Oklahoma Episcopalians prepare to welcome new bishop

From Oklahoma-

A 50th birthday is typically considered a milestone worthy of great celebration.

Within about a week of turning 50, the Rev. Poulson C. Reed will have another reason to feel festive.
Reed is set to become the sixth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma in a private ceremony on May 30 at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City.

"Best birthday present ever," he said, joking during a recent interview.

The event had been set for April 18 and was to have been a huge celebration at Oklahoma City University, with between 3,000 and 4,000 people expected to attend.

However, the ceremony has been scaled down dramatically because of the pandemic.
"We're trying to keep everybody safe," Reed said. "I'm also very happy to have the service at St. Paul's."

More here-

https://oklahoman.com/article/5662919/oklahoma-episcopalians-prepare-to-welcome-new-bishop

OK Episcopal bishop learns he does not have COVID-19

From Oklahoma-

Oklahoma's top Episcopalian leader has learned he does not have COVID-19.

Friday, the Rt. Rev. Ed Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, said his test for the coronavirus came back negative.

The bishop shared the news with Oklahoma Episcopalians in an email Friday morning.

"I am delighted to say that I am currently negative for the virus," Konieczny said.

"Many of you have sent emails, texts and cards expressing your thoughts and prayers. We have been overwhelmed by the sense of your presence surrounding us as we awaited these results. Thank you for your love and concern!"

The bishop said local health authorities administered the coronavirus test on Monday. He had initially expected the results by Tuesday afternoon but was informed that it would take longer. Konieczny said he and has wife had been on self-quarantine since he first began exhibiting symptoms.

More here-

https://oklahoman.com/article/5658177/ok-episcopal-bishop-learns-he-does-not-have-covid

OK Episcopal bishop takes test for COVID-19

From Oklahoma-

The leader of the Episcopal Church in Oklahoma has undergone testing for COVID-19.

The Rt. Rev. Ed Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, said local health authorities administered the coronavirus test on Monday. He said he expected the results on Tuesday afternoon.

In a phone interview with The Oklahoman, Konieczny said he had been traveling overseas in the past few weeks to Zanzibar and Nairobi, Africa, plus Chicago and he had also visited different parts of the state.

He said he began exhibiting possible symptoms of the coronavirus on Saturday and called his health care provider. Konieczny said his doctor contacted local health authorities and they decided that he should be tested for COVID-19.

The bishop said he shared the details about his testing in a video emailed to Episcopal parishes on Monday evening.

More here-

https://oklahoman.com/article/5657847/ok-episcopal-bishop-takes-test-for-covid-19

Episcopalians meet bishop candidates: Election is Saturday at St. Paul's Cathedral

From Oklahoma-

Episcopalians around the state had an opportunity last weekend to meet and talk with the two men seeking to become the next Episcopal bishop of Oklahoma.

The Rev. Scott A. Gunn, executive director of Forward Movement in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Rev. Poulson C. Reed, rector of All Saints’ Episcopal Church and Day School in Phoenix, Arizona, spoke at three gatherings called "walkabouts" held in Lawton, Tulsa and Oklahoma City. The Tulsa and Oklahoma City gatherings were also livestreamed.

The gatherings were designed to give Oklahoma Episcopalians opportunities to interact with the pair before the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma's election convention at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Oklahoma City. A group of lay delegates and all Episcopal clergy in the diocese will vote to determine whether Gunn or Reed will become the diocese's next leader.

More here-

https://oklahoman.com/article/5649430/episcopalians-meet-bishop-candidatesbrelection-is-saturday-at-st-pauls-cathedral

Oklahoma diocese updates bishop election slate

From ENS-

The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma received notification Oct. 23 from the Rev. Greg Methvin, that he was withdrawing as a nominee for bishop of Oklahoma for personal and professional reasons. The Diocese of Oklahoma expresses its thanks to the Rev. Methvin for his willingness to participate in our election process.

The election of the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Oklahoma will go forward with the two nominees, the Rev. Scott Gunn and the Rev. Poulson Reed. The election is scheduled for Dec. 14 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City. The consecration of the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Oklahoma is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2020, at the Oklahoma City University.

