The Contact 7-24-24

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Weekly

Volume 6, Number 30 • July 24, 2024 • www.okumc.org

An Alternate Model That Works for Every Church 2

Our Living World: Animal Life 4

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

A Unique Worship Partnership: Coming Together for Community 6 Ministry in a Minute 10

Save the Date Employment Passages Appointments

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

July 24, 2024

An Alternate Model That Works for Every Church An Introduction When Buster Hall was appointed to Memorial Drive UMC in Tulsa in 2023, the church was in negotiations to serve as a study space for a homeschool program. The congregation loved the idea of putting some of the church’s vast space on the east side of Tulsa to use.

When that plan didn’t come to fruition, then-District Superintendent Connie Gibson suggested Hall reach out to “The Matts.”

The Matts, as they are affectionately known, are the co-pastors of University United Methodist Church, Matt Austin and Matt Patrick.

Faced with a similar problem of empty building space, the Matts came up with a creative way to fund church needs while making safe, cost-effective space available for local businesses: the alternate income model.

The result were two businesses.

Double Flag Coffee is a 20-foot mobile coffee company and is growing to include multiple brick-and-mortar locations.

Propel Business & Event Center is a commercial office and event space rental company. Office space tenants are local business owners, and space is available througout the large church building.

Rev. Buster Hall (LEFT) and Rev. Matt Patrick check out the majestic sanctuary at Memorial Drive UMC in Tulsa. Submitted photos.

A Win-Win Situation Janeth Bernal, a notary public in Tulsa, approached Hall at Memorial Drive UMC about renting office space. In a true light-bulb moment, Hall offered to trade office space in exchange for Bernal managing tenants.

So far, all six tenants are Hispanicowned businesses, according to Bernal.

Thankfully, Bernal is bilingual, fluent in both English and Spanish. The area around Memorial Drive UMC has a growing Hispanic population, with the percentage of residents jumping by 17 percent over ten years.

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Radical Growth Bernal has not even had time to begin a marketing campaign; through word of mouth alone, she has brought in a boutique, a hair salon, a personal wellness shop, a fragrance shop, and a Spanish-language Alcoholics Anonymous group. She’s also brought in an Overeaters program and has Zumba classes at the church.

Bernal is very excited. “I’d like to add ESL classes, computer classes for beginners, and history classes for those who want to become citizens,” she said. Already, she has nearly

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July 24, 2024

20 students ready for the English to do that, making those connections.” most interested in working with rural language program. churches, which are still unexplored.”

“I want to teach the history class,” Patrick sees possibilities for I Feel God in This Place interjected Patrick. agriculture, like flower farms, at “A man rented the fellowship hall “Historically, the UMC has churches with acreage. “Our church for a birthday party for his daughter,” struggled to connect with this is changing, and we’re not powerless remembers Hall. “I gave him a tour community,” said Patrick. “We’ve as the world changes around it,” he of the facility. He saw the beautiful wanted to do it in our own way. But remarked. “We have everything we sanctuary. He stopped and closed his when we let it grow organically, we need to accomplish this task.” eyes, pausing for several seconds. can get out of the way and let the He continued, “Each and every Then he looked at me and said, ‘I feel community run it and grow what’s church has the ability to make the God in this place.’” important to them.” changes they need to That’s why this make this work in their has worked so well, context, and will be according to Patrick. shocked to see what Bernal’s word-of-mouth these changes do.” technique has been to “This strategy works,” share Zumba classes on Patrick concluded. “It her personal Facebook not only improves your page. That’s it. No snazzy financial situation, but it paid advertisements, also connects you to parts no canvassing the of the community that neighborhood. you weren’t connected to “You can tell God is before.” doing it, because we’re not even having to try,” said Reach Out Patrick. “That’s what the For congregations Holy Spirit is doing.” interested in learning While this model of more about the community relationships alternative income isn’t a direct funnel of model, Patrick invites tenants coming to worship, questions. Simply email an indirect growth has thematts@uumctulsa.org.

Rev. Buster Hall and Janeth Bernal have a win-win situation. taken place.

