Good News and Joy to Share Christmas for many is the loneliest time of the year. But part of the good news of Christmas is "you are not alone." God is with us. Not only that, but we are not alone in ministry. We are part of a network of Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ) that stretches around the world. Our Christmas offering is a reminder that we are part of an Oklahoma network of 164 caring, giving congregations. While we each are separate congregations, we find a way to co-minister with those churches throughout the region to do the work we can't do alone. For instance, this year, summer ministries sponsored by the Commission on Children, Youth, and Young Adults were attended by 486 children and youth from 57 congregations; some from Bethany. Through the Commission on Clergy in 2012 we celebrated the ordination of 5 women and men to the ministry. That's just in Oklahoma alone. In February, the 20th Annual Leadership Training School was held in Oklahoma City where more than 400 Disciples from across the region received inspiration and education to become more effective in leading their congregations. That's training no one congregation could do alone. These are just a few of the ways our regional office in Oklahoma City helps us as we serve in Christ's name. The special Christmas offering to be received during the next two Sundays is one way we can support that vital work. Your generosity now is part of what will help that ministry continue in 2013. Alice Jane Lanier Office: M-F 9 a.m.—2 p.m. 918-492-1353 December 14, 2012
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Transcript
Good News and Joy to Share
Christmas for many is the loneliest time of the year. But part of
the good news of Christmas is "you are not alone." God is with us.
Not only that, but we are not alone in ministry. We
are part of a network of Christian Churches
(Disciples of Christ) that stretches around the world.
Our Christmas offering is a reminder that we are
part of an Oklahoma network of 164 caring, giving
congregations. While we each are separate
congregations, we find a way to co-minister with
those churches throughout the region to do the
work we can't do alone.
For instance, this year, summer ministries sponsored by the Commission on Children, Youth, and
Young Adults were attended by 486 children and youth from 57 congregations; some from
Bethany. Through the Commission on Clergy in 2012 we celebrated the ordination of 5 women
and men to the ministry. That's just in Oklahoma alone.
In February, the 20th Annual Leadership Training School was held in Oklahoma City where more
than 400 Disciples from across the region received inspiration and education to become more
effective in leading their congregations. That's training no one congregation could do alone.
These are just a few of the ways our regional office in Oklahoma City helps us as we serve in
Christ's name. The special Christmas offering to be received during the next two Sundays is one
way we can support that vital work. Your generosity now is part of what will help that ministry