Ceili Community

Ceili Community If you’re looking for a community in OKC that is inclusive and affirming, welcome to Ceili Community - a United Methodist Church.

Disability is embraced, friendship is prioritized, and “church” happens around the dinner table.

Matthew 5:43-44 - You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemi...
05/31/2026

Matthew 5:43-44 - You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies!

It’s the last day of and first week of .

Why does a church care about any of this, especially pride month? I think we’ve been asking the wrong question. Why doesn’t The Church involve itself in the things of the community? Sure, we’re in Oklahoma, one of the most biblically conservative states in the country, but why does that matter?

It matters because many Christians I grew up knowing don’t believe it’s okay to struggle with mental health - they think it’s somehow a lack of faith? It matters because many Christians I know believe being gay, trans, or nonbinary is a sin.

I have 2 words for you: Buckle up.

We will be sharing a few biblically sound facts for the month of June. Do I expect this to change your mind? Yeah. Do I expect this process to be quick and easy for you? No. It certainly wasn’t easy for me having grown up in small town America.

But if you can allow the spirit of love, grace, and mercy to infiltrate your soul, you will undoubtedly embark on a life changing journey.

Here’s a starting point: Love your enemies. “Enemies”? Are LGBTQ+ people our enemy?? The short answer: No, but yes. WHAT?!

Enemy in Greek (what the New Testament is translated from) is “echthros” - one who is hated, or one who is at enmity with God by their sin. If the LGBTQ+ spectrum is not a sin (something you’ll learn by end of June), then yes they are society’s enemy because they’re hated - a sad truth The Church has been complacent with.

Ceili will not be complacent in this. Those of you in the LGBTQ+ community…please know you are loved. You are free to be you, no strings attached.

This summer, we want to introduce you to various .Today, meet another board member, Crystal Jean Geiss!Crystal says:“I’...
05/29/2026

This summer, we want to introduce you to various .

Today, meet another board member, Crystal Jean Geiss!

Crystal says:
“I’m involved with Ceili Community Church because this organization embodies the love of Christ in every aspect of life. With a service heart for the special needs and LGBTQIA+ community members, it really does encompass loving everyone as Christ did. Here, I find a true sense of belonging and purpose pouring into others and advocating for the societally marginalized and/or oppressed groups of people who have felt 'left out' of non-inclusive religious organizations of the past.”

Give her some love! ❤️

Stay tuned for new introductions every Friday.



05/26/2026

THE CEILI SHIRTS ARE BACK!

Looking to level up your wardrobe with a little extra joy, comfort, and community spirit? We’ve got you covered!
Whether you love to stand out or keep it classic, we have a style just for you. Our Ceili Community shirts are available in two awesome looks:
🌈 The Rainbow Edition: Bursting with vibrant color and perfect for showing off our inclusive, welcoming spirit!
🖤 The Black & White Edition: Sleek, sharp, and goes perfectly with absolutely everything.

These shirts are super soft, ultra-comfortable, and the absolute best way to celebrate our community. Grab yours, represent the crew, and let’s spread the love!
👇 Link in the comments to lock in your color and size before deadline of 7/1/26

There are 2 weeks left in . This week, let’s dispel a few myths about anxiety, and share some Scriptures without neglec...
05/24/2026

There are 2 weeks left in .

This week, let’s dispel a few myths about anxiety, and share some Scriptures without neglecting science.

Myth #1 - Anxiety is all in your head.
Fact - Anxiety originates in your brain, but spreads throughout your body. Your “fight or flight” response is activated which creates numerous physiological reactions like chest pain, shakiness, heart palpitations, nausea, slowed digestions, muscle tension. After all, your body is reacting to a perceived threat.

Myth #2 - Anxiety is simply worrying too much.
Fact - Worry is not the full picture of anxiety. We need anxiety; without it, we would die. Anxiety can be brought on by rational or irrational fears. See #1.

Myth #3 - You should avoid situations that make you anxious.
Fact - Avoidance can increase anxiety. Recognizing reality often strips it of its power. Sometimes, we just need to act. Other times, we need a therapist to walk us through it. Both are okay in appropriate situations.