Bernal gets free office space; Hall’s church gets a property “We were 20 in worship manager. when I started,” remarked Hall. Now we’re at 50.

The facility is currently being When people see what’s happening updated. The bathrooms are finished, in the facility, they get excited to but much more is coming. When that see what’s going on in the life of the happens, Hall, Bernal, and Patrick church.” alike expect even more growth.

“We cracked the door and God “We have a lot of fun here,” kicked it open,” added Patrick. concluded Hall.

“We’re learning that in Hispanic culture, the church is a community A Strategy for All Churches center. We want this to be their Patrick doesn’t see this strategy community center, but also their as being confined to metropolitan church,” said Hall. “Janeth is helping churches. In fact, stated Patrick, “we’re

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

July 24, 2024

Our Living World: Animal Life NRSVUE: “Have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon Read the entire “Our Living World” the earth.” In short, be stewards of all series here. animals in this living world.

This commandment from Genesis he meaning of the word mentions fish first, then birds, then living “religion” is “relinking.” things on the earth. This reflects Israel’s Religion describes the ways profound and abiding connection to and human cultures have sought to create, dependence upon seas, both coastal and sustain, and renew links with one inland, as a primary means to provide life another, the world around them, and the and livelihood. But it is just as important powers or reality that lies behind it all. that animal life, wherever it is found – sea, In this series, we explore how United air and land – is commended to our care.

Methodists seek to sustain and renew United Methodists take seriously the our links to our living world. charge to be good stewards of all animal When we consider what it means life. Here is our statement on animal life to be re-linked with our living world, from the Social Principles: we remember God’s first charge to “We support regulations that protect humankind, recorded in Genesis 1:28, and conserve the life and health of

BY ASK THE UMC

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animals, including those ensuring the humane treatment of pets, domesticated animals, animals used in research, wildlife, and the painless slaughtering of meat animals, fish, and fowl. We recognize unmanaged and managed commercial, multinational, and corporate exploitation of wildlife and the destruction of the ecosystems on which they depend threatens the balance of natural systems, compromises biodiversity, reduces resilience, and threatens ecosystem services. We encourage commitment to effective implementation of national and international governmental and business regulations and guidelines for the conservation of all animal species with particular support to safeguard those threatened with extinction.”

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While this is the extent of official United Methodist statements about animal life, we find much here to unpack, consider and act upon as we seek to live as those re-linked with all other animals that inhabit our living world with us.

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July 24, 2024

Ensuring healthy ecosystems The protection we seek to offer for all animal life through legislative and other initiatives is not solely for the sake of the animals themselves. It is for the sake of the good of the whole of our living world, the many ecosystems on our planet that make all of life possible.

is altering living conditions for all kinds of life, we care about helping animals to survive, even if they can no longer easily thrive.

Enacting protective policies Governmental regulation alone does not and cannot secure the safety Protecting animal life and health of animal life. Much of Just as the commandment what is required reaches in Genesis 1 to care for all beyond what governments animal life begins with the have the authority or the habitat of most significance ability to do. Governments to ancient Israel, so this are limited to acting within section of the Social their political borders, Principles on animal life borders which do not begins with a reference to exist for animals. In many the animals nearest and situations, businesses, dearest to many humans, our rather than governments, pets. may be better poised to Many consider pets to be respond. part of their families. We are This is why United invited, then, to contemplate Methodists support the closeness of our the development and relationships with all other universal enforcement of animal life, from primates international governmental and other mammals, and business policies for to birds, reptiles and An American bison roams the Wichita Wildlife Refuge area. the sake of the welfare of all amphibians, arachnids and Photo by Tabitha Beckman. animal life, and particularly insects, fish, cephalopods, for those species that are mollusks and jellies, to We care about balance, and so may most endangered. single-celled creatures, such as bacteria advocate to take steps to reduce the In all these ways, United Methodists and zooplankton. proliferation of species in areas where have committed ourselves to care for All of these are our animal neighbors, our living world, starting with our whose home is no less in this same living they have few, if any, natural predators.

