As a child, I had a hard time understanding why God wanted Moses to take off his sandals in Exodus 3:5. Did God just sweep the dirt around the burning bush? Wouldn’t the soot and ash from an engulfed plant make a mess?
But now I think about how there is something profoundly special about that exit 102 sign heading due west from Oklahoma City, and how it is hard to describe the feeling of climbing the rolling hills around Red Rock Canyon before that final descent into Canyon Camp, or whenever I enter the amphitheater at Crosspoint and approach the cross as I
overlook Lake Texoma, and Exodus 3:5 makes a little more sense.
Growing up in northwest Oklahoma City, we certainly weren’t rural Oklahoma, and while we did have a creek where we’d catch crawdads and long, straight dirt roads we practiced driving our parents’ cars, it was our Oklahoma United Methodist campgrounds
“Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing on is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5
that helped me form a profound connection with the majesty and importance of God’s creation and Earth Day.
One day in 2020, amidst lockdowns and being shut in,
craving the outdoors, I took that 90-minute drive out to Hinton to just hike around Canyon Camp, deeply missing being there for Camp Spark. What I began to notice as I climbed the canyon walls was how, with just a few months of peace, what was once barren paths for United Methodists to walk had begun to fill in. Grass that I was used to seeing worn down was now lush enough to want to lie down in.
Witnessing the resilience of creation, I was deeply moved by how God’s created order can flourish, if we would just get out of the way. So it is with the plans and hopes for God’s kingdom, that if we would just go with God instead of against, the beauty of ALL creation would flourish and
could flourish immediately!
This Earth Day, may we lament the pain of climate change and recommit to climate care. While so many of us know how our church camps are one of the most effective portals of entry into deep Christian discipleship, caring for God’s creation as the stewards we were charged to be in Genesis is essential to the wholistic design God has for the Kingdom.
I want to invite you to watch the 2020 Earth Day Celebration from the Edmond First praise band with the beauty of our campgrounds acting as our visual praise. Click on the photo above.
Click on this photo for a visual and musical celebration of OKUMC’s campgrounds.
Scheduled for a week after Easter, the Church & Society Retreat will serve as an opportunity to celebrate new life together as United Methodists caring for Creation! This retreat is for all ages and activities for children and youth will be offered.
Special guest speakers are Rev. Chebon Kernell and Rev. Carole Divine. They will help us consider our divine calling to tend the earth.
Workshops on several topics include:
• The Revised Social Principles by Rev. Mark Davies
• Christian Nationalism by Rev. Jack Terrell-Wilkes
• Hot Topics and the Law by Judge Dynda Post
• United Methodist “Fresh Expressions” by Rev. Tim McHugh
• Bridging Cultural Boundaries by Rev. Adam Young
• Climate Change Through the Lens of the Quadrilateral by Diandra Nelson, seminary student. We human creations will feel the Spirit of God as we play big
DEVINE is the 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, Green Chalice.
games on the field, and worship with hymns and praise songs at the Tabernacle.
The retreat is scheduled for April 5 and 6 at Canyon Camp in Hinton. Registration is available here.
Devine served as a congregational pastor for 14 years in Kentucky where ecumenical and interfaith work was a priority.
Before being called to ministry, Devine was a teacher and a Peace Corps Volunteer. She is a graduate of Transylvania University (BA), University of Kentucky (MS), and
Lexington
Theological Seminary (MDiv). She is the mother of three adult children and loves to travel, hike, kayak, cycle, garden and read.
CHEBON KERNELL has been an executive in the United Methodist church for the past decade. He has worked for the General Board of Global Ministries and is the Executive Director of the denomination’s Native American Comprehensive Plan.
In this role, he has worked with the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops assisting in a denominational mandated effort to improve relationships with Indigenous people through dialogue, study and local or regional acts of repentance.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary. He is a cultural practitioner and member of the Helvpe Ceremonial grounds of the Mvskoke Nation. Chebon is a land defender and
water protector and has spoken across the world in defense of Mother Earth. He has been married to Sara for 23 years and has five children Kaycee, Josiah, Raylen, Solomon, Cali and one grandchild Samuel.
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Gathering with thirty women from church for a women’s retreat took me to Canyon Camp for the first time in many years.
As we descended into the canyon, my heart felt such joy. From Joy Camp, to District Youth Camp, to Growin’ in Grace and Winter Retreats, many memories are based in this Oklahoma United Methodist camp. However, between life changes and a pandemic, I have not had the opportunity to experience it in quite some time.
After an evening of sharing a meal, worshiping, learning and many laughs, we did not get to sleep until
almost midnight. I woke up craving a few more hours of slumber, but knew I would only have one chance to sit in a rocking chair as the dawn broke.
Soon I was bundled up for an almost spring morning and off to explore the grounds as the sun rose. One of the first things I saw was the circle of porch swings made by the hands of the United Methodist Men. I was thrilled to be able to walk on smooth sidewalks as I passed the ADA playground and the volleyball courts. I worked my way past the cafeteria and tabernacle to see the beautiful B.C. Clark Chapel. As I moved further back into the canyon, the mist was hovering in the area where outdoor worship often occurs.
