Folks lined up to enjoy a special treat, a home-cooked, authentic Mexican meal made by Rev. Carlos Ramirez, Director of Communications and Strategy.
BY REV. TIM MCHUGH
World Communion Sunday is a global Christian tradition that transcends denominational lines. Grace United Methodist Church hosted St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, First Christian Church, Christ United Methodist Church from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, and Mt. Zion Baptist Church as they gathered for a joint potluck and a community-wide Holy Communion service, bringing together different liturgical traditions and congregations under one roof.
The lunch took place following morning services so members and pastors of all five congregations could come together for a shared meal before participating in a uniquely collaborative Holy Communion service. Each pastor contributed to the service, representing their respective traditions in a seamless blend of prayers, hymns, and sacred rituals.
The service began with a gathering prayer and blessing from Rev. Tim McHugh and concluded with a powerful benediction from Rev. James Coulter of Mt. Zion Baptist church symbolizing the unity in diversity that marked the entire day. “Friends, this is what church is all about,” one participant remarked.
McHugh said “It was an honor to be part of something so profound and humbling. To see God at work in such a visible way was truly moving.”
In a creative and symbolic touch,
a large mirror was placed behind the communion table, allowing everyone present to see themselves reflected as they gathered at the Lord’s table, which served as a powerful reminder of the universal nature of Communion—a moment in which believers from different backgrounds and traditions come together as one body in Christ.
“This event wasn’t just about sharing Communion; it was about building friendships and committing to continued fellowship across our different churches,” shared one of the pastors involved. “We’ve already made plans for more joint services and gatherings in the future. This is just the beginning.”
Rev. Terry Koehn, Northeast District Superintendent, said this about the event: “ One of the aha moments for me following disaffiliation is that other traditions are eager to join forces with us to show what’s possible in cooperation and collaboration. I affirm how Grace is partnering and inviting. I believe this is one element of a vital future.”
The potluck prior to Communion created a sense of community, with members from various congregations sharing homemade dishes, laughter, and conversation. From jambalaya to Native American fry bread and everything in between, the diversity of food mirrored the diversity of the churches themselves.
World Communion Sunday, observed annually on the first Sunday of October, encourages churches around the world to come together
in shared worship and communion, reminding Christians of their global connection.
For these five Claremore churches, this year’s celebration was a tangible example of the power of unity in Christ, a testimony to the belief that while they may worship in different ways, they are one in faith. All five pastors were invited to spend a few minutes talking about their respective churches and outreach opportunities, creating an environment of connected stewardship. There was even a United Methodist child talking to a Baptist preacher about Jesus. Let us all be reminded that despite our differences, we all have a place at the table of the Lord. And that’s a message we can carry with us long after the day’s service.
The
School of Religion presents:
Jim Wallis is a New York Times bestselling author, public theologian, renowned preacher and commentator on ethics and public life. As a writer, teacher, preacher and justice advocate, Wallis believes the gospel of Jesus must be transformed from its cultural and political captivities, and always be “good news” to the poor and oppressed.
Alot of work goes into making a song, a movie, a TV show, or even a clip. Actors and musicians perform. Writers, artists, and editors prepare material. Technicians run cameras, recording equipment, etc. Caterers provide meals and drivers move equipment from place to place. Many more hands than we can list go into the making of one single song or TV episode or movie.
To pay everyone involved along the process, publishers rely on sales. Individual sales are one line of revenue. The other line is licensing.
Licensing is a way to ensure everyone involved in the publishing process is paid a fair wage. We think of movie stars and their millions, but many hands are required to make entertainment.
In this modern age, when people don’t purchase DVDs or individual songs, and where internet piracy is almost a given, it’s important to remember who we are. The United Methodist Social Principles contain a section on responsible consumerism, which declares that we promote just and equitable compensation - which also includes those whose work we use.
When you sing a hymn in church, you’re actually singing someone’s property. If you play a video, that video
belongs to someone. These events are covered under copyright law. If you watch a movie or sing along to the radio, no copyright applies.
Copyright law can get very confusing. You can pay for a CD and own it. If you play that CD over the speakers in your church, you might be infringing on someone’s copyright. You might pay for Spotify Premium or Apple Music. But if you play that music for a group of people, you’re subject to copyright law.
Sheet music is sold for you to learn, sing, and use. If you wish to play that music on a worship video, you’ll have to pay for it. If you make copies to hand out to others, you might be in violation. It gets more confusing when you try to figure out which material is licensed by which entity. We’ve tried to help with some of the more confusing aspects of copyright law as it pertains to churches.
