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The Episcopal Church Events
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April 28-30
Building for a New Tomorrow Symposium
Fort Lauderdale, FL
http://www.ecbf.org/symposium-2014.html
Episcopal Relief and Development
Lenten Meditation Booklets
www.episcopalrelief.org/lent
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Diocesan Events
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July 15 - 29, 2014
A Journey to the Holy Land
Led by Bishop Konieczny
October 18-19
Education for Ministry Retreat
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Bryan
St. Crispin's Conference Center
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Diocesan Wide Events
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February 21 - 22
Women of the Church Retreat
The Rev. Deborah Jennings
St. Crispin's
May 1 - 3
Men's Retreat
St. Crispin's Conference Center
Contact Bob Baker 918 369 6+6+ or at baker111@tulsacoxmail for more information
May 1 - 4
Cursillo
St. Crispin's
http://www.oklahomacursillo.com
October 18 - 19
Education for Ministry Retreat
(Open to all)
The Rev. Dr. Christopher Bryan
St. Crispin's Conference Center
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Congregational Events
February 16
31st Annual Piano Artist Series
Chih-Long Hu, Piano
All Souls', OKC
2:30 p.m.
[email protected]
April 5
St. Paul's Altus, Quiet Day
Contact Suzanne Mollison at
stpauls.altus.att.net
April 27
31st Annual Piano Artist Series
Valery Kuleschov, Piano
All Souls', OKC
2:30 p.m.
[email protected]
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Community Events
February 19
2014 Joining Forces Conference
Moore Norman Technology Center
February 20
Dr. Alan Levenson to speak at OCCU
March 24-25
John Philip Newell
Boston United Methodist Church
Tulsa, OK
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Bishop's Schedule
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February 16
St. Luke's, Chickasha
February 23
Christ Church, Tulsa
Bishop Ed is now on Twitter @ OKBishopEd.
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The Episcopal Church
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April 9 - 11, 2014
Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: An Episcopal Gathering to Challenge the Epidemic of Violence
Reed Center, OKC, OK
June 26-29, 2014 National Happening Leadership Conference UCO, Edmond, OK
July 9 - 13, 2014 EYE14
Villanova University, near Philadelphia, PA
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Companion
Diocese
Uruguay
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Bishop Pollesel
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 21, 2014.
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We Are Epiok.org
February 14, 2014
Issue 7
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The Diocesan Offices will be closed Monday, February 17, in observance of President's Day. We will reopen on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
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Trip to the Holy Land - We Have a Few Spaces Left!
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
~presents~
A Journey to the Holy Land
Starting in Amman, Jordan
This trip is different than ones of previous years in that in will begin in Jordan and a trip to Petra
Under the Direction of
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny
Local Guide: Canon Iyad Qumri
Limited to the first 25
Depart: July 15, 2014
Return: July 29, 2014
The cost is going to be $4595 per person, double occupancy. If someone wants a private/single room there is a $650 supplement so the cost would be $5245.
This price includes everything door to door: Airfare, Transfers, Lodging, Meals, admissions fees, ground transportation, etc. Only additional cost to participants is for personal items, souvenirs, upgraded beverages, laundry, Travel Insurance, etc.
Full Payment due by March 30, 2014. For more information contact Marcia Crawford [email protected], or call the Diocesan Office 405 232 4820.
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New Fax Number for Payroll Items
If you are faxing payroll related items to our diocesan accounting office, please note our new fax number. This will ensure that all documents go direct to the payroll clerk. It is:
(888) 816-7096
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Vestry Academy Scheduled - Registration Deadline February 21, 2014
The annual Vestry Academy will be held on March 8, 2014, from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. at St. Crispin's Conference Center. This event is open to all vestry members.
The primary focus of this conference is the vestry person's role as a leader in the responsible stewardship of ministry and only secondarily with conducting the business affairs of the church.
It is very important that we have the completed registration forms in hand prior to February 21, 2014. If your congregation has not received a registration form, please contact Diane Ellsworth, Administrative Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, at 405-232-4820 or email [email protected]. The $20 per participant registration fee includes the Vestry Resource Guide, additional material to be distributed during the conference, and lunch at St. Crispin's. We look forward to this conference and hope that you will have some participants present.
