Briefly

VBS workshop at Boston Avenue

In Tulsa on Feb. 22, Boston Avenue Church will host a Vacation Bible School curriculum event.

Using Cokesbury materials, the hands-on "Workshop of Wonders" will be from 9 a.m. to noon. Fee is $5.

RSVP to EvaMarie Campbell, 918-699-0120, evamarie68@gmail.com.

"Sing the songs; eat the snacks; do the crafts; learn the Bible stories; try the experiments! Come learn how to make your Vacation Bible School a wonderful event this summer," said Rev. Campbell.

Celtic scholar will visit Tulsa

In Tulsa, Boston Avenue Church will feature John Philip Newell, an acclaimed scholar of Celtic Christianity, on March 24 and 25.

He will give a free lecture Monday evening and teach a Tuesday morning workshop ($30).

Ordained in the Church of Scotland, Rev. Dr. Newell has written more than 15 books. He is also known as a poet and peacemaker.

To register, contact Bill Crowell, 918-699-0127.

Epworth Villa earns distinction

Epworth Villa has earned the prestigious Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence (EAGLE) accreditation.

This distinction is an accreditation process of the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. Epworth Villa is a nonprofit retirement community in north Oklahoma City.

"We are very pleased to re-attain the highly coveted national accreditation. This is a testament to dedication in supporting the needs of successful aging," said John Harned, president of Epworth Living, the parent company.

The accreditation is effective for four years.

Mobile Meals grants go to churches

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation Trustees recently awarded $28,800 in grants to Mobile Meal programs in central Oklahoma. Those receiving grants included 55 churches.

These United Methodist churches in Oklahoma County received funds: Chapel Hill, Choctaw, The Christ Experience, Church of the Servant, Cornerstone, Crown Heights, Douglas Boulevard, Grace, Linwood, Leland Clegg, Putnam City, Southern Hills, St. Luke’s, Village, and Wesley.

Grant amounts varied, based on the number of weekly meals provided by each site.

Foundation President Nancy Anthony said, "In addition to providing nutritious meals, the personal contact by caring volunteers is very important to many of those served through the programs."

African-American leaders to meet

The Oklahoma Conference African-American Clergy and Leaders Retreat with Bishop Hayes will be held March 7-8 at Cross Point Camp, beside Lake Texoma.

Presenters will be Jeremy Booker, senior pastor, Hamilton Park UMC, Dallas; and Jacquetta Smith, executive director of The Prayer Institute, Windsor Village UMC, Houston.

Check-in for the retreat begins at 1 p.m. Friday, with opening session at 3:30. The event will conclude by 3 p.m. Saturday. Bishop Hayes will preach in the worship service.

For more information: Victor McCullough, 405-921-3129, or Semaj Vanzant, 814-449-1007.