Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod

09/07/2026

Join Synod Confirmation for the 2026-2027 school year!
Opened to all youth, we will meet every Wednesday (except during Advent and Lent) on Zoom from September 9 through May 5 from 6:30-7:30pm.

And if you want to share your favorite bible story with our confirmation class, you can sign up here. (https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45A4AE2CA5F9C07-64499679-20262027 #/) Be sure to tell us what your favorite story is when you sign up so we don't hear the same story a bunch of times.

REGISTER: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZVomM7trVvnMax0wpDiT1Iyy8M60tbFiCxXBSGgXOtcqOFg/viewform

09/04/2026

Join an AOK Synod Group for the 2027 Youth Gathering for a once in a lifetime experience!

If your congregation is not forming a group to attend the ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis June 28-July 2, but you want to go, join a group of youth from around the synod.

Total cost to be determine, but fundraisers in congregations are encouraged.

It will be a week of worship, learning, faith forming and friendship building.

Contact Bishop Becca ([email protected]) or Pastor Jerry ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

You can also help support youth going to the Gathering by making a donation HERE (https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z45M/campaign/C-16CM6).

Sign up: https://form.jotform.com/261175203302039

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

Join youth from around the Synod at Peace Bessie for a youth retreat focusing on the Spirit and spirits. We will be talking about the Holy Spirit, how we are all one in the Spirit, learning about some of the Indigenous community of Oklahoma and their idea of spirit and we will hunt for spirits in the church graveyard and in the 100+ year old church building. Saturday October 10-Sunday October 11, noon to noon. Open to all youth grades 5-12 and their adult leaders/parents.

REGISTER: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4mUif1-QrcPx4epPsp7wV0JLFfNCwKBzurh1V2zYxu9ha3A/viewform

08/31/2026

Leaders who are curious about the neighbors around their church building and ready to take the first step - Love Our Neighbors Cohort is for you! Together we will dig into the practice of holy listening to God through our neighbors. Learn practical skills to do this important work right away so you can take the first step of building relationships. Short-term cohort starts Sept 21st! Get registered by Sept 4th!

REGISTER: https://leadconnects.org/love-our-neighbors-cohort/

08/31/2026

One Synod, One Book

Join the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod as we read "Separation of Church and Hate" by John Fugelsang. This is a great book as we continue to learn about Christian Nationalism. Written by a comedian, "Separation of Church and Hate" is easily accessible to all levels of readers including lay and ordained people alike. We are encouraging congregations to form a book study in their congregation be that with the adult education group, a WELCA gathering, an established book group or any other way this fall.

You can also join two book studies on zoom. One group will meet at 1pm on Tuesday starting 9/15 and another at 7pm on Thursdays starting 9/17.

REGISTER: https://bit.ly/churchandhatestudy