Ministry Stories

Recently, I was in western Oklahoma, where we are still working on recovering from the wildfires. I took some pictures while I was there to share with you. I feel that it is important to keep you updated on how your neighbors are recovering.

We are trying to put homes and lives back together, and we could use your help! If you have a team that would like to go to the area and help clean up, please let me know. If you would like to make a donation to help with the recovery effort, please make your check out to "the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma" with “Disaster Relief” in the Memo, and mail it to:

The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma
Attn: Disaster Relief
924 N. Robinson
Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Thank you for your support of our neighbors during this difficult time or recovery and rebuilding!

On August 12th, we said our official goodbyes to Fr. Bright and his family.

After the Thanksgiving prayer at the end of the Eucharist, Deacon Steve presided over a "going forth" liturgy with most of the congregation surrounding Fr. Bright and his family. Father Bright gave the blessing, and after the final hymn, we gathered in the parish hall for a festive lunch.

After much good food, our Senior Warden, Richard Winterrowd, reviewed our last five years together. He highlighted many of the things we have accomplished as we looked at pictures in a timeline titled "Five Bright Years". Many gifts were presented to Fr. Bright and Monyue. We had to say goodbye to Tinika long distance. since she was already in Florida to start school.

Godspeed to Fr. Bright, Monyue, and Tinika as they leave us to begin a new ministry in Florida!

It’s a special and exciting day as Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Shawnee, is honored as the first Blue Zones Project Approved™ Faith-based Organization in Pottawatomie County! Emmanuel Episcopal is the first church in Shawnee, and the state of Oklahoma, to achieve this approval status.

Driven by the leadership of Father Tom Dahlman; Youth & Family Minister, Beth Canaday; and the Blue Zones Committee made up of Jack Barrett, and Barbara and Larry Smith, Emmanuel Episcopal Church has made numerous strides to improve the well-being of their congregation.

A few key components in Emmanuel’s approval include:

- Offering multiple Purpose Workshops to their congregation and the community

- Engaging their youth in community volunteerism through community gardening

- Inclusion of healthy food offerings at all social events

- Encouraging and celebrating their congregation’s commitment to #movenaturally during Bike to Church month

Faith-based organizations play a valuable role in well-being. Longevity research indicates that people who practice their faith by attending a service at least once a month can add four to 14 years to their lives. The type of faith practiced doesn’t matter as much as the benefits of fellowship and possibly trusting in a power greater than one’s self.

Stay tuned for details on a ribbon-cutting ceremony to recognize Emmanuel Episcopal’ s stellar accomplishment! #community #bzppottawatomie

Monyue Bright of Grace, Ponca City wrote a book, "The First Day of School"! Brace Books in Ponca City hosted a book signing event, in which the books sold out!

Monyue believes that most students, particularly those with special needs, face the challenge of getting started on the first day of school. It is a book that motivates students to start well, so that they will finish well.

Monyue has over twenty years of experience in the field of education with a Master's degree in special education. We are all proud of her!

Photo by Joshua Ness on Unsplash

The Diocese has purchased a video from Acorn Wholeness for All, called Just Listen!

Many of us today have discovered for ourselves the difference it makes when someone really listens to us. Being well listened to can be a life-changing experience, and yet sadly also one which is comparatively rare in our busy world.

The introductory DVD has 6 modules and a self-guided course book, which offers foundational teaching on the value of listening to others, to God, and to ourselves.

It also shows different ways to use the skill of listening, and it would be a great addition to Eucharistic Minister and Visitor training.

While it is promoting the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation model and their additional optional training, the information in the program is great.

Click here to learn more!

If you are interested in doing a series on listening, we have your resource!

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Sabrina Evans, Director of Christian Formation, directly via email at [email protected] or via phone at (405) 232-4820.