In one of the classic books written in the last few decades on the subject of life's lessons, the author tells that one of the preparatory principles learned in kindergarten, is to always hold hands when crossing the street. The environments we are called to study and evangelize are filled with examples showing the benefits of walking the pilgrims way in the company of others. In going together we share the load, give and receive encouragement, we affirm, protect, and nurture.
    When we see environments in need of healing, in places where there is pain, doubt, grief, or despair, you and I are called to bring God's holy touch and have the faith to remain in the midst of that situation to witness God's healing. Never underestimate the power of the ministry of presence and pray that God will give you the grace to practice it in all the environments you live in. By the gift of a handshake, a hug, or just holding someone's hand you bring the gift of holy presence.
    Most of us were brought to Christ because someone introduced us to Jesus and stayed with us in many ways until we truly knew our Brother and Redeemer. You could say that person held your hand until you were ready for the hand of Jesus. When you see a parent holding the hand of a daughter or son, or two elderly folks holding one another up hand in hand, or some of your best friends reaching out to take your hand in prayer to begin your next group reunion, please remember and apply the wonderful value of holding hands.
Ultreya!
Allen Mann, Oklahoma Cursillo #77

Last spring your secretariat initiated a new system of funding the Cursillo movement in the Diocese of Oklahoma. It is a model used in other dioceses, where donations from those who have attended pay for those who attend.
    One advantage is that donations are tax deductible, whereas when one pays their own way, they are receiving goods and services that are not deductible.
    Some parishes have already been paying for their members to attend, but the donations to the diocesan movement are also intended to provide for replenishing expendable supplies and financially assisting staff members. Giving is an opportunity to express gratitude for one's own experience and an exercise of apostolic action.
    We hope that all will participate in any amount they wish to contribute. Enclosed is a contribution form.

Want to spend a night at St. Crispin's again? Any team will welcome volunteers to assist in setting up and taking down the agape feast. Spend the night and attend Clausura the next day. See the calendar for Weeked dates.
    Play a musical instrument? Bring it with you when attending Clausuras and Ultreyas. Make a joyful noise.

A lever which may appear in the form of a prayer or a gift. Please pray for all Cursillistas during each Weekend. Please deliver special gifts to new Cursillistas in person on their Fourth Day.
    Palanca notes for all Cursillistas for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are appropriate and welcome.

Before attending Cursillo, Phyllis Watson (who is now Phyllis Klugas) knew that it was a "Christian weekend," but didn't know what to expect. She was prepared to sit and get preached to; she was frightened. She had planned to go in the winter, but was unable to attend until Cursillo #96 in the fall of 1999. While at Cursillo, she realized that she had had more worldly things on her mind.
    "Cursillo was truly a strong turning point in my spiritual life," a high point like a child being born. Another strong spiritual experience was being saved at age 13 while a Baptist. Cursillo is a key event, like that moment closest to God.
    During the weekend, The Rev. Buddy Dugan, II, while speaking about Holy Eucharist, said that "we left all our burdens and transgressions at the altar and received the elements as God's assurance of our forgiveness and His love. If we fully realized the intended dynamic, the appropriate response would be to return to our pew doing hand springs or cartwheels." This extroverted ex- Thespian and ex-ballet teacher thought to herself, "Oh, but I can't do a hand spring. But I can do a cartwheel."
    Later on the same day, during Holy Eucharist, she debated with herself. After receiving the elements, she had decided. She cartwheeled back to her place. The words spoken earlier concerning Holy Eucharist were instantly recalled and brought to life for everyone present.
    The Rev. Kathleen Murray, the Celebrant, said later, "to say that I was surprised when it happened would be an understatement." This is a memorable event for many.
    Phyllis' most memorable event during the weekend was watching Tom March, Jr. play the role of a female in a skit. He was wearing a dress and hat, and was rather "well endowed".
    Within a week of returning home, she had signed up for a new e-mail address of "cartwheelgirl" using her new computer. She also began grouping. She still enjoys the Ultreyas, and finds satisfaction in being a part of God's family with "strength I didn't have before." "I now have an augmented feeling of peace, and find it possible to pass that peace on that only God gives me."

