Lay Nominees to General/ Jurisdictional Conference Delegates. Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Lay Nominees to General/ Jurisdictional Conference 2016 Delegates Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church

2

3 Chuck Stewart Conference Lay Leader Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church Dear Lay Member to Annual Conference, At Annual Conference 2015 our theme will be On Fire to Serve based on Romans 12:11-13, Paul s words of encouragement then are just as important to us today. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (NRSV) These are great words of encouragement as we continue to work through our re-alignment process. During this time of increasing change, General Conference (which will be held in Portland, Oregon on May 10-20, 2016) will make decisions that will affect the Book of Discipline and the direction of our United Methodist Denomination. At the South Central Jurisdictional Conference, (held in Wichita, Kansas on July 13-16, 2016), Bishop s will be elected, assigned and transferred within our Jurisdiction. Included in this directory are committed, gifted laity servant leaders all faithfully nominated by their districts. This directory is provided so you may be better informed about the nominees, their involvement and concerns for our denomination. You will also have an opportunity to visit with them during an informal time, sponsored by the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation, as part of the Laity Session on Monday, May 25, The nominees will welcome conversations with you concerning their goals and yours for the future of our church. You ll want to note the assigned voting number of each person you desire to support and bring a printed or electronic version of this directory with you when you come to Annual Conference. Note that all of the voting for the delegates will take place in the Freede Center at Oklahoma City University by electronic device on Tuesday, May 26, The first ballot is scheduled for 11 a.m. The second and subsequent ballots will take place at 6:30 p.m. Please know that we are thankful for your leadership in your local church, along with your willingness to serve as a lay member to Annual Conference. Let s join together in prayer for our Bishop Robert E. Hayes Jr. and for this Conference, that God will be glorified through the mission and ministry of God s people known as Oklahoma United Methodist who are On Fire to Serve. Blessings, Chuck Stewart Conference Lay Leader RR 1 BOX 65 Stilwell, OK chuckstewart@windstream.net

4 Balloting Procedures All voting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, to elect Oklahoma Conference s delegates to the 2016 General/ Jurisdictional Conferences of The United Methodist Church. At the Oklahoma City University Freede Center, the first ballot vote will take place in the morning business session, at approximately 11 a.m. After the supper break, balloting will resume, at 6:30 p.m. The evening business session is solely dedicated to the elections. Digital voting machines will be used, providing almost-instant results. Similar handheld voting devices were used at the 2011 Annual Conference. A newer, upgraded device will use smart cards, similar to the memory cards used in digital cameras. For General Conference, seven clergy and seven lay delegates will be elected. An additional seven clergy and seven laity will be chosen to complete the Jurisdictional Conference delegation. Also, three clergy and three lay alternates will be elected. The full delegation will total 34 people. Voting cards and voting devices: Each Annual Conference delegate will receive a voting card at the time of registration. Each person is responsible for securing his/her card. All voting devices will be distributed within the Freede Center arena and must remain there. Two voters will share One voting device: one clergyperson and one layperson. The district superintendents and district tellers will respond to any equipment problems, including requests to replace lost cards. Voting cards will be collected on Thursday unless you leave conference early upon which you will turn in your card at the registration desk. Online instruction: An instructional piece for using the voting devices, is available at: All Annual Conference delegates are encouraged to view it before attending the conference. Voting procedures: Voters will be seated by districts. To view a seating chart, download a PDF version at: org/acvoting Clergy and laity will sit in pairs, to share voting devices. Following the instructions of the Annual Conference secretary and the bishop, voters will alternate using the devices. Lay voters choose the lay delegates, and clergy voters choose the clergy representatives. Each nominee will be assigned a three-digit number. Voting will be on a slate basis, as in past years. (On the first ballot, for example, laity will vote for seven lay nominees, and clergy will vote for seven clergy names.) You must vote correctly on each full slate or your entire ballot will be invalid for that round. (On the first ballot, for example, the voter must enter seven eligible three-digit numbers. If you enter only six numbers, or an ineligible number, such an action will invalidate your entire ballot.) The results of the first ballot will be printed and distributed by the tellers before adjournment for the evening meal. This list will contain the names of the top vote getters a maximum of 60 clergy and 60 laity who receive five or more votes. This handout will be a useful reference for subsequent balloting. Materials for write-in lay nominees will be available at the conference by the conference secretary but will not be distributed unless authorized by Conference officials. Tellers and district superintendents are prepared to assist with your questions about any voting issues that may occur. A church s Alternate Annual Conference Delegate must get authorization and a separate voting card to be activated as a voter. The alternate must get authorization from that district s superintendent and then go to the registration desk to get the card. Voting on other matters: The elections are important but do not comprise all the action of the Annual Conference. The digital voting equipment also will be useful throughout the meeting to enhance the efficiency of decision-making on other business. The Bishop will direct when devices will be used for other voting matters. Prior to the meeting, Annual Conference delegates may access the Pre-Conference Workbook, containing reports of ministry by the Oklahoma Conference s committees, agencies, institutions, and other related entities, from the Oklahoma Conference website at: Annual Conference participants are encouraged to review all advance materials, to prepare fully in mind as well as heart, for this major yearly gathering of Oklahoma United Methodists. Joseph Harris Annual Conference Secretary

