OKUMC Contact December 2023

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We have given permission for many churches and clergy to leave; now it is important that we give permission to our clergy and churches to lead.

- Bishop Jimmy Nunn

In this issue:

Two Oklahoma UMCs awarded grants for Testimony HQ initiative 2 January Called Conference to consider fewer districts 3 Youth rally draws together in the midst of divisions 4 UM scholarships open Dec. 15 4 Dare to Shift Summit challenges OKUMC leaders to dream big 6 Holiday Recipes 7 Just in time for Christmas 10 Ministry in a Minute 11

Save the Date Employment Passages

THE OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST

Volume 5, Number 12 • December 13, 2023 www.okumc.org

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

Two Oklahoma UMCs awarded grants for Testimony HQ initiative • The Way, The Truth, and The Life Christian Church, Dallas These 11 congregations were selected from applications DALLAS (SMU) – The Lilly submitted from churches within a Endowment-funded initiative 350-mile radius of Dallas. at Perkins School of Theology, “We carefully studied every “Testimony HQ,” has selected church’s application and were 11 congregations for the third inspired by the stories of resilience and final cohort of developing thriving congregations through the and creativity in many ministry practice of testimony as community contexts,” said Rev. Dr. Edgar Bazan, Testimony HQ Advisory engagement.

Board Member and Senior Pastor, The cohort includes: New World United Methodist • Ceili Community United Church, in Garland, Texas.

Methodist Church, Oklahoma The cohort congregations will City, Okla.

• First Christian Church, Aransas each receive up to $5,000 in grant funding to support their Testimony Pass, Texas • First Rowlett United Methodist HQ work from January through December 2024.

Church, Rowlett, Texas NEWS RELEASE

• First United Methodist Church, Lubbock, Texas • First United Methodist Church, Searcy, Ark. • Iglesia Cristiana Bethel, Garland, Texas • Market Street United Methodist Church, Eustace, Texas • New Light United Methodist Church, Lawton, Okla.

• St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Houston • The Springs Church of Christ, Edmond, Okla.

About the Testimony HQ Initiative SMU is one of 92 organizations funded through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative.

The aim of the initiative is to strengthen Christian congregations so they can help people deepen their relationships with God, build strong relationships with each other and contribute to the flourishing of local communities and the world. The grants will support

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

Stories by the editor unless otherwise noted.

organizations as they work directly with congregations and help them gain clarity about their values and missions; explore and understand better the communities in which they serve; and draw upon their theological traditions as they adapt ministries to meet changing needs.

Over the five-year course of the grant, the Testimony HQ program will help 27 congregations master how to utilize testimony as community engagement; lead each cohort congregation in four concentric circles of learning communities; and establish the grant website (testimonyhq.com) as the vehicle for sharing resources, such as podcasts, webinars, downloadable resources and written materials.

Rev. Dr. Priscilla Pope-Levison, Research Professor of Practical Theology, and Bart Patton Director of the Office of External Programs, are the co-principal investigators on the grant. This is the second Lilly Endowment grant awarded to SMU to fund the work of Patton and Pope-Levison; the first was a $1 million grant awarded in 2018 to strengthen congregational ministries with youth.

Send news to editor@okumc.org.

Submission deadline: Dec. 30.

Next publication date: Jan. 3.

Subscribe online at www.okumc.org.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

January Called Conference to consider fewer districts With 139 fewer churches following the 2023 spate of closures and disaffiliations, the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church is in a position to make some decisions that are challenging but fiscally responsible.

Currently, eight districts serve the conference, with seven district superintendents and six district administrators. With the changes to the number of churches, the cabinet determined that the conference “would benefit from restructuring to right-size the conference in

a number of ways, including districts,” said Rev. Derrek Belase at a recent meeting at the OKUMC Ministry Center in Oklahoma City.

“With fewer churches now, as well as a great desire to refocus our mission to make disciples of Jesus in as many places and life circumstances as possible, it’s simply missionally and fiscally responsible to right-size our districts and administrative leadership,” added Rev. Tish Malloy.

The called conference, which is scheduled for 10 a.m., January 6, via Zoom, is simply to determine

the number of districts that will comprise the Oklahoma conference beginning in 2024. District boundaries will be determined by the cabinet, per discipline.

Registration is available through December 26 here.

Questions may be emailed to ac2023@okumc.org.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

Youth rally draws together in the midst of divisions

BY MICHAELA DRAIN

In the wake of many churches finding their way to separate, the Wichitas District Youth found a way to draw closer together. The inaugural Wichitas District Youth Rally on November 4, radiated hope and connection to all who came.

