For several years, the West Tulsa UMC and First Church Tulsa have worked together to provide a fun opportunity for students at a local elementary school with food trucks, pizza (oh so much pizza), bounce houses, face painting, prayer and love. Overall attendance was approximately 500 people for this end-of-school-year event. Submitted photos.Shawnee was hit by the April 19 tornado. The high school and middle school were not able to have classes due to the damaged buildings. Pastor Desi Sharp Brumit and the staff at Shawnee St. Paul’s UMC found a creative way to meet a need they saw. The church was opened to students for safe study spaces and lunch.
The need was faster than any emergency relief, but that did not deter this community of faith from stepping up. Volunteers monitored students, supervised the study spaces, and prepared lunches. Resources of time, prayerful support, financial resources, compassion, and showing what it means to be United Methodist in the world was exemplified. Showing what it means to be present in local communities and how the larger connection is so important and this experience shows the love and work of the Holy Spirit. Submitted photos.Frederick UMC gifted its graduating seniors with handmade quilts to keep them cozy and give them a lasting connection to home. Photos courtesy of Frederick UMC.
