The last few weeks have been eventful in the life of the conference, and I wanted to keep you updated on some recent developments.

Date: August 5, 2024
Location: Colonial Church in Prairie Village

June Reflections: Embracing Diversity and Mourning Loss

Typically, the KO Conference hosts an annual clergy retreat. This year, because it is an election year, we have offered three mini-retreats on the topic of “Ministry in an Election Year.”

The Committee on Ministry - Discernment (COM D) officially invites the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference to the Ecclesiastical Councils' of Rev. Scott Spencer and Rev. Glenda Skinner-Noble Sunday, June 23rd at 3:00 pm. Both Rev. Spencer and Rev. Skinner-Noble are seeking Privilege of Call status. 

As we move into the second half of May, our conference is bustling with exciting events and meaningful opportunities. Here's a roundup of what's happening…

"Thank you" does not begin to cover the depth of my gratitude for the hundreds of ways, big and small, that you have widened my vision of what it means to be Church.

The KO is pleased to introduce our new Associate Conference Minister - Rev. Nikki Stahl! We are exited to have Rev. Stahl joining our team and want you to have a chance to meet her right away.

Please join with people across the UCC in promoting the Strengthen the Church Offering on May 19, 2024. You can find materials to promote this year’s Strengthen the Church Offering in your congregation at UCC Resources.

We’ve recently heard from Laura, the Oklahoma Conference Disaster Recovery Coordinator about storms and storm damage in Oklahoma. Kansas now has had tornado and storm damage as well.

Rev. Lillie DaMetz, a retired and longtime pastor of churches in the KO conference, died on April 25. She was 97. 

There were lots of storms here in Oklahoma on 4/27. I'm sure some of you want to know how you can help. Please wait until you hear from me again before doing anything.

On Friday, April 5th, fifteen youth gathered at First Congregational UCC in Manhattan, Kansas for an overnight lock-in.

We celebrated the beautiful ordination of Rev. Quinn Gorges at The Church of the Open Arms in Oklahoma City on March 14.

As I write this in the shadow of Easter's promise, recent news causes me to feel both the joy of resurrection and the profound sorrow of loss.

All are invited to a Farewell Party for Rachael on Friday May 3, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Clergy may also register for a clergy retreat taking place on Friday. 

The meeting will take place Sunday May 5, 2024 at 3:00pm on Zoom; you may also attend in person at Fellowship Congregational Church UCC in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I wanted to take a moment to address a sensitive topic that has deeply impacted our Oklahoma community and the LGBTQ+ community at large: the tragic passing of Nex Benedict, a beloved member of the OK community.

Sunday, March 17 at 3pm

There is another great opportunity this year for Latino/a/e seminarians in the UCC: the Rev. Dr. Hector E. Lopez Scholarahip.