Volume 14 • Number 4 Fall 2011 A letter from the General Secretary

hope you • Our commitment to the poor, to contents have had a those in prison, to the lost, the least, I great summer and the last. Vol. 14, No. 4 Fall 2011 UM Men Fall 2011 and that this • Our connection –– We are able to do Copyright © 2011 magazine finds more together than any of us could do General Commission on United Methodist Men you actively through a single congregation, district FEATURES living out your or conference. UMMen magazine is published 5 Why I became a United Methodist faith. Once you • Our world-wide reach –– We have four times a year, winter, spring, 10 Baptizing babies and burying old folks summer and fall by GCUMM: have finished planted churches and missions all 11 What’s in a label? General Commission on United Methodist Men 14 A proud remnant - legacy of faith reading it, find over the world. 1000 17th Ave. S. 17 Why I stayed in the a unique way to • The Wesleyan movement changed the P.O. Box 340006 19 From prison to the mission fields pass it on. I have world in the late 1700s; I pray we can Nashville, TN 37203-0006 (615) 340-7145 20 Connecting again in Haiti given previous change the world again today. Internet address: http://www.gcumm.org 22 A Scout is Brave issues to my • The UMC has an historic commitment 23 UM Men help inner city church in Nashville Publisher: Gilbert C. Hanke pastor (then I just to develop small-group ministry. This 24 Hog father boosts hunger-relief effort Editor: Richard Peck gave him an EMS membership). I gave them was a vital ingredient in the early 26 Across the Nation Contributing Editor: Larry Coppock to guys in my small group, gave them to Wesleyan movement, which many vital 33 Scouts become brothers with Uganda troop Editorial Assistants: Martha Davis guys at the next UMM breakfast meeting, congregations are embracing today. 34 Austin district UMM President aids tsunami Nan Self and I have left a copy at a hospital/doctor’s And I must admit the denomination victims Graphic Design: Parris Printing waiting room. Have fun finding a way to has afforded me a place to serve. I have A few words about my dad Change of Address: 35 pass this magazine along; let me know what been an active lay person who has served Send the mailing label with your new address to: 38 UM Men support women clergy happens. in a wide variety of places as a volunteer UMMen I am one of those life-long Methodists; since being active in MYF. The 18 months of P.O. Box 340006 Nashville, TN 37203-0006 DAD’S ZONE I was “present” at Dulin Methodist Church employment by the UMC has been a special (615) 340-7145 before I was born. Although I was not given blessing and the position has taken me to Allow six weeks for changes. 39 How to deal with Nonversations an option to change churches while growing new and exciting places. 40 Consequences of absent fathers up, I was free to change once I left for As my friend, Jerry, would answer when Advertising: Contact Richard Peck P.O. Box 340006 college. I attended Lynchburg College, which asked, “How are you?” Nashville, TN 37203-0006 continues to be related to the Disciples of “I am blessed.” (615) 620-7264 Christ Church. Since I was in the choir at Stay in touch, and continue to watch for e-mail: [email protected] 41 MENS NEWS LC and our tours were always to Disciples new webinars scheduled this fall and winter. 47 SCOUTING NEWS The publishing of advertising in UMMen does churches, I got used to their worship services If you miss them, don’t worry we record not constitute endorsement by UMMen, and many of their ministries. The option to them as media files and they are available General Commission on United Methodist Men change was always available, but I never through the office. Enjoy the magazine and or The United Methodist Church. Advertisers and their agencies assume liability for all content really considered a move. pass it on. of advertisements printed or representations I continue to embrace the UMC for made therein. these reasons: Striving to be His servant- • Wesleyan discipleship –– that wonderful Gil Hanke Subscription: Subscriptions are $25 a year (4 issues). Bulk subscriptions available. balance of personal holiness and social Send check or money order to: holiness. UMMen • Our view of grace –– prevenient, Subscription Fulfillment P.O. Box 440515 Editor’s note: This magazine includes articles from justifying, and sanctifying. Nashville, TN 37244-0515 (615) 340-7145 individuals who hold diverse opinions. We hope all articles are thought provoking; they are not Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture necessarily the opinions of the General Commission contained herein is from The New Revised The purpose of United Methodist Men is to help Standard Version. Copyright 1989, 1995. on UM Men. Used by permission. All rights reserved. men grow in Christ so others may know Christ. UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 3 Why I Became a United Methodist On the wrong side of history by Martin Thielen n 1959, I was serving members of that jurisdiction could move editor Ias the director of the to geographical jurisdictions on a voluntary ears ago, I served as an adjunct Wesley Foundation basis. They debated but did not set any professor of worship and at the University of deadline for the abandonment of the preaching at a Baptist seminary. the

Y Wyoming in Laramie segregated structure. One day I was preparing for an while attending Iliff The students and delegates to the upcoming class. I went to a photocopy School of Theology in 1960 General Conference were on the shop in Nashville and began to make a Denver. wrong side of history. large number of photocopies of various from That summer I took some 30 students In 1968, the Central Jurisdiction was liturgies and sermons for the class. on a rickety school bus to a Methodist finally eliminated when the Methodist An employee at the shop noticed Student Movement Conference at Camp Church united with the Evangelical United the materials I was photocopying and Magruder near Rockaway, Oregon. Brethren Church. asked me, “Are you a minister?” “Yes, During the week-long conference, The Rev. Roy Nichols, an African I am,” I replied. He said, “Are you a students from across the Western American, was elected to the episcopacy Southern Baptist minister?” “No,” I Jurisdiction were asked to support a at a jurisdictional conference following the me tremendous ministry opportunities, replied, “but I used to be. I’ve recently including a large multi-ethnic church in General Conference resolution calling for formation of the United Methodist Church. joined the United Methodist Church.” the elimination of the racially constituted He served as bishop of the Pittsburgh Area Honolulu. The best part of that job was He looked at me for a moment with Central Jurisdiction. for 12 years, and the New York Area from that I kept a surfboard in my office, and suspicious eyes and said, “Are you Wesley Foundation directors had been 1980 to his retirement in 1984; he died in I could take it a few blocks to Waikiki advised of the proposal prior to the camp, 2002. divorced or are you gay?” “Neither beach. and I urged my students to speak in favor I doubt if any of the students attending one,” I replied. He said, “Then why did The Southern Baptist Convention of the petition. “It’s wrong to continue a the 1959 Magruder Conference ever noted you change denominations?” also provided me with significant segregated system when American society that we stood on the wrong side of history. I’ve been asked that question many teaching opportunities. I was an adjunct is tearing down similar structures in secular Subsequent elections of scores of black times over the years. Many people, professor of worship and preaching at society,” we argued. bishops of both genders underscore our including some of my dearest friends, one seminary, a guest teacher at several “The present system ensures that short sightedness. have asked me why others, and a workshop and conference African Americans will be guaranteed In this issue, Bishop Woodie White I gave up good leader at various sites across the nation. bishops in the future,” said opponents. explains why he stayed in the Methodist opportunities in the The Baptist church also allowed “If the Central Jurisdiction is abolished, it Church in spite of the presence of the Southern Baptist me to publish many articles and three is unlikely a white majority will elect black Central Jurisdiction, and the Rev. Martin Convention in order books. I spent four years working at bishops.” Thielen explains why he left the Southern to become a United national headquarters in Nashville Two black students joined arguments Baptist Convention to become a United Methodist. against dissolving the racially constituted Methodist pastor. I am grateful to each for as a worship and preaching editor, jurisdiction. “Although the Central sharing their journeys. consultant, writer and teacher. Jurisdiction comprises one twenty-seventh My own journey is uneventful. I was Appreciative of former denomination The Baptist church gave me of the whole Methodist Church, it is blessed to be raised as a Methodist. At no Although I’ve made a denominational incredible opportunities for service at a given one-sixth of the total representation point in my career have I considered joining shift, I have tremendous appreciation for very young age. It was a great ride and in all general agencies,” they argued. another denomination. my former denomination. They introduced I am grateful to God and to the Baptist “Why would we want to get rid of that I know of the dark chapters in our meo t Christ and the church for the opportunity. guaranteed representation?” denominational history book, but there church. They loved and Motions to ask the 1960 General are many more chapters that tell of ways nurtured me. They gave Difficult decision Conference to eliminate the segregated in which members have followed Christ me a great education. I The decision to leave the Southern system failed. in spite of pressures to reflect societal earned baccalaureate, Baptist Convention was one of the After long debate, delegates to the prejudices. masters, and doctoral most difficult I’ve ever made. The 1960 gathering in Denver agreed to retain I am proud to be a United Methodist. degreest a Southern cost of the transition—loss of status, the Central Jurisdiction. They suggested Baptist schools. The denominational opportunities, and denomination also gave financial compensation—was huge.

4 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 5 led to the United Methodist Church. weary of churches that emphasize Here are my top ten reasons for law, judgment and condemnation. becoming a United Methodist. The United Methodist Church, 1. United Methodists affirm historic however, emphasizes God’s love, or apostolic theology. I have never forgiveness and grace. With so been comfortable with liberalism many religious right churches or fundamentalism. Although great preaching a gospel of law and theological diversity exists in the arrogant judgment, this emphasis United Methodist Church, it seems on grace feels extremely refreshing to me that the mainstream of the to me. church avoids the extremes of ultra- 4. United Methodists are conservatism or radical liberalism. sacramental. Over the past Along with the majority of United decade, I have adopted a strong Methodist members, I affirm the sacramental theology. I understand historic doctrines of the faith found the sacraments to be concrete signs in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. of God’s self giving—God’s love And, I am very comfortable with the made visible. I’m convinced that theological affirmations in The Book people desperately need tangible of Discipline of the UMC. expressions of God’s love and grace, 2. United Methodists have a especially the water of baptism and balanced method for doing the bread and cup of communion. work and keep my integrity? Now theology. I’m speaking about the The older I get, the more I need Why in the world did I leave? the question was—could I stay in this so called “Wesleyan Quadrilateral” tangible rituals that remind me that I can answer that question with two denomination and keep my integrity? of scripture, tradition, reason, and I am a child of God. Participating in words—theology and integrity. For me, the answer was again, no. experience. Although the church the sacrament of Holy Communion Let me make a long story short. I was still in my thirties and knew I puts high priority on scripture, it has become a profound part of Over the past twenty-five years could not survive another thirty years in does not neglect the fact that our my spiritual life. Our denomination the Southern Baptist Convention a fundamentalist church. So I resigned theology must also be informed by affirms sacramental theology and has made a dramatic shift from a my pastorate in Hawaii, sold my tradition, reason, and experience. that is extremely important to me. conservative yet tolerant denomination, surfboard, and my family and I returned Some denominations claim that 5. United Methodists emphasize to a fundamentalist and intolerant to Nashville where I pursued Ph.D. the Bible is their only source of denomination. studies at Vanderbilt University. worship. Worship is a high priority authority. However, strict Biblicism, in the United Methodist Church The convention has adopted a At that point I began to search for by itself, is not enough. For radical fundamentalist theology. I’m a new church home. Over the next nine example, what does the Bible not saying that fundamentalism is months I had serious dialogue with teach about genetic engineering wrong, bad or evil. I am saying that seven different denominations. I finally or national health insurance? it’s not me. Fundamentalism is not a narrowed it down to three: Episcopal, The United Methodist theological brand of Christianity that I can support. Presbyterian, and the United Methodist approach of scripture, tradition, Therefore, I finally had to ask myself, can Church. reason and experience represents I stay in denominational work and keep The Episcopal Church didn’t need a solid and trustworthy balance for my integrity? Sadly, the answer was no. any more clergy at that time, and I thinking about our faith. I resigned my denominational job couldn’t spell Presbyterian, so I finally and accepted a pastorate in Hawaii. went Methodist. 3. United Methodists preach a A few years later I had to ask a more All kidding aside, I spent almost a theology of grace. The older I difficult question. The question was no year thinking, praying and talking to get the more I believe that grace longer—can I stay in denominational others about this decision. Finally, I felt is the central issue in Christianity. Through the years I’ve grown