 

Here-

 

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/10/23/oklahoma-diocese-updates-bishop-election-slate/

 

 

Diocese of Oklahoma names three nominees for bishop

From ENS-

The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma is excited to announce the nominees for the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Oklahoma. Following a yearlong search and discernment process, the Search Committee announces that the nominees are the Rev. Scott Gunn, the Rev. Greg Methvin and the Rev. Poulson C. Reed.

Gunn is currently the executive director of Forward Movement, based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Methvin is currently the rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Frisco, Texas. And the Reed is currently the rector of All Saint’s Episcopal Church and Day School in Phoenix, Arizona.

The candidates will participate in “walkabouts” from Dec 6-8 to engage with diocesan clergy and community members.  The election will take place on Dec. 14 at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Oklahoma City, and the bishop consecration will follow on April 18.

The Rt. Rev. Edward J. Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, announced in November his intention to retire on January 1, 2021. Konieczny was elected and consecrated as the fifth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma in 2007, and at the time of his retirement will be in his 15th year as bishop.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2019/10/02/diocese-of-oklahoma-names-three-nominees-for-bishop/

Oklahoma Bishop Konieczny to retire in 2021

From ENS-

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Edward J. Konieczny, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, has announced his intention to retire on January 1, 2021. Bishop Konieczny was elected and consecrated as the fifth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma in 2007, and at the time of his retirement will be in his 15th year as Bishop.

Bishop Konieczny intends to call for the election of a Bishop Coadjutor to be consecrated on April 18, 2020. A Bishop Coadjutor is elected to succeed a Diocesan Bishop. By electing a Bishop Coadjutor, there will be a time of overlap for the new Bishop and Bishop Konieczny to work together to ensure a smooth transition.

More here-

https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2018/11/26/oklahoma-bishop-konieczny-to-retire-in-2021/

Episcopate Transition

From San Diego-


We are well on our way to prayerfully selecting our fifth diocesan bishop. We appreciate your prayers as we walk this path, continually listening for God’s voice in this process.

Nominee Slate

Upon the recommendation of the Bishop Nominating Committee and nomination by the Standing Committee, one priest stands for election as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of San Diego at the upcoming electing convention on Saturday, February 2 at St. Bartholomew’s, Poway.

The Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook

The Rev. Canon Susan Brown Snook is the canon for church growth and development in the Diocese of Oklahoma. In this role, Susan guides ministries of evangelism, church growth, church planting, and new mission development, and consults with congregations on growth and development plans. She grew up as the daughter of an Army officer, living all over the world. After graduating from Rice University with a degree in English and Managerial Studies, she continued at Rice and received her master’s in business administration and master’s in accountancy. After a ten-year career as a certified public accountant, she was called into ministry in the Episcopal Church. She served for several years in lay ministry, as the director of Christian education and then the director of lay ministries at a church in Arizona, before attending seminary. She received her master’s in divinity degree from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in 2003, and was ordained a priest in the Diocese of Arizona.

 More here-

 https://edsd.org/who-we-are/episcopate-transition/?fbclid=IwAR33HqJejrDzaO4KLoSlRkpYRV1BH8BFuIiZ4ThBxFzErzbZ8EUVGqhOXR8

and here-

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1103829990243&ca=89c4b258-dafd-406f-b64b-21f398ecbee5&fbclid=IwAR0M5-t4kpCAmjL1yYsTmHqJKs08ugqi-T9-ttA7DXMb15Z07E9jDAAqCic

Bibles and brews part of Theology Pub Bible Studies

From Oklahoma-

Wednesday evenings at The Rail Taproom have featured readings from the Psalms and the Gospels for some customers.

Grace Episcopal Church has conducted Theology Pub Bible Studies at the nightspot since September.
"We wanted to take the church outside the walls and into the community," said the Rev. Bob Wickizer, rector at Grace. "We always have done Wednesday Bible studies within the doors of the church. We just changed the venue."

The Bible studies began last August at the Pecan Creek Winery, which Wickizer co-owns and operates. The studies moved to The Rail Taproom in September and early October. Late October and November sessions will be at Station 1, Wickizer said.

