Altered (formerly Vocare)
St. Crispin's
June 29
EfM Gathering of Mentors, Participants, Grads, and Possible Participants!
10 - 2
Diocesan Offices
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:
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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,
April 12, 2013.
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We Are Epiok.org
April 5, 2013
Issue 13
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 News, Events, and Offerings |
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Services Honoring Sarita Redd Scheduled
St. Paul's Cathedral will honor our dear friend Sarita Redd at 9:00 and 11:00 Mass on Sunday, April 7. Sarita was a lay Eucharistic Minister, former Vestry member, The Diocese of Oklahoma Distinguished Woman of 2012, and a friend to so many people.
Sarita's heart, however, was with UTO and she worked tirelessly to obtain UTO grants that benefitted the St. Paul's community.
During her term as UTO National Board President, which she held from July 2009 until her death in January 2013, a UTO grant of $86,000 was awarded to Whirlwind Mission to restore the Oakerhater Dance Grounds and an additional $85,000 grant was used to build a Challenge/Ropes Course at St. Crispin's.
Your generous support of UTO on April 7 in Sarita's memory will help continue the work that was such an important part of her life. For more than 120 years Episcopalians have said prayers of thankfulness and placed coins into a little "Blue Box". These coins are the "change that changes lives" and the fuel that powers UTO.
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Celebration of Life Service
A Celebration of Life Service for the Rev. Andrew (Andy) Palmer will be held on April 13, 2 p.m., at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Tulsa. Andy retired as Deacon at St. Peter's, Tulsa, on June 1, 2004, after having served 21 years.
The address for the church is: 9100 East 21st Street, Tulsa. |
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Friendly Competition Means Success for Food Bank
During the month of February St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Pawhuska and The First United Methodist Church engaged in a friendly competition to see who could gather the most sugar and flour. The contest began when Pastor Kathy Morris said, her congregation had decided to donate sugar and flour to Christ's Cupboard, the local food bank. (The ladies gave sugar and the men, flour.) Mother Andrea Jones suggested it would fun to enlarge the contest by having the Methodists vs. the Episcopalian--the two congregations being cousins, so to speak. Even Debbie Konieczny, who accompanied Bishop Edward on his visitation, made a donation for sugar.
For a bit, it looked like the Thomasians would win, they are a small but mighty group, but in the final weigh-in the Methodists pulled ahead. The final count was over 900 lbs. of sugar and 450 lbs. of flour, the ladies leaving the gentlemen in the dust. Though who knows about next year? The ultimate winner was Christ's Cupboard.
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Job Posting
Grace Episcopal Church, Muskogee, OK, seeks a Director of Children and Youth Families Ministries. This position is responsible to plan, coordinate, and oversee activities for children and youth to promote fun, fellowship, spiritual development, and outreach involvement. Qualified applicant should understand principles pertaining to child, adolescent and family development, faith development, and group dynamics; be willing to gain knowledge of and comply with Episcopal structure and Diocesan regulations; be a practicing Christian and complete required training. Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check, and possess a valid Oklahoma Driver's License.
Interested applicants should present their resume by April 30, 2013 to:
Grace Episcopal Church
Rector Fr. Bob Wickizer
218 North 6th Street
Muskogee, OK 74401 |
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St. Michael's, Norman, Spring Serenade, Sunday, April 14, 7 p.m.
On Sunday April 14th at 7 p.m., St. Cecilia's Music Guild of St. Michael's, Norman, will sponsor a truly special fundraiser to showcase our wonderful choir singers. They will sing secular selections from operas, operettas, Broadway and ballads,as well as light sacred choral selections.
After the concert, champagne and strawberry shortcake will be served by Catering Creations in the gathering space.
We are selling tickets for $25 (of which $10 is a charitable donation). Seating for refreshments is strictly limited so reserve your space early. Sunday, April 7th will be the last day to buy a ticket. For information about this event or the guild, please contact Dave Zittel at 405-834-8764 or dzittel@earthlink.net |
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The Annual ECW Conference and Bishop's Day
The 76th Annual Conference and Bishop's Day of the Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Oklahoma-April 26-27, 2013 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 555 East Third St., Grove, Oklahoma. Their theme is, "Living Water-Living Word".
