Meet the Millennials a Letter from the General Secretary

Volume 17 • Number 4 Fall 2014

The magazine of United Methodist Men

Meet the Millennials A letter from the General Secretary

ypically when I do a presentation at a As we talked about last issue, and you local church or district event, I will ask will see in this issue, many younger folks will Tthe audience, come in through “Who is missing backdoor ministries from your church?” before they will ever The answer is come to worship. always the same, So as you read the “Men, youth and articles that follow, young adults.” continue to ask So what are yourself, “Have I we doing to turn asked someone this around? Will to attend church some “old fashion” with me this week? evangelism work? Are their backdoor Research shows ministries that might we currently are interest young not doing much in families who I know the area of inviting from work or who people to church. live down the street? Studies indicate Is there a place for less than 25 percent new folks of any age of church members at my church?” share their faith Challenge with someone and yourself and your less than 10 percent church to be invite folks to attend intentional about their church. Add inviting someone, to this, studies that particularly a youth found 82 percent or young adult, of unchurched this week to attend adults would be some activity at “somewhat likely” to attend church if your church. What would happen if you they were invited and escorted. In other challenged your small group, your Sunday words- a huge majority of folks who don’t school class, or the whole congregation to go to church would likely say “yes” to your do the same? invitation if you stopped by and picked them This is not a task for “someday;” today up. is the day. Someone invited you; someone They don’t “need” a ride; they want to made you welcome; someone cared go with you because they don’t want to be enough, that in spite of all your flaws and embarrassed. Many of the young men and imperfections saw you as a child of God who women in your community may have only had a place in the community of faith. been to church for weddings and funerals in Honor the gift you have been given, and the last 15 years. They don’t know what to seek out someone to invite and bring them expect and so they don’t want to visit your to your church home. Welcome them into church alone. the family. As disciples, this is what we are expected to do. Gil Hanke

United Methodist Men exists to declare the centrality of Christ in every man’s life. contents

Vol. 17, No. 4 Fall 2014 UM Men Fall 2014

UMMen magazine is published 5 Meet the millennials four times a year, winter, spring, summer and fall by GCUMM: 7 Ask the right questions General Commission on United Methodist Men 1000 17th Ave. S. 10 Reach the millennials with technology Nashville, TN 37212 12 Best practices for reaching young adults (615) 340-7145 Internet address: http://www.gcumm.org 13 Pastor suggests way to create boy-friendly churches Publisher: Gilbert C. Hanke Editor: Richard Peck 15 Five South Carolina pastors suggest ways to Contributing Editor: Larry Coppock reach younger men Editorial Assistants: Martha Davis 18 UM Men serve as big brothers to children Nan Self of prisoners Graphic Design: Parris Printing Change of Address: 19 Across the Nation Send the mailing label with your new address to: 29 In Memoriam UMMen 1000 17th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212 (615) 340-7145 Allow six weeks for changes. 30 MENS NEWS Advertising: Contact Richard Peck 34 SCOUTING NEWS 1000 17th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37212 (615) 620-7264 e-mail: [email protected]

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UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 3 here are person invitations are they likely to nearly even hear us. T79 They might respond to an invita- million mil- tion to help build a handicap ramp lennials. or work on a Habitat house. About 30 Sports-minded millennials will percent or 24 likely play basketball or join a soft- million say ball team. they are not Community-minded men may from the editor from affiliated with bag potatoes or glean fields with the any religion. Society of St. Andrew. That means that this generation A few might want to help lead a is a mission field of 24 million men Scout troop or a Cub Scout pack. and women who have no doubt Only after they work and play heard of Jesus, but are not affiliated with other men are millennials likely with any Christian community. to accept an invitation to participate The great thing about this mis- in a study group, a weekend retreat sion field is no passport is required; or a conference. we don’t have to be authorized by Only when we learn their lan- the General Board of Global Minis- guage, address their interests and tries, and there is no expensive plane respond to their needs will they fare to be purchased. want to become a part of United The not-so-great thing about Methodist Men. this mission field is we don’t know This issue focuses on ways to their language. reach millennials. The authors taught We are enthused about our me a lot about this generation and I ministry and we assume millennials hope to enter the mission field. share the same attitude. I don’t have any illusions about Most of them do not. reaching 24 million, but I think We love our UM Men organi- Justin and Bob might want to help zation. It’s always a joy to be with us put new shingles on Mrs. Thomp- these men, but millennials don’t son’s decaying roof. share that feeling. I know Austin will play second Millennials are not going to base on the church softball team. respond to an invitation in a church Maybe Justin, Bob and Austin bulletin or a mass e-mail. will later be interested in the Let- If they come in any door, it is ters from Dad initiative to begin in likely a back door. November and the district rally in Only when we engage in per- December. sonal conversations and make in- Rich Peck

4 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN Meet the Millennials

eventy-five million Americans Institute found the proportion of students are in the Millennial Generation who said being wealthy was very impor- S(born1982 to 2000); that’s about 25 tant to them increased from 45% for Baby percent of the total U.S. population. Boomers (surveyed between 1966 and The oldest members of the generation 1978) to 70% for Generation X and 75% are age 32. The youngest are 14. for Millennials. Millennials are relatively unattached The percentage who said it was im- to organized politics and religion. They are portant to keep up to date with political burdened by debt, linked by social media, affairs fell, from 50% for Boomers to 39% and in no rush to marry. for Gen X and 35% for Millennials. A Pew Research Center telephone Lots of names survey of 8,821 adults in February, 2014, The “Millennial Generation” is also found Millennials are at the highest levels known as “Generation Y,” because it of political and religious disaffiliation comes after “Generation X” (people born recorded for any generation in the quarter from 1962 to 1981). It has century. also been called the “Peter The survey found that Pan” or “Boomerang Millennials vote heavily Generation” because many Democratic and hold liberal of these people have been views on many political and forced to move back with social issues, ranging from a their parents because they belief in an activist govern- can’t find work or they ment to support for same- want to delay marriage gender marriage and the and careers. It is sometimes legalization of marijuana. called “Generation Me” There is a spirited because members appear debate about whether Mil- to be more focused on self lennials are self-entitled than previous generations narcissists or open-minded were. do-gooders; perhaps the A study by the Journal truth lies somewhere in- of Personality and Social between. Psychology finds Millenni- Some scholars say it is als are more civically and futile to generalize about an politically disengaged, entire generation, and dis- more focused on mate- cussions too frequently focus rialistic values, and less only on white people living concerned about helping in the suburbs. the larger community than While Whites still make were Generation X and up the majority of Millen- Baby Boomers (born 1946 nials, the percentage of to 1961) at the same ages. Hispanics/Latinos and Blacks A survey of freshman has increased over previous college students by UCLA’s generations. Higher Education Research

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 5 Chart from a presentation on millennials at First UMC of Toms River UMC.

Just 26% of this generation is mar- son, half of Gen Xers (52%) and 55% ried. When they were the age that Mil- of Boomers say this description fits them lennials are now, 36% of Generation X, very well. About six in-ten (61%) of the 48% of Baby Boomers and 65% of the Silent Generation say this description fits members of the Silent Generation (born them very well. between 1925 and 1945) were married. Not only are Millennials less likely Most unmarried Millennials (69%) than older generations to be affiliated say they would like to marry, but many with any religious institution, they are lack a solid economic foundation. also less likely to say they believe in They have also taken the lead in use God. A solid majority still do—86%— of the Internet, mobile technology, and but only 58% say they are “absolutely social media. certain” that God exists, a lower share than among older adults, according to a Religious Views 2012 survey by the Pew Research Cen- About three in ten (29%) of Millen- ter’s Religion & Public Life Project. nials say they are not affiliated with any Perhaps these young adults may de- religion. velop a stronger belief in God over the Roughly a third (36%) of Millenni- course of their lives; however, statistics als say the phrase “a religious person” do not confirm they will come back to describes them very well. By compari- church when they have children. Information compiled by Rich Peck. 6 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN Ask the right questions By Joe Strausbaugh

“We need more young people.” Men is to “declare the centrality of Christ in every man’s life.” “All the young people grew up, In reality, we want our attendance to moved away or stopped coming go up to levels achieved after World War II. We want more money in offering plates, to church.” and we want energetic people to do our church work. “The people we have left are In other words, the reason we really getting too old to do anything.” want young people is so that we have more people in the pews funding the t is rare that I attend a church where church and taking on tasks older members I don’t hear some variation of these no longer wish to do. Ideclaratory statements. We have made it about us, about Youth are not participating in our what we’re going to get out of having men’s organization and they are not young people. attending our worship services, but we are Young people become a means to get slow to ask them about our role in address- what we think the church needs and not as ing the situation. ends in themselves. We devote a lot of energy complaining I have visited many churches where I about this issue, but we head for the exits felt as if I were a commodity rather than a when talk about solutions begins. fellow disciple of Jesus Christ. I have no doubt we want to engage When we ask, “Why?” we need first young people, but I doubt if this is truly a to consider why we are engaged in the life priority. of the church. I am 30 years old and a lifelong United Do we go out of a sense of obligation Methodist. I was baptized at Otterbein or habit? If so, I suspect it will be difficult to UMC in York, Pa., and have been attending attract younger people. UM churches pretty steadily ever since. After all, if our religious experience I have served as pastor, Sunday school hasn’t been that great, why do we expect teacher, usher, acolyte, and choir member. young people to join us? And yet I have become disillusioned It is hard to get people to enjoy doing with the church. something they feel they “have to” or We need to get serious about engag- “should” do. ing young people in the life of the church. Perhaps, we need to focus on our own In order to do that, we must ask: Why experiences. do we want to engage young people? How have we experienced Christ? Who are the young people we want to What is it about this experience that draws engage? and How are we are going to us to the church and calls us to support it engage them? by our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness? Why? To engage young people, perhaps we This appears to be self-explanatory. We should tell about our own experiences of believe our task is to bring people to Christ. Christ and invite them to be fellow travel- That’s why our mission statement as UM ers on spiritual journeys.