More here-

https://www.muskogeephoenix.com/news/bibles-and-brews-part-of-theology-pub-bible-studies/article_e657b9e2-2ea6-51fe-bb75-3b7d6d1a64a1.html

Oklahoma Episcopal bishop named to special council

From Oklahoma-

The leader of Oklahoma Episcopalians recently was elected to be part of a team representing the Episcopal Church USA on a prestigious council of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

The Rt. Rev. Edward J. Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, was elected by the Episcopal Church USA's Executive Council to serve as its bishop member on the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC).

According to a news release from the denomination's public affairs office, the Anglican Consultative Council is one of the four instruments of communion in the Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church is one of the 39 province members. The Episcopal Church USA is the American arm of the Anglican Communion.
More here-

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-episcopal-bishop-named-to-special-council/article/5581756

Jesus House celebrates 45th anniversary in 2018

From Oklahoma-

Many churches, businesses and individuals have come alongside Jesus House over the years as it serves the community's less fortunate.

St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church is one of those churches that offers regular assistance and ministry.

The church offered goody bags, socks and other items to residents attending a recent Christmas Party hosted by the church in the Jesus House chapel.

The focus of the bash was the baptism ceremony that took place in front of an eager crowd.

One resident had expressed interest in being baptized but the Rev. Joseph Alsay, St. Augustine's rector, ended up baptizing eight individuals.

"You will have your little light and you will have it lit beginning today," Alsay said.

More here-

http://newsok.com/jesus-house-celebrates-45th-anniversary-in-2018/article/5577565

Episcopal leader celebrates 10th year as bishop

From Oklahoma-

The top leader of Oklahoma Episcopalians is celebrating his 10th year at the helm of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.

The Rt. Rev. Edward Konieczny, 63, was elected bishop of the Oklahoma diocese in May 2007 and consecrated in a special ceremony in September that same year at Oklahoma City University.

A self-described "cradle Episcopalian," he grew up attending church with his parents in Buena Park, California, was an accomplished church organist and an Eagle Scout before he began what was to become a longtime career in law enforcement in California. Konieczny was ordained to the Episcopal Church diaconate and priesthood in 1994.

A celebratory event to mark Konieczny's decade of leadership as bishop was planned for Saturday as the diocese's annual meeting continued in Tulsa. He shared some of his thoughts with The Oklahoman in the days before the annual gathering.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

More here-

http://newsok.com/episcopal-leader-celebrates-10th-year-as-bishop/article/5570439

Episcopal youths forge 'Path to Peace'

From Oklahoma (with video)-

More than a 1,000 young people from around the country learned about the events of April 19, 1995, as they walked through the Oklahoma City Memorial & Museum on Wednesday as part of an Episcopal Church USA youth conference.

The tour and a candlelight vigil at the memorial and museum were among the highlights of the Episcopal Church USA's Episcopal Youth Event 2017 (EYE17) conference continuing through Friday in the metro area.

Youth organizers of the event said the activities at the memorial fit the conference's theme of "Path to Peace."

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5556129

Oklahoma Episcopal diocese launches new mobile app

From Oklahoma-

In the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, mission and ministry appear in many forms.

This includes the Teacher's Toolbox at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Miami, OK, which provides a school supplies bank to support local teachers, and a disaster response team at St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Midwest City, which serves those affected by disasters with its on-the-go-trailer.

All Saints' Episcopal Church in Duncan's Food for the Poor program, which collects and donates supplies to help support their neighbors who have fallen on challenging times, is another example of the helpful ministries happening every day in Oklahoma.
More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5539949

Fighting for faith

From Oklahoma-

Several University of Oklahoma students who walk into St. Anselm of Canterbury feel they can’t go anywhere else.

The church is a place they can pursue spiritual fulfillment and Christian fellowship without having to hide their sexuality from the congregation.

Even amidst growing public acceptance and support for the LGBTQ community, it can still be an issue in one of the few places people feel they can truly open their souls: the church.

