IOKDS

Transform Lives through Service.

“Look up and not down; Look forward and not back; Look out and not in; Lend a Hand.” – Motto by Dr. Edward Everett Hale

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Blue Ridge Country Fundraising Trip

From Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains and Jefferson’s Monticello to Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, this Appalachian adventure will introduce you to the amazing natural and historical wonders of this lush mountain region at the height of fall foliage.

October 8 – 15, 2024

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Visit Chautauqua

Lake Chautauqua, New York is where the beauty of the place inspires the beauty of the heart.

Choose this vacation experience to engage in a community of curious minds focusing on interfaith worship, brilliant contemporary lectures, and dazzling visual arts, music, drama, and recreation.

We invite YOU to visit us at our IOKDS Headquarters on the historical grounds of the Chautauqua Institution. We offer seasonal, affordable accommodations at one of our three houses.

Explore Affordable Accommodations

For more information about Chautauqua and planning your visit, go to www.chq.org.

Get Involved With IOKDS

We believe higher education empowers young adults to move the world forward.

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Around The World

Vulnerable students from disadvantaged countries are chosen for the Around the World scholarships by our partner, Kids Alive International.

Native American

Scholarships are awarded to students with documented Native American blood line for any field of study.

Interns

At the successful completion of their unpaid Learn & Discern Internship with IOKDS, students are eligible for a scholarship in their field of study.

Health Careers

Undergraduate and graduate school students studying a health career profession are eligible for this scholarship.

Student Ministry

Full time graduate students studying at a seminary or a school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the US or Canada are awarded these scholarships.

Member Testimonials

“Being a part of an interdenominational organization feels open and welcoming. Like my Gen Z peers, I want a purpose to believe in and attach to hope. My volunteer time gives me a sense of personal pride and accomplishment, a feeling of impact for a bigger cause.”

Alanna, Ontario

“Our Circles press on serving others In His Name amidst this ever-changing world of ideas we live in today.”

Sarah, Texas

“As a college student, I was introduced to IOKDS at Chautauqua. Now retired, I enjoy serving on the Chautauqua Property Committee and as a House Host.”

John, Member-at-Large

“Being a member of IOKDS introduced me to many industrious, creative men and women, some of whom have become life-long friends. Membership gave me an opportunity to put my religious philosophy into action, introduced me to an enchanting place called Chautauqua, provided opportunity for my leadership development, and made it possible for me and my daughter’s family to work together in an organization we admire and respect.”

Nancy, Virginia

Stay Up-to-Date with IOKDS

A Thanksgiving Prayer

A Thanksgiving Prayer(written by Cathy Duncan, VP/Spiritual Life Director)Oh Lord, On this Thanksgiving Day, we thank You for your endless love and constant forever presence in our lives. We thank You for love of family and friends who surround our lives. We thank You...

We Are Christ’s Witnesses

We Are Christ’s Witnesses“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) “By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is...

Easter Sunday

Easter SundayEaster, a day of triumph! He’s alive!! The Passion week ended with the illegal trials against Christ. The Sanhedrin members wanted His influence on the people to end. They wanted to keep their religious power. They did not like that Jesus had the true...

Good Friday

Good FridayWhy is it called Good Friday when it’s the day Jesus, brutally died? Churches observe the day with a service where they remember Christ’s death with hymns, thanksgiving prayers, talk about the special significance that the day holds and observe the Lord's...

Palm Sunday

Palm SundayPalm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. It begins Holy Week. Holy week is called that for the events that transpired in Jesus’ last week on Earth. As the days of Lent draw close to the Passion Week, we reflect more and more on what Christ has done and is...

Giving a Gift from The Spirit

Giving a Gift fromThe Spirit2 Cor 9 For the month of February when we think about love, my mind went to love as it is manifested as giving. One of the gifts of The Spirit is giving. It took me a long time to grasp that. Whether it is to missions, IOKDS, those in...

Gabriel’s Complaints

Gabriel's ComplaintsI have tried – really I have - to deliver Your message. If I may say so I am wondering why once wasn’t enough – You know we had such an excellent response to your invitation to bear the Holy One, Blessed be he, into an unlikely geography where...

AT THE FEET OF JESUS

AT THE FEET OF JESUSShe sat at the feet of Jesus.Her legs carefully tucked under her.Her arm across His knees. She looked into his eyes.Listening to His words.Nothing would’ve drawn her away. The room was quiet.Only Jesus spoke. She was Mary.Sister to Martha.Sister to...

Fun Facts about Christmas

Fun Facts about ChristmasThe phrase, Happy Holidays, has been used in the United States since at least the mid-1800s. Holiday, which dates back before the year 950, stems from the Old English word h? Ligdaeg, meaning “holy day.” Happy Holidays is often seen as the...

Jesus Has Shown Us the Face of God

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