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 7 If we recalibrate our views of why we this sounds. want to engage young people, maybe the To the average young person this is “why?” will become irrelevant because we like saying, “I don’t read or write”––small have chosen just to be the people of God. wonder those comments do not entice If we just want to share our experience them to attend church. of Christ, everything takes care of itself. Beyond that, Millennials are more Attendance would go up because worldly because of their diversity, tran- people would want to share and learn of sience, and education. other’s experiences of Christ. Offerings Millennials have had more interaction would go up because people, young and with people of different racial, socioeco- old, would be compelled to support the nomic, geographic, political and religious church. And the work of the church would backgrounds than those from previous continue to be done because old and generations. It is anticipated that there young would work together. will be a higher percentage of Millennials with bachelor’s degrees than any previous Who? generation. If we are honest, we want recruits And Millennials tend to move from who are younger versions of us––if pos- place to place for school and jobs. Case in sible, with children in tow. We also prefer point––my sister traveled from Pennsylva- that they are related to life-long members nia, to Washington, D.C., to Afghanistan, of the congregation. and now to Alabama. As we are finding out, this is unrealistic This nexus of experiences means because (surprise!) today’s young people that Millennials are more accepting and are not like those with more life experi- affirming of differences among peoples ence. and are more inclined to embrace scientific Young people are different; they had research. This explains why 73 percent of different experiences, grew up in different Millennials support legalizing same-gender times, and face different challenges from marriage, 65 percent feel there is sufficient those of older generations. evidence to support global warming as a If we are going to engage young human-caused phenomenon, and 68 per- people, we are going to engage a relatively cent subscribe to the theory of evolution. tech-savvy crowd who are more diverse, Unfortunately, these views are fre- more transient, and better educated than quently at odds with those of older church previous generations. members. I can remember my family getting This worldview can create a divide our first desktop computer when I was that could be bridged, except that we have in first grade. By that point, I had already turned these views into wedge issues that had computer classes in school. People a claim a lot of our energy and attention. few years younger than me cannot even As a result, Millennials do not feel remember a time when their families didn’t welcome in church; they do not feel that have computers. They are ubiquitous and church matters to them or that they matter now have morphed into phones, tablets, in any real way to the church. and eyeglasses. Church to Millennials appears repres- As a young person, technology is en- sive and anti-science. meshed in my daily life. So when I hear––as Who would want to be part of an I frequently do––“Oh, I don’t do comput- institution if that’s how it’s perceived? ers” or “I don’t do the Internet,” I have to And we aren’t just talking about our more wonder if they realize how anachronistic fundamentalist or authoritarian brothers

8 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN and sisters in other denominations; that Scripture is read with as much enthusiasm includes us––the open-hearts-open-minds- as one would read the owner’s manual open-doors people. to an Oldsmobile, and no one appears Millennials see United Methodists as interested in being there, I doubt if young having mercenary-hearts and closed-minds; people will return. they’re not even going to try to find out Arguably the most important thing about the open-doors. we can do to engage young people is to If we believe the church must hold listen to them and try to understand their its ground on these issues or die, then worldviews. we need to acknowledge that when we Most likely, the young people who declare we are seeking younger men, we walk through our doors are not our mean we only want to engage about 30 to children or grandchildren, so we shouldn’t 40 percent of them. treat them as such. If we believe these views are nones- There is no bigger turn-off for young sentials of the faith, then we need to people (or anyone for that matter) than to aggressively promote the essentials as we feel like their views and their thoughts are understand them, but in a way that is both not taken seriously. logical and palatable to young people. Young people are not our protégés; We need to be intentional about they are our spiritual contemporaries, our reaching out to young people in ways that equal partners in ministry. recognize who they are and what they Listen to them and respect them as value with the understanding that their you would other adult members. Learn views have been shaped by a world very from them just as they will undoubtedly different from that experienced by senior learn from you. members There is no universal or surefire way to When we have established why we engage young people. However, when we want to engage young people and we ask the questions why? who? and how? have figured out who these young people we will find a starting place. are, we need to move from the theoretical What are you going to do to engage to the practical. young people in the life of the church?

How? Joe Strausbaugh How are we going to engage young serves as charter people? system administrator There is no single answer to this ques- for the General tion. Commission on UM If we have been intentional about Men. A magna cum answering why? and who?, we come to laude graduate of realize that taking our faith seriously and Gettysburg College (B.A.) and Drew building a relationship with individual University Theological young people is going to be part of the School (M.Div.), he how? has served as pastor We need to show young people that of a local church what we are doing is important and some- and a staff member of the General Board of thing of which they want to be a part. Higher Education and Ministry and the General If our worship services are clunky; if Commission on Archives and History.

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 9 Reach Millennials with technology By Reginald Grant

he number of unchurched young medium. people has increased in the past two Mobile technology, phones, i-pads, and Tyears. Yet, two-thirds of nonreligious mini-pads are completely integrated into affiliated adult Americans (68%) say they their lives. They wake to an alarm on their believe in God. phones and go to bed with music or videos on i-pods. This is good news. Wherever they go they are never far We only need new innovative ways to from their access to helpful information, invite them to become members of authen- supportive friends, loving family members, tic and caring communities. bad information, corrupt influences and As an English teacher in public schools immoral people. for 11 years, I have interacted with thou- As a teacher of international university sands of young people. students, I embed technology into all my As a coach, football camp organizer, lessons. and mentor, I have I use a whiteboard, the unique oppor- show videos, play tunity to interact music and give assign- with youth––often ments that integrate in non-religious and the use of their phones non-threatening and mobile devices into environments. the learning process. This has given For example, I use me a real-world per- the website “Socrative. spective on American com” and the stu- youth. dents use their phones and mobile devices Not homogeneous to answer questions, Millennials are respond to prompts, not members of a and take quizzes. homogeneous group; they are as diverse While young people still love to do as our entire population, but they are more things, go places and be connected, they social, more open, and not as self-centered just research, give feedback and are more as they are portrayed in the media and as socially active via technology. some older adults assume. The one thing they do share is a love of Role models needed technology. Many young people do not have posi- Millennials live and breathe technology. tive role models in their lives and it’s easy For me, it is like Dick Tracy has come alive. for them to feel untouched by God’s grace The things I saw as a youth in cartoons and if no one is helping them develop sensitivity in science fiction are now real. to the presence of the Holy Spirit in their Millennials are tied to social media. lives. Even to begin to reach them we must Interactive outreach and fun activities embrace and incorporate the use of that that get young people on our campus are

10 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN Online Activities by Age

• More than half of teens feel that • Their favorite medium of com- social media aids relationships with munication is in person (49%) and friends texting (33%) • One third say social media helps • Girls are more apt to use digital relations with parents and family communication and boys are more members likely to use gaming systems. • Less than 5 percent say social media hurts relationships. great places to start. Reginald Grant Mentoring young people at schools teaches at Kaplan and developing personal relationships fos- International ters trust and opportunities for older adults University in to become positive influences. Westwood, Calif. There is no substitute for one-on-one A former member of the NFL New relationships and interaction, but you must York Jets, he is have follow-up mechanisms that utilize a coordinator websites, emails, newsletters, mobile ap- of football plications and social media. camps, and We must develop our ability to educate past president and enlighten people about the good news of a national association presenting the God has for us. Watkins Award to African-American Using technology can aid our quest to male high school scholar athletes. He is a develop disciples of Jesus Christ. member of the Board of Directors of the General Commission on UM Men.

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 11 Best practices for reaching young adults By Perry Chang

he emerging consensus of 4 Be intentional about reaching out to research regarding young adults young adults. Tshows a growing percentage of 4 Form friendships with young adults. this age group is not connected with any religion, although many younger Ameri- 4 Involve young adults in leadership. cans express an interest in spirituality. This 4 Sponsor activities that mix socializing reality raises concerns about young-adult with theological reflection. participation in religious communities. 4 Apply theological principles to How are faith communities with a everyday-life issues that young adults significant proportion of young adults face. distinctive? The Faith Communities Today re- 4 Figure out how to connect with the search project studied congregations of different types of young adults — all faiths across America that are doing whether they are still in school or an exceptional job of engaging young starting careers, single or married, adults. A congregation is considered to with or without children. These have significant young adult participation groups cannot just be lumped if 21 percent or more of its participants together without some facilitating are 18 to 34 years of age. A total of only rationale. 16 percent of congregations of all faiths 4 Figure out how to connect with have such young adult involvement. young adults who are aging out of The findings identify some best the category in their mid- to late-30s. practices for congregations that wish to attract and engage young adults. These What congregations should not do: can be summarized in a dozen “do’s” and four “don’ts.” Ø Be theologically doctrinaire. What congregations should do: Ø Insist that people wear dresses or 4 Offer a high-quality worship experi- suits and ties to worship. ence that is contemporary in style or refashion traditional worship in new Ø Expect growth in the number of ways. members or total giving. 4 Start a new congregation or young- Ø Expect young adults to sign up for adult-only worship group within an long-term committee work. existing congregation, or move an existing congregation to a new This article is reprinted by permission location. from Leading Ideas, a free e-newsletter from the Lewis Center for Church Leader- 4 Prioritize metropolitan areas ship of Wesley Theological Seminary and and communities near university available at www.churchleadership.com. campuses. The research for this project was done 4 Allow people to bring coffee to by Faith Communities Today and more worship. information is available at their website, www.faithcommunitiestoday.org. 4 Provide food.

