Episcopal Church inviting public to join in $1M match for disaster relief

From Oklahoma-

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 518 W. Randolph, is inviting the community to join with the church in making tax-deductible donations to a $1 million matching campaign for disaster relief and development.

"For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world," according to a press release. "Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease."

Episcopal Relief & Development hosts an annual holiday match campaign, offering supporters and donors the opportunity to double the impact of their donations. For the second year in a row, private donors have pledged funds to double others' donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $1 million.

More here-

https://www.enidnews.com/community/episcopal-church-inviting-public-to-join-in-m-match-for/article_bc53498e-0568-11ea-bfe6-177d51a15a6f.html

Oklahoma Episcopal bishop speaks up about LGBTQ issue at Anglican gathering

From Oklahoma-

The worldwide Anglican Communion continues to grapple with the inclusion of gays and lesbians in the church, with mixed results.

The most recent example of the faith group's wrestling with the issue stemmed from a proposal that Oklahoma's Episcopal bishop made at a recent leadership gathering.

In the end, the Rt. Rev. Ed Konieczny's proposed resolution and an ensuing debate resulted in the Anglican Communion's symbolic leader apologizing for snubbing the spouses of gay and lesbian bishops. A promise also was made to develop a format for churches in the Anglican Communion to hear the voices of gays and lesbians and others who bear the brunt of discrimination.

Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, called it a win for the unity of the Anglican Communion and his desire to see that the human dignity of all people is respected in the church.

More here-

https://oklahoman.com/article/5632700/oklahoma-episcopal-bishop-speaks-up-about-lgbtq-issue-at-anglican-gathering

Episcopalian leader visits Oklahoma to honor a 'remarkable man'

From Oklahoma-

Shaking a colorful gourd rattle and moving his feet to the rhythm created by an American Indian drum circle, the head of the Episcopal Church USA found himself immersed in Oklahoma culture.

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the nation's Episcopalians, was a guest of honor Saturday at the 30th anniversary of the Oakerhater Honor Dance held annually at the Oakerhater Episcopal Center in Watonga.

The event, which drew about 300 people, was held to recognize the life and ministry of David Pendleton Oakerhater, a Cheyenne warrior who converted to Christianity and became a missionary and deacon in the Episcopal Church. Oakerhater devoted much of his ministry to teaching and preaching the Gospel to Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians western Oklahoma, where he established what became known as the Whirlwind Mission. He was named to the Episcopal Church's calendar of saints in 1986.

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5517721

Oklahoma's Episcopal leader discusses denomination’s gay marriage vote

From Oklahoma-

The leader of Oklahoma's Episcopalian faith community said he wasn't surprised by the Episcopal Church USA's recent historic vote giving the denomination's clergy permission to perform gay marriages. 

The Rt. Rev. Ed Konieczky, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, said the denomination had been on the path toward such a vote for the last several years and he voted in favor of the same gender marriage resolution. The resolution will go into effect in November.

The vote to allow gay marriage in Episcopal churches across the country occurred July 30 at the Episcopal Church USA's General Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah. The measure came just a few days after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalized gay marriage nationwide and it also meant the Episcopal Church joined the Presbyterian Church USA and United Church of Christ denominations in allowing gay marriages in their congregations. 

http://newsok.com/oklahomas-episcopal-leader-discusses-denominations-gay-marriage-vote/article/5433169

The little church on the corner

From Oklahoma-

When you walk through the ancient red doors of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Woodward, you sense a presence.

Perhaps it is the echo of 120 years of history in this, the oldest church still in use in Northwest Oklahoma and the panhandle.

Or just maybe, it is the energy, still swirling, from the hundreds of weddings, baptisms, christenings, candlelight services on Christmas Eve and early morning Easters, which took place each year since the little church was built in 1893 on its original location at 701 Main Street.

You could be sensing the spirit it took to plan and move the sturdy little Late Gothic Revival style structure, built within months after the land run.


- See more at:

http://www.woodwardnews.net/local/x611384802/The-little-church-on-the-corner#sthash.mAQMcihl.dpuf

Anglican Leader, Under Fire for Remarks, Urges Caution on Same-Sex Marriage

From The New York Times-

The archbishop of Canterbury, under fire for appearing to link expanded gay rights in the United States to violence against Christians in Africa, said on Thursday that he is advocating for a slow and deliberative response to same-sex marriage, mindful of the global implications.

“I think we need to be aware of the realities on the ground, in our own countries and around the world, and to take those into account when we’re moving forward,” the archbishop, Justin Welby, told reporters in Oklahoma City, where he was meeting with the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church and attending a conference on violence.

