A Transformative Experience
The Dream
A Church Boot Camp, hosted by New Faith Communities on Thursday, November 7, 2024, was a transformative experience that brought together over 35 passionate attendees from various churches across the conference. Held at Connect UMC in Oklahoma City, this full-day event was filled with impactful learning and meaningful connections, leaving participants inspired and better equipped to advance church development and outreach.
practical takeaways.
Under the theme “One Day of Power,” the boot camp featured a lineup of exceptional leaders and presenters who shared invaluable strategies on church growth, leadership, and community engagement. Moderated by Rev. Adam Shahan, the sessions were a blend of insightful teachings, interactive discussions, and
The day began with Rev. Dr. Mark Foster, who invited participants to reflect on the critical question, “Who is God Calling You to Reach?” He set the tone by encouraging church leaders to embrace innovative approaches to engage their communities. Following him, Revs. Drs. Elvyn and Bessie Hamilton’s session on “Uncovering Your Ride or Die of Shalom” emphasized the significance of finding a person of peace and the power of partnership. In her session on “Building a Launch Team,” Rev. Heather Scherer highlighted the importance of cultivating a dedicated and
mission-driven group to propel church initiatives forward.
The afternoon sessions were focused on providing practical tools to enhance church operations and outreach. Rev. Carlos Ramirez’s presentation, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” challenged attendees to rethink how churches can intentionally engage with their surrounding communities. Rev. Adam Ricks explored the topic, “No Office, No Problems,” underscoring the value of evangelism and the urgency of reaching people for Christ. Creative insights from Rev. Matt Austin and Rev. Matt Patrick on “2 Birds, 1 Stone: The Alternative Income
A group of church leaders came together for a transformative boot camp experience centered on church planting and revitalization.
Model” offered church leaders fresh perspectives on diversifying resources to build sustainable ministries. Additionally, Rev. Chris Dodson’s talk on “Managing Stress & Self-Care” provided essential strategies for church leaders to sustain their well-being amid the demands of ministry.
The closing session by Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase, titled “Connectionally Committed,” tied
everything together by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective effort in fulfilling the church’s mission.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie, inspiration, and shared learning. Attendees left with renewed vision, actionable strategies, and a deeper commitment to growing their ministries. The Dream A Church
training—it was a transformative experience that empowered leaders to dream bigger, reach further, and serve their communities more effectively.
This gathering was truly a testament to the power of collective wisdom and the movement of the Spirit among those called to build vibrant and inclusive faith communities.
Multiple speakers offered sessions on topics like “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” by Rev. Carlos Ramirez and “Managing Stress and Self Care” by Rev. Chris Dodson.
Albright United Methodist Church: Supporting Hope in Re-entry to Ponca City
Inmates
BY VICKI WASSON
Albright United Methodist Church, Ponca City, has long been a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to outreach, service, and faith. One example of its mission in action is its ministry to Bridgeway, a contract work release and halfway house facility operated for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC). This ministry exemplifies the church’s commitment to offering hope, support, and a second chance to those reintegrating into society after incarceration.
Bridging the Gap
Bridgeway is a transitional facility for up to 120 men nearing the end of their sentences. Its primary goal is to help residents reintegrate into the community, find stable employment, and rebuild their lives. The facility offers various programs and support services to equip residents with the skills and confidence needed to succeed outside the prison walls.
Reintegration is a difficult process as inmates face stigma, isolation, and the difficult task of rebuilding their lives from scratch. This is where Albright UMC steps in, providing support and creating a bridge between the facility and the wider community.
A Multifaceted Ministry
The ministry of Albright UMC to Bridgeway is multifaceted, encompassing practical support and community-building activities. Several Christmas dinners were held for the Bridgeway men early in the ministry.
One Christmas dinner was held for the families and children of these men. Recently a dinner was held for all the men and Bridgeway employees. Because it isn’t always known how many will come, any leftovers are shared with the facility. The church also collects T-shirts, underwear, and toiletries for the men. Every Christmas, church members provide gifts, reinforcing the message that the residents are cared for and valued. Church members have also donated clothing and coats to ensure the men have suitable attire for all seasons.
In 2016, several members became DOC volunteers when the DOC required that the men be escorted to and from church. Some volunteers have passed out the church’s welcome message (see albrightumc.org) and personally invited inmates to church. Over time, the ministry has grown
significantly, continuing to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among Bridgeway residents.