12 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN Pastor suggests ways to create boy-friendly churches

NASHVILLE, Tenn.–– esearch suggests that boys have a 70 to 90 percent chance of Rleaving the church and not coming back. The Rev. Tim Wright, a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, suggests ways churches can create boy- friendly environments. Speaking to a March gathering of 25 leaders of men’s ministry from seven denominations, Wright, cited reasons for the mass exodus of testosterone-driven boys. “A boy brain is different from a girl brain,” said Wright. “It processes information and emotions differently. It learns differently. Therefore, it follows that it will ‘disciple’ differently as well. “Typical religious education is based on sitting still, listening to someone talk, Tim Wright plays with his grandchildren and focusing or reading a sacred text,” said Wright. “This favors a girl’s brain. friendly competition. It might be a “Add into that mix pictures, videos, free-throw shoot-out, a tug-of-war, or a hands-on metaphors, and then you begin football toss.” to capture the boy as well. The pastor sometimes breaks boys “Athletic or not, boys want to into basketball teams. When a team move as they learn. They learn best when scores a basket, it gets extra points by learning comes visually and answering review questions correctly. metaphorically.” He also teaches about winning and losing. Winning teams get candy treats, Competition and losing teams do not. “Not everyone Wright is the author of Searching for is a winner every time,” he says. Tom Sawyer ––How parents and congregations can stop the exodus of boys Masculine spirituality from church. He teaches boys and girls in Wright notes that many congrega- different classes using different teach- tions speak, teach and worship with ing methods to express the same biblical female-oriented language. “For example, truths. churches talk about ‘having a personal The pastor of the Community of relationship with Jesus.’ Grace in Peoria, Ariz., Wright says he “Bill never says to Chavez, ‘I want to uses competition in his classes with boys. have a personal relationship with you.’ “Sometimes before starting a Bill might say, ‘Do you want to hang session, I’ll take them out for some out?’

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 13 “Jesus always used action language: Sharing experiences ‘Follow me!’ During the two-day meeting at the “What boys need is an action-driven office of the General Commission on spirituality.” UM Men, denominational men’s ministry leaders shared what was happening in Men need to lead each of their denominations. Wright told the denominational “Sharing in this group means leaders that men will have to take the presenting their best practices for oth- lead in helping boys connect their ers to steal with full permission,” said manhood to Jesus. “Boys long for Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the connections with men they respect,” General Commission on UM Men and he said. host of the group. “When someone “Many churches have men’s uses your program or project in another ministries but very little strategic training denomination, it is a high compliment.” takes place in leading men into manhood. Most men’s ministries study a Participants included topic, a book, or a book of the Bible but leaders in men’s, youth take little time to intentionally connect it and scouting ministry to a vision of manhood. from the Episcopal “The church not only can forge a vi- Church, the Missouri sion of manhood, it can also point boys Synod Lutheran Church, to the One who can lead them into that the Evangelical Church vision, empower them for that vision in America, the Ameri- and transform them into good honor- can Baptist Church, the Southern Baptist able men.” Church, Pentecostal Holiness Church, and the UMC.

Eight reasons young people are leaving the church 1. Demonizing––One-fourth of 18- Christian singles are as sexually ac- to 29-year-olds say their church de- tive as their non-churched friends. monizes their music, movies, culture, 7. Exclusivity––Three in 10 young and technology. adults feel the church is too ex- 2. Boring–– One-third say their clusive in a pluralistic and multi- church services are boring. cultural age. The same number feel 3. Unclear and irrelevant––About forced to choose between their faith one-fourth say biblical teachings are and their friends. unclear and irrelevant. 8. Doubt is not welcome––One 4. God is absent––One-fifth say God third of young adults assume the seems to be absent from their expe- church is not a safe place to express riences in churches. doubt. One-fourth have serious doubts they’d like to discuss. 5. Anti-science––Up to one-third say the church is out of step with scientific developments. Adapted from a survey in You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church––Rethinking Faith 6. Sex––One fifth say the “just-say- by David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group. no” philosophy is insufficient. Young

14 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN Five South Carolina pastors suggest ways to reach younger men By Jessica Connor

Dr. George Ashford Jr., pastor of The Rev. Darren Hook, pastor of Journey UMC, Columbia Covenant UMC, Greer “It’s all about taking the ordinary and “When men step up to the plate making it extraordinary––repackaging. and fulfill God’s command to God-given “I was dragged to church as a kid, leadership, our but over the years things change. churches are “The church I’m pastoring now is not strong. the church of my grandmother. “The “If you don’t go out and reach most ‘a-mens’ people, they have no impetus or desire to I receive come come to you. There are other things they from women can do on Sunday mornings. when I preach “Men enjoy fixing things, being task- about the oriented. They embrace learning how to need for men be better fathers, husbands, and sons. to be Godly “Many young men have broken leaders: Wom- their mother’s hearts in some way, and en want men we celebrate when they return home to step up in and repair that relationship. Every young the church. man enjoys it when his mother pats him “I think men want to be challenged on the head and says, ‘Good job.’ They and they want to be asked to be leaders. embrace being affirmed. We bring them They want to serve, but in many church- in and celebrate their presence, just for es, they don’t hear that challenge so they being there. If we don’t give it to them, don’t step up.” they’ll get it elsewhere.” The Rev. Bob Howell Jr., pastor of Bethany UMC, Summerville “Methodists as a group like their religion palatable––not uncomfortable. But we are living in a different world and a different time. “God didn’t create a service organization when he created the church; he created a servant organization. “Until the church harnesses the sort of excitement you find at a football game, we’re going to erode. And that’s everyone’s responsibility––clergy and laity. “We’re not in the business of making Methodists. We’re in the business of

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 15 it complicated. Jesus just walked and talked with them and related to them. “Prayer is one of the greatest things we can be doing. There’s something powerful about the church seeing men on their knees praying. “It’s not about us. It’s about those who don’t know Christ. “My job is not done unless I’m looking for the one who is lost. “To a lost and hurting world, God seems unreachable. But God is the answer we all need. “The great shepherd didn’t hesitate to seek the lost.

making disciples for Christ. “I see the vacuum (of men) in the church. “Men are not more or less important than women in the church; it’s just a need—a gaping, crying need. “I don’t go to men’s club meet- “If there’s more praising in heaven ings, that’s not because I don’t care it’s over the one lost, then why is so much because they don’t change. of the energy in our local church going “I’m about men being in ministry; to the security of the 99? I’m not about men going to eat a steak “The lost matter to God; but, do the on Friday night. lost matter to the people of God? “Men need to have something to do. “One simple way to reach the lost is Help your men have something to do, simply through prayer.” and we’ll grow men as disciples of Jesus. Men need a task so they can go out and win the battle. That’s what they do.” The Rev. Mack McClam, pastor of the Canaan-Sand Hill Charge, Ridgeville. The Rev. Jeff Kersey, pastor of “How do we expect our church Mount Horeb UMC, Lexington to remain the same while everything “Men are not looking to be reli- around us changes? It’s impossible. gious. They’re looking for relationships. Everything stagnant dies, or it is dead Sometimes we overthink and make already. “We don’t need someone telling

16 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN us how we’re stocked in our own. wrong. We “One Sunday I was nudged by the need some- Spirit to call a spontaneous gathering body to help of men right after church. Hundreds us get it right. of men showed up. This revitalized the “The Word of men’s ministry at both the churches on God teaches us my charge. The men ended up taking we can have a on a church-wide education project that cleansing from has been making huge strides in the our past. Life community. can deal some “Christ has to be the center. If He’s harsh and crush- not, it’s not the church.” ing blows. “We need Jessica Connor is editor of to have confi- the South Carolina United dence in the present. Methodist Advocate; she “Connectionalism is the key. In or- selected these quotations der to be connected to the community from sermons delivered beyond me, I must be connected to the by five pastors during a community within. Sometimes we’re UMM spring retreat in quick to fish in someone else’s pond Myrtle Beach, S.C. Photos by Matt Brodie. without bothering to check what’s

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See available designs and order now at shop.umc.org/calendars (888) 346-3862 | [email protected] CAL15UMM UM men serve as big brothers to children of prisoners NASHVILLE, Tenn.–– 2000, says the everal hundred UM men are serving program now as big brothers to children of prison covers 49 states. Sinmates through the Amachi program “One adult of Big Brothers Big Sisters giving one hour “Amachi” is a Nigerian Ibo word that each week to means “Who knows but what God has one child for brought us through this child.” one year will Amachi mentors meet weekly with break the cycle children who have been carefully matched of jail,” said with them; they often live and worship in Goode. “This the same neighborhoods as the children. commitment Amachi’s hope is that one-to-one mentor- has resulted ing by caring adults will significantly im- in two-thirds prove the life opportunities of the children. of the children The Rev. Wilson Goode There are 7.3 million children who improving both have one or both parents under some form their grades and school attendance. More of state or federal supervision. Without than 80 percent of mentored children now effective intervention, 70 percent of these say they trust other people more.” children will likely follow their parents to jail Goode says he began the program or prison. The Amachi mentoring program because of his own experience as the son was developed to provide them with a dif- of an incarcerated man. A school counselor ferent path by establishing the consistent told him he was a “farm boy and should presence of loving, caring people of faith. never plan on going to college.” However, Goode’s pastor and his wife became his big A history brother and sister and helped send him to The Rev. Wilson Goode, former mayor college and on to become a two-term of Philadelphia and founder of Amachi in mayor of Philadelphia.