5 Who may serve as a LAY DELEGATE to General or Jurisdictional Conference? Paragraph 36, Article V was not amended as part of the constitutional amendments, so it still reads as follows: 36. Article V. The lay delegates to the General and jurisdictional or central conferences shall be elected by the lay members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference without regard to age, provided such delegates 76 shall have been professing 77 members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election,78 and are members thereof within the annual conference electing them at the time of holding the General and jurisdictional or central conferences Amended Amended Amended See Judicial Council Decisions 403, 887. Election of Lay Delegates: A person does not have to be an [elected] lay member of an annual conference to be elected a lay delegate to General Conference. Any member of a United Methodist Church who meets the following conditions may be elected as a delegate to General Conference. Paragraph 36, Article V outlines these conditions that must be met for election as a lay delegate to General Conference. The delegates shall be elected by the lay members of the annual or provisional annual conference. The delegates shall have been members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding (two consecutive years immediately preceding) their election. They also shall have been active participants for at least four years (active in The United Methodist Church at least two years before they became members for the two years immediately preceding their election as a General Conference delegate) next preceding their election. They must also hold membership in a United Methodist Church within the boundaries of the annual conference electing them when the General Conference, jurisdictional conference or central conference to which they are elected is held. They must follow the annual conference nomination procedures described in the Standing Rules of the 2014 Conference Journal Youth Delegates: Q: Can persons under the age of 18 be elected to and vote at General Conference? A: Yes, persons under 18 can serve as delegates at General Conference. The 2012 Book of Discipline says in 36. Article V, The lay delegates to the General and jurisdictional or central conferences shall be elected by the lay members of the annual conference or provisional annual conference without regard to age; provided such delegates shall have been professing members of The United Methodist Church for at least two years next preceding their election, and shall have been active participants in The United Methodist Church for at least four years next preceding their election, and are members thereof within the annual conference electing them at the time of holding the General and jurisdictional or central conferences.

6 VOTING NUMBER: #700 Andres Michael Charles ADDRESS: 1716 Hazelwood, Norman, OK CHURCH: McFarlin Memorial UMC (Norman, OK) DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Executive Minister AGE BRACKET: Michael Andres Current Responsibilities: Oversight and leadership of the following ministry areas Day Care, CDO, Early Childhood, Elementary Children, Middle & High School, Adult Discipleship & Education, Communication, Missions, Stewardship, and Strategic Planning; Previous Responsibilities: Welcoming & Hospitality, Connection Ministries Member, Congregational Development Committee (OK Annual Conference); Member, SOKC/Heartland District Strategy Team (OK Annual Conference); Presenter, Licensed Local Pastor School (SWTX Annual Conference); Presenter, Large Church Initiative ; Adviser, UM Campus Ministry Team - UTSA (SWTX Annual Conference) I believe that the local church is the vehicle through which we most effectively live out our mission as a denomination. The world is changed when lives are changed, and that happens through one-on-one relationships. I believe God is calling the UMC to explore ways in which laity and clergy alike can be trained and mentored to increase their effectiveness in disciple-making, and to allow for greater financial resource retention at the local church level, all while remaining committed to our connection. I believe God is calling us to harness our collective wisdom creatively to develop models of ministry that meet the needs of our culture. Our denomination is at a crossroads, but the core of our faith is not - this means that through prayer and fasting, holy conferencing and intentional contemplation, we must discern how to address infrastructural challenges that come with our connection rather than to simply start anew. We live out our faith together through a covenant of discipline that reflects our own need to continually be refined and matured by God s grace, but it is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ that binds us together and must be at the heart of our continued ministry. 4

