Lazarus Community and an interfaith effort against execution
Twenty-five wooden crosses stand along 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. Ten are red. One is green. The rest are white, awaiting a decision: green or red?
In June 2022, Oklahoma Attorney General John O’Connor called for the Oklahoma Court of Appeals to set execution dates for 25 people on death row. After a long delay, during which a stay had been granted so a federal judge could decide whether Oklahoma’s death penalty procedures violated the US Constitution, executions were scheduled to begin again.
By August, the Lazarus Community, along with other faith leaders and with the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (OK-CADP), erected 25 crosses - one to represent each scheduled execution.
The plan was to paint the crosses white. Then, as each scheduled
execution either put someone to death or saw someone granted clemency, a cross would be painted greenfor clemency - or red, to represent bloodshed - and a completed execution.
“Oklahoma scheduled 25 men for execution,” said Rev. Bo Ireland, pastor at Lazarus Community in Oklahoma City. “One person a month for two years. This process has slowed, but only one person, Richard Glossip, has been given temporary clemency.”
Many of the people who have been executed were recommended for clemency by the Board of Pardons and Parole; even so, they were executed anyway.
“We’re following the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church,” explained Ireland.
“Execution denies the redemptive power of God.”
Twenty-five crosses, each eight feet tall and four feet wide, are hard to miss.
Members of the Lazarus Community work alongside
anti-death penalty leaders like Sister Helen Prejean, who wrote Dead Man Walking and was famously portrayed by actress Susan Sarandon; Shane Claiborne author and founder of The Simple Way and co-founder of RedLetter Christians; former Oklahoma Senator Connie Johnson; and groups like Death Penalty Action and the Interfaith Alliance.
They have met with families of people executed, plus people who have survived the death penalty. The group holds vigils around scheduled execution dates and paints crosses when outcomes are announced.
“We’ve gathered here as people of different faiths and different cultures,” announced Ireland. “We’ve gathered here to say, ‘This is not okay,’ in
Former Oklahoma Senator Connie Johnson stands with others among the painted crosses on the grounds of Lazarus Community in OKC.
Rev. Bo Ireland marches with Sister Helen Prejean in opposition to the death penalty.
Oklahoma!”
“Emmanuel Littlejohn was executed by ‘We the People.’ And we, the people, stand in opposition to this, to remind the rest of ‘We the people,’ that this is wrong,” said Ireland at the vigil following the most recent execution in Oklahoma, which took place Thursday, September 29.
“We stand in front of an ancient method of execution, the cross. Today, we will mark the occasion of
one more execution in the state of Oklahoma by painting it red with something that looks a whole lot like blood,”said Ireland.
Each participant then had an opportunity to dip their hands in
the red paint. Whether by actively supporting death penalty legislation or by complacency, Ireland said the red paint will serve as a reminder that “we all have blood on our hands.”
the help
With
of author Shane Claiborne and others, Bo Ireland, pastor at Lazarus Community stands among 25 crosses erected as symbols of 25 people scheduled for execution in 2022.
Rev. Bo Ireland pours red paint on a cross to mark a completed execution in Oklahoma.
Patches of Pumpkins Are Popping Up
Across the conference, churches are gearing up for fall fun, offering pumpkins for sale, along with fun family opportunities. We’ve found a few:
Good Shepherd UMC in Yukon has a daily pumpkin patch with pumpkins of all sizes for sale, along with free activities including hay rides, corn hole, photo opportunities, and more.
This patch is a fundraiser for outreach ministry.
St. Matthew UMC’s pumpkin patch raises money to give out community grants in the Mid-Del community. Spencer UMC helped unload the truck and set up the patch.
Southern Hills UMC in Oklahoma City’s pumpkin patch is a youth fundraiser.
Highland Park UMC in Stillwater is partnering with the Lions Club to sell pumpkins, gourds, and straw bales daily. Admission and activities are free.
Throughout the month of October, this pumpkin patch will also host bake sales, carriage rides, handson activities for children, music, a carnival, and even goats!
Christ United Methodist Church in Enid took delivery of about 45,000 pounds of pumpkins - and with lots of help, the church’s pumpkin patch is up and running, ready to go.
Christ United Methodist Church in Enid has been preparing for its pumpkin patch for quite some time. Their massive volunteer force has made a spectacular pumpkin patch ready for visitors.
Good Shepherd UMC in Yukon is set up with pumpkins for sale, hay rides, games, and more. Submitted photos.