Experience in Denver Bill West, president of Rocky Mountain Conference UM Men, has been a big brother to A.J. since January 2012. “Our relationship is strong,” says West. “AJ looks forward to our outings each week.” Last fall, AJ was one of the winners of an essay contest on bullying. AJ subsequently took Bill to a Denver Bronco football game after his winning entry resulted in two free tickets to the Broncos-Ravens football game.

18 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN HOPKINSVILLE, Ky.— CINNAMINSON, N.J.— Kentucky church presents 250 books Men display cooking prowess to first responders Eighty church members attended Hopkinsville UMC gave copies of the fifth annual “Men’s Cooking Strength for Service to God and Demonstration” at Asbury UMC. Community to 250 first responders in While most of the chefs offered their community. imaginative mixtures of their favorite The church placed American flag food groups, they invited a real chef to envelopes in every bulletin. The join Pastor John Doll and amateur chefs congregation was invited to contribute of all ages. to the distribution effort. The men raised $300 for local food “What a great day we had delivering kitchens. the books,” said Leah Malloy, mission ministry coordinator.

Police Chief Guy Howie and members of the Hopkinsville Police Department Colton Minnix shows how to mix M&Ms receive copies of Strength for Service to with pretzels and raisins to make a “non- God and Community. lethal treat.”

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 19 CHARLESTON, Ill.— PARKERSBURG, W.Va.— Church receives Shepherd Church Church receives Shepherd Church Charter Recognition Wesley UMC received Shepherd Led by UM Men, Stout Memorial Church Charter Recognition for its UMC has supported Boy Scout Troop support of Scout Troop 141. Scouts visit 12 for more than 58 years. The church with residents of an assisted-living facility also sponsors Cub Scout Pack 12, and a and each month they prepare and serve Venturing Crew. The church received a evening meals at a homeless shelter. Shepherd Church Charter Recognition Scouts collected 2,294 pounds of from the General Commission on UM food during a Scouting for Food drive, Men. including 180 pounds collected by a single Scout at a local Wal-Mart. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.— Two Eagle Scout service projects Troop receives Bishop’s Award resulted in a successful blood drive and Boy Scout Troop 276, charted by the rebuilding of a gazebo at a shelter for Castleton UMC, received a Bishop’s abused women. Award of Excellence. The 115-member troop hosts a “Trash Can Turkey” BATON ROUGE, La.— campout during Thanksgiving and they Chaplain of Dallas Cowboys provide 100 service hours for an annual fish fry. The three-day event provides speaks to gathering 10,000 dinners for drive-in and sit-down Jonathan Evans, former NFL fullback guests. and chaplain of the Dallas Cowboys, Some Scouts serve as actors in a spoke at an April meeting of Iron Nativity scene while others provide hot Sharpens Iron. One hundred and drinks to cast members and visitors. thirty men of several denominations participated in the event that included several workshops.

Mary and Joseph visit with an alternative means of travel.

Joe Kelley (right), national prayer advocate, ARLINGTON, Wash.— chats with Ray Terral, president of the men’s organization of Five Oaks UMC in Watson, La. Men give devotional books Kelley, a men’s ministry specialist, serves as for first responders following a mentor for Terral, who is in the process of mudslide becoming a men’s ministry specialist. Arlington United Church’s Men’s group distributed Strength for Service to God and Community daily devotional

20 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN books to 200 first responders involved with the Oso, Wash., mudslide. The men were involved in the tedious process of identifying remains more than a week after a March 22 landslide roared across the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River and buried a community at Oso, about 55 miles north of Seattle. Books were delivered to first responders in Oso, Darrington, and Arlington. More than 800 first responders and National From Left: Larry Dozier, Ruth Conley, Western Jurisdiction chairperson; , the Rev. Cedrick D. Guard units were involved in the operation. Bridgeforth, BMCR national president, and Following the retrieval of bodies, a team the Rev. Gary Bernard Williams president of of medical examiners, detectives, and BMCR Western Jurisdiction, and his wife. dentists identified 41 victims. BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — Tennessee churches agree to expand scouting ministries Fifty people from 18 UM churches in the Tennessee Annual Conference gathered for an April 29 From left: Alan Lish of Arlington United Bishop’s Dinner Church presents Strength for Service books for Scouting to Kevin Griffee of the Vancouver Fire Dept.; at Brentwood Steve Westlake, Eastside Fire and Rescue in UMC. Bishop William McAlilly Issaquah, and Brian Hyatt of the Monroe Fire Representatives tells Isaac Shaw, a Dept. Capt. Ron Adams, Monroe Fire Dept.; agreed to continue member of BSA Troop and Steve Mason, Snohomish County Fire supporting their 1 and a new member District kneel in front. scouting ministries, of Brentwood UMC, and will encourage that he offered an young people excellent invocation. ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Photo by Martez D. BMCR declares, ‘it’s a new day’ to participate in four UM God and Moore, BSA director of “It’s a New Day,” was the theme of the field service. 47th Black Methodist for Church Renewal Country studies (BMCR) March meeting. sponsored by St. Louis-based Programs of Western Jurisdiction UM Men President Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY). Larry Dozier represented the General Four churches said they will begin new Commission on UM Men at the two-day units. annual gathering. Some 150 participants prepared for General Conference 2016, AUGUSTA, Ga.— received training in ways to address issues Church honors Scouts of racial inequality, and approved changes Mann Memorial UMC wanted the in the bylaws and constitution. community to know how proud they are of their Boy Scout troop and their UMUM MEN MEN | Winter | Fall 2014 | 21 Cub Scout pack. The boys assist in for the National Association of Letter church services and help with the spring Carriers food drive. Shown here from barbecue. Two Scouts have become left are letter carrier Tenesha Henderson, members of the Order of the Arrow. Dozier, Tanaka, Postal Supervisor La Shawn Smith and letter carrier Camella Siler.

CHANDLER, Ariz.— Scouting ministry receives Shepherd Church Charter Chandler UMC, home of BSA Troop ANCHORAGE, Alaska— 283, BSA Venture Crew 2283 and Girl Talented hands and big heart Scout Troop 283, received a Shepherd For the last eight years, Bill Church Charter Recognition. Floerchinger has led the assembly of seats for Personal Energy Transportation GARDENA, Calif.— (PET) hand-crank carts for people in UM Men leader joins postal developing nations who have lost the workers for food drive use of their legs. Western Jurisdiction President Larry Dozier supported an effort in which letter carriers collect food items from Gardena residents on May 10. Dozier, who retired from the Postal Service in 2009, says the effort to stock the shelves of Gardena food banks complements the UM Men Meals for Millions program. “We’re asking UM Men across the nation to support this worthwhile effort From left: Gale Weatherell, Laura and Scott in future years,” said Dozier. Fahrney, Chuck Livers and Bill Floerchinger Last year the national effort brought assemble seats for PETs. The building project was part of the annual “Church Is a Verb” in 74.4 million pounds of non-perishable activities. During the day, church members also food and drove postal workers’ grand baked cookies for first responders, cleaned area total to 1.3 billion pounds over the roads and walkways, and made blankets for a drive’s history. child-serving agency. Photo by Walt Hays. Gardena Mayor Paul Tanaka (third from left) and Larry Dozier (second from Floerchinger has worked with the men left) join postal employees to remind of St. John, other church men’s groups, Gardena residents to donate food service clubs, Boy Scouts, and youth at

22 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN summer camps. One Boy Scout built 50 INDIO, Calif.— seats for his Eagle project. Men provide trailer for disaster Through his efforts, 500 seats have response been funded, built and shipped to the UM Men of Shepherd of the Valley PET Inland-Northwest Shop in Spokane, raised more than $25,000 over eight Wash. years to purchase and equip a trailer Since 2004, Alaska churches, clubs for relief efforts by the California-Pacific and individuals have raised $75,000 for Annual Conference. 250 total PET vehicles.

WINTER HAVEN, Fla.‚— UM Men build ramps Richard Blue, a member of St. John’s UMC, is the design engineer and chief builder of ramps for residents of Winter The trailer is frequently used by volunteers of Haven. the UM Committee on Relief. Richard Blue finishes the base of FAYETTEVILLE, N.Y—. a handicap ramp. Men help veterans get to medical appointments WOODWORTH, La. — The Crossroads District’s 77 UM Men and Scouts package congregations are purchasing a van that 10,300 dehydrated meals for will help veterans in Central New York emergency situations get to medical appointments. UM men meeting at the Wesley Fayetteville UMC member Scott Center packaged 10,300 dehydrated Stumpf brought the idea for a veterans meals for Stop Hunger Now. Boy Scouts van to Steve Ranous, president of the attending a nearby camporee joined Crossroads District UM Men, in the fall in the packaging process. Men also of 2012. participated in a golf tournament, skeet Ranous said they both spoke with past shooting, worship and workshops. presidents of UM Men units “to see if this idea had legs.” It did.

