Ministry Stories

Clergy Retirement

Recently, the Rev. Mike Stephenson, Rector of St. Philip's in Ardmore, and the Rev. Shelby Scott, Rector of St. Patrick's in Broken Arrow, announced their retirement after many faithful years of ministry to the Diocese. Today, we share a small insight into their ministry and what...

READ MORE

Deacon Wayne Hanway Spotlight

Recently, Iona Collaborative featured Deacon Wayne Hanway in a ministry spotlight

READ MORE

Oklahoma Episcopal Warming Shelters

With below-freezing temperatures across the state, Episcopal congregations have offered their spaces as warming shelters for their communities.

READ MORE

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

On Wednesday, December 13th over 100 people gathered at Emmanuel Episcopal Church for the first celebration of the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

READ MORE

Does & Bows

The Order of Naucratius is a community of hunters and anglers within the Episcopal Church that lives by a rule of life that includes prayer, conservation and charity. The Order started out of the Seminary of the Southwest when a couple of seminarians started dreaming about how to...

READ MORE

Ignite Senior High Retreat

This past weekend 38 high schoolers from around the Diocese gathered at St. Crispin's for the annual Ignite Senior High Retreat!

READ MORE

All Saints' McAlester Vitality Grant

All Saints Episcopal Church in McAlester applied for a $500 Diocesan Vitality Grant for the purpose of community partnership around St. Francis Blessing of the Animals.

READ MORE

Does God Dream? A Prison Ministry Story

This month our new Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Betsy Randall had the opportunity to travel to a few prisons around the state to check out our thriving Episcopal ministries. She was accompanied by long time prison ministry volunteer Deacon Linda Paul. Canon Betsy shared with u...

READ MORE

St. Paul's Holdenville

Last May, St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Holdenville faced a harsh reality. Could they reverse decline, and more than that grow in vitality? St. Paul's did just that, becoming the fastest- growing congregation per capita in our Diocese, growing from one member to nine in less tha...

READ MORE

Oakerhater Bronze Bust

Displayed on a pedestal in the Diocese of Oklahoma office lobby is a bronze bust of Deacon David Pendleton Oakerhater or in his native Cheyenne, Oak-uh-hat-uh. Since 1990, the bust has been displayed in the diocesan office. It will be ninety-two years on August 31st since Oaker...

READ MORE

Worship at Harrah Irish Pub

Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Shawnee, recently partnered with a local Irish Pub in downtown Harrah, OK to create a new worship location!

READ MORE

St. Matthew's Enid Baseball Clinic

St. Matthew's held a free baseball clinic at the David Allen Memorial Baseball Park for 2nd through 5th-grade youth.

READ MORE

St. Timothy's in Pauls Valley

Our Diocesan Archvist, Pam Bell, shares with us this month the building history of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Pauls Valley.

READ MORE

Pillowcase Project

Prayer Pillowcase Project Encourages Conversation with God

READ MORE

Native American Christmas Festival

St. Paul's in Holdenville celebrated Christmas by meeting and inviting new neighbors in their community to a festive Christmas pageant and potluck. St. Paul's applied for a $500 experimental grant from the Diocese to try out this new event.

READ MORE

St. Luke's Bartlesville, House Dedication

On November 20, the leadership of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bartlesville held a special event to dedicate one of their properties to their local Family Promise Organization to offer as transitional housing to families. The mission of Family Promise of Washington County is to...

READ MORE

St. Aidan's Hosts Dinner for Football Team

St. Aidan's in Tulsa hosted a spaghetti dinner for the student athletes of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa last week! The congregation invited the team for a special dinner before they play the first round of 6A-II State Playoffs.

READ MORE

St. John's OKC Resource Center

This past April, CAIR Oklahoma and St. John’s OKC created a unique partnership to foster a resource center for Afghan Refugees in Oklahoma City. Since the resource center opened in April, 194 people have volunteered to donate, organize items, and create a welcoming space for refu...

READ MORE

Quilt of Valor ceremony at Grace Church Ponca City

This month Grace Ponca City had a profound ceremony honoring their Deacon Steven M. Mallory with a Quilt of Valor. He was awarded the quilt not only for his service but also for his continuing help to veterans who are fighting PTSD.