“It doesn’t mean you necessarily do something other than you feel is the right thing to do,” he said, “but you’re aware of the need perhaps to do it in a different way.”

More here-

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/11/us/anglican-leader-under-fire-for-remarks-urges-caution-on-same-sex-marriage.html?_r=0

Prayer for rain gathering is set at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City

From Oklahoma-

The Oklahoma Conference of Churches, the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma's Whole Creation Community and the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts are calling for a statewide day of prayer on Wednesday.

A prayer gathering is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 127 NW 7.

Organizers said they are encouraging Oklahomans to focus on water conservation and stewardship and to remember people who are still experiencing drought conditions.

Clay Pope, executive director of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, said local churches and other faith groups are encouraged to join in the prayer gathering on Wednesday and also to partner with their local conservation districts to plan events in their communities.

More here-

http://newsok.com/prayer-for-rain-gathering-is-set-at-st.-pauls-episcopal-cathedral-in-oklahoma-city/article/3882383

Walking a sacred path: Labyrinth enthusiasts join for gathering in Oklahoma City

From Oklahoma (with video)

Labyrinths, which came into their own in the Middle Ages, are now attracting more attention in the metro area, possibly due to the need for peace and tranquility amid busy lifestyles, a local religious leader said.

The Rev. Susan Joplin, canon at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, 127 NW 7, and the cathedral recently hosted “The Day of the Labyrinth,” focusing on the “pattern with a purpose.”

The Aug. 17 event, based on the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius, was designed as an introduction to labyrinths, Joplin said.

The event included a guided labyrinth walk featuring an 11-circuit portable labyrinth made of canvas. She said the portable labyrinth was made in the Chartres-style, featuring probably the most well-known labyrinth pattern that is on the nave floor of the Chartres Cathedral in northern France.

“Of the 65 people who participated, about half of them were walking the labyrinth for the first time, which was great,” she said.

More here-

http://newsok.com/walking-a-sacred-path-labyrinth-enthusiasts-join-for-gathering-in-oklahoma-city/article/3875233

Oklahoma bishop calls for aid for tornado victims

From The Church Times-

THE Bishop of Oklahoma, Dr Edward Konieczny, has asked for prayers and financial support in the wake of the devastating tornado which killed at least 24 people, including nine children.

Dr Konieczny, who is currently on sabbatical, sent a pastoral letter to his 70 congregations the day after the tornado - which has been upgraded to the most powerful level of twister - struck on Monday.

He said: "At this moment, the best assistance would be financial contributions. I am asking every congregation to make a special appeal this Sunday for tornado relief. Please forward those gifts to the diocese, and we will get them into the hands of those in need.

"We all know the people of Oklahoma are people of incredible faith, and it will be the strength of that faith that will sustain us in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead."

Churches seem to have suffered only minimal damage, though the roof on the Bishop's own home was destroyed by hail and wind damage.

The Bishop's chief-of-staff, Canon José McLoughlin, told the Church Times on Wednesday that the extent of the damage suffered as a result of the mile-wide tornado was "incredible". Two schools and a hospital had been destroyed, and entire neighbourhoods had been flattened.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2013/24-may/news/world/oklahoma-bishop-calls-for-aid-for-tornado-victims

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in Oklahoma City will install new dean

From Oklahoma City-

St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, which has called downtown Oklahoma City home since 1904, will install the Rev. Justin Alan Lindstrom as its 14th dean during a worship service set for 11 a.m. Saturday at the cathedral, 127 NW 7.

Lindstrom's installation marks the first for St. Paul's in more than 30 years. The position opened after the retirement of Dean George Back in 2010. Lindstrom was chosen for the position from more than 90 candidates.

“It's an honor to install Rev. Lindstrom as the 14th dean of St. Paul's,” said the Rt. Rev. Edward Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

“I'm confident his deep faith, exceptional preaching and proven leadership will continue to bring a renewed excitement to the downtown cathedral, which serves as a spiritual home for the heart of our city.”

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/3748809

Non-profit distributes school supplies to Washington County students

From Oklahoma-

Hundreds stood in line Monday morning outside the doors of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church where the Washington County School Supply Drive was handing out backpacks, helping students and parents prepare for the new academic year.

For more than a decade, the locally run non-profit organization has been providing free school supplies to students who might not otherwise have been able to afford them.

“It's the best example of organized chaos you can have,” WCSSD board member Bob Wesnesky told 2NEWS. He was inside the building working with more than a dozen volunteers — some sitting at desks checking names and others bustling about delivering backpacks to the parents and students as they approached the desks.

