JULY 2017 Turn the World Upside Down Reclaim the Flame Covenant Community LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Fun at Conference y advice to United Methodist men going When I first braided my beard, a friend asked M to Annual Conference in 2018: stop if I could get away with looking like that at shaving this fall. By next June you should work. I scoffed, and explained that United have enough facial hair for beard braids and a Methodists are very accepting people. I could handlebar moustache. It’s a great ice-breaker get a large neck tattoo, and would probably get for your fellow Methodist friends whom you bonus points on my performance appraisal for haven’t seen in a while. taking a bold initiative to connect with people Fred Koenig, Editor You can use the No-Shave November outside the church walls. (Movember) movement that raises awareness of So Annual Conference was a lot of fun for men’s health issues as an excuse to get started, me. But you don’t really have to do strange Published by then just continue not shaving. I find it pretty things to your facial hair. Annual Conference The Missouri Conference of easy to make a practice of not doing something. looked like it was fun for everyone, from the the United Reactions to my braids varied. Southeast people who had to plan and run the whole Methodist Church 3601 Amron Court District Superintendent Fred Leist asked if my thing, to the first timers who just showed Columbia, MO 65202 braids were some variation on being Hasidic. up and tried to figure out what exactly an The ever-kind Bishop Fritz Mutti politely Phone: 573-441-1770 Annual Conference Session is. I hope the observed, “I think you’re doing something fun of the meeting, the great information For inquiries different with your beard since I saw you shared and words of wisdom conveyed regarding content: fkoenig@ last.” Our accounts payable staffer Erin Ellen, comes through in this issue of The Missouri moumethodist.org with perhaps the most astute and direct, Methodists. I try to get a mix of content in

For inquiries albeit somewhat cruel, commentary, asked if every other issue of the magazine, but the July regarding circulation: I had lost a bet. Rev. Jim Voigt of Hallsville edition is pure Annual Conference Session, lsanders@ offered to help me seek vengeance on whoever with everything in its pages occurring during moumethodist.org had done this to me. Rev. Willis Johnson of the conference in Springfield. Ferguson had to show me to Rev. Emanuel With one exception – a sharp eye will spot Cleaver III of St. James and ask him if he’d the photo on page 35 as being Fake News, ABOUT THE COVER Rev. Junius Dotson, seen Rudy’s cousin. and actually being shot in Conference Room General Secretary of He was referring to Rev. Rudy Rasmus, B, just down the hall from my desk, not in Discipleship Ministries, pastor of St. John’s UMC Houston, Texas. preaches during Sunday Springfield. morning worship at Annual Rudy owns the beard braids. Although I’m not The reason is Annual Conference wasn’t Conference Session. See directly trying to emulate him, he’s someone fun for Karen Hayden. Appendicitis took story on page 18. Photo by Eric Mattson. I’m honored to be compared to, even if it is her out as things got started. Director of just based on facial hair. Director of Pastoral Financial Ministries Nate Berneking did a Excellence Karen Hayden shared with me that bang-up job of giving her report, and I got Rudy once explained his beard braids were a a good picture of him doing it. If you really way to gauge how truly open minded someone want it I can email it to you. But I just didn’t is, because if they could take him seriously feel right about running a picture of Nate looking like that they weren’t likely to be too reporting on Karen’s office, so I snapped this judgmental. picture of Karen back on the job with her The handle-bar moustache is also key, as Crossroads interns, right before this magazine it gives the impression of me being cheerful. went to press. Regardless of my actual mood, the ‘stache Don’t worry about your favorite, reoccurring is doing all the heavy lifting by giving the features missing – they will be back next appearance of a smile. It’s the exact opposite of month. For now – enjoy the Annual a full beard, which hides my emotional state Conference issue. entirely. Our star volunteer photographer Rev. Eric Mattson told me at first he thought it was Rollie Fingers sitting up on the front row at Annual Conference. Not being a baseball Fred Koenig, Editor historian, I had to go to Google that one. Missouri Conference Publications

2 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists JULY 2017

4 Presiding Bishop Bob Farr EDITOR 6 Reclaim the Flame Fred Koenig 8 State of the Conference 12 Covenant Community WRITERS 16 Next Level Discipleship Joan Deboe 18 Turn the World Upside Down Sarah Dumas 20 Beginnings & Endings 22 Retirees Honored for Faithful Service Pam Ekey 24 Practical Divinity Lydia Istomina 26 Eldest Jennifer Simms 28 Cheerleader, Coach & Critic Susan Sneed 29 Global Connect Facilitates Mission Involvement 30 Mozambique Initiative Celebrates New & Existing Relationships PHOTOGRAPHY 31 Inspiring God’s Children Fred Koenig 32 Camps at Conference Eric Mattson 34 Pathways in Ministry 36 Conference Finances Solid 38 Foundation Celebrates 50 Years 39 New Laity Connect 40 Nurture the Faith of Others 41 CMU Alive & Well 42 Making Disciples the Wesleyan Way 43 Leading in MIssion 44 10 Steps to Growth 46 Strengthening the Black Church 47 Seven Ways to share Faith 48 Preparation & High Quality Worship Help Build the Congregation 49 Small Church Mission 50 Making the Ask 51 Reaching Students with Bright Futures 55 Offering Totals 56 2017 Missouri Conference Appointments 63 Calendar of Events

www.moumethodist.org 3 Bishop Bob Farr & Susan Farr

Kevin McBeth David Steward

4 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists BY SUSAN SNEED

he Wesley Brass of Springfield, Bishop Farr with the Shepherd’s Crook, under the direction of the traditional symbol of the Bishop’s T Manchester UMC/GC music office. Mr. David Steward, a member director Kevin McBeth, opened Annual of Salem UMC in Ladue, prayed over Conference Session on the morning of the Bishop Farr and his wife, Susan June 9. McBeth serves as the Worship as they took their place as Missouri’s Curator for the Annual Conference. Bishop and Mrs. Farr as a partner in This year’s theme, Remarkable: that ministry. Identified as Extraordinary highlighted the five traits Methodists identify as “I’m not Robert Schnase and this Remarkable: Conference may not go as in years past,” 1. The way we love God said Bishop Farr. “We were so excited 2. Rejoice in God after my election as Bishop to be coming 3. Give thanks home. It is my intent in this year’s 4. Pray constantly Conference to lead you with as has 5. Love others much grace as I can find, to use all that I know, to help the people in Missouri Amy Thompson, Conference Lay to grow in Jesus and to fix a world that Leader, welcomed all to the Conference is growing more broken every day. We and introduced Bishop Robert Farr, can show the whole United Methodist the new Missouri Bishop. A video Church how to move forward in the was shared to better acquaint the 21st century”. He admitted that in Conference with him, which Brian more than 40 years he has never stayed Hammons, chair of the Episcopacy through entirely every session of annual Committee, expanded upon. Rev. Cody conference, so this year was a tough test, Collier, Special Assistant to the Bishop/ but he is proud and humbled to be the Leadership Development, presented Conference’s new shepherd.

www.moumethodist.org 5 6 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists reclaim the

BY PAM EKEY

ev. Charity Goodwin called overwhelmed by her gifts of love on the Missouri Annual and hospitality. RConference to reclaim the power Goodwin said she recognized of the Holy Spirit during the herself in Martha. “For too long I flameopening worship service June 9. thought that doing more was the “We need to reclaim the flame so way to do hospitality and I was that we are emotionally mature overwhelmed,” she said. A friend as well as spiritually mature,” she helped her to understand love as said. “We need to reclaim the a gift of prevenient grace, offered flame so we quit talking about without asking or earning it. what we cannot do but focus on Mary sits at the feet of Jesus. She what we can do.” surrenders who she is at the feet of Goodwin used the story of Jesus. She chose to respond with Mary, Martha and Jesus in Luke her heart, to absorb Jesus’ grace. 10 as a guide for how to United Growing in grace is like sitting Methodists need to incorporate at a reflecting pool. As we grow, mind, hands and spirit or heart in we begin to see how we look like theology and ministry. Especially, Jesus. We need to learn to balance we need to reclaim the Holy Spirit. the gifts of hands, mind, and spirit. “We were the original holy rollers,” Mary was with Jesus. Martha was she said, “Let’s reclaim that.” for Jesus, Goodwin said. Mary and Martha embodies the ministry Martha are often pitted against of hospitality, Goodwin said. each other, but we need both. When Martha invites Jesus to “We need to sit down at the feet her home, she probably didn’t of Jesus and let the Lord minister know how many people would to us,” she said. “Only when we come with him. It may have have received the love of Christ included the disciples or even the can we serve.” Unless integrate our 72 persons who had been sent emotions and heart into the way out to preach in the countryside. we lie, we will flounder. We need She became overwhelmed to balance thinking, behaving and by her ministry. Martha was doing, she said.

www.moumethodist.org 7 8 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists BY FRED KOENIG

year ago Rev. Bob Bishop Farr recalled how Lovett Farr stood before the Weems always says that mission and Missouri Conference in vision statements don’t do any good if appreciation of having they are just signs on the wall, so he support for upcoming followed the vision statement with some episcopal election, and the “So that” statements. Conference was saying • So that… we will have congregations Agoodbye to Bishop Robert Schnase, who in every Missouri community that are had served Missouri for 12 years. Now missional. Who are compelling and Bishop Farr, elected last July and taking competent in visibly demonstrating office last September, stood before the God’s love Missouri Conference to give his first • So that … lives may be changed state of the Conference address. • and deepened in love with God and Bishop Farr recalled that as he one another started this new path together with the • So that … disinterested people find Missouri Conference, he had to think Jesus and become shaped by a faith about what it means to be a new bishop, community in the Wesleyan Way considering questions like how do we “I think people need to be in a faith have a fresh start together; how do we community, and the Wesleyan way make something new happen; what is the greatest way to achieve this in needs to go, change or stop; what do we America,” Bishop Farr said. keep or not keep? The Missouri Conference will keep “Here’s something we’re going to the core processes of congregational keep: Our mission is making disciples excellence and pastoral excellence, but is of Jesus Christ for the transformation of adding lay leadership to the list. the world,” he said. “If the laity doesn’t get it, it doesn’t The vision of the Missouri work,” Bishop Farr said. We are Conference is also similar, but with keeping the Five Practices and Five some refinements, and is tentatively Expectations, and we’re adding the this: The Missouri Conference denominations Four Areas of Focus, will relentlessly lead our churches which are: to become outwardly-focused and • Reaching new places and new people spiritually-centered Christ followers. • Developing principled leaders

www.moumethodist.org 9 • Improving global health • Engaging in ministry with the poor

“We have to figure out how to cross classes and do ministry with the poor,” Bishop Farr said. “We can’t just be a middle class church.” Since being elected last fall Bishop Farr has spent a lot of time on the road in s Roger Ross packs Missouri. He has done a lot of preaching, A his bags for Missouri but even more listening. He has conducted this summer, part of 43 listening sessions with 435 people. it feels pretty natural. “I thought I had been on every road in His family often came Missouri. I was wrong. I found some new to Table Rock Lake for ones,” he said. summer vacations. But He’s also had 80 people participate now he’s packing more in “360 Interviews” to gather in-depth than a suitcase. He’s opinions from a variety of perspectives. moving from Springfield, Through these sessions, he heard a Illinois to Missouri to call for an increased emphasis on social assume his new role as justice, and on children and youth, more the Director of Congregational Excellence. connection to struggling communities, Although the Great Rivers Conference of the United and an increased focus on rural and small Methodist Church was having their Annual Conference membership churches. Session at the same time as Missouri, Ross came to the Although it has been a time of listening Missouri Conference, were Bishop Farr advised him to and discernment, that doesn’t mean that stand up so he could be seen, speak up so he could be there has been a pause. Many of the heard and show up so he could be appreciated. concerns that Bishop Farr heard have Ross has recently had a long and successful tenure as already been acted upon. A new director of senior pastor of First UMC in Springfield, and he and Next Generation Ministries position was his wife have recently become empty-nester, with their created and will be filled be Jeff Baker. two children in college. He was praying for direction Tina Harris will be the new director of on the next phase of his ministry. Then he attended Mission, Service and Justice Ministries, a church multiplying conference, and the speaker and will be bringing an increased focus advised people to stop praying for direction and start on social justice to that area. Bishop Farr praying for courage. Two months later, he accepted has been doing community meetings and the Missouri Conference Director of Congregational prayer walks monthly in economically Excellence position. challenged communities all over Missouri. “I only have one life, and I want it to count,” Ross said. A special workshop track developed “I asked myself, ‘Where can I invest my one and only life specifically for small membership churches to have the greatest impact for the kingdom of God?’” was added to Annual Conference Session. Ross asked those present to consider where their own In terms of reporting on the overall sweet spot is that their gifts and passion come together. state of the Conference, for this first For more from Ross, see the story on his workshop on address Bishop Farr had some help. As page 47. a newly assigned Bishop, he was given a comprehensive report of his area by the College of Bishops. At first he thought he might not need it, having already spent

10 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Reaching New Places & New People Four Areas Developing Principled Leaders Improving Global Health of Focus Engaging in Ministry with the Poor

more than 30 years in ministry in Missouri, the last lying to you,” Bishop Rev. Cody Collier, Special Assistant to the Bishop for several years focused on Congregational Excellence. Farr said. Leadership Development But he had some time in his month between being He cautioned elected and taking office, so he took a look. He that until we know found some numbers did surprise him. what options are, There are eight churches in the Missouri some conversations Conference that have more than 1,000 people in can be had too worship each week – this is an all-time high. There early. But people are another eight that have 700 – 1,000 in worship can start having each week, also a high. The next category, 450 – conversations in a 700, has 16 churches. “That is an all-time low,” gentle, friendly way, Bishop Farr said. “We’ve lost our middle.” and have some self- There are 82 churches with 150 – 400 in reflection on where they fall on the spectrum of attendance, and 71 with 30 – 150. Of Missouri’s being a non-adaptable traditionalist, an adaptable 790 churches, 619 have under 150 in attendance. traditionalist, an adaptable progressive or a non- About 75 percent of the churches in the adaptable progressive. Conference has fewer than 100 people in worship. Bishop Farr said he started researching the Worship attendance at United Methodist different ways that Methodists have been Churches has dropped by 12,000 in the past structured in Missouri. 40 years. During that same period of time the “I stopped counting at 42,” he said. “This is not population of Missouri has doubled. the end of the world. We’ve been in places like Bishop Farr said he is trying to offer a ministry this before.” of presence during his first year, and the second The special called session of General Conference year will involve focus and strategy. In his third will be in St. Louis Feb. 23 – 26, 2019. year, the Missouri Conference will be hosting a “I want the Methodist of world to see that special Called Session of General Conference to Missouri is best place in the world to be,” Bishop address disagreements within the denomination Farr said. related to human sexuality, with the ordination of Bishop Farr cast down rumors of the death of people who are openly gay and same-sex marriage the Methodists Church. As he has traveled the being two of the major issues to be addressed. Some Conference, he’s seen life is all sorts of churches: people are concerned about a potential split in the big, small, urban, rural, new and historic. denomination over these issues. A Commission “People’s lives are being changed. All sorts of On a Way Forward has been working on the issues people,” Bishop Farr said. “We’re in a crazy world. that will come before the General Conference. “A I hate to watch the news. The only hope our world decision is coming in 2019. I don’t know what that has is hope in the church. Do whatever it takes. Try decision is. If someone tells you they know, they are something new.”

www.moumethodist.org 11 Covenant Community Ordination Denote More than Christian Ministry

12 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists BY FRED KOENIG

hirty years ago, Bob enough their house of worship it wrong. He told how Forbes Farr and Ron Watts was a rented movie theater. A magazine will run annual list T were on the stage at church was built in 1995, and of the top celebrities, based the ordination service, both has been added onto four times. on their wealth, or the most of them being ordained elder. The church now averages 2,200 powerful people in the world, Now Bishop Bob Farr is the one in worship attendance. based on their political offices or doing the ordaining, and Rev. This was mentioned in Watts’ positions of influence. He told Ron Watts was the preacher for introduction, but nothing about the ordinands that they probably the sacred service of ordination growing a great big church wouldn’t make it on one of the on Saturday night. came up in his sermon. Rather, Forbes magazine lists. Watts started La Croix in his sermon went the other “That is OK. Jesus calls you 1988 in Cape Girardeau with way- talking about greatness to be great,” he said. He went one family. When they were big and how we as a society get on to say how the temptation

www.moumethodist.org 13 Jim Day, Katie Nix, Bishop Bob Farr & Brian Smith

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know that through it I’m going to walk arm and arm with my brothers and sisters in my covenant community.” RON WATTS

Left to right, top to bottom: Laura Murphy, Matt Kernr, Mike Cassidy, Steve George, Donna Clark Fuller, Norma Villagrana, Cheree Trent Mills, Bishop Bob Farr & Sheila Bouie-Sledge