District Youth Coordinators John Hiller and Michaela Drain aimed to empower the young faithful to participate more in District and Conference events. They wanted to encourage students by creating spaces where students could easily build those cross-district friendships more easily like being at a minichurch camp throughout the year.

This first Wichitas District Youth Rally set a high bar of collaboration amongst church adult and youth leaders. The host church, Centenary United Methodist Church, came

out in full force to cook, serve, and sing for the students and their leaders. Student leaders also stepped up by praying during the worship service and taking the initiative to make friends from other churches. Corey Shirey, the SWOSU Wesley Director, shared a message about the Students worship together at the Wichitas importance of doing District youth rally. Photo by John Hiller. our best to love others despite our differences.

With all of that love and of youth groups across the Wichitas support this event went off without District. The other rallies may be a hitch. worship events but there was also Students and their leaders from overheard talks of a game night across the district were able to and maybe a cornhole tournament. gather together to eat, play, games, Whatever they plan to do, it sounds and worship. This rally serves as like exciting things are happening the beginning of many more rallies with the combined efforts of the that reaffirm the connectionalism Wichitas District Youth.

UM scholarships open Dec. 15 Speaking of youth and young adults, those who are heading for college should be interested in the following news.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry offers scholarships to students pursuing both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Applications open December 15.

United Methodist students are awarded $5.5 million each year from the organization. Scholarship and financial aid options include general, ministry, and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) scholarships.

To learn more or to apply, click here.

The UM Higher Education

Foundation depositphotos.com also offers scholarships through Dollars for Scholars, along with general and special scholarships.

Click here to find out more or to apply. Applications open January 1.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

Safer Sanctuaries require the whole congregation vigilant is what makes the difference in protecting those who are vulnerable.

Recently three In the Oklahoma United representatives from Methodist Conference, we the Oklahoma United have taken steps to better Methodist Conference protect our children and office attended Train-thevulnerable adults by using Trainer: Safer Sanctuaries, a training and background in Kansas City, Missouri. check platform called Nancy Hamilton, Wanda Ministry Safe. The training Clark, and I focused on portion is available to the vital importance of all local churches free of Safe Sanctuaries for our charge, plus the fee of a local churches, camps, Level Three background Wanda Clark, Rebekah Hasty, and Nancy Hamilton and missions. brought insight from leaders in Safe Sanctuaries. check.

During the threeHowever, this is only the day event, Rev. Dr. first step in ensuring our Kevin Johnson, a few leaders and volunteers. local churches are safe for Director, Children’s Ministries “Create a network of champions our most vulnerable congregants. for Congregational Vitality & to help create the Safe Sanctuaries The team’s most important Intentional Discipleship and Kelly policies and procedures in your take away from the training is that Peterson, executive director and congregation. This is a communal “Everyone must do Everything CEO of Camp Fire Heart of Iowa effort and should be done in possible to keep Everyone Safe!” with years of experience with community,” instructed Johnson.

Keeping our churches safe is not a the California-Nevada Annual “Never forget that the people in once a year training, but an ongoing Conference and the Division of your community are your greatest process to ensure all those who Young People’s Ministries, shared resource in reducing the risk of walk in our doors are in a safe their wealth of knowledge and abuse.” environment where they can freely insight over decades of working It is imperative to have an encounter the love of Jesus Christ. with safe sanctuaries in multiple up to date safe sanctuary policy settings. along with procedures that include The training focus was on a in depth volunteer screening, new publication, Safe Sanctuaries: background checks, and annual Nurturing Trust within Faith trainings. Every adult should be Communities. This in-depth training trained to become a champion for and educational guide focus on a each child, youth, and vulnerable more congregational holistic take adult within the ministry. It is on safe sanctuaries, where it is more necessary to learn the signs of abuse an organic focus of a church or and grooming. Staying up to date on organization, rather than reliance on trainings and remaining focused and

BY REBEKAH HASTY

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

Dare to Shift Summit challenges OKUMC leaders to dream big The disciples had been fishing all night and had caught nothing.

When Jesus appears to them after his resurrection, he said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

This shift to right side thinking action is the basis for a new book by Michael Bowie and Stephen Handy called Dare to Shift: Challenging Leaders to a New Way of Thinking.

And challenging leaders is what Rev. Dr. Bowie did when he facilitated a day long leadership summit held on November 13 at McFarlin UMC in Norman.

