Cokesbury prepares for Christmas - 2 consultants in Oklahoma
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Oklahoma churches have two local connections to Cokesbury: Julie Wise and Heather Tiger, Community Resource Consultants. Cokesbury is the retail division of the United Methodist Publishing House. "Right now we’re visiting churches with a full complement of small-group Bible studies and Advent and Christmas resources," Wise said. "There are so many to choose from, including new women’s studies from Abingdon Press and intergenerational studies from Adam Hamilton, James Moore, and Mike Slaughter." She continued, "I spend my time visiting churches and reaching out to see how I can support your ministry, as a partner." Wise managed the Oklahoma City store for 11 years before taking this position. Tiger’s work experience includes many years with The United Methodist Church. "By being a CRC, I have the opportunity to serve the Church as a whole," Wise said. "I love visiting local churches and learning about their ministry needs, meeting with pastors and church staff members. I can provide direct help in choosing the right materials to fill someone’s Christian resource needs." Wise is working with the Christian Educators group in Oklahoma City to create a Vacation Bible School training, scheduled at OKC-New Hope UMC on Feb. 22. She continues to offer resources at clergy Orders Meetings and other programs, and she provided products for the Mike Slaughter event at OKC-Church of the Servant last March. Wise and Tiger stock and staff the Cokesbury bookstore space during each annual conference. They are available to help in person, by phone, and via email. The goal of the consultants is to ensure that people in the local churches have the tools they need to minister to the larger community. Did you know they deliver fabric samples and measure choir members for new robes? They can share the latest stewardship programs and leadership books and have expertise on new releases such as the CEB Study Bible. They can help with Sunday School curriculum, small-group Bible studies, and Vacation Bible Schools. They also consult on custom products such as clergy robes, paraments, banners, chairs, church furnishings, church buses, church signs, and pew cushions. Julie Wise is based in Oklahoma City, and her area of service extends 60 miles. Heather Tiger, based in Tulsa, also serves an area that extends 60 miles out from that city.
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