OKLAHOMA DISCIPLES’ 2008 ANNUAL FUND Transforming lives through shared Ministry Ministry of the Month -- Updated: May 3, 2008

These are a few of the ministries you make possible:

MAY – DISASTER RELIEF: Whether it was the devastating May tornadoes that demolished so much of Moore, the one that tore through Stroud or the smaller ones that often touch down all over our state, our regional church stands ready to give immediate assistance, with volunteer workers, generators, chain saws and the like, as well as direct financial support.   Through each area’s regional pastoral staff liaison, we keep closely in touch with each Disciple congregation and member whose lives have been touched by a disaster and pass the information on to Week of Compassion which helps every Disciple in emergency situations.
     It isn’t just tornadoes, of course.   Oklahoma has its share of ice storms, hail storms, flooding rivers and lakes and, of course, no one will forget the horror of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building.   Our regional church has always leapt into immediate action to help those in need.   Thanks to your gifts, we always have funds to help in times of emergency and are always able to receive gifts and immediately put them to work.

APRIL – Regional Assembly:   Regional Assembly convenes every two years.   This year’s assembly will be held at Harvard Avenue Christian Church in Tulsa April 24-26.   Regional assembly is a time for celebration, education, inspiration and spiritual rejuvenation for all Disciples in Oklahoma.   It is also the time when church business is conducted, finances are reported, achievements are honored and future plans and issues are addressed and voted on.   Outstanding and prominent preachers and workshop leaders, great music, mission opportunities, good food and fellowship will round out the program.   A registration form is available on our website.

MARCH – Ministerial Search and Call:   One of the least visible, but most important roles of the regional church is to support our congregations through pastoral leadership change.   Typically, about ten percent of Oklahoma Disciples congregations are in the process of pastoral change.   If your church hasn’t gone through the search process recently, it may not be something you think about, but the time and resources required to accomplish that task are substantial.   A few years ago, former Senionr Associate Regional Pastor, Dr. Coy Parsley did a time study of hours required to assist a congregation through the whole process, from resignation of the serving pastor to installation of the new. He estimated that on average, he spent at least a full week, plus travel and administrative expenses, such as computer search and study, telephone contacts and printing resumes, with each congregation.   And the unfortunate truth is that our small member congregations often require more than double that time.   Your gift supports those churches and helps them enjoy a healthy future.

FEBRUARY -- Outdoor Ministries:   Not a penny from this year’s camp registrations has come in yet, but Directors are recruited and trained in responsibilities, safety and risk management and introduced to the curriculum for the summer camps.   Counselors are also being recruited and trained. Curriculum has been purchased, camp schedules have been set and deposits made for every camp.   Registration forms and publicity booklet and posters are being printed, along with a hundred other advance details that go into every successful camping season.   How is this accomplished before any current funds are available?   Your gift to the Annual Fund provides financial stability and advance funding for many of our vital regional ministries.   Thank you for your gift.

JANUARY -- Leadership Training School"   The last Saturday in January marks an important ministry in our region.   LTS is an intensive morning of information and inspiration for any member of a Disciple congregation.   Elders, deacons, youth and children’s workers, teachers, church secretaries, treasurers, and many others are given practical tools for fulfilling their ministries, inspiration for their spirit, and find others in a community of Christians who are eager to “give of their best to the Master”.   The planning and organizational team is composed of people from our Central Area, the support, administration, coordination and communication is by done regional staff, and the teachers are simply the best to be found. How can this possibly be done for only $50 for everyone who wants to come from any congregation?   Volunteer power and your gift to the Annual Fund make it possible.   Thank you for giving.

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