The Contact 6-19-24

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Weekly

Volume 6, Number 25 • June 19, 2024 • www.okumc.org

Juneteenth 2

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

Save the Date Ministry in a Minute 8

Employment Passages Course of Study School Registration Open 11

Appointments

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

JUNETEENTH A History, A Future

United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19th, hen you hear the word marking the day in “Juneteenth,” many 1865 when Union African Americans envision outdoor barbecues filled with General Gordon laughter, soul music, concerts, children Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and playing, fireworks, poetry readings announced that all and ceremonies recognizing change enslaved people were makers. free, in accordance They discuss the significance of with President this celebration and the feeling of Abraham Lincoln’s being seen and heard. It’s a moment Emancipation of belonging, a recognition that Proclamation. this is our country. Now, we have a federal holiday that acknowledges our Although the proclamation had been humanity and existence—something issued on January 1, that hasn’t always been the case.

1863, it took over two Despite this progress, struggles with racism, police brutality, economic years for the news to reach Texas and for inequality, healthcare affordability, voting restrictions, the quality of K-12 the enforcement of the proclamation to take effect. education, and an unjust criminal Juneteenth, a blend of “June” and justice system persist. “nineteenth,” symbolizes the end of Juneteenth may now be a celebration, but it also commemorates slavery and is a day for celebrating African American culture, heritage, a past marked by darkness, despair, and despondency for African American and progress. It became a federal holiday in the United States on June people.

17, 2021.

Juneteenth is a holiday commemorating the emancipation of The importance of Juneteenth as enslaved African Americans in the

BY REV. DR. BESSIE HAMILTON

W

Director of Communications: Joseph Harris Multimedia & Web Manager: Andrew Himes Editor of Publications: Jena Barber Communications Specialist: Tabitha Beckman 1501 NW 24th, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Rev. Dr. Bessie Hamilton

a federal holiday can be understood through its historical significance, cultural recognition, social justice impact, role in unity and healing and educational value: Historical Significance: Juneteenth represents a pivotal moment in American history and the struggle for freedom and equality. Recognizing this history is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s past.

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Stories and photos by the editor unless otherwise noted.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

overlooked part of American history, Cultural Recognition: It celebrates fostering a more informed and African American culture, resilience empathetic society. and contributions to society, promoting Celebrating Juneteenth contributes cultural awareness and appreciation. to a more inclusive narrative of American history and promotes the Social Justice: Juneteenth highlights the ongoing fight for civil values of freedom, equality and justice.

Churches can enhance their rights and equality, inspiring continued efforts towards social justice and community’s understanding of Juneteenth through educational addressing racial disparities. sessions, joint worship services, community events, book studies or Unity and Healing: The holiday guest lectures. Recognizing Juneteenth fosters a sense of unity and healing during services with prayers, sermons, by acknowledging past hardships and reflections, and readings can highlight celebrating progress. the importance of freedom, justice, and equality, showing solidarity and Education: Observing Juneteenth respect for the day’s significance. provides an opportunity to educate Juneteenth is not just a onepeople about a significant, often

June 12, 2024

time event but part of an ongoing commitment to racial justice. It is crucial to develop long-term plans and actions for continued learning, growth and advocacy for racial equity within and beyond the church community.

We must keep working to bridge the gap and create a Church where everyone is included and every voice is heard—a place where all of God’s children matter. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

Ways White People Can Observe Juneteenth

BETTY BRANDT, UNITED METHODIST CHURCHES OF INDIANA

Respectfully attend or volunteer at events.

Ask your local sponsor of Juneteenth events and your Black friends, colleagues, and church friends how you can help. Volunteer for the clean-up/set-up crews.

Help staff information booths, if appropriate.

If you attend as a guest, be respectful. Do not wear African daishikis or kente cloth without first asking permission. While you may intend it as appreciation, others may view it as cultural appropriation.

Preach and teach about the current face of racism.