St. Matthew UMC in Midwest City, with the help of friends from Spencer UMC, uses proceeds from pumpkin sales to offer community grants.
UM connection means tragedy and triumph ignore borders
Hurricane Helene cut a mileswide path of devastation across the southeastern United States, causing over 160 deaths across six states. Thousands are still missing, since many areas are stranded without electricity or even cell service. Roads are closed due to flooding, washouts, and blockages.
Estimates show over two million people without power, and infrastructure in many places, like clean water and accessible roads, is set back by a century. The Department of Defense and FEMA will airlift supplies to inaccessible areas, according to a CNN report. The Army Corps of Engineers is working to quickly repair roads and bridges that have cut off contact.
Bishop Tom Berlin of the Florida Conference said approximately 50 churches were impacted in some way, “but more importantly, all of our communities have been impacted in every way.”
“We’re here to help those who have been impacted, not only in Florida, but beyond - because, as you know, the storm has touched many lives across the southeast region,” continued Berlin. “And so we’re in connection with those other localities to see if there’s other things that we can all do together. That’s the blessing of a connectional church.”
Bishop Tim Carter of the Western North Carolina Conference acknowledged the crucial work of first responders, stating, “Helene has brought great flooding and damage and devastation to many of our communities.”
He shared, “We look forward to the time when many of our volunteers can join in the recovery efforts. Our annual conference is already engaged in the response, which is ongoing and long-term.”
In the North Georgia Conference, at least six United Methodist churches sustained damage. Hundreds of Georgia families are in shelters and thousands have lost power or cell service. At the time of this writing, Augusta was in an active state of emergency.
In less than 24 hours after the
Bishop Robin Dease offered, “Hurricane Helene has moved through Georgia leaving destruction in its wake. From Valdosta to Augusta and so many areas in between, the impact of the hurricane is heartbreaking. On behalf of the South Georgia and North Georgia Conferences, we send our earnest prayers to all those persons and communities affected by Hurricane Helene.”
The South Georgia Conference shared, “For many across our South Georgia Conference, this Sunday looks very different. Whole communities have found themselves ravaged by Hurricane Helene and the devastation she brought in her wake. The wind and rain were intense,
uprooting trees, destroying buildings and homes, and decimating properties and crops.”
Feeling the pain in Oklahoma Even half the country away, Oklahomans can feel overwhelmed by the scope of the disaster. Many want to know how they can help. With hearts in throats, some may be compelled to drive to the affected areas and try to render aid.
While this sort of response comes from a place of love, it can often have a negative impact on affected families and on first responders. The North Georgia Conference announced the Augusta emergency with this caveat: “Please do not travel to Augusta individually. The area resources including gasoline are limited, and it is imperative that we not become a burden by using the community’s resources as we offer help. Please only deliver the specifically requested supplies to these four drop off
North Georgia Conference of the UMC shared a donation request, goods from across the connection began pouring goods into the area. Photo by Peachtree City UMC in Peachtree City, GA.
locations at the time specified.”
What you can do
Dana Parker, who heads up disaster response for the Oklahoma conference, gave advice for Oklahomans who want to help those affected by the hurricane. “People can give to UMCOR US Disaster Relief through umcmission. org,” she suggested.
“They can be sure the money they donate will be used in the US for disaster needs,” she explained, noting that specific disasters are usually not given individual funds because of the way UMCOR grants work.
“People can also send money to the conference office, which can send them on to the different conferences that would use them.”
“As far as response work,” continued Parker, “right now we wait to be invited by the conference. I’m sure emergency rescue work will be going on for a week or more. Then, Early Response Teams [ERTs] can be
requested by the affected conference for help with debris removal, tarping, chainsaw work, water-soaked debris removal (muck-outs), and more. Our Early Response Teams can go if they are able after that invitation.
Parker invited any groups wishing to form a team to contact her. She can work with teams to coordinate training, protocols, contacts, and more. “That work will be two weeks out and stretching into the next several months,” she added.
Volunteer from here
Flood buckets - also known as cleaning kits - are extremely helpful kits used to assist families in preparing their still-standing homes for reentry. This task can seem overwhelming, so cleaning kits can relieve a bit of the burden. Check here to see what goes into a flood bucket. Contents change from year to year due
to changing needs and lessons learned, so please check before sending.
Be in prayer for those affected. From displaced families to those who lost loved ones to first responders to leaders making tough decisions, there are many who need prayers throughout the coming months.
