One Week Plus in the CLOKC SUNDAY, June 28 4TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G) 9:55 a.m. Stream begins with prelude & announcements 10:00 a.m. Online Worship with Communion

on CLOKC.church or Zoom (236-716-120) or Facebook.com/CLOKCdotChurch or YouTube

10:45 a.m. Online Fellowship Time (Z 236-716-120) MONDAY, June 29 12:00 noon Lunch With The Lessons Zoom 813 7136 5574 WEDNESDAY, July 1 9:00 a.m. Ascension Council Meeting via Zoom 2:15 p.m. Learning the Letters (Romans)Zoom 847 5387 2406 SUNDAY, July 5 5TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G) 10:00 a.m. Online Worship with Communion

on CLOKC.church or Zoom (236-716-120) or YouTube or Facebook.com/CLOKCdotChurch

10:45 a.m. Online Fellowship Time (Zoom 236-716-120) SUNDAY, July 12 6TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G) 8:30 a.m. In-Person Worship at Redeemer

Congregational Meeting to follow 10:00 a.m. Online Worship with Communion 11:30 a.m. In-Person Worship at Ascension

Congregational Meeting to follow

God be with you until we meet again. Covenant Lutheran Oklahoma City Churches

Redeemer Office St. Mark Office Ascension Office 1524 NE. Grand Blvd., OKC

405-427-6863 7501 E. Reno, Midwest City

405-732-6837 3617 S.E. 29th, Del City

405-677-1444 redeemerchurch1524@gmail.com stmark@coxinet.net AscensionLC@Prodigy.net www.redeemerokc.church .f. RedeemerLutheranOKC.

www.stmarkmwc.org .f. StMarkMWC

www.ascensionlc.com .f. AscensionCLOKCdotChurch

During this crisis, Pastor Brian works from home. Call him if you need him. Pastor Brian Campbell Pastor@CLOKC.church 405-318-0890

Please call Pastor Brian if you, or a loved one, are sick, depressed, hospitalized, or have concerns for yourself or your family.

for the week of June 28, 2020, 4th Sunday after Pentecost

published on Saturdays, by email & social media

Covenant News & Announcements U We have suspended in-person worship services through mid-July.

The Sunday Service stream begins about 9:55 a.m. with a prelude on CLOKC.church, at www.facebook.com/CLOKCdotChurch, on YouTube (search for CLOKCdotChurch), and on Zoom (236-716-120). Announcements and the service will begin at 10:00 a.m.

U We celebrate Holy Communion each Sunday. Prepare bread and individual small glasses of wine, or grape juice, before the service.

U Please mail or deliver your offerings to your church. Church expenses continue even while we don’t gather together.

U The Futures Task Force has submitted their final report, and the Covenant Council has asked for it to be published in this week’s Clicks. Pastor Brian has some thoughts about their work.

U See Collection Corner for new needs for some families. U Redeemer has tentatively scheduled an in-person service at 8:30

am on July 12, to be followed by a congregational meeting. U Ascension has tentatively scheduled an in-person service at 11:30

am on July 12, to be followed by a congregational meeting. U Each week, the OKC Cluster of ELCA churches prays for a church.

This Sunday, St. Paul in Oklahoma City is being prayed for. BIBLE STUDIES

Learning The Letters

A 90-minute Study on the Epistles

Wed., July 1 + 2:15 p.m. This week’s subject: Romans 1-2

Lunch With The Lessons

Monday, June 29 + 12 noon

Matthew 11:16-19,25-30;

Romans 7:15-25a

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Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020. Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020.

Pastor’s Ponderings In the middle of this week’s Clicks of the CLOKC is the final report

from the Futures Task Force. Their recommendation, and remember it is a recommendation, is

that the three Covenant Lutheran churches form a new church. The Task Force suggests one church be designated as the temporary

home, with the other properties be sold. During a consolidation, the new church discerns what and where it is called to serve, and then takes its new form and location. The Futures Task Force spells out their reasoning in the Current Analysis. Even before the Covid-19 crisis, the three churches were struggling financially, and none could survive without the other two.

The Future Task Force’s work was to make a recommendation for the future of the three churches, and suggest a possible way forward. All three of the Covenant congregations must agree to consolidate.

The recommendation is each congregation have an informational congregational meeting to learn and discuss how this would happen. Then, the congregation meets a second time to agree to consolidate, and begin to develop their plan on dissolving their assets and corporation. After the plan is developed, the congregation must again vote to dissolve. Another task force would plan how the consolidation happens.