Read more:

http://www.kjrh.com/dpp/bartlesvillelive/non-profit-distributes-school-supplies-to-washington-county-students#ixzz22rJgngId

Iron Gate raises record $170,000

From Oklahoma-

Iron Gate's annual fundraiser Cooking for a Cause brought out supporters who helped raise a record $170,000 in a year of record-breaking hunger.

Gala chairwoman Susan Fuller Palmer told the crowd of some 200 people at Metro Appliances & More that "Our theme 'We Feed Kids' touched your hearts and you responded with generosity and compassion."

"This is such an important step toward meeting our $800,000 budget. I can't thank you enough," said Iron Gate Executive Director Connie Cronley.

Last year, Iron Gate fed 201,000 people through the soup kitchen and distributed 10,400 emergency bags of groceries. In this bleak economy, an escalating number of hungry homeless and low-income people are coming to Iron Gate for the daily hot meal, for emergency groceries from the pantry and for healthy, kid-friendly snack packets, said Cronley.

"Every social service agency is stretched to the maximum and the Food Bank has a food shortage. This is why the gala revenues are critical to Iron Gate," she said.

More here-

http://www.tulsaworld.com/scene/article.aspx?subjectid=42&articleid=20111121_209_D2_CUTLIN774859

Thieves steal statue from Edmond church

From Oklahoma-

This week thieves targeted a church near downtown Edmond. The crooks stole a concrete statue from a garden in front of the church. Church leaders are actually taking the loss in stride, but haven't given up hope the crooks will have a change of heart.

A large St. Francis statue watches over the garden outside St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Sometime this week thieves snuck onto the property and stole a second St. Francis statue.

"St. Francis down there was smaller statue. You easily could've picked it up. This was actually buried with a foundation in the ground," said the church priest Mark Story.

The thieves apparently tried unsuccessfully to heist the bigger statue.

"You know this stuff happens. It doesn't do any good to get angry about it," said Story. "The value of the loss is not as severe as you know, if somebody really needed it they probably could have come and asked."

More here-

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-thieves-steal-statue-from-edmond-church-20111021,0,1707363.story

Bishop Schori to speak in Tulsa

From Tulsa-

Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman primate in the worldwide Anglican Communion, will speak in Tulsa on Sunday and Monday.

Jefferts Schori was elected to a nine-year term as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church in 2006. She has headed the church through the turbulent years following the installation in 2004 of the first openly gay non-celibate Episcopal bishop.

During that time, the Episcopal Church, which is the American arm of the worldwide Anglican Communion, came under heavy criticism.

Some church leaders and members opposed to the ordination left the church and formed the conservative Anglican Church in North America.

The American church also came under fire from Anglicans in the more conservative Southern Hemisphere who opposed the ordination of a gay bishop.

Jefferts Schori holds a Ph.D. in oceanography and is a licensed pilot. Her daughter in a pilot in the U.S. Air Force.

Read more

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=18&articleid=20111008_18_A13_CUTLIN225130

St. Luke's Episcopal Church helping Okla. missionary in Japan

From Oklahoma-

Ryan Fletcher was in Japan when they needed him most.

Fletcher, from the small Oklahoma town of Fletcher, has been serving as a missionary in Japan for three years. Since the tsunami, the Mustard Seed Global Fellowship (MSGF) has distributed food and supplies, as well as Bibles and outreach materials. So far, over a 100 people have been served, according to the MSGF website.

The efforts of the group have been well-received. The team has been able to obtain permits that allow their vehicles to travel on otherwise closed highways so that relief can be more efficiently distributed.

The MSGF requests that others, “Pray for more people to receive aid and for people’s hearts to be open to the gospel message. Pray for people to come to Christ and churches to be started as God redeems this tragedy.”

More here-

http://chickashanews.com/local/x1527122386/St-Lukes-Episcopal-Church-helping-Okla-missionary-in-Japan

Episcopal bishop to receive award at Oklahoma Conference of Churches event

From Oklahoma-

The Rt. Rev. Edward J. Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, will receive the Oklahoma Conference of Churches’ Advocacy Award Monday as part of the organization’s 28th annual Day at the Legislature at the state Capitol.

The organization is recognizing Konieczny, a former California police officer, for his commitment to social justice and his strong stance against all forms of inequity, discrimination, injustice and unfairness.

The award will be presented to Konieczny at 9:15 a.m. during the Day at the Legislature opening ceremonies.

In other business, the conference will hear from guest speakers including David Blatt, director of the Oklahoma Policy Institute; Janet Barresi, state schools superintendent; Maureen Kelley, director of the SKILL Program for Youth Services of Oklahoma County, which supports youths in independent living; and the Rev. Stan Basler, chairman of the Conference of Churches’ Impact committee.