We care about the diversity of life in nearest relatives, the animals. world than is our own. All require our all its forms, recognizing that each form diligent protection, whether from our of animal life has a place and makes Ask The UMC is a ministry of overreach, our neglect or the result of an important contribution to the whole.

United Methodist Communications. circumstances we do not directly control.

Especially in a time when climate change

Watering the Earth :

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A Unique Worship Partnership: Coming Together for Community

BY MARLYS CERVANTES

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olds) being less likely to belong to or attend church even if they identify with a particular religious group, such as Protestant Christian or Catholic.

However, there is a growing number of Americans with no religious affiliation. In the years 2001 to 2003, there were only nine percent who had no affiliation, but in 2021 to 2023, the numbers had grown to 21 percent.

What is maybe most interesting in all of this, especially since many of us tend to blame much of the decline on the recent pandemic, is to look

hurch attendance has been declining even prior to COVID, and since then many congregations have found it difficult to bounce back from where they were prepandemic. Nationwide, the struggle is real, with those who desire to continue in their worship and outreach looking for solutions to keep their doors open to serve their current members while they continue to look for ways to meet the needs within their communities.

In Ponca City, Oklahoma, First United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church have recently come together after ~Tom Freston, American Media Financier months of collaboration in a at an earlier Gallop poll. In March partnership that very well may be a model 2021 Jones reported that U.S. church First UMC in Ponca City hosts both United that could work for other churches as well. membership dropped below the Methodists and Presbyterians in a unique But what led to the need for this? What majority for the first time since it had partnership. Submitted photos. made two previously vibrant churches been tracked: “In 2020, 47 percent struggle and led one to come close to the of U.S. adults belonged to a church, This decline is precisely what happened need to close their doors altogether? synagogue or mosque.” for First Presbyterian Church. Ann In his article, “Church Attendance Has However, before that it had been much Salmons, choir director at FPC, explained Declined in Most U.S. Religious Groups,” higher. Membership had been 70 percent what they’ve experienced. ”For the past Jeffrey M. Jones states that a March 2024 in 1999 and dropped to 50 percent by ten years, we have watched not only our Gallop poll indicates three in 10 U.S. 2018. When Gallop first measured U.S. people becoming fewer and the age of adults attend religious services regularly, church membership in 1937 it was 73 our members getting older, but also the with 11 percent attending once a month percent, which means it remained near 70 and 56 percent seldom attending services. percent for the next six decades before the growing cost of maintaining and repairing our facility. We tried many different Only two decades ago, the U.S. averaged decline began. Again, much of this may avenues such as looking for organizations 42 percent attending every week or nearly be from a drop in religious affiliation, to rent part of the building, shutting off every week (instead of the current 30 possibly when people move and don’t percent). One decade ago, the average was find new home churches, and due to those part of the building, or downsizing to another building.”

38 percent. younger adults who never establish an Salmons continued, “Our members It appears that the most likely reason is affiliation. were not ready to just close the doors to the rise in younger adults (18 to 29-year-

“Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.”

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our ministries. We strongly felt God had more for us to do. Our church still had a heartfelt call to reach people through worship and mission.”

First United Methodist Church had made changes due to a decreasing membership as well, moving from two worship services on Sundays to one and decreasing staff positions. They had moved services during COVID onto a local cable television and YouTube streaming, and the broadcast helped keep congregants informed about others whom they weren’t seeing regularly. However, as with any decision like this, it was then slow work moving people back into the pews once it was time, precautions still had to be taken. So, both churches were hurting.

Salmons mentioned that First Presbyterian’s (FPC) congregation felt God tugging them to investigate working with another church. So, with continuing low numbers, leaders from FPC approached Rev. Leon Veazey about possible solutions, and leaders from both congregations began discussing and brainstorming. After the discussions, pastors Leon Veazey and Mark Southard, along with leaders from the churches, believed the two churches would be good for one another. They suggested joining in partnership, with each keeping its own identity. Two denominations were joining together in their worship and missions.

It had never been done before and, while it seemed a stretch, it felt like the perfect idea.