6 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 7 they usually limit themselves to to about 30 people. However, it had welcomed by clergy and lay people abortion, homosexuality, gambling a new facility, a 24 acre track of land, throughout the Conference. and alcohol. However, United and a half million dollar debt. They opened their arms wide and said, Methodists are also dedicated to On my very first day of work I learned “We’d love to have you as a part of issues of social justice including that the church was completely our church family.” That meant a lot. race, gender equality, poverty, and bankrupt. We didn’t have enough environmental stewardship. Our money to pay the light bill, much No regrets denomination is committed to both less the $75,000 a year mortgage These ten things are just some of the evangelism and social issues, and payment. If this had been a non- factors that attracted me to the UMC. that is one of the major reasons I connectional church, it would have Oh, I won’t lie. Some things in the church became a United Methodist. simply closed down. But since scared me, like the appointment system— the United Methodist Church is and it still does. I was a free agent for 8. United Methodists are inclusive. a long time, so it’s hard to adjust to the and for that I am grateful. We connectional, that was not the case. Our denomination makes a strong My second week on the job, I met with appointment system. But I can honestly say appreciate the great liturgy of the effort to be inclusive of all people that I have no regrets. Becoming a United past, but also have the freedom the conference finance committee and regardless of age, race, gender, told them our situation. Either they Methodist was absolutely the right decision to use more modern expressions socio-economic standing and for me. of worship. Unlike some liturgical came through with significant dollars, disabilities. I am especially pleased or we closed shop. They agreed I’m quite aware that my critique of denominations, United Methodists to see women serving in pastoral the UMC is overly optimistic. No church allow full freedom in liturgical to pay our mortgage for an entire roles. I’ve fought some tough year. That gave us time to heal the or denomination fully lives up to its ideals. practices. Worship leaders can use battles in my old denomination as I’m reminded of the pastor who went biblical, historic and traditional congregation, to significantly grow, an advocate of women in ministry and finally to hold merger talks with visiting in his church’s neighborhood. He forms of worship, as well as and have the scars to prove it. It’s knocked on the door of a young man who contemporary expressions of a nearby congregation. The end result wonderful to be in a church where was the birth of a large, growing and said, “Thanks for your visit, but I’m not worship. In short, we have the best such battles have already been interested. I don’t like organized religion.” of all liturgical worlds. I’ve come dynamic church that continues to do fought and won. I also appreciate great work in its community. This never The pastor said, “Then you’ll love our to believe that worship is the first that the United Methodist Church church. We’ve been trying for thirty years priority of the church, so I’m glad would have happened if we were not is inclusive theologically. Persons a connectional church. and we’re still not organized!” I know that that worship is of vital importance of all theological persuasions— the UMC is not perfect. But there are many in the UMC. conservative, liberal and moderate— 10. The final factor is more personal: good things about our denomination, and 6. United Methodists have an are welcome in the UMC. I know United Methodists warmly I’m glad to be a part of it. evangelical heritage and that theological diversity creates welcomed me into the family. commitment. Unlike some mainline many tensions for us, but I believe When I moved back to Nashville Martin Thielen serves denominations, United Methodists that we need both liberal and from Hawaii, I got on the phone and as senior pastor of affirm the importance of missions conservative viewpoints to keep us called the bishop’s office. I told the Brentwood United and evangelism. Although I’m not in the broad middle. I’m grateful secretary that I was a Baptist minister Methodist Church, a revivalist, soul-winner type, I care that the United Methodist Church considering a denominational change, Brentwood, Tenn. His deeply about reaching unchurched makes inclusiveness a priority. and I would like to talk to the bishop. most recent book is The amazing thing is that she put him What’s the Least I Can people, and believe the church 9. United Methodists are on. We talked for almost an hour. Believe and Still Be a should unapologetically engage in connectional. Rather than each Christian? A Guide to the evangelical enterprise. church being a Lone Ranger He referred me to the Nashville district superintendent, who, a few weeks What Matters Most. 7. United Methodists care about congregation, churches in the later, asked me to serve as an interim A free guide for leading a seven-week social justice. I have never been UMC are in the Kingdom business pastor for a small church outside experience based on the book is available comfortable with the pietistic together. I learned about this during of the city. Not only was I warmly at http://thielen.wjkbooks.com. His private religion of most evangelical my first appointment. During my welcomed by the bishop and several preaching and worship web site is www. churches. When the evangelical Ph.D. studies, I was sent to a small district superintendents, but I was also GettingReadyForSunday.com. church does discuss social issues, struggling church. This fairly new congregation had dwindled down

8 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 9 Baptizing babies and burying old folks What’s in a label? by Martin Thielen By G. Kevin Baker

n f the fall o 1979, I left a lucrative career in the insurance business and went to Churches that drop in-fighting, power plays, seminary.y M father, angry with my their denominational and division, even as we are I affiliation are simultaneously invited to decision (he later got over it), growled bear the fruits of patience, in disgust, “You’ll waste your whole life engaging in plastic surgery; they kindness, and suffering baptizing babies and burying old folks.” love. Ironically, baptizing babies and burying old are not practicing internal medicine. The answer to the folks are two of my favorite pastoral duties. sinful divisions that persist But then I can think of few pastoral chores among the baptized is that I don’t like. here is a shed- not going to be found in the-label trend in Before making the decision to go to Last Sunday our church celebrated churches that ignore or seminary, I went to visit the Presbyterian Tchurch-planting deny such divisions. The confirmation. After confirming our young circles. pastor who performed my marriage people,e w invited the congregation to answer comes when we ceremony. I asked him, “What do you like In order to reach roll up our sleeves and dirty renew their baptismal vows. Large numbers a market that prefers best about being a minister?” He said, “First, our knees in the hard work of people made their way to the baptism generic Christianity over name-brand I like being my own boss. Second, I like and endless prayer that aches for Christ’s font. I put my thumb into the baptismal versions like United Methodist, many working with people in significant ways. And prayer to be fulfilled: “That we may be water, made the sign of the cross on their denominations have jumped on the label- third, I like mediating the presence of God.” one … so the world may believe” (John foreheads and said, “Remember that you dropping bandwagon with little thought 17:23) For the next hour, he unpacked those three are baptized, and be a faithful follower of or reflection. statements. Near the end of our session, he Christ.” Some of the foreheads were young, The sentiment is understandable. If United Methodist––the story behind said with great enthusiasm, “I can’t believe I you want to reach more people, get rid soft, and smooth. Others were old, wrinkled, the label get o paid t do this job!” of the baggage. People don’t want to and tough. Some who came forward had The genius of has Like that Presbyterian pastor, I can’t hear about infrastructure, denominational recently lost a spouse, were going through historically been its ability to hold together believey m good fortune. I actually get paid infighting, tradition, or denominational a r divorce, o were battling cancer. Others ideas or themes that often elicit an either/ to lead the church, proclaim the gospel, history. They desire purity, simplicity, had recently received a promotion, gotten or response. At our best, Methodists administer the sacraments, and care for authenticity, and an absence of conflict – married,r o were expecting a child. Some embody this practical divinity that calls the or at least the appearance of less conflict. people. Although ministers often complain smiled and some cried. All came in an act of church away from false alternatives which What’s in a label?––Quite a bit. Our about high stress and low salaries, most of loyalty, renewal, and faith. No doubt, some tend to truncate a fuller expression of children have last names so people will us love our vocation. In fact, recent studies of our members will live out their renewed faith, worship, and service. know where they come from. reveal that clergy are more satisfied with their baptism vows more faithfully than others. profession than any other group in America. Do some families have things in their Evangelical and sacramental But f all o them are beloved children of God, histories to be ashamed of?––Sure. Do I’mo n Pollyanna about pastoral ministry. and I have the incredible privilege of being The Wesleyan revival was known For example, I am painfully aware of the some family trees have stories of division, for its evangelical fervor. At first, Wesley their pastor. It’s a gift from God for which I dissension, infighting, and abuse?–– inevitable criticism that comes with this job. resisted breaks with ecclesial custom. am daily grateful. Absolutely. Does shucking your last name Just a few months ago, a fundamentalist Leaving the pulpit for open-air preaching Several months ago I had my annual allow you to escape from these realities?–– memberf o our church left the congregation, did not come easy to this Anglican consultation with my district superintendent Hardly. accusinge m of “not preaching the Word.” to discuss next year’s appointment (one The truth is, names and labels bear priest. Yet Wesley and his Methodist But the very next Sunday, I got to lead of the few things I don’t like about my stories of hope even as they bear stories of preachers would soon hit the streets, worship, preach a sermon, and celebrate job!). During our session he asked me, pain. If churches are determined to shed the prisons, the jails, and the distant Holy Communion. And after worship, a little “What motivates you to be in ministry?” I the label, fine, but let’s be clear about one townships with the Good News of Jesus. girl I baptized five years earlier gave me a replied, “I’m called to it. I’m gifted for it. I’m thing: We are engaging in plastic surgery, Many people experienced dramatic hug and handed me a picture she had drawn educatedn i it. And I absolutely love doing it. not practicing internal medicine. conversions and emotional responses to for t me. A the bottom of the picture she I can’t imagine doing anything else.” The church is a visible body of the Word. wrote, “Pastor Martin, I love you.” believers that includes sinners like you Contrary to much evangelical and me––sinners who often succumb to thought, Wesley simultaneously

10 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 11 “Christianity is essentially a social those experiences myself (though magnified the sacraments. He believed faith would always bear the fruit of religion, and to turn it into a solitary not on Sunday!). Are such individual that baptism was a real moment of good works. In the end, a Wesleyan religion is indeed to destroy it. The experiences sufficient for one who regeneration, though he believed it easy perspective understands that James and gospel of Christ knows no religion but desires to be a faithful disciple of Jesus enough to sin if one were to turn from Paul have to shake hands and make up, social; no holiness but social holiness.–– Christ? Wesley’s answer was clear–– God. He also believed that the faithful for they are not enemies but inseparable Absolutely not. Our Christian faith is one Christian should maintain the “duty of friends. Wesley and his colleagues were that invites us to have a personal, saving constant communion.” methodical in practicing their personal relationship with God through Christ, worship can be spirit-filled, alive, Head and heart piety (fasting, prayer, searching but such faith is personal, not private. dynamic, and life-giving. A strong pulpit It is often said the farthest distance Scriptures) and doing so in a social The writer of the book of Hebrews (attention to excellent preaching and on any human body is the distance context that meant “watching over one agrees: teaching) does not require a church between one’s head and one’s heart. another in love” and holding each other “And let us consider how to to observe a weak Table (infrequent emphasizes a accountable for how they lived out their provoke one another to love and good celebration of The Lord’s Supper) or vice Christian spirituality that holds the two daily discipleship. deeds, not neglecting to meet together, versa. Methodism asserts that being together. Ours is not an anti-intellectual The Wesleyan revival may well have as is the habit of some, but encouraging evangelical does not exclude a deep faith that requires one to “check your invented small-group ministry, or at one another, and all the more as you sacramental commitment to the means mind at the door,” nor a faith that is least popularized it in a way formerly see the Day approaching.”–– Hebrews of grace. located solely in the emotive realm of human existence. unknown. For Methodists, salvation and 10:24-2. Faith and works Take ’s description of can never be reduced to a Throughout Christian history, there the Wesleyan Quadrilateral: Scripture, me-and-Jesus-only enterprise. The Rev. Kevin Baker is have been some who favor James tradition, reason, and experience. Taken Can one feel close to God hiking pastor of Reconciliation over the Paul and others who favor together, Methodists often refer to it as alone in the mountains or floating UMC in Durham, N.C. Paul over James. The reformer, Martin a way to think theologically and guide along in a kayak one brisk Sunday This article is edited Luther, once called the Book of James spiritual discernment. morning? Sure. I have had a few of from postings at http:// an “epistle of straw.” Others have wanted to emphasize “faith without • Scripture remains the primary works is dead” so much that it seemed source and criteria for making they might be implying “works without theological judgments. faith,” though not ideal, is surely better • Tradition is the rich history of the humor • humor • humor than the former. church and of Israel contained in the Leave it to Wesley to once again live Old and New Testaments and the within the tension. How else can one past 2,000 years of church history. What is he Q&A explain how he was accused of being • Reason, exercised by a critical mind, thinking? antinomian (against the law) by some, is necessary to both comprehend Q: What do you and at the same time, called legalistic Scripture, tradition, and experience. Adam and Eve were enjoying another call a charismatic and methodical in his discipleship by • Experience is not a catch all for day in paradise, just lying peacefully at an auction? others? whatever a person may feel, but by a stream, when Eve asked Adam When detractors called Wesley a way to ask questions of our what he was thinking. “Oh, nothing, A: Broke. and his Oxford friends “methodists,” experiences like: “Does it bear really” was his reply. they did not intend the word to be the fruit of the Spirit?” “Does it complimentary. Wesley’s operative demonstrate evidence of the gifts Suddenly, Eve jumped up and phrase for this synthesis––borrowed and graces of God?” grabbed Adam. She began frantically from Paul––was “faith working through poking him in the chest. “Woman,” love” (Galatians 5:6). Adam shouted, “just what are you On the one hand, Wesley firmly Personal and social holiness doing?” believed in the doctrine of sola fide; Wesley was deeply convinced that that “faith alone” saves. But, like personal holiness of heart and life is “Counting your ribs,” said Eve. James, he also believed that true ultimately social as well.

12 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 13 the structure of the Central Jurisdiction. took me to visit her friends, and where she Why in the world would black taught adults how to read. I always knew Methodists have stayed in such a racist that it wasn’t right for black and white church and system? people to live apart. The Methodist Church both reflected I have painful memories as a child of its culture and struggled to transcend it. accompanying adults to city auditoriums At the 1944 General Conference Thelma where discussions were held about Stevens, a young woman from Mississippi, integrating the public schools. I also served spoke in support of a request that as the one youth member of the official committees of the church meet in places board of my home church. We had a called where African Americans could be hosted. meeting for the adults to plan what would During the floor debate, a male delegate happen if black people came to worship in ridiculed Stevens, saying, “We provide our church. I was the only person present suitable and adequate entertainment but who voted against the new policy. not along the lines the sister indicated. We I never knew the Central Jurisdiction can’t––You move us too fast.” existed until I was in college and became Delegates laughed and rejected the a religion major and studied Wesleyan Stevens proposal. history. Our worlds in the South were She would live to see her idea adopted totally separate and totally unequal and Demonstrators protest against segregation during the 1968 1968 General Conference that united by many church agencies and a later unfair. the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren churches to form the United Methodist Church. The uniting conference in Dallas did away with the Methodist Church’s racially segregated Central General Conference session. Jurisdiction. A UMNS photo courtesy of the Commission on Archives and History. Abolishing the Central Jurisdiction Experience in segregated society Finally, when the Methodist Church While growing up in Winter Garden, merged with the Evangelical United A proud remnant— ‘A legacy of faith’ Fla., I recall “colored quarters” at the edge Brethren Church in 1968, we abolished the of town. As a teacher and a woman of Central Jurisdiction By Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer faith, my grandmother who raised me Our church is full of generations of “crossed over” that color line when she faithful African American leaders. lack leaders have been active in First African-American Methodist preaching and pastoring since preachers Bthere was a Methodist Church in Harry Hoosier and set the United States. the bar for great preaching. Both slaves For all those faithful and courageous and free slaves were attracted to the black Methodists who stayed in an Methodist movement. The gospel was inhospitable, racist, abusive church, we preached to blacks and whites, rich and say, “Thanks be to God for you.” Those of poor, slave and free. A group of African- us in the white majority confess that we American preachers were licensed as have sinned against you and against God “Sons of Thunder.” who made us all into one family. In 1844, the denomination was split We have excluded you from our over slavery. sanctuaries, our schools and colleges, After the Civil War, black preachers our public domain, our neighborhoods, were finally ordained in the Methodist our homes, our hearts. For that we are Episcopal North Church. truly sorry. We confess our sins and ask At the 1920 General Conference, the in humility that God move us toward first black bishop, Robert E. Jones, was repentance and the place of reconciliation elected. and forgiveness. In 1939, when the Methodist North United Methodist Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer (on video screens) gives a sermon and South Church was reunited, 350,000 during a service of appreciation for African Americans who stayed in the church black members were then separated by despite institutional racism. The service of confession and appreciation was held at the 2004 General Conference in Pittsburgh. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose.