Many white people have been socialized to see racism as a challenge of the distant past. However, full voting rights and equal education for African Americans were not granted until the 1950s and 1960s. In The United Methodist Church, some annual conferences had legalized racism until the 1970s.

The U.S. Church is still largely segregated in worship and work. White Christians must grapple with their role in perpetrating racism and work to heed God’s call to “let justice roll down.” Use sermons, worship, and church media to educate and inspire your congregation.

Support Black churches, charities, and businesses.

depositphotos.com

Make a regular tithe or donation to a local African American church, a United Methodist campus ministry at a historically Black college or university, or community ministry or scholarshipfund supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Make deliberate efforts to support Black-owned businesses and services.

Listen and read.

Juneteenth offers an opportunity for white friends and family to learn more about the realities African-Americans face and the contributions they make to the church, community, and world.

Listen to this podcast with Jasmine Bradshaw, which further explains Juneteenth history and ways your family can celebrate the holiday.

Confront the history in your community.

Learn about the history of enslaved Black people in your local area and state. Explore the history of your

church and its leaders and develop ways that your congregations can make tangible amends and reparations.

Church school and small groups:

Discuss Juneteenth’s history and current implications for African Americans. Invite a local Black history teacher or museum curator to speak, or watch the Ava DuVernay’s Netflix documentary, 13th: From Slave to Criminal with one Amendment, which explores the U.S. journey from the enslavement of Black people to the school-to-prison pipeline.

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Do you know someone who is a dynamite administrator? Musician?

Church secretary?

Check out the conference employment page.

We’re hiring TWO District Administrators.

Churches across the conference are hiring for multiple positions.

We are looking for a few great United Methodists to fill these positions!

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

All Church Members

Lay Servant

Lay People Deaconess & Home Missioner

MINISTRY IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Certified Lay Minister

Certified in Specialized Ministry

Lay or Clergy Missionary

“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

I Cor. 12:4

Deacon

Learn more at gbhem.org.

Ordained & Licensed Clergy

Elder

Local Pastor

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

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Help lead church ministries and share God’s love with neighbors through words and actions.

 Prayer and worship  Visit the hospitalized or homebound  Committee participation  Lead small groups  Teach Sunday school

 Help with service ministries like food pantries  Advocate for the poor ormarginalized  Attend mission trips  And much more

Serves the local church or charge to inspire the laity to deeper commitment to Christ.

 Teaching  Preaching

 Organization  Other ministries

Consecrated and commissioned to a lifelong full-time vocational ministry of love, justice, and service in a church-related or helping profession.

 Community ministry  Health & wellness  Education

 Social services  Other ministries

Provides congregational leadership as part of a ministry team under the supervision of a clergyperson.

 Preaching  Providing care

 Assisting in program leadership  Serving as a witness to the community

Specially trained and approved for a ministry specialty.

 Christian education  Children’s ministry  Ministry with people with disabilities

 Music  Spiritual formation  Other ministries

Serves in Christ’s name around the world in a range of activities and professions.

 Pastors  Educators  Congregational and leadership developers  Regional coordinators for United Methodist Committee on Relief

 Agriculturalists  Health coordinators  Doctors  Other ministries

Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice. Interrelates worship with service to God in the world.

 Social services and advocacy  Age-level spiritual development  Chaplaincy  Church-related or ecumenical agencies

 Worship leadership  Educator  Denomination-wide service  Other ministries

Word, Service, Sacrament, and Order.

Orders the church for spiritual growth and community outreach.

 Parish pastor  Chaplaincy  Church-related or ecumenical agencies  Social services and advocacy

 District superintendent  Bishop  Denomination-wide service

Licensed for pastoral ministry or chaplaincy.

Performs the usual duties of a pastor only within the appointment.