READ MORE

St. Naucratius Fishing Retreat

The Guild of St. Naucratius held their first annual fishing retreat this month at St. Crispin's. Over 50 people attended from across the Diocese! The retreat's goal was to teach folks how to fish, what it takes to manage the fishing habitats, and get folks connected to God in nat...

READ MORE

Godly Play

In August and September, three of our congregations hosted Godly Play trainings with Teresa Phares, our Children & Youth Coordinator. Teresa is a certified Gold Play trainer. A total of over 40 people attended these trainings, from 10 different congregations.

READ MORE

Backpack Grant

St. Bede’s in Westport applied for a $500 diocesan experimental grant to distribute backpacks to students at Cleveland public schools who are in need.

READ MORE

St. Luke’s Youth Group Travels to DC

Eleven youth and six adults from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Bartlesville trekked to Washington D.C. the first week of August in memory of a man who left a generous gift to the church’s youth group.

READ MORE

King Hall

For this month's Diocesan history highlight, Pam, our archivist, shares with us the story of King Hall. King Hall was the first Oklahoma Episcopal ministry outreach dedicated to Oklahoma higher education and a pioneer in university women's housing.

READ MORE

All Saint's McAlester Fundraiser

The Episcopal Church Women of All Saint's McAlester resumed a many-year tradition for community fellowship and fundraising with their Wine and Cheese Soirée on Friday evening, July 15. This event, including the musical talents of the barbershop quartet Sound Decision, has always ...

READ MORE

St. Luke's Art and Wine Show

St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Chickasha hosted "Art is for Everyone" show and sale from 6:30 to 10 p.m; Friday and Saturday, June 10-11, 2022. The show, in the St. Luke's Parish Hall at 6th Street and Kansas Ave, featured the work of 11 St. Luke's congregation members.

READ MORE

The Church Behind Bars

Did you know that Oklahoma Episcopalians has a nearly 50-year history of sponsoring ministries inside State Prisons? If not, as you might expect, we have people in our Diocese who could tell you many stories about those experiences, as well as share various perspectives we have ...

READ MORE

The Rev. Kay Boman Harvey celebrates 40 years of service at St. Crispin’s Summer Camp

Deacon Kay Boman- Harvey, commonly known as Kay-Bo, has shared her gifts with the St. Crispin’s community for over 40 years. Kay-bo has served many selfless roles at camp, including being a camp counselor, chaplain, and camp dean with her long-time dean partner Mary Susan Whaley....

READ MORE

Neighborhood Afternoon Tea

St. Bede’s church in Westport applied for an experimental mini-grant of $500 to launch their first-ever neighborhood afternoon tea! The synopsis of the event was to invite community members to share tea and treats with the members of St. Bede’s.

READ MORE

Neighborhood Picnic

Trinity Church in Eufaula applied for an experimental grant to host a neighborhood picnic, with a gold in mind to meet their community and invite them to break bread together. The event had failures and successes. Trinity plans to host a neighborhood picnic twice a year in hopes ...

READ MORE

1000 Yards Project

Trinity Episcopal Church in Tulsa applied for an experimental vitality grant of $500 to kick off their 1000 yards project. The project compensates Afghan refuges for handmade items, using yarn, knitting, and crochet supplies that have been donated to the church.

READ MORE

40 in 40 Lent Project

During Lent this year, the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Oklahoma City conducted a project called 40 in 40 to benefit the Oklahoma Foundation for developmentally disabled adults.

READ MORE

St. John's and The Hickman School of Music

This past year, St. John's Episcopal Church, OKC, has been the new home of The Hickman School of Music (HSM). St. John's and HSM have created a unique partnership that surpasses a tenant and renter relationship.

READ MORE

Shrove Tuesday Fundraiser at Casady

On Shrove Tuesday, Casady School hosted their annual pancake breakfast. The first one they have hosted for many years due to Covid-19! The pancake breakfast raised money for Magdalene House OKC, raising several thousand dollars to benefit the new program! Read more about this sto...

READ MORE

St. Matthew's Baseball Clinic

This past weekend, St. Matthew’s hosted a baseball clinic for 2nd-5th graders at the David Allen Memorial Ballpark. The goal of this event was to give children an opportunity to play some baseball!

