Rev. Jeni Markham Clewell, an ordained deacon in the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, stands willingly on the firing line in middle America to advocate for welcome and acceptance for all people. Among her ministry roles have been HIV/AIDS educator, free medical clinic facilitator, music minister, food pantry facilitator, children’s minister, on mission to Rio Grande City and Arlington, Texas, Nicaragua, and Savanna-La-Mar, Jamaica, currently serving as associate pastor at Mosaic United Methodist in OKC. Growing up in Tulsa, educated in Oklahoma City, she has lived in rural towns, suburbs and urban areas of the state. She currently lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with her clergy spouse, Paul Calkin, her dog, Lucky, and her cat, Chi Chi.
Jay is a passionate and tireless 22-year-old advocate. A senior religion major and cheerleader at Oklahoma City University, a pastor in the methodist faith, and the newly appointed adoptive parent of his twin nephews Anthony and Andre; Jay has dedicated his life to serving.
Jay is a steadfast example of organizing for lasting structural change from within. He is a voice for centering LGBTQ equality in a faith that too often abandons LGBTQ people and an advocate for racial justice in a community that too often fails to uplift people of color. Because of his advocacy, Jay has been recognized as the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health 2019 Rising Star and Freedom Oklahoma’s 2019 Horizon Award recipient.
Jay is native to Wewoka, Oklahoma where he encountered the United Methodist Church and first explored God’s call to ordained ministry while a middle schooler at an United Methodist camp. Since—Jay has gone on to represented young people across Oklahoma on the conference, jurisdictional, and global level of our Church. After graduating undergrad, Jay hopes to attend seminary and further advocate for justice in the church and in the world.
Addison is a Religious Education Major at Oklahoma City University with focuses on Interfaith Studies and Early Childhood Education, and has been serving at Mosaic since January 2018. She is passionate about diversity, inclusion, and well-educated Christian education and theology. Addison plans to attain a Master’s Degree after graduating from OCU to better educate and serve the United Methodist Church in any way, shape, or form. Addison’s duties at Mosaic include taking wonderful care of your kiddos, providing them with sound Christian education, and providing interactive opportunities for growth through focusing on justice, compassion, and faith. Addison loves Mosaic’s wonderfully diverse and outspoken community and is dedicated to educating our children in the same light.