“I definitely, to this day, feel the tension between the person I expected myself to be and the person I am,” said “Amanda,” an OU junior and Canterbury attendee. “It was especially difficult when I felt a lot of fear.”

More here-

http://www.theadanews.com/news/local_news/fighting-for-faith/article_22699e3e-1bd7-5637-8486-d9034aae2e1f.html

National Episcopal leader discusses Standing Rock, gun violence and sanctions during Oklahoma visit

From Oklahoma-

Though he came to honor the legacy of an American Indian Episcopal clergyman, the leader of the nation's Episcopal denomination took time to answer questions on a variety of topics during a visit to Oklahoma.

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church USA, traveled to Oklahoma for the 30th anniversary of the Oakerhater Honor Dance on Sept. 10 in Watonga, which recognized the contributions of David Pendleton Oakerhater.

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5518448

Land swap: Episcopal church and University of Central Oklahoma prepare to finalize property deal

From Oklahoma-

A landlocked church near downtown is preparing to exchange property with the University of Central Oklahoma in a land swap negotiated for almost a year.

The congregation of St. Mary's Episcopal Church has decided to swap its 3 acres of property at 325 E. First to adjacent UCO in exchange for 23 acres of property near Broadway and Covell Road, plus $1.4 million.

The Rev. Mark Story, St. Mary's rector, said the two entities haven't closed on the property swap but expect to do so in the next few weeks after a title company completes the necessary "due diligence" process.

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5511673

Oklahoma Episcopal leader takes Western North Carolina bishop's post

From Oklahoma (with video)-

A clergy leader in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma recently was selected to serve as bishop for an out-of-state diocese.

The Rev. Jose McLoughlin was elected Saturday at an electing convention in Asheville, N.C., to serve as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina.

He currently serves as canon to the ordinary and chief of staff for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, a position he has held since 2008.

McLoughlin, 47, was chosen from among four final candidates to lead Episcopalians in the Western North Carolina diocese, representing 15,000 members in 63 year-round congregations, six summer chapels and two conference centers.

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5507012

Oklahoma's Episcopal bishop reflects on 'A Word to the Church'

From Oklahoma-

Q: What precipitated this or was there any discussion about why this was a good time to make this statement?

A: Yes. This was our first House of Bishops meeting following the installation of Michael Curry as presiding bishop so we spent a great deal of our time in conversation and reflection and prayer around  his agenda of evangelism, racial reconciliation, restoration of peoples, and in the midst of that conversation, we all are were kind of  talking about the recent rhetoric that has kind of plagued the political debate. As we had that conversation, it led to discussions of historical events where people sat silent when politicians were speaking in these kinds of ways and where they were talking about disenfranchising people and immigration, building walls and those kinds of things. One of the things that came up was the political rhetoric back in the late 1930’s and what happened with Hitler and Europe. That kind of led to a conversation about do we want to weigh in on the politics of our nation, which there was really not a lot of energy about doing that. But we did want to weigh in on how we were treating one another. It is so easy for us to ridicule and demean and use this disrespectful kind of discourse. We’re kind of saying this is not who we are. This is not who we are as a nation. This is not who we are called to be as Christians. That led to a group of bishops drafting this statement and we at the House had some discussion about it and wordsmithed it a little bit,  We unanimously voted to make this a “mind of the House” statement. Given where we’re at in this country, we feel it fits very strongly with where our presiding bishop is taking us about the restoration of all people.

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5487661

Oklahoma Episcopal bishop calls for peace, prayer in wake of Paris attacks

From Oklahoma-

The leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, recently shared statements about the Paris terrorist attacks with Episcopalians around the state.

The Rt. Rev. Edward Konieczny, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, sent the following letter Saturday via email to Episcopal individuals and parishes around the state:

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

By now you have heard of the horrendous terrorist attacks that took place in Paris yesterday. I ask you to join me in prayers for all the victims of these attacks, those killed and those injured; the families and friends of all victims; the first responders and all medical personnel; and all those affected by these senseless acts of violence. I ask all congregations to remember those affected by these tragic events during your services tomorrow.

More here-

http://newsok.com/article/5460878