Then I found what I was looking for - the labyrinth. Tucked back by Hammock Heaven is a small circular pathway built with landscape bricks. The only noise I could hear was the sound of birds chirping and the breeze moving the limbs of the trees with their new growth beginning to peak out.
Slowly entering the labyrinth, I cleared my mind and tried to focus on prayer. I thought about Lent and all of the busyness that distracts us from remembering what this season is about. By the time I found the center I was feeling calm and ready to return to the retreat. I prayed my way out and hiked towards the Lodge.
The women’s group from New Hope UMC enjoyed worship, learning, and unbreakable bonds during their retreat at Canyon Camp. Photo by Marla Lobo.
The rest of the time there we created art and music. Meeting new people and growing closer to friends made the time so sweet. It was soon time to gather for a group picture. We gathered outside next to the canyon wall, snuggled together like we had known each other for years.
After worship, we climbed into our own vehicles and left the canyon behind. But I know that there’s a special place in my soul where Canyon Camp resides. Another memory is tucked in there to carry me through Lent and throughout the year.
by Kathryn Witzel.
All UMC camps offer welcoming, homey atmospheres where guests can get close to nature and to God who made it.
The labyrinth at Canyon Camp allows for focused prayer. Photos
What happens when Christians want the connection offered by church, but they don’t want to go to church? This conundrum has accompanied Rev. Jen LogsdonKellogg throughout her tenure as a United Methodist elder and seminary professor.
Her experience gave LogsdonKellogg many opportunities to practice and ponder extra-church gatherings.
A new church plant, as-yet unnamed but with a working title of Downtown & Around, is not your usual “church” plant. It’s different in many ways, but most significantly, it does not include a building - or even plans for a building.
The plan for this community of faith is to create a network of churches that meet in multiple locations.
“This new church plant will consist of a network of 12 house churches (or micro-churches) in the downtown Oklahoma City area where ‘house’ can mean any private or public space in which a designated host team has prepared to offer physical and spiritual hospitality to all who enter,” noted Logsdon-Kellogg.
“The largest growing demographic for religious affiliation in the U.S. is the ‘Nones,’” stated Rev. Adam Shahan, chair of the New Faith Communities committee. “There is also much support in the New Testament for house churches
and the micro-church networks movement within denominations.”
The geographical area within this new community includes the downtown area of OKC.
Logsdon-Kellogg intentionally chose the location to encompass diverse communities like that around the Clara Luper Center and the Asian District, plus many other neighborhoods centered on cultural communities.
The focus of this initiative is to bring together multiple cultures, ethnicities, and socio-economic groups, to connect as a community for activities, discussion, study, and worship.
“Paul and his missionary companions would pray and then wait for vision on where to go and where not to go, would enter a place and find a person of peace, and would empower that person to lead for Christ in their community,” Shahan reminded.
He continued, “In 2024, Oklahoma City will grow by at least 1.2 percent, and 14,000 non-farm new jobs will emerge. Disafiliation and the postCOVID era have shifted the previous trends and behaviors on which our established churches used to count. This makes OKC as fine a mission field as any to attempt a network of house churches
“Each house church will be developed in a particular context to reach a specific group of people in
partnership with ‘people of peace’ in the community,” explained LogsdonKellogg.
Though the plan is to allow communities to come together based on shared interests - and to respond to the needs of the community rather than to create something and invite them in - Logsdon-Kellogg does have some ideas of how communities might come together.
While some groups might meet in homes, others may feel more comfortable meeting regularly for experiences like hiking or painting. Other groups might meet up at the dog park or in a restaurant or bar.
In an age where many people feel marginalized or set aside by church, this connection to others and to God is a refreshing entry - or reentry - into the United Methodist Church.
“In addition to house churches, we want to see online congregations, traditional brick and mortar church starts, and the harvest is plentiful for cooperative parishes, multisites, mergers, and closures/restarts across Oklahoma,” added Shahan.
“The focus is those who desire connection and hunger for belonging, who wouldn’t consider attending a church but nonetheless are open to the wonder of God and desire to love others well,” explained LogsdonKellogg. “Centralized leadership development, resources, core values, discipleship, evangelism, and missional practices will connect the
house churches to one another, to the larger United Methodist Connection and to the entire Body of Christ.”
While some activities are experiential and others are based on discussion - or a mix of the twoone organizing principle will drive the talks.
Wesley’s 22 Questions, reenvisioned, will take the form of four new questions, each with its own set of questions for discussion.
The four topics are:
We all need to see that we’re BELOVED.
All of us need to know that we BELONG in a community.
All of us need to BECOME the person God created us to be.
All of us need to be a BLESSING to others in some way.
“I am optimistic about the New Faith Communities Ministry Team, our Director Bessie Hamilton, our Cabinet Representative Terry Koehn, and pastors like Jen and others who are willing to engage in creative risk-taking, spread the Good News, and celebrate new and new again
followers of Jesus in our conference, concluded Shahan.”
