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Native American Ministries Sunday

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800-849-4433 (Toll-Free)

NC Conference of
The United Methodist Church
700 Waterfield Ridge Place
Garner, NC 27529

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North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church

Ocean View UMC Celebrates Native American Ministries Sunday 

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Rev. Mattheue B. Locklear, Mark Deese, and Louisa Locklear sing during worship.

Ocean View United Methodist Church in Oak Island, NC, observed Native American Ministries Sunday on April 19 with a meaningful and Spirit-filled service that reflected the heart of its Inclusion Ministry.

Rev. Mattheue B. Locklear preaches from the pulpit.
Rev. Mattheue B. Locklear, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, shares the message during Native American Ministries Sunday.

We were blessed to welcome Rev. Mattheue B. Locklear, chairperson of CONAM (Committee on Native American Ministries) of the NC Conference and a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. His sermon offered both inspiration and truth, inviting us to listen, learn, and grow in our understanding of Native American ministries and experiences. 

Bob Fulton speaks in front of the "Mission Moment" slide.
Bob Fulton shares his Cherokee heritage and family history during the Mission Moment, reflecting on his great-grandfather’s journey along the Trail of Tears.

During a special “Mission Moment,” Ocean View member Bob Fulton shared his Cherokee heritage, connected to the Western Band of the Cherokee Nation. He spoke about his great-grandfather, a full-blooded Cherokee who was forced from his home and endured the journey known as the Trail of Tears. His testimony offered a powerful and personal reminder of both the pain and resilience woven throughout Native American history.

Mark Deese speaks in front of the altar with Native American decor.
Mark Deese, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, offers words of spiritual reflection and insight.

Mark Deese, also a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, offered words of spiritual reflection and insight, helping to deepen the congregation’s understanding of Native American culture and experience. 

Rev. Mattheue B. Locklear, Mark Deese, and Louisa Locklear sing during worship.
Special music offered by Rev. Mattheue B. Locklear, Mark Deese, and Louisa Locklear enriches worship during the service.

The service was further enriched by special music shared by Rev. Locklear, Deese, and Rev. Locklear’s wife, Louisa Locklear. Their voices brought a moving expression of worship, offering praise that was both heartfelt and inspiring. 

This Special Sunday reflected Ocean View UMC’s ongoing commitment to inclusion—creating a welcoming space where all voices are heard, all stories are honored, and God’s love is experienced through unity in diversity.

Article and photos by Sarah Whitmer, Communications Team, Ocean View United Methodist Church.