 Preaching and teaching  Worship leadership  Presiding over the sacraments where appointed

 Pastoral care

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

Ministry in a Minute

Grace UMC hosted a Volunteers in Ministry team of UMCOR ERTs from Indiana last week. The team was down in response to an OKUMC request for volunteer assistance for recovery from the May 26 tornado that blew through Claremore. The team stayed for five days and worked during the day at various sites around Claremore. At night they joined Grace UMC for fellowship and classes. There were quite a few stories the team brought back each day as they talked about the homeowners like they were old friends. UMCOR ERTs are trained to be a caring presence in the aftermath of a disaster and aside from cutting, chopping and cleaning, are also there to listen.

The team was cutting down a tree that had been part of the family for years when the homeowner started reminiscing about the memories around the tree. One such memory was when the daughter got a hold of some spray paint and painted a smiley face on the trunk. So the team decided to spend extra time to find the smiley face - which was no small task since the tree was huge and mixed in with other trees, and the paint had faded - and leave it for the homeowner as a garden decoration. Based on the beam of light shining onto the saved memory, God was pleased. No one takes time to listen to survivors like United Methodists do. That is what we do!

Watering the Earth :

S TA R T W I T H V I S I O N A N D A P U R P O S E

CONTACT US TODAY TO PROVIDE FOR THE MINISTRIES OF YOUR CHURCH AND LASTING GOOD IN YOUR COMMUNITY

OKLAHOMA

METHODIST

F O U N DAT I O N

405-525-6863

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W W W. L AST I N G G O O D.O RG

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

From a huge pile of logs, one family’s memory was saved after damage from a tornado that hit Claremore. Submitted photos.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

Several United Methodists clergy were part of CJAMM’s annual New Day Camp, the summer camp for children, ages eight to 14, with incarcerated parents.

Held June 3-7 at Cross Point Camp, this year’s camp had 60 children and 53 volunteers. TOP LEFT: Bo Ireland, worship leader, OKC The Lazarus Community; Alanna Ireland, worship leader, Saint Paul School of Theology; and Adam Shahan, music leader, Wesley UMC OKC. TOP RIGHT: Pam Pawley Cottrill, bingo leader, Inola UMC with Keith Dobbs CJAMM Executive Director.

BOTTOM: Rev. Adam Shahan plays guitar and jams out with campers. Submitted photos.

Rev. Emily Robnett does double duty as Mom and clergy during worship.

Photo by Susan Chapman.

The last “regular” class of Local Pastors has just finished up. Watch for more about these amazing folks in future issues. Submitted photo.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

Course of Study School Registration Open The UMC Course of Study (COS) School is an education program designed for Licensed Local Pastors, those who are certified for ordained ministry, or those who are under appointment in the United Methodist Church.

The program (https://www.gbhem. org/clergy/licensing-course-of-study/) was developed by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) and is administered by approved seminaries such as Saint Paul School of Theology. This yearround experience teaches foundational

classes that expose students to both theory and application.

Saint Paul School of Theology offers all 20 Course of Study courses multiple times in a year in a flexible format to help pastors complete educational requirements on their terms.

Summer registration for Course of Study is open with an extended deadline and several classes still have availability. Note that the academic year 2024/25 is all online—no travel!!

Students may take more than one class each semester, from different sessions/

days. Visit spst.edu/cos to get more information, register, or see the 2024 summer schedule. Contact Jennifer Smith at jennifer.smith@spst.edu if you have any questions or issues logging in.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

June 12, 2024

Call to Action Plan to attend the Juneteenth celebrtion 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., June 23, at Quayle UMC in Oklahoma City.

Listen to the podcast Cultivating Empathy in Polarized Times with John Pavlovitz from Rethink Church: Curious about maintaining compassion and engaging in meaningful conversations in your daily life? On Compass 133, join Ryan Dunn as he speaks with John Pavlovitz about finding common ground and exploring spirituality amidst life’s challenges. Discover how to navigate differences with empathy, find solace in nature, and embrace your faith journey authentically.

John shares his personal journey from questioning his Christian identity to embracing a compassionate approach that transcends religious and ideological boundaries. We’ll explore the need for human connection beyond political or religious labels and John’s latest endeavors including his work on grief, his online community Empathetic People Network, and his new book “Worth Fighting For.”

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