The Contact 2-7-24

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Weekly

Volume 6, Number 6 • February 7, 2024 • www.okumc.org

HISTORY: Remembering it like it never was 2

Ministry in a Minute 10

Call to Action 12

OK Camps registration now open 4 Warming hearts and people during frigid weather 6

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

Save the Date You can do hard things: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day worship service 8

Employment Passages

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 7, 2024

HISTORY: Remembering it like it never was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement, mid-1950s through the late 1960s. In 1964, he won the Nobel Peace Prize for t’s African American his ideology and practice of Heritage Month! Although non-violent civil disobedience the MLK holiday has against inequity, racism in the passed, if you’re on social media, U.S. perhaps you saw it. A video clip He gave voice to oppressed of a cute little blue-eyed, brownand disenfranchised persons as haired girl sharing what she he had the ear of presidents and learned in school that day. Her various world diplomats. And, response, “Martha Luker King, he was assassinated at the very Jr.” When asked what this Martha young age of 39 leaving a wife Luker King, Jr. did without pause and four children. Was his death she answered, “He died for our just due to someone’s bigotry or sins.” was there more to his murder?

Of course, the person asking Today, people from all walks her the questions couldn’t keep of life, political leanings, it together after hearing this theological underpinnings tend child’s remark. I know I certainly to remember a Dr. King that couldn’t. How this little one never was— at least correctly recalled what she believed she recalled in historical context. knew about Dr. Martin Luther Did you know that he had a King, Jr. is not a mistake only disapproval rate by the American children make. Many adults public at the time of his death of remember a history like it never 75 percent, according to a 1968 was, also.

Harris Poll? That percentage Dr. King is revered for being

BY REV. VALERIE STEELE

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Director of Communications: Joseph Harris Multimedia & Web Manager: Andrew Himes Editor of Publications: Jena Barber Communications Specialist: Tabitha Beckman 1501 N.W. 24th, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Stories and photos by the editor unless otherwise noted.

included black and brown people.

He was not popular for being outspoken against the Vietnam War, standing with workers receiving unfair treatment and wage inequity, calling America out for its indifference to the existing poverty within its cities, and the dire inequities found in public education. Dr. King was maligned as a Communist with propaganda of the same

Send news to editor@okumc.org.

Submission deadline: Each Monday.

Next publication date: Feb. 14.

Subscribe online at www.okumc.org.

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placed on billboards and printed materials. In his pursuit of equal justice for all, he was arrested multiple times for non-violent, civil disobedience at protests, beaten, stabbed, his home bombed, his own movement and life monitored by the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover for nefarious purposes, and the list could go on and on.

Leading the charge with persons facing housing discrimination in Chicago, King moved his family to a dismal apartment complex in the heart of an impoverished community.

His presence was not met with hospitality or gratefulness by some of the Black leaders whose palms were being greased by what was known as the Daley Machine (google it.) He was not popular in the best ways.

In his own day, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was considered a man with divisive ideologies.

His presence in any town was

February 7, 2024

met with major unwelcoming by reshape the story in a way the status quo. With an over 90 that possibly benefits who we percent approval rating in recent are. We desire a good look, years by Pew Research, we often promoting a narrative that we choose to recall a Dr. King who would have never sided with never was— at least a historically the “bad people” in history. All the while, if we look around, the same interlocking injustices Dr. King vehemently spoke against are still at issue.

Oddly, that innocent, cute little girl in the video clip I referenced earlier may not have been too far off in her understanding of “Martha Luker King, Jr.” MLK didn’t die for our sins.

Christ did that.

