The 2018 Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference met June 7-10 at the Southwest Region Center in Anadarko, Oklahoma.
Bishop James "Jimmy" Nunn presided over the conference, which carried the theme "When God Sees the Way." This theme brought forth the challenge to let go of that which holds us back and to take up the gifts God gives us as we face with courage the challenges of everyday ministry and living.
Two resolutions were presented and adopted by the conference. One dealt with the timeliness of delegates and pastors receiving the conference journal, the argument being that receiving journals earlier would help with end-of-year reports. The second resolution pertained to the International Year of Indigenous Languages, and the OIMC agreed to develop and implement an action plan to keep alive the gift of our languages as a vital part of our churches and communities.
We had two important individual recognitions this year for vital service. Margie Jones was recognized for her 23 years as Lay Missioner to the OIMC in service at Good Springs UMC. Josephine Deere was honored for her service and presented with a shawl, as she stepped into retirement after 11 years of service as the Director of Interpretations and Programs for the OIMC.
This year the One Matters Award was presented to Wichita Indian Methodist Church, which had 21 baptisms and two professions of faith. This is a great witness to what God can do through a community of faith focusing on discipleship.
Another highlight came through the New Fellowship Report and the work that is being done in seeking to grow a new fellowship in McCurtain out of a recently closed church. This is seen an opportunity of cultivating new life within the OIMC as we seek to reach out to others.
The conference received four as candidates of ministry: Heather Jones, April Mitschelen, Tina Ontiveros, and Fernando Padilla.
Number of people retired: 1 - Edgel Samuel, Permanent Local Pastor
Membership stands at 5,896, down 165 from the previous year.
Worship attendance stands at 1,890, down 122.
Church school attendance stands at 884, down 28.
Professions or reaffirmations of faith, 59. Adults and young adults in small groups, 1,519. Worshippers engaged in mission for 2017, 401.
Submitted by the Rev. Bryan Tenner, director of connectional ministries/interpretations
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