The Contact 9-18-24

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Weekly

Volume 6, Number 38 • September 18, 2024 • www.okumc.org

Oklahoma Youth Hold CCYM Summit, Elect Officers 2 Fostering Unity in the Purple Church 4

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

Are you making the most of your Virgin Pulse benefits? 8

Save the Date Employment Passages Appointments

First Oklahoman voted as national officer at Black Clergywomen event 6

Page 2

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

Oklahoma Youth Hold CCYM Summit, Elect Officers

BY REBEKAH HASTY

S

aturday, 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, 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 reminding the youth that they never Hasty. have to walk alone. Her words deeply resonated with the youth, Student Co-Chair; Emily Brown, Co-Chair of CCYM. A service of aligning with where they are in their OKC New Hope, Student Co-Chair installation, led by Rev. Dr. Derrek lives and current experiences. After in Training; Landon Aita, OKC New Belase, Director of Connectional sharing in communion, which was Hope, Chaplain; Fisher Terrell-Wilkes, Ministries for the Oklahoma presided over by Bishop Merrill, she OKC Lakeside, Secretary; Kiki Conference, concluded the elections. posed for a group picture with all the McKinnon, Moore FUMC, Missions; Each officer received a journal, and youth.

Tommy Andermen, Kingfisher FUMC, their leadership abilities were prayed Following worship, Rev. Dr. James Senior JYT; Aiden Hamilton, Acts 2, over, preparing them to plan mission Kim, district superintendent of the Junior JYT; Jocelyn Stephens, Moore events and LEAD Camp for the Central District, oversaw the annual FUMC, Senior YSF; and Madison summer of 2025.

CCYM officer elections. The new Belase, Acts 2, Junior YSF. Students enjoyed lunch and officers for the 2024-2025 year are: Maddy Day of OKC New Hope fellowship, followed by games and Reese Herndon, Edmond FUMC, will continue to serve as the Adult activities. The event concluded with a Director of Communications: Carlos Ramirez Multimedia & Web Manager: Andrew Himes Editor of Publications: Jena Barber Communications Specialist: Tabitha Beckman 1501 NW 24th, Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Send news to editor@okumc.org.

Submission deadline: Each Monday.

Next publication date: Sept.25.

Stories and photos by the editor unless otherwise noted.

Cover art and graphics by depositphotos.com.

Subscribe online at www.okumc.org.

Page 3

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

The youth of CCYM enjoyed a game at the Oklahoma City Baseball Club at the conclusion of the group’s summit.

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 FRONT ROW: Fisher Terrill-Wilkes, Landon Aita, Jocelyn Stephens, Madison people are not just the future of the Belase, and Aiden Hamilton. BACK ROW: Kiki McKinnon, Tommy Anderman, church; they are the church today.

Reese Herndon, and Emily Brown. Photo by Alan Herndon.

Page 4

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

Fostering Unity in the Purple Church

September 18, 2024

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.

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 Considering other recent election opinion? Without all doubt, we may. years, and in the shadow of a Herein all the children of God may prolonged season of deep divisions and loss within our own denomination, unite, notwithstanding these smaller we might be tempted, as Christians, to differences.” remain silent, keeping our heads down Tools to bridge the divide as the most effective tactic of keeping To equip us in our faithful the peace within our congregations. witness as United Methodists, the However, in his Sermon on the Mount, Peace Building Ministries of the as Jesus was establishing the way of

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.

Page 5

“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

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

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.

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.”

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).

Page 6

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

First Oklahoman voted as national officer at Black Clergywomen event

J

a’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 Ja’lyn Betts (LEFT) gets sworn into the office of Chair of Communications for Black Clergywomen by pastors for their Bishop Dee Williamson. Submitted photos. 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

Page 7

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

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.

The Oklahoma delegation represented with cute, colorful matching t-shirts.

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.

Bishops Tracy Smith-Malone and Dee Williamson preside over communion at the Black Clergywomen Gathering.

Page 8

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

Are you making the most of your Virgin Pulse benefits?

V

irgin 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.

- 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 Weight Watchers Discount Keeping track of your steps is one For less than half the usual rate, of the most common ways most people HealthFlex members can join Weight have traditionally earned financial Watchers. This membership can help benefits through past health insurance those who want to manage their weight programs.

- or just maintain a healthier lifestyle Simply put, logging steps through

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

•

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

Page 9

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

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,

September 18, 2024

depositphotos.com

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 The other valuable benefit of participating in Blueprint for Wellness download the Virgin Pulse app. If you and the Health Check is related to your have any questions while creating your insurance deductible. Those who don’t account, reach out to Madison Amber at mamber@okumc.org. complete both tests will see a $250 increase in their deductible, so it really does pay to take part. taking advantage of all the programs listed above, and more. There is potential to earn up to $650 just for living your life!

EXPERIENCE LIFE AT ITS FINEST, EVERY DAY. 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.

14901 N. Pennsylvania Avenue | Oklahoma City, OK 73134 | (405) 225-3038 |

Page 10

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

Feeding the Multitudes and Making a Difference

BY REV. SONJA TOBEY

A

sbury 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 Asbury UMC in Ada has a massive distribution program, working with Oklahoma Regional Food on electricity.

Bank to distribute over 30,000 pounds of food to In addition to those 480 families each month. Submitted photos. receiving food, the Asbury Food Pantry also members and volunteers from other has a tremendous positive impact on churches. This provides impact in the community. multiple ministries at the same time to The men in the Southern Oklahoma create community and caring for those Addiction Recovery (SOAR) program who live at or below poverty level. work side by side with Asbury

Page 11

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

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

Page 12

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

September 18, 2024

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.