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Bishop's Schedule
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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 19, 2013.
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We Are Epiok.org
April 12, 2013
Issue 14
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 News, Events, and Offerings |
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Hit Us With Your Best Shot!
Here are some photographs we got from three congregations showing their best of Holy Week/Easter!
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From St. Mary's, Edmond -
 | | Bagpipers and drums lead the Palm Sunday Procession |
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 | | The Gospel being read on Easter morning. |
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 | | Processional crosses are adorned with beautiful Easter flowers. |
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St. Augustine of Canterbury, OKC -
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Doc the donkey leads the way to Children's Chapel
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 | | Easter Bunny Kicks Off the Egg Hunt! |
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 | | Children gather around font to watch Baptism |
 | | Butterflies were not in too big of a hurry to fly off after being released at the end of the service. |
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St. Christopher's, Midwest City -
One of the highlights of Holy Week at St. Christopher's was an interactive Stations of the Cross led by a number of parishioners and clergy of the parish.
Conceived by seminarian Elizabeth Davis, the project invited participation in both the planning and worship aspects of the service. Each planner signed up to lead a station by taking the theme of the station and either acting it out, inviting further meditation by the participants, or designing an activity at each station. The stations were spread out through almost every room of the church, beginning and ending at the altar. Stations were designed by youth and adults, lay and clergy. Participants reported the experience as powerful and intense, both as a communal experience and having the opportunity to hear the thoughts of fellow parishioners. A few sample stations included: ripping a piece of cloth and yelling "Blasphemer!"; hearing the sound of a rooster crowing while meditating on Peter's denial; washing our hands (Pilate); passing around a crown of thorns; pouring water symbolizing our tears into a fountain; eating bread dipped in vinegar; and putting ashes symbolic of Jesus into an unfilled columbarium niche (which was then "empty" on Easter morning).
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Good Friday Station
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St. Peter's Recognizes Ministry of Father Papini
The Rev. Heber Papini began his ministry at St. Peter's, Tulsa on January 1, 2012. Now, St. Peter's is planning to celebrate Father Papini's ministry to our congregation. On Sunday, April 14th, a reception for Father Papini will be held following the 10 am Sunday service. St. Peter's invites everyone to join us for this joyous event. Mark your calendars now and spread the word; help us make it a special day for Father Papini! |
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Thinking Outside of the Box
By Ali Plum
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." (Albert Einstein)
 | | 3rd Grader Soami Ellis explains the conclusion of her science project to her mother. |
Students utilized the 5-Step Scientific Method to: ask the question; form a hypothesis; perform the experiment and collect data; and publish a conclusion.
Science Fair projects decorated the rotunda at St. Mary's School, Edmond, following Easter Sunday. The panoply of bright cardboard, carefully crafted three-dimensional creations to illustrate hypotheses and support research findings and conclusions greeted passersby throughout the week.
There's something about the Science Fair event for the 3rd through 7th graders that stirs the soul to wonderment about how things work, the beauty of nature, the complexity of chemistry, and the questions we can all remember to be curious about!
Patricia Brown, science instructor, commented on the importance, "Science Fair is a great opportunity for students who are interested in science to take part in scientific research, as well as an opportunity to recognize those who excel as student-scientists. It is also a way to encourage students, parents & teachers to take a more active interest in the study of science. It is a time to highlight the scientific process & the fundamentals of science and encourage excellence in science & engineering."
The science fair brought all ages out of the classrooms to peruse during the week. The littlest ones guided by their teachers, students and parents all enjoyed learning something new about the likes of volcanoes, sun protection, wind power, baseball diamonds and beyond. |
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St. Mary's Episcopal School Summer Camp Program
For ages 4 to 11 from 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Session 1: June 3-7
Session 2: June 10-14
Session 3: June 17-21
Session 4: June 24-28
Choose any combination of sessions. Arts & Crafts; Water Play; PE; Drama: Science: Hiking; Bouncy House; 53 Acres of Fun
www.smesedmond.org for enrollment information |
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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), [email protected]. |
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 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 20, 2013 at 9 a.m. St. Andrew's Grove, OK Call 918-786-4113 to register. April 21, 2013 at 2 p.m. St. Michael's Norman Contact Amy Gardner ([email protected]) to register May 18, 2013 at 9 a.m. St. Luke's, Bartlesville Contact Lauri Watkins ([email protected]) to register |
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Heard the News? Changes are Coming to EfM!
