InOther
WORDS... OUC360˚
th l a e H INSIDE THIS ISSUE Starting in the Middle...
by Pastor Debleaire K. Snell
Tribute to Pastor Paul Goodridge by Patrice Thomas Conwell
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Healthy Holiday Recipes
by Donna Green-Goodman, MPH
InOther
WORDS... PATRICE THOMAS CONWELL
an you believe that we’re in the last quarter of 2025? The holiday season is in full swing at all of the stores around us. They’re already beckoning for our attention and dollars as Thanksgiving and Christmas loom around the corner. As we begin to prepare for the season’s festivities, we want to remind you to take care of yourselves. That’s why this issue is focused on health. We want you to take care of your physical health while enjoying the good food that anchors your family gatherings. The more you substitute health-friendly options in your traditional dishes and maintain your exercise routine, the fewer pounds you’ll start the new year with. We want you to take care of your emotional and mental health. Keep your stress levels in check by getting enough sleep and setting boundaries. And for those who are grieving loss of any kind, use all the resources, tips, and people available to you to help keep you positive. We want you to take care of your financial health. Remember, there is life (and bills) after the holidays. Practice effective stewardship as you plan for travel and blessing others with good gifts. And don’t forget to show financial gratitude to God for His blessings to you throughout this year. We want you to take care of your spiritual health. As the saying goes, remember “the reason for the season.” Take a little time to engage in special worship services that abound during this time. Make the center of your focus how God showed His immense love for you by sending Jesus to live in our world and conquer sin for us. We hope you will use articles in this issue to support your efforts to “prosper and be in good health.” Plan to end this holiday season energized and on a healthy track to embark on a new year!
Managing Editor Patrice Thomas Conwell
Pastoral Staff Debleaire K. Snell
Michael Ross
Art Direction/Design Jerry Ross Chad Lupoe
Paul Goodridge
Visitation Pastor
Editorial Contributors George Cartwright Maquisha Mullins Photographers Alvin Goulbourne Jr. Gianna Snell Choya Wise
Senior Pastor
Associate Pastor
Meshach Mauia
Grief Pastor
Alfred Johnson Lloyd H. Wilson Pastoral Care
Associate Pastor
Kimberly Mann Youth Pastor
Steven Chris Dorsey Discipleship Pastor
In Other Words… is a publication of the Oakwood University Church 5500 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896 (256) 837-1255 www.oucsda.org For submission guidelines, send your inquiry to: communication@oucsda.org
Kirk Nugent Media Pastor
Marc Stephen Raphael Children’s Ministry Pastor
Welcome
to the OUC Family!
Baptisms 06/25 - 10/25 Neriah Bean Kazl Belvins Leila Bridgeforth Misael Hunt Butler Olivia Campbell Dynasty Chapman Gabrielle Evans Jael Ferdinand Iman Fouche Shayanna Gowdie Jonathan Grant Davis Greene Mya Ariana Harris Myra Laird Hilton Judith Isome
Dameesha Macklin Prudence Ndhlovu Nathen Nesbitt Dylan Pognon Kamran Roberson Makenzie Tippins Katherine White Nathaniel White
STARTING
in the Middle is Still a
Great Start A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR DEBLEAIRE K. SNELL
very December 31, before the clock strikes midnight, most of us declare goals we will start the very next day. There’s something about the new year that makes us feel like we have a chance at a fresh start. And while some New Year’s resolutions include goals related to personal development, finances, or relationships, research has shown that the number one resolution for most people is health-related. We make promises to eat more vegetables, to lay off the sweets, and reclaim our ideal weight.
so far from our January 1st start, we abandon the idea of starting over. Friends, January 1 holds no spiritual or habit-forming significance. We don’t have to wait for that day to begin again. In fact, no first of the month, or even first day of the week, guarantees that we’ll maintain healthier habits. We just have to decide to do it. I wish I could tell you that once you make that decision, you’ll suddenly have the willpower to do all the right things. That simply isn’t true. Even the apostle Paul says, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do — this I keep on doing.” (Rom. 7:19) But I’ve got good news. Today is a new day — a healthier you, whether spiritually, emotionally, or physically, starts right now. You don’t have to wait until a significant date or some unseen clock reaches midnight; decide, in this moment, to begin again or to keep going. And on those days you fail, apply grace. If our Heavenly Father gives us grace and allows us to start over moment by moment, we can do the same for ourselves. There will never be a perfect time to begin your journey; what better time to start than right now?
Initially, most of us have a great start. Even last year, when we launched our Excuseless campaign in partnership with our 21 Days of Prayer, we spent the month of January working out and eating healthier. In fact, thousands of people joined the OUC congregation as we led the charge to get healthier spiritually and physically.
