Oriental United Methodist Church has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the United Methodist Foundation’s Key Taylor Award, which recognizes a rural North Carolina United Methodist church for community service. Rev. Jaye White presented the award to Rev. Dr. Anne Sims at both services on Aug. 13, after Rev. White preached on stepping out of our comfort zone in service. This award is given each year to a rural North Carolina church (in a community of 1,500 or fewer residents) that has been effective in service and connection to its community. OUMC was recognized for its support of Hope Clinic, Pamlico County Fishes and Loaves Outreach, Heartworks, Pamlico Partnership for Children, Habitat for Humanity, Backpack Blessings and other groups. Also recognized were initiatives such as the Community Labyrinth, the Hearing Loop, Coffee with the Pastor, and the May-October river services. The award is funded by an endowment started in 1958 by Rev. Key W. Taylor, whose entire ministry was devoted to rural North Carolina United Methodist churches. The winner of the Key Taylor Award receives a small financial award, and OUMC hopes to use part of this toward establishing a weeknight service each month, which may be more accessible to working Pamlico County residents. See also the article about this award on the NCCUMC website by clicking here.