Practical Support
In 2020, Albright UMC received a Woodworth grant for a poverty program and began looking for a project. This led to two members becoming certified facilitators for “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’By-World” (GAGW) and later “Getting Ahead While Getting Out” (GAGO), designed for incarcerated persons. The GAGW and GAGO workshops are part of the Bridges Out of Poverty initiative and GAGO began at Bridgeway in 2021. These workshops cover 12 sessions and help the men understand that poverty is a result of a lack of 11 resources, not just finances. Participants write future goals, evaluate their personal
resources, assess the communities they will return to, and develop 72-hour plans and re-entry plans. For their participation, the men earn credits for time off their sentences. This practical support is crucial in helping residents prepare for life after incarceration. At each session, participants are given a white card on which they write prayer requests. There have been many answers to these prayers. Although GAGO is not a faith-based program, there are many opportunities to share faith and scripture and to welcome participants to church.
Church members volunteer their time to sit in and support the sessions and provide snacks and drinks. One of the inmates expressed how important these snacks are to them, not to feed their bodies, but to feed their spirits. The inmates know the church cares for them. At the conclusion of the GAGO workshop, a graduation dinner is held to celebrate the success of the
participants. Participants receive a framed certificate of completion and a gift of God’s Promises for Your Every Need.
Community-Building Activities
A sense of community is crucial for the residents of Bridgeway. Albright UMC hosts social events that allow residents to connect with members of the congregation. These events range from potluck dinners to outdoor picnics. Such interactions foster a sense of normalcy, belonging, and acceptance, which are important for individuals who have spent time isolated from society.
There has even been one “Bridgeway” wedding, showcasing the deep and lasting impact of the church’s involvement in the lives of the men and their families. Some men have been helped with finding housing and furnishings upon their release. The support from Albright UMC extends beyond the walls of the facility,
A participant points out the 11 resources necessary for success.
ensuring that the residents have a stable and supportive environment as they transition back into society.
Looking Ahead
In a world where the challenges of reintegration can seem impossible, Albright UMC offers hope, demonstrating the impact that faith, compassion, and community can have on the lives of those seeking a second chance. Through its dedicated ministry to Bridgeway, the church changes lives and inspires others to join in the mission of love and transformation.
For more information about the Bridges programs in Ponca City, visit the website. Questions can be addressed to vicwass@gmail.com.
The Getting Ahead group discusses building resources for success.
Disaster Relief: Counting Another Stellar Example of the United Methodist Connection at Work
BY DANA PARKER
Saturday, we had 12 participants at the Early Response Team training at Okmulgee First.
I picked up 45 kits from Okmulgee First and 10 from McAlester First on Saturday. Durant First just dropped off 95 kits.
I’m expecting 35 kits from Yukon Good Shepherd, 15 from Hennesey FUMC’s youth group, and 20 from OCU’s Youth Service Day/Wesley Foundation.
The kits were transported Wednesday morning to our UMCOR affiliated warehouse in Columbia, Missouri. The Missouri Conference Disaster Response oversees that warehouse. They will replace the kits that were sent to the southeast part of the country after Helene/Milton.
We delivered 225 buckets to the Missouri Conference’s warehouse.
That’s the power of the connection!
Tim Hughes helped lead Early Response Team training at Okmulgee First.
Travis Pathkiller with Pryor FUMC loads kits during a break at ERT training.
Staff at the OKUMC Conference office helped load buckets from Durant-Caddo onto the truck.
Dana and Roger Parker delivered 225 buckets to the Missouri Conference warehouse, pictured here with Lucas Endicott.
Members of First UMC Durant-Caddo prepared 95 flood buckets after worship, and delivered them to the conference office to be shipped to the distribution warehouse in Missouri.
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Learning From Our Ponca Nation Brothers and Sisters
BY MARLYS CERVANTES
One of the greatest beauties of relationships between different congregations who worship Christ is the openness to learn from one another. Ponca City First United Methodist Church has a yearly dinner with a sister church, Ponca Indian United Methodist Church, a smaller church that resides just outside of town with a lovely congregation.
According to pastor Leon Veazey of PCFUMC, “Pastor James White, his lovely wife, his son, his family, and the beautiful people of Ponca Indian United Methodist Church have
a vital relationship with First United Methodist Church in Ponca City that goes back many years. Every year they visit with our congregation, and now with the Presbyterian church which is in ecumenical partnership with us, and they share music and testimonies and words of great wisdom!”