14 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 15 We celebrate the undaunted courage God’s reconciling and unifying purpose Why I stayed in the Methodist Church of people who stayed and led this church–– in Christ. God saw our brokenness and men and women who bestowed a legacy sought to extricate us from it—all of us—to By Bishop Woodie White of deep faith, exceptional leadership, bring us back to our intended condition inspired preaching and worship, prophetic of relatedness. God sent Jesus who would ishop White, the first staff executive racially segregated and divisive structure. witness, advocacy for social justice, fling out his arms on the cross as if to of the General Commission on In the face of such racial ambivalence, innovators and educators. embrace us.” Religion and Race, explains why he many ask, “Why did black people remain Today we claim we all belong to the Thanks be to those, in generations past B stayed a member of the Methodist Church in The Methodist Church?” same church, the same Lord, the same and even now, who stayed and led God’s when other black church members left Writing in Methodism’s Racial baptism, the same United Methodist people. the denomination before and after the Dilemma: The Story of the Central Church. creation of the Central Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction (Abingdon Press, 1992) the Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu This article is edited from a speech by From its beginning, American late Bishop James S. Thomas quoted described the purpose of the church: Bishop Kammerer to the 2004 General Methodism has leaned toward racial a 1939 response by Dr. Willis J. King, “The church should be an audiovisual of Conference. justice and inclusivity. president of Gammon Theological The first Methodist Book of Discipline Seminary who was later elected bishop: was strongly anti-slavery, and its earliest “More important (to the Negro worshipping congregations were members) however, than rights and A chronology of the Central Jurisdiction interracial––even those held in homes. prerogatives was the instinctive Yet, this forward-looking posture was conviction evident from their earliest 1784: The Methodist Episcopal Church is 1952: The General Conference establishes the challenged from within the institution, and connection with the people call organized. Board of Social and Economic Relations. its racial ethic was not altogether without Methodists, that this fellowship 1787: Richard Allen and others in the 1956: The General Conference conducts a study contradictions. In many ways, the racial represented a communion that congregation of St. George’s Methodist of the jurisdictional system. attitudes of early Methodists mirrored the was seriously seeking to build a Episcopal Church withdraw in protest of communities in which they were located. 1956: The General Conference adopts brotherhood among all men. They segregation. legislation, which later becomes Well into the 20th century Methodism believed that their membership 1796: leads the founding of the Amendment IX, allowing churches in had both a positive and a negative in such a fellowship would help African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. the Central Jurisdiction to transfer to reputation on race. But on the whole, the in the achievement of world geographical jurisdictions. denomination leaned toward racial justice 1816: Black Methodist Episcopal churches unite brotherhood.” to form the African Methodist Episcopal 1958: Amendment IX of the Methodist Church’s and inclusivity. Church. Allen becomes its first bishop. Constitution, adopted by the 1956 Thomas added, “Another reason why General Conference, becomes effective. 1864: Separate African-American annual Creation of the Central Jurisdiction so many African Americans remained conferences are formed. 1960: General Conference sets up the In 1939, when American Methodism in The Methodist Church was the vigor Commission on Interjurisdictional of the church’s outreach to them, albeit 1870: The Colored Methodist Episcopal Church, determined to reunite, after having divided later renamed the Christian Methodist Relations to continue a program to in 1844 over the issue of race and slavery, within segregated structures.” Episcopal Church, is formed. abolish the Central Jurisdiction. it established a segregated structure to For many, it was the church of Conferences within the Central satisfy the demands of the Methodist their birth. They knew no other church. 1939: The Methodist Episcopal Church, the 1964: Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and Jurisdiction begin merging into Episcopal Church South. Many asked, “Why should we leave our the Methodist Protestant Church merge geographical . The new church organized itself into church?” to form the Methodist Church. The 1967: Bishop L. Scott Allen becomes the 14th five geographical units, called jurisdictions. segregated Central Jurisdiction is formed and last bishop elected by the Central It also created a sixth all-black racial Why I remained in the Methodist as a political compromise. Jurisdiction. jurisdiction to assure the existence of all Church 1948: The Central Jurisdiction Conference forms 1968: The Central Jurisdiction is abolished white jurisdictions in the southern and In my case, I learned at a family a committee to study ways of eliminating with the merger of the Methodist and southwest regions of the United States. reunion last summer that our “home” the jurisdiction. Evangelical United Brethren churches into This compromise would haunt church, Macedonia UMC, on the Eastern the United Methodist Church. Methodism for the next 28 years, and Shore of Maryland, dates back to 1865. the denomination would spend as much Both of my parents are from little villages time trying to decide how to eliminate the on “the shore” where the UMC has long been central.

16 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 17 The two cemeteries of those “In The United Methodist From prison to the mission field churches, Asbury and Macedonia, are Church no conference or other By H. William Green the resting place of generations of my organizational unit of the family. These generations were products Church shall be structured so as of Methodist preaching and evangelism. to exclude any member or any CARY, N.C. –– I suppose, I am a United Methodist constituent body of the Church tis Hardy was sentenced to in part because of the outreach of because of race, color, national two life sentences for unarmed early Methodists to people of color. origin, or economic condition.” Orobberyn i June, 1979. The strong stand against slavery of Article IV He was pardoned by North northern Methodism and its staunch Carolina Governor Jim Hunt in 2000. sense of social justice was laudable and Today, The UMC is one of the most Today, Otis and his wife, Wynella, attractive. The creation of a network of racially inclusive Protestant churches are members of First UMC in Cary, historically black colleges, one of which in the nation and perhaps globally. At and s Otis i helping inmates make the I attended, enhanced the reputation every level of the church it has persons transition from prison back into society. of The Methodist Church among black of various racial and ethnic groups Although raised a Muslim, people. in significant leadership positions. Otis was led to faith in Christ by a I attended a United Methodist Its programs continue to be directed prison guard, and he soon became The Rev. H. William Green, a pastor of First seminary known as “the school of the to a racially and ethnically diverse a transforming influence on his fellow UMC in Cary, N.C.(right) first met Otis Hardy prophets” because it prepared future constituency. inmates. in 1999 while he was leading a Disciple Bible ministers with the expectation that they To be sure, racism has not He progressed in prison to trustee study in prison. Green was the first men’s would speak out against unjust systems, disappeared in the denomination. Many status where he was selected to work as ministry specialist and is a leader of UM however powerful and no matter what local congregations are still organized a pastry chef at the governor’s mansion. Men at the Cary church. Hardy is an active the cost. along racial and ethnic lines, and Whilen i prison, Otis participated in member and spoke at one their meetings. In 1968, when The Methodist individual prejudice still exists. Disciple Bible Study. Church and The Evangelical United But more and more people of Since his release, Otis leads a Bible Otis is also able to counsel troubled Brethren Church united to form the different racial backgrounds worship studyt a a halfway house and helps find youth, dialogue with gang members, UMC, the new denomination committed together in UM congregations, and jobs for men who have recently been build bridges between law enforcement itself to a racially inclusive church are led by pastors whose race may released from prison. and ethnic-minority neighborhoods, absent a segregated racial jurisdiction. be different from the majority of the He was honored for his volunteer preach at churches, and bring persons Its Constitution provides in clear, worshippers. worky b a 2002 private dinner with of all races together to address societal unequivocal language the following: We are not yet what we want to be President George Bush in Washington, problems. “The United Methodist as a Church, but we are clearly not what D.C. Following the devastation of Church is a part of the Church we used to be. I guess, that’s why I am After graduating from Saint Hurricane Katrina in 2006, Otis was Universal which is one Body in proud to be a United Methodist! Augustine College in 2004, Otis actively involved in relief efforts in Christ. Therefore all persons increased the pace of his volunteer work. Jackson County, Miss. He repeated those without regard to race, color, Bishop Woodie White He currently is engaged in a southeast efforts in Raleigh after tornadoes hit the national origin, or economic serves as the bishop in Raleigh ministry to poor people living area. condition, shall be eligible to residence at Candler with drugs, and gang violence. Following two life sentences, Otis attend its worship services, to School of Theology in Otis, a highly-sought-after speaker, never expected to be released from participate in its programs, and Atlanta. He was elected has the ability to relate to a wide variety prison, but the Lord had other plans for when they take the appropriate to the episcopacy in of people. The Scripture that Otis uses him. vows, to be admitted into its 1984 and served as whenevere h gives his testimony is: membership in any local church in president of the Council “The human mind may devise many the connection. of Bishops (1996-1997). plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established” –– Proverbs 19:21

18 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 19 Connecting again in Haiti By Gil Hanke LA TEMBLAY, Haiti –– That afternoon, we took Haitian his summer, I led a nine-member staff members to a beach. For some of team to help rebuild a church here. those who had cooked for us and taken TOrganized under the Texas Annual care of us, it was their first time at a real Conference, the team had six members beach. from Texas, two from Tennessee and one Monday we returned to the from Virginia. We left the U.S. on June 27 Methodist Guest House and we toured and returned July 5. the severely damaged city of Port au We slept in a Methodist school and Prince. Government buildings were worked at the church a short walk down especially hard hit and there are tent the road. Our team worked for the Haitian cities in every open public space. Methodist Church under the direction of We visited College Bird, the Haitian masons and carpenters. “mother church” of the Methodist Our work was coordinated by the Church of Haiti, and a severely damaged UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Methodist school. We then walked UM Volunteers in Mission. Our team around the corner to the site of St. raised $3,500 for the project, an amount Vincent’s School for Handicapped matched by UMCOR. Children, a place I had visited on every Those who had never been to Haiti previous trip. or who had not been to the island nation The school had relocated to a since the January, 2010, earthquake were building across the street. moved by the damage. Two of us who As we stood looking at a temporary were there shortly after the earthquake wall where the school and clinic had were gratified by the amount of clean up stood, I felt a hand on my shoulder. and rebuilding efforts. I turned to find a teacher who had Our task was to be in relationship attended Saint Vincent’s due to his with children and adults at the school, the deafness. We embraced and he worksite and the community. We followed recounted in sign language his injuries a Missouri Area team that had poured Gil Hanke carries cinder blocks to build the walls of the church at La Temblay, Haiti and experience during the quake. a slab for the church building and we I promised to return, a promise he erected concrete block walls. difficulty connecting with them as they invited to visit the school on Saturday knows from the last 20 years I will keep. I have made many trips to Haiti, had moved out of the Port au Prince area. afternoon. Trust was restored and they United Methodist teams continue to usually to work in schools serving children The new location of the school will welcome us when we make future come to Haiti. They work and bring in with severe hearing impairments. Three of was just a few miles from La Tremblay. visits to test their children and provide many things. Their most precious gift is those schools were completely destroyed With the help of our interpreter, I made hearing aids. hope and the physical evidence that the by the earthquake, and they have now connections with the school and two Sunday, after many days of hard people of Haiti are not forgotten. reopened in different locations. nuns from the school visited our worksite. hot work at the church, we enjoyed a They were initially hesitant to meet as two-hour-plus worship service at the Institut Monfort, a Roman Catholic Gil Hanke is the top staff executive of school, was a special place for us as the some other visitors from the US were school. The congregation was excited to more interested in a photo shoot than see work on their church progress. Soon the General Commission on United children were more oral than some of the Methodist Men other schools for the deaf. I had some providing assistance. Subsequently, I was they will return to a larger new facility.