Myth #4 - Social anxiety is the same as shyness.
Fact - Shyness is a personality trait. Social anxiety is a disorder characterized by fear of being watched, judged, or humiliated, and therefore avoid social interactions.

Myth #5 - You can just snap out of it.
Fact - You wouldn’t say that to a cancer patient would you? Anxiety is the same. In its nature, anxiety is normal and necessary for survival. With inappropriate levels of anxiety, we can learn to cope and heal…just like physical health disorders. If we suppress and avoid, it often leads to maladaptive coping strategies like substance use, and impacts all other areas of life.

Now what?
1. Stop the stigma. You are not less of a Christian if you struggle with anxiety. *checks notes* You’re a human!
2. Seek help. Find a therapist and/or a Prescriber to walk you through the healing journey.
3. Stop beating yourself over the head with the Bible…

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” - 1 Peter 5:7 - Let go of the things you cannot control.

“Be strong and courageous…” - Deuteronomy 31:6 - This doesn’t mean you’ll never experience anxiety or fear. But it means you should recognize it for what it is and equip yourselves with the tools necessary to be strong and courageous.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times…” - 2 Thessalonians 3:16 - Prayer is just one coping skill many of us use. The thing about coping skills is we have to use them regularly…not just when it hits the fan. Constantly evaluate where your control starts and stops, and stop trying to reach beyond that.

This Summer, we want to introduce you to various !Tonight help us celebrate our pastor’s wifey, Shevelle Matthiessen!“...
05/23/2026

This Summer, we want to introduce you to various !

Tonight help us celebrate our pastor’s wifey, Shevelle Matthiessen!

“Hi everyone! I’m Shevy, and I’m so excited to be serving as the Children’s and Special Needs Ministry Coordinator at Ceili Community.

I have spent over 10 years working with the disability community as an adult caregiver, special education teacher, and mom. I’m passionate about creating a space where children and families can come exactly as they are — without pressure, judgment, or feeling like they have to hide the hard parts. I believe church should be a place where families can breathe, feel supported, and experience the love of Jesus in a real and welcoming community. It’s such an honor to help make Ceili Community that kind of space. ❤️” - Shevy

Give her some love, folks!

Stay tuned for new introductions every Friday.


is almost over, but help is always here. It’s no secret that mental health services are not as plentiful as they could...
05/20/2026

is almost over, but help is always here. It’s no secret that mental health services are not as plentiful as they could be, but please do explore ODMHSAS website to find services near you.

Here at Ceili, we believe in helping others in tangible ways. Please consider this week how you can lend a hand toward those in need.

https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas.html


Photo from visitokc.com

05/17/2026

Consider today how we can live out what true fasting looks like according to Isaiah.

Does that mean volunteering at a food bank? Does it mean providing respite for a caregiver or parent? Does it mean visiting the jail or prison? What could it mean for you?

Isaiah 58: 6-7

May has been Mental Health Awareness Month. Did you know:You can love Jesus and go to therapy. Taking medication does no...
05/15/2026

May has been Mental Health Awareness Month.

Did you know:
You can love Jesus and go to therapy. Taking medication does not nullify your faith. Struggling silently does not make you strong and struggling out loud does not make you weak. We are stronger together and you are welcome at Ceili…just as you are.

As a License Professional Counselor and a pastor, let me tell you - if your faith leaders shame you for having mental health concerns, they’re wrong. Point blank, period, full stop. You are human and you’re allowed to BE human. Anxiety is not a sign of lacking faith and depression is not a sign you need more of The Spirit. Suicidal thoughts are not selfish…they’re normal and you’re not alone. Trauma responses are not a sign you’re faulty and somehow are a result of sin; they’re a sign your mind and body are trying to survive terrible things that happened to you. Substance use disorders are not a choice and not a sign you love God any less.

The words we use about mental health in our small groups, our hallway conversations or our sermons shape whether someone feels safe enough to ask for help. This May, let’s choose words that open doors: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/what-is-mental-health/how-to-talk

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7710 NW 10th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
73127

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