Gay Norris, a member of FPC and Clerk of the Session said, “I’d have to say that the sadness and trepidation of ‘leaving’ our long-time home has been replaced ten-fold by the incredible welcome we have received from our new church family. So many of us walked in being greeted by long-time friends and neighbors, and at the same time were embraced by total strangers that instantly are becoming new friends. I think FPC has found a vibrant, passionate church family.

The union is truly a ‘road less traveled’ but is taking us on a healing journey for our congregation. I am beyond happy and hopeful!”

Norris’ counterpart from First UMC

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July 24, 2024

in formally signing the partnership - once FUMC senior pastor - and the pastor with it was finally polished - was Teri Harris, oversight for worship and other ministry First UMC member and chair of Church elements as the churches work together in Council. Of the process and looking the joint ministry - expressed the beauty forward, Harris remarked, “As a leader of the ecumenical partnership between and long-term member of the church, I the two, saying, “The worship experience have truly enjoyed this opportunity to has been wonderful with the merger of worship together. I believe each church two great choirs and hand bell ensembles, had strengths that the other did not, and and an additional choir director who our partnership will allow us together has already filled in for one service and to reach more people in our community served jointly with the choir director of than ever before. From a theological FUMC on a couple of occasions. We also perspective I believe we’ve just started to gained a soloist who is well-known in our scratch the surface of what we can learn community as a gifted vocalist. We have from one another.” incorporated liturgy from the Presbyterian There are many areas where the two Church USA and utilized liturgists from churches come together, and none are so their church in some of our worship obvious as in music. Director of Music services in order to honor both traditions.”

Ministry at FUMC, Marta Sullivan, It would seem both congregations expressed her joy at the added fullness understand the joy and blessings of of the choirs: “The coming together of joining in this ministry and the beauty of voices and bells has been a profound diversity in worship. Volunteers from both blessing. The additional talent has grown congregations have joined in providing the Chancel choir from an average number for the children’s and youth ministries, of 15 singers to an average of 25 and with both expected to grow as they move the Carillon hand bell choir, struggling forward. with enough ringers to play three octaves Possibly some of the most excitement of bells, now has a surplus of ringers has been the converging of mission allowing the group to play five octaves of ministries of the two congregations. bells with a couple positions duplicated.

Volunteers from both churches have This surplus of seasoned talent has not come together in support of one another’s only extended the choir’s range but has previous missions and helped ensure that also sparked the creation of a hand bell all can continue. This is how service to ensemble.”

God continues in great richness.

For a church that had such a depth in Salmons expressed this new ministry its music program in the past, this growth style as one in which God will do has been welcomed by all. Sullivan said, something wonderful. She said, “From “In addition to simply having a fuller and the beginning, the congregation at First more robust sound with additional voices and bells, having more participants opens opportunities for offering more intricate and challenging musical pieces.

This is especially true when the participants from both churches are highly talented with a wealth of experience. Directing these choirs has been a joy and I am truly overwhelmed with gratitude for the limitless worship opportunities that A sweet celebration: the two congregations came lie ahead.” together for cupcakes at a reception after their first joint worship service.

Rev. Leon Veazey,

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United Methodist Church have made us feel more than welcome; they have worked hard to help us feel at home.

They have been wonderful to let us bring our mission opportunities and activities into their church life. We have joined our youth and our music departments, both congregations are supporting our Coryell Cupboard, our baskets with supplies for nursing homes and The Mission, and our Czech Camp Mission. They have opened their arms to us. It is sort of like relatives who have lived apart getting back together again. It is a joy!”

The partnership is not a merger. Each church retains its identity but enters into a “Memorandum of Understanding” (MOU) of partnership instead, with the purpose expressed as an agreement “for these two congregations to support each other in the fulfillment of their shared vision to effectively witness to the grace of Jesus Christ to make disciples for the transformation of the world,” and it specifically states the agreement is “in a spirit of mutual trust, respect, and shared commitment to Christian doctrine as each entity understands it.” No one is trying to change anyone else; both congregations are in support of each other.

