Contact January 2026

a publication for the OKUMC connection

be thou my vision

January 2026 • Volume 8, Number 1

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Communications Ministry Staff

Carlos Ramirez

Jena Barber

Andrew Himes

Director of Communications

Editor of Publications

Multimedia and Web Ministry

Publication Credits Cover photo and feature graphics: Deposit Photos & Jena Barber Stories and layout by Jena Barber (unless otherwise noted) If you have story ideas, please reach out!

Send them to Jena Barber at editor@okumc.org.

The Contact, a publication of the OKUMC Connection (USPS 954-500) is published monthly by The Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church, 1501 NW 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to “The Contact OKUMC”, 1501 NW 24th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73106.

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from the editor The shift from one year to the next rarely feels clean. More often, it’s like a journey across an Oklahoma road: filled with both beauty and — well, potholes.

This year arrived carrying both joy and loss. Over the holiday break, life at St. Stephen’s in Norman continued much as it does in many churches. Christmas Eve glowed with candlelight and familiar music. Later, we held a spiritual disciplines service with prayer stations and a labyrinth walk — quiet, embodied ways of listening. I signed up for some extra volunteer duties.

The days themselves held a mixture of things. We lost our dog, Stella, on Christmas Eve — a loss that rearranged our schedules and our emotions in ways we didn’t anticipate and certainly didn’t want. Anyone who has loved an animal knows they’re family. Her absence was deeply felt even as everything else continued moving forward. Grief has a way of doing that — showing up without invitation and making itself comfortable beside whatever else is already there.

There was joy, too. An unusually warm Oklahoma Christmas — nearly 80 degrees — sent us outside. We packed a picnic and met friends at the park. On blankets, we shared homemade Mediterranean dishes, conversation, and games. We laughed; we tried new recipes; we got very, very full. I experimented with mini chocolate meringue pies, made in cupcake tins so they could be carried by hand — at least in theory. They weren’t perfect, but they were yummy, which is all that matters.

We also attempted a home project — replacing the flooring in our upstairs hallway — before deciding we’d rather stay married than finish it during the break. Maybe this new year has brought us a tiny bit of wisdom.

In the midst of all this, we learned that our dear friend Virgil Rose had died unexpectedly on Christmas Day. Virgil was a pillar of the church and a beloved lay leader at the first congregation where my husband Jinx was appointed.

Virgil’s faith was steady, his kindness unmistakable. Seeing him each year at Annual Conference felt like a little bit of home. His absence still feels difficult to comprehend. Jinx traveled to Muskogee to celebrate his life with old friends.

So the year began not with clarity, but with complexity.

As I’ve been thinking about that transition from last year into this one, the hymn Be Thou My Vision seems very appropriate.

It isn’t a command or a declaration, but a quiet turning toward what matters most: the willingness to see clearly, even when the view includes both grief and gratitude.

Vision, after all, isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about attention — about choosing what we look toward when the path feels uncertain. As we said in my yoga teacher days, “Your energy flows where your attention goes.”

This year doesn’t begin with answers for me, but it does begin with intention. With a desire to move forward honestly, gently, and with care.

That will be enough.

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A Year Shaped by Song

by Jena Barber

T

his year’s Contacts are shaped around something deeply familiar to United Methodists: our hymns.

Each issue draws from a well-loved song of the church, using its language, theology and hope as a thread connecting worship ideas, leadership practices and stories from across the connection. These hymns have carried us through generations of joy and loss, certainty and change. We believe they still have something to teach us — especially now.

Behind the scenes, our team has been planning carefully and working hard on an editorial schedule designed with real churches in mind. Everything we’re offering is meant to be usable and adaptable — for clergy and lay leaders, for congregations large and small, and for those just beginning as well as those with years of experience. These pages are meant for preaching, teaching, organizing, praying and reimagining what faithfulness looks like right where you are.

We begin the year with January’s theme: Be Thou My Vision.

This hymn sets a prayerful tone for the months ahead, grounding leadership,

planning and ministry in discernment and shared purpose. Rather than rushing toward outcomes, it invites us to pause and ask deeper questions: What is guiding us? What are we aiming toward together?

In this issue, you’ll find stories and resources that center healthy leadership and the formation of new leaders, including a look at the Central Conference Theological Education Fund and how global theological education strengthens congregational vitality across contexts. We also explore the What If Love campaign and share practical insights from our laity leadership team.

