Contact 1-31-24

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Weekly

Volume 6, Number 5 • January 31, 2024 • www.okumc.org

Kingdom of God Appears in AlineCleo Gymnasium During Aline vs Waynoka Basketball Game 2

Caddo UMC Celebrates 150 Years 4 Something to smile about 8

ERE , H K bs CLIC ts, jo even for more! and

Save the Date Money saving tip: a creative way to save for Palm Sunday 10

Employment Passages

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January 31, 2024

Kingdom of God Appears in Aline-Cleo Gymnasium During Aline vs Waynoka Basketball Game been surprised when they stood and cheered for the final scoring.

Everybody won. hat’s right friends!

Every soul gathered in the It really happened. gymnasium felt the movement of What a blessing it the Holy Spirit. was to participate in that joyous This is what occasion! I the Kingdom of don’t know God looks like! much at all Outside the about sports walls of our writing, but 9 churches and I know a lot board meetings, about sighting into the lives kingdom work of all citizens and this was whether they 10 the work of the are particularly Holy Spirit at religious or not. it’s finest.

God’s plan is During the for all of us, last quarter not just United of the game Methodists, played Dec. Baptists, 5, 2023, the Catholics or, coaches of both disaffiliated scored the final points of the teams were wise enough to move Methodist churches. God’s game. in their B line ups to get some Kingdom comes for all and it The crowd was wild with much-anticipated time on the anticipation, and I shouldn’t have was evident to all during this court for all the young men.

BY CARMEN STAFFORD

T

It was fun to watch both teams put forth their best efforts throughout the game, especially during the last couple of minutes when our differently abled stars were racing down the court and

Matthew 6:9-10 Common English Bible Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name.

Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven.

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game.

Praise be to God for moving through the hearts of our coaches, players, and fans. God’s Kingdom isn’t meant to be recognized by only church goers.

Our Methodist founder, John Wesley, was adamant that we are all to be of an ecumenical nature through our teachings, service, and communities of Faith. I have been blessed to be connected to both communities and am well aware of the power of God that is unleashed through our ecumenical efforts in these rural communities.

Now it’s time for our church leaders to follow this example within the walls of our buildings, of unleashing the power given to us to the world that is meant

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January 31, 2024

to move across denominations and religions!

May the power of God’s Holy Spirit be unleashed within your hearts, your churches, and our communities during this season of new beginnings as we acknowledge Christ’s appearance in our lives. Amen.

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January 31, 2024

Caddo UMC Celebrates 150 Years

BY JENNIFFER HENDRICKS

Caddo, Oklahoma, is located in north central Bryan County. It was named for the nearby Caddo Hills, site of an 1808 battle between the Caddo and Choctaw. The area was formally part of the Choctaw Nation. Caddo is the oldest town in Bryan County. It owed its growth to the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway. The first track was laid in 1872.

A post office was established on December 19, 1872. Aaron Harlan built a store near Caddo. Sarah Ann Harlan and Susan Burks were co-founders of the First Methodist Episcopal Church South Caddo, Indian Territory, Blue County in 1873.

The church is currently in its third facility since its founding in 1873.

The congregation celebrated 130 years in 2003, and on November 12, 2023 it celebrated its 150th anniversary with an 11:00 a.m.

service followed by a Thanksgiving feast.

The congregation is known to be welcoming, friendly, and loving. This church is part of the Durant-Caddo charge with Allen Carson- Durant pastor and Kerry Prince-Caddo. One of the missions of the church is to supply the Blessing Box located at the Caddo Community Building.

The highlight of the year is the 9 p.m. Christmas Eve candlelight service where congregants gather to celebrate the birth of our Lord and

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Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The last few years have been difficult and challenging due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Many in the congregation fell ill and many loved ones lost, but the church members look to the future and the blessed

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HOPE in Jesus Christ. They strive to be the head, heart, and hands of Christ.

Kerry Prince, pastor, referenced Galatians 6:9 (NIV) in his message.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will

Caddo UMC celebrates 150 years of love and mission. Photos by Matt Swearingin.

January 31, 2024

reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

We are thankful Sarah Ann Harlan, Sue Burks, and others that followed, who did not give up for here we are today, 150 years later.

RESCHEDULED

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January 31, 2024

Shifting the Culture

Mediating Healthy Relationships through King’s Model of Nonviolence

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Sunday, February 04, 2024 at 4:00pm Quayle United Methodist Church 5001 N. Everest Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

GUEST SPEAKER

Rev.17thDr. Candace Lewis President Dean of Gammon

Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC)

COMMUNITY-WIDE MLK WORSHIP SERVICE

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is remembered because he played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. His efforts led to significant societal changes.

We desire to impact the Oklahoma Conference, the ecumenical church and the larger community in transformative ways.

Event Sponsored by: The Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church

For More Information Contact Rev. Dr. Bessie Hamilton, Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for New Faith Communities and Multi Ethnic Initiatives - bhamilton@okumc.org

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January 31, 2024

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January 31, 2024

Something to smile about

BY MEREDITH DAVISON AND CAITLIN DRYKE

T

his past fall, Smiles of Faith, a mobile dental clinic, began seeing patients for free dental care. It was a day that had been in the works for a long time.

