Oklahoma Youth Hold CCYM Summit, Elect Officers
BY REBEKAH HASTY
Saturday, September 14, marked the annual Conference Council on Youth Ministry (CCYM) Youth Summit, held this year at Acts 2 in Edmond.
The day began with meaningful worship music, followed by an inspiring message from our newly appointed bishop, Bishop Laura Merrill. She shared personal experiences from her time in CCYM, emphasizing how some of the relationships she developed as a youth have stayed with her throughout her life. Her message focused on God as the light working in and through us, reminding the youth that they never have to walk alone. Her words deeply resonated with the youth, aligning with where they are in their lives and current experiences. After sharing in communion, which was presided over by Bishop Merrill, she posed for a group picture with all the youth.
Following worship, Rev. Dr. James Kim, district superintendent of the Central District, oversaw the annual CCYM officer elections. The new officers for the 2024-2025 year are: Reese Herndon, Edmond FUMC,
Student Co-Chair; Emily Brown, OKC New Hope, Student Co-Chair in Training; Landon Aita, OKC New Hope, Chaplain; Fisher Terrell-Wilkes, OKC Lakeside, Secretary; Kiki McKinnon, Moore FUMC, Missions; Tommy Andermen, Kingfisher FUMC, Senior JYT; Aiden Hamilton, Acts 2, Junior JYT; Jocelyn Stephens, Moore FUMC, Senior YSF; and Madison Belase, Acts 2, Junior YSF.
Maddy Day of OKC New Hope will continue to serve as the Adult
Co-Chair of CCYM. A service of installation, led by Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase, Director of Connectional Ministries for the Oklahoma Conference, concluded the elections. Each officer received a journal, and their leadership abilities were prayed over, preparing them to plan mission events and LEAD Camp for the summer of 2025.
Students enjoyed lunch and fellowship, followed by games and activities. The event concluded with a
After presiding over communion, Bishop Laura Merrill posed for a group photo with all the youth present at the CCYM Summit. Photos by Maddy Day and Rebekah Hasty.
leadership training session led by Rev. Diandra Nelson from OKC New Hope. Rev. Nelson focused on what Scripture and the Book of Discipline say about leadership qualities.
The youth engaged with her on the topic, sharing the characteristics they believe define a good leader and discussing how they strive to live out these attributes in church and in their daily lives.
Finally, the youth were treated to a game with the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, where they shared in great fellowship and fun. The Oklahoma United Methodist Conference is blessed to have a strong youth delegation that cares deeply about the church and is dedicated to making it inclusive and loving. These young people are not just the future of the church; they are the church today.
FRONT ROW: Fisher Terrill-Wilkes, Landon Aita, Jocelyn Stephens, Madison Belase, and Aiden Hamilton. BACK ROW: Kiki McKinnon, Tommy Anderman, Reese Herndon, and Emily Brown. Photo by Alan Herndon.
The youth of CCYM enjoyed a game at the Oklahoma City Baseball Club at the conclusion of the group’s summit.
Fostering Unity in the Purple Church
BY REV. BETH M. CRISSMAN
“United Methodist churches remain some of the very few institutions in American society where people from different political persuasions can build deep and meaningful relationships with each other. In a polarized and often toxic political climate, UMC congregations are positioned to advance the ministry of Jesus by creating a beloved community that bridges political and theological divides.”
The
Purple Church
The above quote, published by the Religion and Social Change Lab of Duke Divinity School, is from a study that finds that United Methodist congregations in North Carolina are theologically and politically diverse, thus creating a “purple church” which reflects our deep diversity. As we gather each week, worshiping and serving side by side with each other, we are often sitting and serving “across the aisles” from siblings in Christ who think differently, and who may vote differently in the U.S. elections this November.
Considering other recent election years, and in the shadow of a prolonged season of deep divisions and loss within our own denomination, we might be tempted, as Christians, to remain silent, keeping our heads down as the most effective tactic of keeping the peace within our congregations. However, in his Sermon on the Mount, as Jesus was establishing the way of
the life on which his Kingdom would be established, he reminds us that a life of faithfulness and blessing comes with making peace, not simply keeping it, when he says: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NRSV).
‘May
we not love alike?’
During these contentious election cycles, we are bombarded with messages designed to drive us into separate “camps” (sometimes referred to as “parties”) defined by our differences of opinion. However, John Wesley reminds us that our differences should not divide us when he says “Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the children of God may unite, notwithstanding these smaller differences.”
Tools to bridge the divide
To equip us in our faithful witness as United Methodists, the Peace Building Ministries of the
Western North Carolina Conference has launched the Purple Church Initiative. This initiative includes a variety of engagement tools for clergy and laity to foster unity in our diversity, to bridge the political and theological divides in our churches and communities including a Polarity Management Workshop, opportunities for engaging in Faith and Politics forums, and encouragement to be a voting, peaceful presence at the polls.
