United Methodist Association Appoints Trey Oakley to Board of Directors
Methodist Children’s Home President and CEO Trey Oakley was appointed in April to the Board of Directors for the United Methodist Association (UMA). UMA is governed by 15 Board members from Methodist-related health and welfare ministries across the nation. Oakley will serve a three-year term and provide leadership and governance for the Association whose mission is to promote, inspire, recognize, and empower excellence in human service ministries.
“It was an honor to receive the invitation to serve on the Board of Directors for such a well-respected association,” Oakley said. “UMA has a long history connecting like-minded organizations who share a common goal of saving and changing lives. I am excited to continue the legacy of our ministry’s relationship with the Association through my expanded role on the Board.”
Oakley was recognized by UMA early in his career when he served as religious education director at MCH and developed childcare programming for worship services, discipleship and mission trips. He also coordinated a volunteer program for Baylor University students that was recognized by UMA as the “Volunteer Group of the Year” in 2001.
“I am grateful that UMA saw the value of our work with young people years ago,” Oakley noted. “The entire UMA network benefits from having the Association identify, share and demonstrate superior standards of excellence in the childcare field and beyond.”
MCH’s long-standing membership with UMA allows the ministry to have access to a shared learning community comprised of industry leaders, emerging trends and educational opportunities.
“It is a great encouragement to be part of a peer network such as UMA with the many challenges health and welfare ministries face today,” Oakley said. “There is no doubt that our membership strengthens our ability to make an even greater impact on children, youth and families across Texas and New Mexico while expanding the service footprint of the United Methodist Church.”
MCH received the 2019 “Innovation Award” from UMA for building state-of the-art residential homes designed to better meet the needs of children and youth today and in the future. These homes were made possible through the Building Hope capital campaign which Oakley helped lead during his tenure as vice president for development.
MCH Youth and Staff Attend First Worship Service in Renovated Harrell Memorial Chapel
MCH youth and staff worshipped on Sunday, June 13, 2021, in the newly renovated Harrell Memorial Chapel on the Waco campus. Updates to the chapel include fresh paint inside and outside, sound and lighting, new carpet, and refurbished pews. The classic stained-glass windows received protective covering to ensure they are appreciated for years to come.
The renovations also encompass an outdoor worship space and prayer labyrinth (see description below). The service was the first conducted in the chapel since in-person gatherings were suspended more than 14 months ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is a Labyrinth?
Labyrinths are rooted in ancient worship traditions. The winding path is intended to mirror the Christian walk – full of twists and turns but with the ultimate destination of finding God. Walking the path of the labyrinth provides a time for contemplation and prayer until reaching the cross at the center. Reversing course, the pilgrim symbolically returns to the world transformed and inspired by the journey and ready for service.
More News:
MCH Youth Receives Waco Chamber Scholarship: READ NOW
Leave a Reply