While the congregations are dissolving, a new combined congregation will prepare and enact a plan to be a new congregation. All along this process, each congregation will have multiple opportunities to agree to continue to move forward, or not.

I thank the Task Force for their work and recommendations. I know how hard they worked and how difficult these decisions have been.

I hope that you prayerfully and thoughtfully consider what they have proposed. Ascension and Redeemer have already scheduled congregational meetings to discuss this matter, and St. Mark will schedule a meeting shortly. Please ask questions of the Task Force and your Church Council. For our work as Church Together to succeed, we need everyone to understand what we are doing, and to work for its success. The decision on the future of our churches is up to you.

God Bless You, Pastor Brian Robert Campbell

Covenant Prayer List For Health & Other Concerns

Ascension: Dottie Smith, Bertha Walker, Kathy Harrison, Jan Trygstad Redeemer: Pastor Michael & Norma Cone, Edward James, Tyree Ponds,

Ashton Wright, Chad Jones, Earnest Clark, Wesley Banks, Janet Ellis, Cornelia Paulson, Charles Harraway Jr., Dave Braggs III, Eddie James, Kathy Burkhalter, Thelma Jones, Charlotte Wright, Diane Ponds, June Logan, Ingela Thuné-Brown, Jessie Ricks, Roshalle Braggs, Sadie Davis, Ryan Brewer, Anna Mondragon

St. Mark: Ken Bennett, Dean Cash, Loretta Tilden, Vivian Corbin, Jamey Hutchins

General Concerns: Those away from family & friends; Those who seek companionship; Those who seek reconciliation; Those who travel, especially truck drivers and those in the transportation industry

For The Recently Deceased: the Family of Terry Sheeley, who passed away on Sunday of COVID-19; the Family of Donald Ponds, who passed away on Monday; the family of Bob Paulsen; the Family of Trina Walker; and the Family of Cynthia Jackson-Howard

Covenant Lutheran Oklahoma City Churches

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Regular Social Media Posts 3oCLOKC Prayers + Every day 3 pm on Facebook

Worship Information + Friday, Saturday & Sunday AM on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

Streaming Worship + Sunday at 10 am on FacebookYouTube Pastor’s Sermon + Sunday Afternoon on YouTube & CLOKC.church

90 Second Sermon Summary + Monday Morning on YouTube, Facebook (Sunday Night on Instagram TV)

CARE RING CALLS Our Care Rings are calling members during this crisis.

Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020. Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020.

Covenant Congregations Status (March, 2020 – Before COVID19 Measures) Ascension: The congregation has experienced a significant loss of

members; and is drawing heavily on savings to continue the Covenant agreement. Because less than 20 typically attend worship services, Ascension may no longer have a critical mass for continued services, and is considering sale of the property.

Redeemer: Participating membership is relatively stable, but contributions meet only about 85% of operational needs. With no change in contributions or cost, existing savings are expected to be exhausted in 2021.

St. Mark: Participating membership is relatively stable. Contributions are generally sufficient to meet the current operational needs and pay ahead on the mortgage.

Current Analysis: Both Ascension and Redeemer may be forced to close within the next 18 months. However, St. Mark would not be able to maintain their financial status if either Ascension or Redeemer were to withdraw from the Covenant agreement. For these reasons, it is critical that each congregation vote on a proposal for blending as soon as possible.

FUTURES TASK FORCE SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PROPOSAL

Shared Plan for Consolidation This process shall be guided by the provisions discussed in the ELCA

guidebook, “Together in Mission: The Blending of Ministries Through Merger or Consolidation”. The Futures Task Force recommends consideration of the following issues: a. All three congregations should begin worshipping together at one location

as soon as is practical (suggested target date of September 1, 2020). This will encourage fellowship among the members of the emerging congregation, allow for introduction of various liturgical styles, and reduce costs associated with services at three separate locations.

b. This emerging congregation should be temporarily organized as a Synodically Authorized Worshipping Community (SAWC), according to the ELCA Constitution and Bylaws for a SAWC.

c. The St. Mark campus should be the site of the emerging congregation. The Futures Task Force recommends St. Mark because it appears to have the best combination of facilities, location for community outreach, and current financial stability.

d. A formal name (Covenant Lutheran, for example) should be adopted by the members of the blending congregations as part of the consolidation plan.

