Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Okmulgee is a renewed, Native-led Episcopal community in the capital of the Mvskoke Nation, proclaiming the Gospel while honoring Mvskoke language and culture through worship, children’s formation, recovery ministry, hospitality, and relationships among Native and non-Native neighbors. Its next faithful step is to strengthen its ministry with children and families by supporting dedicated children’s ministry leadership and expanding discipleship, worship, and formation resources that incorporate Mvskoke language, hymnody, and cultural heritage.
What is the Grant?
The New Episcopal Community Grants support emerging Episcopal communities as they begin, grow, and deepen their ministries in response to God’s call in their particular contexts. Rooted in the priorities established by General Convention and informed by a year of listening and assessment across The Episcopal Church, the 2026 grant cycle introduced a new approach to accompanying these communities and investing in their work. The response to this year’s grant cycle reflects both the vitality of this work and the significant need across the church. A total of 85 applications were submitted, of which 82 were eligible, representing 44 dioceses. Together, applicants requested approximately $1.57 million in support. Applications represented communities across The Episcopal Church, including eight locations outside the United States.
A Word from Bishop Poulson
Bishop Poulson shared his excitement on receiving the grant, “I am thrilled that the replant of Redeemer, Okmulgee, has received a new Episcopal communities grant from the wider Church. This well-deserved honor recognizes what we already know in our diocese: that partnerships such as this are where the Holy Spirit is leading us. I can’t wait for my official visitation with Redeemer on November 22nd."
A Word from Canon Betsy Randall & Ethan Waquie
Canon Betsy shared, "Congratulations to the faithful of Redeemer Okmulgee! God is doing a wonderful work in and through this community. May the grant be used to God’s glory and to further the mission of sharing God’s love in such a distinctive and transformative way."
Ethan Waquie, who has been helping lead the revival at Redeemer, shared, "I give thanks to God every day for the blessings that he has given to us into all of our brothers and sisters at Redeemer. My hope is that churches like Redeemer can serve as a beacon of hope in a time of Church closings. I pray that churches like Redeemer will continue to light the way to Christ."