However, King certainly was killed because of correct account. Dr. King was the sin within humanity. It’s past radical. He was a non-violent, time to remember history the way civil disobedient rebel with a it was— the good, bad, and ugly. cause. Remembering history the May it teach us to never repeat way it was is important. the bad and ugly. May it teach us In Matthew 23, Jesus warned to always promote the good that the crowds and his disciples will launch us into a more just against hypocrisy. When future collectively. we recall history the way it never was, we do more than a disservice to the hearer, we

When we recall history the way it never was, we do more than a disservice to the hearer, we reshape the story in a way that possibly benefits who we are.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 7, 2024

OK Camps registration now open focusing on a United Methodist-Wesleyan approach to faith he 2024 Summer Camp Season is officially underway formation. Deans from United Methodist and as registration opens. Sites Wesleyan traditions are being spruced up, curriculum is serve together, and it is being written, and leaders are being hoped that this unified trained. approach will appeal We have camps for everyone!

From first graders spending a weekend to new and old friends alike. dipping their toe into camping all the And of course there way to young adults who are not ready will be Camp Spark and to leave behind the fun and spiritual Egan Youth Camp, led growth opportunity of summer Joy campers have tons of fun in the sun.

by United Methodist camping, there are opportunities for deans. young people of all ages.

All youth camps cherish and are the reason I now work New camps will feature a curriculum focusing on for the camps office! Do not miss New this year are two offerings “Call”how God calls us to join in out on a chance to attend camp this designed to appeal to both United kingdom work. summer.” ~ Wanda Clark Methodists and other traditions.

“I will never forget my experiences Visit okcamps.org/campbook to Both CLUE Camp at Canyon, and as a youth at summer camp. Those explore all of the different camps we Cross Point Youth Camp feature an memories are ones that I continue to offer and to register today! ecumenical approach to doing camp, While on our website, look into the unique experiences offered at all of our camps, including the activity-based learning of Joy Camp for third through sixth graders, an outdoor camping experience that teaches the importance of a team in Wilderness Camp for seventh and eighth graders, and a camp that acts as a stepping stone between children’s camp and youth camp with fifth and sixth Grace Camp.

BY WANDA CLARK AND ED PARKER

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Growin’ in Grace (LEFT) and Camp Spark offer opportunities for kids to really move and groove.

Director of Communications: Joseph Harris Multimedia & Web Manager: Andrew Himes Editor of Publications: Jena Barber Communications Specialist: Tabitha Beckman 1501 N.W. 24th, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Stories and photos by the editor unless otherwise noted.

We cannot wait to see you at camp this summer!

Send news to editor@okumc.org.

Submission deadline: Each Monday.

Next publication date: Feb. 14.

Subscribe online at www.okumc.org.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 7, 2024

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 5, 2024 Southern Hills OKC 8200 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK

$15

Lunch included!

Plan to bring an electronic device to use for skills practice.

Wondering what A.I. is all about and how it can be used in the church? A little nervous about what is and isn’t legal? Concerned about ethics?Just not sure it’s for you? Those questions and more will be answered in the Using A.I. Tools in the Church seminar. Amazon Bestselling Author and consultant Jason Moore will guide a conversation about what A.I. is, which tools are most useful for various aspects of ministry and will demonstrate how to use them. Best of all, most A.I. tools are free to use, or are very affordable. Regardless of your church size, budget, and worship style, this A.I. primer will be helpful for you.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 7, 2024

Warming hearts and people during frigid weather

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hen temperatures dropped well below freezing, most of us turned up the heat, made soup, and kept the extra pairs of cozy socks handy.

A few groups did just the opposite. They opened their doors and their hearts to ensure the most vulnerable in their communities had a warm place to stay - including those warm socks and meals.

Three churches Tahlequah FUMC deployed Operation Warmth, where they served around 1,800 warm meals and provided a welcoming space for an average of 33 people per night.

“Our commitment to serving goes beyond the tangible provisions,” explained pastor Rev. Shana Dry.

“It is rooted in our motto derived from 1 Corinthians 16:14: ‘Let all that you do be done in love.’ This mantra echoes in every aspect of our work. Each time we serve, we carry this message, and we serve each and every individual with genuine love throughout their stay at Operation Warmth.”

Grace UMC in Claremore offered a 24-hour warming station for four days, serving 17 people. Of those, 11 came through for a home-cooked meal, to warm up, shower, and to take advantage of the clothing closet.

“Six spent the night, and four stayed the entire time, including worship, Sunday School, and a funeral,” said pastor Tim McHugh.

