ENID, Okla. — Each Sunday morning, 20-30 men and women gather at Grace Place, an annex of Emmanuel Enid, to have Bible study, sing contemporary worship songs and learn practical ways to apply biblical messages to everyday life. The worship service isn’t unlike many other church groups in Enid, with one exception — almost all the worshipers … Continue reading ‘ALL ABOUT CHRIST’ — Group extends grace to current, former inmates
Journalism
OPENING A DOOR: Episcopal and Orthodox congregations sharing space in new collaboration
ENID, Okla. — East meets West in a new collaboration between faith traditions, with members of a local mission parish of the Russian Orthodox Church meeting for worship services in a chapel at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. An expanding service The Russian Orthodox congregation held its first service and fellowship dinner at St. Matthew’s, 518 … Continue reading OPENING A DOOR: Episcopal and Orthodox congregations sharing space in new collaboration
This side of conversion therapy: Survivor, pastors, mom give diverging views on faith and LGBTQ sexuality
Katrina Kalb describes herself as being on a journey back into her Christian faith — a journey she almost didn’t live to take. Today, Kalb, in her early 40s, is interim president of Free Mom Hugs, a nonprofit that advocates for unconditional love of and equality for LGBTQ people. But, in her 20s, Kalb was … Continue reading This side of conversion therapy: Survivor, pastors, mom give diverging views on faith and LGBTQ sexuality
For first responders, depression and suicide pose the greatest risk
When members of the public experience an emergency, they count on first responders — police, firefighters and EMS — to show up. First responders pride themselves on being the ones who head toward those situations, from car wrecks to fires and violent crime. But, frequent exposure to the trauma surrounding incidents like fatality accidents, suicides … Continue reading For first responders, depression and suicide pose the greatest risk
“Stepping Into Fear” — Christian, Jewish congregations hear message of hope, love overcoming fear
ENID, Okla. — Members of at least six congregations of the Christian and Jewish faiths gathered at St. Stephen AME Church Monday evening for an ecumenical service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his enduring legacy. The service, hosted by St. Stephen AME and St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, featured an address by Rabbi … Continue reading “Stepping Into Fear” — Christian, Jewish congregations hear message of hope, love overcoming fear
Using tragedy to fight opioids
ENID, Okla. — Gail Box, who recently was appointed to the board of Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, remains motivated daily by the untimely death of her son, Austin Box, who died of a prescription pain medication overdose on May 19, 2011. Box said Austin’s death was the culmination of a long … Continue reading Using tragedy to fight opioids
Marijuana dispensaries working to cut cost amid constricted supply
Oklahoma voters passed State Question 788 in June, legalizing the growing, processing and sale of medical marijuana in the state. Supply hasn't yet caught up to demand for the drug, leading to price gouging and some creative efforts by dispensaries to lower costs until market prices stabilize. Enid, Okla. -- Little more than two weeks … Continue reading Marijuana dispensaries working to cut cost amid constricted supply
Decades later, Atomic Veterans still fighting for benefits
The following is a compilation of a two-part piece on Atomic Veterans -- veterans who were subjected to radiation exposure by government atomic bomb testing -- who still, more than six decades on, are fighting the VA and Department of Justice for benefits and official recognition of their service and sacrifice. ENID, Okla. — Like … Continue reading Decades later, Atomic Veterans still fighting for benefits
“Give thanks all year”: Small congregation makes big impact for Thanksgiving
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." That quote from St. Teresa referred to efforts to feed the hungry in Calcutta, India. But, it also could apply to one small congregation's efforts to feed Enid's hungry at Thanksgiving. Most Sundays the Rev. Garland Hall is joined by just three or four … Continue reading “Give thanks all year”: Small congregation makes big impact for Thanksgiving
‘It’s just good being alive’: Homeless, food insecure share reasons to give thanks
Enid, Okla. -- As families gather today for Thanksgiving, some of those less fortunate are reminding others of reasons to give thanks, even when times are hard. Some of those in need were lined up outside Loaves & Fishes of Northwest Oklahoma on Tuesday, waiting to shop at the food resource center before the Thanksgiving holiday. … Continue reading ‘It’s just good being alive’: Homeless, food insecure share reasons to give thanks