14 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists to want to be recognized is very real, and it came up several times with the 12 disciples. He referred to the scripture of Mark 10, where James and John were jockeying for positions of authority and favor and with Jesus. Their request for privilege positions and the arguments that ensued led to Jesus explaining to them how the first would be last and the last would be first in the kingdom of heaven. “When something kind of stupid would happen Jesus would use it as a teaching moment,” Watts said. Watts gave examples of greatness that inspire him, from within his own church. There is the couple that started a cleaning company who try to provide employment to single mothers, the Mary Kay lady that does nails and hair at the shelter to help women prepare for job interviews, the husband who Hank Allen Jenkins Winter overcame his squeamishness to provide wound care & DeGraaf Hamilton on a daily basis to his wife for several months and the woman who has poured herself into her role as a I’m going to walk arm and arm with my brothers hospice nurse and inspired others to do the same. and sisters in my covenant community,” he said. He turned to the ordinands and told them that were Following Watt’s sermon, Bishop Farr examined about to be ordained into Christian ministry, but they each group of candidates for ordination, and laid were also being received into a covenant community. hands on them as they were ordained. Deacons are “We thrive in community,” he said. “We shrivel called by God to a lifetime of ministry of word, up and die when it becomes about us and what we’re service, compassion and justice. There persons lead going to get. That brings jealousy and envy.” the church in relating the life of Christians to their When he looks back on his own early years, he ministries in the world, interrelating worship in realizes now that he was more competitive with the gathered community and service to God. Those people in his covenant community, rather than ordained deacon were Winter DeGraaf Hamilton helpful. He has a different perspective now, trying to and Hank Allen Jenkins. be helpful, but also receiving much help. He is in a Elders are called to a lifetime ministry of covenant group with fellow pastors Mike Wondell, David Israel and Fred Leist that he values greatly. He service, word, sacrament and order. Servanthood recently visited his friend Jim Preisig, pastor of The is expressed by leading worship and prayer, Summit church Lee’s Summit, a fellow member of a administering sacraments, exercising pastoral covenant group of pastors of like-sized churches. supervision and leading the church in mission to the “It was a Monday, probably not a good day for a world. Those ordained elders were Shelia N. Bouie- pastor to be visiting, and Jim saw crisis in my eyes, Sledge, Michael Warren Cassidy, Donna Lea Clark and spoke courage into my heart,” Watts said. “I left Fuller, Stephen George, Matthew Perry Kerner, there saying, ‘I can make it.’” Cheree Trent Mills, Laura Murphy, and Norma Watts mentioned that looming before everyone Alicia Hickman De Villagrana. is February of 2019, when a special session of Ordained clergy from another denomination may General Conference will address issues of human have their orders recognized and be received as sexuality in the Book of Discipline. Some fear the full members of the United Methodist connection. issues could result in church division. “I don’t know Those whose orders were recognized were Jim Day, what’s going to happen, but I know that through it Kathryn C. Nix and Brian Smith.

www.moumethodist.org 15 16 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists ow does the new General church is in danger of losing the inspire every local church to see the Secretary of Discipleship memory of why it was started people near them. Ministries spend his in the first place. He implored summer? If you’re Rev. that part of their responsibility #3: Relentless H Junius Dotson, you spend as leaders is to keep the why ever Dotson referred to the Good to Great it going from Annual Conference before their people. Dotson’s own book by Jim Collins, and the story to Annual Conference, where you personal Why is that he likes to about the hedgehog and the fox. can speak directly to the maximum see people who don’t know Jesus The fox knows many things, and number of United Methodist clergy enter into a relationship with tries different strategies to get the and laity about the importance of Christ, and see what happens with hedgehog. The hedgehog knows making disciples. their lives. Through church he gets one big thing, roll into a defensive He opened with a story about a to see impassioned people who sphere. Although the fox is cunning, philanthropist who addressed the previously didn’t know each other, the hedgehog always wins. Foxes try unemployment problem in Ireland now connected as a team who are to do many different things at once. by launching a major road building passionate for Jesus. Hedgehogs simplify a complex initiative. At first people worked He encouraged season pastors world into a simple, unifying idea. with great vigor, happy to have a job who might be losing their We have to be like hedgehogs. with purpose. Later they realized excitement to spend intentional time If the overarching theme is not the roads were not needed and with young clergy, listen to their making disciples, it’s not going to didn’t connect to anything, and they stories and get reconnected with yield results. became listless in their work. their why. “Many churches have a bazillion Dotson shared four adjectives #4: Hopeful programs, but they have lost their encircling the discipleship process “I believe the future is going to be fire because they are building that he asked people to reflect upon. paved with hopeful leaders who are roads to nowhere,” Dotson said. future focused and mission driven.” “We often make the mistake of #1: Intentional (Colossians 2: 6-7) confusing getting more and more Being a disciple of God should Dotson’s time concluded with a lot information about Jesus with being impact our thinking 24 hours a of applause. Bishop Farr joined him in relationship with Jesus.” day. You are not a teacher, lawyer on stage and said to those gathered Dotson referred to Acts 2: 42 – or nurse, you are a disciple of Jesus that applause is nice, but what is 47, and it’s description of a church strategically located in a classroom, really rewarding is when people hear relentlessly focused on making courtroom or hospital. Wherever what you say, then they go and do disciples. He quoted Mike Breen, you are, you are first and foremost a something. Bishop Farr noted that author of Building a Discipleship follower of Christ, and that should he stole Doton’s term – relentless Culture, as saying “If you build a impact the people beyond you. – to use for the Conference vision church, you will rarely get disciples, Programs won’t bring about the (see page 9). He reiterated one of but if you make disciples you will transformation we need. We can’t Dotson’s points that Methodism always get the church.” He also program our way back to vitality. It started to decline when it stopped referred to Simon Sinek’s Golden will take a movement of believers to requiring class meetings. Circle model, in which someone’s take the presence of Christ out to “If our end product is disciples of “Why” is kept as the center of focus our communities. Christ, maybe what we should be of everything they do (the what and looking at as a Conference is how the how). #2: Be Innovative many people do we have in class “When you know your Why, Introduce new idea, product meetings?” Bishop Farr said. your What has meaning,” Dotson or method to your system. said. “It moves from being a Innovation is happening all across simple activity to something of the denomination. Discipleship significance.” ministries has launched Dotson cautioned the church #seeallthepeople – not a program, leaders that the longer a program but a movement. The website exists at a church, the more the provides fresh content each week to

www.moumethodist.org 17 ev. Junius Dotson, General Secretary, Discipleship Ministries continued his teaching hour with a rousing worship service R intended to “Turn the World Upside Down.” The service music was provided and led by the 50 plus member choir from Manchester UMC/GC under the direction of their music director and the Conference’s Worship Curator, Kevin McBeth. The service was full of the hymns that are United Methodist standards, such as “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Dotson, the General Secretary of Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church, is noted not only for his compelling teacher of effective discipleship but for taking a small Kansas church, St. Mark’s and growing it into a 3,500 member, multi-campus church. He has brought a new vision to the office of Discipleship Ministries and it is expected that this fresh new vision will greatly benefit the entire UMC. Scripture for the sermon was Acts 17:1-10, read by Adriene Denson, North Hills/GC. It told the story of Paul and Silas teaching the suffering and resurrection of Jesus in the house of Jason and the attack of the unbelievers on that house. The claim was that these Jesus people were ‘turning the world upside down.’ Despite moving on to another town, they continued to preach and upend the next community. Dotson opened his sermon with praise, praying for the opening hearts of the people. He looked at the story of Paul and Silas as examples of how we should approach disciple- making in our own times. Two intenerate preachers with no formal seminary training, no congregational development teaching, no conference grant…just what they had on their

18 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists back and still accused of turning the Dotson called out our forgotten center with that level of commitment world upside down. How? identity as the Wesley team, a team needed to move everyone forward. Dotson urged the conference to turn that should always be on fire. Perhaps “I loved Friday’s in elementary to the book of Acts and see what the people don’t want to identify with school,” said Dotson. “It was show Church should look like. It teaches an over spiritual attitude. They don’t and tell. I think God is looking what Jesus continued to do in his want to be seen as holy rollers despite for some show and tell right now. spiritual body, known as the Church. being the original holy rollers. But it’s People willing to share the story of “When I look at today’s headlines I worth that risk to make sure people what God has done for you. If it is see a world that needs to be shaken up know how loved they are. shared as the Good News in all of again,” he said. “The New Jim Crow Second, we need courageous, its fullness, with Jesus at the center, is re-engaging the war on drugs and spirit-filled leaders. Paul and Silas people will come and ask, “What I see the privatization of the prison had been released from prison only must I do to be saved?”’ system that will mostly impact our to fall into more adversity. There was Dotson shared a statement from a people of color. If there was ever a an effort to run them out of town young pastor in Zimbabwe in which time for the people of God to lean because of their preaching. The first he declared in part that he is a part into our prophetic witness, it is for couple of years at St. Mark’s for was of the unashamed, he has no need of such a time as this.” hard for Dotson. A letter writing Dotson said there are some campaign to the Bishop attempted smooth knees, that his way is rough, churches ministering in economic to move him. He was the strong his companions are few, and that he is distressed areas with no real leader the church had asked for and a disciple of Christ. resources, but urged those the Bishop had sent and there were “Is anyone here ready to declare congregations to remember Paul some who objected. He reminded the ‘I am a confident risk taker. I am and Silas. Keeping in mind the pastors that no matter what they do, a courageous spirit-filled leader. I conversions of Pentecost, what would somebody’s not going to like it. have an unwavering commitment to that look like to minister with the Dotson shared the story of Dr. King spread the Gospel?’” asked Dotson. expectation of Paul and Silas? before the march on Washington “Are you ready to go back to your First, we must be confident risk- receiving a threatening call, one of home town and hear them say “Oh, takers. We must go outside of what many, but this one stood out. It was a no, they’re going to turn the world is comfortable. The church is at its threat to blow up the house and shoot upside down,’” best when we are going out. We are him dead. He prayed, confessing that Rev. Yvi Martin, liaison with the most ineffective when what keeps he was losing his courage despite Mozambique Initiative, introduced our attention keeps us behind closed doing what he was called to do. The the work being done through the doors. It’s against our DNA to be small still voice encouraged him to Chicuque Rural Hospital, the an inward church. Methodism at its stay the course, as Paul and Silas recipient of the morning’s offering. core, as John Wesley exemplified, is a stayed the course. Even now many of She contrasted the ease of our own Going Church. today’s Christians are facing adversity. healthcare options and the difficulty The foundation for risk-taking is It’s exhausting, it leaves spirits dry of getting medical care in rural identity. Knowing and embracing and folks wondering if they are able to Mozambique. The Chicuque Rural and living our identity as believers of stay their own course. Hospital serves an area of over Christ. It’s what moved Paul and Silas. “I say don’t you dare give up,” said 400,000 people, roughly the service “My favorite sports team, the Dotson. “Our God is faithful and has area of the Springfield hospitals. An greatest to exist, is the Dallas a future for you, God does not call Cowboys,” said Dotson. “It’s us without being present in the call, emphasis was put on the lack of blood America’s team. When they win, I no matter what is going on. God has in the blood bank ... three useable say WE won, even though I didn’t already prepared us for the task. God is units last week. throw a ball or block a play. I mean already moving on your behalf.” After the benediction by Bishop we won by my identification as a fan Third, we need an unwavering Farr, the choir led a fitting end to of the team. You are a child of God, commitment to spread the Gospel. the exciting preaching as choir and you are a saint, you are sanctified, you There are no bonified mass congregation joined together for the have royal blood flowing through your movements, it just looks that way. “Hallelujah Chorus.” veins…that is who you are.” There is always one person in the

www.moumethodist.org 19 BY PAM EKEY

ransitions in ministry were recognized Candidates commissioned as provisional for more than 100 persons during a members and an associate member. special commissioning and memorial worship service Saturday morning. The Glory Revival band, representing Tthree churches in the Kansas City area, provided the worship music. During the time of remembrance, the lives of clergy, clergy spouses and Mozambique clergy and spouses were celebrated. Bishop Bob Farr welcomed Pastors who have completed the families of clergy and clergy spouses who had their Course of Study. died during the preceding year. As a bell tolled, John Wright named each deceased Missouri Conference Clergy person. They are: Missouri Conference Clergy: Elbridge W. Bartley, Jr.,; Benjamin E. Broaden; Leland E. Butler; Gailya R. Dow; Vergil R. Eaton; Leo Wesley House III; Gloria E. Jones; Darrell Edwin McFarland; John Carroll Montgomery, Jr.; Janet J. Morgan; Ronald Evan Page;

George Thomas Poe; James Martin Shemwell; Harry People who were Licensed as H. Smith, Jr.; and Margie Sue McDaniel Woods. Local Pastors in 2016 and 2017. Diaconal Minister: Betty Jane Gnaegy. Following the time of remembrance, 45 persons who have completed licensed local pastor school in 2016 and 2017 were brought on stage for recognition. “It is a great honor to be a licensed local pastor.” He recalled the time early in his ministry when he served as a licensed local pastor. “The highest honor, in my opinion, is to be called a pastor,” he said. Six local pastors who have completed the five- year course of study were then recognized and commissioned. They are: Lora Cunningham, Sharon Freeman, Dwight Gressel, Wally Jones, Keith Scarborough and Linda Wansing. One was commissioned as a United Methodist Missionary.

20 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Joanne Davis was Joann Davis is commissioned as a United commissioned to Methodist Missionary and will continue her work as a church and community worker in continue her work as a Berkley, West Virginia. church and community worker in Berkley, West Virginia. In addition to Bishop Farr, Una Jones, Mission Volunteer Director for the General Board of Global Ministries participated in the commissioning. A special offering was taken to support vulnerable refugee and immigrant communities. It will be distributed through the Mission, Service and Justice Team. The Glory Revival praise band performed “So Sings My Soul, Rejoice” as the offering was gathered. Marsha West Eichler was then presented for commissioning as an Associate Member of the Annual Conference. Fourteen candidates were then presented for commissioning as Provisional Members. Bruce Baxter introduced each of the candidates. They are: Adrienne Denson, Jessica Brooke Foster, Maggie Gann, Letisha Green, R. Scott Griffin, Steven Russell Jones, Kristofer Keller, submission to God, was placed upon Elisha, and the spirit of Angela Colina McNeil, Kimberly Anne Mitchell, Steven Elijah rested upon Elisha. R. Mitchell, Adam Lawton Mustoe, Jacob Martin The service closed with the assembly singing the Schneider, Mary T. Weaver and Jeffrey Williams. Doxology, fitting praise for the many who transitioned in A retiring pastor and members of the new class then their ministry this day. participated in the passing of the mantle, to signify the transfer of ministry from one generation to another. Bishop Farr placed the mantle upon Creighton Cox, who is retiring this year. He in turn removed the mantle and placed it on the shoulders of Marsha West Eichler. This ritual is based on the Book of Kings when the Prophet Elijah transferred his ministry to his protégé, Elisha. A mantle, symbolic of

www.moumethodist.org 21 Barry Freese: I give thanks for the churches that cared for me as a pastor. Thank you for receiving me and hearing my witness to Jesus Christ.

22 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Worship Curator Kevin McBeth (Manchester/ GC) and Andy Waggoner (Concord Trinity/GC) shared the stage singing the opening for the retirement service. Kathy Bray: I greatly Creighton Cox: Listen to the Bruce Jefferies: I am sure that appreciate the fellowship people-listen to God, learn God is not done with me. I close Rev. Rebecca Dunger and support from the with the people-learn with with the song “Blessed is the man Peak and Mr. McBeth Missouri Conference during God, and most importantly, who loves the Lord…” This is how lead the service with my ministry and disability. love the people and love God. I hope to be remembered. retiring pastor, Rev. Darlene Payne reading the opening scripture, Philippians 3: 7-16.

Bishop Farr presented the retirees to the Conference. The retirees always provide words of thanks and wisdom. Paul Lanning: Thank you Jeff Johnson: We have been Ken Johnson: The whole to all who have welcomed tremendously blessed by experience is a mystery to us into your families and Also retiring are those people who have me. Thank you is all I know churches and served God Ronald Brown, JC journeyed with us and to say, along with “to God along with us through the Bryant, Carol Ann taught us about loving God be the glory for the great joys, struggles, building Chilton, Dan Crawford, and loving people. things he has done.” projects and mission trips. Jerry Davidson, Pam Dilmore, Ruth Edwards, Barry Freese, Steve Harbaugh, Rusty Maggard, Lisa Stevens, Robert Summers and Robert Wynne.

Connie Locke: My words of Darlene Payne: The living John Rice: I’m grateful advice to others are don’t water Jesus gave me so for the merciful God who stop praying and keep many ears ago has never found me in the far country, striving toward the goal. ceased to amaze me these and showed me the 50 years in ministry. way back home.

David Webster: One of the Michael White: God’s highlights of our service was love, mercy and grace has the privilege of being on provided all the gifts I’ve Kay Zimmer: Ministry in the the ground floor to start the ever needed, and in spite United Methodist Church Missouri East Emmaus Walk of me, Jesus has been has been quite a journey for ministries. God’s Blessings proclaimed and received by me, an incredible journey always amaze us! many throughout the world. for me and my family.

www.moumethodist.org 23 DivinityPractical Before Bishop Bob Farr was Bishop, part of his job as director of Congregational Excellence involved consulting with churches on revitalization. Often when he asked the people of a church about their discipleship pathway, they replied that they didn’t know what a disciple looked like.