“Of course, the once-feral church cat has now found its home

Tahlequah FUMC turned into a sleeping shelter and restaurant for its neighbors during freezing temperatures. Submitted photos.

wandering the halls and offices of the church during the day and keeping watch over the perimeter at night.”

Okmulgee FUMC hosted 40 people per night, with an average of 60 per day for food and showers.

According to Rev. Sheri Smith Lashley, they recruited volunteers and raised money from local banks and businesses, and from members of the public. They also provided clothes and did laundry for those who needed them.

It takes a village Each community that offered a warming station did not operate in a vacuum. Okmulgee FUMC worked with Red Cross, the county’s emergency management operation, Creoks, and the Muskogee Nation to

TC, the one-cat welcoming committee, helps out around Grace UMC during the freeze.

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provide warm breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus cots, for eight days, 24 hours a day.

Tahlequah FUMC worked with St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, Cornerstone, Roots (Life) Church, First Baptist Church, Echota Behavioral Health, Oklahoma Department of Health, Cherokee Nation Harm Reduction, Cherokee Nation Public Health, Tahlequah Police Department, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, National Indian Women’s Health Resource Center, Help in Crisis, City of Tahlequah Emergency Management, City Council, Tahlequah Area Coalition For the Homeless/Day Center, Zoe Institute, Cherokee County Democratic Party, NeoHealth

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Systems, Humane Society of Cherokee County, Osiyo Men’s Shelter, Hosea House Ministries, Cherokee Nation Council, La Hacienda Vieja, El Vaquero, Rafa’s Burrito Co., Lift Coffee Bar, Sunrise Donuts, Bryant’s Daylight Donuts, and Local Laundromat.

They served 150 individuals who were unsheltered, sheltered with limited supplies, those in between in-patient programs, families facing eviction, and more.

Grace UMC partnered with Red Cross, Salvation Army, Community Action, Grand Lake Mental Health, Rogers County Emergency Management, City of Claremore and Oklahoma Emergency medical Response Team. Chick-fil-A provided

February 7, 2024

food, as did multiple community members.

More than a building These three churches all have one thing in common: they have a building - with heat and a kitchen.

Some have showers. Some may not.

Church staff and volunteers worked with community leaders to provide a necessity to community members. They didn’t need much just a warm building and more than a few warm hearts.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 7, 2024

You can do hard things: Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day worship service

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lessed are the Can Do Hard things,” to a book by peacemakers. But public school teacher Gabi Garcia. peacemaking and “The book reflects on the peacekeeping are not the same beautiful diversity of children in our thing. world, and it actually seeks to remind That’s the message from the kids that they have power within Feb. 4 worship service hosted themselves to affirm themselves,” by the Ethnic Local Church Lewis stated.

Concerns, sponsored by the The book “reminds children Oklahoma conference of the that they can find the courage to do United Methodist Church, and hard things, even when hard things located at Quayle UMC in present themselves,” according to Northeast Oklahoma City.

Lewis.

In her opening remarks, Rev. “I think we as people of God also Dr. Bessie Hamilton shared, need this kind of book,” she opined.

Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis brings the message, “What a blessing it is for us to “I think the church is in a position “We Can Do Hard Things,” to the 2024 MLK worship service at Quayle UMC. gather to remember the Rev. where we have to begin to do hard Martin Luther King Jr.” things, or we are at risk of falling After having had to postpone come the other day, but now I’m here,” into irrelevance amidst our current the event from its regularly scheduled said Bishop Jimmy Nunn, referring culture,” said Lewis. date due to frigid temperatures and ice to the mixed blessing of the weatherShe discussed Dr. King’s accumulations, Hamilton commented, related delay of the event. contrasting of negative peace and “I think it is appropriate that we get Rev. Derrek Belase pointed out positive peace. Positive peace “will to celebrate the beginning of Black that Hamilton’s work in both Multiagitate for justice and try to reconcile History Month, as well.”