This wasn’t exclusive to the Excuseless initiative. Many of us find ourselves late in the year right back where we started. By August or September, our candy stash has been replenished, our gym memberships abandoned, and our step counters have barely moved beyond the one thousand mark. And because we are
OUC HISTORY
QUIZ By
Timothy McDonald
Do You Know? 1
Which OUC pastor was the first to be employed by the newly created South-Central Conference?
2
Which OUC pastor was the first to implement a radio ministry?
3
Which OUC pastor established “The Miriams”? 1. Jesse R. Wagner (1955-1956) 2. Richard Tottress (1967-1969) 3. Craig Newborn (2006-2011)
If our Heavenly Father gives us grace and allows us to start over moment by moment, we can do the same for ourselves”
However, because we’re human, as the Excuseless year progressed, many people reverted to their old habits, eating the same old things, and making the same familiar excuses. As a result, many of us abandoned our initial commitments altogether.
A TRIBUTE TO OUR AMBASSADOR BRITISH By
Patrice Thomas Conwell, Managing Editor
You’ve seen him on stage as the lead pastor stand-in when Pastor Snell is traveling. You’ve seen him onscreen sharing highlights in “This Week at OUC” or recapping a sermon in the Praise Café.
pastor at Mount Calvary SDA Church in Huntsville.
You’ve heard him share announcements and preach thought-provoking sermons in his baritone, polished British accent. (And you’ve heard him throw shade at Pastor Snell’s non-buffed body compared to his cartoon character.)
He will leave big shoes to fill for the vast and varied responsibilities he performed behind the scenes. Responsibilities for AYM and Pathfinders, media programming and editing, event planning and the church calendar, coordinating and creating promo graphics, coordinating the Praise Café, facilitating the OUC Market, and so much more.
Pastor Paul Goodridge (aka Pastor Goodridge, Pastor Paul, or P.G.), his wife Ellengold, and family have been an integral part of the OUC fabric since he joined us as an associate pastor in 2015, coming from the Southeastern Conference. And after nearly 11 years, he will leave us to become the senior
Pastor Goodridge, although you’ll just be down the street and around the corner, we will miss your presence at the OUC. We wish God’s blessings on you and your wife as you move to shepherd a new congregation. And we’ll wait a little while for you to get your bearings before we pop in on you.
» Seen on the Scene
By
Maquisha Mullins, Ph.D., PR/Communication Team
The crisp morning air of Sunday, September 7 was soon overtaken by shimmering sunshine as the Oakwood University Church (OUC) Community Health Fair kicked off with a spirited Fun Walk. At 8:00 a.m., participants laced up their sneakers and joined organizers for a lively stroll around the church’s campus. Their cheerful steps reflected the fair’s mission — promoting wellness through movement and family-friendly activities. This year, the fair expanded its services to include both children and adults. OUC’s Adventurer Club, the event’s traditional sponsor, partnered with the church’s Health Ministries to broaden its reach. Together, they created opportunities for the whole family to learn and grow in health. Local vendors contributed by offering fresh, vegan, and natural meal options that support healthy living. The importance of events like this cannot be overstated. According to an al.com article on a study done by New York University’s City Health Dashboard, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer were the leading causes of premature death in Huntsville in 2021. Across Alabama, in 2023 heart disease was the number one cause of death. By hosting health fairs,
OUC creates space to raise awareness, share prevention strategies, and empower people to make informed choices. At this year’s fair, families engaged in fitness challenges, while adults attended seminars on diabetes, hypertension, prostate health, breast cancer, and brain health. Screenings for hearing, blood pressure, and mental wellness were also available. “They told me all of my numbers were good,” one attendee said with excitement after receiving her results. The fair also hosted a community blood drive, giving participants another way to contribute to wellness. The OUC Community Health Fair was a celebration of service, connection, and growth. By addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual needs of families, the church created a space where health and hope came together. Organizers are already looking forward to future years, with plans to expand the fair’s impact even further.
STAY ABREAST OF YOUR Chest By
Common Reasons We Gain Weight at Holiday Time
Lilith Whyte, M.D.
OUC Health Ministries’ Breast Cancer Ministries Leader
As October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, winds to a close, I want to recap the need for ladies and gentlemen to consistently conduct a breast health wellness check. That’s right! I said “ladies AND gentlemen” because men, although your risk for breast cancer is 100 times less than that of a woman’s, you are still at risk. Mr. Matthew Knowles (Beyoncé Knowles’ father), who was diagnosed with stage 1A breast cancer in 2019, can attest to that fact. In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer compared to 1 in 1,000 men. However, the 5-year survival rate for men is much lower than it is for women (84% vs. 91%) despite the lower incidence of breast cancer in men. This stems from the later diagnosis in men because of the decreased awareness of this disease affecting them also.
