Native Church Profile: El Reno Indian United Methodist Church

Pastor: Rev. Margaret Johnson

Members of El Reno Indian Fellowship United Methodist Church, in El Reno, Oklahoma, serve their local community in a unique way. The small congregation partnered with Wesley United Methodist Church to place a Blessing Box in front of the church. They keep it stocked with canned goods and food items for anyone who is in need. According to members, they try to keep it stocked with things that can be used immediately such as tuna, chicken, and soups. Members say they hope people who come to the Blessing Box will feel the presence of God, love, peace and comfort.

The congregation represents several Native nations including Seminole, Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes. The church does not currently have an appointed pastor and meet every other month.  However, church members still hold a monthly Indian taco sale to keep the utilities on at the church. They are also planning to start a Bible study and hold a Valentine party for the children in the area.

Church members are requesting funds to purchase easy to eat food that does not require heating such as Vienna sausages, crackers, peanut butter cracker snacks and small bottles of water.