20 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 21 A Scout is brave UM Men help inner-city by Teresa Rector and Amy Carter church in Nashville ARLINGTON, Tenn. –– issues. He continues to do so to this day icholas Carter, a Life Scout in and holds the rank of Life Scout having Troop 452 chartered by the completed all required merit badges. NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– fallen tree, repaired the front steps and NArlington UMC, has exhibited He had to build up his endurance, and he Nashville City Codes directed water away from the building. this part of the Scout Law every day for overcome coordination issues to earn Department gave Dixon Memorial Heavy rain cancelled a couple of the past ten years. the swimming merit TUMC notice that its inner-city work days, but the men completed At the age of four, badge, his last required structure was in violation of several the work on May 1, the Sunday after he was diagnosed with one. codes. If repairs were not made Easter, one week after their scheduled a rare brain tumor that Nicholas regularly immediately, the department would levy completion date. without emergency serves dinners to severe financial penalties or prohibit the “The men who worked on the treatment would blind guests of the Ronald 80-member congregation from meeting project were very generous with their him and eventually McDonald House, and in the aging building. time and resources,” said Steger. “They kill him. After being he provides hope for The church issued a call to help. responded quickly and even bought stabilized at LeBonheur families with children Led by Cliff Steger, the Nashville extra materials and lunches for the Children’s Hospital, at St. Jude. He has District Lay Leader, UM Men responded. workers.” he was transferred held a fundraiser for The former president of Tennessee “This was as example of Christian to St. Jude Children’s T.H.E. BRAINTRUST, an Conference of UM Men recruited men fellowship, brothers supporting others in Research Hospital organization who uses from Gordon Memorial, his home need in the community and within the where he underwent the Internet to help church, Dixon Memorial, Bellevue UMC, church,” said Ingram Howard, president treatment. support people affected and Brentwood UMC to work on five of Tennessee Conference UM Men. “It He exhibited by brain tumors. With weekends. was obvious that everyone involved in bravery each time the support of friends Men from Brentwood UMC led the the project came away feeling good he walked into the and family, “Nicholas’ way in reinforcing rafters, replacing and about helping this small church and treatment room, got Nickels” raised $3,200 painting fascia board and installing 300 their community, a place where many of on the radiation table and had his head for the organization. feet of gutter with eight downspouts. the men had never been or seen before. held in place by a mask that was bolted Today, Nicholas, 14, is a freshman Scaffolding was required to work at the This was truly an example of God’s love to the table. His courage was evident at Arlington High School where he is on 15-foot-high level. in action.” with every needle poke, every time he the trapshooting team and active in the The men also repaired and painted Howard estimates that the gift of was put into a MRI or CT machine, and Key Club. He was recently adopted by doors and door frames, removed a labor saved the church about $3,000. each time doctors told us what the Union University’s men’s basketball team scans showed. Radiation treatments as their “sixth man” through the Friends Leave Shirley out of it destroyed his pituitary gland and he of Jaclyn Foundation. This organization A minister was giving a lesson to a has to take daily medication for the rest links children with sports teams to group of children on the 23rd Psalm. He of his life. He still endures numerous improve the quality of life for these noticed that one of the little boys seemed hospital stays for simple illnesses and children with brain tumors. Next up for Humor disquieted by the phrase “Surely, goodness continues to have follow-up visits at St. Nicholas is his Eagle Scout project. and mercy will follow me all the days of my Jude. Any order will do life...” Nicholas joined the Cub Scouts in Teresa Rector is program coordinator for A confirmation student “What’s wrong with that, Johnny?” the first grade and has challenged himself to Collierville (Tenn.) UMC and chaplain of preacher asked. keep up with other Scouts his age while Troop 452. Amy Carter is the mother of was asked to list the Ten “Well,” answered Johnny, “I understand facing coordination, stamina, and health Nicholas. Commandments in any order. He about having goodness and mercy, for God wrote, “3, 6, 1, 8, 4, 5, 9, 2, 10, 7. is good. But I’m not sure I’d like Shirley following me around all the time.”

22 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 23 Hog Father boosts hunger-relief effort One failure In a blog about his experience of he Rev. Nathaniel Long, a North living only on the “Stop Hunger Now” Georgia pastor who calls himself 4 for 40 food, Long wrote that his only failure TThe Hog Father, celebrated his 49th “We call ourselves the ‘4 for 40,’” came during a trip to Disney World birthday by riding his motorcycle 451 Long said. where he had no way to heat the miles to the Tennessee and Alabama The clergymen’s unusual diet drew contents. borders. attention and funding to the Raleigh, “Trust me, this Stop Hunger Now He describes himself as an out-of- N.C. organization that has already food is pretty good hot,” Long said, shape and over-fed pastor of a rural distributed 43 million meals to hungry Participants in a LaGrange (Ga.) “but I just can’t do it cold.” church. However, on this trip, he was people around the world. packaging event With financial gifts hovering around feeling a good deal healthier and lighter. Members of the clergymen’s four $5,000, Senoia United Methodist UM congregations pledged $1.50 a Long and three other United Founded by Ray Buchanan Church — Long’s congregation — Methodist clergymen in Georgia, had day during Lent to fund four packaging The Rev. Ray Buchanan, a Marine packaged 10,000 meals on June 1. been living only on Stop Hunger Now events where dry ingredients were Corps veteran and a United Methodist Another event was held at a nearby packages during the 40 days of Lent. poured into plastic packages. clergyman, founded the international middle school where two groups of The international organization provides The events provided a total of hunger-relief group in 1998. He was 100 sixth-graders each worked for 90 prepackaged food for hungry people for 50,000 meals that were distributed by also the founder and co-director of the minutes pouring ingredients into plastic 25 cents a day. Stop Hunger Now. Society of St. Andrew, a Virginia-based packages, sealing the packs and placing food-relief organization for the United them in shipping boxes for an additional States. Both hunger-relief agencies 10,000 meals. are partner organizations with the Birthday meditation Commission on United Methodist Men. Long, the father of five children Stop Hunger Now packets are easily ranging from 7 to 24, says his birthday transported, and they have a shelf life of ride gave him time to reflect on why five years. Contents are boiled in water people have failed to do anything about for 20 minutes. The rice, soy, dehydrated the 925 million hungry people in the vegetables and 21 vitamins and minerals world. in each plastic packet provide six “Most of the time our lack of nutritious meals at 25 cents per serving. effort in ending the plight of world “During my birthday ride, I stopped hunger is not indifference, selfishness, at a store to look at my map when the hard-heartedness, hate or any negative owner of a red Harley with a trailer in action,” Long said. “It is usually due tow approached me,” Long said. “The simply to the fact that we live our lives fellow cyclist asked about the Stop with blinders on. We live, sleep, work, Hunger Now logos on my bike.” play (and) relate in a place where we Long told his fellow motorcyclist all are usually untouched by the realities of about the organization and his fast. others around the world. The man, a firefighter, asked Long “One of the things I love about Stop for his card and the address of the Stop Hunger Now is that the solution to the Hunger Now website. He does not know hunger in the world already exists; we whether the fellow cyclist contributed to just have to decide to make it a reality,” the effort. he added. “And you and I can do that “I had a wonderful time,” Long one child, one meal and one-quarter at said upon his 11 p.m. arrival back at his a time.” home in Senoia, Ga.

24 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 25 for the homeless,” said Duncan. “Plus church DE PERE, Wis.— members make all of the meals and host the Church forges partnership with families experiencing poverty as they get back on track with their lives and learn to live Bulgarian congregation independently.” Members of New Hope UMC in De Pere, Wis., had only been worshipping together for a year when they forged a partnership with a UM CHARLOTTE, N.C.— congregation in Russe, Bulgaria. Men sing before NBA game The church sent teams to Russe in 2008 and Men of St. Mark’s UMC sang the national 2009. In 2009, the Wisconsin church hosted a anthem prior to a March game between the team from Russe. For the past three Christmas Charlotte Eves, the two congregations have worshipped Bobcats and together via Skype with video cameras in each the Portland sanctuary. Trailblazers at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte. Ter- rance Little is the choir president and Kenny Leonard is the director. District Superintendent George Thompson and St. Mark’s members were there to applaud.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.— Young members of a church in Russe, MONTGOMERY, Ala.— ARLINGTON, Va.— Bulgaria, wave greetings to their friends at Sixteen UM churches work on 60 Boy Scouts host Kansas Senator New Hope UMC in DePere, Wis. projects Shrove Tuesday speaks to UM Men Two thousand members of 16 UM congregations pancake supper in Virginia MURFREESBORO, Tenn.— U.S. Senator Pat Roberts worked on 60 projects during their second annual Boy Scout Troop 167 of Men assemble hand-driven carts Great Day of Service. Church members planted and his wife, Frankie, Mt. Olivet UMC hosted a UM Men at Trinity UMC hosted a district PET a garden behind the Friendship Mission while attend Aldersgate UMC in Shrove Tuesday pancake (Personal Energy others served the Montgomery Area Council on Alexandria while congress dinner. Transport) project. Aging, Gift of Life, is in session. The Kansas U.S. Senator After breakfast and Family Sunshine senator was the speaker Pat Roberts a brief devotion by Center, Brant- GRAND HAVEN, Mich.— at a May dinner sponsored Ingram Howard, wood Children’s by UM Men. Church receives award from Presi- president of UM Home, Habitat for dent Obama AIKEN, S.C.— Men of the Ten- Humanity, and The UMC of the Dunes received the President’s Men build eight ramps a year nessee Conference, Child Protect of Volunteer Service Award along with a signed let- Men of St. John’s UMC have built at least eight the men assembled Montgomery. ter from President Barack Obama. wheel-chair ramps every year for the last 25 10 carts that were “The church has been a strong proponent of years. Some of the funds for the Jack Meeks shipped to Africa. SELLERSBURG, Ind.— voluntarism and welcoming community members Memorial Ramp Ministry are raised at an an- The event was co- Church presents three awards by hosting the Family Promise program, building nual golf tournament. ordinated by Gary Sellersburg UMC presented Cross and Flame Habitat homes, working with the People Sup- The average ramp costs about $700 for Johnson, president Awards to three fathers of Eagle Scouts. Pastor per House, and participating in the Coast Guard pressure-treated lumber and hardware, said of Murfreesboro Carts made by UM Men Richard P. Werle presented the awards to David Festival,” said the Rev. Dan Duncan, pastor. Midge Rothrock of St. John’s UMC. Golf tour- District UM Men. in Murfreesboro are sent to Africa through Pickel, Dwight Eirod and Darryl Moore. “Our church provides food, shelter, shower naments raise between $7,500 and $10,000. facilities, spiritual support, and donated goods Columbia, Mo.-based PET International.

26 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 27 OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.— PLEASANT GROVE, Ala.— PHILADELPHIA, Pa.— commissioners: two represent one party and Church packs 144,580 meals Blessed to help Conference members leave with the third represents the other political party. At a second packaging event, the UM Church “We are blessed to be able to help others,” Each commissioner serves a four-year term of the Servant assembled 144,580 Stop Hunger said Bill Sadberry, 74, a volunteer at Pleasant potatoes and may be reelected. There are no term Now meals on Sunday, April 10. Grove UMC command center following April Members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual limits. “We shut down Sunday school, but not tornadoes. Conference left the meeting with bags of potatoes in their trunk for local food pantries. church,” said Scott Smith, the church’s director REDLANDS, Calif.— of discipleship. UM Men of the conference distributed 50,000 Church of the Servant had its first Stop pounds of potatoes to conference members Seventy men attend retreat Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the General Hunger Now event on March 7, 2010. Some and Philabundance, a Philadelphia food bank. Commission on UM Men, spoke to 70 men 500 volunteers assembled just over 101,000 of the California-Pacific Annual Conference meals. This year, event leaders raised $35,000 attending a retreat on Armed Forces Day. for meals and recruited more than 1,300 The one-day event included devotions by the volunteers for packing day. They worked in four Rev. Bau Dang, superintendent of the River- shifts from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. A tornado flattened Pleasant Grove, Ala. side District, and greetings by Richard Kim, Dozens of tornadoes spawned by a powerful conference president. ODESSA, Fla.— storm system wiped out entire towns across Scout builds promotion bridge a wide swath of the South, killing hundreds. Daniel AP Photo by Greg Bluestein Nusekabel, a member Storms destroyed entire neighborhoods Ross Brightwell, president of Eastern of Van Dyke and killed more than 330 people. In Pleasant Pennsylvania Conference UM Men, accepts UMC in Grove, volunteers remained in the field on delivery of 50,000 potatoes during the Tampa, led Sunday, and only came by the church for a hot Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference. Troop 339 lunch. Photo by Suzy Keenan* in building “We can either be in church, or be the a promo- church,” said Denny Nissley, founder of Christ Dan Nusekabel, a leader of The Rev. Nancy Grissom Self tion bridge in Action, a volunteer group that specializes in TOWAMENCIN, Pa.— Troop 339, hammers home and the Rev. Dr. Lewis Fry, officiate at a at the Girl disaster recovery. County commissioner raps Scouts USA a point to his fellow scouts closing communion service during a May 21 building a promotion bridge at a politicians rally at First UMC of Redlands. regional Girl Scouts headquarters. Cinnaminson, NJ— Montgomery County Commissioner Bruce office in Castor Jr., said he makes decisions based Odessa. Asbury men engage in dry-land upon his Christian faith. PINEVILLE, La. Members of the Van Dyke congregation later synchronized swim event “A person of faith worries that God is Church raises funds for Strength awarded Daniel a Good Samaritan Award. In support of the Asbury UMC 200th anniver- looking over his shoulder and does the cor- sary celebration, men of Asbury UMC put on a rect thing,” he told UM Men of Christ UMC in for Service books dry-land version of a synchronized swim team. Towamencin. On July 3, as part of the Fourth of July week- DOVER, Del.— end, UM Men asked persons attending three Men portray the lesser disciples The church family was held in hysterical Castor is in his 26th year as a Montgom- laughter at the sight of the six man team’s ery County employee and he now serves as a worship services for funds to send copies of Men of Wesley UMC portrayed “Lesser choreographed antics based on the theme county commissioner. He said many politi- Strength for Service to God and Country to Disciples” in a play written by the Rev. Charles music from Chariots of Fire and other cians make decisions based on what is politi- members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The men Goodin. John the Baptist and the Apostle classical pieces. There will never be anything cally correct or what would benefit a friend or raised $735. Paul were featured along with other lesser like it for another 100 years. Search You Tube crony rather than what is right. UM Men President David Tassin says the known men who appeared at various times for Asbury UMM to see the full show. “In my career, I have seen the worst group also donated 70 copies of the historic during Jesus’ preaching, teaching and healing things that people can do” said Castor. “We book of daily devotions to local firefighter, ministry. need to take the talents that we are given to emergency medical workers and police offi- better ourselves and our community.” cers on Sept. 11, the tenth anniversary of the The Republican commissioner explained that attack on the World Trade Center. Montgomery County is governed by three