The United Methodist connection means we are one big family, scattered far and wide, sending love and material assistance where it’s needed.
Giving links
North Georgia Conference
South Georgia Conference
Florida Conference
Western North Carolina Conference UMCOR
South Georgia Conference
shared some examples of love in action across the conference, including preparing a camp to host volunteer teams; volunteers clearing downed trees and tarping roofs; churches feeding, sheltering, and providing showers; churches deploying Early Response Teams and putting together cleaning kits and hygiene kits; and people of all ages volunteering, donating, and providing support. Photos courtesy South Georgia Conference.
The
of the UMC
Reclaiming our voices ... telling our stories
October 14 at McFarlin UMC
5:30pm–Silent Auction 6pm–Dinner
7:45pm–Live Auction
Our Goal
Norman First American UMC is partnering with McFarlin UMC on a critical capital campaign to complete the NFA church and educational facilities. As the sole Native congregation in the Norman area and the only provider of regular fellowship for Native students at OU, NFA holds a vital role as a spiritual and cultural hub for Native peoples across Oklahoma and the United States. Serving over 5,000 Native individuals annually, we have outgrown our current space and urgently require expanded facilities to meet the growing demand.
Our vision includes the construction of a new sanctuary, an expanded kitchen, and additional classrooms for children and youth. These enhancements are essential for strengthening and expanding our Native ministry in Norman. The new facilities will also feature a state-of-the-art multimedia technology center, enabling us to foster connections and collaboration with tribal communities and institutions nationwide.
Please RSVP online by scanning the QR code, visiting our website, or filling out the enclosed RSVP card. We look forward to celebrating this special evening with you!
EXPERIENCE LIFE AT ITS FINEST, EVERY DAY. Norman First American UMC Gala Indigenous People’s Day Dinner & Fundraiser
RSVP by scanning the QR code or by visiting mcfarlinumc.org/nfa-gala
Life at Epworth Villa is all about freedom. Freedom from home maintenance and chores. Freedom from having to drive all over town. Freedom from worrying about future needs. And when you’re free to live your best life, it’s amazing the joy that each day brings. Experience the freedom you deserve and check out our spacious cottages and beautiful apartments at EpworthVilla.org.
Ministry in a Minute
Sometimes, Inola UMC feeds more than people during Monday lunches. Submitted photos.
Youth at First UMC in Muskogee constructed and floated their entries into the Cardboard Boat Races.
Edmond First UMC’s adorable Cherub Choir is directed by Debbie Lord and Karen and John Hudgens.
What you should know about
Applicant Requirements
Young adults between the ages of 20 to 30 in the year that service begins
Hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
Able to communicate in English at a conversational proficiency level
Committed to two years of service
Willing to live and serve in solidarity with others
Dedicated to addressing the root causes of injustice
Called to put their Christian faith into action
Benefits
Competitive medical and mental health care plans
Paid vacation and end of service award
Ongoing training, education and networking opportunities throughout service
Learn about more benefits online!
Important Dates
Why serve?
Fellows are invited to see differently so they can serve differently.
Fellows put their faith into action as they pursue social justice, discovering ways to engage in the community to be a part of meaningful change.
Fellows enter into communities, understanding their challenges and assets through relationships with the long-term goal to overcome systemic oppression
Next Step Resources
Discernment resources are available on our website
Want to learn more? Request to meet a fellow and hear about their mission journey!
International Track
Application Launch: October 1, 2024
Final Deadline: January 15, 2025
Attend a mission engagement session to hear a fellow share about their work.
Open to passport holders from any country
Placed outside their home country
Serve in areas such as children’s ministry, health education, advocacy, TESOL, agricultural development and worker's rights
www.umcmission.org/gmf | missionaryinfo@umcmission.org
Call to Action
Register for a Communities Impacting Poverty Workshop.
• OKC (Lakeside UMC) - 10 am - 2 pm, Saturday, Oct. 5
• Weatherford - Sunday, 3-7 pm, Oct. 6
• McAlester (First UMC) - 10 am - 2 pm, Saturday, Oct. 12
• Lawton (Centenary UMC) - 3-7 pm, Sunday, Oct. 13
Click here to register.
The Ministry Center will be closed for the following holidays:
Oct. 14 - Indigenous People’s Day
Nov. 27-28 - Thanksgiving
Dec. 25 - Christmas
Share your event or job opportunity in the Contact For consideration, email your listing to editor@okumc.org.
