Making history with ‘Open Arms’ and ‘Hope’

by Larry Cassil
Special to The Gayly

Last month, Church of the Open Arms and Cathedral of Hope OKC embarked on a new path. As of September 6, Cathedral of Hope moved its evening worship service to Church of the Open Arms’ facility at 3131 N. Pennsylvania. Open Arms will continue with its usual service at 11am and Cathedral of Hope’s 6pm service will continue as usual on Sundays, but both worship services will be in the Church of the Open Arms’ building.

Because both churches are part of the United Church of Christ denomination and each has a history of ministering to the LGBT community in central Oklahoma, it made sense for both churches to share their messages of love, inclusion and welcome from under the same roof. Open Arms’ service has a more contemporary feeling and Cathedral of Hope’s is more traditionally liturgical, so the pairing offers a worship style for everyone.

Although each church is maintaining its own separate identity and administration, the two congregations are also excited to have joined forces to search for a new “dual charge” Pastor to serve both churches in ministry. A joint search committee has been formed of members from each church. The members of the joint search committee are working together to find the ideal Pastor to spread our message of grace, inclusion and compassion - not only to the LGBT community - but to everyone.

Further, by joining forces in the same facility, the two churches hope to bolster the social outreach ministries of each worship community. Open Arms maintains a food pantry available to anyone need in of food, while Cathedral of Hope provides supplies to Winds House and school supplies and winter clothes to students at Wilson Elementary School. 

Church of the Open Arms and Cathedral of Hope OKC invite everyone to join them during this exciting time of change, growth and renewal. Church of the Open Arms’ contemporary/blended worship service meets at 11am and Cathedral of Hope’s traditional/liturgical service meets at 6pm.

For more information about Church of the Open Arms, visit www.openarms.org; Cathedral of Hope is found at www.cohokc.com.

The Gayly – October 5, 2015 @ 12:10pm.