The day brought together conference staff, district superintendents and lay leaders, members of the General Conference delegation, new church planters, conference committee chairs, representatives of the clergy Orders and Fellowship group and ImpactOK2 residents as well as members of the conference Ethnic Local Church Concerns Ministry Team.

“The first disruption to change the world wasn’t COVID-19. It was the death and resurrection of Jesus,” said Bowie. “To this we have two choices: react and complain or respond and praise. The good days are ahead of us!”

In addition to biblical and theological underpinnings, Bowie taught on the fixed growth mindset versus a growth mindset as well as science around brain development and decision making.

Permission to lead in new and innovative ways was the theme of the day. Participants were encouraged to share ideas around the tables and to be honest about the hurt and hope they were feeling.

“We have given permission for many churches and clergy to leave;

Rev. Dr. Michael Bowie, co-author of Dare to Shift: Challenging Leaders to a New Way of Thinking, facilitated a leadership summit at McFarlin UMC in Norman. Leaders were also inspired by the Quayle music team. Photos by Derrek Belase.

now it is important that we give permission to our clergy and churches to lead,” reflected Bishop Nunn following the event.

For the weeks preceding the Summit, participants were invited to intentionally prepare for the event by reading a chapter of Dare to Shift, viewing an episode of “Shattering the Stained Glass Window” series and listening to a leadership-related podcast. Finally, participants were asked to pray for a particular group of people in our conference.

Rev. Tish Malloy, director of Transitional Ministry, commented about this process. “I appreciated taking time each week to read a chapter and watch and listen to a related video and podcast. And finally, taking time to pray for specific leaders and circumstances reminded me of how important lifting one another to God really is,” she said.

Those attending were asked to share dreams and ideas for which money

was no object. There were over 200 ideas presented and later grouped into various categories. Table groups will be asked to gather again over the next 90 days to think about prioritization and implementation of the dreams gathered that day.

Because the event was held on a Monday, leaders had worked in advance with youth from around the state to produce a video about their hopes and dreams for a conference future where thinking has shifted.

The day ended with a presentation from conference leadership regarding the proposed redistricting which will be voted on at a special conference session on January 6, 2024.

“I am hopeful that feelings of anger and resentment fade away and open the door to a future of hopeful ministry. We must move out of confusion into hope.

We are creating a new passion for ministry that will serve us well in the future,” said Bishop Nunn.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

Holiday Recipes

Conference staff share some of their favorite family recipes GREEN SALAD from Wanda Clark “I think we all have a version of this 1 cup miniature marshmallows (or however many your heart desires) “salad” that we grew up thinking 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or any is a family recipe. I thought mine nuts, but it is not ours without was the invention of my greatTASTY PUMPKIN MUFFINS grandmother’s until high school. No pecans) Quick & easy! from Jan Polson matter where the recipe came from 1 container Cool Whip, thawed it is still one that we have at all Mix everything besides the Cool family holidays to this day.”

1 can pumpkin puree Whip together until combined.

1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Make sure to include the pineapple 1 pack pistachio Jell-O instant (or Spice) cake mix juice!

Hershey’s cream cheese chips (you pudding mix Fold the Cool Whip in and keep 20 oz can crushed pineapple (with decide how many) refrigerated until you are ready to juice, do not drain) serve!

Mix pumpkin into dry cake mix.

Add cream cheese chips and stir.

CHRISTMAS MORNING Scoop into muffin tins. Bake at 400 BREAKFAST CASSEROLE degrees for 18-20 minutes. from Jena Barber “Years ago, my neighbors brought this TRYON PALACE GINGER COOKIES when my daughter was sick, and I fell from Diane Lippitt in love. Over the years, we’ve added 2/3 cup vegetable oil Sift together flour, soda, salt, scrambled eggs, doubled the recipe, and 1 1/4 cups sugar, divided ginger, and cinnamon in a more.”

1 egg medium mixing bowl; gradually 1/4 cup molasses add to creamed mixture, stirring 1 pkg. crescent rolls 2 cups all-purpose flour well after each addition.

8 oz. block cream cheese, cubed and 2 teaspoons baking soda Place remaining sugar in a small softened 1/2 teaspoon salt mixing bowl; drop dough by 8 oz. breakfast sausage 1 teaspoon ground ginger teaspoonfuls into sugar, rolling 3/4 cup sharp cheddar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to coat well.

1/2 bunch green onions Place balls 3 inches apart on Combine oil and 1 cup sugar lightly greased cookie sheets.