e. All individuals who choose to join the emerging congregation should be formally received as new members of the congregation.

f. Sunday worship should consist of an early service and a late service. One of these services will feature contemporary or Gospel music, and the other will feature traditional music.

g. Both services should be broadcast live (Zoom or Facebook, for example), so that homebound members can participate in the worship services. The pastor will be supported in this effort by a committee with the skills to facilitate the broadcast.

h. The call of Pastor Campbell should be modified to that of a “SAWC Leader”, with responsibilities as generally defined in the constitution for SAWC congregations.

i. The SAWC membership will elect officers and members of a SAWC Steering Committee (analogous to a Congregation Council).

j. Both Ascension and Redeemer Lutheran Churches should make an initial contribution of $6,000 to establish reserve funding for the emerging congregation. This amount is one-third of the estimated balance ($18,000) of the mortgage on the St. Mark facility on the target start date of September 1, 2020, and represents a good faith “buy-in” of the shared ministry of the emerging congregation.

k. The voters of St. Mark should transfer the mortgage/title of the property to the emerging congregation.

l. The blending congregations should formalize a Memo of Understanding that a major proportion of net proceeds from the sale of property and/or major equipment in the dissolution plan will be designated for the long term support of the emerging congregation. (A minimum of 75% is suggested by the Futures Task Force.)

Plans of Dissolution This process shall be guided by the ELCA resource, “Leaving a Legacy of

Mission and Ministry; A Resource for the Closing of a Congregation”, and through consultation with the Bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod.

Legacy Directives: “Each congregation will approve legacy directives that will direct the disbursement of the mission assets of the congregation in a fashion that will honor the legacy of the saints who have gone before, prosper the church, and advance the kingdom of God” (from “Leaving a Legacy of Mission and Ministry” of the ELCA).

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Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020. Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020.

Examples of steps that will be necessary are briefly described below: 1. Celebrate the history and ministry of the congregation. 2. Provide for the orderly transfer of members to the emerging

congregation, or to another church body of their choice. 3. Provide for the transfer of historically significant items to the emerging

congregation, so that the history of each blending congregation can be maintained.

4. Close all congregational accounts and make final settlement of any balances due.

5. Transfer office equipment, audio-visual equipment, worship supplies, etc. to the emerging congregation if these items can be used effectively.

6. Dispose of other unneeded equipment, books, supplies, etc. in an orderly fashion.

7. Provide for the sale or donation of the property and any major equipment not required by the emerging congregation. These steps might include donation of property to the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod, or establishing trust funds to be managed by the Synod for later distribution of assets.

Business/Ministry Plan a. The SAWC Steering Committee will be responsible for administering the

affairs of the emerging congregation. These responsibilities include the salary and benefits for the pastor, musician(s), worship resources, and the costs of maintaining the St. Mark facility. The current St. Mark accounts established for mortgage of the church property, electricity, internet, telephone, water, etc. should be transferred to the emerging congregation.

b. Contributions received during worship must be used exclusively to support the emerging congregation.

Incorporation of the Emerging Congregation If the efforts to establish a financially stable SAWC congregation are

successful, the voters should then decide on the future ministry of the permanent congregation. This may involve a number of decisions: a. The site of the congregation: Maintain the St. Mark location or move to

a new location that may be more suitable for growth and ministry. b. Constitution and bylaws that define the Council and shape the ministry

of the congregation. c. The mission statement of the congregation. d. Formalize a call to a pastor.

FUTURES TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS June 11, 2020

The Futures Task Force of the Covenant Lutheran Congregations recommends that the congregations of Ascension, Redeemer, and St. Mark develop a shared plan of consolidation. This plan of consolidation shall include: • Guidance for worship life that honors and includes elements of worship

from all three congregations • An equitable agreement for a percentage of the dissolution of each

congregation’s net assets to go to the emerging congregation • Provision of a business/ministry plan for the emerging congregation

If this recommendation is adopted by the required majority vote of each congregation, the process of consolidation should proceed in a stepwise method:

Step 1: A. Each congregation selects members to serve on a task force to develop

the shared plan of consolidation. B. Each congregation votes to develop a plan of dissolution which includes

transfer of assets that are not included in the plan of consolidation Step 2:

A. Each congregation votes to enact the shared plan of consolidation B. Each congregation votes to accept its plan of dissolution

Step 3: Members of the emerging congregation formally incorporate the new

congregation. BACKGROUND FOR THE FUTURES TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATION Members of the three Covenant congregations met with Bishop

Girlinghouse on July 24, 2019 at Ascension Lutheran Church to discuss possible steps toward combining the congregations. Each congregation agreed to call a meeting of the voters to determine whether the congregation wished to be represented in a Task Force to discuss a means of blending the three congregations.