Ethnic Initiatives and in New Faith to create beloved community.” She With celebratory music offered by Communities is no mere coincidence. added, “It engages systemic injustice the MLK Day Ensemble, a stirring “As the state demographics have and violence, and positive peace spoken word performance by Makela changed, we’ve realized that those will expose fear, hostility, hatred, Nero, and a rousing solo by Kimberly two things are integrally connected; division - all in the process of social Jackson, emotions were primed for an we can’t separate them. As the state transformation.” inspirational evening of worship. becomes more diverse, we’re going to “Negative peace is the absence Beyond that inspiration came a plant new churches, and we’ve got to of tension that comes at the expense thought-provoking, confronting set of do it in diverse ways.” of justice,” which can “lead to lessons by Rev. Dr. Candace Lewis, Rev. Lewis discussed the complacency and the normalization of the first female president-dean of comparison with the Ten violence.”

Gammon Theological Seminary in Commandments given to Moses, She asked, “Are we going to be Atlanta, Georgia. which are things we should not do, and makers of positive peace or keepers of “I’m probably the only person in the Beatitudes that Jesus shared, which negative peace?”

Oklahoma who was happy that we had are things we should do. She also “In order to be a positive ice the other day, because I couldn’t attributed the title of her message, “We peacemaker, and to offer in 2024, the

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year of our Lord, something more than a veneer of peace - which, in essence, is still negative peace - if we are truly as United Methodists going to change the world and make a positive impact toward creating true civility and a more hospitable world, not just for your people but for all people together, we have to decide that we can do hard things,” she instructed.

“In the church, as it relates to building this beloved community, it has to be more than a statement we put on a program once a year, and celebrated in the shortest month of the year,” said Lewis.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Kimberly Jackson sings during the MLK service. Bishop Nunn offers greetings from the Oklahoma conference. Makela Nero performs a spoken word poem. The MLK Day Ensemble leads a hymn. Rev. Dr. Bessie Hamilton introduces the speaker. Quayle UMC’s dapper ushers enjoy the worship service.

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February 7, 2024

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 7, 2024

Ministry in a Minute

TOP LEFT: Kids and youth at Piedmont UMC finished a mat to donate to people who don’t have a place to sleep. They learned lessons on giving, working hard, and - bonus - weaving.

BOTTOM LEFT: In the winter months St. Paul’s UMC in Tulsa places hats and scarves - and sometimes gloves! - on its playground fence for anyone to take if they have need of some extra warmth. Photo by Emily Robnett.

Watering the Earth :

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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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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 7, 2024

LEFT: Grace UMC in Claremore the food truck will also serve as a mobile food pantry called introduced its food truck “Giving with Grace,” beginning called “Grilling with Grace.” in March. A few test runs are Thanks to a Woodworth grant scheduled at Inola FUMC on from the Oklahoma Methodist March 3 and 23 to work out Foundation the vision of any logistical kinks before it bringing church to the people has become a reality. Volunteers goes into service. The vision is served burgers and hot dogs to to allow community members hungry people as they came to to walk in one door to select groceries and walk out the other watch RSU Hillcats basketball. door. As they select their items, Worship music played and Pastor Tim prayed with several volunteers will begin forming people for various life struggles. relationships with them and invite them to church or find out Eventually Grilling with Grace will visit communities like hotels why they stopped going, pray and trailer parks to prepare and with them and love them with dignity and respect. The Food serve food to hungry people truck/mobile pantry will allow and then provide a devotional Grace UMC to carry on and or short message as everyone reignite the longtime Wesleyan gathers around to fellowship tradition of field preaching. together.

Thanks to the Petree grant, also Submitted photos. provided through The OMF,

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February 7, 2024

Call to Action Sign up today to volunteer at CJAMM’s New Day Camp for children whose parents are impacted by incarceration.

Camp dates for leaders: June 2-7. To find out more and to volunteer, click here.

Register for non-profit leadership training at OCU’s Wimberley School of Religion. Each two-class session earns CEUs! Session dates: Feb. 20 and Oct. 1. Find out more and register to participate here.

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For consideration, email your listing to editor@okumc.org.