To support congregations and ministry groups as they begin the year, we’re also introducing a visioning worksheet designed for use in churches, Sunday school classes, committees and ministry teams. It’s a practical tool for reflecting together, naming priorities and shaping a shared vision for the year ahead.

As the calendar turns and the work continues, our hope is that this year’s Contacts will serve you — not as abstract inspiration, but as companions in the daily, faithful work of leadership. May these familiar hymns offer both grounding and guidance for whatever lies ahead.

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Be Thou My Vision: Insight on a hymn

By Ginger Howl

B

e Thou My Vision is a prayer, written by an 8th century Irish monk. It continued to be a part of Irish monasticism, but unknown to the rest of the world, until the beginning of the 20th century. Then a woman translated the prayer into English, and another woman gave the English translation meter and verse so that it could be sung. In 1927 the verses were paired with an Irish folk song, SLANE, and first published in a hymnal. Today the hymn appears in 98 different hymnals.

day or by night, waking or sleeping thy presence my light.” “thou and thou only first in my heart…”

And, now that I am 85 years old, the third verse has new meaning: “Great God of heaven, my victory won, may I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.”

I noticed in my copy of the United Methodist Hymnal, that over an eight year period that I served a church that allowed me to select the hymns for each Sunday, we sang, Be Thou My Vision, 10 times. Singing a meaningful prayer to an Irish tune is a compelling combination. Any time we put words to a tune we can sing we are more likely to remember and repeat them. And, so it is for me with these words and this tune.

“Thou my best thought, by

Slane Castle, Ireland, associated with the Irish folk tune SLANE, now sung worldwide with the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.”

Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.

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Clarifying the Why How Vision Shapes Mission and Ministry

By Carlos Ramirez

H Year.

appy New Year, Oklahoma Annual Conference. I pray you had a blessed Christmas and a restful New

This first issue of Contact for 2026 is all about vision. Proverbs 29 is full of wise one-liners, such as, “When the righteous become numerous, the people rejoice, but

when the wicked dominate, the people moan” (Proverbs 29:2, CEB), and “The righteous know the rights of the poor, but the wicked don’t understand” (Proverbs 29:7, CEB). This chapter also includes the well-known verse: “When there’s no vision, the people get out of control” (Proverbs 29:18a, CEB).

Learning to Look Ahead I must confess that in my younger days, I

did not pay much attention to this insight.

I did my pastoral work and focused on the day-to-day life of the congregation, without giving much thought to long-term vision.

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called New Day began, and construction and expansion of the facilities were completed as part of the vision taking shape. God indeed blessed the work done there.

Vision in Different Contexts I carried those lessons with me into subsequent appointments. When I was first appointed to lead the Hispanic/Latino Ministry for our conference, our vision was clear: start new faith communities, revitalize existing churches and raise new leaders. During my years at Putnam City UMC, the vision centered Vision is clarified when leaders gather to listen, study and discern together. on servanthood. The Photos courtesy of Depositphotos. congregation chose to remain in a neighborhood undergoing A Season of Listening demographic change and committed to a That began to change under the faithful servant presence. At Southern Hills mentorship and leadership of the Rev. Dan UMC, our vision focused on empowering Peil at Elk City United Methodist Church. all people to fulfill God’s purpose in their I learned the importance — and richness lives.

— of having a clear vision for a congregation. That vision did not spring from Peil’s personal ideas or years of experience alone, nor was it imposed on the church. Instead, he gathered key leaders into a visioning team, and over the course of a year they worked together to discern God’s calling for the congregation.

It was only after that process that Wendi and I were called to serve as associates at Elk City. During that season, a new modern-style worship service

Leaders listen carefully to one another as vision takes shape through conversation and shared discernment.

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Naming the Vision Now, as head of the Communications Team, our vision is this: To cultivate a connected, hopeful and Spirit-led Oklahoma Annual Conference where every story we share strengthens the connection, deepens discipleship and reflects the transforming love of Christ.

Clarifying the Why Why is vision so important? Ideally, arriving at a vision means spending intentional time discerning God’s calling for a congregation or ministry. Vision pushes us to be specific about who we are. It helps us name our strengths and become more aware of our weaknesses.

A clear vision leads to a clear and concise message — one that supports preaching, communication and the focused work God is calling us to do.

Vision answers the why. Mission answers the how.

