One From Many Session 2

One from Many was envisioned to be a monthly public gathering throughout 2020, sponsored by the Center for Religion in Public Life at Phillips Seminary and the Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice. One from Many welcomes people of spiritual and moral conviction who want to work side by side to ensure the U.S. motto E Pluribus Unum (One from Many), the Golden Rule, and the universal values of compassion and justice are more evident in American life.

We will gather—but after it is safe enough.

In the between times, event leaders have solicited readings, songs, and reflections that we are sharing here. Each video is about 3 minutes long. So, in about 10 minutes, you can experience hope, challenge, inspiration, and fresh ideas!

We hope to post two trios each month until the monthly public gatherings resume.

Reading – God’s Dream
The Rev. Eva Marie Herndon Campbell is the Associate Minister at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma. She works with families with children in 1st through 5th Grade, Adult Christian Education, and the United Methodist Women.

“I chose the book, God’s Dream, by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams. This book speaks to my heart of the value of all persons as beloved children of God, offers examples of how to treat each other, and acknowledges all range of emotions from anger, sadness and happiness. Throughout this range of feelings, God is with us.”

Reflection
The Rev. Dr. George E. Young, Sr., is a state senator for Oklahoma Senate District 48. He is an ordained minister who earned two graduate degrees from Phillips Theological Seminary.

“When one accepts a call to ministry or a call to a vocation, the expectation can never match the reality of the call because of the lack of experience to describe what might occur.  I was glad to participate in this endeavor because it gave me an opportunity to consider my hopes for our country and community and the reality of the state of our country and community.”

Song – Crystal Silence
Sandy Shapoval, Dean of the library at Phillips, is also a part-time professional flutist in Tulsa where she teaches and performs. Dean Demerritt is a professional jazz and classical bassist. He performs throughout the region and is adjunct faculty at the University of Tulsa. With “Crystal Silence,” composer and vibes artist Gary Burton, and renowned keyboardist Chick Corea redefined the scope of jazz duo work. Sandy and Dean have always loved this beautiful piece.