NO LICENSING NEEDED
Playing recorded music in your car
Watching a movie or TV show at your house
Playing a published song on an instrument
LICENSING LIKELY
Playing recorded music in worship or on a video published to YouTube or other social media
Showing a movie to a group of people
Playing a published song on an instrument in worship or at another event
Playing published music to accompany videos, podcasts, etc.
Inserting a photo or other image from the internet into a bulletin, newsletter, website,
I pay for Spotify, cable TV, or sheet music. Do I need a license?
Yes! When you pay for a service, like Spotify, you’re paying for personal use. The artist gets paid for your one use. When you play Spotify for an entire church, the artist still only gets paid for your one use. To be fair to the artist, and to protect your church from copyright infringement, you must also pay license fees to play that music for others.
But we’re a nonprofit! Do we still have to pay?
Copyright law applies to all entities, whether nonprofit, for-profit, government, or others. If I get a video license, will that cover music, too?
A video license will only cover the music that is contained within the context of the video. We’re making our own movie. Do we need to pay for licensing that, too?
Well…if you’re playing music in your movie, you’ll definitely need a license. And it will likely be a different license than the ones listed here. Be sure to reach out to one of the companies listed and they can help point you in the right direction. Also, cool! We want to see your movie!
These are a few of our favorites. Find more options online!
UNSPLASH A media sharing site hosting royalty-free images. Some images are free. Unsplash+ is $7/month. Click here.
UMC MEDIA LIBRARY United Methodist Communications offers a vast collection of images taken by UM photographers across the world for churches to access. Click here.
DEPOSITPHOTOS A low-cost photo, illustration, and video provider offering per-download pricing or monthly unlimited downloads. Click here.
SHUTTERSTOCK Licensing for images, video, music, and much more. Pricing options include image packs or monthly downloads. Click here.
Church Copyright Licensing Inc. (CCLI) ccli.com
This licensing company covers the largest selection of publishers. It includes all UM publishing groups, Word, Hope, Maranatha!, Integrity Hosanna, and others. Most praise choruses are included in this group.
Church Video Licensing Inc. (CVLI) cvli.com
This license allows churches to publicly show motion pictures and movie scenes. It covers over 4,000 studios and producers, including Disney, Universal, Marvel, MGM, Warner Bros., Pixar, 20th Century Studios, and more.
One License onelicense.net
This license offers a smaller list of publishers but includes Abindgdon Press, Concordia Publishing House, Oxford University Press, and more.
Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) mplc.com
MPLC provides a blanket license for showing TV shows, movies, news, or other film content in waiting rooms, reception areas, break rooms, or other areas.
Reclaiming our voices ... telling our stories
October 14 at McFarlin UMC
5:30pm–Silent Auction 6pm–Dinner
7:45pm–Live Auction
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!
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.
1) Use ALEX Benefits Counselor to find the plan that might be the most cost-effective for your family or individual needs
2) Select medical/pharmacy, dental and vision plans
3) Choose which eligible dependents to cover—contact your benefits office if you don’t see your dependents listed
4) Utilize health accounts for pre-tax savings this year and to save for future needs
• Benefits Access has everything you need for Annual Election, including helpful resources and plan comparisons, videos, and much more at my.benefitsaccess.org/HealthFlexBenefits
• Call your Wespath Care Coordinator if you have questions about what your claims might cost if you choose a different plan in 2025
• Use the OptumRx Drug Pricing Tool to help you estimate your pharmacy costs for 2025
ALEX Benefits Counselor uses simple language to explain your plan benefits. Use ALEX to:
• Compare HealthFlex plans—learn which plan(s) might cost you the least
• Estimate out-of-pocket costs and how to make the most of health accounts
• Visit my.benefitsaccess.org/ HealthFlexBenefits to get started
CJAMM named Rev. Adam Shahan the 2024 Stan Basler Award recipient. Rev. Dr. Basler was an early pioneer for CJAMM and continues to fight for those who are involved in criminal justice. Adam carries the torch with his involvement in music at New Day Camp and sponsoring an apartment at Exodus House OKC. His church, Wesley Church OKC: A United Methodist Community, will host Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners for the OKC clients.
Most of the directors from Wesley Foundations across the state visited the conference office this week to share about their ministries. Watch for the podcast, coming soon!
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
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!
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
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
Register for a Communities Impacting Poverty Workshop.
• 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.