7 VOTING NUMBER: #701 Antinoro Panthea Kay ADDRESS: 613 Sherwood Dr., Norman, OK CHURCH: St. Stephen s United Methodist Church, Norman DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT k.antinoro2@cox.net OCCUPATION: Retired Christian Educator AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Panthea Antinoro Coordinating and leading Sunday School classes, Disciple Bible Study, Living the Questions and other educational opportunities as Director of Educational Ministries at St. Stephen for 31 years; (before joining church staff) Chair of the Administrative Council, Vice-President of United Methodist Women; (since retiring in 2013) Finance Committee, Advent Workshop Committee, Reconciling Ministries Committee, Archives and History. District Superintendency Committee, Bi-District Board of Missions, Secretary of the Circle of Care Board, Vice President of the Oklahoma Conference Mission and Service Ministry Team, Episcopacy Committee, Mission Study Leader for Conference Schools and Regional Schools of Christian Mission (Mission U) in Oklahoma, OIMC, and surrounding states. We are called: * to study and reclaim Jesus as the fullest revelation of what God is like: loving and inclusive, crossing cultural boundaries, resisting Roman and religious authorities, amending and reinterpreting his own scriptures, placing a higher authority on loving God than on following the law, responding to violence with nonviolence * to be Jesus church, courageously offering transformation that is counter-cultural, unafraid of change, and a strong voice for justice and love. * to grow Christian life understandings that both nurture our spirit and involve us in- -doing justice, thinking critically, following the early Methodist example of involvement in social reform movements and engaging the complex issues of our day. * to continue shifting understandings of mission to partnerships that are mutual, giving, receiving, listening, appreciating, supporting * to stop wounding one another with words, acknowledging that we have hurt one another and modeled a divided body of Christ, asking forgiveness, creating a governing structure with grace space for differing biblical interpretations and theological understandings and cultural realities with room for everyone! * to find joy and transformation rooted in the treasures of historic Methodism, becoming something new, Wesley s love alike when we can t think alike people! 5

8 Cynthia Arnwine LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #702 Cynthia Ann Arnwine ADDRESS: th Ave., McCurtain, OK CHURCH: Bokoshe United Methodist Church, Bokoshe, OK DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Special Education Teacher AGE BRACKET: I have been the lay leader and co-worship leader for my church for 5 years. I teach adult Sunday School and Wednesday night Bible Study. I direct Vacation Bible School and the Children s Christmas Program. Associate lay leader for 2 years, District Lay Leader 1 year, member of the board of laity 1 year. I believe God is calling the UMC to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Before we can engage our hands and feet, we need to seek the heart and mind of Jesus. God, the Creator of the universe, is calling us to be His church. We need to be about the business of seeking His will in all we do. I believe we need to encourage all our members to study the word of God, and spend time in prayer and praise. I believe God will reveal His will to us when we study, pray, praise and gather together to worship. When God reveals His will for us and the direction we should go, we need to carry it out. It is just like the NIKE slogan: Just do it! When we become the hands and feet of Jesus, we will make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 6

9 Haley Arnwine LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #703 Haley Brooke Arnwine ADDRESS: th Avenue, McCurtain, OK CHURCH: Bokoshe United Methodist Church in Bokoshe Oklahoma DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: College Student/Office Assistant AGE BRACKET: Under 25 I am part of SPRC and I am a worship leader. When I was 15-years-old, I was the Sunday school teacher for kids ranging from ages 5 to 13. I continued to teach that class until I was 17. I still teach this class when I am home from college. I am a certified Lay Servant for Muskogee District. I have been certified for three years now. I believe that God is calling the UMC to be more active and truly make disciples the way He intended. In order to do that, we need to understand what making disciples actually means. Discipleship is so much more than just evangelism. It is taking evangelism a step further. Our job as a church isn t just about telling the gospel. We need to be teaching people how to build a relationship with Christ. We need to mentor them. Our job is to prepare people to go out into the world and teach others about Jesus. That is what we need to be doing. If the people in our church aren t being prepared to mentor others, then what is the point? The Church needs to stop being a social gathering place for Christians. It needs to go beyond walls and reach out to the lost wherever they are. A church should be a continuously growing, group of disciples. If our hearts aren t set on God s will and His glory, then we have no purpose. No one is excluded from that. God is calling us into action. We need to follow Him. 7