24 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists BY FRED KOENIG #1: Do no harm D uring his Monday morning learning time at Annual Conference Session, Bishop Farr • Tips: Do nothing to tear down, remember explained that being a disciple, and the very “It’s not about me”, don’t be blinded by your heart of Methodism, is all about practices. own opinions, no more gossiping, if it’s negative, don’t do it or say it. “We are called Methodists because of • What it means for daily living: Examine every our adherence to practices. It was not our practice of life and faith, live like Jesus, be a methodical ways of having meetings,” Bishop positive influences. Farr said. #2: Do Good John Wesley called the practices that put people • Tips: Not limited to those I already love, on the path of becoming a disciple practical universal, proactive, self-denial (needs to hurt divinity. The last time the Methodist church a little) grew as a percentage of the population in • What it means for daily living: Put yourself in America was 1860. At this time class meetings, places that stretch you, find the least of these, when centered around adhering to practices and look for everyday acts of kindness. holding each other accountable, were exchanged for Sunday school, a time devoted more to the study of scripture, which was popular in the #3: Stay in Love with God Baptist church. In 1860 about 37 percent of the • Tips: These are the Methodist practices: United States population was Methodist. Today Prayer, worship, small groups, Holy it is 1 – 2 percent. Communion, scripture reading, fasting, holy conferencing. Wesley’s class meetings were focused around • What it means for daily living: Pick a place four areas: and time and pray daily, attend worship, join 1. Bible Study a small group, read a scripture chapter daily 2. Prayer (start with John), go to learning events, get a 3. Promote good works spiritual coach for Holy conversations. 4. Holding each other accountable with the life you’re living Wesley said to practice these practices, and you will be heading toward sanctification. Bishop Farr said he has been reading the Book of Bishop Farr asked those gathered to consider Discipline for the first time in his career, and he what they could do, if practiced over and over highly recommends reading the first 39 pages. and over, that would change their experience “You’ll sit there in awe and wonder, and say, with Jesus. The name Methodist comes from ‘Where did that go?’” he said. how practices were put together to help form people’s spiritual lives. The Book of Discipline also contains Wesley’s three rules, sometimes referred to as Three “We need disciples, and I think we need to go Simple Rules, but Bishop Farr said they are not back to go forward,” Bishop Farr said. “We so simple to live by. He broke them down by need to go back to our roots.” providing tips, and what it means for living.

www.moumethodist.org 25 26 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Mandatory retirement age for United Methodist clergy is 72 years old, but many go straight from being in active service to serving as supply pastors to local churches. Sometimes a decade after retirement, that person is still preaching a sermon every Sunday. The following retirees are all 80 years old or older, and still serving the church. They were recognized during the opening introductions at Annual Conference Session.

Kenneth Burres — CMU professor Lois McRill — Bertrand William Campbell — Bucklin/Mt. Zion Lowell Mize — Jerico Springs Kenneth Cleeton — Mineola Robert Simon — Pleasant Hill James Crooks — Jefferson Ave., Moberly James Smith — Dadeville Dorothy Cutler — Stover Royal Speidel — Russellville Marilyn Dorst — Altamont Crystal Wicks — Bethel Thomas Freeman — Rich Hill Ura Hardin — Norwood Those present came onto stage. The youngest Theodore Hepner — Lathrop clergy in the Conference also came on stage Nancy Hollingsworth — Hermatite, Victoria to shake their hands — Cody Oshel, 23, serving Joan Keiser — Rogersville Stanberry UMC, and Katilyn Walker, 22, serving as Donald Kuehle — Whitewater associate pastor at Linn Memorial UMC.

www.moumethodist.org 27 BY SARAH DUMAS

rom the moment she walked on stage, praising name of Tina Harris F the Lord with “God is good,” the Conference Christ could easily recognize the life that Tina Harris is are more going to bring to her new role as Director of Mission, important Service and Justice. “Harris is pleased as punch” to be for society joining the Conference team on July 1 after serving than the at Grand Avenue Temple in downtown Kansas City. incon- As she discussed at Saturday morning’s business venience session, her goal for this position is to mold churches it may into justice champions. Her role as director will serve bring the these champions in three distinct ways. church. 1. A cheerleader. Harris genuinely wants to hear about the work each church is doing. Shar- “If I see ing these accomplishments will enable her to anyone spread the good news and encourage the works ignoring injustice, or complicit in systems of being done. oppression, or fighting more about the type of music 2. A coach. Her prayers are for each church to at worship instead of the hungry children that are continue to grow and improve in their works, down the street, please know that I’m going to get for God is the true motivator. But she also on your nerves, bless God,” said Harris. wants to challenge churches to push the limits Encouraged by the Wesleyan roots of the United and go further than they ever thought possible Methodist Church, Harris said she looks forward before. “Don’t let my smile fool you. My job to the fight for justice and seeing the ways God will will be to make you uncomfortable because work through churches in the coming years. we’re living in a world that is in desperate need. The merge of the Creative Ministries and Social We’re living in times that are so tense even Justice teams will enable the Conference to lead some folks in the church are being quiet when churches in service, mission and social justice after we’re suppose to be speaking up,” said Harris. a need and passion were expressed in the conference 3. A critic. Harris said it’s important for her to and church levels. step on toes so the church doesn’t get comfort- able remaining silent. Justice and action in the

28 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Jean Claude Louis works with the Methodist Church of Haiti as a liaison with the United Methodist Committee on Relief and other United Methodists interested in mission opportunities in Haiti. He came to Missouri Conference to meet with the Global Connections leaders and Missouri Conference church leaders. He is currently developing mission projects relating to sanitation, safe water, microfinance, education and agriculture.

BY PAM EKEY Lucas Endicott

elping people get involved in mission is The Missouri the purpose of Global Connect, according Conference is to Lucas Endicott, Missional Strategist. continuing to “Mission happens when we actually get participate in the engaged,” he said. Global connect has Haiti Water Plus Hemphasized three areas in the past year: VIM leader program. In the training, Haiti Water Plus and emerging opportunities. past year, six teams The Volunteer-in-Mission training is now an online, from the Missouri multi-session, dynamic training process. The four Conference sessions are designed for people who would like to lead traveled to Haiti a VIM team into missional settings whether they are to distribute 2,900 down the street or across the world or for those who just water filters so that want to know more about it. 15,000 Haitians have access to clean water. Part one teaches about the why – Why missions, why The third area of emphasis is emerging opportunities work with the Methodists. Part two is about cultural to continue to expand missional involvement by Missouri competency to help people interact in cross-cultural Conference members. “We want to see if we can settings. Part three addresses where to serve, and how to streamline our opportunities to serve. We are better organize a team. Part four is about feedback, what did when we are in mission together,” Endicott said. you learn, what would you share with others.

www.moumethodist.org 29 Mozambique Initiative Celebrates New & Existing Relationships BY PAM EKEY

Craig Stevenson, Missouri coordinator for the Mozambique Initiative, celebrated the continuing partnership between the United Methodist Church in Mozambique and the Missouri Conference. “Our ministry was supported by you through countless gifts,” he said. Some 186 churches provided over $670,271 in support during the previous year. Stevenson has been focusing on building covenant relationships. Through the partnership, 44 wells were completed. Since the wells are located on church property and open to the community, they are a tool for evangelism. Last year 186 congregations had active partnerships. The goal is to add 37 new covenant relationships this year. Early in 2017, hurricane Dineo had a severe impact on Mozambique. Approximately 20,000 homes became uninhabitable, in addition to 54 United Methodist churches or parsonages that were damaged or destroyed. The Missouri Conference responded by raising $159,000 funds for rebuilding efforts. The Gondola Training Center graduated its first class in 2016. It trains pastors and lay leaders in sustainability, microfinance, theology, discipleship and leadership development. The school was a vision 10 years ago that has come to fruition. Unfortunately, that ministry has been put on hold while repairs are made to the facility after hurricane Dineo. “Our brothers and sisters in Mozambique have claimed the flame. Our challenge is to run alongside them and carry the flame with them,” Stevenson said, in order to reach more hearts, minds and souls for Christ.

30 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Ron Watts

BY LYDIA ISTOMINA

he Annual Conference report on Next Generation T Ministries opened with a video from the Missouri Conference Remarkable series (available at https://vimeo.com/ channels/moac17). The video introduced the attendees to a 10-year old Grant Skelton, who believes that his ministry to fund raise the money

Grant Skelton to help the poor is “pretty successful.” He started his ministry with $50 that his grandparents gave him. “When I help somebody I understand how God feels when God helps people. I want to keep going.” He has raised $10,000. Bishop Farr greeted Grant Skelton and introduced Jeff Baker as a new director of the Office of Next Generations Ministries. Next Generation Ministries Chair Ron Watts, senior pastor of La Croix UMC in Cape Girardeau, explained how camping and youth ministries from the Conference are reshaping to serve more local churches and help them reached unchurched youth in their communities. There are about 3,000 children and youth involved in Missouri Conference camping ministries this summer. Jeff Baker expressed how excited he is to be in this new role. The last three years we initiated many new changes; we are trying new things and new ideas and create new ways to do ministry with children and young adults. Next Generations is all Jeff Baker about finding new opportunities for young adults to serve Christ. Next Generations is our best chance, Baker said, to reach those in rural and urban areas, rich or poor, whom we do not reach now because we simply do not see them. Lastly, he said, if you have the opportunity to change the world, start with children, youth and young adults near you because they are our next generation. “Look at Grant Skelton! He is only ten years old, but he is not waiting to get older to find his opportunities to serve. He is doing ministry right now. Take time to go to a baseball game with kids and youth from your church and your community. Be where they are. Support them. Most importantly, get to know them.” Baker believes that children and youth look for opportunities to serve. We are here to inspire God’s children!

www.moumethodist.org 31 United Methodist clergy women gathered on the stage in-between Conference session for a group photo as a show of solidarity.

32 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists www.moumethodist.org 33 BY LYDIA ISTOMINA

ue to Rev. Karen Hayden’s emergency The Missouri Conference also has a fellowship hospitalization and surgery, Bishop Farr program. Katrina Drew, Chelsey Hillyer, Angie Dasked Nate Berneking to present the McNeil, and Peter Norton, the Conference Fellows, Pastoral Excellence report. “The Office of Pastoral learn how to start something new. Fourteen Excellence is your resource, and I am so honored to churches participate in this program. Please support give this report.” the program with your prayers. The Center for Pastoral Excellence facilitates The candidacy program is difficult, and we programs for people who are interested in ministry were not always providing good mentorship. The and interviews those who have a specific call to conference provides training to 177 clergy who ministry in pastoral roles as elders and deacons wanted to become mentors. In addition, both with the Board of Ordained Ministries. Berneking Pastoral Excellence and Congregational Excellence emphasized the importance of the new Conference has focused on coaching. There are two trainings Vision that calls for outward focus and inward scheduled for those who are interested in coaching spiritual growth. young candidates: August 22 – basic training and The process of entering ministry is long and September 11 – coaching for teams and groups. confusing, he acknowledged. The Center of The office supports various spiritual initiatives Pastoral Excellence simplifies it by offering several such as Soul Connection for laity and clergy to entering points. empower spiritual conversations and spiritual lives. All we need to do is to encourage young Rev. Jenn Klein just returned with a group from adults to ask their pastors and register on the Camino. The group walked several kilometers per conference website. There are two events per year to day, and it was a powerful and prayerful experience. accommodate their interest. College students rarely Another example is Imago Dei developed by Rev. think of a clergy career. We created a fantastic Jim Simpson. This is his life work that he brought to program for them - Crossroads Internship. What fruition; nobody provides more spiritual guidance does it do for a local church? An intern might than him. The group will meet in August at the Lake connect your church with your neighborhood. of Ozarks. You can find more information on the It is easy to apply to receive an intern for summer. conference website. Saint Paul School of Theology The local church provides $2,000 for the summer offers the Academy for Spiritual Formation. internship and housing, and the conference will Karen Hayden and her staff Susan Brandes, Jenny supplement it with $1,000. If you choose to become Gragg, and Trudy McManus do a fabulous job a Crossroads supporter, give those interns your love. facilitating numerous opportunities for those who By doing this, you will support another entering want to pursue ministry and those who want to point to bring new people to ministry. serve with excellence.

34 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Director of Pastoral Excellence Karen Hayden listens as Crossroads interns share about their summer experiences while meeting at the Conference Center on June 20. Brad Kurz Conference Finances

Tom Ventura Solid

BY JOAN DEBOE

In the Finance and Administration portion of the Saturday morning Business Meeting, Rev. Sherry Swanson Nate Berneking Nate Berneking reported that the Missouri Conference is as strong financially and administratively as it has ever been. He and his team reported on Clergy Support Team, Board of Trustees, and Council on Finance and Administration.

36 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Rev. Berneking, Rebecca Adoption of the Dungar-Peak, and Tom Comprehensive Benefit Ventura reported the Plan and the Clergy following regarding Clergy Support Team Policies and Support Team issues. Procedures was approved.

Rev. Berneking and Rev. The $1000 moving Sherry Swanson, Chair, assistance payment to presented the following retiring clergy, and the information from the $1500 reimbursement Council on Finance and to local churches for the Administration. moving expenses of an incoming pastor remain unchanged for 2018. Apportionments were paid at a very strong 87.31% in Ivan James The 2018 Pre-82 2016. pension past service rate recommended to the 612 churches paid 100%. The proposed 2018 budget Annual Conference is $625 totals $13,911,075, up from per service year. This item 32 churches paid more than $13,829,937 in 2017, an required a vote and was 100%. increase of .6%. passed. The Southeast District paid Rev. Berneking and Rev. CRSP and CPP percentages the highest paid percentage Swanson will conducted and requirements remain at 98%. a workshop on June 11 to unchanged. answer any questions about The debt against the any of these issues. Health insurance rates have Conference Center building increased, but the Annual is at an all-time low. Ivan James reported on Conference will continue to behalf of the Board of bill churches at the 2017 rate The following proposals Trustees. ($8,760), a rate that hasn’t were made and approved changed in seven years. June 12. Sixteen churches have voted to close over this 2016/2017 However, new in 2018, Conference year. The clergy members will be The moving policy is up Annual Conference voted to required to pay an annual for approval but does not approve the closing of these total of $444 out of pocket propose any changes. churches. if they choose to be covered by the B1000 PPO policy. A new office structure was The Finance and proposed that will include Administration team of the Rev. Berneking and his the addition of a new Conference reports smooth team will be conducting Director of Next Generation operations and that was workshops around the state Ministries resulting in six evident in the presentation during the first two weeks of directors rather than five. they made. Thank you to October to address health all members of the team insurance questions. A 1.9% increase in pay for faithful and excellent was proposed for District service. The 2018 retiree health Superintendents. insurance stipend is $265 per month.

www.moumethodist.org 37 Foundation Celebrates 50 YearsBY LYDIA ISTOMINA

Missouri United Methodist Foundation Director David Atkins congratulates Bishop Bob Farr on his election and appointment to Missouri at the Sunday night dinner that welcomed Bishop Farr back to Missouri.

he Missouri United Methodist find support to do effective ministry to Jesus Christ. Thanks to the Foundation is a valuable because the agency provides backup Foundation, many churches were able resourceT for local churches and services and ministry grants to to double their donations to support individuals throughout Missouri. churches to reduce stress on clergy and local programs. Foundation Director David Atkins to serve as a valuable tool to build long- The Missouri United Methodist invited the attendees to celebrate the term financial ministries. Foundation proposes seminars 50th anniversary of the Missouri “We do new things to bring more and workshops on various giving United Methodist Foundation. Local disciples for the transformation,” said arrangements and grace-filled congregations and ministries are a part Atkins, who shared the history of the programs. of the story of generosity and love of Foundation with the delegates and Atkins invited lay leaders and pastors God. Yes, the Foundation gives an thanked many generous donors. to stop at the table to learn about opportunity to invest wisely and safely, The UM Foundation continues available resources and meet the staff but it is much more than an investment building the beloved communities and leaders. opportunity. This is a partnership that in their passion for serving God and makes churches strong. Churches strengthening their commitment

38 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Barb Cox from Forsyth UMC and Mat Thornton and Abby Morris, both from Platte Woods UMC, attended the First-Time Laity Lunch on Friday.

New Laity Connect

Crisco or lard in pie crusts? Pew or chairs in worship

BY JENNIFER spaces? Hometown fun or far-flung vacations? SIMMS

hese were just a few of the topics of table Springfield to the importance of the crosswalk (“Make Tconversation at the first-ever First-Time Laity those passing in cars happier!”). She also encouraged Lunch, held Friday at University Plaza. Around 140 participants to think about the best ways to take laity gathered for food and fellowship, getting to know the Conference home with them, including sharing others attending their first Annual Conference. information from the two Bishop’s Learning Times. District lay leaders from around the state facilitated While a short orientation had been available to first- the free-flowing conversation at each table. Abby time laity in the past, this luncheon represented a new Morris, lay representative from Platte Woods UMC, opportunity to introduce laity to Annual Conference. said her favorite aspect of the hour was “meeting people “We wanted to give an opportunity for first-time who are in the same position as me – first-timers at lay people to meet other people, have a chance to get Conference! It was wonderful talking to people from all oriented, and be able to ask any questions they might different sizes of churches all over our Conference!” have. It also gave us an opportunity to introduce them Amy Thompson, Missouri Conference lay leader, led to the Lay Ministry Team,” said Jill Wondel, associate a short orientation session, covering topics ranging from lay leader for the Missouri Conference. voting procedures to being good visitors in the city of

www.moumethodist.org 39 nurture the of others BY PAM EKEY

my Thompson, Conference Lay Leader, challenged laity to answer the call to nurture and grow the faith of others. SheA acknowledged several individuals who had nurtured and encouraged her faith and called on each person at annual faithconference to identify someone they could nurture. “I am here because of people like you,” she said. These people helped me to grow, to go deeper in her faith and commitment to service. “They encouraged me to use my gifts and talents. As they responded to their individual calls, they helped me respond to my call,” she added. Then she asked, “Who has nurtured you? We the ordinary people are called by the spirit. God calls all of us to serve in different ways. We have different gifts, but the same spirit. Laity and clergy using their gifts have impacted my faith life. Through our words and actions, we can affect the lives of many.” Cultivating a culture of call requires collaboration, Thompson said. Call is our way of responding to God so the world can be transformed in love. Thompson said she has responded to a challenge she heard from Bishop Bob Farr. He asked, who are you nurturing? And who are you reaching out to build a relationship? She felt she had no time and was not equipped to reach out to others. But she began to pray about it. She first prayed about those who had nurtured her and then she began to pray about who she might nurture in return. Ultimately, she identified two persons whom she could attempt to nurture their faith and has begun to work on those relationships. “In accepting this challenge, I will grow in my response to God’s call, she said. “Can you start with one person?” It could be a neighbor, a family member or a parent you meet at your child’s ball field. “We demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ in our words and actions. When we respond in love, this world will be transformed,” she said.