One of the key components within the Initiative is a worship planning and study resource entitled “Conversations Across the Aisles.” This free downloadable resource includes weekly scripture readings, hymn suggestions and other liturgical resources for use in worship planning, Sunday School classes, or small group discussions. Conversation Across the Aisles is designed to be used by both clergy and laity in a variety of church and community settings and includes weekly thematic summary cards which can be printed as bulletin inserts or used as weekly social media posts.
“Conversation Across the Aisles” also culminates in a Peace on Purpose Pledge Cards which can be printed or posted digitally to encourage our personal commitment as individuals to be ambassadors of peace in our families, congregations, with coworkers, and in the public arena (including our use of social media platforms).
Now more than ever, our communities need to experience our faithful witness as peacemakers. As John Wesley encouraged the early
Methodists, we, too, can hold one another accountable to make peace, not just keep it, by working together to “be of one heart… not withstanding these differences.”
For more information and to access Conversations Across the Aisles and to learn more about the Purple Church Initiative, visit this link
Rev. Beth M Crissman is the Uwharrie District Superintendent and Director of Peace Building Ministries, Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Click the form below for a printable version. Your congregation or small group can take the Peace on Purpose Pledge encourage personal commitment as individuals to be ambassadors of peace in your families, congregations, with coworkers, and in the public arena (including the use of social media platforms).
First Oklahoman voted as national officer at Black Clergywomen event
Ja’lyn Betts is a native-born United Methodist, with generations on generations of family born into the denomination. She’s a lifelong member of Anadarko St. Paul UMC.
Recently, she attended the annual Black Clergywomen Gathering - her
first ever. As the youngest member of the Oklahoma chapter, she was excited to learn from other women in ministry.
The Group
She joined seven other women from the Oklahoma Conference, including Rev. Dr. Bessie Hamilton, Rev. Angela Fleming, and Rev. Stephanie Stephens.
Dr. Bessie Hamilton, Director of New Faith Communities and Multi-Ethnic Initiatives, shared, “This gathering creates a vital space for Black women clergy to connect, exchange experiences, and support one another in both their spiritual and professional journeys. It’s also a time of renewal and spiritual growth through worship, fellowship, and reflection— recharging women pastors for their ministries.”
The event, which was held July 29 through Aug. 2, in New Orleans, was the second in a row for the Oklahoma conference. Hamilton said, “We are deeply grateful to the Oklahoma Conference for their unwavering support, making it possible for BCW to attend for the second year in a row.” She continued, “This year, we had our largest group yet, with eight clergywomen from Oklahoma joining us.”
The News
Hamilton had great news to share. “We are excited to announce that Ja’lyn Betts, campus pastor at Langston University, was elected National Communications Chair of Black Clergywomen at the gathering - a tremendous honor!”
Betts was happy for the opportunity to network with other campus ministry directors at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), along with other pastors in other conferences. The theme of the event workshop schedule was in three parts - Dance, Operate, and Manifest. Betts particularly enjoyed Manifest, led by Rev. Towanda N.T. Connelly.
“It was all about meditating on
Ja’lyn Betts (LEFT) gets sworn into the office of Chair of Communications for Black Clergywomen by Bishop Dee Williamson. Submitted photos.
Other Leaders
She didn’t want to take all the glory, of course. “They honored Rev. Dr. Bessie Hamilton as the first Black woman to be a New Faith Communities chair.”
She also pointed out that the Black Clergywomen chapter in Oklahoma is presided over by chair Stephanie Stevens. “We do retreats and other events. It makes us better Christians, better leaders.”
Ja’lyn Betts previously served with ImpactOK2 and is working on her Master’s degree in industrial psychology.
what we’re called to do, and how we can live that out,” shared Betts. “We got to talk about what it means to be a Black woman in the United Methodist Church. That had the biggest impact on me.”
Of her election, Betts said it was a great honor. “I’m excited. I’ll be able to build network connections. I’ll do all the fun, young people tech jobs, like updating the website. I’ll communicate with all Black
Clergywomen about upcoming events.”
Being a hobbyist in graphic design, Betts is excited to put her design and communications skills to work for a great cause.
“It’s going to be a fun year,” she assured. Betts is the first Oklahoma United Methodist to hold a national office with Black Clergywomen.
The Oklahoma delegation represented with cute, colorful matching t-shirts.
Bishops Tracy Smith-Malone and Dee Williamson preside over communion at the Black Clergywomen Gathering.
Are you making the most of your Virgin Pulse benefits?
Virgin Pulse is an application available for your smart phone. As part of the benefit of OKUMC’s clergy and staff health care plan, this app offers an array of benefits, including physical and mental health wellness, plus financial perks.
HealthFlex is part of the health insurance benefit offered by OKUMC, and is integrated with the Virgin Pulse app.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Virgin Pulse and HealthFlex benefits.
Blueprint for Wellness
Screening for possible health concerns is an easy way to catch and prevent complications. This screening takes place with medical professionals - at a clinic or at a conference event. They check blood pressure, take measurements, and draw blood. Employees and spouses are covered, and are each eligible for a $100 annual financial incentive.