Fry sausage into crumbles and set aside in a large mixing bowl; beat at Bake at 350 for 8 to 10 minutes. too cool a bit. In a greased 8-inch square medium speed of an electric (Cookies will flatten and baking dish, lay out 1/2 sheet of crescent mixer until well blended. Add crinkle.) Cool slightly on cookie rolls. Add sausage crumbles, then layer on egg, and beat well. Gradually sheets. Remove from cookie cream cheese, cheddar, and green onions. stir in molasses. sheets, and cool completely on Top with other half of the crescent rolls. wire racks.

Bake using crescent roll directions.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

CRANBERRY SALSA

THE FAMILY CHEESEBALL from Jena Barber

“This is an appetizer dip that cilantro, green onions, jalapeño, I have used over the years at lime juice, and salt in the bowl Christmas time. It is different and of a food processor fitted with a I always get lots of fun reactions medium blade; process to medium from it.” - Lori consistency.

“Some of my family’s holiday From Wanda: I like mine fairly staples came from ideas that we fine. Chill in the fridge for a couple tried off of Pinterest. We were of hours (preferably overnight) never big cranberry sauce eaters, to allow the salsa to macerate. but my cousin introduced this as an Serve over cream cheese and with alternative to traditional cranberry crackers. sauce (of course, from Pinterest!).” This makes enough to cover two - Wanda blocks of cream cheese. Some people prefer to spread the cream 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries cheese on a serving dish with the ¾ cup white sugar salsa on top. I prefer to just pour it 1 bunch cilantro, chopped on top of a block of cream cheese.

1 bunch green onions, cut into 3 Depending on how tart your inch lengths cranberries are you may want to 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded add more sugar. This last batch I and minced added a total of 1 cup of sugar.

2 medium limes, juiced Note: You will want to serve this 1 pinch salt with crackers! We typically use Combine cranberries, sugar, Wheat Thins and Ritz.

“My aunt Karen brought this to our house in the 1980s (so you know it’s bad for you but oh so yummy).

It has been a tradition for the holidays ever since. It also looks a bit festive!”

from Lori Foster & Wanda Clark

depositphotos.com

from Diane Lippitt

3 oz. package of strawberry Jello 1 package unflavored gelatin 1 large can pears 1 1/2 cups pear juice (from can) 1 cup cold water 8 oz. package cream cheese 2 cups Cool Whip

8 oz. block of cream cheese, cubed and softened 1/2 jar of dried beef, cut into small pieces (approx 1 cm square) 1/2 bunch green onions, diced 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Pinch garlic powder Add green onions and beef to a medium mixing bowl. Drop cream cheese cubes in and fold together with a wooden spoon. Add Worcestershire and garlic powder and stir until well mixed.

Turn out onto cling wrap. Using the cling wrap, shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Place into a cute serving bowl or tray and serve with crackers. This recipe easily doubles by adding another block of cream cheese and using up the rest of the other ingredients.

Note: The garlic powder makes the texture easier to mix. I’m no scientist, but there has to be some alchemy to it. I use my kitchen scissors to cut the onions and dried beef.

PEAR SALAD, AKA Pink Stuff Combine powdered Jello and gelatin. Heat pear juice and add to Jello, stirring to dissolve. Add cold water. Cool until thickened slightly.

Put pears into blender and blend. Add Jello mixture. Cut cream cheese into small pieces and add to blender. Blend.

Add Cool Whip and blend. Pour into salad mold or bowl. Refrigerate to set.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

COMPANY POTATOES from Kathryn Witzel “This dish is a church favorite often served at community meals or potlucks.”

1 24 oz. package frozen has brown potatoes 1 can cream of chicken soup 2 cups sour cream 1 8 oz. shredded colby/jack cheese Topping 1/2 c melted butter 2 c. crushed cornflakes Mix thawed has browns, soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese and place in buttered 9x13 casserole dish.

Top with corn flakes mixed with melted butter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

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Page 10

The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

Just in time for Christmas church and he began to make suggestions as to what the organ needed. Then Bill told him that Early morning on the Monday he had played on the FUMC after Thanksgiving, three organ organ many hours for practice. experts from Church Organ Today, the circle is completed Solutions in McKinney, Texas and Bill is helping do the handsarrived at First United Methodist on work of the installation.

