Ok'd in Christ

03/26/2022

We are having a great 2nd day of “It’s Okay to Not be Okay” at Immanuel in Broken Arrow, OK. We began last night with music and hearing from our speaker, Tanner Olson. Today we gathered for breakfast and fellowship followed by music, a main session and now breakout sessions. Excited to see our youth eager to learn and having fun in faith together.

03/22/2022

We’re excited to welcome Tanner this weekend!
You can still register if you have not already done so!!

Tomorrow morning I am heading out for a few speaking events.

This week I’ll be in Minnesota and Oklahoma sharing poetry and the hope found in Jesus.

I get to share with middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults of all ages.

The other day someone asked if people are hesitant to bring a poet to speak at their church and school.

Some are.

Some aren’t.

I get it.

I’m not a pastor or teacher or musician.

I’m a writer and poet.

If we are being honest, poetry is different.
Poetry isn’t a sermon.
Poetry isn’t a song.
It’s somewhere in-between.

But I think there are those who find themselves needing something different, something that is in-between this and that and the other.

And that’s why I keep doing this.

I keep doing this for the person who is struggling to connect with the sermon or the Bible study or music.

I keep doing this for the ones who are searching for the words.

I keep doing this for those who want to go deeper with a different tool.

I keep doing this for those who need to hear hope from someone who is just like them … a little different.

03/07/2022

Hey there!
Reminder that registration for “Its OK to Not be OK” is due TOMORROW!!

Technically, we can add youth after that date, but any adults wanting to attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid training have to be registered by tomorrow.
It would also be very helpful to us to have a good count as we firm up food and sectional plans as well as solidify arrangements for the Saturday service project.
Please make sure you email numbers and get your adults registered for mental health first aid training and then drop registration and checks in the mail…
Checks made payable to “Immanuel”
Mail registrations and checks to:
Carrie Ann Swaim
Immanuel Lutheran Church
400 N Aspen Ave
Broken Arrow, OK 74012

02/28/2022

Hi all! Carrie Ann here . . . We just found out our guitarist cannot be here for the It's OK event . . . Do we have any high school/college age youth who would want to join our crew to lead music March 25 & 26?
Practices remaining are Tuesdays March 1 and 8 at 7p at Immanuel in Broken Arrow. In addition, the 'band' will lead music on Sunday March 6, at 10a, 9a call time (I think, I'm verifying) at Immanuel to practice leading.
Your registration would be comped for the event.
Obviously its quick and not much rehearsal, so needing to find someone who plays well and can practice on their own as well. Songs are common and our Music Director will get you the music. . .
If you, or someone you know is interested, contact me ASAP! [email protected]

02/24/2022

We are excited to share information about our District High School Event in March: It's OK to not be OK! is an Oklahoma District High School Event on March 25 and 26, 2022. Cost will be $50/youth and $15/adult, & a FREE college age/young adult option!
All information/forms, etc. can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IZx3RapERi4_sG64OFb9WmvMLuCWS3IW?usp=sharing
Guest speaker, Tanner Olson, is joining us as we focus on a Christian perspective of teen mental health!
Youth Groups are welcome to bring cots, air mattresses, etc and sleep at Immanuel on Friday night to save on expenses, especially if they are driving from further away. Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks on Saturday are included in the cost.
Adults are invited to take Youth Mental Health First Aid Training at the event. This is offered FREE of charge. It does require advanced registration and an online portion prior to the event with the remainder of the class taught in person on Saturday, March 26. This training is limited to the first 30 adults to register using the link found in the linked folder. Additional information about this training is in the above folder.
In addition, we are inviting young adults (ages 18+) to a special FREE event Saturday evening that includes supper and guest speaker, Tanner Olson. There is a pdf for you to share with them that includes a clickable link to register so we know how many are coming and any special dietary needs.
Please contact Carrie Ann at Immanuel - [email protected] or Suzanne at Christ the Redeemer [email protected] with any questions.

02/24/2022

Just a reminder that registration for IT’S OK TO NOT BE OK is due in early March!

This district youth event for 8th-12th graders is set to have a really great speaker, Tanner Olson! As well as some awesome sectionals for youth to attend. In addition, there are opportunities for fellowship, an overnight lock-in option and plans for a Saturday afternoon service project!

Adults may choose to remain with their group or registerer to participate in the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.

This event is for EVERYONE! All youth whether they know it or not have a friend, peer or family member who at some point has not been “ok.” Learn more about how to reach out in Christian love and friendship. Maybe you or a youth in your group has not been “ok.” Use this as an opportunity to be built built up in faith and love.

Find out more about Tanner Olson here or visit

Written to Speak is a spoken word and poetry project created by Tanner Olson. Tanner Olson seeks to spread hope through written and spoken word. Tanner Olson is the author of the books I'm All Over The Place and As You Go. Tanner Olson is nationally known as a Christian spoken word poet, author, and

04/27/2021

Oklahoma District LCMS church workers, youth directors, DCE's, and parents are invited to a Zoom meeting regarding the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering led by DCE Suzanne Watt of Christ the Redeemer in Tulsa.
When: Apr 29, 2021 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtfu-spzkvG9cuztMpmfiV4tN7HvsWzK7S
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you cannot watch live, the meeting will be recorded and posted in the Oklahoma District LCMS 2022 Youth Gathering Facebook group.

Informational meeting for adult leaders and chaperones of the Oklahoma District for the 2022 LCMS Youth Gathering in Houston, TX