28 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 29 MONTGOMERY, Ala.— GRAPEVINE, Texas— ROANOKE, Va. — The first luncheon was hosted Aug. 24, Church hosts fellowship for Men sponsor activities with the Virginia Conference men launch 2010. Six people attended. By the summer of 2011, the church was serving 110 people. motorcycle riders Wakanda Nation Disciple Bible prison ministry Frazer Memorial UMC sponsors the “Iron Men” of First UMC provide dads During the 2011 session of the Virginia OMAHA, Neb.— Fellowship of Christian Riders, a group that and their children an opportunity to ride Annual Conference, Jim Green, conference conducts a couple of motorcycle rides each horses and shoot arrows as members of the president of UM Men, introduced Mark Scout leader and musician month. After-church rides are short and Wakanda Nation. Hicks, the founder and president of Disciple honored by columnist Saturday rides are longer. Outreach ministries. This ministry equips laity Von R. Trimble, a member of Clair Memorial to lead Bible study sessions in state prisons UMC, a lifetime EMS member and a scout- and suggests ways to help inmates prepare master, was honored by Janice Gilmore, a for life after their release. columnist for the Omaha World Herald. She noted that Trimble played in the Duke El- lington band at age 15. At age 16, he played with Lionel Hampton, and he also played with Miles Davis. Dads get the Caddos tribe ready to ride. A graduate of Omaha University (now the University of Nebraska at Omaha), Trimble worked for the government for 34 years, In April, some 90 bikers participated in The nation has programs for children in many of them as a Social Security supervisor. kindergarten through the 5th grade. the fourth annual Blessing-of-the-Bikes He is a 50-year volun- Young girls belong to the Ponies Tribe of the ceremony. The Rev. Tim Thompson, senior teer for the Boy Scouts, Indian Princesses program, and boys belong pastor of the 8,500-member congregation, serving as a scoutmas- to the Caddos Tribe of the Indian Guides Virginia Conference officials sign an agreement and the Rev. Patrick Quinn, teaching pastor, ter, cubmaster, district program. with Disciple Bible Outreach while Mark Hicks chairman, and chairman gave each rider a pin fashioned as a compass First UMC also hosts a Boy Scout troop (left), founder of the prison ministry, and Gil with the word “Blessed” at the bottom. and a Cub Scout pack. The church was Hanke (right) observe the signing. of the Eagle Board of awarded a Shepherd Church Charter Recogni- Review. tion for its youth programs. Gilmore concludes her LINCOLN, Neb.— Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the column, “But of all the General Commission on UM Men, addressed wonderful ways Trimble UM Men report rings the bell GREAT FALLS, Va.— Dave Mendyk, president of Nebraska Confer- the gathering about the partnership between has served in the com- UM Men and the prison ministry. munity, my favorite is his ence UM Men, gave a report to the annual Troop produces 103 Eagle Von R. Trimble conference meeting in Lincoln. Scouts A partnership agreement was signed to being my Sunday school “As Gil Hanke and I finished speaking by Boy Scout Troup 673, sponsored by men of officially start the program in Virginia. teacher!” asking to be allowed as a partner in ministry Great Falls UMC since 1962, has produced A similar partnership agreement was to men, someone in the back began yelling, 103 Eagle Scouts. Several Eagle projects signed during the Memphis, Tennessee, and XENIA, Ohio— Holston Annual Conference sessions. ‘Fire alarm!’” said Mendyk. “’We have to improved the church property. Men plant crop for food pantry clear the building.’ In 2011, Matthew Morgan organized a John W. Sherer, a member of Faith Community “Some drywall work had created a cloud team to upgrade the landscape at the church OCALA, Fla.— UMC, says the idea came during a district of dust that set off the alarm. It gave us all 20 and Tommy Grant refurbished the church’s Church provides meals for meeting of UM Men. minutes to think about that UM Men report.” picnic area. homeless Men of Faith Community planted five After conference members returned, rows of pota- Bishop Ann Scherer-Simpson said, “Well, SAINT FRANCISVILLE, La.— First UMC of Ocala provides clothing, toi- letries, gas cards and other services to the toes, and 40 David, I guess we could say, ‘You really rang Song inspired by Joe Kelley tomato plants. the bell,’ or ‘You really lit a fire under us.’” The choir of Saint Francisville UMC surprised homeless every Monday. On Tuesdays, the church serves them lunches. Produce was Joe Kelley with a song written in his honor. delivered to Ron McLemore wrote the words and music Scott Bolin, president of the UM Men, and volunteer John Simpson organized teams the Xenia Fish to “Has Anybody Told You That They Love You Pantry. Today.” Those who know Kelley also know of men to come in on Sundays to make the the source of McLemore’s inspiration. soup. George Heubeck, 91, is one of the volunteers.

30 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 31 MUNCIE, Ind.— DIXON, Ill.— Bishop presents award of Men hold workdays at Camp Scouts become brothers with Uganda troop excellence Reynoldswood Indiana Area Bishop Michael Coyner Men of Kirkland UMC and DeKalb District presented the had chainsaws and chop saws working ATLANTA, Ga. –– had no bathroom Bishop’s Award at full power on three Saturdays at Camp welve Scouts of St. facilities. of Excellence Reynoldswood. James UMC Troop Scouts from both to Troop 276, To see the men in action, pay a visit to T370 left Atlanta nations mixed mortar chartered by You Tube (http://youtu.be/CjfDYewYrG4) for Uganda two and laid bricks under Castleton UMC “It takes an army of willing folks all using days after Christmas, the watchful eyes of of Indianapolis. their gifts and graces (and power tools) to 2010. Lukojjo villagers. The presenta- be a good of one of God’s great gift The troop served It wasn’t all work. tion was made during the Indiana Annual of creation,” said Scott Brooks, president of as trailblazers for The boys also camped Conference session in Muncie. DeKalb District UM Men. a new “Bridges of at the Humble School, “Thanks Scott and your army of work- Mission” initiative of went on a safari in CHESTER, Ill.— ers at Reynoldswood,” said Bruce Nelson, the North Georgia Conference. Queen Elizabeth National Park, and director of retreat and outdoor ministries for The initiative is designed to join hiked the Mountains of the Moon. The Fifty years of providing Northern Illinois Conference. “The camp looks American church groups with those work and activities helped form lifetime scholarships great and the windows are finished on the abroad. Troop 370 named its part of the friendships among the Scouts from both For the 50th year in a row, UM Men of First inside now.” initiative, “Scouting Bridges: Uganda.” nations. UMC in Chester presented local students with WICHITA, Kan.— The 12 boys expected a week of scholarships to attend college. The 2011-2012 activities with a small troop from the recipients are: Gary McDaniel, Adam Lutz and Men honor spiritual fathers Humble School in Lukojjo. Upon their Molly Herschbach. “Our goal at Calvary UMC is spiritual arrival, however, they were met by scores The scholarship program began in 1962 reproduction,” said George Houle, a men’s of Scouts from throughout the Mukono as a memorial to Jerry Lamkin, a member of ministry specialist. District. First UMC who was killed in an auto acci- The church honored Shawn Chastain “The Bridges program allows dent. Records are not available prior to 1983; as a “spiritual father” and Mike Wood as a participants to engage in a deeper however, since that year, men of Chester “spiritual grandfather.” Houle said the recog- relationship and understand the have presented 57 Lamkin scholarships to 44 nition is awarded every Father’s Day to men perspective of the foreign Scout, his or Twelve Scouts and their leaders from Uganda students totaling $18,750. who “lead us in the pursuit of God, show her typical life activities, Scout activities, sing for the June session of North Georgia persistence rather than perfection, teach, challenges and opportunities.” said Troop Conference in Athens. The Scouts came to COLEMAN, Texas— guide, mentor and support us through God’s 370 Scoutmaster Harry Evans. “The image the conference at the invitation of Scouts Coleman men help paint presence in our lives. of a bridge was chosen for the program from St. James UMC. Valera church “Mike has provided Calvary UMC with name because bridges are points of Thirty members of five congregations in four music on or- connection.” Twelve Uganda Scouts returned the communities repainted the 104-year-old gan, piano and Evans said the Ugandan Boy Scout visit in June, and 48 Atlanta Scouts will go building of Valera (Texas) UMC. UM Men of just about any program is very different from those in to Uganda in December. First UMC in Coleman participated in the other key board the United States. American Boy Scouts .“We really see this program as an four-hour project and provided lunch for the instrument focus on teaching service, good character example of what scouting in the 21st workers. for 25 years. and leadership. Ugandan Scouts learn century can be,” said Evans “––a blurring He has been about survival, sustainable farming and of borders between countries and Calvary UMC in Wichita, playing since preventing disease. continents and sharing the core values Kan., honors Shawn Chastain he was 12,” (left) and Mike Wood with Scouts in both nations value service that scouting has across the world.” said Houle. Spiritual Fathers Awards. to their communities, keeping God at the Bishop Daniel Wandabula of the East “Shawn also center of life and being an active part of a Africa Area told the team, “I’m grateful has been part worldwide organization. to see our young people in the Scout of worship music all his life, and has directed American and Ugandan Scouts movement… we need to know more choirs of all ages at Calvary for nearly a worked together to build a latrine for a about each other and what God is calling decade.” 70-year-old woman and her family who us to do.”

32 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 33 Austin District UMM president aids tsunami victims A few words about my dad hip Sparks, president of the Austin time that I returned home on April 28th, District UM Men, served as logistic we had shipped over 250 million gallons By Deborah Chandler Cplanner for U.S. Military efforts to of water and 100 tons of food, in addition aid victims of the massive tsunami that to the fuel, shelters and blankets to the devastated the eastern shore of Honshu affected areas.” y father died on Fathers Day, June Fellows. I made my first donation and (the main island of Japan). Service members living near the M18, 1995, at the age of 63. committed that I would continue to “In Fukishima Since Christmas, 1995, I have make donations. I asked that my father my role as Daiichi honored his memory with twice-a-year be made a fellow in memory. The men a logistics nuclear donations to the Society of John Wesley in Nashville agreed. planner, I power plant Fellows Difficult assignment was asked wore personal Over the years, I have received I was asked to write the information to come dosimeters phone calls from different men at the for this article over six months ago. on duty to to monitor United Methodist Men’s Foundation in While I was committed to the idea, I assist in the their radiation Nashville. The call always goes the same was overwhelmed with how I would 24 hour exposure, The way. They express their gratitude for my communicate the essence of the manning Marine Corps donations and continued support of the incredible man I called “Dad.” I sought of the Joint Chemical men’s ministry. And, they ask about the inputs from my dad’s minister, several Logistics Biological man that inspired his daughter to honor of his friends in the church, and the Operations Incident him in this way. This past year, I was A fishing boat is noticeably out of place after being members of my family. Despite receiving Center,” Response asked to write about my father. This is swept ashore during a massive tsunami that devastated inputs, I learned no one else had the Sparks Force was my attempt to respond to that request. Ofunato, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication words either. reported also sent But to tell this story, I must tell you two Specialist 1st Class Matthew M. Bradley. My father was Joe Chandler, born at the UM to monitor truths. May 29, 1932 on a Tennessee farm near Men Austin radiation. First, it was never my idea to Shiloh National Park. He described his District website (http://www.gbgm-umc. The situation at the reactors fortunately make these donations. My father’s last childhood as both org/austinumm/japan.html). improved and the Marines were able to Christmas was in 1994. That year, he happy and poor. “We were responsible for receiving, return home. asked his three children to skip the While he believed validating, scheduling, tracking, and There are over 80,000 U.S. military traditional gifts. Instead, he asked that education was his distributing all of the U.S. humanitarian service members and families in Japan. we make donations to the Society means to a brighter assistance to the citizens of Japan. By the of John Wesley Fellows. You see, he wanted to be a fellow, but he wanted future, he didn’t the donations to be the gift of his have that option. He children. He asked for no more birthday joined the Marine Venture UMBERLAND, Ind. ––George CMorrell, a scouting ministry gifts, Father’s Day gifts, or Christmas Corps and served Crew specialist, began a Venture gifts. He just wanted to be remembered his country for nine focuses Crew focused on music. Crew in donations. Well, we did what most years. Shortly after member down load free play- adult children might do. We ignored him enlisting, he married on music my mother. While along material from PlayJazzNow. and bought gifts anyway. Joe Chandler com. “The pastor, Rev. Jeff Mair, When the first Christmas without they were high school has been very supportive,” says out him rolled around, I knew what I sweethearts, her parents were too strict Morrell. “There is a possibility needed to do. I contacted his minister to allow them to date. A few years later, that Venture Crew 372 could and asked for his help in finding out my sister was born. Still in the military, rejuvenate the high school youth group which dissolved. about the Society of John Wesley my dad started to attend college.

