By Tammy Patton
Have you ever wanted to minister to families in need right here in Oklahoma City, but you didn’t know how? Did you know that less than one mile from First Church sits an amazing mission known as Skyline Urban Ministry? Skyline actually began many years ago right here at First Church and has grown to very effectively meet many needs in the downtown community over the last forty years. A mission of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, Skyline’s 8th Street location offers a free eye clinic, a food pantry, and a Saturday night worship service followed by a hot meal.
Skyline’s second mission outpost is located only 2.5 miles from First Church. The McKee Center on SE 15th street maintains a clothes closet and also provides lunch for fifty senior citizens every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The McKee Center’s back to school program provided 1,500 children with brand new school clothes and shoes this year.
I visited Skyline’s 8th Street location for the first time in August 2007. As I pulled up into the parking area a line for the food pantry was forming near the front door. It was about 90 degrees outside at a quarter till noon. The people were standing in the sun, sweat rolling down their foreheads, almost an hour before the door would open. I was delivering food so I walked to the back entrance where I was greeted by the sweetest and most gracious volunteers. They gave me a tour of the facility and explained how those lined up outside would be able to shop in the one room pantry downstairs according to the number of people in their family. As I left, I noticed the line had grown considerably. I remember thinking, ”Where have I been? How did I not know about this amazing place only blocks from our church? How could I have been so blind to the depth of the need right in front of me?” I had heard of Skyline, and knew we sometimes collected canned goods for them at church, but I did not really understand what they were all about until I saw it with my own eyes. I strongly encourage you to take a look at Skyline’s website (www.SkylineUrbanMinistry.org) to learn more about all of their programs and volunteer opportunities. The food pantry is only one of many awesome ministries they offer.
How can you get on board? Skyline relies heavily on volunteers and donations of food, clothing, personal hygiene items, and paper goods in order to continue serving those in crisis situations here in Oklahoma City. During the month of October, Skyline has asked First Church to support their mission by collecting the items mentioned above and by volunteering to serve lunch at the McKee Center. Skyline is also in need of some lawn care. May God bless you as you prayerfully consider this opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus right here in Oklahoma City.