Dave Foster of Forbes defines vision this way: Vision looks forward to what an organization hopes to achieve in the distant future — the destination it is actively working toward but has not fully reached. Translated into our context, the questions become: Inspired by the Holy Spirit, what would your congregation, your community or even the world look like? How would the lives of those who come into contact with your church change?

Rebekah Simon-Peter, author of Creating a Culture of Renewal, says we “need to dream like Jesus.” Jesus’ dream was big and bold: the kingdom of God. What is the big dream God is placing in us so that the lives of our congregations and mission

fields might be transformed?

Beginning the Work If you have not already done so, I invite you to define — or revisit — your congregation’s vision, mission and core values. Here are some pointers that have served me well: • Engage in a discernment process with key leaders. Do not begin this work alone.

• Invite participants into a covenantal process where all voices, ideas and perspectives are heard.

• Create a short, easy-to-complete survey for the congregation. Ask questions such as: What excites you about our church? What do you tell friends and family about us? What is most important here? Provide a list of values — kindness, generosity, creativity, hope, respect — and ask people to select three.

• Talk with people outside the congregation, including community partners such as schools or service organizations, and ask similar questions.

• Develop draft options for vision, mission and core values based on what you hear.

• Refine them carefully.

• Share them widely. Make them visible.

Repeat them often.

I used to preach on these themes every January — one Sunday each on vision, mission and core values, concluding with a reaffirmation of the baptismal covenant.

At least once a year, offer a new-member class that introduces United Methodism alongside your congregation’s vision, mission and core values. Teach them as often as you can.

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A Shared Call to See Clearly In my experience, a clear vision strengthens evangelism. When we understand God’s calling, we can articulate it with confidence. Congregants find it easier to invite others when they know who we are and why we exist.

Communication becomes focused and intentional. New members understand what they are joining and what is expected of them.

This is why Scripture reminds us, “When there’s no vision, the people get out of control” (Proverbs 29:18a, CEB).

Vision matters — for our churches, our communities and our shared life of faith.

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A Vision for Theological Education A shared commitment to expanding access to theological education across the United Methodist connection.

Why investing in global theological education is essential to forming the leaders the church will need.

By Derrek Belase

W

hat if love ensured that students across the world could receive a theological education for leading the church of the future?

A Shared Call to Invest in Leadership This year’s special conference offering will be raised in conjunction with a denomination-wide, one-time appeal for the Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences. This effort seeks to ensure that students across the world have access to theological education as they prepare to lead the church of the future.

Resources for the campaign will be available April 12 through May 17, culminating in Miracle Sunday, when United Methodist congregations across the United States will receive a special

offering to support the endowment fund.

In addition, the offering at the 2026 Oklahoma Annual Conference will support this shared endeavor.

Preparing Leaders for the Church of the Future The United Methodist Church has weathered a global pandemic, navigated disaffiliation and responded with compassion amid conflict, war and disaster. Now, congregations are invited

Theological education takes shape through shared study and collaboration, preparing leaders to serve the church in diverse contexts. Photos courtesy of Depositphotos.

to embrace a renewed vision and engage in the mission of preparing 500 students annually for pastoral ministry around the world.

The Need Before Us A leadership gap persists in The United Methodist Church. In the United States, 71% of clergy hold a master’s degree in theology. Outside the U.S., fewer than 5% do. While U.S. seminaries benefit from significant denominational funding and often have healthy endowments, more than 20 theological schools in Africa, Europe and the Philippines receive limited support and have little or no endowment.

We can — and must — do better. By raising funds for the Endowment for Theological Education outside the United States, we aim to equip 500 additional graduates each year to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully and Lead Courageously.

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A Long-Term Commitment to Theological Education An endowment is like planting a tree: its roots grow deep, its branches spread wide and future generations enjoy its shade and fruit. The Endowment for Theological Education not only serves students today but also provides longterm financial support for the preparation of pastors whose leadership will nourish congregations for generations to come.

In 2014, the Council of Bishops recognized the challenge of providing and funding theological education beyond the United States and launched this endowment to address disparities within the United Methodist connection.

How the Endowment Works The Endowment for Theological Education outside the United States is a permanently invested fund composed of donations and gifts. The principal remains untouched, while investment returns are used to support theological education for generations of students.

Continue to the next page for a letter from Linda Brinkworth, the Oklahoma Conference Offering Coordinator.