The Keynote Speaker, The Reverend Susan Smith, is currently the Rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church, Bexley, Ohio. Rev. Smith was a Colleague at Women's Spirituality in Kansas City, and she is member at North American Academy of Liturgy. She served as Ass't Prof of preaching and worship at Saint Paul School of Theology and is a participant in pre-tenure faculty group with Toni Craven at Wabash Center for Teaching in Theology and Religion.
Information packets were emailed to all congregations and clergy this week. Packets were snail mailed to congregations without email.
Questions, contact Fran Rahn, Parish Secretary, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, (918-786-4113), saecgrove@sbcglobal.net. |
The Diocese of Oklahoma Men's Retreat is set for May 2 - 4,2013, at St. Crispin's. It begins with supper on Thursday and ends with lunch on Saturday. The Right Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny will be the retreat chaplain. The cost for 2 nights and 6 meals is $135 for a double room and $170 for a single room. Click here for the registration form.
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Safeguarding God's Children
April 6, 2013 at 9 a.m. 
St. Luke's Bartlesville
Contact Lauri Watkins (lauri-watkins@sbcglobal.net) to register
April 14, 2013 at 12:00 Noon
St. Patrick's Episcopal Church
4250 West Houston St.
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Call to reserve a seat on 918-294-9444.
April 21, 2013 at 2 p.m.
St. Michael's Norman
Contact Amy Gardner (awgardner@yahoo.com) to register
May 18, 2013 at 9 a.m.
St. Luke's, Bartlesville
Contact Lauri Watkins (lauri-watkins@sbcglobal.net) to register
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Stewardship and Development - How to Get Free Stuff for your Church
Look for donations of office supplies and other items you need for your church.
* Like any for-profit business, your church needs many things to stay up and running. This can include basic office supplies, such as desks, computers and copiers, as well as items that are specific for that congregation, such as clothes for your outreach program that help the homeless. Because church groups rarely have ample budgets, It's always smart to look for free items.
* Develop a list of needed items. This should include large items, such as furniture or computers, as well as smaller items, such as tissues and hand-sanitizing gel. Ask all volunteers and employees to contribute to the list so that you don't forget anything. Your wish list should be something that you regularly update--take off things as you receive them and put on new things that you need.
* Make your list available to supporters. Post the list on your website and have paper copies on hand to distribute to people who visit your office. If you have a list of church members or supporters, you can send out a mailing--by email or regular mail--to ask for donations. Your supporters may have unused items around their homes.
* Join your local Freecycle. Freecycle is a network of people who provide one another with free used items.
* Check Craigslist, which has a section of free items. If you check it every day, you may find the items that you need. Craigslist also has a section where you can post the things that you need.
* Look for organizations that facilitate in-kind donations. Businesses and individuals alike often have used items that they want to donate. Rather than give them to a specific charity, some donate them to an intermediary organization. These organizations, such as Gifts in Kind America and Excess Access, maintain extensive databases that you can use to find the items that you want.
If you are accepting in-kind donations that are worth more than $500, you must give the donor a Form 8283 that he can use when filing his taxes.
If you have any questions, please contact Emily Abernathy at 405-232-4820 or via email at eabernathy@epiok.org
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Whole Creation Community - Where the Wild Things Are...
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" http://stpaulsokc.org/whole-creation for daily meditations.
Below is a meditation/ reflection posted by Fr. David Stock, St. John's-OKC
As children we joyfully blew dandelion seeds, scattering them to the wind. Never did we think the denuded stub deprived or feel a sense of loss. Maybe the seeds would plant elsewhere, flowering in golden fields as far as we could dream. Before years added one on one, so were our thoughts and dreams... freely shared and released without concern until the concrete of fear set in: the threat of rejection and concern for protection, reverting to seed all the childishness unspoken, seeds waiting to be set free in the wind, the hope of resurrection. David
Focus Story - Of Wolves and Men
A study of the book by Barry Lopez, available at St. Paul's Cathedral Bookstore; list $20 paperback.