40 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists CMU alive & well

BY LYDIA ISTOMINA

David Hutchison professors, and it was church Katilyn Walker very reassuring to members hear how a student accepted his from CMU shared invitation about one of the and visited teachers who helped the campus. during her tough life Katilyn circumstances. A Walker student from a large is the school, contrasted it associate pastor at Linn Memorial with her experience UMC, the church on the CMU in a large school campus. She graduated with degrees where it is next to in religion and business. Now, she impossible to connect begins working on her M.Div. at to a professor in a Asbury Theological Seminary. class of 600 students. Walker shared how she entered The vision for the the ministry. Her pastor helped new Assembly her see opportunities at CMU, and Hall, according to Walker felt at home from her first Hutchison, is to step on campus. bring the faculty and “I cannot explain to you how students even closer. deeply CMU impacted my life. CMU serves as a It was an engaging and inspiring powerful illustration experience. Our professors do care he Central Methodist of our Methodist about us. You guys created this University staff and students connectional identity. For example, ministry. I can’t be more thankful areT proud of their United the new recording studio on campus for what you’ve done for me.” Methodist heritage and the not only shapes students’ recording When Hutchison invited all current authentically inclusive atmosphere technique but also helps to advance CMU students and alumni to stand, of spiritual and intellectual growth social media of the congregations Judy Slimmer exclaimed, “I loved and service opportunities, said that cannot afford hi-tech ministry. it!” and added that CMU shaped David Hutchinson, Executive David invited local churches to her life and faith. Director of Advancement, bringing visit the university campus and Hutchison ended with an greetings to Missouri Annual mentioned Francis Street First invitation, “Come to learn how to Conference delegates. He believes UMC group that visited CMU last be in the relationships with young that Methodist heritage shapes spring around Easter. people whose lives are transformed CMU students’ characters, faith This is how it happened. CMU because of you. 20000 alumni and transforms their lives. CMU President Roger Drake’s speech say thank you to the Missouri community strives for social at the Annual Conference a year Conference.” and ecumenical growth with an ago inspired Francis Street Bishop Farr responded, “This is emphasis on accountability of First’s Lay Leader Cindy Allen to a good example of transformation, young persons. contact CMU in October 2016. and we are a part of it.” During the recent symposium, The president came to St. Joseph to students shared about their favorite speak at Francis Street First. The

www.moumethodist.org 41 BY FRED Making Disciples the Wesleyan Way KOENIG

rad Thie, director of the Thriving discipleship, exploring questions Brad Thie B Rural Communities program at like why they are a Christian, and Duke Divinity School, opened the how they became disciples. He asked pre-conference learning session on the someone from the group to share evening of June 8 thanking the crowd his or her personal testimony on for showing up. becoming a disciple. “You all must be the A-team, because Charles Hawkins stepped up and you’re here,” he said. “You could be at told how he came forward and accepted a coffee shop downtown, or drinking a Jesus as his savior at age seven, feeling craft beer.” a tug on his heart at the end of the It was fitting that those present sermon, after having slept through were the dedicated bunch, considering the first part. A little over a decade the topic was around discipleship. later, he found himself in combat in The Core Practices Team has made a Vietnam, asking himself how he might tradition of offering a time for people strengthen his relationship with God. to gather the night before conference Upon arriving back the U.S. he was starts. This session was billed as at a Fourth of July festival, and when Making Disciples in the Wesleyan the first fireworks went off, he found students from the Baptist Student Way, but before Thie jumped into himself on the ground, a reaction Union helped him up and walked him disciple making, he had the group ingrained in him from dodging home, extending God’s grace to him in reflect on their own personal mortars in Vietnam. Some college a real way.

42 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Leading in Mission

BY SUSAN SNEED

Kathy Rolen, Conference president of the United Methodist Women/Missouri Conference noted that in 1869 a group of eight women raised enough money to send a woman doctor overseas, marking the first action of the Women’s Foreign Mission Society. “We are still transforming the world for Christ,” she When he got back home to when did I last speak to someone said. “Down the street Shelbina, a Methodist minister that about my faith, do I complain and and around the world we he didn’t know knocked on his door can I be trusted. continue to our mission and said God had been speaking to “This was very helpful for us, and I of transformation.” She him about asking Hawkins to lead would encourage you to do this with highlighted activities music at the church. Hawkins said a sister or a brother,” Thie said. of mission learning and if God was speaking he wanted The list of 22 questions can be found business in Stoney Creek to know what he had to say, so he at https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/ in Columbia, a Houston prayed about it, and ended up leading resources/everyday-disciples-john- training and the annual music there 13 years. He’s had wesleys-22-questions. meeting September 29-30 challenges with post-traumatic stress Churches shared ways they in Lebanon. from the Vietnam war through the are working on their discipleship “As we prepare to years, but is now glad to be back to pathways, which included adding celebrate our 150th the place where he can talk to people a discipleship component to their anniversary, we can report about Jesus. food pantry, doing a spiritual gift our giving in 2016 was Thie said for a year he and a assessment of their congregation and $337,500 and with addition pastor friend asked each other the using it to match members to new gifts, a total of $432,472.” 22 questions that members of John visitors, initiating a home based Bible Rolen concluded her report Wesley’s Holy Club asked each other study and starting a day care for with a video highlighting when they met for private devotions. adults. Mission U, the annual Questions like: am I enjoying prayer, School of Missions.

www.moumethodist.org 43 10 Steps to Growth BY PAM EKEY

eremy Vickers and Kevin They listed 10 steps that have led Springs springs he would come right JMcNeely, pastors at Grace United to the growth of the El Dorado there where we are located.” Methodist at Lee’s Summit and El Springs Springs congregation. The Thefourth step is to understand Dorado Springs Springs, shared first three steps involve the primary that worship is our primary purpose, how a satellite relationship can church understanding its purpose Jeremy said. After McNeely was be successful even when the two and identity. The fourth through brought on board, Grace provided churches are more than 90 miles sixth steps involve first steps toward staff and resources to renovate the El apart. In the Saturday afternoon building initial attendance. The Dorado Springs church. Pews were workshop for churches with less final four steps are geared toward removed and replaced with chairs. than 100 in worship they explained continuing to grow through Sound and video equipment was how a small church with only 11 community outreach. installed to enable lives-streamed people could grow to 80 in worship Thefirst step is to know your sermons. McNeely’s primary job is in just two years. purpose. Vickers said the mission to be involved in the community. In Bishop Bob Farr explained that for Grace Lee’s Summit is to be the first two years of worship, there the congregation made the painful a light in the darkness for the have been 50 salvations and over 30 decision to close the El Dorado unchurched, the once churched and baptisms. A particular challenge Springs Springs United Methodist the badly churched. The church was during that time was that the new Church about three years ago after aware of the struggles of many small church went through three worship it had dwindled to 19 people. The churches in rural Missouri and bands but even that did not appear church gave the building and its wondered if there was something to slow the growing congregation. remaining funds to the conference they might do about it. “We know A second focus and fifth step to be used toward restarting a new our purpose we know who we are in launching the new church congregation in El Dorado Springs called to be,” he said, asking, “Are was missions. With the new Springs. After a year, Jeremy you making disciples? Are you congregation worshiping every Vickers was approached about reaching out and sharing the good Sunday, McNeely sought other starting a satellite congregation in news? If you are not reaching out ways to reach out to the community. this community 90 minutes away you may not know your purpose.” At the elementary school, it was from Lee’s Summit because he had Second, it is necessary to have a learned that the children needed a successful church. Fortunately, supportive church board. The board books to take home to read. Both Jeremy and his team at Grace Lee’s at Grace Lee’s Summit understands the Lee’s Summit and El Dorado Summit said they would give it a try.” that pastors are not always in the Springs churches had book drives. It took another six months to office. Rather, they support the About 1,000 books were distributed find the right pastor to serve in pastors work in the community. to students at the school, with no El Dorado Springs. In a satellite Third, we know our context mention of the El Dorado Springs arrangement, a pastor provides local because we know our community, Church. Other outreach efforts at contact and outreach, while the Vickers said. McNeely has spent the school included providing new majority of the preaching is done time in El Dorado Springs to learn shoes and coats for the students. via live-streaming from the Lee’s the community and its needs. The When parents asked who donated Summit church. Both McNeely neighborhood where the church is the books, the teachers would and Vickers doubted whether this located is surrounded by poverty, identify the local Grace UMC. They would work, but it has proved to drugs, alcohol and broken homes. became the voice of the church. “We be successful. McNeely focuses on “Our vision to help the asked the school what do you need worship design and local community community around us and that is instead of assuming we knew what involvement. He preaches about what we have been doing,” he said. the school needs,” Vickers said. every six to eight weeks. “If Jesus showed up in El Dorado Thesixth step is small groups.

44 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists invitations wherever they may be – at a flea market, community events, local businesses, anywhere people might be found. “Like dancing, the more you do it, the easier it gets,” he added. Eighth, follow up. McNeely keeps a small notebook where he records initial contacts, including name, date and location. Then he returns to that location in hopes of meeting that person again because people tend to be habitual. He looks for common interests to open conversations and build relationships. Ninth, be an outwardly focused church. The church looks for opportunities to be involved in community events. At the annual community picnic, carnival rides are located near the church, so it was opened up to the community. The church provided baby changing stations, rest rooms and a place to cool down. They also served hot dogs on the front lawn. Even when an outreach program fails, be willing to regroup and try something new. Last, the pastor is “in” the community. Vickers pointed out that there are people who live near the church, even in rural areas. There are people who can be impacted by your ministry. McNeely has deliberately sought ways to be A group of members from the church may expand to two services involved in the community, whether former El Dorado Springs to accommodate more people. it is providing a prayer at a tractor UMC approached McNeeley Seventh, in order to sustain pull or seeking ways to help at the about restarting a Thursday growth, always invite people to school. He goes to Chamber of lunch program they had once church. Commerce meetings. “People know offered. After learning that this Vickers said, “That sounds like a I am available,” he said. program had not brought any new simple thing to do, but how many When McNeely takes in a poster disciples to the church for many people have you invited to church into a business owner, he also asks years, McNeely decided to try a in the last few weeks or in the last if the owner needs prayer, or if Wednesday evening dinner and year?” He added, “People need the business needs prayer. “If they bible study program. to know who we are, what we’re know you are there to help the Although they are not required about. The people who come on community, the business owner will to stay for bible study, many do. Wednesday night may not come on tell other about you. They become The program includes a large Sunday. We need to have different your voice.” bible study in the sanctuary, a ways for people to get into the life of Vickers said, “We do everything young adult class and a children’s the church.” we can do every day to reach people group. It has grown to almost 80 McNeely asked, “Remember for Jesus Christ.” persons. Many are not comfortable how it was the first time you asked attending worship on Sunday. The someone to dance?” It’s awkward. Wednesday evening program is That’s what it is like to invite reaching 40-60 people each week. someone to church. But unless Sundays fill the sanctuary to its you try, you won’t get results. capacity of 80 people. This fall, the He encourages people to issue

www.moumethodist.org 45 Strengthening the Black Church

ia McIntosh opened the workshop on Strengthening congregations L the Black Church with scripture from Acts 3: 1-10, as second and which tells the story of a man outside of church, who had third sites, church people walk by him all day long. mergers and “He got accustomed to the relationship. Maybe he would restarting, get a little change. How many days did people walk past create around him before it took someone actually seeing him?” she asked. mutual “We’ve got to see one another, and see the people around us, interest and give what we have. Peter and John saw this man. They and service took him by the hand and went into the church.” experience, Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III went through some statistic provide on the black church. Of the 30,000 United Methodist leadership Churches, about 7 percent are predominantly black. The opportunities percentage of United Methodist who attend these churches for youth, is much smaller, because the churches are smaller. The campus ministries on black campuses, establish ministries largest (Windsor Village in Houston, Texas) has 5,000 in in poverty stricken areas worship. The 25th largest has 375 in worship. Of the black • What resources are needed? Funding support, churches, 83 percent have fewer than 100 in worship. leadership, focus on congregations, fair distribution of They are not all in decline, though. Two new churches, resources, good flow of information Impact in Atlanta and The Journey in Columbia, South • What leadership development is needed for black Carolina, have shown impressive growth. UMCs? Compassion, technology training, scholarships, The workshop had six large sheets of paper on the wall, recruitment, opportunities for youth, accountability, asking questions about the black church. Participants were being more welcoming for newcomers, and being asked to write their answers to the questions on post-it adaptable notes, and after several minutes someone read the answers • What communication is needed? Social media, reaching aloud from each question. out to the next generation, all forms of communication, “We are the experts,” McIntosh said. “The answers are letters, blogs, open/honest communication, within us. They won’t come from someone outside of us. We communication to all levels, more interaction with are the think tank. We have the experience in our lives.” district offices, sharing successes and failures The questions, and a sample of the answers, were as follows: • Other (questions added by people from the group): Why do we need black UMCs? Answers included: it’s part What’s working in other conferences, how do we support of our culture, we need a prophetic voice, we need the black new black church starts, how do we get leaders to launch worship style, we need the social justice emphasis, we need ministries, we need to be connectional- this is part of role models in the black community, we need them to help our DNA as black leaders, need to have a youth event develop community leaders, our children need to know like WOW for black youth, name and deal with current where they came from, and if we only have diverse churches dysfunctions that keeps the black church from growing, the black voice is no longer heard. are we losing people as a result of competition from more • How do we create new churches? Answers included: vibrant and more spiritual movements, how do we retain we don’t need new ones, look beyond brick and mortar teens and young adults, are we equipping clergy leaders and focus on virtual church/social media, focus on with what to expect in a black church, what is the role of house churches, healthy churches should take on small young white leaders drawn to non-white churches?

46 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists BY JENNIFER SIMMS & SUSAN SNEED

Roger Ross, newly named the Director of Congregational Excellence for the Missouri Annual Conference, received a warm welcome Saturday afternoon as approximately 250 clergy and laity attended is workshop, “Meet the Goodpeople: Wesley’s 7 Ways to Share Faith.” Ross defines “Goodpeople” as people who do all the right things (pay their bills, don’t commit crimes, mow the neighbor’s lawn) but don’t have a personal relationship with God. They often feel a void, a “something missing” in their life, but aren’t sure what the missing piece is. These people are in every community, as is evidenced by the fact that the U.S. is now considered the third-largest mission field in the world. Ross share personal stories from his career as pastor of both an established church and a church plant, reaching the unchurched and growing communities of faith. Ross challenged attendees who sometimes feel their church is stuck to consider an important question: “To get a new result, what new prayer do I need to pray?” Rev. Chris Snyder, Lake Lotawana UMC, was motivated to buy Ross’ book after attending the workshop. “Hearing his passion and Wesleyan influence was encouraging. I look forward to hearing more from him and working with him in the future.” In brief, the seven ways are: 1. Be devoted to prayer: “…the grand means of drawing near to God.” 2. Go where the people are: Wesley didn’t wait for people to walk in the door; he went to them no matter where. 3. Speak plain truth: Use everyday language with everyday people, despite all the $3 words you may know. 4. Use the music of the culture: If it doesn’t touch people’s hearts, they won’t hear God. Make music for the people who ARE NOT there. 5. Place everyone in a small group for spiritual growth: In- tentional support and encouragement happens easier in the intimacy of a space group. It can provide an on-going awakening and a spiritual family. 6. Give the ministry to the laity: Wesley took his mother’s advice. When the laity oversees the ministry, they have real ownership in it and it multiples. 7. Use mass communication to get the word out: Wesley prolifically used what he had….the printing press. Learn to use social media and other digital tools effectively.

www.moumethodist.org 47 Preparation & High Quality Worship Help Build the Congregation

BY PAM EKEY

e prepared for guests and offer Royal Speidel high-quality worship are two Bof the ways Russellville United Methodist Church has thrived, according to Pastor Royal Speidel at a Sunday afternoon workshop. “Take a look at your building. What shape is it in?” he asked. What kind of improvements – landscaping, new paint, will make the building inviting to newcomers. No matter the shape of the building, high quality worship is the most important aspect of ministry. “The greatest sin is boring worship. Eliminate the boring so people want to come,” Speidel said. Spend time putting together a worship service that is lively, has good music and a sermon. There is something engaging when you can worship together, sing and pray together, he said. Even if the church regularly uses a piano or organ, plan to use more special music. “The most popular instruments in America are the guitar and synthesizer,” he said. People should be able to hear their in small groups. Track attendance and follow up favorite instruments in worship. John and when someone is missing. He also encouraged his Charles Wesley adapted bar tunes for their audience to use social media such as Facebook. hymns. We also should use the instruments He sends a midweek email to the congregation. people want to hear he said. Community outreach and engagement also help As new people begin to attend, encourage them to introduce people to the church. to get into a small group. Discipleship happens

48 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A BIG CHURCH TO DO MISSION. “You can do anything that The Gathering or Church of the Resurrection does, but you do it on a smaller scale,” said Margie Briggs. Ministry in a small church can flourish. “I have a passion for the small church. I want it to live forever,” she added.

