Elk City United Methodist Church

Allison joined Elk City UMC’s staff in 2021 as the English Hand Bell Choir Director. “I direct the Bell Choir or, as they would laughingly call themselves, the Ding-A-Lings!” In her position, Allison selects music, conducts regular practices, readies her choir for performances and sees to the upkeep of the bells and related equipment. She says the choir loves bringing the joy of worship into their performances, and she feels very fortunate to be leading such a dedicated group and finds their friendship and love of God very uplifting. “I love being a part of this unique and talented group of ringers!” She also loves that the congregation is appreciative and supportive of the bell choir and sees this as a positive influence for future bell ringers at Elk City UMC. Allison believes, first and foremost, that music is meaningful in some way to everyone who experiences it. She also believes it is a gift from God and should be cherished as such. She finds fulfillment in sharing her gifts with the church and feels called to inspire others through music, whether playing, listening or finding spiritual connection. “If one person feels the joy of God's love through sound, I am happy! I just want EVERYONE to feel that specialness!” Allison’s greatest joy is spending time with her three grandchildren and moved to Elk City specifically for that reason. She’s thankful for new friends made and the opportunity to nurture new relationships. She also loves to travel and hopes to spend more time doing so, once she retires. Allison is a huge advocate for Project Transformation. She would like it to be utilized more often and hopes it becomes wider known. “Not only does it help and change the lives of children, it also makes a serious impact on the lives of the college-age counselors that drive it!” Allison’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:8-9: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Her hopes, dreams and prayers are all the same: she wants her grandchildren and all of mankind to live in a world that is more accepting of those who are different, to know that every person has value, to believe that love should be unconditional and to know that God's grace is always with them.