OIMC Campus Ministry

'Pray 40' urges prayer for students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - A nationwide prayer campaign for college students and campus ministries, "Pray 40," begins Aug. 23 when United Methodists are asked to pray for students and campus ministries for 40 days. Some 17 million U.S. students head to colleges and universities each autumn, while millions more flood campuses worldwide. The campaign will feature 40 prayers written by students, campus pastors, bishops and church leaders. The Upper Room will publish the prayers. Participants can sign up to receive a daily prayer by e-mail, download and share a prayer guide, follow the effort on Twitter or by text, commit to a 24-hour period of continuous prayer and teach about prayer. The website—ww.Pray40.com—will launch Aug. 2.

Student Forum 2010 to be held at Shenandoah University

Student Forum 2010 will be held May 27 – 30, 2010 at Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. The Student Forum of the United Methodist Student Movement is an annual spiritual development and leadership training conference for college and university students. Forum provides time for:

  • spiritual formation – personal faith enrichment worship; social justice education; and hearing ideas for faithful discipleship on campus
  • leadership training – learn campus ministry leadership skills; communicate to the denomination the needs and wants of students; gain a better understanding of individual skills and talents; and how to lead in your local community
  • networking – connect with other students from around the country and world; talk with participants about student ministries; find new ideas to share in your local community

Jesus’ Story Empowering Disciples is based on Romans 5:1-5. Participants will learn about different aspects of leadership, ministry, and advocacy throughout the event.

OIMC is sending 3 students to the event. Stay tuned for their reports!

“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” Romans 5:1-5 (NRSV)

OIMC Campus Ministry Spring Break 2010

Andrew Baer, Student at the University of Oklahoma

Spring Break is a favorite time of the year for many college students as they travel all over the country and beyond. This March, we had the privilege of going on the OIMC sponsored work trip to Dulac, Louisiana to work with the Houma Nation in strengthening their community. Hurricanes, flooding, lack of economic development and educational opportunities have taken their toll here. Nonetheless, many different United Methodist church groups have eagerly answered the call to give of their talents.

Overall, I would say our group had a very rewarding experience, growing in fellowship not only in our project, which included painting an elderly couple's home and tearing drywall out of the community center but also in our trip to New Orleans, our own games and activities at our home away from home and in our unfortunate trip to the emergency room.

The Houma community associated with Clanton United Methodist Church opened their doors to us; feeding us, inviting us to share our tribal hymns, and giving us encouraging words, especially the Rev Kirby and Zoanna Veret. Our close-knit group consisted of the Rev Dr David Wilson, Rev Jennifer Battiest, John WIlson, Robin Williams and our schools: OSU:Ashleigh Coser, Tabatha Harris, and Miko Wildcat; OCU:Lindsey Factor; OU: Andrew Baer.

UPDATE: Story of how the oil spill is affecting the Houma community

 Long-suffering Tribe Fears Oil May Strike Final Blow msnbc.com