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Diocesan Retired Clergy, Wives and Widows Retreat
April 7 & 8 are the dates for the bi-annual gathering for the Retired Clergy, their Wives, and the Widows of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. These gatherings are a time to reconnect with long time friends, recount events of "the good old days", relax, watch a movie, dine on the delicacies provided by the cook staff of St. Crispin's, and learn a thing or two along the way. This gathering is shaping up to do just that.
During our Fall gathering, we concentrated on the importance of exercise, as one matures, to maintain a healthy lifestyle on the Physical side of the ledger. The Spring gathering will concentrate on maintaining one's Mental health. As such, the title of this presentation is "Train the Brain". The presenter will be Dr. Mary Nole who is the Director of the Wellness Center at Saint Simeon's Retirement Center in Tulsa. Dr. Nole will be accompanied by Lindsay Morris who is the Marketing Coordinator for Saint Simeons.
Dr. Nole's presentation will center on research she has been conducting which addresses issues around memory skills, and how to enhance and maintain that ability. Included in the presentation will be some simple drills that our attendees can do to maintain mental alertness and functionality. This presentation will be one that will challenge and enhance or memory skills as we age.
Letters for the gathering have been sent announcing this program. It is very important for those desiring to attend to notify Georgia or Bob Gates NO LATER THAN March 7, 2014. Responses can be mailed to: 1044 Meadow Drive Bartlesville, Okla. 74006 with the completed form received with the letter. Another option is to call Georgia or Bob @ (918) 335-0929. Or e-mail them @ [email protected] or [email protected]. Cost for the gathering is listed in the mail-out. Room assignments are on a first come-first served basis. Singles are asked to arrange for their room mate, or note Single on their form. Please notify
Georgia or Bob if there are diet restrictions so that they may notify the St. Crispin's cook staff. Some limited scholarship help is available.
Join us for a much needed time to relax and learn.
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Diocesan Clergy Spouses 2014 Retreat
BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY
APRIL 25th -through APRIL 27th
St. Crispin's
Our 2014 Clergy Spouse Retreat promises to deliver a weekend of relaxation, fresh air, fellowship and a little something extra. The Rev. Debora Jennings will offer a very special session of Benedictine Spirituality - Finding the Extra-Ordinary in the Ordinary. AND we will join our hands in the planting of a Butterfly Waystation; our efforts to support of life of these disappearing creatures. Our Waystation will be added to the national registry of locations. Many more activities are planned. Please look for your invitation in your email box if you are part of our list serve. You will also receive an invitation through the US Mail. Or you are welcome to contact the diocese for a registration form.
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St. Crispin's Conference Center and Camp Open House
 St. Crispin's Conference Center and Camp will be hosting an open house on Sunday, May 18, 2014. This is an opportunity for people to come out and enjoy St. Crispin's with their family and friends. The day will begin with a worship service lead by our new Camp Director Tim Sean Youmans at 10 AM. After worship we will have some activities available for open house guests (climbing wall, archery, hiking, etc). Tours of the facility will also be given to parents who are thinking of sending their children to summer camp for the first time, or people who are interested in hosting a retreat at St. Crispin's. We will also be providing a hotdog cookout at noon. The Open House is free of charge.
In addition to the Open House, St. Crispin's has set aside Oakerhater lodge rooms and Summer Camp Cabins for individual family rental the night of Saturday, May 17, 2014. The cost of the overnight will include dinner on Saturday night and breakfast on Sunday morning in the St. Crispin's Dining Hall. Oakerhater Lodge price: $57 per person. Cabin price: $32 per person. Reservations will be taken on a first come first serve basis until Oakerhater and Cabins are full. Please Note: Guests staying in the cabins must bring their own linens.
To make your reservation, please call St. Crispin's at 405-382-1619.
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Joanne Kovac-Roberts Elected to ECCC Board of Directors
Joanne Kovac-Roberts, Executive Director of St. Crispin's Episcopal Conference Center + Camp, was recently voted onto the National Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers Board of Directors during their most recent National Conference. She will serve for a 3 year term.
Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers, Inc., or ECCC, is an organization that helps all camps, summer programs, retreat centers and conference centers in the Episcopal Church of the United States. In December of 1989, ECCC, "Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers" came into being. ECCC was incorporated in May of 1990 as a nonprofit organization for religious, charitable and educational purposes.
The mission of ECCC, Inc. is to sustain and enhance the ministry of all camps and conference centers of the Episcopal Church by:
� Nurturing professional growth and development of current and future leaders
� Fostering excellence in the operation and services of member centers
� Strengthening the network of communication, collegiality, and support among leaders of centers
� Securing faithful financial resources to sustain and expand the ministry of ECCC
� Advocating for camp and conference ministry within the wider Church.
