My Mission Journey-Rev. Jimette Rose McLean

May is Mission Month. Throughout my ministry, I have participated and/or led at least fifteen mission trips. Most of them were youth trips when I was serving First UMC in Ann Arbor, MI. We helped camps prepare for the summer season in North Carolina, Colorado, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. We volunteered with the Appalachia Service Project and Mountain Top in Tennessee.


While serving a church in Anchorage, I was the Conference Secretary for the General Board of Global Ministries and spent a week in Moscow learning about our churches in Russia and another week visiting churches in Bulgaria in order to interpret their ministries to churches in the Western Jurisdiction.


While serving at St. John UMC in Anchorage, I was involved in hosting mission teams that came to Alaska from the Lower 48, many of them from Oklahoma. Because of our proximity to the airport and the fact that we had two sets of showers in the restrooms, many of the teams stayed at our church. It gave me an opportunity to experience mission teams from both the giving and receiving perspectives.


In 2007, I participated with a team from our church in Kribi, Cameroon, Africa. We refurbished a dorm and school building, but more importantly, we learned more about the culture and the many needs for that area. After moving to Epworth, I went back to Alaska with a team from Church of the Servant to lead a Bible School at a small church in Anchorage.


Even after all that experience with mission, my most impactful effect was upon my retirement when, in honor of my 48 years of ministry, the church raised $14,000 to build two freshwater wells for villages in Cameroon that had NEVER had fresh water. Had I known what a difference I could make, I may have retired sooner!


Opportunities to be in mission don’t come to an end when we retire. The Religious Life Committee has lined up several ways for us to continue to serve: the clothing drive, a food drive, volunteering and/or contributing to the Regional Food Bank of OK, volunteering at Scissortail Elementary School, and helping erase the debt some families have from their food service. And there are more opportunities to come regarding global missions.


Jesus said,” for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. …just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me.”

My Mission Journey-Rev. Burrel McNaught

Between 1992 and 2002, I took part in nine Volunteers-in-Mission trips under the auspices of the Oklahoma Methodist Conference. I went to Jamaica, the Mississippi flood plain (with youth), Guatemala (twice), Israel/Palestine, Puerto Rico, Alaska, El Salvador, and Belize. At first, I was hesitant to do this partly because it would mean being absent from my pulpit. But mostly, it would mean getting out of my “comfort zone.” The truth is that every mission experience was a unique challenge and blessing.


Most of the mission trips included construction work, a makeshift medical and dental
clinic, and a Vacation Bible School for the children. I was a construction worker, worked with the children, and was an “eye doctor,” testing and fitting people with glasses.


We worshipped with the people, worked with them, ate with them, and visited with them. What little Spanish I remembered from high school and college was of some help. Our team leader told me two weeks in advance to prepare a sermon in Spanish. I worked hard to come up with a one-page message and was surprised when people told me they understood what I was saying!


We were advised in our orientation, and periodically during mission meditations and briefings, to keep these two vital words in mind: patience and flexibility. Remember to practice patience and flexibility because you can never tell when the need may arise.


We talk a lot about how we need to be giving of ourselves and our resources. And we do. Our Religious Life Committee and our chaplains, Laura and Dwight, have provided a full month of celebration, education, and giving opportunities. (Note details elsewhere.) As we give, we also receive so much. Most of my experience as a VIM was in Central America. We found the people to be poor but gracious and grateful. It was an affirmation of our efforts.

We Remember

As we reflect upon the significance of today’s date in Oklahoma and our Country’s history, we remember and honor the 168 lives lost and those forever changed by the tragic Oklahoma City Bombing on April 19, 1995. Though time passes, their memories remain etched in our hearts.

Here on the Epworth Campus, we have a seedling from the “Survivor Tree.” It is part of the American Elm that withstood the 1995 bombing and is still in its original location when it was planted around 1920. It is a living testament to the spirit of resilience and courage of the Oklahoma City community, the American people, and survivors everywhere.

NEWS RELEASE

March 28, 2024

New OU Health Geriatric Medicine Clinic Opening at Epworth Villa Retirement Community

OKLAHOMA CITY — OU Health is bringing advanced care for seniors through a new senior health clinic at Epworth Villa Retirement Community in northwest Oklahoma City, providing specialized care for an aging population.

Opened on March 22, 2024, the OU Health Geriatrics at Epworth Villa clinic, 14901 N. Pennsylvania Ave., provides geriatrics primary and specialty care to the 425 full-time residents who call Epworth Villa home, as well as to adults over age 65 who live in the surrounding area.