Want to learn about the new curriculum and how it will impact your present groups?
Want to learn about the Alumni Association and the benefits it has?
Want to gather with other EfM Mentors, participants, grads, or those thinking about EfM?
Here's your chance! On June 29, 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. we will meet at the Diocesan Offices (924 North Robinson, OKC) with Angela Hock and Rick Brewer - both excellent resources for EfM. Rick has been involved in the background for EfM with regards to curriculum and will have the latest information to help ease any concerns, and ideas to make this transition as smooth as possible. Angela has been a mentor and trainer for EfM for numerous years.
Cost is $15 to cover your lunch. Click here to download the registration brochure. |
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Whole Creation Community - Interfaith Days of Prayer for Rain
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 Tim Sean Youmans, Casady School-OKC "So let us press on to know the Lord. His coming forth is as certain as the dawn. And he will come like the spring rains that water the earth." The prophet Hosea perceived God in this way, and as I hear the thunder outside early this morning, and see the flashes of light break through my windows, I am reminded of how rich and frightening spring storms can be. To associate God with wind, rushing waters, the ocean, and thunder is both beautiful and frightening, an experience that both comforts and disturbs. The beauty of our Oklahoma spring, its dynamism and constant changing colors point to that stark and beautiful dynamism in God. God comes forcefully, in love, like the spring rains that water the earth. TimSean Focus Story - The Oklahoma Interfaith Days of Prayer for Rain is a a joint venture of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, the Whole Creation Community, and the Oklahoma Conference of Churches to bring together individuals of all faiths in order to reconnect with our environment and community during this time of record drought. * To provide examples of scripture that discusses stewardship, conservation, creation and/or the environment. * To educate members of the faith community about steps they can take to become better stewards of natural resources. * To provide a framework for individuals and communities to host three days of prayer and fellowship throughout the year. * To connect people of faith and their communities with local conservation districts and provide opportunities to participate in conservation activities at the individual and local level. * To build a long-lasting relationship between the faith community and the conservation community for the benefit of our natural resources. Important Dates
April 1 Conservation Day @ Oklahoma State Capitol April 22 Earth Day Press Conference @ Oklahoma State Capitol Second floor rotunda April 28-May 5 - Stewardship Week May 1 First Day of Prayer for Rain June 26 Second Day of Prayer for Rain (wheat harvest) Sept. 18 Third Day of Prayer for Rain (wheat planting season) How to Participate * Encourage your local faith community to join the scheduled days of prayer and other conservation activities. * Connect with your local conservation district to learn more about water conservation practices. Find contact information at www.okconservation.org/find-your-district. * Promote conservation education during Stewardship week April 28-May 5. Find education resources at www.nacdnet.org/education. * Begin a conversation within your local faith community about current environmental challenges and scriptural guidance on our responsibility to care for the Earth. * Share the important dates and other information about the project on Facebook, Twitter and other social media. For more information, contact [email protected]. Resources *www.okconservation.org *www.facebook.com/okconservation * www.twitter.com/conserveok * www.okchurches.org * www.stpaulsokc.org/whole-creation * www.facebook.com/wholecreation * www.ok.gov/conservation http://www.okpray4rain.org Save the Date: April 14: Adopt a Street. Please join us in supporting our Cathedral youth group on Sunday, April 14th at 1:30. April 22: Join Whole Creation Community, Oklahoma Conference of Churches and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts April 22nd at the Capitol on the 2nd floor rotunda for the launching of the Oklahoma Interfaith Days of Prayer for Rain www.okpray4rain.webs.com . GreenScope Next time you want something new to read, visit your local library or visit these websites for cheap, used books. You can also visit a local used book store. Alibiris http://tiny.cc/63vdvw http://tiny.cc/22vdvw Contact Information:
Ferrella March
405-397-7960 |
The Road Family Perspective Conference
*For families who live with an individual with a disability - A one day conference that assists families in navigating a complex system.