READ MORE

Vestry Academy

Over 200 vestry members from 53 of our 68 congregations attended Vestry Academy on March 26th, making it one of our most attended academies ever!

READ MORE

Saint Patrick’s Youth Service Project Sunday

St. Andrew’s Day Care & School, Inc.

St. Andrew’s Day Care & School, Inc., a ministry of St. Andrew’s Grove, celebrated its one-year anniversary on February 1, 2022!

READ MORE

Creation Care

What would your congregation do with $500? In early January 2022, St. Augustine of Canterbury in Oklahoma City asked to apply for an early experiment grant from the Diocesan vitality granting program. The congregation used the money to purchase 315 Creation Care Reusable Tote Bag...

READ MORE

New Beginnings Junior High Retreat 2022

Over 60 junior high youth and volunteers participated in the annual New Beginnings Retreat Feb. 18th-20th! Diocesan youth from around the state gathered for the first time since 2020 for New Beginnings 46! They played games, sang camp songs, laughed, and developed deeper relation...

READ MORE

Jingle Jam

Grace Muskogee celebrated their first outreach event since the COIVD-19 outbreak by brining the joy of Christmas to their community. Over a 130 people enjoyed an interactive play put on by the congregation! Each family that attended the event was given a Christmas dinner meal bas...

READ MORE

St. Margaret’s Bells

St. Margaret’s of Scotland Episcopal Church, Lawton had unique southwestern architectural elements with exterior stucco walls and red roof tiles. They are also remembered for their front entrance brass bells suspended on wood crosses. These bells were hand forged by a South Vietn...

READ MORE

St. Patrick’s Youth Christmas Meal Outreach

Saint Patrick’s Youth (SPY) planned a Christmas Meal Outreach for visitors to the parish Blessing Box!

READ MORE

Afghan Refugee Welcome Ministry

For the past few months, our Diocese has been volunteering in welcoming our new Afghan Neighbors. Read about the congregation's experiences and how you can get involved!

READ MORE

Christmas in Watonga

St. Paul's Cathedral celebrated its annual Christmas in Watonga event! Passing out gifts to children, a visit from St. Nicholas, and fellowship with Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family members!

READ MORE

All Saints Committal Ceremony For The Unclaimed

All Saints will offer a committal service for these unclaimed on All Soul's Day, Tuesday, November 2 at 6:30. All are welcome to attend as we pray for all the souls of the departed.

READ MORE

Orange Shirt Day

The Whirlwind Mission in Watonga celebrated Orange Shirt Day! Orange Shirt Day, honors and remembers survivors and victims of the United States' now-defunct system of residential boarding schools for Native American children.

READ MORE

Christ Church, Tulsa held a Monopoly Themed Ministry Fair

Christ Church Episcopal Tulsa held its Annual Ministry Fair after a year-off due to COVID. To create an exciting event the PAC was transformed into a huge “Monopoly” game board.

READ MORE

St. Michael's Norman, Laundry Love Outreach

St. Michael's Norman shares Jesus's love by volunteering with their community partner, Laundry Love Central Oklahoma! St. Michael's went above & beyond during this outreach project that is near and dear to their hearts.

READ MORE

St. Luke’s Bartlesville Urges Vaccinations

Responding to Bishop Poulson’s recent appeal to increase community vaccinations, members of St. Luke’s Bartlesville distributed hundreds of vaccination information cards on Aug. 1-2 during the annual school backpack distribution held at the church.

READ MORE

St. John's OKC Nursery Update

In 2021, St. John's Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City called The Rev. Nate Carr and his wife Sarah Carr to serve as their next Vicar. Immediately upon their arrival, Fr. Carr & Sarah took on the task of updating the nursery as a safe and inviting space for St. John's kids. For 54...

READ MORE

Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family VBS

Since 1995, churches around the Diocese have served and partnered with the community of Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family and their Deacon Pat Gonzales for the annual Vacation Bible School in Watonga, OK. This year Saint Andrew's (Lawton), All Saint's (Duncan), Saint Paul's (C...

READ MORE

Pentecost Dove Flight Art Project

When Susie Walker Cassidy first saw pictures of Michael Pendry’s “Les Colombes” (the Doves), an art installation symbolizing hope and the Holy Spirit, at the National Cathedral, she immediately thought, "We should do that at St. Michael's". Thus the Dove Flight Art Project was bo...