A student takes notes during a time of study, reflecting the personal discipline and preparation required for pastoral leadership.

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A Letter from the Oklahoma Conference Offering Coordinator Greetings. and Happy New Year, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our Oklahoma Annual Conference has been invited to join a worldwide endeavor with 30,000 other congregations to address the theological needs of 500 ministry students.

This endeavor has been blessed by bishops worldwide, with our Bishop Laura Merrill, opening doors for a sustainable and reliable base of resources for theological students beyond our US borders.

You are included in a campaign that will begin April 12 and extend through Annual Conference this year. The endowment being created will open doors to educating Students, modeling generosity and uniting in a worldwide effort to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously. These three facets of ministry are intended to incorporate theological students from Africa, Europe and the Philippines.

The expense and preparation for ministry can be daunting and this emphasis in the countries with far less capacity and financial support than the United States, will make spreading God’s Word and serving communities around the world much more possible. In the coming weeks you will begin to hear about study materials for every church to use so that we not only contribute as the family of Christ, but we collaborate with other congregations learning from the same materials.

These efforts will lead to a Miracle Sunday of Contributions given by the faithful of Christ all around this United Methodist Family. Miracle Sunday will take place on May 17. Much more information will be coming to your churches throughout the year.

I hope your enthusiasm and curiosity has been piqued and that you will eagerly join this Conference partnership.

Blessings, One and All, in the name of Christ who has called and prepared each of us to lead in Christian servanthood, Rev. Linda L Brinkworth, Oklahoma Conference Chairperson

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Click here to learn more about the Endowment Fund for Theological Education in the Central Conferences.

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Saying Yes to Calling, Community, and Connection

How laity across Oklahoma are stepping into new roles of service and renewal

By Kristin Harlin

“

New Year, New You” seems to be the trend every January as we make resolutions and as influencers try to sell the latest quick fix. But what if, instead of chasing a brand-new version of ourselves, we dug a little deeper? What if we were content with who we are now, but also focused on becoming a better us?

Saying Yes to What’s Next Across our annual conference, there are so many incredible laity stepping up, saying yes to new roles and even finding new ways to serve. They are leaning into their spiritual gifts and working connectionally to make meaningful things happen. I get to see this firsthand in my role as the OKUMC

director of Lay Servant Ministries. Laity are stepping boldly into their call to ministry.

We have listened to our Five Dreams, and we are prayerfully ready to see what the Holy Spirit is inviting us to in 2026.

Building Momentum Through Training In 2025, the Lay Speaker Boot Camp was a true success, with 22 new certified lay speakers — bringing our conferencewide total to 30. Building on that momentum, all districts will be teaching classes to create an ongoing Lay Speaker Boot Camp across our annual conference, offering all required classes over the course of a calendar year.

More details will be coming in February.

Partnering in Ministry We know we are each called to serve in different ways. A culture of clergy and laity partnering together to “form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections” is alive and well in Oklahoma.

In that same spirit, we will be rolling out a Basic/Methodism 101 Lay Servant Ministries class that celebrates this partnership and our rich Wesleyan A Faith takes shape as people choose to step forward together. heritage. Our pilot will take place Photos courtesy of Depositphotos.

Jan. 31, 2026, at Beggs UMC, where we will integrate OKUMC Methodism 101 videos with the Basic Lay Servant Ministries class to help laity discern how they are called to live out their baptism.

And yes — laity and clergy are partnering together to make this a very powerful experience for everyone involved.

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Curriculum has been developed so you can do an eight-week study of the Basic/ Much of lay leadership takes shape through everyday Methodism 101 course in your local church. acts of preparation and service.

Contact your district director or me for pastor, an ADHD-wired layperson, and an more information. organized administrator — spanning Gen Expanding Paths for Lay Leadership X and Millennials — get together? You get Also ahead in 2026, we are excited to Reset Retreat. launch a Certified Lay Minister program This adults-only retreat is designed for here in our annual conference. Leaders rest, connection, and renewal. As much as from the Cabinet (and extended), the we love our children and grandchildren, Board of Ordained Ministry, the Board of Laity, and Lay Servant Ministries have come this is a space to pause and breathe. together to create a thoughtful, supportive Spouses are welcome (and loved!), and we’ll be sleeping camp-style — just like process for those who feel called to this the good old days. Think s’mores and form of ministry. campfires, inspiring conversations, basket Both the educational component and the weaving, Holy Ghost stories, games, certification process will roll out together, worship, and plenty of time to reconnect making the process more streamlined. with God and one another.