Dr. Nicole Nellis, president of the Smiles of Faith board, explained. “We started this project all the way back in 2018 (when we began) to look at what could we do to help our friends in the north Tulsa community.” Dr. Nellis continued, “We did some research.

And it quickly became apparent that there was a need for access to dental care in the north Tulsa community.

Many people living here just don’t have access to care, and they end up at the local ERs when they have a dental emergency, and about all they can get is antibiotics.”

A joint venture Out of the recognition of that need was born the Smiles of Faith program, a mobile dental bus that provides free dental care while operating out of the parking lots of the five partner churches – Boston Avenue UMC, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Historic Vernon AME Church, Centenary UMC, and Morningstar Baptist Church.

Even as the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the program launch, the Board of Directors invested energy in planning, fundraising, preparing, and recruiting. Smiles of Faith is organized as a non-profit corporation and 501c3 entity. This allows the organization to operate with all the collaborative partners, pursue a variety of fundraising approaches, and not compete with any of the churches.

A happy customer shows off his brilliant smile after a visit to the Smiles of Faith mobile dental clinic. Photos by Meredith Wansley.

A perfect fit Staffing this program was an important part of the development process. Davison noted, “Part of the reason it took so long for us to get started is that we wanted to find the right kind of people. We’re using a new model – most free dental clinics have relied upon volunteer dentists, which is wonderful when dentists can give their time voluntarily, but unfortunately, it doesn’t provide consistent care when they go on vacation and other things happen.

Also, when you have volunteer dentists, you don’t have continuity of care. In other words, you do not have the person who saw you last month when you broke a tooth.”

Recruiting staff members with the skills, as well as the vision and passion for this new program, was painstaking and time consuming. But the Board of Directors persevered and

late this summer were able to hire a dentist, Dr. Jason Holland, and dental assistant, Sarah Donaldson. “These are the most grateful patients that I have ever served. I’m definitely honored to be part of this group and I definitely feel at home already. There’s great support in the community for this effort,” remarked Dr. Holland, who had previously worked as a dentist for the Cherokee Nation.

This fall the team was completed when Dr. Jessica McGhee was hired as permanent Executive Director. She was already knowledgeable about the Smiles of Faith clinic since she is a member and pastor at one of the partner churches, Metropolitan Baptist Church.

A great start Since the clinic began its “soft” launch in late September, the clinic has been highly successful with over 100 patients have been seen, 368 dental

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procedures completed, and 93% of the patients coming from the targeted north side of Tulsa. The clinic, which operated three days a week, is already booked for appointments for the first two weeks of January.

An invocation Rev. Ray Owens, of Metropolitan Baptist Church, captured the mood of many involved with Smiles of Faith during his invocation at the clinic’s launch. “Gracious and all wise God, we thank you for the gift of ideas and thoughts to help us to identify needs right here in our community. We thank you for the mission-minded men and women who have come together and put their heads, their hands, and hearts into the work of identifying a way to provide for this very special need.

I pray for the staff who will make sure that every patient is treated with great care and thank you for faith that allowed us to not only see the vision, but to realize that this vision, we pray for all of those who will be healed, helped, and lifted up by these efforts.

This we pray in your heart’s name, Amen.”

Meredith Davison is a founding Board Member and former Interim Executive Director of Smiles of Faith as well as a member of BAUMC; Caitlin Dryke is the Communications Director at Boston Avenue UMC

January 31, 2024

On opening day at Morningstar Baptist Church, providers worked on their first patient. TOP: Those who make it happen. BOTTOM: The first patient.

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CONTACT US TODAY TO PROVIDE FOR THE MINISTRIES OF YOUR CHURCH AND LASTING GOOD IN YOUR COMMUNITY

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January 31, 2024

Money saving tip: a creative way to save for Palm Sunday

BY REV. JOHN MILLER

As we approach the season of Lent in reflection, and preparation for Easter, it’s essential to consider the meaningful ways in which we observe this period. One aspect that often marks the Lenten journey is the adornment and decoration of our sacred spaces.

Among these decorations, Easter lilies and palm fronds hold special significance.

Traditionally, many churches pass out palms for children and members to waive as we sing Hosanna.

However, the cost associated with purchasing these floral elements from retail distributors can sometimes be a burden on our financial resources.

It has been my experience that palm fronds cost in the as much as $18 per 4 stems which adds up to roughly $90 for 20 palm fronds.

Recognizing the need for a more sustainable and cost-effective approach, we took a proactive step two years ago. We established an account with a wholesale florist, allowing us to source Easter lilies and palm fronds at significantly

reduced costs. Last year we purchased approximately 64 palms for a total of $25.92. The freshness and quality have been exceptional from the wholesaler as well.

Lent is a time when we reflect on our lives and consider how we can be better stewards of the resources entrusted to us. By choosing a wholesale option, we are demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. We also purchase our poinsettias and various flowers throughout the calendar year from the same supplier, with good results.

In conclusion, as we embark on this Lenten journey, let us not only focus on the spiritual aspects but also consider how our choices align with

the principles of responsible stewardship. By embracing a frugal approach to seasonal decorations, we not only enhance the beauty of our surroundings but also channel resources toward making a positive impact in our community.

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January 31, 2024

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