We did it!
I have to confess that I am still so exhausted from the awe inspiring day on Wednesday. My body is weary but my soul is rejoicing. There were so many wonderful things that it is hard to know where to start as I reflect and remember. My staff was trying to protect me from myself by saying that things didn’t need to be done because of my recent bout with the stomach virus. But I lay awake on Tuesday night making a mental list of things that I wished had been done. So I snuck out of bed and headed to Lowes and got daffodils and new mulch for the front entrance to Bixby. That little act of joy and delight began a day that I will never forget.
Ivy and Brad Griffey had made themselves available for the day to help us be ready for hospitality for our wonderful guests in Tulsa. Charlotte Langley and Annabelle Doolin made the most exquisite Faith cake. Seungrok put the pictures together of the last two years of images of our progress and filmed the service at Bixby. Todd Osborne sent people to park in the Chinese restaurant parking lot because ours was completely full. Glen set up google pay and apple pay for the book sales. Jonathon took photos, stuffed the connect wall, updated the mission wall, printed brochures and many other things. The Leadership Team, Safety Team, Nominations Team and Lay Delegates served as staff for the Tulsa event. Randy hung banners, installed trim, secured window clings, and got the dishwasher clasp to work. And Sherri, she put the most beautiful service together with the blessing of the land from our brother in Christ Rev. Paul Tecumseh from Haikey Chapel, to the dedication of the building by Bishop Merrill, Rev. Derrek Belase and Rev. Connie Gibson. She sent emails to dignitaries and invited the District Missional Strategy Team who purchased the building. She found out what Adam Hamilton’s favorite snacks were and purchased them. She wore heals all day!
And the people came! The Bixby church had over a hundred people show up to tour and support the launching of our new campus! Many of them were United Methodist connections from all over the state, Tulsa members, and Bixby Chamber members. And what a great time we had and what a holy experience it was for us all.
It healed a wound in my heart as I remembered how the Cabinet had appointed me to plant a new church with Faith as my supporting congregation in 2013 but the current pastor refused to partner with me. He told me he never would have chosen me to be the planter of a new campus of our beautiful church. Wednesday healed a part of my soul that still ached from the disaffiliation of so many churches (including the Bixby one) who refused to be in relationship with us any longer. I was awe struck by what the Holy Spirit had done, in spite of all the obstacles, for Faith to have finally lived into its potential to love our neighbors with another location of that witness.
And what can I say about Adam Hamilton? He was so very nice and patient. He was so kind and considerate to every person who spoke to him. He has a really nice wife. It was easy to see why people are drawn to him and why he has the largest church in our denomination. He is also a very humble regular guy. And that is nice. I am glad to be in a church denomination that is led by people like Bishop Laura Merrill and Rev. Adam Hamilton. It was the kind of day that I will always be thankful that I got to be a part of it.
If you missed it, Jonathon is posting videos on our YouTube page so you can watch and enjoy. Which reminds me, we will have videographers at both locations on Sunday for our new Faith video. Just a heads up for your information.
See you Sunday!