Logsdon-Kellogg added that the new church plant is in need of support. Along with prayer and financial support, she said a good way individuals can help is to put anyone who might be a good fit for this ministry in contact with her. Additionally, churches can offer support by providing nursery hours for events, mission opportunities,
and even buses or vans for group excursions.
To find out more or to support this new church plant, contact Rev. Jen Logsdon-Kellogg at jennylogs88@ gmail.com.
If you are feeling called to church planting, if your congregation is considering multi-site or adoption, or if you have additional questions or ideas, please contact Rev. Dr. Bessie Hamilton at bhamilton@okumc.org.
Jen Logsdon-Kellogg with her rescue pooch, Gilead the Balm, who serves as a therapy dog. Submitted photo. The Skydance Bridge in downtown OKC. Photo by Jen Logsdon-Kellogg.
WHAT: The BFW health screening includes a blood draw and a few measurements such as blood pressure and waist circumference. You’ll receive personalized data on 30 health factors.
WHY: Earn $100*
REGISTER: It is strongly recommended that you register for this event. Walk-ins are very limited. There are two ways to register:
• Online: Log in to your Virgin Pulse® account and find Blueprint for Wellness under the “Benefits” tab or through Benefits Access (for participants).
• Phone: 1-855-623-9355
Employer group: Wespath2024
ALTERNATIVES: If you can’t attend the BFW event, you can complete the BFW at a Quest Diagnostics® facility at not cost to you. Registration is required. The Well-Being Programs FAQs includes additional ways to complete the BFW if you can’t get to this event or a Quest facility.
Event:
Date:
Time:
Location:
Register by:
May Annual Conference Health Check 5/30-5/31 6:00AM-10:00AM OCU-Freede Center 5/29/2023
• Wellness Credits
Earn 20 Wellness Credits for each of seven health measures that meet the American Heart Association’s recommended range or are improved over your previous year’s BFW results. Seven qualifying health measures = 140 Wellness Credits total. Participants and spouses in HealthFlex can each earn $100*—and up to 140 Wellness Credits depending on results. Earn 150 Wellness Credits before the end of the year and receive an additional $150*
If you missed the BFW last year, you’re still eligible for Wellness Credits for achieving healthy results, and you’ll have a baseline next year.
• Fast Overnight
Fasting overnight gives the most accurate results. Ask your doctor or other primary care provider (PCP) if it’s safe for you to fast.
• Confidential Results E-mailed and Mailed Directly to You Share with your PCP.
• Health Check
Don’t forget to take the Health Check to avoid a higher deductible in 2025.
Reasonable alternatives or waivers will be made available for those who cannot achieve recommended or improved measures due to an underlying medical condition. Requests for a reasonable alternative may be made by:
• E-mail healthteam@wespath.org
• U.S. mail—Wespath Benefits and Investments
Attention: Incentive Request, 1901 Chestnut Avenue, Glenview, IL 60025
Participation in HealthFlex well-being programs is voluntary.
* Incentive rewards are provided in “Pulse Cash,” the “rewards currency” for HealthFlex—you must be enrolled in Virgin Pulse to earn and redeem Pulse Cash. Pulse Cash is delivered straight to your Virgin Pulse account and can be transferred to your checking account or redeemed for gift cards, merchandise or charitable donations. The IRS considers wellness incentives as taxable income. Please consult your tax advisor.
Born on July 22, 1931, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of the Cherokee Nation, Lois Glory-Neal has dedicated her life to faith and service.
Her upbringing within the Cherokee community deeply influenced her journey, shaping her into a leader who championed inclusivity and fought for the recognition of Native American voices within the United Methodist Church.
Glory-Neal’s path to ordained ministry began in 1979, a later-inlife call she described as a “sacred, intimate call.” In 1984, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma City University, followed by a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in 1988 –a remarkable accomplishment she achieved at the age of 58.
However, Glory-Neal’s greatest challenge lay ahead. As the first Native American woman to seek full connection as an ordained elder in the UMC, she faced a path with no clear precedent. Overcoming significant hurdles, she received her
ordination in 1988, breaking new ground for Native American women within the church.
Glory-Neal’s pioneering spirit extended beyond her ordination. In 1992, she became the first female Native American district superintendent, further shattering glass ceilings and inspiring others to follow her path. Her unwavering dedication to her faith also manifested in various leadership roles, including lay leader, president of United Methodist Women at local and district levels, and the first Native American representative on the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
Glory-Neal’s legacy continues to resonate within the UMC, particularly in Oklahoma, her home state. She paved the way for increased inclusivity and representation of Native American voices in the church, challenging established structures and advocating for cultural sensitivity. Her life story serves as a powerful testament to perseverance and the importance of fighting for equality.
Glory-Neal’s impact is evident in initiatives like the Oklahoma Conference of the UMC’s continued commitment to Native American ministries and partnerships with local communities. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for inclusivity and the ongoing journey toward a more diverse and representative church.
This story was written - and then fact-checked - with the help of AI. (A first draft was filled with many inaccuracies.) This experiment honors the recent AI training at OKUMC.