10 VOTING NUMBER: #704 Beard Herschel ADDRESS: P. O. BOX 50, MADILL, OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church, Madill DISTRICT: ARDMORE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Abstractor AGE BRACKET: Herschel Beard Currently: Lay Leader, Rotation SS teacher, choir, missions team; Previously: Chair of Finance, Adm. Council, Council on Ministries District currently: Chair District Trustees, member District Committee on Ministry; Cross Point Camp Advisory Board; previously: Chair Council on Ministries, member Episcopal Committee, District Board of Laity, Community Lay Director Cross Point Emmaus 2 years Conference currently: Assoc. Conference Lay Leader, Vice-chair of the Camp Ministries Board of Trustees. chair of the Boundaries Committee for the SC Jurisdiction; previously: Chair of Standing Rules, Vice-chair CFA, Board of Laity, Annual Conference Council, member of the previous Structure Committee, Lay member of the Board of Ordained Ministry Exec. Committee (where I supervised scholarships to seminary students). Elected three times to General Conference, and five times to Jurisdictional Conference. As a denomination, we have a theology that is very relevant to people from all walks of life, across the globe. We have to find ways to use our resources, both financial and human, to spread God s word to them in the ways United Methodists do best serving in mission opportunities. I am concerned about the growing gaps in wealth, creating a larger population of hungry and homeless persons. I believe our church can become involved in solving these global issues. We have extensive resources available, and our members in local church pews every Sunday are willing to help. We just need a plan and leaders willing to mobilize and spiritually guide us. I strongly believe that God will call those members of our General and Jurisdictional delegations to represent our Conference on the issues, and to elect Bishops who share His vision for the future of the church, and who will uphold the Discipline as written by General Conference. We should all be praying for those individuals. Having been to General Conference before I know that experienced delegates are needed who are willing to step up in leadership positions for the legislative committees which direct much of the work of the Conference, and I am more than willing to offer myself for those, which I have done in previous Conferences. We also need to train willing young adults in this process so they can have an impact on the future of our denomination. 8

11 VOTING NUMBER: #705 Brown Eric James ADDRESS: 1717 Gladstone Terrace, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: Leland Clegg Memorial UMC, Oklahoma City DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Service Porter AGE BRACKET: Eric Brown Current: Lay Leader, Chairperson of Worship Committee, Lay Delegate to Annual Conference since 2008, member of church merger exploration team Past: Chairperson of Administrative Council We are called reach out to all of God s children and love all of God s children. Once we stop putting limits on something that our limitless God has commanded, then our hearts, minds, and doors will be truly open. 9

12 Kira Calhoun VOTING NUMBER: #706 Kira Dawn Calhoun ADDRESS: 415 West Oklahoma Ave, Apartment #3, Weatherford, OK CHURCH: The Wesley Foundation at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford DISTRICT: CLINTON DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Student/Youth Pastor AGE BRACKET: Under 25 * Staff Parish Relations Committee; * Church Council; * Liturgist; 2008-Present * Trained Lay Servant; 2010-Present * Worship Band member; * VIM to Mexico; 2009 * VIM to Bahamas Methodist Habitat; 2014 * Youth Pastor at Canute (Regeneration Youth Ministries); 2014-Present * Kappa Phi (Christian Women s Club) Member; 2014-Present * Project Transformation; 2014 * Wesley Young Adult Delegate; 2015 * Re-Ignite * C.Y.M.E Leadership Camp; * C.C.Y.M member; * District Youth Delegate; * Lay Servant; 2010-Present * Youth 2011 (United Methodist Youth Conference) As we look at the next four years, I believe that we must live out our mission through leadership, service, and how we are called to share Christ s witness to the world. In all our struggles and controversy I want us remembering what we are really here for. I believe God is calling The UMC to empower and equip young persons for leadership. Our commitment to service must continue to be strengthened as this is our best witness of Christ s love. There are many tough questions and decisions that the leadership of the church will address through General and Jurisdictional Conference. Delegates must prayerfully discern future decisions about our local church, The Oklahoma Conference, and The UMC. 10