“We are delighted to offer greater access to both our residents and the senior community in Oklahoma,” said Epworth Villa Retirement Community President and CEO Ron Kelly. “This will make a huge difference in the lives of our seniors.”

Oklahoma has approximately 875,877 adults aged 60 and older and approximately 140,000 adults aged 80 or older, according to The Oklahoma Department Human Services. Providing access to quality healthcare specific to their needs is a top priority for OU Health.

“OU Health is committed to enhancing the well-being of older adults with accessible, compassionate and comprehensive healthcare that focuses on an individual’s needs, no matter their stage of life,” said geriatrician Lee A. Jennings, M.D., MSHS, Chief of Geriatric Medicine at OU Health. “Not only will Epworth Villa residents benefit from receiving comprehensive care at home, but this new partnership also provides an opportunity for residents of northwest Oklahoma City to receive geriatrics primary and specialty care closer to home.”

This clinic provides senior primary care services, diagnostic visits for patients with cognitive concerns, and specialized geriatrics care for:

  • Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, especially with behavioral symptoms or safety concerns
  • Arthritis-related pain and mobility concerns
  • Balance and fall prevention
  • Brain health
  • Caregiver strain
  • Complex care with multiple conditions
  • Depression/mood disorders impacting daily activities
  • Difficulty with daily activities due to problems with cognition or mobility
  • Driving concerns
  • Healthy aging and prevention
  • Medication interactions and side effects
  • Memory concerns or abnormal cognitive screen needing further evaluation
  • Need for goals of care conversation and advance care planning
  • Polypharmacy or high-risk medication use

If you or a loved one needs comprehensive and compassionate senior health care call (405) 486-1372 to schedule for OU Health – Geriatrics at Epworth Villa. The team of experts at this clinic will include Seki Balogun, M.D., Geriatrician, and Rachel Hand, PA-C, an advanced practice provider specialized in senior health.

Learn more about the full suite of Senior Primary Care and Geriatric Medicine services at OU Health by visiting our website.

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OU HEALTH

OU Health is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system of hospitals, clinics and centers of excellence. The flagship academic healthcare system is the clinical partner of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, one of the most comprehensive academic and research campuses in the country. With 10,000 employees and more than 1,300 physicians and advanced practice providers, OU Health is home to Oklahoma’s largest doctor network with a complete range of specialty care. OU Health serves Oklahoma and the region with the state’s only dedicated children’s hospital, the only National Cancer Institute-Designated OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center and Oklahoma’s flagship hospital, which serves as the state’s only Level 1 trauma center. Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health was named one of the Top 50 Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Cardiology & Heart Surgery and Pediatric Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report in its most recent rankings. OU Health’s mission is to lead healthcare in patient care, education and research. To learn more, visit ouhealth.com.

Water Aerobics – A Resident Favorite at Epworth Villa

The water aerobics classes offered at Epworth Villa are a favorite. They have a positive impact on those who attend, both physically and mentally. Led by Wellness Coordinator, Mary Alvarez, the class meets several times a week and residents are faithful to the class and don’t like to miss it. Alvarez encourages people to “take the plunge and try this low-impact workout that builds muscle strength and boosts your endurance. We have fun and it can be as challenging as you want it to be.”

Alvarez is respected by the Residents for her ability to plan each class and challenge those who are ready to push themselves. She also shares that she has seen participants overcome their fear of water – some have never swum before! She notes that some exercisers don’t feel stable on land but can really increase their physical activity through water aerobics.

Resident Gene Spillman observed that “Mary’s class flows smoothly, and they are always different. She pushes and inspires us to move the best that we can. She’s a great motivator.”

No one will argue about the physical benefits of water aerobics for seniors. Water aerobics can improve range of motion, enhance balance, and increase cardiovascular endurance. Alvarez says that every part of the body is exercised, and you feel wonderful when you get out of the water. Our pool and class are a safe space for anyone wanting to start an exercise program.

Water Aerobics also has mental advantages. Alvarez says that many of the exercises she incorporates into class require brain flexibility, so “not only is the body being challenged but the brain is too!” Stimulating the brain as well as the body improves participants’ overall well-being.

Lastly, the social benefits of water aerobics cannot be overlooked. The group atmosphere creates a sense of community and encourages social interaction. Class regular, Sallie Spillman adds, “When we are all together laughing and having fun, we can’t wait to come back again. We have so much fun, that we forget what we are doing is good for us!”

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit and adventurous spirit and join a water aerobics class. You will be met with open, albeit wet arms and a big splash.