Result: The majority vote of each congregation was to participate in the work of the Task Force.

As part of the July 24 meeting, an informal poll was conducted. Participants were asked whether a blended congregation should be located at one of the existing properties, or at a different site.

Result: The majority of those present favored a new, independent site (a “consolidation”), so that all members of the blending congregations start fresh, not as guests entering an existing congregation (a “merger”).

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Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020. Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020.

Collection Corner NEW REQUEST: We have two

families in our churches who need the following: FAMILY ONE U New/Gently used refrigerator U New stove U New heat & AC unit FAMILY TWO U New/Gently used refrigerator U New heat & AC unit U Queen size bed & mattress, U Dresser U Kitchen table and chairs, U Small appliances dishes. U Gently used living room

furniture. If you have items you can

contribute, contact Pastor Brian to get the items to the families.

You can send a donation to YOUR church, marked FOR FAMILIES IN NEED, and we will consolidate your donations.

Summer Sermon Series T H E M E : S e e d s

July 12 + Spreading Good News Matthew 13:1-9,18-23

July 19 + Struggling for Space Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

July 26 + Giving More Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

August 2 + Sharing with All Matthew 14:13-21

St. Mark has an outdoor food

pantry that is being used by people in need almost every day.

If you can get any of these Individual serving lunch items, like cans with pull-tops, to your church, Pastor Brian will get them to St. Mark. Suggested foods are: Tuna, peanut butter, assorted crackers like cheese and crackers. Mac and cheese cups. Soups, single serving fruit cups.

St. Mark collects the following items for SISU for their homeless youth shelter: Clorox Wipes; Tall Kitchen Trash Bags; Hand Soap; Paper Towels; Hand Sanitizer; and Borax. FMI: sisuyouth.org.

Upcoming Meetings

Meetings are via Zoom unless noted. Ascension Council (878 9674 1558)

Wed., July 1 + 9:00 am St. Mark Council (865-2927-7286)

Tues., July 14 + 6:30 pm Redeemer Council (730-2824-0898 )

Tues., July 21 + 6:30 pm Covenant Council

Wednesday, July 21 6:30 pm at Redeemer

Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020. Clicks from the CLOKC for 4th Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Copyright © 2019 RCL Worship Resources by Clergy Stuff ™

. Used with Permission. Find more at RCLWorshipResources.com. Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

June 28, 2020 Matthew 10:40-42

Use this resource at home to guide your household’s daily devotions.

Pray: Light a candle. Open your devotion with prayer.

O Lord, you long for us to show mercy, compassion and welcome just as you do. Help us to open our hearts to all of your wayward and rejected children, even as we were welcomed into your kingdom of love, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Read: Read the key verse from Sunday’s reading.

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” (Matthew 10:40)

Reflect: Reflect on the scripture summary.

Jesus called his disciples to be welcoming to those who others would prefer not to welcome. He was candid when he told them there would be inherent risks to their actions, but even greater rewards.

Connect: Connect in conversation with others in your household or community.

What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?

Tell of a time you felt out of place or unwelcomed. How might you use your experience to become more aware of places that you could be more welcoming of others.

For the littles: How do you welcome guests into your home or school?

Bless: Close your devotion with a blessing.

May God put you in uncomfortable and unwelcoming situations so that you might become more welcoming of others. Amen.

Do: By acting on what we learn, we make God’s word come alive. Do the following activity this week.

Invite someone to coffee who is vastly different from yourself. Meet with the intent to learn, not to teach.

Go Deeper: Go to bit.ly/daily-devotions-rcl for the daily readings!

Monday, Psalm 47; Genesis 22:15-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Tuesday, Psalm 47; 1 Kings 18:36-39; 1 John 4:1-6 Wednesday, Psalm 47; Isaiah 51:1-3; Matthew 11:20-24 Thursday, Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 25:19-27; Romans 7:1-6 Friday, Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 27:1-17; Romans 7:7-20 Saturday, Psalm 45:10-17; Genesis 27:18-29; Luke 10:21-24