The Contact 3-6-24

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Weekly

Volume 6, Number 10 • March 6, 2024 • www.okumc.org

Earth Day: A Reminder to Take Gentle Care of God’s Creation 2 Church & Society Retreat Key Speakers Named 4

Women’s retreat imparts Lent lessons 6

E HERbs, K CLIC ts, jo even for more! and

New church start has left the building 8

Save the Date Employment Passages

Women in UM History 11

Appointments

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 28, 2024

Earth Day: A Reminder to Take Gentle Care of God’s Creation

BY REV. TREY WITZEL

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

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

“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,

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February 28, 2024

Click on this photo for a visual and musical celebration of OKUMC’s campgrounds.

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.

Campers gather at one of our OKUMC camps, surrounded by nature’s abundance. Submitted photo.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 28, 2024

Church & Society Retreat Key Speakers Named

BY REV. JEN LOGSDON-KELLOGG

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Climate Change Through the Lens of the Quadrilateral

by Diandra Nelson, seminary student.

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.

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 We human creations will feel Creation! This retreat is for all ages the Spirit of God as we play big and activities for children and youth will be offered.

Special guest speakers are Rev. REV. CAROL Chebon Kernell and Rev. Carole DEVINE is the national Divine. They will help us consider faith and climate director our divine calling to tend the earth. for ecoAmerica’s Blessed Tomorrow program.

Workshops on several topics She is an ordained include: minister in the Christian • The Revised Social Principles Church (Disciples of

by Rev. Mark Davies Christ) and founder of the denomination’s creation • Christian Nationalism by Rev. care ministry, Green Jack Terrell-Wilkes Chalice.

Devine served as a congregational pastor • Hot Topics and the Law by for 14 years in Kentucky Judge Dynda Post where ecumenical and interfaith work was a priority.

• United Methodist “Fresh Before being called Expressions” by Rev. Tim to ministry, Devine was McHugh a teacher and a Peace Corps Volunteer. She is a graduate of Transylvania • Bridging Cultural Boundaries University (BA), University

by Rev. Adam Young 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.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

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

February 28, 2024

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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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 28, 2024

Women’s retreat imparts Lent lessons almost midnight. I woke up craving a few more hours of slumber, but knew Gathering with thirty women I would only have one chance to sit from church for a women’s retreat in a rocking chair as the dawn broke. took me to Canyon Camp for the Soon I was bundled up for an first time in many years. almost spring morning and off to As we descended into the canyon, explore the grounds as the sun rose. my heart felt such joy. From Joy One of the first things I saw was the Camp, to District Youth Camp, circle of porch swings made by the to Growin’ in Grace and Winter hands of the United Methodist Men. Retreats, many memories are based I was thrilled to be able to walk on in this Oklahoma United Methodist smooth sidewalks as I passed the camp. However, between life ADA playground and the volleyball changes and a pandemic, I have not courts. I worked my way past the had the opportunity to experience it cafeteria and tabernacle to see the in quite some time. beautiful B.C. Clark Chapel. As I After an evening of sharing a moved further back into the canyon, meal, worshiping, learning and many the mist was hovering in the area laughs, we did not get to sleep until where outdoor worship often occurs.

BY KATHRYN WITZEL

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.

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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.

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

The labyrinth at Canyon Camp allows for focused prayer. Photos

by Kathryn Witzel.

February 28, 2024

All UMC camps offer welcoming, homey atmospheres where guests can get close to nature and to God who made it.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 28, 2024

New church start has left the building

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hat 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 partnership with ‘people of peace’ in movement within denominations.” the community,” explained LogsdonThe geographical area within Kellogg. this new community includes the Though the plan is to allow downtown area of OKC. communities to come together based Logsdon-Kellogg intentionally on shared interests - and to respond chose the location to encompass to the needs of the community rather diverse communities like that than to create something and invite around the Clara Luper Center and them in - Logsdon-Kellogg does the Asian District, plus many other have some ideas of how communities neighborhoods centered on cultural might come together. communities.

While some groups might meet The focus of this initiative is to in homes, others may feel more bring together multiple cultures, comfortable meeting regularly for ethnicities, and socio-economic experiences like hiking or painting. groups, to connect as a community Other groups might meet up at the for activities, discussion, study, and dog park or in a restaurant or bar. worship.