34 l Fall 2011 l UM MEN UM MEN l Fall 2011 l 35 “Get your education. It is the one Men’s Club in First UMC of Park Ridge, thing you can never lose and it can Ill. The program included regular never be taken away from you.” breakfast meetings with devotions, announcements and a program. “Don’t do anything that you Community leaders or prominent church wouldn’t want to read about on the leaders were regular speakers. My father front page of the Chicago Tribune.” served as the president from 1992- “You have to embrace diversity. 1993. He was an active member until his We share a lot in common with the death. Jewish people --- it starts with the While these facts describe the Old Testament”. (His response when events, they don’t describe the man. He I told him I would marry a Jewish was many things to many people. In the man. He signed all his cards and Joe Chandler expresses obvious pride Marine Corps, he was the embodiment letters to my husband, “Shalom, in his Blue Bird daughter, Deborah. Deborah feeds her daddy some cake on of the Marine Corps values: honor, Joe”.) her first birthday. “My dad would have courage, and commitment. In his career, eaten anything off of his kids’ fingers just he was an example and inspiration of “You have always been very kind “I thank God each day for you, to make them smile,” said Deborah. “ ethics in business for the young people and considerate of your mother and Arnold, Connie & Kevin, Michael My mom?––Let’s just say she has better he mentored and trained. Integrity was me. It’s too bad that every father and for Mary and ask for guidance taste.” the most common word used when hasn’t had a daughter just like you, but then God only made one and I and strength to walk daily the life his coworkers talked about him at his Eventually with the help of the GI bill am blessed that you are part of my that our creator would have us to memorial service. walk. We Methodist believe that and my mother working full-time, he life”. (Written to me in a card) In the UM Men’s group, he this sanctification, that is spiritual graduated with a degree in business. was remembered for his conviction, growth and development is a Soon after, the family moved to “Things at work may be difficult, dedication and persuasion. He was a but you are a great person and lifelong process. It is a journey that Chicago and he started what would natural organizer who brought men have a lot to give any employer. contains a lot of love along with be a successful 30 year career as an together. To my mother, he was loyal. I If the company is one tenth the trials and tribulations but grow as investment banker selling municipal used to tell my friends that my parents corporation I think they are, they a people and family we must or we bonds for John Nuveen &Company. were like peanut butter and jelly –– will let you express your ideas, take miss our true opportunity in life. It is not so much what we have as Soon, I was born followed by my you can’t have one without the other. many of your suggestions and grow who we are and what we are that brother. When I was in 3rd grade, my He loved her, encouraged her and with you. You have some wonderful counts.” (Written in a letter) dad said, “It’s your mom’s turn.” With remained a united front in raising three experience and the future is yours. Simply go for it all. I have confidence his encouragement and support, my children together. To his children, he mother started attending community in you and others will just have to I was 4 years old when my dad was Dad. He taught us to live by his taught me to tie my shoes. He said, college. She received her master’s make room for you.” (Written in a values, learn from his mistakes, and “There are two ways you can learn degree the year before I completed letter) take responsibility for our actions. He to tie your shoes. I will show you college. made each of us feel secure, loved and “You are a stunning couple: well both and then you can decide which My father battled heart disease treasured for our unique characteristics. educated, good jobs, and families way you want to do it”. Of course, for over 15 years. He had two bypass Despite all that I have written, my who love you very much. Together, after he taught me “wrap around surgeries, a stroke, and died of a heart words fail to capture the man. So, I you each have a very special friend the loop and pull the bunny through attack. Both the pain and limitations offer some of his words. to help you to travel down life’s trails with. My the hole,” he said, “Let me show you the other way just in case you of his health drove him to explore and understand why I honor his memory love and respect for each of you runs change your mind.” understand his faith. through donations to the Society of deep and true, and if ever either Shortly after his retirement, my John Wesley Fellows. of you need me, I want to be here father organized The United Methodist for you.” (Written shortly after my husband and I were married)

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Four men commissioned as men’s ministry specialists Editor: RichPeck adviser on a two-year spiritual growth plan. spiritual-gifts assessment prior to working withwrite an about their spiritual history and complete Spirituala Fathers Behind but he returned to the church following the birth eighth year as pastor of the two-point Coldwater Development at Vanderbilt Divinity School. UM Men and the Turner Center for Church history and a safe-sanctuary course. complete an on-line course in UMC polity and experience and a lay speaker course. They ertificationmust alsoin a No for Manthe Leftmen’s Behind Leadershipministry specialist Training takes 12-18 months. Candidates must participate F T SENATOBIA, Miss. — Rickey Haynes churchesour persons expand have their recently ministries completed to men. these requirements and are available to help local ministry in their areas. prepare a 3-to-5 year strategy to strengthenll men’scandidateswith their aredistrict asked superintendentsto consult with intheir order to UM Men conference and district presidents along andidates are asked to read Memphis Theological Seminary, is now in his he Rev. Rickey Haynes, a M.Div. graduate of specialists by the General Commission on our men have been certified a men’s ministry October/November/December 2011 C F A C by Man in the Mirror Ministries and by Dan Schaffer. They are asked to while he was in college,aynes says he congregational activities briefly separated from local pastor. is presently classified as a ince Haynes also Farm Credit System, he works as an appraiser for Mississippi. Charge in northwest H S No Man Left ministries. Man intheMirror the Texas representative oftheFlorida-based grow in the Lord Jesus Christ,” says Haynes.that my family had the opportunity to know and the need to be part of the church and make certainof his first child. “At that point in life, I understood Wesley Group atthe groups alongwitha two men’s Bible study He in alsoparticipates “Jesus intheGospels”. “Christian Believer” and e hascompleted Study coursesalongwith three DISCIPLEBible E STAFFORD, Texas –– Edgar H. Case forward as a men’s ministry specialist.” has a heart for men’s ministry and is eager Ramsey,to moveIt was a anmember honor of to the conduct evaluation the final team. “He interview with the Rev. Rickey Haynes,” said Dave Methodist Church,” he says. the church universal, but especially the United among men is a key to revival and renewalaynes inserves convinced as treasurer some timeof Mississippi ago that revival and renewal Conference United Methodist Men. “I became Coldwater and Arkabutla churches. served for 11 years prior to his appointment to thetwo churches in the Mississippi Delta where he years in that congregation, he was appointed to Senatobia United Methodist Church. After two His first appointment was as an associate pastorboth of as a layperson and later as a clergyperson.e received as a acall leader to theof “Emmaus”ministry following and “Chrysalis” a weekends1984 “Walk to Emmaus”, and he has since served UMC inSugar Land, Texas, nowas serves dgar H.Case,a17-year memberofFirst H “ H H P.O. Box 340006 •Nashville, TN 37203-0006 Please sendMensNews submissionsto: Rich Peck Volume 47,No. 4 [email protected] Sugar Land church. I had read scriptural texts from several religions women’s shelter in a How to lead men’s ministry Case is in his 10th year as a teacher of 4th and occult groups and had been extremely critical nearby community and By Greg Arnold and 5th grade Sunday school classes. He is a of Christians but had never read the Bible,” says helped others restore member of the men’s ministry leadership team, Draughon. “I read through the New Testament the Leigh Cottage at the t shouldn’t surprise anyone that most men who are elected to lead men’s ministry within a church usually find out about their new prestigious and he served as lay leader for prayer at two in about two weeks and then took nearly two UM Children’s Home in I position with a phone call like this: different times. He co-led a men’s prayer ministry years to struggle through the Old Testament. Decatur after the cottage “Hey Jim! Guess what? You were just selected to be the head honcho of group, and chaired the Finance Committee and That was the beginning of an amazing journey of was destroyed by fire. Sears our men’s ministry, congratulations!” the Caring-Forever Endowment Fund at the faith, including taking and leading DISCIPLE also serves as vice president To which Jim replies: “Who is this?” Sugar Land church. Bible studies, and walking and teaming in the for local missions for North The exceptions to the rule are those communities of faith who have a An active member of Sugar Land T-3 Tidewater Emmaus Community.” Georgia Conference UM dedicated men’s pastor or an upstart that doesn’t have to wade through the Ministry (Titus 3:1-2), Case helps put together Draughon has also been involved in Officer’s Men. “that’s-not-how-we-to-do-things-here” crowd. sack lunches to distribute to the homeless. He has Christian Fellowship of the USA since 1983; that A graduate of the Many well-established churches struggle with men’s ministry because also completed chaplaincy training through the organization of Christian military officers first led Georgia Institute of of the recitation of long lists of failures that a faithful few offer as excuses. Oil Patch Chaplains organization that provides him to study the Bible. Technology with a bachelor Few success stories are shared. On the other hand, upstart communities short-term emotional and spiritual support He has served as president of the local in electrical engineering and church plants tend to have vital men’s ministries because they don’t to those who have experienced trauma in the church and district units of UM Men, and he is and a master of science bring any baggage to the tables. upstream oil business. a member of the Virginia Conference UM Men in electrical engineering, Guard against only reporting failures. “I believe the most significant challenge Board. He is also a regular attendee of annual Sears served for 39 years Dare to challenge the status quo and always question whether or not facing the church today is to help men retreats at Blackstone, Va., as a discussion leader, in various technical and your intentions are rightly placed. understand the critical importance of being song leader and soloist. He also attended national managerial roles for the Let’s look at how Jesus Christ led ministry. the spiritual leader that God designed them to men’s gatherings in 1989, 2001 and 2005. Georgia Tech Research • He began his ministry by building relationships––not programs be,” said Case. “We need to give men the tools Dr. J. Thomas Laney Jr., associate director Institute. • He lived as an example by practicing what he preached • He challenged the “this-is-how-we’ve-always-done-it” crowd and spiritual encouragement to become the of the Turner Center, said Draughon’s personal “At the end of college, • He never backed down from defending God’s word and intention strong disciples God wants them to be in their faith story “is a compelling one that enables Beverly Miller and I were • He invested in those around him with teaching homes, their jobs, their neighborhoods, and their him to reach out to men with a wider variety of married in 1966,” says • He ministered to the hurting, the widows, the orphans, and the outcast communities.” backgrounds––even those who have experienced Sears. “Beverly was a • He empowered those around him to lead “I believe Ed’s vigor and love of Jesus Christ alienation from church.” United Methodist who Did you notice that I left off his miracles and his divine attributes? This is the infusion that we need as a men’s ministry couldn’t handle the worship is to encourage you to see what a men’s ministry leader can do. specialist,” said Dan Ramsey, a member of the Bud Sears style of the Baptists. So In addition, consider how many disciples were on his leadership team? team assessing candidates for the position. SUWANEE, Ga. –– I joined Buford First Were the few men successful? Uh… yes. Quite successful. illiam E. (Bud) Sears III, a member of United Methodist Church Men tend to measure success by numbers. And men in western culture Johnnie Draughon WSuwanee First UMC, is a M.Div. candidate with the full intention of quantify success by numbers “right now.” VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –– at Asbury Theological Seminary. evangelizing that group”. Disappointment is the only result that follows head counts at meetings. ohnnie Draughon, a member of Community During the past 38 years, Sears has served, He jokes that all Baptists • Instead, count how many: JUMC in Virginia Beach, is director of Lay at different times, in in those days knew that all • Children and hungry you fed Speaking Ministries for the Virginia Annual various roles at Suwanee Methodists were “headed • Homeless you sheltered Conference. First, including minister of straight for hell.” He was • Families that have re-engaged in the church In the 1960s Draughon said he left home music, adult Sunday school disabused of that belief in • People you’ve served and bought totally into class teacher, task force short order after joining the • People who have committed to follow Christ drugs, sex and the rock- leader in the development UMC in 1968. There are thousands of men’s ministry groups within the church that have a good attendance––but zero outreach. And there are just as many and-roll culture. “For about of a safe-sanctuaries policy, Sears is a recent groups that are transforming their communities with just a few dudes who 16 years my goal was to put chair of the missions graduate of the UM have a passion for serving others. as much distance between committee, lay member of Licensing School for myself and Christians as I the North Georgia Annual Pastoral Ministry and Greg Arnold is a deployed staff member of the General possible could.” Conference, and president is currently awaiting an Commission on UM Men, based in Vancleave, Miss. That attitude changed 30 of the local UM Men appointment as a part-time ([email protected]). years ago when Draughon organization. local pastor in the North met Marilyn, his future The men’s ministry at Suwanee First has Georgia Conference. wife. “Through that relationship I realized that spent time and money upgrading a battered