Health Check
With the health check, you simply respond to a survey about your lifestyle and habits, and then receive a confidential report about possible risk factors in your life. If you participate in HealthFlex, completing this survey can net an additional $150 in wellness credit.
Employee Assistance Program
HealthFlex offers employee assistance, with eight free counseling and support sessions per year for a variety of services. These include marital and personal counseling, substance abuse assistance, legal support, and more. Talkspace offers licensed therapists via text message or video chat.
Weight Watchers Discount
For less than half the usual rate, HealthFlex members can join Weight Watchers. This membership can help those who want to manage their weight - or just maintain a healthier lifestyle
- with support for healthy dietary and exercise choices. It is also effective for those dealing with diabetes or taking GLP-1 medication.
Health Coaching
Virgin Pulse offers health coaching with trained professionals including dietitians, psychologists, and exercise physiologists. The coaches are available to help with lifestyle management like reducing stress, quitting smoking, and eating healthy. They can also work with those facing health situations like pregnancy support, anxiety and depression, insomnia, digestive issues, and more. Participants can earn wellness points when they
Physical Activity Program
Keeping track of your steps is one of the most common ways most people have traditionally earned financial benefits through past health insurance programs. Simply put, logging steps through
CONTACT US TODAY TO PROVIDE FOR THE MINISTRIES OF YOUR CHURCH AND LASTING GOOD IN YOUR COMMUNITY
the use of a smart watch or by using an activity tracker provided by Virgin Pulse.
In addition to steps, you can earn points by tracking healthy habits, taking wellness journeys, or reading daily cards.
Chronic Disease Prevention
Omada Health is available to participants at risk of chronic disease, like diabetes.
From an interactive program to a wireless smart scale, to smallgroup weekly online sessions and a professional health coach, this program is a valuable benefit.
Earning Potential
Every step of the way, you have the potential to earn points, which will then be turned into money, with Virgin Pulse. This includes taking steps, hitting sleep goals, tracking habits,
taking advantage of all the programs listed above, and more. There is potential to earn up to $650 just for living your life!
The other valuable benefit of participating in Blueprint for Wellness and the Health Check is related to your insurance deductible. Those who don’t complete both tests will see a $250 increase in their deductible, so it really does pay to take part.
How to Take Advantage
If you’ve had Wellness Checks but have never used your benefit, you might be surprised by rewards sitting in your account.
Simply go to the website or download the Virgin Pulse app. If you have any questions while creating your account, reach out to Madison Amber at mamber@okumc.org.
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Feeding the Multitudes and Making a Difference
BY REV. SONJA TOBEY
Asbury United Methodist Church in Ada orders 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of food a month from the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank.
The food arrives on pallets in a semi-truck on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. They then begin the process of unpacking the pallets of food and preparing boxes of dry goods to be distributed the next day.
Their goal is to provide a selection of food as healthy and nutritionally balanced as possible. On the Thursday morning following delivery, the people of Asbury assemble boxes of frozen and refrigerated food to be given out with the boxes of dry goods.
They assemble boxes of dry foods and boxes of cold foods by an assembly line with many volunteers working to provide distribution to approximately 480 families a month.
With such a large operation, a lot of material handling and storage is necessary. Asbury purchased a walkin freezer and received a grant for a walk-in refrigerator last winter, but it did not come with proper food storage shelving.
Additionally, heating and cooling the Family Life Center and operating the walk-in freezer and refrigerator require quite a bit of electricity. To reduce utility costs and care for the earth, Asbury sought grants to help them in this ministry.
They have applied for and received a grant for $52,000 - $40,000 for a solar energy system, and $12,000 to put in shelving and other material handling equipment. The solar energy system will help sustain the food pantry and make more money available to purchase food by greatly reducing the amount of money spent on electricity.
Asbury UMC in Ada has a massive distribution program, working with Oklahoma Regional Food Bank to distribute over 30,000 pounds of food to 480 families each month. Submitted photos.
In addition to those receiving food, the Asbury Food Pantry also has a tremendous positive impact on the community.
The men in the Southern Oklahoma Addiction Recovery (SOAR) program work side by side with Asbury
members and volunteers from other churches. This provides impact in multiple ministries at the same time to create community and caring for those who live at or below poverty level.
Retired Clergy Retreat
How do you spell "RELIEF"? - How about a 24-hour retreat in beautiful Canyon Camp near Hinton OK with friends from across the Conference?
Time for visiting, resting, & relaxing. Friends, fun, campfire, singing, learning.
Cost per person is $123 for a single, or $76.50 for a double (lodge & 2 meals). Contact Brian Bakeman, registrar, at brian405@prodigy.net with questions.
JOIN US SEPT. 30 - OCT. 1
Thomas Hoffman will speak on two topics:
• The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
• Pilgrimage to Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) in Spain
Call to Action
Register for a Communities Impacting Poverty Workshop.
• Tulsa (University UMC) - 3-7 pm, Sunday, Sept. 22
• 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.