BY PAM EKEY

riggs is a certified lay pastor serving two Calhoun UMC Bsmall churches, Calhoun and Drake’s Chapel calls itself the little United Methodist Churches. She pointed out that church with the laity can step in to lead small churches where it big heart. “You is not possible to appoint an elder or a part-time don’t have to be a local pastor. The solution to providing pastoral big church to be in leadership at many small churches will come from mission,” Briggs the laity. said. No matter the She shared some of the experiences she wrote size, we have Jesus about in her recent book Can You Just Get Them Christ, and what Through Until Christmas? She said then-district better can you offer, superintendent Cody Collier asked her to serve she asked. To change the two small churches after the pastor appointed things you have to change your attitude and there died. It was supposed to be a short-term believe that with Christ, mission is possible. “God assignment, but then he extended it to Annual has blessed us because we have been a blessing to Conference. Then Collier said the churches had others,” she said. asked her to stay on. Watch for the August issue of The Missouri Both churches had dwindled to just a few in Methodists, which will feature a Q&A with worship when Briggs started, but now each is Margie Briggs about her new book Can You Just worshiping about 40. A key to growth was to get Get Them Through Until Christmas? out of the church and get into the community. She said not every outreach effort was successful, but when they were not, they tried something else.

www.moumethodist.org 49 hen Myles Hinkel started working for the Missouri

United Methodist KOENIG FRED BY W Foundation, he asked a pastor of a successful new church start if there was anything he would do differently if he had a chance for a redo. “He told me that he should have introduced giving as an act 4. Stewardship: Give recognition, foster long- of discipleship right from the start,” Hinkel said. term engagement, thank in a meaningful way, “He wished he had said upfront that giving is a report back outcomes. spiritual practice, and is clearly expected, so he had that as part of the church culture from the Hinkel said development studies have found beginning.” that the number one indicator of whether Many churches don’t have that culture, but someone will give a gift is regular church still have financial need. That’s why Hinkel led a attendance. It’s not just an indicator of whether workshop at Annual Conference called Making they will give to church, it’s the top indicator the Ask, in which he in which he offered practical of whether they will give to anyone seeking information, advice and demonstrations of how to donations. These are the top reasons, in order, that make a compelling ask for ministry support. people cite for making the decision to give. Hinkel, who has previously worked in 1. Believe in Mission development for higher education, broke the 2. Want to Make a Difference donor life cycle down into four stages. 3. Personal satisfaction 1. Identification: The most important stage. Who 4. Give back to community will you ask, for what purpose and how much? 5. Tax benefits (only 18 percent) 2. Cultivation: Developing a relationship with the donor, aligning values and interests with The Missouri United Methodist Foundation financial capacity, most importantly – listen. can help local churches receive gifts of stock, set 3. Solicitation: Meet at a location of the donors up an endowment, establish scholarships and choosing, have a hard copy of the proposal assist with other financial matters. For more available, make the ask and then be quiet information, go to www.mumf.org. and listen.

50 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Reaching Students with Bright Futures

its organizational structure, Bright Futures provides a framework for expanding current programs such as the Food 4 Thought backpack program, Stuff the Bus school supply drive, and Cats Closet, as well as initiating new programs to support students. Bright Futures Councils at each school include representatives from each of the partnership areas and will meet regularly with school personnel to assess and develop plans to meet the needs of the school and its students. One of the Harrisonville members who was at the workshop said her favorite part of the ministry has been getting to know the students. “Some of them are living in an BY FRED KOENIG apartment on their own and working hurches should not let the means we have one place to focus our fulltime while they finish high school. separation of church and energy in ministry.” They have so much more too handle state dissuade them from The school was very receptive to their than I did when I was 17,” she said. being in ministry with church connecting to them through the “It’s great to just run into them at C their local schools. Often Bright Futures program, an initiative Wal-Mart, and ask them how they are by simply approaching the school that started at Joplin and is now at doing.” The alternative school has had and asking what can be done to help, many schools around the state. a record number of graduates the last a church can become a meaningful Bright Futures Harrisonville strives few years. presence in the lives of children and to help students achieve success by “We’re sharing the love of God, and youth who have never experienced matching student needs with resources we’re having a ball doing it,” one of church in any form. through partnerships between the the volunteers said. “We are blessed by Rev. Kevin Shelton taught a schools and the community. Those them (the students).” workshop about how Harrisonville partnership areas include faith-based, The church hosted a graduation UMC has formed an engaging social/human services, businesses, and celebration for the students, and hosted relationship with the local school parents and volunteers will be asked to a career day, in which students had through the Bright Futures program. give of their "time, talent, and treasure" an opportunity to participate in mock The church approached the school to help children. interviews. The church worked with district about adopting a single The Bright Futures initiative goals the Cat’s Closet thrift store to provide school, to maximize their impact. The are to build relationships, provide for the students with interview clothes. only school that hadn’t already been individual needs, and ensure every The school awarded credit to students adopted by an organization was the child has the tools they need to be who participated in the career day at alternative school, a charter school for successful students who in turn become the church, and some of the mock at-risk students. productive and self-sustaining citizens, interviews led to real jobs. “Adopting the alternative school has loving parents, responsible neighbors, been a real blessing,” Shelton said. “It and outstanding employees. Through

www.moumethodist.org 51 52 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists BY SARAH DUMAS

hot, June afternoon Adidn’t stop the fun with Next Generation camping staff as they set up equipment from Spark mini- mobile camp. This gave the conference an opportunity to see exactly what it means to have a mobile camp come to their individual church. The exciting demonstration included bungee- trampolines, rock wall, inflatable obstacle course and and youth wouldn’t have a refreshed by the lessons Gaga ball. As children and place to go and the benefits of God’s love they’ll see youth bounced between each and memories made at exemplified in each activity. activity, it was clear that the summer camp would become Infuse Core Camps offer camping ministry is alive as a thing of the past. But this the traditional summer ever. has since been proven wrong camp experience at a variety “It’s a great opportunity with nearly double the of campgrounds around for them to get a good feel; numbers of campers enrolled Missouri. Disconnecting to see, experience, touch at mini-mobile, mobile and from the chaotic world for all the things we’re going core camps. a week will enable campers to be doing this summer. Ignite mobile camps and to focus on nature, friends They will be able to go back Spark mini-mobile camps and their relationship with to their church and share offer a more accessible camp the Lord. Each Core Camp our new ideas on how to do experience while supporting offers a different mission, camp ministries at the local the local United Methodist so directors can specialize church,” said Jeff Baker, Church. Campers are on a topic that will connect Director of Next Generation guaranteed to return home to their campers. For Ministries. each evening physically more information on Next After the vote a few years exhausted from all the fun Generation Ministries ago to close the Conference they’ll experience with the camping visit www. owned campgrounds, there mobile camps’ games and nextgencamps.org. was concern that children equipment, but mentally

www.moumethodist.org 53 The 2017-18 Missouri Conference Cabinet: Front Row, from left: Mark Statler, Kim Jenne, Bishop Bob Farr, Amy Thompson. Second row: Cindy Buhman, Nate Berneking. Third row: Londia Wright, Sherry Habben, Linda Harris, Lynn Dyke. Fourth row: Cody Collier, Jim Simpson. Fifth row: Jeff Baker, Tina Harris, Bruce Baxter, Roger Ross & Steve Pinnell. Not pictured: Karen Hayden.

54 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018

The 16th Session of the Missouri Annual Conference will be June 8-10, 2018 in Springfield, MO. The theme of next year’s conference will be FREED2LEAD and will focus on leadership. This moves the Conference session to three days from four.

There will be an optional Pre-Conference Institute on Thurs., June 7 on “Leading through Fierce Conversations” with pre-registration required and a Thurs., June 7 evening workshop session on practical leadership in the local church facilitated by lay and clergy leaders.

Refugee Relief Language Based Ministry $10,016.34

Mozambique Initiative Offering Transforming the Body $16,458.05

Haiti Water Plus Totals $9564.06

Festival of Sharing 637 Food Boxes

www.moumethodist.org 55 2017 MISSOURI CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS

Th e following directory is a listing of persons related to the Missouri Conference as of July 1, 2017. Th e codes indicate the status of each clergy person’s membership in the annual conference. Names which appear in bold type are new assignments.

AF Affi liate Member OA Associate member of another conference RF Retired from another denomination AM Associate Member OD Deacon member of another conference RI Retired inactive from another conference BI Bishop OE Elder member of another conference RL Retired Local Pastor CL Certifi ed Lay Minister OF Full member of another denomination RM Retired full, associate or probationary member DM Diaconal Minister PD Provisional Deacon RO Retired clergy from another conference DR Retired Diaconal Minister PE Provisional Elder SP Student Local Pastor FD Deacon in full connection PL Part-time Local Pastor SY Supply Pastor FE Elder in full connection PM Provisional Member TBA To Be Appointed FL Full-time Local Pastor RA Retired Associate Member TBS To Be Supplied LA Leave of Absence RD Retired Deacon in full connection LM Lay Minister RE Retired Elder in full connection

GATEWAY CENTRAL DISTRICT Maplewood – Diana Kim Shirar (FE) (9) Secondary Appointment: Manchester UMC – Londia Granger Wright, District Superintendent (FE) (2) Mt. Olive (Robertsville)/Cedar Grove Stephen P. Harbaugh (RD) (10), Organizer, (Robertsville) – Michael Duane McDowell (LM) (1) Metropolitan Congregations United – Susan Mt. Zion – Keith E. Janis (FE) (9) E. Sneed (FD) (7), CC: St. Mark’s UMC Arlington – Barbara J. Phifer (FE) (5) New Covenant/Zion – Mark C. Harvey (FE) (2) Secondary Appointment: St. Mark’s UMC Asbury – Ivan James III (LM) (7) New Haven/Immanuel (Senate Grove) – (SY) Mercy Experience Analyst, Mercy Hospital – Bellefontaine – Glen P. Connoley (PE) (6) New Hope – Steven C. Majdecki (FE) (5) Karen K. Fields (FD) (11), CC: Salem in Ladue UMC Beloved Community: Kevin M. Kosh (FE) (2) Normandy – Gloria Farr (CL) (7) Secondary Appointment: Salem in Ladue UMC Bethel – Dan Brown (FE) (6) North Hills – Tracey Wolff (PL) (1) Concord Trinity – Richard Northcutt (FE) (1) North Park – Kelli A. Braggs (PL) (2) 344.1a (1) Extension Ministries – With Annuity Associate Pastor, Discipleship Formation – Laura Pacifi c – Tony Townley (FE) (1) Claim on the Missouri Annual Conference: C. Taylor (FD) (7) St. Andrew – Monica Jeff erson (AM) (11) Superintendent, Gateway Central District – Associate Pastor, Older Adult Ministry – Libby Associate Pastor – Tracey Wolff (PL) (1) Londia Granger Wright (FE) (2) ( Jan) Reimers (RL) (6) St. Luke’s – Ann B. Mowery (FE) (8) Associate to the Director of Congregational Cuba – Emily Stirewalt (FE) (1) St. Mark’s – John M. Gregory (FE) (11) Excellence – Suzanne Nicholson (FE) (5), CC: Th e Elevation – Daniel W. Taylor (FE) (8) Salem in Ballwin – Kenneth W. Gottman (RE) (4) Gathering UMC Eureka – Tim G. Schulte (FL) (1) Salem in Ladue – Terri S. Swan (FE) (10) Fenton – Lee A. Porch (FE) (2) Associate Pastor, Welcoming & Connecting – 344.1a (3) Extension Ministries – Without Annuity First (Bourbon) – Don Covington (RE) (1) Sheila N. Bouie – Sledge (FE) (5) Claim on the Missouri Annual Conference: First (Union) – Paula S. Brookshier (PL) (3) Associate Pastor, Th e Connection Site Katrina I. University Professor, Wake Forest University, First (Washington) – Marsha West Eichler (AM) (6) Drew (PE) (1) School of Divinity – Th omas E. Frank (FE) (8), Grace (St. Louis) – Robin M. Roderick (FE) (3) Samaritan – Ivan James III (LM) (3) CC: University UMC Grace (Sullivan) – Maggie Gann (PE) (3) Th e Gathering – Matthew T. Miofsky (FE) (12) Gray Summit/Labadie – Rolando Quiroz (FL) (5) Associate, McCausland Site Pastor–Samuel 344.1d Extension Ministries – Without Annuity Harmony – Nathan R. Hopping (FL) (4) (Matt) M. Fulmer (FL) (4) Claim on the Missouri Annual Conference: St. Louis Korean – Myeonggyun Lee (OE) (8) Associate, Webster Site Pastor – Danny Executive Director of the American Community Kirkwood – David G. Bennett (FE) (20) Lybarger (FL) (1) Chaplain Corps (AC3) – K. Llewellyn McGhee Lafayette Park/Centenary – Kathleen F. Wilder (FE) (11) Associate, Clayton Site Pastor – Yvi M. (FE) (5), CC: Th e Village Church of St. Louis UMC Gia Dinh Duc Tin, Family of Faith, Vietnamese Martin (FE) (4) Director of Spiritual Care Services, Christian Ministry – Mai Le (PL) (3) Pastor of Discipleship – Deborah P. LeMoine (FD) (9) Hospital/NW Healthcare – Jill G. Walter – La Trinidad – José Marino Chacón Mayorga (FL) (9) Th e Village Church of St. Louis/Christ Community – Penn (FE) (38), CC: St. Mark’s UMC Associate Pastor, Arlington Site – Elsie Michelle McGhee (FE) (13) Chaplain, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Hematology/ Quintanilla – Perez (PL) (4) Associate Pastor, Community Outreach and Oncology – Michelle K. LaGrone (FL) (5), CC: Leslie/Casco/Champion City – TBS: Pamella J. Missions – Harold Russell Ewell (FD) (5) Union Memorial Quigley (RL) (5) UMC of Green Trails – Kurt R. Schuermann (FE) (2) Chaplain Supervisor, Barnes – Jewish Hospital, Lewis Memorial Chapel – Ann Chase (LM) (1) UMC of St. Clair/Fairview (Grubville) – John Spiritual Care Services – Lisa Scott – Joiner (FE) Living Word – Michael S. McIntyre (FE) (20) Hampton, Jr. (PL) (4) (8), CC: St. Andrew Executive Pastor – Gregory P. Finfrock (FE) (10) Union Memorial – Cheree Trent Mills (FE) (2) Youth Pastor – Daniel Shanks (PE) (3) Unity – Vickie Gray (PL) (5) 344.4 Affi liate Members: Associate Pastor, Children’s Ministries – Brenda J. University – Diane Kenaston (OE) (4) Robert B. Collingwood (AF) (17) – CC: Main Street Stobbe (FD) (7) Valley Park – Jewell Brodie (CL) (1) UMC: Bamburg, SC Manchester – Greg M. Weeks (FE) (8) Webster Hills – Linda Gastreich (FE) (3) Linda Horrell (AF) (23) – CC: St. John’s UMC: Pastor of Congregational Care – Stephanie S. Webster United Methodist – Sharon E. Kichline Edwardsville, IL Lendt (FE) (10) (FE) (7) Kristen Leslie (AF) (7) – CC: Adrain UMC: Pastor of Missions – Mary Elizabeth (Beth) Wellspring at Ferguson – F. Willis Johnson (PE) (7) Detroit, MI Elders (FD) (8) Mai – Anh L. Tran (AF) (9) – CC: Chinese Pastor of Young Adult Ministries – Tiff any 331.1 Deacons Appointed Beyond the Local Church: Community UMC: Oakland, CA (Winter) DeGraaf – Hamilton (FD) (3) Chaplain, St. Luke’s Hospital, St. Louis – Christine J. Pastor of Administration – Phillip M. Estes (FD) (5) Dumas (FD) (6), CC: Wentzville UMC 346.1 Clergy from Other Annual Conferences: Pastor of Youth Ministries – Nick Nicholas (OD) (3) Secondary Appointment: Wentzville UMC Harold S. Morse (OE) (30) – CC: Rochester Hills 56 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists UMC: Detroit Conference Flucom – TBS: Colleen Luntzer (LM) (4) HEARTLAND DISTRICT Adam Ployd (OD) (4) – CC: Crossroads UMC: Hematite – TBS District Superintendent, James A. Simpson (FE) (3) West Virginia Conference Herculaneum – Jessica Sahagun (PL) (3) Paul E. Stroble (OE) (6) – CC: Vandalia First UMC: Hermann/Rosebud – Beth Duckworth (FE) (4) Adrian/Passaic – Cathy Myers (FE) (2) IL Great Rivers Conference Highcrest (Otto) – TBS: Judy Jeff ery (RL) (3) Aldersgate (Lee’s Summit) – Christopher Williams (FE) (2) Sanh Van Tran (OE) (4) – CC: Vietnamese Hillsboro – Keith Vessell (FE) (1) Associate – Harlan Harper (PL) (1) Congregation: Central Texas Conference Associate Pastor – Kayla Roe (PL) (2) Appleton City/Rockville – Nick Van Dam (FL) (2) Archie – Debbie Arvelo (FE) (2) 346.1 Clergy Serving Other Annual Conferences: Jonesburg/Pendleton/Wellsville – Dawn Gerard (PL) (1) Atherton – Paul Bond (RE) (6) Kansas UMC, IL Great Rivers Conference – Leadwood/Irondale – TBA Bethel (Hughesville)/Blackwater Chapel/Houstonia – Karen Blank – Ewell (FE) (5), CC: Manchester UMC Libertyville/Doe Run – Sherie Wymore (PL) (1) Wes Wingfi eld (PL) (2) Gresham UMC – Oregon – Idaho Conference – Marvin Chapel – Brad Dush (PL) (1) Houstonia – TBS Steven W. Lewis (FE) (4), CC: Webster Hills UMC Memorial (Farmington) – Scott Hall (FE) (6) Brandon – TBS Maples Memorial UMC – Mississippi Conference – Mineola – TBS: Ken Cleeton (LM) (18) Buckner – Linda Wansing (PL) (4) Alecia Fischer (FD) (5), CC: Labadie UMC Cooperative Parish: Calhoun/Drake’s Chapel – Margie Briggs (CL) (12) Morning Star (O’Fallon) – C. Michael Schreiner 353.2a (3) Leave of Absence: Centennial (Kansas City) – Jason Bryles (PE) (2) (FE) (20) Conway B. Briscoe (FE) (11), CC: Grace (St. Louis) UMC Associate – Jeff rey Williams (PE) (2) Pastor of Faith Formation – James Peich (FL) (5) Nora Jones (FE) (1), CC: Th e Village UMC Central – Trevor Dancer (FE) (3) Layden Gilbert (Rocky) Marlowe, Jr., (FE) (1) Pastor of Mission and Outreach – Jennifer Long Chilhowee – Susan A. Smith (PL) (10) CC: Kirkwood UMC (FD) (4) Christ – Mike Costanzo (FE) (2) Associate Pastor – Steven Mitchell (PE) (1) Church of the Resurrection (Blue Springs) – 356.1 Incapacity Leave: Celebrate Recovery Pastor – Shane Laswell (PL) (1) Penny Ellwood (FL) (8) Julie G. Callaghan (FE) (9), CC: Union UMC, Th e Word at Shaw (St. Louis) – Keith Scarborough Clinton – Brad Reed (FE) (4) Belleville, IL (FL) (8) Concordia – Liz Lindley (LM) (1) Country Club – Keith Morgan (FE) (1) Elizabeth A. Freeman (FD) (5), CC: First St. Charles Moscow Mills/Old Alexandria – Mark Spence (FL) (5) Cole Camp – Tanner Wiley (LM) (3) Jeff ry C. Spaulding (FE) (7), CC: St. Luke’s UMC Mt. Olive (DeSoto) – Stephanie Leonard (PL) (5) Corder – Ralph Varner (LM) (6) Linda R. Strominger (FE) (11), CC: Grace New Florence/Big Spring – Kim Boone (PL) (1) (St. Louis) UMC Creighton – Betty Wright (PL) (5) New Hope (Owensville)/Woollam – TBS Betty Sue Watson (FE) (9), CC: Manchester UMC CrossRoads (Belton) – Sid Robbins (FE) (7) Olney – TBS Drexel – Allison Predmore (PL) (1) 358.1 Honorable Location: Potosi/Mineral Point – David Lindow (OF) (3) Fairmount – Travis Scott (PL) (2) Terry Barber (HL) (34), CC: Manchester UMC Shiloh/Pleasant Hill Memorial (Defi ance) – Faith (Grain Valley) – Mike Cassidy (FE) (1) Robert Deckert (HL) (45), CC: St. Mark’s UMC Christiane Batjer (FE) (7) First (Blue Springs) – Sarah Haynes (FE) (8) Ronald C. White (HL) (27), CC: Manchester UMC Sligo – TBS First (Independence) – JC Harp (FE) (2) Smith Chapel (Elsberry) – TBS First (Odessa)/Wellington – Wendy Minshall (FL) (3) 358.3 Honorable Location Retired: Smith Creek/Central Grove – Rudy Pulido (RF) (3) First (Sedalia) – James R. Downing, Jr. (FE) (22) Walter G. Storey (HR) (20), CC: Webster Hills UMC St. Andrew’s (DeSoto) – David Duncan (FL) (1) Associate – Scott Griff en (PE) (1) Associate – Paul Derks (PL) (1) St. Stephen (Troy) – William O’Neal (FE) (2) 313.1a Leave of Absence (1992 Discipline): First (Warrensburg) – Louis Lowe (FE) (8) Pastor of Discipleship – Dianne Cochran (RE) (1) M. Lynn Malone (DM) (6), CC: Webster Hills UMC Associate – Jackson Short (RL) (4) SunRise (O’Fallon) – James Blue (FE) (14) Florence/Goodwill Chapel – Jeanna Caldwell (LM) (1) Associate: Wright City Site – Troy Merseal (FL) (7) Garden City – Darren Rew (PL) (5) Transformation – Molly Moore (FD) (1) Georgetown – Kenneth Cripe (PL) (17) Victoria – Stefenie Rustige (PL) (1) Glenwood Park – Deborah Jamerson (PL) (7) GATEWAY REGIONAL DISTRICT Th e Way (Wentzville) – Jimmy Cooper (FE) (5) Grace (Higginsville)/Lexington – Terry Cook (FE) (5) Linda Harris (FE) (4) Wentzville – Mark Dumas (FE) (6) Grace (Lee’s Summit) – Jeremy T. Vickers (FE) (14) Wesley (Troy) – Henry Brewer (OE) (12) Associate – Rocky Kloth (PL) (3) Asbury (Foley)/ Makin Memorial (Winfi eld) – Wesley (Festus)/Plattin (Festus) – Karen Tutak (FL) (3) Associate (Eldorado Springs) – Kevin McNeely (PL) (3) Paul Catterton (RE) (1) Wesley – Smith Chapel (Wright City) – Maury Clay Grand Avenue Temple – Cherryll Doughty (FE) (1) Belgrade – Jan Dillard (FE) (5) (SP) (2) Grandview – Judith Chaney Slimmer (PL) (6) Bellfl ower – Carolyn Hoff mann (PL) (1) Zion (Mapaville) – TBS Hardin – Kelley Buhrle (PL) (1) Bethel – TBS Harrisonville – Kevin Shelton (FE) (4) Buell/Middletown – TBS Holden – Rob R. Allen (PL) (1) 344.1 – Extension Ministries Caledonia/Bismarck – Richard Lasley (FE) (6) Hope – Casey Henry (FL) (1) 344.1a With Annuity Claim Centenary (Bonne Terre) – David Wiant (FL) (2) Keystone/Revolution – Steve Jones (PE) (3) Gateway Regional District Superintendent – Linda Centennial (Elsberry) – Brenda Cockrell (LM) (18) Knob Noster – Bryan Wendling (FE) (7) Harris (FE) (4) Church of the Shepherd (St. Peters) – Jon Spalding (FE) (2) Lake Lotawana – Chris Snyder (FE) (2)