42 43 Awards presented to UM men He also led the annual men’s and couples Florida Marvin Little and Ed Yancey Conference Retreat for 28 years. A record 58 Mandarin Men honored at recognition banquet Bishop William W. Morris the Altoona men’s organization. men attended in 2010. GREENVILLE, N.C. –– Church honors retired bishop Today, the group is a charted UM Men unit “Dan is more than a great Christian leader in M Men of St. James UMC held a recognition NASHVILLE, Tenn. — that continues monthly breakfasts while adding our church family and in our community,” said Jim Ubanquet where they honored deceased members McClellan. “He is a great friend and an inspiration that ordon Memorial UMC presented Bishop William church-wide luncheons, Easter sunrise breakfasts Les Garner and Herschel Williams, gave aprons and and outdoor tree lighting. The group also provides brings men closer to Christ.” certificates to members of the cooking crew and presented GW. Morris with a lifetime membership in UM financial support for the Boy Scouts, Heifer life memberships to Marvin Little and Ed Yancey. Men for serving as interim pastor. Dr. J.D.Landis and Pete Plum International and a food pantry. Little twice served as president of UM Men and has Robert Bostic, president of Gordon Men honor pastor and former president prior “Bill’s secret chili recipe, his picture taking skills, been the treasurer for many years. He has participated in Memorial UM Men and Bill to leaving city Bowen, president of the Nashville and his talent to nurture grocery-business contacts all work projects and cooked barbecue chicken for the St. SWARTZ CREEK, Mich. –– District UM Men. “Bishop Morris set a high bar for those of us who follow,” said James Spring Fling. M Men of Swartz Creek UMC presented life has done an excellent job as pastor Brian Cressey, president of Altoona UM Men. Yancey served as a member of the cooking crew before memberships to their pastor and to a former president of our church for the last nine Altoona men presented Skoog with a life U becoming president. When he moved from Greenville, he prior to each of their departures from the city. months. He has been a personal membership award. became an active member of UM Men in Centenary Prior to his June appointment to First UMC in inspiration to me and our men’s ministry,” said Bostick. UMC and Benson Memorial UMC. After returning Midland, Mich., UM Men honored the Rev. Dr. J.D. The bishop also served as interim general secretary District men honor female superintendent to Greenville in 1991, he rejoined the St. James UM Landis for 11 years of service to the Swartz Creek Church. for the General Commission on UM Men prior to the Michigan men present life membership Men and continues to serve the organization. During that time, the congregation increased from 350 to election of Gil Hanke. PORT HURON, Mich. –– 700 members. “In my 60 years in the Methodist Church, en of the Port Huron District I have never seen a more gracious servant of the Lord,” James Francis Wood presented the Rev. Joanne R. M said Bruce Lanning, president of UM Men. Fund raiser extraordinaire Bartelt with a life membership for The men also gave a life membership to Pete Plum her support of UM Men during RUIDOSO, N.M. –– who began an annual interdenominational community the two years she served in the eed money for a worthy cause? Call Jim Wood. As prayer breakfast. Some 300 men attended the event in district office. Npresident of the Optimist Club, Wood organized a each of the last four years. Plum left Swartz Creek to join Bartelt was appointed to the golf tournament to raise funds for local youth projects, his clergy wife who was appointed as a pastor in the Flint cabinet in 2009 while serving as and he organized a coat drive for underprivileged District. children. associate pastor of First UMC Joanne Bartelt in Ann Arbor. Her previous He used his same fund- Joe Klotz appointments were to St. Paul’s UM Men of St. James UMC honored six kitchen raising skills to help UM Men UM Men honor departing pastor build a community center that UMC and Gladstone Memorial UMC in Rochester. crew members with aprons. Left to right: Tom TOMS BROOK, Va. –– now provides space to tutor She is also chairperson of the Personnel Committee of Barrington, Woody Andrews, Dan Bishop, Robert rior to the Rev. Joseph Klotz’s 2011 appointment to a young people, a food area for Detroit Conference. Jessup, Reggie Davis, and Tildon Brittle. Photo by new church in the Roanoke area, UM Men of Toms the Ruidoso football team, and a P Sandra Harvey Brook UMC presented him with a life membership. meeting place for youth, senior Dan Stanley receives the Dan Stanley Award Following a work day at church, Jeff Delano, citizens, and community Church names award for first recipient Jim Wood president of the UM Men Joe Sipos organizations. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –– organization, surprised Men honor conference president “Jim is a man of faith,” said an Stanley of Mandarin UMC was named the the pastor with a Thomas Ross, president of UM Men of Community inaugural winner of the Mandarin UMC Man of LEWES, Del. — D certificate, card and pin. UMC. “His gravelly voiced response to almost any the Year Award for 2010. ethel UMC presented a life membership to “It was a tremendous request is, ‘Sure.’” Out of affection and appreciation, UM Men named BJoe Sipos, president of Peninsula-Delaware hit;” said Delano, “Joe Community UM Men presented Wood with a life the award after the first recipient. Conference UM Men from 1989 to 1993. was very much moved by membership award. A plaque and a crystal cross were Having attended every national gathering of the Holy Spirit, as were the group of men present.” presented after singing Happy UM Men since 1981, Sipos has also served as Klotz received a bachelor’s degree in electrical William Skoog Birthday to the surprised 90-year conference director of lay speaking and chair of engineering from Virginia Tech. After serving four years It started with breakfast old. the committee constructing a new building at in the First Infantry Division followed by graduation Dan and his wife, Meta, have led DES MOINES, Iowa –– from Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Gethsemane UMC in Seaford, Del. The Upper Room Bible Class for ill Skoog started attending Altoona UMC Va., he was ordained elder in 1984. He was appointed to over 25 years. Dan has led a weekly Bwhen he moved to the area in 1980. Shortly Toms Brook UMC in 2009. thereafter, he invited a few men to join him for men’s Bible study for 20 years and a weekly men’s prayer breakfast. That group later became the nucleus of group for 10 years.

44 45 Conference presidents of UM Men urge Volume 47, No. 4 churches to expand their ministries to men October/November/December 2011 Men file resolutions with the 2012 General Conference More than 100 volunteers help churches expand ministries to youth NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– oting that only 10 percent of churches Scouting ministry specialists come from many backgrounds, but they all share a Nmaintain vibrant men’s ministry desire to help churches expand ministries through youth-serving agencies. programs, conference presidents of United Methodist Men urge churches to utilize men’s ministry specialists and scouting ministry NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– to neighboring churches differ, but they all specialists to expand their ministries to men. he General Commission on UM Men has seek to help churches strengthen their ties with recruited and trained 110 persons to serve existing youth agencies and encourage churches Meeting last March in Nashville, T as scouting ministry specialists. without such ministries to begin them. members of the National Association of These olunteersv help churches view Hawaii Conference Presidents, agreed to send a scouting and other youth-serving agencies as resolution to the 2012 General Conference In Hawaii, previously ways to reach out to their communities and unchurched families are celebrating small groups of men who meet touch the lives of unchurched families. monthly for study, worship and fellowship, joining Kahalu’u UMC While many churches charter Boy as the result of their sons’ but declaring that “should be only be a Scout troops and host Girl Scout troops, participation in Boy Scout fraction of a local church’s effort to deepen 4-H clubs and Camp Fire USA groups, these Troop 117 or Cub Scout Pack the spiritual lives of men and to minister congregations sometimes view these groups 117. to men and young people without church as annoyances that make too much noise and “Not only have several families from homes.” Delegates to the 2008 General Conference meet create messes. the Scout units joined the church, the youth Noting an ABC poll that found that in a plenary session in Fort Worth. The National “I was told a true story by a friend,” said have revitalized other areas, including service only 32 percent of American men attend Association of Conference Presidents filed two petitions Gil Hanke, top staff executive of the General projects, music and youth leadership in church compared to 44 percent of American to the 2012 General Conference that will meet in Commission on UM Men. “It is one of the worship,” said Elwin Spray, district scouting Tampa, Fla. women, the men will ask the highest A UMNS photo by Paul Jeffrey. best worst illustrations of how churches view coordinator and a scouting ministry specialist. legislative body in the UMC to encourage Scout troops. “All of the clichés about advantages for youth “At the same meeting that a church un- pastors and district superintendents “to nuisances instead of ministry opportunities. involvement through church sponsorship of invited Scouts to use their building (they are utilize DVDs, on-line training, lay-speaking Local churches are reminded of a scouting are true.” courses, the services of men’s ministry loud, they are messy, and they are not church disciplinary requirement to charter a group kids) they heard a report from the education specialists, and other resources provided by Oklahoma of UM Men and they are encouraged to committee that there was rapid decline in the the General Commission on UM Men to As the first scouting ministry specialist in recruit persons to serve as scouting ministry number of youth attending the church.” expand the ministry to all men within and specialists and men’s ministry specialists. the Oklahoma Conference, Hanke also notes that every week Marvin White, helped beyond their congregations.” Lamenting the fact that churches have churches host racially diverse groups with First UMC in Moore Observing that the denomination has not always been supportive of female clergy, some unchurched members, but they seldom receive a Shepherd Church declined every year since the 1968 merger of the presidents also filed a General Conference view these groups (Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Charter Recognition, and the Methodist Church with the Evangelical petition urging men to welcome women to 4-H, Camp Fire, or Big Brother-Big Sisters) he presented five Scout United Brethren Church, the men declared the pulpits of their churches. The petition as part of their ministry. “What a missed leaders with Cross and churches could reach unchurched youth also asks local chapters of UM Men to invite opportunity!” Flame Awards, a first through Boy Scouts of America and other their female pastors to share in their studies Scouting ministry specialists try to help for the 2,300-member youth-serving organizations. Many churches and activities. churches understand the contradictions congregation. reluctantly provide spaces to these groups, inherent in such viewpoints. White is also updating the scouting but some faith communities regard these as The ways in which these volunteers relate ministry section of the church and UM Men

Editor: Larry Coppock Please send ScoutingNews submissions to: Larry Coppock OCYSA • P.O. Box 340006 • Nashville, TN 37203-0006 46 [email protected] websites. to young people through to grow exponentially by embracing the scouting White provides monthly articles about several youth-serving ministry specialists.” scouting in the church newsletter, and he has organizations. assumed responsibility for a church scouting “Scouting in my Ohio display that now includes the original 1931 youth formed my ethics, Jeremy Weaver, the father of a Boy Scout, a troop charter, membership cards of the first my love of the outdoors, Cub Scout, and a future Venture Crew member, scoutmasters, and a bugle from the 1920s. and my leadership serves as one of two scouting ministry specialists Last year, White started a Cub Scout pack at skills,” said Weil. in the West Ohio Annual Conference. The other Cross Timbers UMC in Moore, a congregation “Serving as a scouting volunteer is Roger Mallory of Columbus. begun by First UMC. He also serves as district ministry specialist commissioner for three additional packs. provides a way to give back all I have received from scouting.” Kentucky Weil is also the Amachi coordinator for the Steve Bays, a 20 year scouting volunteer Greater New Jersey Conference. Amachi is a with Summit Heights UMC, is serving as one of program of Big Brothers-Big Sisters that matches four scouting ministry specialist in the state. men and women with children of incarcerated “I work closely with our pastor and Steve parents. Berry, the conference scouting coordinator, He is one of six scouting ministry specialists to make sure we support all of our groups, in the conference now providing information said Steve. “I also help plan annual Boy and about the P.R.A.Y. religious awards. A 1996 graduate of The Ohio State Girl Scout Sundays when I have nominated University, Weaver is a former middle- and and helped present Cross & Flame awards to Arizona long-distance runner and a former member of deserving adult leaders.” Doug Wright, a veteran Scout leader, a the band. “Although I don’t do some of these former U.S. Air Force officer and president anymore, I enjoy watching my kids participate in and founder of Commercial Investors Realty, many of those,” said Weaver. Inc., is a scouting Since being named the 37th scouting ministry specialist ministry specialist two years ago, Weaver and scouting has attended the UM Scouter’s Workshop at guard for the National Jamboree Trading Post in coordinator for the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, N.M. He Farragut, Idaho. Desert Southwest established the first UM scouting booth in his Bailey participated in a 1962 junior leader Conference. local council at the University of Scouting and training course and he came back to teach the Wright is vice he is working with the district Scout executive course in 1970. He was an instructor at the 1969 president of the to utilize scouting ministry specialists as a way and 1970 Order of the Arrow training sessions The veteran Scout leader also assisted Board of Trustees to increase the number of Scout units. “Most “I saw an advertisement for the position of in Troop 341 receiving a “Bishop’s Award of for the Arizona 4-H importantly,” says Weaver, “I have been privileged scouting ministry specialist in the conference Excellence.” Youth Foundation, an to have met other faith leaders. The meetings newsletter,” said Bailey. “I applied and was A graduate of religious-emblems training agency now serving resulted in the possible rebirth of a Council accepted. This position has allowed me to be at the Philmont Scout Ranch near Cimarron, over 142,000 young people across Arizona, and Interfaith Committee.” involved in two of my passions at the same time. I N.M., Bays now serves as counselor for all Scout he is in his 17th year as vice president of major- am currently the advancement chair for the Sierra groups related to Summit Heights, and he has gift and endowment efforts for the Catalina Gateway District which is part of the Golden California taught PRAY. studies for all four age groups: God Council of Boy Scouts of America. Through two Empire Council. As such, I meet many of the and Me (grades 1-3), God and Family (grades decades of scouting leadership, he has enabled Frank Bailey, a 52-year veteran of scouting Eagle Scout candidates in the district and I chair 4-5), God and Church (grades 6-8), and God the Western Region Councils to receive $30 and father of three adult children, says his the Eagle Board of Review.” and Life (grades 9-12). million in charitable gifts. scouting career began as a Cub Scout in1958. He “Leadership of this great nation will attended the national jamboree in 1964 and he New Jersey continue to come from the tremendous became an Eagle Scout in 1967. The following Lew Weil, president of Northern Shore character-building and mentoring programs that year, he led a Loomis troop on a 50 mile hike District UM Men and a veteran Boy Scout the Boy Scouts and 4-H Clubs offer our nation’s in Desolation Valley and served as a security leader, is helping New Jersey churches reach out youth,” said Wright. “The UMC will continue