In an age where many people feel “Paul and his missionary marginalized or set aside by church, companions would pray and then this connection to others and to God wait for vision on where to go and is a refreshing entry - or reentry - into where not to go, would enter a the United Methodist Church. place and find a person of peace, “In addition to house churches, and would empower that person to we want to see online congregations, lead for Christ in their community,” traditional brick and mortar church Shahan reminded. starts, and the harvest is plentiful He continued, “In 2024, Oklahoma for cooperative parishes, multisites, City will grow by at least 1.2 percent, mergers, and closures/restarts across and 14,000 non-farm new jobs will Oklahoma,” added Shahan. emerge. Disafiliation and the postCOVID era have shifted the previous Bringing It All Together trends and behaviors on which our “The focus is those who desire established churches used to count. connection and hunger for belonging, This makes OKC as fine a mission who wouldn’t consider attending a field as any to attempt a network of church but nonetheless are open to house churches the wonder of God and desire to love others well,” explained LogsdonPeople of Peace Kellogg. “Centralized leadership “Each house church will be development, resources, core values, developed in a particular context to discipleship, evangelism, and reach a specific group of people in missional practices will connect the

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 28, 2024

Jen Logsdon-Kellogg with her rescue pooch, Gilead the Balm, who serves as a therapy dog. Submitted photo.

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 two one 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

The Skydance Bridge in downtown OKC. Photo by Jen Logsdon-Kellogg.

followers of Jesus in our conference, concluded Shahan.”

Where You Come In 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.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 28, 2024

BFW Is Coming! No Cost to You

Location:

May Annual Conference Health Check 5/30-5/31 6:00AM-10:00AM OCU-Freede Center

Register by:

5/29/2023

Event: Date: Time:

Blueprint for Wellness® (BFW) Details BFW Overview

•

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.

11222023

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

•

Confidential Results E-mailed and Mailed Directly to You

•

Fasting overnight gives the most accurate results. Ask your doctor or other primary care provider (PCP) if it’s safe for you to fast.

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.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

February 28, 2024

Women in UM History

A Trailblazing Elder: Lois Glory-Neal’s Legacy in Oklahoma and the United Methodist Church

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orn on July 22, 1931, in ordination in 1988, breaking new Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the ground for Native American women capital of the Cherokee within the church.

Nation, Lois Glory-Neal has Glory-Neal’s pioneering spirit dedicated her life to faith and service. extended beyond her ordination.

Her upbringing within the In 1992, she became the first Cherokee community deeply female Native American district influenced her journey, shaping superintendent, further shattering her into a leader who championed glass ceilings and inspiring others inclusivity and fought for the to follow her path. Her unwavering recognition of Native American dedication to her faith also voices within the United Methodist manifested in various leadership Church. roles, including lay leader, president Glory-Neal’s path to ordained of United Methodist Women at ministry began in 1979, a later-inlocal and district levels, and the first life call she described as a “sacred, Native American representative on intimate call.” In 1984, she earned the General Commission on the a Bachelor of Arts degree from Status and Role of Women.

Oklahoma City University, followed Glory-Neal’s legacy continues by a Master of Divinity from Saint to resonate within the UMC, Paul School of Theology in 1988 – particularly in Oklahoma, her a remarkable accomplishment she home state. She paved the way achieved at the age of 58. for increased inclusivity and However, Glory-Neal’s greatest representation of Native American challenge lay ahead. As the first voices in the church, challenging Native American woman to seek established structures and advocating full connection as an ordained elder for cultural sensitivity. Her life story in the UMC, she faced a path with serves as a powerful testament to no clear precedent. Overcoming perseverance and the importance of significant hurdles, she received her fighting for equality.

Rev. Lois Glory-Neal, courtesy St. Paul School of Theology.

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.

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 28, 2024

Call to Action An OIMC church is looking for 12 used pews 10 to 12 feet long. If your church is looking for a new home for used or stored pews, this church is in the Southeast part of the state and can pick up and transport the pews. Contact Donna Pewo at dpewo@oimc.org.

Apply for United Methodist scholarships.

The deadline is March 13. Find out more here.

Share your event or job opportunity in the Contact.

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