Associate Pastor – Ashley Kirk (PE) (2) La Monte/Eldorado – Renae Watt (FL) (2) Ceremonial Rites Pastor – TBS: Carol Meyer (RL) (6) 344.1d Without Annuity Claim Lee's Summit – James Preisig (FE) (16) College (Warrenton) – Eric Moore (FE) (1) Hospice Chaplain – Stephanie Leonard (PL) (5) Leeton/Ionia – Harvey Beach (PL) (6) Cornerstone (O’Fallon) – Mike Gillen (FE) (4) CC: Mt. Olive (DeSoto) Lincoln/Hickory Chapel – Matt Riley (FL) (2) Lucas – Glenda Dethloff (PL) (2) Desloge/Esther – Pati Robertson (FL) (1) Medford/Wesley Chapel – Bobby Kent (PL) (7) Elsberry – Paul Garven (FE) (12) 344.4 – Affi liate Member Mt. Tabor (Odessa) – John Churchill (RO) (11) Emmanuel (Viburnum) – TBS Dennis Heck (AF) (33), CC: Cedar Rapids, Iowa: Lovely Lane Mount Washington – Cassie Graham (SP) (5) Faith (St. Charles) – Linda Pagel (FE) (2) Mt. Zion (Deepwater) – Cindy Dubovich (PL) (7) First (DeSoto) – Stefenie Rustige (PL) (1) Napoleon – Curtis Wilhelmsen (PL) (6) 353.2.a – Voluntary Leave of Absence First (Festus – Crystal City) – Letisha Green (PE) (1) New Bethel/Pleasant Hill (Sedalia) – Deb Galey (PL) (3) First (Park Hills) – M. Edward (Eddie) Bone (FE) (23) Stephanie Roth (FE) (10), CC: First (St. Charles) Norris – TBS First (St. Charles) – Bart Hildreth (FE) (3) Northern Boulevard – Sarah Wimberley (FE) (7) Associate – Debby Bartley (FD) (9) 356.1 – Medical Leave Oak Grove – TBS Fellowship – William Peter Norton (PE) (3) Carol Blackwell (FE) (3) CC: First (Festus – Crystal City) Oakland (Buckner) – Homer Davidson (RA) (3) First UMC – Presbyterian (Montgomery City) – Elizabeth Freeman (FE) (4), CC: First (St. Charles) One Spirit – Jeremey Lundergan (PL) (2) Edward F. Hankinson (FE) (9) Milford H. Gibbs, Jr. (FE) (24), CC: First (Park Hills) Peculiar – James Stanfi eld-Myers (FE) (9) www.moumethodist.org 57 Pleasant Hill – David Owsley (FL) (4) 356.1 Incapacity Leave North Linn County Parish: Bear Branch/Pleasant Red Bridge – Trista Soendker-Nicholson (FE) (2) Kathy Leclere (FE) (13) Grove – Ted Stockwell (RL) (6) Associate – Terry Clark (PL) (7) John Taylor (FE) (11) CC: First Independence Novinger –Raymond Magruder (SY) (4) Resurrection (Downtown) – Scott Chrostek Palmyra – Eric Anderson (FE) (10) Smithton/Lake Creek – Jason P. Veale (PL) (9) 358.3 Honorable Location Paris – Lin Donnelly (PL) (6) St. Andrew (Kansas City) – Antonio Settles (FE) (4) A. Lee Edwards CC: Hope Park (Hannibal) – Bob Seaman (FE) (4) St. James – Emanuel Cleaver III (FE) (10) C. Marcellus Hibbard CC: First UMC (Sedalia) Princeton/Mercer – Sean A. Hammond (FL) (2) Associate – Linda Settles (FE) (4) Aaron Royer CC: Grandview Saverton – Ilasco (Hannibal) –Rich Stilley (SY) (3) Associate – Andre Fulton (PL) (3) Cheryl Schmeling CC: Asbury (Prairie Village, KS) Scott’s Chapel (Hannibal) – Linda Spaun (PL) (9) Associate – Danielle Quinn (PL) (1) Steven L. Turner CC: First UMC (Sedalia) Scotland County Parish: Arbela/ Downing/ St. James Renaissance South Campus – Glen Wood CC: Lee’s Summit UMC Granger – Marilyn Fitzgerald (SY) (2) Emanuel Cleaver III (FE) (3) Shelbina/Hunnewell/Lowman Chapel St. Johns – James E. Hoff man (FE) (5) 1314 Deaconess Shelbina/Hunnewell – Andrew Coon (FE) (1) St. Luke’s – Steve Williams (FE) (3) Amanda Caruso-Yahne (10) CC: Trinity Lowman Chapel – Virgil Clow (RA) (7) St. Mark’s (Independence) – Paula Smith (FE) (5) Siloam Chapel/Zion St. Paul (Independence)/Blue Ridge Blvd. – Retired – Missouri Conference: Zion – P. Joseph Smith (PL) (16) Anchul Axelrod (FL) (2) Jeff Brinkman (RE) (1) Siloam Chapel – David Stahl (SY) (8) St. Paul’s (Raymore) – Monty Stratton (FL) (4) Creighton Cox (RL) (1) South Eagle (Brookfi eld) – Arch Philips (PL) (1) Sugar Creek – Loretta “Bobbie” Stone (RE) (1) Pamela Dilmore (RE) (1) Spickard – Kathy Morrison (RE) (1) Taylor Chapel/Epworth – Calvin Pritchard (PL) (13) Lisa Stevens (RE) (1) Trinity (Brookfi eld) – Tom Sullenger (FE) (1) Terrace Lake – Dennis Stone (PL) (1) Unionville – Homer Poor (FL) (5) Trinity (Kansas City) – John Houts (PL) (2) MARK TWAIN DISTRICT United Methodist Faith Parish Warsaw – Loren Whetsell (FE) (2) District Superintendent, Steve Pinnell (FE) (2) Lancaster – H.R. Rogers (PL) (3) Wesley (Sedalia) – Dennis Harper (FE) (2) Greentop – TBS Windsor – Melvin “Pete” Hill (OF) (4) Trinity – TBS Woods Chapel (Blue Springs) – Associate – Arch (Hannibal) – David Scott (FE) (7) Vandalia – Helen McFarland (RE) (5) Mike Scott (FL) (3) Atlanta – Larry DeSpain (PL) (5) Wesley (Trenton) – Steve Martin (FL) (2) Woods Chapel (Lee’s Summit) – Robyn Miller (FE) (2) Barker – Dee Wiley (SY) (12) Yarrow – Lorri Landon (PL) (3) Associate – Dave Hackett (RL) (4) Bethel – Michael “Mike” Alberts (PL) (6) Associate – Angie McNeil (PE) (1) Bethlehem – Larry DeSpain (PL) (9) 344.1 a) (1) EXTENSION MINISTRIES – With Associate – Brian Swanson (FL) (2) Bowling Green Parish: Bowling Green/Eolia/Oak Annuity Claim on the Missouri Annual Associate – Sherri Swanson (FL) (11) Grove – John Pinkston (FL) (4) Conference Blue Springs Campus – Mike Scott Brashear Charge: Brashear / Sabbath – Nancy Steve Pinnell, Superintendent, Mark Twain Dis- Raytown Campus – TBS Douglas (CLM) (1) trict, 210 N. Elson, Suite C, PO Box 776,Kirksville, Browning/Linneus/Haseville – Sue M. Lambert (RL) (7) MO 63501 (O:660 – 665 – 8497) (FE) (2) 344.1a With Annuity Claim Bucklin/Mt. Zion – Bill Campbell (CLM) (2) Heartland District Superintendent, James A. Centenary (Louisiana)/Clarksville – Art Moore (FL) (4) 358.1 HONORABLE LOCATION Simpson (FE) (3) Clarence – Delbert Earlywine (PL) (7) Gary L. Phillips HN (24), CC: Kirksville First Special Asst. to the Bishop for Leadership Clark County Parish Kahoka/Wayland/Bluff Springs– Development, Cody Collier (FE) (5) Barb Hagerla (FL) (10) Missional Strategist, Congregational Excellence & Dockery Chapel – Douglas Franklin (FE) (10) Mission, Service & Justice, Lia McIntosh (FE) (2) Evangelical (Brookfi eld) – Ted Stockwell (RL) (7) MID-STATE DISTRICT District Superintendent, Sherry J. Habben (FE) (3) Faith (Kirksville) – Sheila Swaff ord (FL) (11) 344.1b Without Annuity Claim First/Hydesburg (Hannibal) – Tom Lemons (PL) (2) Chaplain, Carondelet Health, Evelyn Summers (FE) First (Kirksville) – Scott Beard (FE) (1) Asbury – TBS (17), CC: One Spirit Pastor of Adult and College Aged Ministries – Ashland – Susan L. McCollegan (PL) (3) Chaplain, Heartland Regional Medical Center, Sally Jennifer Finley (FD) (3) Belle – Koenig – Kevin Runge (LM) (1) A. Schwab (FE) (17) CC: Trinity Chaplain, Gorin – Steve Mitchell (SY) (5) Bethel (Readsville) – Mary Maddox (LM) (8) Kingswood Manor, Kathleen Danforth (FE) Green Castle/Prairie Chapel – TBS Brunswick – TBS: Janet H. Schnepf (RE) (13) (16) CC: Trinity Grundy Center – Richard Key (PL) (4) California – Eugene Moeller (FL) (1) Chaplain, Mayo Clinic, Yolanda Villa (FE) (2) CC: Hatton Chapel – TBS Camdenton – Marc Anthony Magaña (FE) (21) Red Bridge Immanuel (Canton) – Harry Cooper (FL) (3) Centralia – William J. Schnackenberg (FL) (4) Consultant, Horizons Stewardship, Dustin Cooper Kendall – Virgil Clow (RA) (6) Chamois – TBS:Sabra Paulsmeyer (SY) (1) (FE) (6) CC: Central Knox County Parish: Bee Ridge/Edina/Knox City – Community (Columbia) – Curtis K. Olsen (FE) (4) Professor, Saint Paul School of Th eology, Henry Graig Connell (FL) (2) Associate Pastor of Discipleship – Clayton F. “Hal” Knight 111(FE) (20) CC: Red Bridge La Plata – Lorri Landon (PL) (2) Blodgett (PL)(2) Professor, Saint Paul School of Th eology, Jeanne Laclede/ Meadville – Joe Cuminale (PL) (1) Associate Pastor – Angie Olsen (FE) (1) Hoeft (FE) (10) CC: Trinity Lewis County Faith Cooperative Parish: Centenary/ Court Street – St. James (Fulton) – Rebecca Dunger Dean, Wesley Seminary, Robert Martin (FE) (5) CC: Park – Lewistown/Monticello – Carolyn Leaver Peak (FE) (4) Trinity (PL) (1) Eldon – Stephen B. George (FE) (6) Early Education Specialist, Independence School Luray /St. Francisville – TBS Fairview (Columbia) – Sandra J. Schaller (FE) (2) District, Glenda Callicott (FD) (3) CC: 1st Macon– Carl Knapp (FE) (4) Faithbridge – Andy Blacksher (FE) (1) Independence Youth Pastor – Meghan Riegerix (PD) (4) First ( Jeff erson City) – Daniel P. Hilty (FE) (11) Amy L Gearhart LLC Coaching and Leadership Associate Pastor – Karen S. Taylor (FE) (1) Education – Amy L. Gearhart (FE) (1), CC: Central Madison – Grace –Karen Shearer (PL) (1) Marceline – Doug Kraus (FE) (6) Associate Pastor: Congregational Excellence Fellow – Chelsey Hillyer (PE) (1) 346.1 Clergy Serving Other Conferences Memphis – Paul Smith (FE) (5) Mendon/Sumner – Charles Littrell (PL) (1) First (Marshall) – Sandra L. Nenadal (FE) (5) 353.1 Leave of Absence Milan/Green City – Josh Ritzheimer FL (1) First (Slater) – Gilliam – Matthew W Arni Jr. (LM) (9) Kevyn Amos (FE) (5) Monroe Chapel – Susan McCarty (PL) (2) Gravois Mills – Lynn M. Facemeyer (PL)(3) Sarah Hamilton (FE) (5), CC: Wesley (Sedalia) Monroe City Charge Hallsville – James A.Voigt (FE) (3) Stephanie Remington (FE) (1) CC: Aldersgate Monroe City/Mt. Vernon – Olivia Earlywine (FL) (6) Harper Chapel – James W. Day (FE) (3) Shelby R. Seelinger (FE) (10), CC: First UMC Florida – Charles Bindemann (SY) (17) Huntsville – Mike White (RE) (1) (Warrensburg) Mt. Olivet /Durham/ LaGrange – Harold Long (FL) (2) Iberia – TBS: Paul H. Prater (RO) (5) Mt. Zion – East – Cheryl Flaim (PL) (2) Jeff erson Avenue (Moberly) – TBS: James R. Crooks Mt. Zion West – Teresa Lark (PL) (2) (RL) (6) 58 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Keytesville – Dalton: Immanuel – Jim A. Quist (FE) (3) Director of Next Generation Ministries – Associate – Sherry L. Oxandale (PL) (3) Linn Creek – Richard L. Ginnings (OF) (10) Jeff rey S. Baker (FL) (6) CC: Fairview First (Kearney): Todd’s Chapel – TBA Linn Memorial – David R. Hutchison (FE) (2) Director of Mission, Service and Justice First (Maryville) – Scott A. Moon (FE) (9) Associate – Katilyn B. Walker (PL) (2) Ministries – Tina Harris (FE) (1) CC: First (North Kansas City) – Mi Hyeon Lee (FE) (2) Malta Bend – Grand Pass – Noel Fulkerson(PL)(1) Associate Director, Extension Minister: Lucas G. Francis Street First – Lydia Pavlovna Istomia (FE) (1) Maple Grove – TBS: Catherine L. Turner (SY) (2) Endicott (FE) (3) CC: Linn Memorial (Fayette) Gallatin/Jamesport – Michael L. (Mike) Tipton (PL) (4) McCredie – Jack L. Gillespie (PL) (2) Director of Congregational Excellence: Roger Ross Gashland – Kyle G. Butler (FE) (2) Mexico – Eric Mattson (FE) (1) (OE) (1) CC: Associate Director, Mission Gilman City – Kobey D. Puls (PL) (6) Midway Locust Grove – Katherine L. McClain (FE) (2) Strategist Good Shepherd – Mark D. Sheets (FE) (7) Missouri (Columbia) – Fred Leist (FE) (1) Associate – Kayla L. Meredith (FL) (2) Associate: Pastor of Discipleship – Charity L. 344.1 b) Extension Ministries – Without Annuity Associate – Adam L. Mustoe (PE) (3) Goodwin (FE) (3) Claim on Th e Missouri Annual Conference Associate – Bryan P. Rezen (FL) (4) Associate: Pastor of New Generations – Kimberly Central Methodist University: Executive Director Guilford/Barnard – Jerry L. Davidson (RL) (5) Parker (FD) (1) of Development & Alumni Programs – David Hale – Rebecca S. (Becky) Stephens (PL) (1) Associate Pastor of Administration & Worship – Hutchison (FE) (3) CC: Linn Memorial Hamilton – Jennifer W. ( Jenn) Klein (FE) (1) Joan DeBoe (FL (2) Associate – Lisa R. Morris (FL) (2) Otterbein – TBS: Stephen Mallinckrodt (LM) (16) 353.2 a) Leave Of Absence: Hammer Memorial (King City) – Gene Hinrichsen Nelson Memorial (Boonville) – Nickolas J. Campbell John J. Kerr (FE) (15) CC: Wesley UMC, Jeff erson City (FL) (3) (FE) (7) Hank Jenkins CC: Missouri UMC Helena/Union Star – Robert L. (Bob) Caldwell (AM) (18) New Bloomfi eld – Jeannie Martin Dudenhoeff er (FE) (2) Henrietta – Terry L. Sleppy (OF) (3) New Franklin – TBS: Michael A. Keith (RE)(3) 353.2 b) Family Leave: Holt – John W. Howard (RL) (1) New Hope (Clark) – Sturgeon – Riggs – Michael J. Sarah C. Evans (FE) (9) CC: First UMC, Jeff erson City Hopkins: Wray Memorial/Pickering – TBS Will (FE) (3) Huff man Memorial – Larry A. Williams (FE) (3) New Horizons (Columbia) – Marilyn Moeller (PL) (1) 356 Medical Leave: Kidder – Richard W. Evans (LM) (11) North Street (Marshall) – Ralph Varner (LM) (2) James E. West (FE) (4) CC: Glasgow UMC Lathrop – Richard L. Ogden (RE) (10) Otterville – Wesley Chapel – David W. Stuckey (PL) (2) Peggie Wood (FE) (3) CC: Missouri Lawson – Gary Ponder Williams (FE) (3) Ozark Chapel – Timothy R. Lee (FE) (2) Liberty – Allen T. Zugelter (FE) (5) Pleasant Green – TBS: Dan Page (LM) (17) 358.1 Honorable Location: Associate – Mary T. Weaver (PE) (2) Pleasant Grove – Paul Klepees (FL) (1) Janet Petty Kohler CC: Eldon UMC Liberty/Pleasant Grove – Monty J. Montgomery (3) Prairie Chapel – TBS: Donald (Rick) F. Matson, Jr. Maitland/Graham – TBS: David A. Shadinger (LM) (3) (CL) (5) 358.3 Honorable Location Retired: Mandeville – TBS: Dennis W. Estes (LM) (8) Prairie Home – Jamestown – Th omas E. Fair (PL) (3) William D. Crawford CC: Nelson Memorial UMC Maysville – Crystal L. Karr (FE) (1) Red Rock – Clark Chickoring (SY) (1) Greg O. Mathis CC: Camdenton UMC McMurry – Christine B. Tucker-Key (FE) (1) River Circuit: Mokane – Steedman – Tebbetts – Richard L. Todd CC: Epworth, Rehoboth Beach, DE Millville/New Hope – Zephry M. Bingham (PL) (6) Jackie Asher (PL) (1) New Hampton/Martinsville/Mitchelville – Rocheport – Th omas E. Levin (PL) (4) 353.2 c) Honorable Location Retired: Mark W. Morehouse (PL) (1) Russellville – TBS: Royal E. Speidel (RO) (4) Hank Jenkins North Cross – Shawn C. Franssens (FE) (4) Salisbury – TBS: John H. Hoos (RE) (6) Greg O. Mathis CC: Camdenton UMC Associate – Chris J. Sams (PL) (3) Shiloh (Holts Summit) – Clayton A. Peak (FE) (4) Richard L. Todd CC: Epworth, Rehoboth Beach, DE North Star – Tony L. Blevins (FL) (5) Smith Chapel (Fayette) – TBS Oregon/Forest City/Mound City – Megan R. Winget Smith Chapel (Napton) – Randy DeMasters (FE) (1) (FE) (6) (3) St. John's (Linn) – Floyd A. Gudde, Jr. (PL) (6) NORTHWEST DISTRICT Mound City – Janis K. Roorda (PL) (3) St. Luke (Columbia) – John Rice (RE) (1) District Superintendent, Cynthia M. (Cindy) Buhman (FE) (3) Orrick – Robert E. (Bob) Sanders (RO) (2) St. Luke (Mexico) – Richard S. Mayson (OE) (10) Osborn/Weatherby – Paul S. Pribil (PL) (16) (8) St. Paul (Fayette) – Karen Jones (FL) (1) St. Paul (New Bloomfi eld) – TBS Agency/Mt. Moriah – Michael D. (Mike) Eighmy Paradise – Stephanie L. Th eis (PL) (2) Stover – TBS: Dorothy Diane Cutler (RL) (24) (RE) (1) Parnell – Wesley Foundation, Maryville (14) Tipton – Fortuna – TBS: Richard L. Parker (RL) (8) Albany/Grant City – Bendi A. Burgin (FE) (14) (2) Pattonsburg/Heath – Cristy E. Clark (PL) (2) Trinity (Moberly) – Kathryn C. Nix (FE) (3) Altamont –Marilyn C. Dorst (RL) (23) Platte City – Katherine J. (Katie) Trinter (FE) (5) Associate – Patricia A. Miller (PL) (6) Amazonia – TBS: Kenneth L. (Ken) Rosenauer (LM) (4) Platte Woods – Stephan R. (Steve) Breon (FE) (13) Versailles – Glensted – Lora L. Cunningham (FL) (3) Amity/Winston – Galen (Eugene) Keats (CLM) (8) Associate – Britton