Photo courtesy of Louisiana Conference

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 23 WINTER GARDEN, Fla.— WEST ORLANDO, Fla.— Men support Scout troop and Scouts receive merit badge Cuban churches instruction In June, 61 UM men and Scouts met Boy Scouts attending a June Eagle together for a dinner and celebration Encampment received intensive of their ministries. Scoutmaster Steve instructions about merit badges. Eisinger and UM Men President Joe Gracey expressed commitments to continue to work together.

Phil Jones, Committee Chair of Troop 210, speaks to Scouts seeking merit badges leading Scout leaders are honored by UM Men of First to the rank of Eagle UMC in Winter Garden.

TUCSON, Ariz. — PINEVILLE, La.— Scouts place 3,500 flags on graves Men support children’s home On Memorial Day, Douglas Wright, a Each quarter, UM Men of First UMC scouting ministry specialist, led an effort in Pineville spend a day and a half at the to place American flags on the graves of UM Children’s Home Outdoor Wilderness 3,500 military veterans buried in South Learning Center. Lawn Cemetery. Last quarter ten men made 17 cases of He was assisted by Chuck Moyer, “Pretty Darn Hot Salsa” and 10 cases of scouting coordinator of the South District, jelly to support the center’s fundraising and members of Cub pack and a Boy project. Scout troop chartered by Hope UMC. Fred Carter, president of UM Men, said Wright returned the following Monday they also donated a tool-storage chest to to remove the flags. He was assisted in the the maintenance department and a juice five-hour effort by two military veterans. extractor to aid the jelly-making process.

Doug Wright, Chuck Moyer and scouting families of Hope UMC spend seven hours placing flags on the graves of veterans at South Lawn Cemetery.

24 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN NATCHITOCHES, La.— power, I really had all the power I will Men give books to first ever need.” responders “Chills ran across my body as I was After sending many copies of the also hit with the reality of what real Strength for Service book to the military, power is all about,” said Billy. men of First UMC presented Strength Following the ice storm, 51 volunteers for Service to God and Community worked on 68 homes, and they gave a books to the Parish Sheriff’s Office, the copy of Strength for Service to God and City Fire Department and the City Police Country to all homeowners. Department. In May, the team helped rebuild Each department received 50 copies homes in Boaz, Ala., following a of the books in appreciation for tornado. their service to the community and parish.

Billy Robinson clears limbs following a February ice storm. Members of the Natchitoches Fire Department receive Strength for Service books. From left: Keith Scoggins, David Fisher, Chief Crit Miller, UM Men President HINSDALE, Illinois — Johnny Broussard and Robert Harris. Church honors fire fighters and police officers BARNWELL, S.C.— In May, Hinsdale UMC welcomed No electricity but plenty of 25 firefighters, police officials, and power paramedics to a Sunday service. Following what some called the “ice storm of the century,” a team of volunteers from the South Carolina Conference removed limbs and debris off the home of 91-year-old Mary Hanks. “My wife, Trudy, handed Mrs. Hanks a copy of Strength for Service to God and Country,” said Billy Robinson, conference disaster coordinator. Children of First UMC in Hinsdale, Ill., get After Billy descended from the roof, up-close look at a fire truck after a worship Mrs. Hanks told him she had read the service honoring first responders. Three fire first devotion, titled “Keeping Power.” trucks, a police car, a traffic patrol car and an “Wow, the power of God,” she said. ambulance were in the church parking lot. “All the time I thought I was without

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 25 Hinsdale members recited a first- CUTHBERT, Ga.— responders’ prayer, followed by a photo Men give $10,000 for tribute on sanctuary screens to seven scholarships firefighters who died in the line of South Georgia UM Men gave $10,000 duty. Michael Halligan, son of deceased to Andrew College in Cuthbert Ga., for Deputy Sheriff Carroll Edward Halligan, “Roy Lifsey Memorial Scholarships.” lit a memorial candle. First responders were presented with personalized “thank you” cards prepared by the children.

JACKSON’S MILL, W.Va.— Men sponsor camporee For 26 years UM Men of West Virginia Conference have sponsored a Circuit Rider Camporee for Scouts. Carl Childs (right), vice-president of A total of 680 South Georgia UM Men,presents a $10,000 Scouts attended check to David Seyle, president of Andrew the 2013 camp. College. Since 1996, men of the Mon Valley District AUBURN, N.Y. — have supported Two build name-tag board the camporee with funds from the Arnold Eddy Memorial Golf Tournament. Over the years, the Scouts participate in a flag-raising ceremony district has raised at the 2013 camporee. $109,000. Every year, the men provide and serve the Saturday evening meal and also give Bibles or Strength for Service books to participants. Harold Brown (right), a veteran shop teacher, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball is scheduled built a nametag board for Auburn UMC. to deliver the meditation and serve as Jim Parker, an antique restorer, stained and celebrant at the closing Communion completed the board. “It’s now easier for worshippers to find their nametags,” said service of the 2014 camp in September. John Burlew, an emeritus member of the UM Men Foundation.

Send news of your men’s organization to Rich Peck ([email protected]).

26 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.— BRIDGE CITY, Texas— Five hundred invited to ‘take the Men provide medical facility for plunge’ Central America Bishop Jonathan Holston and five Orange County UM Men turned a pastors invited 500 men attending a storage pod into a walk-in medical clinic Feb. 28 to March 2 conference to “be for residents of Belize. real, step out on faith, take the plunge The men raised $15,000 and worked and do God’s will.” for 10 months to change an empty The church is not built for our pleasure structure into a clinic with linoleum but for God’s purpose,” said Holston. floors, air conditioning, ceiling fans, “We’re so busy in the midst of our lives multiple electrical sockets, sinks, three that we don’t have time for God; our partitioned exam areas and a lab room. lives are full of busy-ness, but every now and then you’ve got to step out of the main line and get in the God line.” Other pastors speaking to the event included: Dr. George Ashford Jr., the Rev. Darren Hook, the Rev. Bob Howell Jr., the Rev. Jeff Kersey and the Rev. Mack McClam. “Our work has just begun,” said CENTERVILLE, Ohio — Herman Lightsey, chair of the S.C. UM Men help rebuild town in Alaska Men, at the close of the retreat. “We Four men from Centerville UMC don’t want a great event. We want spent 16 days rebuilding four homes a great movement. And it’s all going of a 400-member fishing community to work if we go out and do that one destroyed by an ice jam on the Yukon simple thing God asked us: make River in May 2013. disciples.”

Ninety percent of the buildings in Galena, Alaska, were destroyed. Centerville men were part of a 15-member team that stayed in tents set-up on the runway of a former Air Force base. Other teams continued the rebuilding effort. Men seek God’s guidance during Myrtle Beach conference.

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 27 SPRUCE PINE, NC— responders and Men spend weekend in prison volunteers who Neil Brown, president of Western provided support North Carolina Conference UM Men, led for tornado victims a team of 33 in northeast men from eight Nebraska. denominations The books were to conduct a distributed by Linda Stewart, conference 3½-day Kairos disaster response coordinator in Wichita. ministry at the The effort was led by Doug Kallese, Avery Mitchell communications director of the Prairie Correctional River District UM Men. Institution. Thirty inmates participated June 16 tornadoes killed two people, in the event which is based on the including a 5-year-old girl, and destroyed Walk to Emmaus model. Nearly 20,000 150 homes. home-baked prayed-over cookies were distributed to 856 inmates and 240 KEEZLETOWN, Va.— staff persons as tokens of agape, God’s Golf tournament provides $7,500 unconditional love. for UM camp Fifty-eight UM Men of the Winchester, RICHLAND HILLS, Texas— Harrisonburg, and Staunton districts Men honor police officers participated in the 16th annual golf “The Fellas” of Richland Hills UMC tournament that raised $7,500 for presented copies of Strength for Overlook Retreat and Camp Ministries in Service to God and Community to the Keezletown. 27-member City Police Department. Books were given out over two days in June in order for UM Men to make presentations to all staff over shift changes.

Participants in tournament (from left): Ron Robey, camp director; Monty Cox organizer, and Scott Dillard, Harrisonburg District UM Men president.

Police Chief Childress, second from left, BULVERDE, Texas — expresses appreciation to Dr. Duane Watermelons support missions Kirkdorffer, Al Moss and Ralph Houy on right. UM Men of Bulverde UMC raised $2,000 by selling watermelons at $5 each. PILGER, Neb. — Funds supported the church, UM Men, Men give books to first Boy Scouts, and responders following Nebraska youth ministries tornado in Bulverde and UM Men of the Nebraska Conference San Antonio. provided copies of Strength for Service to God and Community to 200 first

28 l Fall 2014 l UM MEN In Memoriam

George D.Duvall Associates insurance VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.–– agency in 1974. eorge D Duvall, 66, a legacy builder He served on the Gand a life member of UM Men, died civilian board of Virginia July 9. Beach Crime Solvers He served as lay leader and chaired when the program the Staff-Parish Relations Committee of began in 1982. He was Community UMC. He also served on the also president of the Administrative Board, the Council of Min- Southeastern Crime istries, and the Finance Committee. Stoppers Board until he He represented the church as a member experienced a stroke in George Duvall of the Virginia Annual Conference and 2008. served on a district committee that re- He is survived by his wife, Sheila, chil- views plans for new church buildings and dren David and Jennifer, his mother, Ruth, plans to close or merge congregations. sister, Elizabeth (John) Melby, brothers In 2001, Virginia Conference presented William C Duvall III (Toko) and Thomas him with a Harry Denman Evangelism Duvall. He is preceded in death by his fa- Award. ther, William C. Duvall Jr. and his brother A graduate of Virginia Wesleyan Col- Charles M. Duvall. lege, he started the George Duvall &

