My Love Letter to Oak Lawn UMC
A love letter to Oak Lawn United Methodist Church as we kick off 150 years!
In this new substack, I hope to share more about our ministry at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church and my journey as a queer pastor. I hope you’ll join me!
Sermon - OLUMC - 9/1/2024
My reflection this morning is a love letter—one written to all of you, my chosen family, and also to the cloud of witnesses and participants who have been part of this body of Christ over the years. This letter is my way of recognizing how this beautiful place, with its open doors, has persevered to become what it is today. Through this witness, I hope you’ll be inspired to remember our past, find gratitude in the present, and have hope for the future of Oak Lawn–Gracia Viva Church in 2024, 2025, and beyond.
It's my hope that you can take what we learned in August around our Wesleyan tradition and the output from our workshop last week to see how important Oak Lawn and Gracia Viva are to the community and world today.
Let us pray. Holy One, Liberator, and Lover of the outcast, may your Spirit move among us this morning. Keep us focused on the possibilities of this world, overflowing with love. Help us not be swept away by despair, but trust that through you, we are more powerful than we can even begin to imagine. We give thanks to you, who makes it so. Amen.
The Oak Lawn Methodist Church-Schoolhouse was built in 1874. This photo is from 1882
Dear Beloved Chosen Family,
As we gather to celebrate 150 years of faith, fellowship, and service, we reflect on the rich history and legacy that have brought us to this moment. Oak Lawn United Methodist Church has stood as a beacon of hope and love in the Dallas community, where the Spirit of the Lord has been palpably present—guiding us in our mission to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Journey that Started in Faith:
The journey of Oak Lawn UMC began in 1874 when a group of dedicated Methodists recognized the spiritual needs of a growing community. From our humble beginnings, whether meeting under a tree, in an old white church house, or in this majestic brick sanctuary, OLUMC has been more than just a building. It has been a spiritual home where people could unite to worship, grow in faith, and serve their neighbors.
Much like the early disciples, our original congregation was driven by a desire to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. They established Sunday School classes, community programs, and worship services that catered to the neighborhood’s spiritual needs. These early efforts laid the foundation for what Oak Lawn–Gracia Viva would become—a church deeply rooted in Christ's love and committed to sharing that love with all who enter.
A Legacy of Service:
As the Oak Lawn community has evolved, so did the church. We became known for our commitment to social justice and community engagement, reflecting Jesus’ proclamation: in the scripture that Pastor Isabel read this morning “The Lord anointed me to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed.”
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of introducing John Reed Calhoun, a former member who was one of the first queer voices to petition for openly queer individuals in church leadership. Over lunch the following day, John and I reflected on how different things were then compared to now. John and others laid the groundwork for the wonderful possibilities we see today—advocating for marriage equality before it was legal, for queer clergy service before it was accepted, and for the inclusion of all people in our church’s life.
We are grateful that we can truly celebrate in 2024 that our denomination has caught up with us – in our 150th year, the United Methodist denomination met to remove harmful language from it’s doctrine; embracing a truly inclusive church, amen?
A look at 2024:
Today, our doors are wide open. We welcome diversity not just in terms of queer individuals but also heritage—embracing refugees from all borders, in our city and sending them all over the US, unsheltered neighbors, and diverse expressions of love and language in worship. We continue to seek new ways to be inclusive. John and I spoke about holding funerals, memorials, weddings, and baptisms for trans folks and couples. We discussed our digital worship outreach, which has helped us reach new communities. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, we have not only survived but flourished. Our journey as a church is one of ever-expanding love, radical hospitality, and the unwavering belief that everyone belongs.
Do you know what "Gracia Viva" means in English? It translates to "Grace Alive," and I can't think of a more fitting description for what Oak Lawn and Gracia Viva, a united group of amazing folks, focused on the transformation of the world, to share God’s love in the world, represent to so many people today.
Our scripture today reminds us of the rich history and deep-rooted inclusiveness that define Oak Lawn UMC in 2024. It calls us to recognize the ongoing fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives and the world around us. Just as God’s love is alive today, so is our commitment to embodying that love through our actions and relationships. This call invites us to participate fully in this work, knowing we are part of something greater—a living, breathing, and dynamic faith. At Oak Lawn UMC, the Holy Spirit moves among us, guiding us to be a community that welcomes all, especially those historically marginalized.
Now, I want to take a moment to express my deep gratitude to those who came before us, who guided me, affirmed my faith, recognized my calling, and gave me the opportunity to serve this wonderful congregation. Five years ago, I walked through these doors as a broken, unhealthy, and desperate person in need of healing. Though my struggles may not have been visible, I needed a church family—and it was family that I found.
I am profoundly grateful to Rachel, Isabel, Mara, Gretchen, John, Chuck, Pastor Gregg, and so many others—some still with us, some who have moved on. They encouraged, shepherded, and loved me with relentless compassion. Through them, I received the gift of Oak Lawn’s love, a love that transcends circumstances, expectations, or limitations. They embraced me as I was, offering the support and care I so needed. It was through their love that I found my place, and I will forever be grateful for this family that loves unconditionally.
Today, as we reflect on 150 years of ministry, we recognize this milestone is not just a time to look back but also to look forward. Our anniversary testifies to the Lord’s favor upon us. Each year and decade have been marked by God’s grace and faithfulness. As we move into the next chapter of our journey, we do so with hearts full of gratitude and eyes fixed on the future, trusting that God will continue to lead us.
Let us recommit ourselves to the work of the Gospel, knowing we are part of something much larger than ourselves—a legacy of faith stretching back 150 years and forward for generations to come. May we, like Jesus, be empowered by the Spirit to preach, heal, liberate, and proclaim, not just in word but in practice.
With deep love and gratitude for each of you, amen.