Consequently, men tend to have more advancedstage disease at the time of diagnosis with an unfavorable outcome. Increasing awareness through community health educational programs is the goal to promote early detection, which will lead to more favorable outcomes for both men and women. If you joined the OUC Breast Health Ministry team on October 11, you learned a holistic approach to dealing with breast cancer. I hope the valuable information and testimonies shared will equip us all with the armor to fight this life-threatening disease. No one has to fight alone. Join our community of support and remember – breast cancer awareness is more than just a month!
) M E H T ID O V A O T W O H D (AN
By
Dawn Lewis, DrPH, MBA, MAS, DipACLM, MCHES
OUC Health Ministries’ Weight Management Ministries Leader
#1 It’s the Food, y’all!
#3 Late Bedtime
• Sugary foods and beverages pack on extra calories but can also drive inflammation and disrupt your gut microbiome, promoting poor digestion and weight gain.
• Sleeping less than seven hours can disrupt hormones and lead to weight gain. Lack of sleep can affect cortisol, hunger hormones (ghrelin and leptin), and even immunity.
• High-fat foods like casseroles, meats and even vegetarian holiday foods can add lots of extra calories.
#4 Forgetting H20
S E P T E M B E R WA S P R O S TAT E C A N C E R AWA R E N E S S M O N T H
PROSTATE HEALTH
FAST FACTS
1. Prostate Cancer is nearly 100% curable if caught early.
5. Men can be “high risk” if they fall into one of three categories:
2. Black men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer.
» Have a family history of prostate, breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer
3. Most men should discuss screening tests with their doctor beginning at age 45.
» Are African American
4. Men at high risk of prostate cancer should start screening at age 40.
» Are a veteran
• We tend to drink less water during the holidays opting for hot cocoa, juices, or other beverages. Dehydration can feel like hunger and lead to excess snacking.
• Reduced fiber, fruits, and vegetables at holiday time can slow digestion, make you feel less satisfied, lead to cravings, and make you miss out on important vitamins and minerals that help your cells work better.
#5 Sadness, Loneliness and Stress
#2 Just Sitting Around
• Not everyone feels joyful during the holidays. Emotional eating can happen with stress, grief, or loneliness.
• Holiday time often means less movement. Remember sitting more + eating more = holiday bulge.
STAY FIT DURING THE HOLIDAYS
HEALTHY HOLIDAY RECIPES JUDY’S SLAMMIN’ MAC ‘N CHEESE
Reprinted with Permission from Cookin’ Up Good Health Holiday Recipes, Donna Green-Goodman, MPH
2 -4 cups soy macaroni noodles or your favorite whole grain 4 cups of water
1. Boil macaroni in the water to desired tenderness.
2 tablespoons Earth Balance margarine. 1 tablespoon heaping, Tofutti Better than Sour Cream
2. Drain and immediately add margarine, ¾ of the cheese and the sour cream.
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3. Stir, letting the heat from the macaroni melt the margarine, cheese and sour cream.
2 teaspoons salt 1 package Follow Your Heart VEGAN cheddar cheese, grated ½ package Follow Your Heart VEGAN Mozzarella cheese, grated ½ package Follow Your Heart VEGAN Smoked Gouda, grated ½ package (DAIYA Slices also work well in this recipe and they have a variety of flavors) 1/2 -1 cup Nutritional yeast flakes, or more to taste 1/4 - 1/2 cup flour 2 cups plain soy milk, more/less to your preference Garlic powder, Onion Powder, McKay’s NO MSG Chicken Style Seasoning, Turmeric, and salt to taste Grate cheese and mix evenly.
4. Add nutritional yeast flakes, lemon juice, salt, flour and milk. 5. Add additional seasonings to taste. 6. Place in a casserole dish and add remaining grated cheese to the top. 7. Cover and bake at 350° about 30 minutes (cheese on top should be melted). 8. Uncover and turn the oven to broil.
2 tablespoons margarine, melted ½ - ¾ cup orange juice ½ - ¾ cup Silk vanilla creamer
1. In a mixing bowl, mash sweet potatoes. 2. Add sugar, orange juice, milk, salt, vanilla and a little allspice.
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring Dash of salt
4. Pour into a baking dish.
Jamaican allspice to taste
5. Mix topping, ingredients and crumble on top of soufflé.
Topping
¾ cup of margarine, melted 1 cup flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup nuts, optional
Here are three tips for helping you stay healthy during this holiday season. Tip #1 : Move your body for at least 20 minutes a day. That can be a light jog, a 20-minute brisk walk or a quick strength circuit. The goal is to be intentional about carving out that time in your schedule for your physical health.