Information regarding all of the sessions to be offered and the registration form can be found at:
http://ontheroadconferenceokc.eventbrite.com/ The conference is free but you mus register.
Sponsored by: Sooner SUCCESS * Oklahoma Department of Human Services/Developmental Disabilities Services Division (OKDHS/DDSD)*Oklahoma PTA Oklahoma Disability Law Center
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013
Francis Tuttle Technology Center, 7301 W. Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK,73127. 405.717.7799.
Spanish Interpretation will be available at this conference.
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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 ([email protected]) or Sean O'Brien @ 405-246-6368 ([email protected]) 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, ages 19 - 30, 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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Christian Formation Resources |
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Video and Book Resources Available for Check-Out
Over the past few years, we have been trying to replenish and up-date our Resource Room with current materials. Below is a list of videos would make good adult studies that are "in-house" now and available for check-out.
Religions
Muhammad, Legacy of a Prophet
Christianity and World Religions
Different Books, Common Words - Baptists and Muslims
Anglicanism/Episcopal
This is your life: A Journey through the Book of Common Prayer
The Newcomers Collection - Part 1: Traditions; Part 2: Sacraments
The Story of Anglicanism
The Story of the Episcopal Church
Spirituality
Mudhouse Sabbath - An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline
Praying with the Body - Bringing the Psalms to Life
The Faith and Practice of the Earliest Christians - The study of the Didache
Discovering Christian Classics - The Ancient Faith of our Future
Miscellaneous
The Greatest Story - Jesus
The Greatest Story - Bible Introduction
Animate
Living the Questions - an Introduction to Progressive Christianity
Mere Christianity - Based on C.S. Lewis's book
Confronting Death - a Christian approach to the end of Life
The Lion, the Mouse and the Dawn Treader - Spiritual Lessons from C.S. Lewis's Narnia
The Way
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Sharon Pearson's Charts Regarding Curriculum Up-Dated
Sharon Pearson, who has worked for Church Publishing's since 2007, and has over 30 years experience in Christian Formation, has up-dated her Curriculum Charter. Each year, she does a curriculum overview for materials available for children, youth, young adults, and adults. She details who is the publisher/denomination, foundation statement, content and articulation, teacher support, format, ages, and cost/usability. This is an incredibly valuable tool if your congregation is looking for materials.
Children: http://tiny.cc/ajsdvw
Youth: http://tiny.cc/0jsdvw
Adult: http://tiny.cc/vksdvw
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Using Clay in Meditation
This is a group meditation. You will need someone (at least 3 people) to read scripture and a leader. Each person will need a place of clay, Play-Doh, or other malleable material.
Here are the instructions:
You are to take a piece of clay and hold it in your lap.
Sit down, either in the chair or on the floor.
If you are on the chair, keep your feet flat.
You will close your eyes and keep them closed until this exercise if finished.
You will hear scripture read three times, from three different voices. Listen for the word or phrase that speaks to you.
Silently, repeat the word over and over and continue to repeat it through this exercise.
As you start to live into that word, begin to work with the clay with your non-dominant hand.
You are not looking for masterpieces of art. You will design a piece that speaks to the word or phrase.
The leader will tell you when to stop.
You will not be able to shut out all the noise from within the room or outside. Do not concentrate on the noises; just recognize they are a part of what goes on in the world. Acknowledge the noise but come back to your word and your clay work.
To begin
Close your eyes.
Begin to move the clay slowly back and forth from one hand to the other.
Can you feel how the clay is wet but yet dry? (Leader should give pause after each of these next questions.)
Can you feel how the clay is cold but yet hot?
Can you feel how the clay is soft yet hard?
Begin the scripture reading. This is the choice of the leader.
Wait a few minutes and have someone else read the scripture. It could be from another gender or from another translation of the scripture.
At the end of all readings, give silence for 8 - 12 minutes.
When time is up, have the group divide into 3's and talk about the word that came to them, share their clay work, and talk about what the clay work represents.
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
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