48 49 An Eagle Scout who attended the 1985 Sydney Knight National Boy Scout Jamboree and a ten-day trek at High school student honored for crossing Scouting Awards the Philmont Scout Reservation in Cimarron, N.M., borders Sackett is skilled in knot tying, fire building and the RICHMOND, Ky. –– Donald E. Travis She coaches use of a compass. As a state trooper he is trained in n the Parable of the Good Samaritan, a man Two-time scoutmaster honored a youth triathlon First Aid and CPR. Icrosses cultural and religious boundaries to help EVANSVILLE, Ind. –– USAT team “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Chris for another man in need. onald Travis, a tuba playing Sunday school and received nearly two years,” said the Rev. David Williams, First UMC presented a Good Samaritan Dteacher and two-time scoutmaster, received a a BSA Unit pastor of Hazardville UMC. .“In that time I have Award to Sydney Knight, a high school sophomore, Cross and Flame Award from Methodist Temple. Organizer Award had the opportunity to work closely with Chris in his for frequently leaving her clique to befriend new Travis was assistant scoutmaster for four years for starting a capacity as church lay leader and most recently, as the and less-connected young people. and became the scoutmaster of Troop 301 from 1991 triathlon Venture institutional representative for Boy Scout Troop 108. to 1996 while his son was a Scout. He led a crew to Crew. She also I count my time with Chris as a real blessing.” Terry Tilton the Philmont Scout Ranch in 2003, and, in 2007, started a First The church nominated Sackett for a Torch Pastor receives Silver Torch Award, serves as Jeanne Karstendiek leads a class of chaplain at national jamboree he taught the God & Me course of the Program of candidates for a God &Country Place Health and Award in the New England Annual Conference. HIBBING, Minn. –– Religious Activities with Youth (PRAY). He became Award. Nutrition Bible scoutmaster again in 2009 and taught the God & Me Ministry based Robbie Disnmore he Rev. Terry Tilton, pastor course in 2010. on a similar effort Completes project at Tof Wesley UMC, has served The active church leader also serves as one of with three churches in the Alabama-West Florida church prayer park as scoutmaster, Tiger Cub leader, two lay leaders. He directs the Bell Choir, sings in the Conference. TAMPA, Fla. –– and cubmaster. He chaired the Temple Choir, plays tuba in the Brass Ensemble, and obbie Disnmore, a Versabi District and the Protestant Michael Maxey teaches a 3rd-grade Sunday school class. Rmember of Hyde Park Committee on Scouting for the Helps build 19 wheelchair ramps UMC, led a team of 30 Viking Council. He was the Jeanne Marie Karstendiek MINDEN, La. –– Scouts and 10 adults to complete an Eagle project advancement chairman for Troop Serves in five annual conferences ver the last two years, at the Hyde Park Memorial Prayer Park, 100 in Breckenridge, Minn., where TAMPA, Fla. –– OMichael Maxey has Robbie, the son of Jim Disnmore, director he served as pastor prior to his 2010 appointment anDyke UMC presented Jeanne Karstendiek worked 133 hours with of administration at the church, received a Good to Wesley UMC. During his time in Breckenridge, Vwith a Torch Award for 17 years of service to UM Men of First UMC Samaritan Award for his efforts to beautify the Tilton also served on the Council Executive youth in Northern Illinois, Baltimore-Washington, in Minden to build 19 church grounds. Committee, and he chaired the Oxcart Trails District Virginia, Alabama-West Florida and the Florida wheelchair ramps. and the Protestant Religious Association of the Annual Conferences. As the wife of a military officer, An active member Bill Winter Northern Lights Council. of UMYF, he attended The father of Evan, an Eagle Scout, and she also administered God & Country Religious Michael Maxey (white Professor and Scout leader receives Cross and two Weekend-of-the-Cross Katherine, a Gold Award winner, Tilton served on the awards at Ramstein (Germany) Air Base under shirt left) stands next Flame Award mission events with other auspices of the Military Chaplaincy Program, where to Matthew Wise, SILVER SPRINGS, Md. –– staff of the 1983 world jamboree and the 1989 and she was the Protestant director of children’s and Shreveport area youth. He president of UM Men r. William Winter has worked with young 2005 national jamborees. youth programs. She also led Vacation Bible Schools also participated in two of First UMC in Dpeople as a college professor for 35 years. He In 2010, he served as a chaplain at the national for thousands of children. Habitat for Humanity builds Minden, following the served as a Boy Scout leader for 40 years and as lay jamboree, and his church awarded him a Silver Torch. The 41-year-old scouting ministry specialist is and a mission trip to provide construction of their 19th leader of Colesville UMC for over 20 years. a graduate of William Woods Women’s College in food for the homeless. wheelchair ramp. The certified lay speaker has supported the Michael Goodman Fulton, Mo., and she is finishing a graduate degree Matthew Wise, religious awards program of scouting, and he Scoutmaster and Scout receive awards in special-needs education (Autism) with Phoenix president of UM Men of First Church presented mentored 35 Scouts to the rank of Eagle. TAMPA, Fla. –– University and works with autistic youth through Michael with a Good Samaritan Award. “Bill has set the example for the adults as well as the agle Scout Michael Van Dyke UMC. boys in keeping God first in their lives,” said Kemper. EGoodman received She has led at least 100 young people in God & Christopher Saccett a Good Samaritan Country classes since 2003, and she currently serves State trooper leads Scouts on chilly campouts David Kemper (right), Award at a Scout as chair of the District Cub Camping Committee ENFIELD, Conn. –– chair of Troop 473 Sunday service at Lake and director of a day camp for 400 children. ost of the Scouts in Troop 108 have earned Committee, presents a Magdalene UMC. His Julie Giles, director of children’s ministry at MIceberg Awards for camping when the Cross and Flame award scoutmaster, Mark Nusekabel, received a Cross and temperature is below 30 degrees. Christopher to Scoutmaster William Flame Award at an earlier Tampa Metro District VanDyke UMC, presented the award to Jeanne, June Winter during Scout 28, in front of 600 children and 350 staff at a special- Sackett, a Connecticut State Police officer and Sunday at Colesville Scout Banquet. needs camp. assistant scoutmaster, led many of the frosty outings. UMC

50 51 Nusekabel is a computer programmer with IBM, Spencer received United Methodist leader gives $4 Alaska Scout establishes and scoutmaster for the 80-member Troop 339. the plaque prior million to establish high-adventure

to moving to the reservation free flu shot clinic Roy Shirilla 4,500-member Gulf Church honors captain of Sheriff’s Department Breeze (Fla.) UMC. illiam H. CHUGIAK, Alaska –– LIVELY, Va. –– During his 18 WLatimer hilip Lambert, 16, a member of Chugiak ethel UMC presented Martin Roy Shirilla, a captain years as pastor of St. III, a member PUMC, worked with the church missions Bin the Sheriff’s Department, with a Cross and James, the congregation of First UMC in committee, the Alaska Public Health Flame Award for his service as a cubmaster and for his increased in size Union City, Tenn., Robert Beam (right) presents Department and the Municipality of participation in the Heart of Virginia Boy Scout Council. from 120 members to a plaque to Dr. Lester contributed $4 Anchorage to establish a free flu shot clinic at Shirilla also serves as scouting coordinator for the 1,850 members, with Spencer. million to establish the church. Rappahannock District. an average worship a 1,500-acre high Philip assumed responsibility for He attended a 2006 training event at Philmont attendance of 1,250. adventure Boy organizing, publicizing and recruiting Scout Ranch and a 2007 Duty-to-God training program. Trevor Lundquist Scout reservation volunteers and health-care workers for the Ben Gorton Scout transforms courtyard in Tennessee. Bill Latimer (left) receives a event. He received permission to advertise the “Literally Scout builds closets at children’s camp MIAMI, Fla. –– Torch Award from Stan Craig clinic in five public schools, six community tens of thousands during the 2011 Memphis HAMILTON, N.Y. –– he courtyard of Kendall UMC was seldom used. churches, and 14 local businesses. He also of youth from Annual Conference session in en Gorton, a member of Plants were dying and tables and benches were advertised in a local newspaper and on radio T Tennessee and Paducah, Ky. The award is Cazenovia Boy Scout Troop sinking into the dirt. That changed when Trevor presented to adult leaders who stations. B across the country 18 and a member of Park UMC in Lundquist finished his Eagle Scout project. Tables and have made major contributions Since the church was especially interested will benefit from Hamilton, led an effort to refurbish benches now rest on concrete slabs and plants have to Boy Scouts or other youth- in reaching residents of a nearby trailer park, this generous gift a clothing closet and build a new all been replaced. It’s no surprise that the church gave serving agencies. Philip went door to door handing out flyers from Bill Latimer, one at Camp Lookout, an Eaton, Trevor a Good Samaritan Award. and inviting residence to the church for the N.Y., camp for disadvantaged and we simply do free vaccine. Shelby and Sheldon Rooney children. Each summer, some 600 not have the words to express our gratitude,” The event was a huge success. One Church honors twins children from Madison County Ben Gorton and said Joe Long, executive director of the Middle eight-member family drove 20 miles from participate in camping activities. Tiger Cub Cole MONTROSE, Iowa –– Tennessee Council. Anchorage because they could not afford to Ben serves his troop as Vantine prepare rinity UMC presented Good Samaritan Awards to Latimer, founder of Bill Larimer Investments, pay for vaccinations for all the children. chaplain’s aide, a position he for Scout Sunday TShelby and Sheldon Rooney for delivering potatoes has been a leader in the commodities business The church later nominated Philip for a held during national and world at Park UMC in to the hungry, for 20 years and serves as a member of the Good Samaritan Award. jamborees. He also organized a Hamilton, N.Y. singing in a board of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee. Scout Sunday service at Park UMC, nursing home and He resides with his wife, Carol, in Union City, which presented him with a Good Samaritan Award. teaching a Sunday where he was elected to three terms on the city Ben also serves as a volunteer at a local art center school class. The school board. He serves as the director of the where he works with elementary youth. He is active twins also help Obion Grain Company, Mayfield (Ky.) Grain in the local theater program, and he participates in the with rummage Company, Ethanol Grain Processers, Seeds Inc., sales, clothing Burger Bros. Grain Company, United Farmers National Christian Forensics and Communications Shelby and Sheldon Rooney Plant Foods, Arbor Healthcare and Rogers Oil Association for home-school students. collections, and lead the Trinity congregation they deliver meals Company. on Scout Sunday, 2011. to shut-ins. Sheldon Latimer earned the rank of first lieutenant Dr. Lester Spencer helped an elderly in the U.S. Army after graduating from the Pastor receives plaque for 18 years of support of woman pack and move into a senior housing unit. University of Tennessee with a degree in scouting “Both of these youth are very civic minded and industrial engineering. He has three sons — MONTGOMERY, Ala. –– involved with scouting,” said the Rev. Goldie Laymon, William, Michael and Douglas. obert Beam, scouting ministry specialist and Philip Lambert pauses for a photo during his pastor of Trinity UMC. “The will do anything for He was one of the principal contributors free flu shot clinic at the Chugiak UMC Rassistant scoutmaster of Troop 8, presented Dr. anyone who needs help.” to the Obion County Public Library, is past Lester Spencer, pastor of St. James UMC, with a chairman of the Administrative Board of First plaque in appreciation for his 18 years of support of UMC and past president of the University of scouting. Tennessee Martin Development Committee.

52 53 Scouts receive God and Family Awards

MIDLOTHIAN, Va. –– ight members of Cub Scout Pack 1879 Eat St. Marks UMC received God and Family Awards after participating in seven study sessions conducted November, 2010 to January, 2011, by Bill Chaffin, scouting coordinator for the Richmond District, and the Rev. David Bonney, senior pastor. In addition to the square knot for their uniform, a medal and certificate, the boys were also Cub Scouts and their leaders celebrate the given 2010 Jamboree New Testaments. completion of God and Family courses. First row Following the studies, the father of Jake (left to right): Aaron Vardell, Andy Baldacci, Will Sanza expressed appreciation to Chaffin, a Meadows, Will Davis, Ian Brown, the Rev. David scouting ministry specialist and chief organizer Bonney. Second row: Mark Vardell, Todd Baldacci, of the studies. Bill Chaffin, Jim Davis, David Meadows, Davis, “Jake really appreciated the Bible that you and David Brown. Not pictured Jake Sanza, gave him. Last night on the way home, he asked Joshua and James Ganey. if he had time to read his new Bible before bed.” travel, and eating is like the feeding of the During the classes, the boys compared the five thousand and the spiritual nourishment a ingredients and cooking of pizza pie with Bible family receives. characters and the attributes of a Christian The studies ended with a pizza party. family. The crust is the foundation as God is God and Family is one of four awards the foundation for a family. The sauce takes presented by Programs of Religious Activities time as the biblical and family heritage takes with Youth. The St. Louis based program time to develop. Toppings are as unique as provides God and Me (grades 1-2), God and Moses and Aaron and as unique as each family Family (grades 3-5), God and Church (grades member. Cheese holds the pizza together as the 6-8) and God and Life (grades 9-12). For 10 commandments hold the family together. information about the program, visit www. Heating the pizza is like the difficult times praypub.org, or call 1-800-933-7729. through which Paul, Silas, and family members

to us in Jesus. Participants came from Cub Scout Youngsters receive packs in University UMC, Griffith UMC, and Community Lutheran Church. God and Me awards The group was led by Doug Wright, a scouting ministry specialist. LOS VEGAS, Nev. –– ight 1st through 3rd graders completed Efive God and Me classes and earned their religious emblems from Programs of Religious Activities with Youth, the St. Louis-based agency that administers the former God and Country awards.. Topics included creation, prayer and God’s gift

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