Tip #2 : Enjoy some of your favorite holiday delicacies in moderation. Ensure that you include adequate fruits and vegetables in your diet and that you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. The goal is to practice balance during the holidays instead of restrictions. Tip #3 : Get plenty of sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours, which should be sufficient. Low energy causes low mood, and a low mood can result in emotional eating. So sufficient rest is vital for our overall health. We want to feel our best during the holiday season. So let’s be intentional and enjoy our holidays while we prioritize our health and fitness.
Serves 8 to 10
3. Add flour a little at a time till soufflé mixture is desired consistency. You may need to add more milk or juice.
½ cup flour, more if needed
The holiday season is fast approaching. This time of year is filled with love, joy, family gatherings, and delicious holiday foods. While all of this sounds amazing, it’s also a time when we tend to drift away from being intentional about our health and fitness goals.
10. Remove from oven and serve.
SWEET POTATO SOUFFLÉ
½ cup evaporated cane juice crystals
Shantel Wise, OUC Fitness Ministries Co-leader
9. Broil macaroni to desired brownness.
Reprinted with Permission from Cookin’ Up Good Health Holiday Recipes, Donna Green-Goodman, MPH
4-6 medium sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled
By
6. Bake at 350° until soufflé is set and topping is lightly browned, about 45 minutes.
Serves 8 to 10
PLAY FOR YOUR HEALTH By
Avery Jacobs, Recreation Coordinator
The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (KJV). As the holiday season approaches, it is important to stay vigilant in caring for our bodies. Recreation benefits the body, mind, and spirit, contributing to overall health and the ability to live a fulfilling life in Christ. I encourage you to take advantage of some of the activities that are available to you through OUC’s recreation ministry. Our family life center
gymnasium has walking lanes that are available during normal church operating hours. Additionally, we have open volleyball on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and open basketball on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. So, let’s get active and play for your health this holiday season!
LIVING WITH GRIEF
THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS By
Chaplain Maggie M. Compton, OUC Grief Support Ministry
The holiday season can feel overwhelming when you are grieving. Instead of joy, you may experience sadness, loneliness, or emptiness. Caring for your emotional, mental, and spiritual health can help you move through this season with greater strength and peace. Here are some gentle reminders: • Acknowledge your feelings. It’s normal to feel sad, angry, or even numb. Naming your emotions is healthier than denying them. • Set realistic expectations. You may not have the energy to do everything. Give yourself permission to simplify traditions or create new ones that feel manageable. • Honor your loved one. Light a candle, hang an ornament, share a memory, or prepare their favorite dish. Small rituals can bring comfort and peace.
CARE TEAM MINISTRY The Care Team Ministry at Oakwood University Church dedicates itself to providing comfort, support, and encouragement to those facing sudden or unforeseen health challenges. From delivering communion to homebound members to making phone calls to check in and giving flu care bags to members to keep them prepared for seasonal changes, the Care Team works hard to embody Christ’s love in practical ways. Each act caters to the unique needs of individuals, reminding them they are not alone in their journey.
• Seek support. Talk with trusted friends, join a grief group, or connect with your faith community. Sharing your grief helps you feel less lonely. • Nurture your spiritual life. Spend time in prayer, meditation, or reflection. Reading Scripture or inspirational writings can bring hope and remind you of God’s presence in your pain. • Practice self-compassion. Speak kindly to yourself. Remind yourself you are doing the best you can in a very hard season. The holidays will never be exactly the same as they were before your loss, but they can still hold space for love, remembrance, and even moments of peace. By tending to your emotional, mental, and spiritual health, you give yourself permission to both grieve and heal.
By
Maya Aaron, OU PR Intern
The vision for this ministry grew from ministry leader Karen Anderson’s experience witnessing the joy her homebound mother felt whenever community members visited her. “I promised the Lord that I would return the wonderful blessings my mother received to other homebound members,” she shared. If you’d like to volunteer or learn more, scan the QR code or attend the Care Team meeting every third Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the OUC Conference Room.
