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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact
February 14, 2024
Church and Society Retreat Scheduled for April BY TWILA GIBBENS
P
erhaps it will be chilly, perhaps it will be warm, but the environment at Canyon Camp is the ideal place for a retreat for an “Ecofaith Revolution: The Community of All Creation”. Hosted by the Oklahoma UMC Board of Church and Society, the retreat team has invited two fine speakers to enlarge our vision: Rev. Chebon Kernell, ordained in Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC), and Executive Director of the Native American Comprehensive Plan of the United Methodist Church. He is a land defender and water protector and has spoken across the world in defense of Mother Earth. Rev. Carole Divine, National Faith and Climate Director for ecoAmerica’s Blessed Tomorrow program. She is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and founder of the denomination’s creation care ministry. The retreat begins Friday evening with worship at 7:30 (or come early for dinner) and the ending session will be Saturday at 4 p.m. Hiking and activities for children and youth will be included, along with workshops led by UMC pastors and laity. Some of these are: “Fresh Expressions” led by Rev. Tim McHugh of Claremore Grace, “Christian Nationalism” by Rev. Jack TerrellWilkes, “Hot Topics and the Law” with District Judge Dynda Post,
“Bridging Cultural Boundaries: Living Like Jesus in Our Changing Communities” with Rev. Adam Young, “Revisions to the Social Principals” with Rev. Mark Davies,” and Diandra Nelson, seminary student, will lead “Climate Change through the lens of the Quadrilateral”. You can find registration forms here, and on the facebook page for Oklahoma Board of Church and
Society. There will also be facebook updates on the planning, so “follow” us! Let’s come together to celebrate God’s creation in the beauty of the Canyon and all the living beings we will see!