More information will be shared closer to And yes — Rev. Dr. Derrek Belase has Annual Conference in May. written a study and will be presenting Making Space for Rest and Renewal during the retreat. Be on the lookout Of course, Lay Servant Ministries and for more information online and in The serving in our churches are vital — but Contact. when was the last time you truly took A Connected Way Forward a break and reset? A small group of us As we move into 2026, be yourself — but started talking about this and noticed something interesting. We have wonderful be connected. Love boldly. Serve joyfully.

Lead by following the Holy Spirit. Take retreats, trips, and camps for children, time for you. Take time to build meaningful youth, young adults, women’s groups, men’s groups, and retirees. But what about relationships. When you do, you’ll not only be a better version of yourself — you’ll those of us who are just … adults? Living have a great group of humans to do this life right in the middle? life thing with.

Introducing Reset Retreat So what happens when a detail-oriented

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Vision 2026

District Plans for the Year Ahead North Central District • Continuing a focus on strengthening north central Oklahoma communities by supporting and resourcing United Methodist churches and clergy.

• Awarding quarterly North Central District grants, funded by Legacy Funds, to support missional and outreach initiatives in local churches.

• Assisting clergy and church staff with spiritual renewal and emotional health by offsetting the cost of related sessions.

• Embracing the Conference’s Five Dreams with a commitment to fostering a healthier Oklahoma — mind, body and soul — through the work of the church.

• Offering Leadership Training Workshops: • Jan. 17 at Enid First UMC • Jan. 31 at Lost Creek UMC Trainings will include resources for mission and outreach, stewardship, Lay Servant Ministries and church committee leadership.

Central District • Building stronger community among churches in close proximity, encouraging congregations to lean on one another for support in ministry growth and outreach.

• Deepening engagement with surrounding communities and strengthening connections to local missions and service opportunities.

• Hosting district gatherings and meetings, including: • District Leadership Workshop, Jan. 31, 9 a.m.–noon • District Gathering, Aug. 8, 8 a.m.–noon (date subject to change) • NSO meeting for pastors and church leaders to hear from NSO leadership

•

and explore ways to better serve the community Central District Pastors Luncheon

West District • Emphasizing spiritual formation and growth across the district.

• Providing all pastors with a copy of Eugene Peterson’s Practice Resurrection as a shared resource for reflection and renewal.

• Developing a district laity board under the leadership of District Lay Leader Jo Ann Pierce.

• Hosting District Conferences and Local Church Leader Workshops on: • Jan. 17 at Duncan St. Paul’s • Jan. 31 at Mooreland First UMC • Offering Lay Servant Ministries training in March at Altus Grace UMC. Southeast District • Supporting the work of the Southeast District Vision Team as it articulates a unifying district vision centered on the shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ.

• Seeking increased participation by laity from all churches in district and conference life.

• Continuing discernment toward a clear, shared mission focus for the district.

• Hosting major gatherings, including: • District Leadership Training on Jan. 17 (Pauls Valley) and Jan. 31 (Poteau) • Lay Servant Training on March 7 in Holdenville, “Living Our United Methodist Beliefs” • Ubuntu International Festival, April 25, 4–6 p.m., in Ada

Northeast District We’re on a Mission … a Mission from God The Northeast District is focused on going out in mission together in 2026, with multiple Volunteer in Mission opportunities planned throughout the year, including: • Feb. 21 — VIM Team Leader Training • April 12–19 — Lydia Patterson Institute VIM • June 21–26 — Youth Force Tulsa • Oct. 4–9 — Sager Brown VIM • Local and statewide mission opportunities throughout the year We Are Family The Northeast District continues to emphasize connection and shared ministry as one church with many locations. This includes: • Expanding connectional support for bookkeeping and strategic planning • An all-district picnic in the spring

• •

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Youth and young adult gatherings in the spring Strong Lay Servant Ministries training opportunities, including: • Jan. 31 — Basic • April 11 — Basic, Prayer and Social Principles • An additional Lay Servant opportunity planned for the fall

Gotta Be Starting Something …

The district is investing in new and revitalized ministries to reach new people, including: • Four new faith communities actively growing across the district • Revitalization initiatives such as virtual Bible studies and innovative property development • Continued growth of the Cooperative Parish in Tulsa (Parish NET), with exploration of similar collaborative efforts

Epworth Villa: Where Faith and Community Flourish We offer many opportunities for spiritual growth through worship, enrichment, and community: • Vibrant Spiritual Life, diverse worship services, study groups, and prayer opportunities.