READ MORE

Men’s Retreat led by Father Matt Marino

2021 Diocese of Oklahoma Men’s Retreat led by Father Matt Marino at Saint Crispin’s Episcopal Camp and Conference Center April 29-May 1

READ MORE

Trinity Tulsa partners with ACTION Tulsa

Trinity Tulsa was thrilled to be asked to partner with ACTION Tulsa and Tulsa Community Foundation to accept applications for utility assistance.

READ MORE

Grace Ponca City Joins Local Ministry for a Workday

Grace Episcopal Church in Ponca City made a recent connection with a local ministry called Broken Heart Ministries to help renovate historic church.

READ MORE

Reflection on my CPE experience during COVID-19

Postulant from St. Dunstan's, Omar Cisneros shares his experience during Covid as a hospital chaplain.

READ MORE

Christ Church Tulsa Hole-y Outreach

Prior to the Corona Pandemic, Christ Church Episcopal Tulsa served donuts, fresh fruit and chesses & meats after each service for Hospitality to our parishioners and guests.

READ MORE

St. Dunstan's Bell Ring for Workers

Saint Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in South Tulsa commemorates victims of COVID-19 and celebrates the heroism of healthcare and other essential workers with daily bell ringing.

READ MORE

Trinity Tulsa Springs Forward with Pajama Day!

Everyone dreads Daylight Savings...unless it's pajama day at church! Trinity Tulsa sprung forward in comfort this year as parishioners of all ages got in on the fun.

READ MORE

All Saints, McAlester hosts Day of Caring

All Saints in McAlester hosted a Day of Caring for Area Homeless and Those at Risk. This event was a culmination of close to twenty community organizations offering varying services throughout the day.

READ MORE

Emmanuel Shawnee's Mission Fair

We’ve been working with the theme, ‘Invest Yourself,’ trying to shift the mindset away from consuming church to making church a vehicle for giving ourselves away in service to one another and the larger community.

READ MORE

Grace Ponca City Epiphany Pageant

The children of Grace Episcopal Church, Ponca City, performed in our 75th annual Epiphany Pageant on Monday, January 6.

READ MORE

St. James, Wagoner, Tamalada 2019

St. James, Wagoner learned how to make tamales with their new member Robin Rodriguez-Higginbottom

READ MORE

Grace Ponca City ECW Food Fair

Each Saturday before Thanksgiving the Episcopal Church Women of Grace Episcopal Church, Ponca City, hold an extensive Food Fair.

READ MORE

National Acolyte Festival

On Saturday, Oct. 12, five adult and youth acolytes from St. John’s Episcopal Church, OKC along with Patricia Riden, Acolyte Master, the Rev. Lisa Chronister and their adult sponsors attended the National Acolyte Festival at the Washington National Cathedral.

READ MORE

Mitch Biblehiemer & the Young Adult Service Corps

YASC stands for Young Adult Service Corps which is a ministry for Episcopalians ages 21-30 how desire to live and serve in communities around the world. Applicants go through a process of discernment once they enter the program in order to assess their gifts, desires and where t...

READ MORE

St. Patrick's Parishioner Ride Across USA

St. Patrick's Parishioner, Craig Jackson has decided to participate in a bicycle race across America to bring attention to suicide prevention. Craig, along with eight other riders, will ride 3000 miles across 12 states, climbing over 170,000 vertical feet, in a tag-team nonstop...

READ MORE

SPY Spiritual Retreat Reflection

St. Patrick’s Youth (SPY) travelled to Colorado Springs, CO this year for a Spiritual Retreat. After a Civil Rights Pilgrimage last year, they turned their sights to prayer and reflection as they ventured out into the beautiful area of Colorado Springs.

READ MORE

Thriving in Bi-Vocational Ministry Project

Six priests and deacons from the Diocese travelled to Camp Allen, Texas to participate in the launch of the Thriving in Bi-Vocational Ministry Project.

READ MORE

924 N. Robinson I Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 232-4820
dioceseofoklahoma@epiok.org
Hours: 9 am to 5 pm CST

NEWSLETTER CONTACT US

Top