L. Fields (PL) (1) Vienna – Rader – Lynn M. Quist (FE) (4) Arley – Daniel G. (Dan) Jones (PL) (2) Associate – Nancy L. Liston (FE) (2) Waverly/Wesley (Swt Sprgs)/Norborne – Ashland – John D. (Doug) Walter (FE) (1) Associate – Jessica A. Richard (FD) (6) Sally DeMasters (FE) (1) Avondale – Choongho Kwon (FE) (3) Associate – Jacob M. Schneider (PE) (4) Wesley ( Jeff erson City) – Th omas A. Vansant (FE) (7) Broadway (Plattsburg) – Joseph D. ( Joe) Miller (OF) (1) Polo – James C. (Jim) Gubser (RO) (7) and Kyle West Park (Moberly) TBS:Chester L. Heyer (RL) (12) Burlington Junction/Wilcox – Chelly L. Mears (PL) (2) R. Stith (PL) (2) Wilkes Boulevard (Columbia) – Bradley J. Bryan (FL) (2) Camden – Terry L. Sleppy (OF) (3) Prairie Chapel – Joel T. (Joe) Hendren (PL) (9) Woodlandville/Glasgow – TBS: Karen Alden (RA) (2) Cameron – Richard D. (Rick) Adams (FE) (2) Ravenwood – Wesley Foundation, Maryville (3) Associate – Donald E. (Don) Hoff man (OF) (1) Richmond – Jeremy J. Blevins (FE) (3) 331.1 Campus Chaplain Carrollton – Keith D. (Anselm) Williams (FE) (7) Ridgeway/Eagleville – TBS: Gina M. Lucas (LM) (9) Central Methodist University: Kayla Kelly (FL) Chillicothe – Hugh H. (Buck) Cueni-Smith (FE) (1) Rock Port/Watson – Donna L. Clark Fuller (FE) (1) (1) CC: TBD Clair/Ebenezer – Benjamin C. (Ben) Mulford (FE) (6) Savannah – Danita M. (Dee) Pennington (FE) (3) St. Andrew's Lutheran Church (ELCA) – Cosby Zion/Clarksdale – TBS: Connie R. Eighmy Associate – Terry B. Weaver (PL) (5) Nancy I. Robertson (FD) (13) CC: Missouri UMC (LM) (3) Sheridan – TBS: Martin J. Farnan (LM) (3) Cowgill – Ray E. Anderson (CLM) (9) Skidmore/Burr Oak – Wesley Foundation, Maryville (20) 344.1 a) (1) Extension Ministries – With Annuity Culbertson Chapel (Stewartsville) – Paul F. Smithville – Rebecca L. Mulford (PE) (1) Claim on Th e Missouri Annual Conference Zimmerman (RE) (2) South Park – Donna R. Bennett (PL) (1) District Superintendent, Mid-State District – Dearborn – Teresa J. (Tere) DeWitt (PL) (1) Sparta – Rodney M. Krumme (RL) (24) Sherry J. Habben (FE) (3) CC: Community Deer Park Grace – Kevin D. Mabury (PL) (2) St. Paul – Amanda L. Ross (FE) (3) Th e Missouri Conference Center: Director of Center Elmo/Clearmont – Th omas K. (Tom) Evans (PL) (2) St. Joseph: Restart: Evolution – Leanna L. van Zandt for Pastoral Excellence – Karen Koons Hayden Fairfax – Andrew H. Sanders (FL) (2) (FE) (4) (FE) (8) CC: Missouri Faubion – Stephan D. (Steve) Elkins (PL) (4) Stanberry – Cody J. Oshel (PL) (2) Director of Connectional Ministries – Kimberly First (Bethany) – Michael D. Dunlap (FL) (4) Star Chapel – TBA K. Jenne (FE) (3) CC: Missouri First (Braymer)/Breckenridge – TBA Tarkio/Westboro – Julie A. Sanders (FL) (2) Director of Financial and Administrative Ministries– First (Excelsior Springs) – Laura H. Blevins (FE) (3) Turney – Chad J. Cooper (OF) (1) Nathanael R. Berneking (FE) (5) CC: Trinity, Moberly First (Kearney) – Spencer S. Smith (FE) (6) Wesley (St. Joseph) – James. E. (Jim) Barnett (FL) (22) www.moumethodist.org 59 Wesley Chapel – TBS: David L. Hilsabeck (LM) (2) Conway/St. Mark’s Niangua – Amy Turner (RE) (3) Associate – Rhonda Galbraith (PL) (1) Weston – Kathleen A. Schmidtke (FE) (5) Cross Timbers – TBS Willard – Harold Gold (RE) (4) Willow Row – TBS: David L. Hilsabeck (LM) (22) Damascus Road (Springfi eld) New Church Start – Willow Springs – Eugene “Gene” West – (RA) (1) 331.1 Deacons Appointed Beyond the Local Church J. Mark Hansche (FL) (2) Yeakley Chapel (Springfi eld) – Kristi Van Wyk (LM) (3) Missionary in Residence, General Board of Global Dixon – Ann Decker (CL) (2) Ministries, Atlanta, GA – Kristen L. Schmitz (FD) Elm Grove – Todd C. Staples (PL) (25) 344.1 a) (1) Extension Ministries – With Annuity (8) (3), CC: Avondale Elwood – Charlotte Bassett (RL) (5) Claim on the Missouri Annual Conference 344 Extension Ministries Eminence – David Wentz (RO) (2) Superintendent, Ozarks District – Lynn Dyke (FE) (3) 344.1a With Annuity Claim Fair Grove – Barbara McKenzie (PL) (6) District Superintendent – Cynthia M. (Cindy) Fair Play – Jodi Burch (LM) (3) 344.1 b) Extension Ministries – Without Annuity Buhman (FE) (3) Fairview (Bolivar) – Rex Warren (PL) (5) Claim on the Missouri Annual Conference Fairview (Lebanon) – Rob Day (PL) (2) Council of Churches of the Ozarks – Mark W. 344.1b Without Annuity Claim First (Buff alo) – Allen Howell (RL) (11) Struckhoff (FE) (8) CC: Asbury Chaplain, Crossroads, Bruce Bray (FE) (7) First (Lebanon) – Sara J. Chaney (FE) (2) Resource Services – Richard Blackmon (FE) (19) CC: Gashland Associate – Marsha Vincent (PL) (1) CC: Schweitzer Director of Pastoral Care, Liberty Hospital – First (Rolla) – William “Bill” LaMora (FL) (2) Hermitage Spiritual Center Retreat – Cathleen Carmen L. Lile-Henley (FE) (4), CC: Liberty First (West Plains) – Jon Th ompson (FE) (3) Burnett, (FD) (3) CC: Pomme De Terre Fordland – Michael Mills (PL) (2) Kaio Studios – Matt Kerner (FE) (1) CC: Battlefi eld 346.1 Clergy Serving Other Annual Conferences Forsyth – Larry Lawman (FE) (15) Joy L. Gonzalez (PE) (1), Highland Park, Dallas, Grace UMC (Springfi eld) – Melissa Bailey-Kirk (FE) (2) 353.1 a) Leave of Absence: TX – North Texas Conference – CC: Liberty Grace Community (Buff alo) – Jeff Jaekley (FE) (1) Th omas Murph (FE) CC: Wesley (Springfi eld) Susan E. Hoyle (FE) (4), Hodgin Memorial/ Haymes Chapel/Straff ord – Dwight Gressel (PL) (2) Glen A. Murphy (FE) CC: Richland Centenary, Stoneville, NC – NC Conference – Hazelgreen/Stoutland – Mark “Jeff ” Brann (PL) (1) Diana Hagewood Smith (FE) CC: CC: Bethany Hood UMC (Republic) – Jim Oman (FE) (4) Neal Lassinger (FE) (2), McConnellstown/Mill Houston/ First (Cabool) – Terry Lippstreu (FE) (1) Creek UMC, Altoona, PA – Susquehanna Humansville – Michael Cole (LM) (1) SOUTHEAST DISTRICT Conference –CC: North Cross Hurley – Joyce Louise Rush (RL) (24) District Superintendent, Bruce Baxter (FE) (1) Clayton Smith (FE) (13), Church of the Resurrection, Kimberling City – Cliff ton Crockett (FE) (7) Leawood, KS – Great Plains Conference – CC: Associate – Minister of Care – Mary “Gail” Advance – Jerry Lee Willer (RA) (9) Platte Woods Compton (CL) (2) Arcadia Valley (Ironton) – Marty Joe Blakey (FL) (4) Hugo Villagrana (FE) (2), Polkton, Polkton, NC – King's Way (Springfi eld) – Laura Murphy (FE) (2) Bell City – Susan Lee Welborn, Mrs (RL) (3) West NC Conference – CC: Tarkio/Westboro Associate – Kristopher “Kris” Keller (PE) (2) Belleview – Sherri L. Squires (PL) (3) Norma Hickman de Villagrana (FE) (2), Polkton, Licking – Gary Carter (FE) (2) Bernie/Sadlers Chapel – David M Fowler (FE) (6) Polkton, NC – West NC Conference – CC: LifeSong – Rob Barringer (FE) (10) Bertrand – Lois M. McRill (LM) (15) Burlington Jct./Wilcox Marshfi eld – Robert Sefrit (FE) (2) Broadway (Scott City)/St. Paul (Commerce) – W. Morrisville/Aldrich – Patty Smith (PL) (6) Michael Woods (RE) (5) 353.1 Leave of Absence Mt. Carmel/Ebenezer I – Richard Fine (FE) (2) Centenary (Cape Girardeau) – David W. Conley (FE) (6) Melvin P. (Skip) Stanley (FE) (6), CC: Liberty Mt. Gilead – Hubert “Hue” Parnell (PL) (2) Centenary (Cape Girardeau) – Barry Eugene Sandra Monsees Davis (FE) (9), CC: Parnell Mt. Hermon/Anutt – Gaye Lynn Blankenship (PL) (2) Winders (FE) (2) Mt. Pisgah – Carol Ann Chilton (RL) (1) Charleston – J. Robert Webster (FL) (2) 356.1 Medical Leave Mountain View – TBS Coldwater – TBS: Lay Speakers (Unknown) (3) James B. (Brent) Mustoe (FE) (3), CC: Good New Hope (Edwards) – Cliff Saupe (LM) (6) Doniphan/Neelyville – Kent Edward Wilfong (FE) (6) Shepherd Norwood – Ura C. Hardin (LM) (46) Eastwood Memorial (Caruthersville) – Jerry Lee Jodi Ponder Williams (FE) (27), CC: Lawson Onward – Fred Luper (PL) (1) Mattson (FL) (5) Ozark – Steve Blacksher (FE) (5) Ellington – Sandra Lynn Estes (PL) (3) 359.1 Honorable Location: Associate – Kevin Parnell (PL) (2) Ellsinore/Grandin – Robby Eugene Calvert (PL) (9) Larry D. Hartell (FE) (18), CC: Wesley (St. Joseph) Paris Springs – Larry Hall (RL) (2) Essex/Parma – Roy Lee Sherfi eld (PL) (8) Pathways (Springfi eld) – Michael Blacksher (FE) (4) First (Chaff ee)/Grace (Rockview) – Gwenell N Phillipsburg – Loyd Hefner (CL) (7) Streeter (PL) (6) Pitts Chapel (Springfi eld) – Richard Fine (FE) (1) First (Dexter) – Ronald James Beaton (FE) (2) OZARKS DISTRICT Pleasant Grove – Larry Sorrells (LM) (1) First (Hayti)/Deering – Franklin Alfred Husted (RE) (2) District Superintendent, Rev. Lynn Dyke (FE) (3) Pleasant Hill – Wally Jones (PL) (15) First (Hornersville)/Caruth/Faith (Kennett) – Jim Pleasant Hope – Ron McIntire (RL) (4) Michael Pemberton (RL) (10) Aldersgate – Dennis Miller (FL) (12) Pomme de Terre – Ellen Hoff (FE) (6) First (Kennett) – Gregory David Dowler (AM) (1) Associate – Phil Brucks (FL) (4) Prairie Chapel – Jeff Cole (FL) (6) First (New Madrid) – Robert G. McQueen (FE) (1) Associate – Sarah Fotopolus (PL) (3) Raymondville – Margaret Kramer (RO) (12) First (Poplar Bluff ) – David A. Stewart (FE) (7) Alton/St. Paul (Th ayer) – Pam Ekey (FE) (2) Richland – Mitch Henson (FE) (2) First (Portageville) – Barron Scott Willer (FE) (6) Antioch – Kevin J. Cawley (FE) (2) Rogersville – Joan Keiser (RL) (5) First (Puxico)/Fairview (Puxico) – Dayna Lynn Zoll Asbury (Springfi eld) – Melissa Dodd (FE) (4) St. James – Michael Summers (FL) (3) Cookson (PL) (1) Ash Grove United Methodist/ Presbyterian – St. Luke (Webster County) – Wanda Heideman (PL) (4) First (Senath)/Coldwater Chapel (Senath) – Jennifer Essary (PL) (1) Salem – Barry Baugh (FL) (1) Ronnie Gerald Dunavin (RE) (8) Ava/ Mansfi eld – Jessica Foster (PE) (1) Schweitzer (Springfi eld) – Robert L. Casady (FE) (18) First (Sikeston) – Jennifer Wilkey Moxley (FE) (4) Battlefi eld – Matt Kerner (FE) (1) Associate Executive Pastor – Jason Leininger (FE) (4) First (Sikeston) – Michael M. Wondel (FE) (3) Billings/Mt. Olive – Jeff Carr (PL) (4) Associate – Jim Mason (FL) (11) Fredericktown – Bryan Wayne Schaefer (FE) (1) Birch Tree – TBS Associate – Jacob “Jake” Hotchkiss (PL) (1) Grace (Cape Girardeau) – Eric Anthony Schmidt (FE) (1) Blue Eye UMC – Jack Smith (RO) (7) Seymour – Ron D. Brown (RF) (18) Grace (Greenville) – TBS: Lay Speakers (Unknown) (1) Bois D'Arc UMC – Kimberly Polchow (PL) (3) Sleeper – Marsha Vincent (PL) (3) Grace (Poplar Bluff ) – James Clifton Bryant (RL) (1) Bolivar – David Collum (FE) (2) Th eodosia – Linda Flynn (RE) (1) Roy Flynn Hobbs Chapel (Cape Girardeau) – Stanley D. Hargis Branson – D. Eric Derks (FE) (2) (OF) (1) – Co Pastors (PL) (4) Associate – Doyle Carroll (RO) (4) Trinity (Mountain Grove) – Fred Royer (RE) (6) Hobbs Chapel (Dudley) – David L Dee (CL) (6) Broadway (Springfi eld)– John Inmon (PL) (2) Walnut Grove – TBS Illmo (Scott City) – James William Woeltje (RL) (8) Campbell (Springfi eld) – R. Andrew Bryan (FE) (10) Waynesville – Patrick Moore (FE) (2) La Croix (Cape Girardeau) – Brett T Cheek (FL) (4) Associate – Adrienne Denson (PE) (1) Wesley (Springfi eld) – Scott Bailey-Kirk (FE) (5) La Croix (Cape Girardeau) – Ronald L. Watts (FE) (30) Cassidy – Charlene Dart (FL) (5) Executive Pastor – Stacie Williams (FE) (2) Lake Wappapello (Wappapello) – Catherine S. Bryant (PL) (5) Clever – Kirby Holbrook (PL) (7) Site Pastor – Lori Lampert (FD) (4) 60 JULY 2017 | The Missouri Methodists Malden/Holcomb – Th omas Edward Zych (RE) (5) Greenfi eld – TBS Washburn/Simsberry – Debra Alumbaugh (PL) (8) Maple (Cape Girardeau) – Jeff ery Linn Estes (FL) (1) Horton/Metz – TBS:Lawrence Cripps (SY) (1) Wheaton – Dan Shelton (OF) (2) Marble Hill – Michael Lee Hargraves (FE) (5) Hume – Eric England (PL) (4) Marquand/Glen Allen/Rhodes Chapel – Kimberly Jasper – John Christianson (OE) (2) 344.1a) Extension Ministries With Annuity Claim Anne Mitchell (PE) (1) Jerico Springs – TBS:Lowell Mize (RE) (4) Southwest District Superintendent – Millersville – Janet Sue Hopkins (RL) (3) Kendricktown – TBS: Oakton UMC Mark Statler (FE) (5) Nelson Memorial/Dogwood – Brian Pate Abbott (FL) (2) Lamar/ Pathways – Mark Turnbough (FE) (1) New McKendree ( Jackson) – J. David Israel, Sr. (FE) (7) Associate – Brandon Haag (PL) (1) 358.1 Honorable Location – Mark Shaff er (FE) New Salem (Daisy) – Steven Paul Koerner (PL) (6) Liberal/Iantha – Max Raney (PL) (2) CC: Carthage First UMC Perryville/Crossroads – Kevin Barron (FL) (1) Liberty/New Liberty – Nancy DeJager (PL) (4) Roger Nichols (FE) CC: First UMC, Joplin Rauch Spence Memorial (Morehouse) – Toni Marie Lockwood Travis James (FL) (7) Dee (RL) (6) Lowery City/Vista – Fred Stevens (PL) (4) Reagan's Chapel (Patton)/Pine Hill (Patton) – Marionville – Jean Singleton (PL) (1) J. Michael Davis (RE) (3) Moundville/Bronaugh – TBS: Kay Zimmer (RL) (1) Scopus – Kathleen Moran (CL) (1) Mt. Moriah/Diamond – Larry Courtney (PL) (1) Sedgewickville/Patton – Roger Bruce Cary (FL) (2) Mt. Olivet/Mt Zion – TBS: Eldon Lee Allen (RL) (12) Smith Chapel (Sikeston) – Kenneth Lamont Nashville – TBS: First UMC Joplin King (LM) (3) Neosho – Mitch Jarvis (FE) (2) St. Luke (Hayti) – Karl Douglas Humes (LM) (8) Nevada – Sharon Freeman (FL) (3) Trinity (Bloomfi eld) – Alice Ann Fowler (FE) (6) New Hope – TBS: Randy Steele (SY) (1) Trinity (Oran) – Tammy L Hargis (PL) (4) Noel/Southwest City/Pineville – Mark Kailbourn (PE) (3) Trinity (Piedmont) – Tadd Elliott Kruithoff (FL) (1) Oakton – Kent Garfi eld (FL) (3) Van Buren – Jim C. Cooper (RL) (3) Associate – Ymbar Planco (FL) (3) Wesley (Fruitland) – William Darrell Minor (RO) (6) Associate – TBS: Larry Garfi eld (RL) (3) Wesley (Sikeston) – George P Rendleman (PL) (1) Ohio Street(Butler) – David Fitzmaurice (FE) (2) Wesley Memorial (Steele)/Cooter – Todd R Holman Pierce City/Dry Valley – TBS: Robert Summers (RL) (1) (FL) (6) Pleasant Hill – TBS: Bob Simon (RL) (3) Whitewater – Donald Lawrence Kuehle (RE) (11) Red Oak – TBS: St. Paul’s Williamsville – TBS: Lay Speakers (Unknown) (1) Rich Hill – TBS: Tommy Freeman (RO) (3) Zion (Gordonville) – Joel Philip Kidwell (FE) (8) Royal Heights ( Joplin) – Gary Th omas (RE) (2) Zion (Old Appleton) – TBS: Lay Speakers (Unknown) (1) St. Paul’s ( Joplin) – Aaron Brown (FE) (23) Associate – Geoff Posegate (FE) (3) 344.1 a) (1) Extension Ministries With Annuity Associate – Ben Bainbridge(FL) (5) Claim on the Missouri Annual Conference Associate – Chuck Kralik (PL) (3) Superintendent, Southeast District – Associate – Joe Crosthwait (PL) (5) Bruce Baxter (FE) (1) Associate – Dixie Wynne (PL) (3) Associate – Rick Flinn (PL) (1) 344.1 b) Extension Ministries Without Annuity Associate – Trey Laveroni (PL) (1) Chaplain, United States Navy Th omas J. Statler (FE) Sarcoxie – James Yost (PL) (7) (18) CC: Cape Girardeau: Grace UMC Seneca – Cynthia Royce (PL)10) Sheldon – Ethen Wayne Coble (PL) (6) 353.2 a) Leave of Absence Stockton – James Coff er (FE) (4) Paula M. Austin (FD) (18) CC: Centenary UMC Th e Light at Joplin – Andrew Moyer (FL) (3) Lynn Edward Crader (FE) (20) CC: First Trinity ( Joplin) – TBS: George Triplett (SY) (1) UMC (Sikeston) Virginia (Butler) – Julie Nelson (PL) (4) Jeff B. Long (FE) (1) CC: First UMC (Kennett) Wanda – Robert Woods (PL) (3) Karen J. Nothdurft (FD) (4) CC: Centenary UMC

