4+ day, 11+ hour ago (273+ words) Bethlehem Star Baptist church distributes over 100 grocery baskets to local families for Thanksgiving. As cars line up in the parking lot at Bethlehem Star Baptist Church, members inside prepare for a night of giving. It's not your typical church service, as church members convert nearly every room of the church into a grocery warehouse. "Green beans, corn, sweet peas, broth, cake, icing, mustard. You want me to continue? Jelly," said giveaway coordinator Keith Dixon. Providing everything a family will need for Thanksgiving dinner and beyond. "We also provide a turkey, chicken, bacon, bologna," said Dixon. All for church and community families that signed up to receive, some as early as September. "We don't have a qualifying program. We believe if you need help, you simply ask," said Rodney Payne, Pastor of Bethlehem Star Baptist Church. No one is really sure…...

2+ week, 4+ day ago (145+ words) Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley was elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, guiding national policy and faith initiatives. Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley has been elected president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Conference members selected Coakley from a field of 10 candidates during a vote Tuesday in Baltimore. He previously served as the organization's secretary before being elevated to its top leadership position. In a post on social media, Coakley said he is "humbled by the trust" his fellow bishops have placed in him. Coakley has led the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City since 2011 and has been a prominent voice on national faith and education issues. As president of the USCCB, he will help guide the group's policy positions, charitable initiatives and pastoral priorities for Catholic dioceses nationwide. Oklahoma SNAP recipients finally getting some relief...