OUC SENSORY SQUAD MINISTRY By
LeQuicha Weems, Co-Leader
LeQuicha Weems & Linelle Johnson, Ministry Co-Leaders
What is the Sensory Squad? What do they do? Why is it necessary? These may be questions that you’ve thought, or maybe not because you have no clue about its focus. Simply put, the Sensory Squad is a ministry committed to living out Christ’s greatest command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Our mission is to serve by helping create a worship environment where every person feels welcomed and supported including those with sensory sensitivities. During His time on earth, Jesus met people where they were. He told stories in ways that everyone could understand, offered compassion, and made space for those often overlooked. In that same spirit, our ministry is dedicated to fostering sensoryinclusive spaces within worship. A sensory-inclusive environment benefits everyone, especially those with unique sensory needs. This may include individuals with autism, ADHD, PTSD, or other conditions — as well as those who simply feel more comfortable when thoughtful supports are in place. When people can worship without
sensory barriers, they are free to experience God’s love more fully. A sensory-inclusive worship service may include: • Quiet areas for those needing a break. • Sensory bags with tools like noise-cancelling headphones. • Clear signage identifying calm spaces. • Trained volunteers who understand sensory needs. As a church community, we have the opportunity to reflect Christ’s love by ensuring that all feel seen, safe, and valued. To learn more or get involved, go to: https://linktr.ee/sensorysquad
BUILDING A CHURCH
WITHOUT BARRIERS By
Byron G. Clark, OUC Disabilities Ministry Leader
Oakwood University Church (OUC) is proud to serve a diverse and growing population — including over 100 students registered with varying disabilities. In response to the needs of this unique group, the Disability Ministry exists to remove barriers to worship, increase accessibility, and create opportunities for all to serve within the body of Christ. Our mission is twofold: to raise awareness about disability inclusion and to remain in compliance with state and federal accessibility standards. A cornerstone of our work is the American Sign Language (ASL) Ministry under the leadership of the dedicated and passionate Dr. Susie Hill. Her commitment to accessibility through sign language is evident in her service each week. Dr. Hill says, “The ASL Ministry is an important part of our church’s mission. It allows deaf and hard-of-hearing members to fully experience worship, teaching, and fellowship without barriers. The ASL Ministry reminds us of a God who includes all people.” The Disability Ministry has partnered with Heaven’s Storehouse and Tabitha’s Corner to distribute food and items to
Dr. Susie Hill, ASL Leader & Byron Clark, Disabilities Ministry Leader
VETERANS CALENDAR OF EVENTS United States Army Field Band The Jazz Ambassadors will present a patriotic concert, “This We Will Defend,” on November 10 from 2–3:15 p.m. at the Von Braun Civic Center’s Mark C. Smith Concert Hall.
Veterans Breakfast November 11, 8–9:30 a.m. at The Roundhouse. The meal is free for veterans and activeduty military, with a nominal donation requested for others.
Pre-Parade Show November 11, starting at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 200 Monroe Street.
Veterans Day Parade November 11, starting at 11:11 a.m. The parade route begins at lot K on Woodson St., goes past the Veterans Memorial on Monroe Street, and ends on Clinton Ave. near the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum.
U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum individuals in need. We’ve also provided wheelchairs and walkers to members of the Oakwood University and OUC communities. Our goals moving forward include expanding the ASL Ministry and continuing to advocate for accessibility and inclusion within our church and community. But we need more helping hands to fulfill our mission to “become the church that Christ intended” — one that reaches all people and addresses real needs. If you are interested in joining our ASL team or learning more about the Disability Ministry, find us on the Church Center app or contact Dr. Susie Hill at drsusiehill@sbcglobal.net Together, let’s build a church without barriers — where everyone belongs.
Free Veterans Day Open House on November 11, with refreshments, a museum tour, and a chance to share stories. Admission is free to all veterans, with donations accepted.
Huntsville Botanical Garden Complimentary admission for all U.S. service members and their immediate families on November 11.
LET’S KEEP STRETCHING By
Everett Roper, Ph.D., OUC Stewardship Leader
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your consistent gifts to our Operation Stretch debt reduction campaign. Your support is helping us to continue focusing on what matters most – serving our mission and community. Your sacrifice makes a real difference and brings us closer to financial stability. And because of you OUC is moving closer to financial freedom and a stronger future. Today, our debt is down to $1.4M from our starting amount of $3.2M when the campaign began two years ago. To God Be the Glory! Every dollar spent on debt and wasteful interest payments is a dollar we cannot put directly into our
mission. By lowering this burden, we free resources to expand programs, strengthen services, and serve more people. We have one year left to meet our three-year goal. If you have not contributed to this campaign, won’t you consider making a one-time gift or a systematic contribution to our remaining $1.4M balance? Your generosity today will have a lasting impact for years to come. Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can build a stronger, debt-free future for the Oakwood University SDA Church.