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Congratulations to the Lees Family on Their New Arrival
We are pleased to share with you that Everett (Vicar, Christ Church, Tulsa) and Kristin are now the proud parents to Conrad Cooper Lees, born Wednesday, February 5, at 1:43 p.m., weighing 8 pounds 3 ounces and 21 inches. Everyone is home and doing well.
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 | | Big sisters checking our Conrad |
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Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace
 The Registration forms and further information on the Reclaiming the Gospel of Peace: An Episcopal national gathering to Challenge the Epidemic of Violence to be held in Oklahoma City, April 9 - 11, 2014, are now on line at http://www.epiok.org/ .
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Nominations Now Accepted for Episcopal Church Positions, Committees, and Boards
Nominations are now being accepted for various Episcopal Church positions, committees or boards that will be elected during the next General Convention.
The Episcopal Church Joint Standing Committee for Nominations for General Convention has issued a call for nominations for seven positions. Elections will take place at the 78th General Convention, to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, Thursday, June 25 to Friday, July 3, 2015.
The nomination form is available in English, Spanish, French and Chinese.
More information, duties of each position, instructions and nomination forms are available here.
Nominations are accepted for the following committees/boards:
Member, Disciplinary Board for Bishops
Member, Executive Council
Member, General Board of Examining Chaplains
Secretary of the House of Deputies
Treasurer of the General Convention
Trustee, The Church Pension Fund
Trustee, The General Theological Seminary
Deadline for nominations is March 1.
For more information contact [email protected]. |
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Dates, Location for General Convention 2018 Announced
The 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held in July 2018 at The Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas (Diocese of Texas).
The decision was presented by the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, Executive Officer of General Convention and Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements, to the Executive Council currently meeting at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, MD (Diocese of Maryland).
"The Standing Committee was blessed by having three outstanding finalist cities, each with the enthusiastic support of their bishops and the other leadership of their dioceses," Barlowe explained. "Austin emerged as the best site for 2018 because of a convergence of factors, including superb facilities that have achieved a LEED Gold environmental rating; a walkable location, close to all hotels and the vibrant music venues and restaurants of downtown; and the fact that the Austin Convention Center was by far the most economical choice for the church."
The Episcopal Church's General Convention is held every three years, and is the bicameral governing body of the Church. It is composed of the House of Bishops, with upwards of 200 active and retired bishops and the House of Deputies, with clergy and lay representatives elected from the 110 dioceses of the Church, at more than 800 members.
The 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church will be held June 25 - July 3, 2015 at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, UT (Diocese of Utah).
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Diocesan Events and Information
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Godly Play On-Line Training to be Offered - Preparing for Lent and Beyond
 I am pleased to announce that we will host our first video conference with Doug Watts, Trainer for Godly Play. Doug came to Tulsa for the training there and is very excited to be a part of this type training. Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 20, 2014, to begin at 7 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. We will be doing this via GoToMeeting. That means, if you have a computer or laptop, you can join in with us. If you have a camera, you will be able to see everyone else and we see you. If your computer has a speaker, you will be able to talk without the necessity of "dialing in". Otherwise, you can call in and use a phone. We can handle up to 25 participants! And if we have a large number of participants in the Oklahoma City area, we can gather at the Diocesan Office and free the site for others to join in.
We will be discussing what stories are used and what obstacles you may encounter during Lent. We will also talk about what additional type of training you would like to see us offer in the Diocese.
To participate in this conference, please email me back indicating a good email address for you (in case you wish to do this at home instead of at work). I will do a GotoMeeting invite, which will be sent to you with instructions for participating.
Sabrina Evans
[email protected]
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Safeguarding God's People
Thursday, March 13
6:30 p.m.
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
Edmond, OK
You must register in advance by contacting Sabrina Evans at [email protected] or by phone at 405 232 4820.
Saturday, May 17
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
$10 for lunch
St. Paul's Cathedral
Register by contacting Kate Huston at [email protected].
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Safeguarding God's Children
February 15th
9 until noon
St. Paul's Cathedral, OKC
May 17th
9 until noon
St. Paul's Cathedral, OKC
Register by contacting Kate Huston at [email protected].
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Train the Trainers for Safeguarding
We will be offering the following training opportunities to become a trainer for either Safeguarding God's Children or Safeguarding God's People.