• Meaningful Connections, mission and service projects that connect you to the wider community.

• Ecumenical and Inclusive, all faiths and denominations welcome.

• Compassionate Pastoral Care, dedicated chaplains and staff.

• Enriching Experiences that deepen your faith.

“We are grateful and glad.”

Pastor Laura Glover Epworth Villa Sr. Chaplain

Nurture Your Faith at Epworth Villa

Contact us today to inquire about our special discounts for clergy and their spouses.

14901 N. Pennsylvania Ave. | Oklahoma City, OK 73134 | (405) 753-9295 | EpworthVilla.org |

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CANDIDACY SUMMIT A time for discerning and certified candidates to spend time exploring their call, alongside other candidates and leaders in our Annual Conference

NEW CANDIDATES JAN. 23, 1:00-5:30PM ALL CANDIDATES & LOCAL PASTORS JAN. 24, 8:30AM-5:00PM OKUMC CONFERENCE CENTER 1501 NW 24TH ST., OKC

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Be Thou My Vision

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Visioning Worksheet Leader Guide Purpose of this practice This reflection is designed to help individuals or groups begin the year by noticing where life and God’s activity are already present — before moving toward plans or goals.

It is not a strategic planning tool.

It is a practice of attention.

Participants are invited to reflect honestly, without pressure to produce answers, outcomes, or next steps beyond what feels faithful and possible.

How this practice works • The worksheet moves this way: noticing → naming → listening → responding • Each section builds on the last • Silence, pauses, and unfinished thoughts are not problems to solve Participants may complete the worksheet: • Individually and privately • Individually with optional sharing • In small groups or ministry teams • As part of a retreat or meeting opening There is no required format.

A note on vision In this practice, vision is not treated as prediction or certainty.

Vision is understood as: • Paying attention to where energy and life already exist • Naming what feels absent without assigning blame • Listening for God’s invitation rather than generating our own agenda The goal is clarity, not completion.

What leaders may want to say up front You may find it helpful to name one or more of these expectations aloud: • There are no right or wrong responses.

• • • •

Participants may write as much or as little as they wish.

Sharing is optional.

This is not an evaluation of past success or failure.

The worksheet is meant to open space, not close it.

Using this with groups If using the worksheet in a group setting, consider: • Allowing participants to write privately before any conversation • Inviting sharing by asking open questions such as: ◊ “Would anyone like to share something they noticed?” ◊ “What surprised you as you reflected?”

• Letting insights stand without discussion or problem-solving Resist the urge to turn responses into immediate action items.

What comes next This practice can stand alone, or it can serve as a beginning for: • Future conversations • Discernment processes • Strategic or ministry planning at a later time If used as a starting point, leaders may wish to return to the one-sentence vision named on the worksheet in future gatherings.

Final reminder for leaders This practice trusts that: • God is already at work • Participants bring wisdom with them • Vision emerges over time Your role is not to steer the answers, but to hold the space.

Print the following pages or use as a discussion guide.

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Be Thou My Vision a beginning-of-the-year reflection

Vision begins with paying attention. There are no right answers. Write what comes.

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all else to me, save that thou art.

Where Life Is Present Where do you notice life, energy, or joy right now?

Where do you feel most yourself these days?

What Feels Absent

(Naming absence is not the same as assigning blame.)

What feels unfinished, missing, or out of reach?

Who is not present - but might be?

Listening for Invitation What keeps returning to your attention?

What breaks your heart when you look at your community or the world?

Where might God already be at work - without your help?

Putting Vision Into Words

OKUMC CONTACT | 21 (Not a plan. Not a strategy. Just a sentence.)

In one sentence, name the future you feel drawn toward.

If this vision were beginning to take shape, what would feel different?

One Faithful Step What is one small step you could take in the next few months?

What might need to be released to make space for it?

Who might walk alongside you?

Closing Reflection (As you move into the year ahead:) What gives you hope?

Where do you need to trust more deeply?

As a group, listen for what is emerging across your individual reflections.

Pay attention to recurring words, images, or concerns rather than specific proposals.

Vision often becomes clearer when it is named together and revisited over time.

Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

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