Whole Creation Community will be hosting a book study on Of Wolves and Men by Barry Lopez. James Collins and Ferrella March will co-facilitate the study. The wolf is closely related to the dog, separated by no more than 15 generations, yet we fear the one and love the other. Our study will be a way to explore our own wildness, and how we discern good from evil. For the first three weeks, we will try to paint a full portrait of the wolf, combining western science and biology with the lived experience of America's indiginous peoples. During the second three weeks, we will explore the myth of the wolf, and how people have used those myths to drive the wolf to extinction.
Maybe your congregation is having a book study that focuses on the importance of stewardship of Creation. Please consider letting us know on facebook or send me a note so it can be published in the Diocesan Newsletter.
Special Service for Creation April 7th @ 5:00
Join Whole Creation Community for Taizé service on April 7th at 5:00 pm followed by a potluck in Dean Willey Hall. Please RSVP to Ferrella March at ferrella@hotmail.com by April 3rd if you plan to attend the potluck. Taize is a beautiful service and this one will be especially focused on nurturing God's Creation. Go to http://stpaulsokc.org/taize-prayer for more information and sample of the music. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Save the Date: April 13: The Next SPC Green Team Meeting will be April 13th. Location TBA.
April 22: Join Whole Creation Community, Oklahoma Conference of Churches and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts April 22nd at the Capitol on the 4th floor rotunda for the launching of the Oklahoma Interfaith Days of Prayer for Rain www.okpray4rain.webs.com. You can sign up for the event now!
GreenScope - Millions of tons of improperly disposed of dog poop hit our streets, parks and beaches each year. It's not only smelly and unsightly, but dog poo poses a significant threat to the environment. What is a doggy loo? Find out more on how to deal with dog poop. http://www.greenlivingtips.com/articles/dealing-with-dog-poop.html
Contact Information: Ferrella March Ferrella@hotmail.com" Ferrella@hotmail.com 405-397-7960 |
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Co-Ed Episcopal Softball
 Whether you are a beginner or a pro, come out and join us for some fun and fellowship playing Co-ed Softball Episcopal style!!!
It is free to play. The rules are adult friendly. All games are on Sunday night.
Contact Kevin Koch @ 405-863-6335 (kevinkoch03@gmail.com) or Sean O'Brien @ 405-246-6368 (sobrien@cliffordpower.com) for more information.
Check us out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CoEdEpiscopalSoftballLeague |
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Bixby BBQ'N Blues Festival
Saturday, May 3 and May 4
The Holy Smoker's from Christ Church, Tulsa, will be entering to win!!!
On Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th, Washington Irving Memorial Park In Bixby, Oklahoma will host the 12th annual Bixby BBQ'n Blues Festival. The festival is two days of the State's best Barbeque and music all rolled into one and is a community fundraiser created by the Rotary Club of Bixby.
This is a great event for those families and individuals attending the festival, as the famous "taster kits" can be purchased on Saturday for $10. Taster kits allow one to sample the food from every competitor at the event. On Saturday from 11:00a.m.- 1:00p.m, the public can sample the barbeque from the competing teams, while the supplies last. They can also vote for their favorite Team to win the People's Choice Award.
There is also an area that is dedicated to kids. Jupiter Jump, Giant Slide, miniature horses, face painting and clowns are enough to keep all the kids happy and allow parents to enjoy the food and the music. Wrist bands for the kids area will be available.
The Rotary Club of Bixby used funds from past festivals to build the new Rotary Club of Bixby Amphitheater which is located in Washington Irving Memorial Park. Proceeds from the first festival enabled the Club to present Bixby Public Schools with a large electronic marquee sign, complete with a digitized message board. Located on Memorial Drive. The sign promotes school activities from PTA meetings to athletic events.
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Countdown to Summer Camp
Days to Go! |
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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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Oklahoma Episcopal Youth Events
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Young Adult/Campus Ministry News
Altered Registration Deadline is April 17.
Altered provides 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. This event came from the Vocare model but has been up-dated to fit the current needs of young adults. Event is scheduled for April 26 and 27 at St. Crispin's.
Please register NOW to assure yourself of a spot! Click here for a form! |
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Virginia Theological Seminary Offers Site for Young Adult Resources
We recognize that faith formation ministry with young adults has always been a challenge and that trends in young adult life, in American religious practice, and in church funding for campus ministries and other opportunities have made matters even more difficult. However, we're also excited about the many ways we see young adults seeking and serving in the church, and we want to help tell those stories and encourage these important ministries.