Safeguarding God's People
February 21 1 p.m. or on February 22 at 10 a.m.
These trainings will be held at the Diocesan Offices. You must register in advance by contacting Sabrina Evans at [email protected] or by phone at 405 232 4820. Registrations will cut off on January 22 at noon and February 19 at noon.
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Choral Evensong at the Cathedral
Sunday, February 16 at 5:00pm
in the Cathedral
Choral Evensong
with the University of Central Oklahoma Chamber Singers
directed by Dr. Karl Nelson with Mr. Richard Jobe, organist
 | Dr. Karl Nelson |  | Mr. Richard Jobe. |
The perfect way to close the day before the start of another hectic week!
Come and enjoy choral music of Stanford, Victoria, Hovland and Rorem.
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Diocesan Senior Living Centers
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Saint Simeon's Hosts "A Moveable Feast" To Fund New Transportation Vehicle for Residents
 | | Saint Simeon's Foundation Hosted "A Moveable Feast" on February 9, at Polo Grill. From left to right, top to bottom - Robert Merrifield, Saint Simeon's Foundation Trustee and Proprietor/Chef, Polo Grill, Bishop Ed Konieczny, Chair of the Saint Simeon's Home and Foundation Boards, and Chef, George Dotson, Saint Simeon's Foundation President, and Phyllis Dotson, Saint Simeon's Foundation Trustee. |
During an extraordinary "Moveable Feast" held in the wine cellar of Polo Grill on Sunday, February 9, Saint Simeon's patrons funded a "Moveable Treat" - a new passenger van to transport the residents of the Tulsa senior community. The fundraiser was a huge success with donors contributing more than $77,000.
Saint Simeon's, a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, was honored to have Debbie and Bishop Ed Konieczny offer the creation of the menu based on their own recipes. The couple also helped prepare the meal along with Proprietor/Chef Robert Merrifield, Chef Justin Donaldson and Chef Omar Galban from Polo Grill. The exquisite menu featured nine courses paired with selected wines by Robert Merrifield.
Remarks throughout the evening were given by George Dotson, President of the Saint Simeon's Foundation, who expressed gratitude to Robert Merrifield, Saint Simeon's Foundation Trustee, and Bishop Ed Konieczny, Chair of the Saint Simeon's Home and Foundation Boards, and his wife, Debbie, for a remarkable evening and successful fundraiser. He thanked the many patrons for their generous support which ensured the financial success of the event.
During the event, George Dotson, on behalf of the Saint Simeon's Foundation, presented plaques commemorating the event to Debbie and Bishop Ed Konieczny, Robert Merrifield, and Michael Funk, General Manager, and his staff of Polo Grill. Bishop Konieczny also presented each guest with individually carved palm crosses in gratitude for their generous support of Saint Simeon's. The beautiful crosses were made from a single unique piece of grained olive wood pruned from the olive trees around Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus. Debbie and Bishop Ed secured the wood palm crosses during their travels to the Holy Land.
All 54 guests raved about the unique event and the hosts who made it so special. "At the end of 'A Moveable Feast,' a round of applause greeted Debbie and Bishop Edward Konieczny, Robert Merrifield, Michael Funk, the other Polo Grill chefs and staff in thanksgiving for an extraordinary evening of fine dining all for a wonderful cause - to raise funds for a new "moveable treat" for the residents of Saint Simeon's to enjoy - a new passenger van," commented Saint Simeon's Foundation Trustee Phyllis Dotson.
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Communicating Spirituality to Patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementia
An Association of Professional Chaplains Webinar Recording
This presentation details a multi-sensory intervention to assist patients with dementia to experience spirituality in their own way. Singing is used as a means of communication, and aromatherapy, when appropriate, is used to awaken the senses. Specially designed photos of common items such as flowers, animals and faith symbols, also serve as visual aids to stimulate memories. The intervention is tailored to individuals based upon information gathered from family and others regarding what brought the patient enjoyment and meaning in life when healthy such as photos, music, aromas and affirmations.
Presenter
Rich Behers, D.Min., board certified chaplain, manager of spiritual care, Cornerstone Hospice, Winter Haven, Fla.
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014
1 to 2:30 p.m.
INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center
Conference Rooms F and G
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John Philip Newell in Tulsa
 Poet, peacemaker,and scholar. He is co-founder of Heartbeat: A Journey Toward Earth's Wellbeing and ordained Church of Scotland minister with a passion for peace among the great wisdom traditions of humanity. March 24 - Evening Presentation - Listening for the Heartbeat of God - Free to the public.