Legacy Builders

he following men were left off the list Bronze Legacy Builders Tof Legacy Builders in the annual report ($10-$24 per month) of the UMM Foundation. We apologize for Herman Harville and John Shell, Alabama; the omissions. Allen McClellan, Herbert John ,Neil Schil- ling, Ron Hershberger and Steve Liehr, Gold Legacy Builders Illinois; Charles Fankhauser, John Reimer ($50 to $99 per month) and Larry Parsons, Kansas; Don Cottrill and Johnnie Draughon, Virginia, and Bob Matthew Wise, Louisiana; Donald Eckberg, Spinti, Wisconsin Maryland; Dale Burgess and Scott Shultz, Michigan; Andrew Benjamin, Minnesota; Silver Legacy Builders Gary Moreau, Missouri; Daniel Thomas, ($25 - $49 per month) Mississippi; Randy Schlick, Nebraska; Richard Frette, Illinois; David Schafer, George Ramseyer and Kenneth Summers, Kansas; Ronald Forrester, Maryland; Lloyd New York; John Bond and James Sheldon, Miller, Missouri; Rick Stoker, Pennsylvania; Ohio; Floyd Hawk, Oklahoma; Clemon Charles Pearre, Virginia; and James Russell, Bedwell, Mark Griffy and James Potts, Ten- Washington. nessee; Thomas Haines and Albert Vickers, Texas; Don Henderson and Thomas Inge, Virginia; and Arthur Hahn, West Virginia.

UM MEN | Fall 2014 | 29 Ocrober/November/December 2014 Volume 50, No. 4 UM Men Awards Bubba Hale example of service to members of our church Former president helps unit set as well as for those being served.” record Bishop Paul Leeland PHOEBUS, Va.–– Men honor bishop en of Phoebus UMC gave Bubba Hale, MONTGOMERY, Ala.–– Mformer UM Men president, a Life en of the Alabama-West Florida Membership Award. Under his leadership, the MConference honored Bishop Paul church was honored for membership increases Leeland with a Life Membership Award. and the highest number of men at district A graduate of North Carolina Wesleyan meetings. College (B.A), Duke Divinity School Maxine Baker (M.Div.) and North Carolina State University (Ed.D.), Leeland served as a delegate to Church leader is ‘anchor’ of General Conference in 2000, 2004, and mission activities 2008. He was PASADENA, Texas–– elected to the ope Community UMC presented a episcopacy in 2008 HSusanna Wesley Award of Excellence to and appointed to Maxine Baker. the Alabama-West “She is an active part of many ministries Florida Annual here, but all agree that she is not only a Conference. participant but an anchor for many of the He currently outreach ministries of Hope,” said the Rev. serves on General Jack Womack, pastor of the 3-year-old Board of Church congregation. “Whether it is a spaghetti and Society, after a fundraising dinner, the annual Pumpkin four-year term with Patch or tutoring at the nearby elementary the General Board of Bishop Paul Leeland school, Maxine is eager and willing to set an Higher Education and Ministry. Charles Owusu Church honors man prior to return to Ghana COLUMBUS, Ohio –– en of Ebenezer UMC honored Charles MOwusu for 12 years of service to the men’s fellowship. J. Kassare Mokwah, The family of Maxine Baker (with award) president of the fellowship, presented the joins her after a surprise presentation of the 75-year-old with a plaque and money Susanna Wesley Award of Excellence.

Editor: Rich Peck Please send MensNews submissions to: Rich Peck 1000 17th Ave. S. • Nashville, TN 37212 [email protected] North Carolina Conference UM Men Rally. Dozier has served as president of UM Men at St. Mark’s UMC, Metro District UM Men, and the conference UM Men. He Men of Ebenezer UMC join Charles Owusa (white currently serves shirt) following the presentation of an award. as vice-president Nancy Dozier joins following his decision to retire and return to of Southeastern husband Hank following Ghana. Jurisdiction UM the presentation at Lake Men. Junaluska. Dozier also The Rev. John T. LeGault served on the Conference Board of Ordained Retired pastor inducted into John Ministry and the Board of Laity and is a Wesley Society candidate for the position of men’s ministry NEWPORT NEWS, Va.–– specialist. ohn T. LeGault, former pastor of First JUMC in Newport John Hilliard News, was inducted Retired Air Force colonel serves into the John Wesley on mission teams Society. The award SAN ANTONIO, Texas–– was made possible by hapel Hill UMC presented John Hilliard a $1,000 gift from Cwith a Life Membership Award for teaching the Ouzts Family an adult class and participating in several Foundation. mission trips, including two to Russia. In 2006, LeGault The Rev. The retired Air Force colonel also serves John T. LeGault received the G. on the Church Finance Committee and the Ross Freeman Foundation Award for Administrative Board. “This man is truly a great individual, a outstanding ministry to men. He was dedicated Christian, and very loyal to his nominated by Virginia Conference UM church,” said Stewart Cloer, UM Men Men. president.

Hank Dozier Warren Sherman North Carolina leader inducted Vice president cooks and washes into John Wesley Society dishes LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C.–– VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.–– ecause of his “unselfish work at the local, en of Haygood UMC named Warren Bdistrict, conference and jurisdictional MSherman a life member of UM Men. levels of UM Men,” Henry (Hank) Dozier “He can routinely be found in the kitchen was named a fellow of the Society of John preparing meals for homeless citizens, washing Wesley during the 34th annual Western endless piles of dishes at special events or

31 trimming bushes and mowing lawns,” said Bill Slingerland, president of Haygood UM Men. Sherman, a member of the Board of Trustees and vice-president of Marcia Nusz Lionelle Elesser Carrie Sullivan UM Men, received the “These three women devoted countless honor at an annual hours before and after the major renovation of Warren Sherman banquet of the Elizabeth our church offices, Sunday school rooms, food River District Men’s pantry area, conference rooms and gathering Ministry Team, hosted by Hickory UMC in hall,” said Ken Dillner, president of Grace Chesapeake, Va. UM Men. “They identified what was to be saved, stored, refurbished and reused in these The Rev. Carl Johnston areas, and finally redecorated the new spaces Army veteran leads dramatic beautifully.” turn-around NEW BADEN, Ill.–– Rodney Diggs en of New Marriage counselor honored Baden UMC NASHVILLE, Tenn.–– M odney Diggs and his wife, Zenola, are presented Pastor Carl Rfounders of One Flesh Ministries Inc., Johnson with a Life an organization that provides faith-based pre- Membership Award. marital enrichment and family counseling Johnston, a 23-year services in cooperation with McKendree veteran of the U.S. UMC. Army, became pastor Rodney is a graduate of Andersonville of New Baden UMC Theological Seminary, and he is pursuing a D.Min. degree at United Theological in 2011. “Since The Rev. Carl Johnston arriving, Pastor Carl Seminaryin Dayton, Ohio. He serves as has been instrumental vice president of UM Men of the Tennessee Conference. in leading a dramatic turn-around in our church,” says Joe Jackson, president of The Rev. Paul White UM Men. “Attendance is up, membership Men honor conference executive is up, participation in all activities is rising NORTH CANTON, Ohio –– and we’re working towards a long-needed ast Ohio UM Men presented the Rev. Paul expansion of our facilities.” EWhite with a Life Membership Award.

Marcia Nusz, Lionelle Elsesser and Carrie Sullivan Church presents three Susanna Wesley Awards ST. LOUIS, Mo.–– race UMC presented Susanna Wesley GAwards of Excellence to Marcia Nusz, Leland Spencer presents a Life Membership Lionelle Elsesser and Carrie Sullivan. Award to the Rev. Paul White.

32 A former district superintendent, White treasurer and director of congregational care. served as East Ohio Conference director of She also serves as the coordinator of eight Bible connectional ministries prior to his 2014 study groups and other educational efforts. retirement after 40 years in the ministry. “I only hope that I can live up to the honor “We are very thankful to have Paul with us of this award,” said Clark following the May all these years,” said Leland Spencer, president presentation. of East Ohio UM Men. “He has always been there when we needed him and something had Evelyn Brunson to be done via the conference office.” Spencer presented the surprise award during Former assistant to the bishop a UM Men breakfast at annual conference. honored HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.–– Chris Doran en of New York Annual Conference Mpresented Evelyn Brunson with a Life ‘Her life is wrapped around her Membership Award during the 15th annual faith’ Men’s and Bishop’s Luncheon during the SYRACUSE, May conference session at N.Y.–– Hofstra University. uring the She served as DUpper New administrative assistant to York Annual the bishop from 1997 to Conference 2012 and currently serves session, Mark on the Conference Board of Jones, conference Laity and the Conference president of UM Older Adult Committee. Evelyn Brunsom Men, presented She is also an assistant lay a Susanna leader of the Metropolitan District. Wesley Award Chris Doran proudly shows The former lay leader of Salem United of Excellence her Susanna Wesley Award.to Methodist Church in Manhattan, currently Chris Doran, serves the church as class leader, choir member, executive assistant to the bishop. lay servant and lay member to the New York Jones said, “Chris was our choice for the Annual Conference. She also chairs the Salem award because–– as one of her sisters in Christ Older Adult Committee and the Staff-Parish said––“Her life is wrapped around her faith; Relations Committee. it is deep and profound and drives almost everything she does.” Joseph Iman Leader provides vegetables for Marion Clark food pantries Volunteer PORTSMOUTH, Va.–– receives Susanna ldersgate UMC presented a Life Wesley Award AMembership Award to Joseph Iman for PINE ISLAND, Fla. –– serving as district coordinator of the Society of M Men presented St. Andrew and chair of Tidewater gleaners. UMarion Clark with He served as a leader of a UMM rally with a Susanna Wesley Award 1,000 Scouts and led teenagers in summer of Excellence for serving service projects. as the volunteer church Marion Clark

33 October/November/December 2014 Volume 50, No. 4 Beneath the Tooth of Time By Jim Finley CIMARRON, N.M. –– Wow! Philmont –– awe inspiring, majestic, comforting, assuring, and the most magical place of scouting. At first glance the center seems the same as it was in the 1970s when I was here last. At that time, I was new to scouting and Philmont seemed necessary if I wanted to become an effective leader.