The details of the agreement are specific and cover Mission, Responsibilities and Obligations (Intent of Agreement; Location and Property; General Pastoral Responsibilities;

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July 24, 2024

Worship, Sacraments, and Pastoral Rites; Financial Management; Governance), Supervision, Terms of Understanding, and Ratification of MOU. There was an advisory team that met and fleshed out the details of the Memorandum, with consultants including one leader each from the greater organizations of United Methodist and Presbyterian Churches to oversee it.

commitment is there. Veazey said, “The body of Presbyterian parishioners who have been so committed to this enterprise express great character in their acceptance of this new chapter in their church life and have been so inspiring to us at First United Methodist Church! We are honored and pleased to call them part of our worship family!”

Now, the key is continued growth for all. In Gallop’s poll several points were mentioned that were key to what congregants want in their church. The primary reason they attended church was for a sermon that inspires them (no ~Ecclesiastes 4:9 pressure, Pastor!). Other reasons were “spiritual programs geared toward children and teenagers, community outreach and volunteer opportunities, and dynamic leaders.”

This is no small feat, and while the If we are involved in our churches, we details - and time coming to them - were need to ensure the community around us extensive, the coming together of people knows what we offer—both internally came with great ease. It felt like friends for our members and externally for the coming together since so many had been friends for years, or served on community community. Also, many young adults organizations together already, or worked want a church that reaches out to the community. The togetherness in this together. The advisory committee still partnership has helped these two churches meets regularly, with two lay members do just that. FUMC and FPC have from each church, the pastor of FUMC and the presiding elder of FPC Session to embraced one another and their missions in the community, and this will help them work on details as the partnership moves be vibrant in their worship services as forward. well as throughout their service to their However, most importantly, the community.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their hard work.”

Gay Norris of First Presbyterian Church and First UMC’s Teri Norris sign a Memorandum of Understanding for a partnership between the two churches.

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Check out our monthly podcast to learn about what’s happening across the conference!

July 24, 2024

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July 24, 2024

Ministry in a Minute

Last weekend the Southeast District had Lay Servant training at McAlester FUMC. Twenty-eight faithful people attended to learn more about living and sharing their faith. The Basic course was led by Rev. Larry Bauman, and the Advanced course was led by Ron Shepherd. It was an encouraging turnout, and they hope we have great attendance at the next Lay Servant training. Photo by Sonja Tobey.

New Day Camp volunteers are still reflecting on some of the connections that were made, or re-made, at the recent camp. Rev. Pam Cottrill, pastor at Inola UMC, served as a volunteer this year. She kept “eyeing” a Leader in Training (LIT), thinking that he looked familiar. She initiated a conversation with Gabriel and discovered that while serving in 2014 to 2015 at Nichols Hills UMC as associate pastor, she’d taught him in Sunday School and helped train him as an acolyte. Gabriel is still active at Nichols Hills and was a LIT with eight-year-old boys…… shepherding the youngsters in swimming in the lake at Cross Point camp, recreation, workshops, worship, and craft time.

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Lou Kerr touched a lot of lives. Social icon, civic leader, mastermind, philanthropist, art historian and collector, and strategic connector, she was tops! She was the president and chair of the Kerr Foundation. She was also an active member of the Kiva Sunday class at Nichols Hills UMC. As a Criminal Justice and Mercy Ministries (CJAMM ) board member, she powered a lot of decisions and directions for our ministry. Lesa Rhoads and Keith Dobbs had the opportunity to present, on behalf of the CJAMM board, a proclamation of appreciation to Kerr’s children Laura and Steven.

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July 24, 2024

Call to Action The Korean Ministry Plan of the General Board of Global Ministries is seeking to update information on Korean American clergy. If you are an active or retired clergy member, please click here to update your contact information.

The 2024 mentor training will take place on August 1, 2024, from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at the Oklahoma Methodist Ministry Center located at 1501 N.W. 24th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73106. This training is for candidacy, provisional and local pastor mentors. You can register here.

The 2024 Candidacy Summit will take place on August 2-3, 2024, at the Oklahoma Methodist Ministry Center located at 1501 N.W. 24th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73106. This training is for declared candidates, certified candidates and provisional members. You can register here.

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