March 25 - Morning Workshop - The Rebirthing of God: Christianity's Struggle for New Beginnings - Cost is $30 with lunch (9 a.m. - noon)
Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. 1301 S Boston, Tulsa. Contact 918 699 0127 for more information.
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Dr. N. T. Wright to speak at Oklahoma Christian University
The McGaw Lecture Series will present Dr. N. T. Wright to a Public Lecture: The Strange Challenge of Truth on Monday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
There will be an Academic Review: Paul and the Faithfulness of God on Tuesday, March 25, 10 a.m. Registration is required and cost is $15.
Dr. Wright is one of the foremost scholars of our time and he will discuss how Christians can engage our families, friends, and neighbors in a world that's skeptical of the truth found in the Bible.
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Still Room on the Pilgrimage to Ireland
This is the last week for reservations for the Pilgrimage to Ireland. May 19 - June 2, 2014. $3500.00 round trip from Tulsa. Led by The Rev. Debora L. Jennings. For more information contact Debora at 509-830-6045 or [email protected] Linda Spyres 918-456-0221 [email protected]
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OK Episcopal Young Adults Events
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Altered Scheduled for March 28 - 30
If you are a young adult, ages 19 - 30ish, and would like to explore your faith, personal growth, meet other young adults, worship God, sing, reconnect with God, think about your life purpose, step back from your busy life, and especially relax, this retreat is for you. It is run by and for young adults, led by Episcopal lay and clergy leaders from around the diocese and will be held at St. Crispin's.
The cost is $125, which includes 2 nights in the lodge, all meals and snacks, and a t-shirt. No one will be turned away due to money!
Call, email, or message Laura Beth Woods for more information or questions - (405) 919-1667, [email protected]. |
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New Beginnings - RESCHEDULED for February 21 - 23, 2014, at St. Paul's Cathedral
Kate Huston announces that New Beginnings will take place starting on February 21 for Staff and February 22 for participants. It will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral, OKC. Participants should plan to arrive between 8:30 and 9 a.m. on the 22nd. Registration applications can be found here. |
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Episcoposse Tulsa Schedule
Sundays 4-6pm
The purpose of Episcoposse is to bring together Tulsa area youth to form a community where they can learn, grow and live into their faith. By functioning in a collective environment we seek to offer the vast strengths and talents of each parish so that the young people of the Episcopal Church have the best tools available to accompany them on their spiritual journeys
February 16 - No Episcoposse - Memphis Trip February 23 - Gilcrease, Black History Month - Gilcrease Museum of Art |
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Applications for 2014-15 Class of Episcopal Youth Leadership Academy Available
If you were at Convention, you helped us recognize the group of youth who graduated from our pilot program of the Episcopal Youth Leadership Academy (EYLA). We are now taking applications for our next group. Our first meeting will be in September, 2014. We will have complete details on meeting locations and dates soon. But you need to apply now.
This program is open to youth 6th - 9th grade, who want to learn to be leaders. It is a one-year program and requires a large commitment on your part and that of your parents in transporting you to and from these meeting locations. Youth will also work with a mentor in their parish.
There is no limit on the number that can apply from any congregation and we welcome participants from congregations of all sizes.
For a copy of the application, click here.