The Tooth of Time in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range is an icon of the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico. My attendance at the Philmont workshop began last winter when I received an invitation from Larry Coppock to become a scouting ministry specialist. Jim Finley, a scouting ministry specialist in I submitted my application and became the Springfield, Mo., teaches Scout knots to a 282nd member of that group of experienced member of the troop. scouters, but it was only after I arrived at Now, as a PRAY (Programs of Religious Philmont that I began to understand my new Activities with Youth) counselor and troop role in scouting. chaplain I attended a 2014 workshop on Having served as president of a group of “Scouting in the United Methodist Church.” UM Men in the late 1980s, I thought I knew what it was all about. But, I learned it was more

Editor: Larry Coppock Please send ScoutingNews submissions to: Larry Coppock OCYSA •1000 17th Ave. S. • Nashville, TN 37212 [email protected] vigorous, more get-with-it; and more shed- who understand that youth are the future of some-sweat, than I had envisioned. the UMC. My class was the best of the best. Oh yes, before I forget ––Philmont Five clergy and lay leaders taught us how to Training Center has greatly improved, with lead Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big individual showers and restrooms, additional Sisters, 4-H, and Camp Fire USA and PRAY training buildings, and improved dining halls programs. and meals. Learning? Oh yes. ––Fresh ideas, The center seems more organized and novel approaches, and innovative ways to responsive to attendees, but the center has the implement tried-and-true methods. same mystique, the same displays of servant You know what? Very little, came from a leadership, and the same caring and nurturing printed manual. Most of the ideas came from staff. the seasoned scouting veterans –– young and So what did I take away from my old alike. They came from the enthusiastic experience at Philmont? staffers, other attendees, and Mark Wappel, a Thank you for asking. professional scouter. I am more energized about scouting, more We learned from parents, grandparents, engaged with UM Men, and more passionate aunts, uncles; UM brothers and sisters; who about youth development. are passionate about following Christ and What more would you need?

Scouting in the United Methodist Church Philmont Training Center June 22 to 28, 2014

Twenty-eight Scout leaders participated in the 2014 training experience. Led by John Anderson, scouting coordinator of the Western Jurisdiction, participants were divided into three “societies” (working groups): the John Wesley Society, shepherded by Bill Byrd; Charles Wesley Society, shepherded by John Dockery; and Susanna Wesley Society, shepherded by Susan Lawyer. Amanda Vogt served as assistant director, and the Rev. Greg Godwin and BSA official Mark Wappel served as advisers. Topics included PRAY awards, Strength for Service devotional books; charter organization representatives; local church coordinators, and safe- sanctuary and youth-protection programs. Bob Scott, a developer of the new Cub Scout program, gave a synopsis of all changes. Rudy Gonzalez and Oscar Santoyo, national coaches for reaching out to the Hispanic/Latino communities, offered new tools to expand ministries.

35 Bishop provides encouragement to Scouts and leaders NASHVILLE –– ever talk about. In 1965, he was caught ississippi Area Bishop James Swanson stealing a record 31 times in a single season.” Moffered encouraging words to 1,500 Swanson said Maury’s failures to reach people attending the “Duty to God” second base did not deter him from dusting breakfast as part of the national gathering of himself off trying again even when it caused Boy Scouts of America. pain. He noted that Maury did not steal bases in order to set a record; he did so because the team counted on him to be on second base for the power hitters. “We can also depend on trustworthy Scouts to shoulder their responsibilities,” said Swanson. “The demands on their lives to be faithful, to be reliable and to be loyal will never stop coming.” Following the presentation, Wayne Perry, BSA president, and Wayne Brock, chief scout executive, presented the bishop with a shadow box containing a painting Bishop Swanson and Lee Greenwood, by Norman Rockwell and silver medallions composer of “I’m proud to be an American,” representing the 12 points of the Scout law. meet after the breakfast. Music for the event was provided by Lee Greenwood Scouts from several states were “As a youngster, one of my favorite presented with scouting awards. players was Maury Wills, a shortstop for Guests also received copies of the Boy the Los Angeles Dodgers,” the president of Scout edition of Strength for Service to God the General Commission on UM Men told and Community and a video featured the Scouts and leaders attending the May 22 scouting ministry of Lovers Lane UMC in breakfast. Dallas. “In 1962, he set a record by stealing Joshua McDonald, an Eagle Scout at 104 bases. But Maury also set another record McKendree UMC in Nashville, delivered the during his career that very few baseball buffs benediction.

Some 1,500 Scouts and leaders attend a May, 2014, Duty to God breakfast at Opryland Hotel in Nashville

36 Tennessee high-adventure center dedicated SPENCER, Tenn.–– wo hundred and twenty-five people Tattended the May 3 ribbon-cutting and dedication services at the Latimer High Adventure Reservation “Only three BSA camps had been built in the last 20 years.” said Bill Latimer, primary philanthropist of the 1,550-acre camp on the Cumberland Plateau,112 miles from Nashville. Dr. Timothy Tennent, president of Asbury Theological Seminary, spoke at the dedication of Trinity Chapel. Copies of the Scout edition Trinity Chapel during the May 3 dedication service. of Strength for Service to God and Community were distributed during the dedication service. Latimer High Adventure Reservation Latimer purchased 10,000 copies of the is owned and operated by the Middle book for first responders as well as 10,000 Tennessee Council, Boy Scouts of America. New Testaments with Psalms to give to Scouts The reservation provides youth with a new coming to the reservation. destination for high-energy, high-risk outdoor Ribbon-cutting and dedication services activities such as rappelling, spelunking, rock- were also conducted at the AWC Observatory climbing, mountain biking, backpacking, and the Wade Travis Trust Cabin. rafting, and canoeing. Bill Lattimer, and his wife, Carol, reside in Surrounded by more than 50,000 acres of Union City, Tenn., and have made significant public wilderness, the reservation is available financial gifts to several organizations including to public and private organizations for church Lambuth University and Asbury Theological retreats, team building and other exercises. Seminary.

John Harney, a member of the Middle Tennessee BSA Board of Directors, speaks at the dedication of the Ted and Gloria LaRoche Dining Hall. Hugh Travis, an executive of the council and tMr. and Mrs. LaRoche stand near the entrance.

37 Memphis Conference Scouting Awards honors the Latimers Bishops Thomas J. Bickerton PADUCAH, Ky.–– and Sandra Steiner Ball he Memphis Annual Conference Leaders of two national Tpresented Silver Torch Awards to Bill and Carol Latimer for their generous support of jamborees receive awards Lakeshore Camping and Retreat Ministries in BUCKHANNON, W.Va.–– Eva, Tenn., and Boy Scout Councils in West ishop Thomas J. Bickerton received and Middle Tennessee. Ba Silver Torch Award during the June session of the West Virginia Annual Conference. The General Commission on UM Men honored him for his service as vice president of the commission, leadership at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree, and chairing the Nothing But Nets campaign. Scouts attending the 2010 event contributed $17,500 to the anti-malaria effort. During the conference, Presiding Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball was presented the same award for her service as a denominational leader at the 2013 National Scout Jamboree. She is the first female bishop of any denomination to participate in a jamboree.

Bill and Carol Latimer show their awards to their pastor. Photo by the Rev. Tim Atkins, senior pastor of Union City First UMC, the church in which the Latimers hold membership.

