Synod reflection from Dewan Keesee member of Fellowship UCC, Tulsa.

While I was Synod, I bought a shirt that says “We” on the front. It was a very intentional purchase. As an introvert by default, I have often struggled with the idea of the need for community with a capital C.

The 34th General Synod was my first time attending Synod. It was also the first time for my two teenage children. There were many great moments. Maybe the most memorable, and the one that my kids were most adamant to be in the room for, was the election of Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.

This year, returning in-person and as a UCCB member and delegate, gave me an entirely new experience and perspective. I might still be catching my breath!

It’s 6:20 am. The steamy warmth of a freshly cooked breakfast gently hugs our silent caucusing room. Heavy eyed and yawning, delegates amble into the room and take their seats. 

This was my second Synod as a delegate but the first in person. To say it was a transformational experience doesn’t accurately describe my time in Indianapolis.

I am Marcia Keesee a member of Fellowship Congregational UCC in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The expectations for my Synod experience abruptly changed when I agreed to be one of the six delegates that represented the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference.

This year at Synod we passed some amazing and forward-thinking resolutions. These social justice issues will be advocated for by our National Setting, but it's important for our local churches to brainstorm ways to contribute towards each resolution in our neighborhoods and towns.

This summer has been busy for the Kansas Oklahoma Conference! With your generosity we helped Tulsa residents begin to recover from a devastating tornado (thank you!), conference delegates and visitors attended General Synod 34 in Indianapolis, the conference hired a new staff member to serve as registrar/admin assistant, and we will be preparing to say goodbye to the faithful work of our registrar Jan Lange.

It is with sadness that we share the news of the passing of Rev. Soo Jane Ho who passed into the arms of the Eternal yesterday, July 27. 

Please consider giving to our UCC Congregation in Tulsa as they strive to help those who are experiencing hardship due to the recent tornados, and as they work to restore their campus. 

Brewster Place is in search of a full-time chaplain who will serve as a member of the social services team to provide person-centered care.

Brewster Place in Topeka, Kansas is a Life Plan Community with a unique history and a foundation tied to the United Church of Christ.

Strong healthy connections and relationships across the conference continue to be important as they allow us to care for one another, cheer each other on, celebrate, and lament together as we grow more fully into the beautiful multifaceted gem we are as a conference.

I love building relationships with people and helping people to connect their passion with purpose so that we can make a real difference in the lives of others in our churches and local communities, and I’m looking forward to beginning this work with you.

…they collected data from almost 200 congregations who are passionate about designing new forms of youth ministry.

This month I’m going to ask you to connect with someone who is different than you. Talk with the neighbor who is not usually friendly. Compliment the adult or young person in the grocery market who has bright colorful hair. Be curious…

Unanimously adopted by congregational vote on May 11, 2003.

This webinar will cover how the coming months at the EPA present a significant opportunity to save thousands of lives, address societal inequalities, and put the United States on a path to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035.

Friday September 29 - Saturday September 30Mayflower United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City

We have a new relationship with Midwest Ministry Development Service which allows us to support clergy mental health needs with a significant amount of confidentiality.