There is a logistical benefit to this meeting. They come and cook a wonderful meal at our weekly Wednesday Night Live event one week, usually including Indian tacos that we all love. Their members serve the meal and then sit and enjoy it with us. Our members donate for the meal and the funds go to their church. In the
past, there have been specific major needs for their church; other times, regular upkeep. Funds are always helpful. I will tell you, they are always appreciative, but we gain so much more from their visit than they likely do from us, especially the times when they are a larger part of the evening. Even after almost a year between the last time the members of Ponca Indian UMC had been to FUMC, Rev. James White greeted every one of our members as they came into the fellowship hall as if he sees them every week. His joy at having fellowship easily rubs off on all who enter that evening, and he has longer
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talks with many who come in as the food is finished being prepared by his church members, young and old alike.
“We feel a connection, which is a good Methodist word, when we come to your church, a brotherhood and sisterhood,” Rev. White said. “We are always welcomed into your kitchen. Making ourselves at home in your home is always the comfortable feeling we have.”
On some of our best evenings together, the members from Ponca Indian UMC sing hymns in the Ponca language. It is beautiful and meaningful. Last year, they even brought Rev. Dr. Louis Headman, who discussed the importance of members of the tribe learning the language, which had become spoken by only a few until he and other elders began teaching younger members. Several of the tribal members who came along discussed the various songs they would sing, what they meant, their importance. It was wonderful to see the different generations of tribal members sing together.
What do we learn in spending this time together? Besides the beauty of the language and the wonder of how it can feel so easy to be together when we only do so about once a year, there is great joy in seeing this wonderful culture thriving in our very own community. A revival of a language, a growing of a people, and a sharing with us that makes our spirits sing along with theirs.
When I am able to enjoy someone else’s culture and traditions, I always think about my own. I yearn for more. I think about Kiowa author N. Scott Momaday, who said, “I sometimes think the contemporary white American is more culturally deprived than the Indian.”
Sometimes, I wonder. We are deprived if we don’t hold on to the traditions of our past. - the love of family, the faith of our ancestors.
Rev. Veazey explains it this way, “Indigenous peoples have a greater understanding of spirituality than many of us Western European Christians because they understand the immanence of God and experience that reality more openly and freely than traditional Christianity from a European paradigm of faith. The Immanence of God is the truth that God is in everything in creation: the tree, the soil, the sky, the bird, the child, and everything that the Creator originated. This is not to be confused with pantheism, which is a belief that the tree, the bird, the air, etc., is god, but rather God, who created it all is connected to it, and it to all other life through God’s immanent presence. This was a hallmark of John Wesley’s belief, Wesley being the founder of Methodism, and it connects so well with the Indigenous experience of God in this way.”
We should remember our Indigenous sisters and brothers preceded us in Methodism in Oklahoma, in that the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference is older than the Oklahoma
Annual Conference. Rev. Veazey said, “Rev. White and his congregation serve to remind us of our connection to God, creation, and each other in deeply spiritual ties. I am grateful for our relationship with the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church.”
Remember where you came from, remember what they believed in, remember wherein lies your strength. I do believe the treasure we have should be in our relationships and how we can build them even stronger by sharing our cultures with others. Let’s. Let’s look to one another to learn.
Members of Ponca Indian UMC serving Indian Tacos and more at the recent Wednesday Night Live dinner.
Rev. James White. of Ponca Indian UMC, greeting everyone as they come into the Fellowship Hall.
Rev. James White and FUMC member Lynn Hopkins visiting
Ministry in a Minute
The Duncan FUMC Women of Faith renewed the over 50 year tradition of feeding the community Chicken and Noodles on Sunday, November 10. They raised $4,000 for local feeding ministries of the UWF in the Duncan community. It was a total church effort that will serve neighbors in the coming year.
Piedmont UMC held its annual Chili Cook-off, with firefighters judging the competition. This year, two young people were among the top award winners - one in high school, one a college student.
Call to Action
Send us photos and stories about your fun Fall events! We’d love to share your fall festivals, haunted houses, pumpkin mazes, hot chocolate bazaars, trunk-or-treats, sugaramas, or anything else you’ve been doing in this - finally! - cooler weather! Send photos and stories to editor@okumc.org.
The Ministry Center will be closed for the following holidays:
Nov. 27-28 - Thanksgiving
Dec. 25-26 - Christmas
Share your event or job opportunity in the Contact For consideration, email your listing to editor@okumc.org.