Our Kyle Oliver is now a young adult content curator with Faith Formation Learning Exchange and will be paying particular attention to resource needs and opportunities in this area in the coming year. Check this page often for suggestions about what the read, what to try, and who to connect with.
http://www.vts.edu/cmt/dioceses/youngadults
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Young Adult Internship Program Opportunity
Columba House is a young adult internship program of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. Columba House's mission is to mobilize young adult leaders in partnership with congregations to build spiritual community, grow disciples, and cultivate future leaders.
The philosophy of Columba House is expressed in the program's four pillars: intentional community, vocational discernment, spirituality, and relational evangelism. Columba House interns will live out these pillars in their year of service.
Intentional Community
Columba House interns live together in intentional community to be deliberate in sharing their life together. This community will ground them through common meals, prayer, discussion, shared experience, and fun, to renew and reenergize them for service.
Vocational Discernment
Through service work, living in community, building new friendships, and self reflections and prayer, Columba House interns have the opportunity to explore how God is calling them to use their gifts. It is a time for interns to learn more about who they are and who they are called to be and to engage in that on-going discernment.
Spirituality
Columba House interns are called to engage in the process of action and reflection through spiritual practice, reflection, discussion, and service thereby deepening their own spiritual lives.
Relational Evangelism
St. Francis of Assisi wisely said, "preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." Columba House interns will preach a Gospel with their life. Each intern's engagement in relational evangelism will look different. Columba House interns will work in our parishes and spend time in places where young adults gather, building authentic relationships with other young adults, and exploring ways to get them involved in the Episcopal Church community.
The interns will spend a portion of each week working in the Episcopal parishes in Savannah, a portion of each week in spiritual development, and a portion of each week in "relational evangelism." They will live in an intentional community and journey together through prayer, reflection, and common meals.
Columba House interns will be given a small stipend for food and travel. In addition, they will be provided with housing, health Insurance and training.
Columba House is seeking young adults, who are college graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for the gospel and the Episcopal Church. Columba House is a great opportunity for those discerning their vocation and those who want to take a year of service before applying to graduate school or entering the workforce.
Columba House is now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 program year. The next priority deadline is May 1st, but applications will be open until all positions are filled. For more information, please visit www.columbahouse.org and click on the "internship" tab. You can also find a helpful FAQ section of the website.
Rudy - Rudolph P. Reyes II
Program Manager
Episcopal Diocese of Georgia
(912) 236-4279 Voice (912) 236-2007 Fax
http://gaepiscopal.org/
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Christian Formation Resources |
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Episcopal Teacher Update On-Line
The Episcopal Teacher is a quarterly publication from The Virginia Theological Seminary. It's spring issue is now out. Go to: http://tiny.cc/yrbzuw to get your copy. |
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New Resource Available for Check-Out
We have a new six-session video and book series in the Diocesan Resource Room - Catching Fire Becoming Flame, a Guide for Spiritual Transformation. This series is done by Albert Hasse, OFM, a former missionary to mainland China and author.
The sessions are as follows:
The Spiritual Journey as a process of transformation;
Your Image of God
The Examen
Seven Principles of Prayer
God's Will and Decision Making
The Challenge of Forgiveness
Contact Sabrina Evans sevans@epiok.org if you would like to check it out!
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The Daily Examen
The Daily Examen is a technique of prayerful reflection on the events of the day in order to detect God's presence and discern his direction for us. The Examen is an ancient practice in the Church that can help us see God's hand at work in our whole experience.
The method presented here is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. St. Ignatius thought that the Examen was a gift that came directly from God, and that God wanted it to be shared as widely as possible. One of the few rules of prayer that Ignatius made for the Jesuit order was the requirement that Jesuits practice the Examen twice daily-at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
This is a version of the five-step Daily Examen that St. Ignatius practiced.
1. Become aware of God's presence.
2. Review the day with gratitude.
3. Pay attention to your emotions.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it.
5. Look toward tomorrow.
For details about each step of the Examen, read How Can I Pray? or Praying with Bread.
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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