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT District Superintendent, Mark Statler (5)

All Faith (Eagle Rock) – Larry Olson (FL) (3) Amsterdam – Hank Henry Roberts (PL) (7) Anderson/Stella – Pam Jackson (FL) (7) Aurora – Kathy Osiel (FL) (6) Bethel – TBS: Crystal Wicks (RL) (2) Byers Avenue ( Joplin) – Gerald Powley (PL) (2) Carterville/Avilla – TBS: Bob Wynne(RL) (2) Cassville – Andy Lambel (FE) (7) Central (Webb City) – Clint Lambeth (FE) (5) Central Community (Shell Knob) – Bill Kenagy (FL) (3) Christ’s Community( Joplin) – Christopher Sloan (FE) (28) Associate – TBS:Robert Dart (RM) (3) Associate – William “Ty” Walkenshaw (FL) (3) Dadeville – Jim Smith (RL) (2) First ( Joplin) – TBS: Bob Howard (RE) (2) First (Monett) – Brian Smith (FE) (1) Associate – Juan Velasques (PL) (3) First (Mt. Vernon)/Miller – Mary Lou Toft (FE) (3) First (Oronogo) – Terri Haywood (PL) (2) Golden City – TBS Granby/Christ Monett – Kim Hoover (PL) (1) First (Carthage) – James Lee (FE) (15)

www.moumethodist.org 61 Renew your

PASSION & COMMITMENT to God in just 21 days

The Wesley Challenge introduces young adults to our denomination’s father in a practical and accessible way through twenty-one questions studied over three weeks. This series is, in fact, a great way for your entire church to renew its passion and discover a deeper commitment to God—one that is more authentic, vulnerable, and soul-shaping—right along with your young adults.

Daily posts and messages are designed with an emphasis on graphics and short content bits to engage your physical, emotional, and spiritual lives throughout the 21-day study which offers a book, a Leader Guide, a Youth Study Book, and a DVD.

Chris Folmsbee is the director of discipleship at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS. He is the author of numerous books on spiritual formation, practical theology and missional living. He is a sought-after speaker, and consults with dozens of churches around North America each year.

Paid Advertisement Lake Creek UMC Camp Meeting SUNDAY, JULY 30 TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 6 Location: Lake Creek UMC Campgrounds, 33074 Lake Creek Rd., Smithton, MO 65350 Contact: Heather Allen, [email protected], 660-287-7705

Each year, in the beginning of August, people gather at Lake Creek Campground to participate in the longest running campmeeting west of the Mississippi river. Lake Creek Campmeeting has served as a tent revival, Bible school, and social gathering place for 173 years.

Generation upon generation have cherished their time at the campgrounds. Those of us who have grown up with the tradition of campmeeting want to invite others to experience what we love so much. Vacation Bible School runs Monday-Friday, 9-11:45 a.m., and church services take place Sunday through Sunday starting at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Find more information about Lake Creek Campmeeting at www. lakecreekcampmeeting.org and follow us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/lakecreekcampmeeting.

SCJ Earthkeepers Creation Care TUESDAY, AUGUST 1 TO SUNDAY, AUGUST 6Where: Location: Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center, Fayetteville, AR Contact: Susan Mullin, [email protected], (417) 276-2501

Earthkeepers, United Methodists Called to Lead Community Creation Care Ministries God’s people are coming to recognize God’s creation is in crisis. Is God calling you to a vocation of caring for His creation?

Register by May 1 to attend the second Earthkeepers training conference, August 1-6, 2017, at Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center, Fayetteville, Ark.

At the end of the training conference on Sunday, Rev. Terry Gosnell, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church, will commission new Earthkeepers to advocate for and lead community projects to renew God’s creation. Earthkeepers are trained by cohorts in regional jurisdictions. The Missouri Conference is in the South Central Jurisdiction, so this is our training opportunity.

For more event Information visit: http://www.moumethodist.org/events

www.moumethodist.org 63 THE MISSOURI METHODISTS

Missouri Annual Conference 3601 Amron Court Columbia, MO 65202

PHOTO BY ERIC MATTSON