Larry Coppock, national director of scouting ministries, noted their “extravagant generosity” in providing funds to build the Representing the General Commission on UM Latimer High Adventure Reservation. The Men, the Rev. Greg Godwin tells West Virginia couple also provides thousands of copies of Conference members why the two United Methodist bishops were presented Silver Torch Awards. Strength for Service to God and Community and New Testaments to Scouts attending the reservation. Grant Bradley “They have demonstrated their love for Jesus Christ through their gifts and service,” Youth assists pastor said Coppock. EMPORIA, Va.–– onumental UMC presented a Good MSamaritan Award to Grant Bradley following two months of service as an intern

38 with Pastor Jerry Wicker. Logan Hagler Grant helped resolve computer problems, Scout leads children’s class typed information for the newsletter, moved CUMMING, Ga.–– furniture and researched the location of biblical irst UMC of Cumming presented Logan stories. “Grant’s knowledge of Scripture and FHagler with a Good Samaritan Award. ability to write biblical questions and create A member of Scout a worksheet for my ecumenical weekly Bible Troop 2010, Logan study program was extraordinarily helpful,” said volunteered to help Wicker. lead Kid’s Kingdom, a service for children Lauren Rankin during Sunday worship Choir member serves hot meals service. LIBERTY, Mo.–– Kristy Thompson iberty UMC presented a Good Samaritan and Cherie Perkins, Logan Hagler LAward to Lauren Rankin for serving hot leaders of Kid’s meals through a Kansas City outreach ministry. Kingdom, say, “There are several children A member of the children’s who are now attending Kid’s Kingdom, only choir, the 13-year-old is because of Logan’s ability to make them feel also a member of a Girl comfortable.” Scout troop. “Lauren’s actions are all Jim McCarthy so very notable,” said the Rev. Jack DeWees, pastor. Leader of God and Country class “I can only wonder what honored SHARPSBURG, Ga.–– the upcoming years hold Lauren Rankin for her.” he Rev. Mark Jordan, pastor at Cokes TChapel UMC, presented Jim McCarthy with a Cross and Flame Award. Gary Dailey McCarthy, the assistant BSA council Computer-savvy teacher leads Cub commissioner, served as a counselor for 21 Scouts students enrolled in God and Country classes AWRENCEVILLE, Ga.––Prospect UMC sponsored by St. Louis-based Programs of Lpresented a Cross and Flame Award to Gary Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY). Dailey for leading Cub Scout Pack 500 for the past five years. He serves as chair of the Pack Committee and coordinates Pinewood Derbies and Rain-Gutter Regattas. “Gary worked closely with me to ensure Cub Scouts enrolled in ‘God and Me’ and ‘God and Family’ classes,” said the Rev. Eddie Herring, pastor. Dailey teaches 3rd and 4th grade Sunday school classes, participates in overnight housing of the homeless, Jim McCarthy, left front, receives the Cross and and handles the church’s Flame Award from Mark Jordan, pastor at Cokes Chapel UMC. Behind them are, from left, Glenda Gary Dailey computer needs. McCool, and Sean and Cormac McCarthy.

39 Frank Dale Kuntz Samantha Elliott Conference honors scoutmaster Girl Scout coaches children with LAWTON, Okla.–– special needs klahoma Annual Conference presented a STROUDSBURG, Pa.–– OTorch Award to Frank Dale Kuntz for 20 eola UMC presented a Good Samaritan years of service to First UMC in Lawton and NAward to Samantha Elliott following eight previous service to First UMC in Cache, Okla. years as a baseball, basketball and soccer coach In 1982, he became scoutmaster in Cache. of children with handicapping conditions. He moved to Lawton in 1993 where he again Each sports season lasts eight weeks. assumed the role of scoutmaster. He was The 16-year-old is a four-star recipient of named Oklahoma scoutmaster of the year in PRAY awards. She also serves as a counselor 2001. for a 6-week summer recreation program, He retired as scoutmaster in 2014 and and she is an auxiliary member of the Jackson he now serves as charter organization Township Volunteer Fire Company. representative. “Frank has made a positive impact on many children and youth,” said the Rev. Al Potts, pastor of First UMC in Lawton. “He has taught many of the God and Country classes. As a former police officer, he knows the kinds of issues our young people encounter and his counseling and encouragement have had a profound impact on their lives.”

Samantha Elliott tells Channel 16 viewers Courtney Beals about the Challenger Sports Program for High school senior led Bible school children with special needs. for Armenian children ELKIN, N.C.–– irst UMC presented Michael Feist FCourtney Beals City presents award to Scout with a Good Samaritan leader Award following her CLOVIS, Calif.–– participation in a he city of Clovis presented Michael Feist 2012 mission trip to Twith the 2014 “Friend of Armenia. Youth Award.” He received While men replaced the honor at the June 14 Hall a roof of a warehouse of Fame Award Ceremony. Courtney hugs in Berdzor, Courtney The scouting ministry led a Bible school for one of the children in the Armenian specialist serves 12 scout units 22 children in a nearby orphanage. and he led five boys through orphanage. the God and Church Award Michael Fiest “Though their living program. He also led an effort conditions and situations were much less than to package 120,000 dehydrated meals for Stop fortunate,” said the high school senior, “all the Hunger Now. people I came into contact with were extremely gracious beyond belief.”

40 Cory Reimert that position. Scout rescues children caught in He served as president of UM Men of Collinsville UMC from 1995 to 2011, riptide and he was inducted into the John Wesley CROSS LANES, W.Va.— Society in 2000. ross Lanes UMC presented a Good CSamaritan Award to Cory Reimert following his actions to save two children Jordan Harris and Kit DeHoff caught in a powerful, riptide at Top Sail Church presents Good Samaritan Beach in North Carolina. Awards Cory, 17, was on CHANDLER, Ariz. — a July mission trip n May 25, Chandler UMC presented jumping waves at OGood Samaritan awards to Eagle Scouts the beach when he Jordan Harris and Kit DeHoff; both are noticed three kids members of Troop 283. farther out in the Kit served as senior patrol leader and is water. attending a junior college. “They were Jordan is a high school senior and senior screaming for help patrol leader. and trying to swim back,” he said. Cory Reimert Without thinking, Cory ran through the churning surf toward the screaming children. He managed to reach a girl who was closest to him. “I grabbed the girl’s arm, and she grabbed her brother’s arm,” said Cory. Another boy was able to swim back on his own. They all reached an area where they could stand up. A few months later, Boy Scouts presented Jordan Harris is joined by parents Michelle and Cory the rarely given Honor Medal with Scott Harris, and Tom Denney (right), a scouting ministry specialist and troop chaplain. Crossed Palms.

Dennis Luessenheide Conference honors Scout leader MARYVILLE, Ill. –– llinois Great Rivers Annual Conference Ipresented a Torch Award to Dennis Luessenheide for his service as conference scouting co-coordinator from 1996 to 2012. A retired communication technician, Luessenheide has served as a cubmaster, scoutmaster and troop committee member. He was appointed unit commissioner for Kit DeHoff is joined by parents Linda and Gary Illini District in 1987, and he still serves in DeHoff, and Tom Denny (right), a Silver Beaver Award winner and the scouting organization representative.

41 In addition, the Rev. Jonathan Arnpriester, Bob Vogt pastor of Chandler UMC, received the Scouting coordinator receives Shepherd Church Charter Recognition Award for the second year in a row for the ongoing Silver Torch Award BALLWIN, Mo. — support of Troop 283 and Venturing Crew ob Vogt, scouting coordinator for eastern 2283. BMissouri, received a Silver Torch Award. Eric Schomber A 50-year veteran of scouting, he chairs a Homes for homeless cats Venturing Committee and PINE BUSH, N.Y.— serves as an adviser of a St. ith donations from a plumbing supply Louis Venturing Crew. business and help of three adults and 12 W An Eagle Scout, Vogt Scouts, Eric Schomber, 15, built three PCV cat has led 27 week-long towers with beds super activities across the for the Humane country, including trips to Society of Walden Philmont and the Florida Bob Vogt (N.Y.). Sea Base. Mountain View He serves on the BSA National Religious UMC presented Eric Schomber stands before cat Relations Task Force and coordinates studies Eric with a Good towers he built for a humane for all four levels of PRAY awards at Salem Samaritan Award society. UMC in Ballwin. for his Eagle project. Carrolanne Brannon Volunteer and donkey-back player Phil Secrist LONGVIEW, Texas–– District honors scoutmaster “ arrolanne SHENANDOAH, CBrannon is a Va.— volunteer when he Harrisonburg and where she can TDistrict find it––any time presented a Cross of day,” says David and Flame Award Perkins, a 28-year to Phil Secrist, veteran scouter. “She scoutmaster of Phil Secrist holds the rose from beginner Troop 8. Cross and Flame Award Girl Scout to Silver Carrolanne prepares to The award was presented by Kemper Award, and then ride for a fund-raising presented by the Rev. Dadisman, co-chair of transferred to a Venture basketball game played on Tommy Herndon the District Scouting the backs of donkeys. Committee (left) and the Crew and continues at the Harrisonburg Rev. Tommy Herndon, to display outstanding District UM Men’s superintendent of the qualities and knowledge.” spring rally at Harrisonburg District. Dayton (Va.) UMC.

42 Put feeding the hungry at the top of your Christmas list Finish your gift shopping right now! We will send your honorees our Alternative Christmas Card designed exclusively for Society of St. Andrew. The card features original art and inspirational verse blessing your loved ones with God’s nourishing love. This one-of-a-kind card announces your generous gift to feed the hungry in the name of your honorees. You’ll also receive the card with our thanks and confirmation of your order. It’s an ideal gift for sharing not just with friends but with those in need as well.

Your $12 gift puts 600 servings of food Alternative Christmas Card on the tables of the Do not send cash through mail. Donations tax deductible as allowed by law. hungry! Make check payable to “Society of St. Andrew” or Charge my:  VISA  MasterCard  AmEx Use this order form or Account #______Exp.Date______the following options: Signature______800-333-4597 PLEASE PRINT Total enclosed or charged: $______Fax 434-299-5949 Your Name [email protected] Address ______EndHunger.org/card City______State_____ Zip______Day Phone ______Email ______ Send ______cards TO ME for personalizing and mailing. OR  SoSA send out the following cards on my behalf: In Honor of ______Address ______City______State_____ Zip______Sign this card: ______(Use separate sheet for additional names and addresses) Orders must be received by Dec. 6 to ensure delivery before Christmas We will make every attempt to expedite late orders. Mail to: Card is full color front folded card is 7”x5” Society of St. Andrew 3383 Sweet Hollow Rd., Big Island, VA 24526 (Advance #801600) (UMMEN-MAG) Society of St. Andrew Gleaning America's Fields Feeding America's Hungry PAID Non-Profit Permit 3452 U.S. Postage Nashville, TN Please share with all of the men church. Please share

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