Read more:

http://newsok.com/episcopal-bishop-to-receive-award-at-oklahoma-conference-of-churches-event/article/3540293#ixzz1DkG1hTQN

Oklahoma City pastor quizzes members on their Christmas knowledge

From Oklahoma City-

Just how did Mary and Joseph make their famous trip to Bethlehem?

What did an innkeeper tell Mary and Joseph once they reached the city?

The Rev. Joe Alsay, rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, asked his congregation these and other questions during the Dec. 19 services at the Oklahoma City church, 14700 N May.

Instead of a traditional sermon, Alsay surprised the church with a “Christmas IQ Quiz.”
The quiz drew some good-natured consternation as folks tried to answer questions about the traditional Christmas story. The short test also drew lots of laughter as Alsay proceeded to answer the questions.

“It certainly caught their attention,” Alsay said. “What it also did is make people wonder. They say ‘I go to church on Christmas I know the story. I hear it every year.’ Well, Scripture itself does not say a lot about these things.”

For instance, Alsay said Scripture does not mention an innkeeper although it may be safe to assume that there was one who spoke to Mary and Joseph about ‘no room in the inn.”

Read more:

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-pastor-quizzes-members-on-their-christmas-knowledge/article/3526445#ixzz192ARzk7e

Fastest Growing Episcopal Parish in Oklahoma is Latin

From Oklahoma-

The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma City has with pleasure deemed Santa Maria de Virgen Episcopal Church at 5500 South Western Avenue to be the fastest growing parish in Oklahoma.

Recently occupying the former facility for Grace Lutheran, this parish has attracted many living in the general area.

6pm on Thursday evening 02 December 10, The Rev. Leonel Blanco, Vicar (405) 631-6747, lblanco5478@aol.com ,will preside over a celebration of the seasonal event of Lessons and Carols.... progressive readings from the Bible and Book of Common Prayer marking Advent.

Advent is the preparation phase Episcopalians celebrate for about four weeks (anticipating Christmas Day), and involves specific Bible passages regarding the world and Christ's life. It is also marked over the four weeks by progressively lighting four purple candles in an evergreen wreath, and then on Christmas Eve the lighting of the Christ Candle, to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

A new pipe organ is in place and will be played for the first time by St. Paul's Cathedral organist, Canon Musician, H. Scott Raab.

More here-

http://www.examiner.com/oklahoma-city-in-oklahoma-city/fastest-growing-episcopal-parish-oklahoma-is-latin

New rector at Oklahoma City Episcopal church has diverse theological background

From Oklahoma City-

The Rev. Joe Alsay likes to say that St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church is "no ordinary Episcopal church.”

Alsay, the northwest Oklahoma City church's new rector, also says he's no ordinary Episcopal priest.

Describing himself as "bubbly,” Alsay said he hopes his exuberance is contagious as he and his church make plans to reach out to the community.

Alsay said a member of his former church, Tulsa's Trinity Episcopal, often called him "Father PL.” "He would say that I'm the spark. I'm like the pilot light,” Alsay said, laughing. "My hope is to instill within this congregation a sense of excitement and joy.”
Change agent

Alsay said he was an associate clergyman at Trinity Episcopal.

He said Trinity is a large church with three Sunday services and several weekday services, and St. Augustine, with an average Sunday attendance of about 100 people, is much smaller and, prior to Alsay's coming, offered only one service.

Shortly after starting his new post in July, Alsay decided St. Augustine should offer two services. In September, the church began offering an 8:30 a.m.

Read more:

http://newsok.com/no-ordinary-episcopal-priest/article/3507084#ixzz13BQizTq5

Former Catholic priest shares events that led him to seek ordination in the Episcopal Church

Cutie's in Oklahoma-

A former Roman Catholic priest now serving in the Episcopal Church was enthusiastically embraced by members of an Oklahoma City Hispanic congregation during his recent visit.

The Rev. Alberto Cutie preached and led discussions July 22-25 at Santa Maria Virgen Episcopal Church, 5500 S Western.

At a church dinner July 22 at Imperial Banquet Hall, 4701 S Shields, Cutie spoke candidly about the controversy that swirled around him a little more than a year ago.

An international scandal erupted in May 2009 when a Mexican celebrity magazine printed pictures of the popular priest in a passionate embrace with a woman, Ruhama Canellis, on a Florida beach. Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy that prohibits them from sex and marriage.
In the scandal's aftermath, the Catholic Archdiocese of Miami removed Cutie as head of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Miami Beach, Fla., and he stepped down as president of Radio Paz and Radio Peace, Catholic 24-hour radio stations run by the archdiocese.

Read more: http://newsok.com/clergyman-decides-to-walk-new-path/article/3480944#ixzz0vGKo8R8y