Sanctuary updates complete at Quayle
Over 100 members and friends of Quayle UMC gathered April 17 to dedicate the renovated sanctuary, the start of a new chapter for the northeast Oklahoma City church.
The milestone celebration was an ecumenical one, with clergy guests from several denominations and from as far away as Louisiana.
Among them were: Jesse Jackson of East Sixth Street Christian Church; James Dunbar of Greater Cleaves Memorial CME Church; Derrick Hills of St. Mark UMC, Baton Rouge, La.; Mike Wiley of the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation; Nicholas Lee of OKC-The Christ Experience UMC; and Nancy McCullough of Nicoma Park and Spencer UMCs.
Before Crossroads District Superintendent Rockford Johnson led The Litany of Consecration, he emphasized the importance of renewal in the life of churches.
"The burden that has been on my heart for our churches is rooted in the word renovate, to make new again, to renew," he said. "To renovate — you thrive."
Senior Pastor Victor McCullough shared "The Vision of Renewing God’s House, Restoring Our Community." The purpose of the renovation was greater functionality so the church can be of use to the wider community, he said.
Jerome Browne, Lifestyle Stewardship Committee chairperson, and Jacqueline Devereaux agreed. Ongoing giving will support other phases of renovation.
"God has done such a marvelous thing, blessing us to begin a project and see it to this point," Rev. Dr. McCullough said. "It was appropriate for us to call out to our friends and say, ‘Hey, will you come and help us to celebrate what God has done?’ We have completed this phase, and we’re grateful to God."
Rev. Jackson cautioned church members against "settling." He said, "You aren’t at your stopping point yet."
Music, dance, and mime were key in the worship. Performing were: the Quayle Mass Choir and Band, led by Jessie Wesley and featuring youth pianist Elmer Carter; musicians from East Sixth Street Church and The Christ Experience; mime by Jesus Puppet Ministry; and dance ministry by Telana McCullough.