All Cursillistas are invited to attend the annual seminar. This year it will be held at Camp Allen, 70 miles northwest of Houston, TX. Early registration is Wednesday, October 24, 3pm. On Thursday are 3 one-day Pre-Seminar workshops covering Rule of Life, Cursillo Music - Offering Our Best, and Episcopal Cursillo Leaders Workshop.
     The Most Reverend Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop, is the Keynote Speaker Friday evening. Choose to attend three of seven different Educational Sessions for Friday and Saturday: Living the 4th Day...Daily, Rollo Presentation and Delivery, Cursillo and the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory, Spiritual Direction, Diocesan Cursillo Movement, Servant Community: What it Really Means, and How Important is the Clergy Role at Cursillo?
    For Sunday morning, select one of seven Open Sharing/Interest Groups.
    Additional details and a printable registration form are available on the National Episcopal Cursillo web site.  Registration deadline is Oct. 1.

Visit the National Episcopal Cursillo web site at http://www.episcopalcursillo.org/

Once in awhile something comes along that captures our imaginations! The slim volume The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson is an example of this. Published just a year ago, "Jabez" has swept the country! It has been on the Best Seller list for six months ­ much of that time in the number one spot. It has been mentioned from numerous Church Pulpits, used in invocations, been the subject of study groups, and changed the lives of many who have made it a practice to pray the prayer daily. All this is about two short verses almost hidden in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10.
    Sandwiched in between the genealogies of some the tribes of Judah, we come upon two verses concerning a man named Jabez who, from his prayer, desired to serve the Lord. This is the only place in the Bible that Jabez is mentioned, but from the last line, we know that the Lord granted his request! If you haven't already read this little book, I encourage you to do so and I can promise you that if you are open to all that the Lord has for you, and pray this short prayer daily, your life will change! The Lord will grant your request too!

"Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, `Because I bore him with pain.' Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, `Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!' And God granted him what he requested." - 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 NASB®

Visit the Oklahoma Kairos web site at http://www.kairosoklahoma.org/

ULTREYAS
October 7, 2001
3~5 PM

Church of the Holy Apostles
13600 S Blackwelder, Moore
405-691-1988

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
1313 SW `D' Ave, Lawton
580-355-9543

Church of the Holy Spirit
10901 S Yale Ave, Tulsa
918-299-1281

Want your own copy of the ALLELUIA II songbook? Ordering information is available from the Cursillo Movement of the Diocese of Alabama web site. http://www.wwisp.com/~srshanks/Cursillo/songbooks.html

Especially needed this fall are kitchen helpers for Kairos #10 in Hominy on Oct. 4-7, and workers for Kairos #2 at Central OK Correctional Facility in McCloud on Oct. 25-28. New volunteers and experienced workers alike are welcome. The spirit of those who do this is really touching. It is as much fun as it is work. As always, dozens upon dozens of cookies are needed.
    Visit the Kairos website or call Lew Diley at 918-298-1671, Jim Key at 405-377-1516, or Bob Wiseman at 580-536-7247 to learn when, where, and how you can help. Kairos requires workers who have attended Cursillo. You've made already made the first step. Ultreya.

Sue Burpo, Secretary
403 Chimney Creek Drive
Lawton 73505
580-357-7535
St. Andrew's, Lawton

Gerald Butcher
1720 Carolina

Don Denman
P.O. Box 60633
Oklahoma City 73146
405-524-6464
St. Augustine of Canterbury
Episcopal Church, OKC

Pam Foutch, Treasurer
pamlfout@yahoo.com

The Rev. Bob Taliaferro
8604 S 66 E Ave
Tulsa 74133
918-481-8872 (H)
918-627-2713 (W)
St. Peter's, Tulsa

The Rev. Hal Greenwood
405-833-8632 (M)

Sammie Kenyon, Registrar
Ben Kenyon, III, Mailing List Coord.
2507 Ripple Creek Lane
Edmond 73003
405-340-5230 (H)
St. Mary's, Edmond

Nancy Lewis, Vice President
918-594-8370 (W)

Mary Jane Miner and Lance Moody have resigned their positions. Sue Burpo is the Secretary, and Sammie Kenyon is the Registrar.
To keep our mailing costs down, please send address changes and corrections to Ben Kenyon.