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Sabrina Evans at [email protected]. |
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Camp Deans Selected
ABCamp (A Beginner's Camp), for 5 year olds thru 2nd Grade May 30 and 31
Sabrina Evans, St. Augustine of Canterbury, OKC
Senior High Camp, June 1-7
Kate Huston and Ian Bass, St. Paul's Cathedral OKC
8th and 9th Grade, June 8-14
Laura Beth Woods, OU Canterbury and Terry Prather, All Souls OKC
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Session I, June 15 - 21
Beth and Michael Canaday, Nancy Reese Barrett, Emmanuel Shawnee
6th and 7th Grade Session I, June 22 - 28
Alana Woodliff, OSU Canterbury and Karen Langley, St. Dunstan's Tulsa
8th and 9th Grade Session II, June 29 - July 5
Becky Moseman and Melissa Sterling, Trinity Tulsa
3rd, 4th and 5th Grade Session II, July 6 - 12
HL Watson and Rev. Dana Orwig, St. John's OKC
6th and 7th Grade Session II
Andrew Scott and Fr. Everett Lees, Christ Church Tulsa
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May 30 - 31
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Mini Camp (Formerly ABC) $100 child and 1 adult
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June 1 - 7
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Senior Camp
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June 8 - 14
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8th - 9th Grade Camp
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June 15 - 21
| 3rd - 5th Grade Camp | | June 22 - 28 | 6th - 7th Grade Camp | | June 29 - July 5 | 8th - 9th Grade Camp | | July 6 - 12 | 3rd - 5th Grade Camp |
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July 13 - 19
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6th - 7th Grade Camp
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Save the Dates
June 26 - 29 - National Happening Leadership Conference, UCO, Edmond.This event is open for those youth and young adults who are Happening leaders, or those who have been or are planning to be a on a team/staff. If you are interested in attending this event, you can get more information and a registration form at We will register as a diocese. Forward your registration to Sabrina Evans at the Diocese or by email at [email protected]. August 1 - 3 - Happening for 10th - 12th Graders at Canterbury Chapel, Norman. |
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Augsburg Fortress and Sparkhouse Offer Webinars on Leading Adult Bible Studies
Learn how to create a safe and vibrant experience for your adult learner.Discover the life cycle of small groups.Bring balanced sharing to your next session.
Join us for a free live interactive one-hour session where we explore best practices for Leading Adult Bible Studies. Participants sample sessions from several new Augsburg Fortress and Sparkhouse releases.
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What are the Dates?
Lent is fast approaching - so here are the dates you need! Each date will link you to the relevant Going for Growth page where you will find links to a range of resources and web sites.
Pinterest Boards
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Will the Real St. Valentine Please Stand Up?
The origin of St. Valentine, and how many St. Valentines there were, remains a mystery. One opinion is that he was a Roman martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. Other historians hold that St. Valentine was a temple priest jailed for defiance during the reign of Claudius. Whoever he was, Valentine really existed because archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine. In 496 AD Pope Gelasius marked February 14th as a celebration in honor of his martyrdom.
The first representation of Saint Valentine appeared in a The Nuremberg Chronicle, a great illustrated book printed in 1493. [Additional evidence that Valentine was a real person: archaeologists have unearthed a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to Saint Valentine.] Alongside a woodcut portrait of him, text states that Valentinus was a Roman priest martyred during the reign of Claudius the Goth [Claudius II]. Since he was caught marrying Christian couples and aiding any Christians who were being persecuted under Emperor Claudius in Rome [when helping them was considered a crime], Valentinus was arrested and imprisoned. Claudius took a liking to this prisoner -- until Valentinus made a strategic error: he tried to convert the Emperor -- whereupon this priest was condemned to death. He was beaten with clubs and stoned; when that didn't do it, he was beheaded outside the Flaminian Gate [circa 269].
Saints are not supposed to rest in peace; they're expected to keep busy: to perform miracles, to intercede. Being in jail or dead is no excuse for non-performance of the supernatural. One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter. Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine."
St. Valentine was a Priest, martyred in 269 at Rome and was buried on the Flaminian Way. He is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, bee keepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travellers, young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses.
In 18th Century England, Valentine's Day became a day to profess your love for the one you love by sending flowers, confections, and cards. This practice has continued to today. The holiday now is big business for many card manufacturers, chocolate makers, and florists.
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Clip Art for Newsletters
Check out this article which lists several places you can find free stock photographs.
Also, you can use Google and go to Images. Then type in your theme or what you are looking for. If the photograph is protected, you'll be able to see it but be sure to pull it up by going to the view image to make sure.
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For All You Who Knit or Crochet! - Marathon Scarf Project
Marathoners from around the world come to the Church of the Finish Line - Old South Church in Boston - for our annual Blessing of the Athletes. In this year of Remembrance and Hope, our vision is to wrap each runner in the love poured into stitches of handmade blue and yellow scarves. We promise to wrap runners in your love until all your scarves are distributed.
 Suggested Guidelines
Scarves should be interwoven with love and courage, measuring approximately 4"-6" wide and 60" long, any pattern. Colors: blue and yellow (Use the official Boston Athletic Association colors Pantone 109C and Pantone 294C as a guide.)
Artists (knitters, crocheters, weavers): send or bring your scarves to arrive by April 5, 2014. We are accepting scarves immediately. Please include contact information.
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Contact Information
Sabrina Evans
(405) 232-4820 |
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