Church in Weatherford, Taking a break from his work on Oklahoma and began unloading the installation, he told Pastor a new organ console and many Horton, “When we designed cardboard boxes and spools of The new organ console is inspected by this new organ, I wanted the electric cables. The delivery Skip Klingman of Weatherford FUMC with marked the final phase of a year- Bill Bane and Jason and Jordan Rodgers of church to get the kind of organ long project to upgrade the pipe Church Organ Solutions. Submitted photo. that I would have loved for my recital!” organ of the church. can have some music coming from To shepherd the project, The new console, built by the behind the congregation as well as the church assembled a team Rodgers Organ Company, is a three from the pipes in the front. representing the Worship Team, manual unit which will interface A circle gets completed: years the Trustees, the Church Council, with and upgrade the pipe organ ago, Bill Bane, was an organ musicians, organists, and the pastor at the church. Hundreds of wiring student at Southwestern Oklahoma and Assistant Pastor Rev. Torrey connections will be made as the State University in Weatherford, Curtis. new console is integrated with the which is right across the street from An anonymous donor from the existing pipes and new speakers the church. Bill performed his two church provided more than half of and sound controls. The console major student recitals on the organ the funding, and other members will utilize digital features that will at the church. Now the church of the church have contributed or vastly expand the quality and range organist in Longview, Texas, he also pledged the rest so that all costs for of sounds the organ will make. works for Church Organ Solutions. the project have been underwritten.

A couple men of the Weatherford When Pastor Chuck Horton called The work is expected to be church ran new conduit for him to make initial inquiries, Bill completed in time for the special antiphonal speakers to be installed surprised the pastor as he began to worship services Christmas Eve. in the back of the sanctuary to describe in detail the organ of the create a surround sound effect and

BY REV. CHUCK HORTON

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

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

Ministry in a Minute

On December 4, the Whiz Kids at New Hope from Ralph Downs Elementary were treated to a big surprise when Darci Lynne Farmer of America’s Got Talent, her mom Misty, and Darci’s special bunny friend, Petunia, joined them to sing Christmas carols.

Whiz Kids, a program of City Care in Oklahoma City, is an after school literacy program that serves more than 500 children each week. The site at New Hope serves 35 children and is a partnership between New Hope UMC, Church of the Servant, Ralph Downs Elementary, and Whiz Kids.

Tahlequah FUMC organized a “thrift swap” for the public, so families can shop for gently-used clothing and accessories. The congregation celebrated All Saints Day with a cloud of witnesses. Submitted photos.

Quayle UMC’s third Annual Leslie Juanita Thomas Angel Tree and Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 16. Children and their families from the 73111 zip code area will be the recipients of fun, food, fellowship and presents from the Quayle congregation.

The Angel Tree is named for one of Quayle’s long-time members who was an untiring advocate for children and youth. Earlier in the day, Manna Ministry will give away Christmas baskets during the weekly food pantry giveaway. Families will receive all the fixings for a great Christmas dinner. The Quayle Music Ministry will present a cantata “We Call Him Jesus” during Christmas Eve worship at 10 a.m. The morning will consist of music selections, narratives, and scripture readings. The Children’s Choir will also minister in song.

First United Methodist Church in Cushing celebrated veterans on Sunday, Nov. 12, at their 10 a.m. worship service. The bell choir also performed in honor of those who served. Submitted photo.

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The Oklahoma United Methodist Contact

December 13, 2023

OKUMC Briefs and Events Save the Date Dec. 25-26 - Ministry Center closed for Christmas.

January 1 - Ministry Center closed for New Year’s Day. January 6 - Called Conference via Zoom.

January 15 - Ministry Center closed for Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday.

January 15 - Shifting the Culture: Mediating Healthy Relationships through King’s Model of Nonviolence MLK Day Service, 4 p.m., Quayle UMC, OKC

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Passages Rev. David Sanders, retired elder, passed away Wednesday, November 22, at his home in Chelsea, OK. David, along with his wife, Paula, had served the Chelsea Memorial UMC for 18 years up to the present. David’s prior appointments include Hammon, Nardin, and Beggs. Prayers are requested for Paula and the rest of David’s family, as well as the congregation in Chelsea during this time of grief.

Josephine Whittington, widow Rev. John Whittington who served the Oklahoma Conference and preceded her in death, passed away October 14, 2023. Her service was held at Drummond United Methodist Church.

Mediating Healthy Relationships through King’s Model of Nonviolence Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 15, 2024 at 4:00pm Quayle United Methodist Church 5001 N. Everest Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

GUEST SPEAKER 17th President Dean of Gammon

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is remembered because he played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights changes.

We desire to impact the Oklahoma Conference, the ecumenical church and the larger community in transformative ways.

For More Information Contact Rev. Dr. Bessie Hamilton, Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for New Faith Communities and Multi Ethnic Initiatives - bhamilton@okumc.org

Share your event or job opportunity in the Contact.

For consideration, email your listing to editor@okumc.org. Deadline for the January issue is Dec. 30.