13 VOTING NUMBER: #707 Carlisle Judy Ann ADDRESS: 273 Main St., Eagletown, OK CHURCH: Broken Bow United Methodist DISTRICT: MCALESTER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired Family and Consumer Science Teacher AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Judy Carlisle Church Council Member, PPR, Children s Sunday School Coordinator, Circle of Care Chair, UMW member, Co-chair of 2014 church kitchen renovation ( nothing had been done to the kitchen since the church was built). Responsible for getting tile donated for fellowship hall, church entry, kitchen, bathrooms, halls and for the parsonage. I have served as VBS director and have taught VBS. I am always happy to do children s church when called upon. I have conducted a workshop at District meeting, Attended several District UMW meetings and have helped host one District UMW meeting. Served as delegate to two Annual Conferences and gave report back to the Broken Bow First UMC. In this troubled time in our world, it is more important than ever that people of faith make a firm commitment to live, teach and preach the gospel. I know that we should ALL be disciples of Jesus Christ, not just our local ministers. I think that many of us go to church, support the church with our time, money and talent, and we try to live a Christian life, but we often fail when it comes to outreach and witnessing to others. Some ways that we can do that is by the life we live, by making Christ the center of our lives, by prayer and by concern and service to others. 11

14 Sherill Carothers LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #708 Sherill Carothers ADDRESS: 9501 Frontier, Perry, OK CHURCH: Lucien UMC, Lucien, OK DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT OCCUPATION: retired AGE BRACKET: I am the Lay Leader for my church. I have taught Sunday School, Bible Study, and VBS. I have assisted with the youth programs, and I am available to preach also. I am presently our church s delegate to annual conference. I have served as delegate or alternate for many years. As many denominations become more and more narrow in their demonstration of the love of Christ, I believe the UMC should continue, and should grow, in its policy of open hearts and open doors. United Methodists have a reputation for being all inclusive and I feel that we should continue in this direction. 12

15 VOTING NUMBER: #709 Castle Annette ADDRESS: 1805 E Oklahoma, Enid, OK CHURCH: Garber United Methodist Church Garber, Oklahoma DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT annettecastle@yahoo.com OCCUPATION: Claims/receiving clerk AGE BRACKET: Annette Castle Lay servant, liturgist, song leader, lay leader Lay Servant The UMC needs to step up and help those people who have experienced a natural disaster. I have been around these situations and the Baptist come in but I never saw any Methodist. After a disaster is a time to show people the love of the Lord on a personal level. The UMC needs to look towards the youth. The youth are the future. Bringing the youth into the church and keeping them is important, possibly by the use of more contemporary music and sermons. 13

16 Mark Commons LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #710 Mark Lynn Commons ADDRESS: 2917 Monticello Drive, Bartlesville, OK CHURCH: East Cross United Methodist Church - Bartlesville DISTRICT: BARTLESVILLE DISTRICT mcommons@cableone.net OCCUPATION: CPA AGE BRACKET: Mark has chaired the following local boards or committees: Church and Society, Education, Stewardship, Staff Parish Relations and Finance Mark has been a member of the Oklahoma Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits since 2010 and has chaired the Board since In addition he has served on the board of the Oklahoma Annual Conference of The UMC, Inc. since At a recent Oklahoma Annual Conference Board Meeting, Dr. Lovett Weems asked the question, When you look at your congregation, does it reflect the makeup of the children and adults in your schools and community? With the median age of United Methodists approaching 60 years of age, the answer for most of us is we do not. Our denomination is on the verge of a transformation that we have not seen since the 1960 s. The generation that has been our backbone for fifty years is leaving us and heading on to graduate school in Heaven. They will be replaced by a generation that communicates and interacts much differently. The local church, urban and rural, will have to make effective use of the technology associated with tablets and smartphones to reach the unchurched. It is a generation that expects to be stimulated and energized, so once they enter the doors of the church to worship, they will expect the same. Our Wesleyan message is as vital today as it was in the 1700 s but failure to deliver it through the media of the next generation may lead to it becoming irrelevant. 14

17 VOTING NUMBER: #711 Davis Debra ADDRESS: 1109 S Meadow Dr, Ardmore, OK CHURCH: Warren Memorial UMC, Ardmore DISTRICT: ARDMORE DISTRICT dad0104@sbcglobal.net OCCUPATION: Information Services Technical Specialist AGE BRACKET: Debra Davis Admin Council chair, Bible Study Facilitator, Strategic Planning Committee chair, Lay Leader, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Jr. High Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Volunteer Redemption, Church Ministry, Youth Leader, Worship Leader District Lay Leader, District Superintendency Committee, District Board of Laity, District Board of Lay Speaking, District Nominating Committee, Ministry Inquiry Team, Conference Board of Laity, Annual Conference Council, Lay Delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conference 2000, 2004, 2012 God is calling us to be intentional about building relationships with those we serve, those who serve us and those we serve with. We re being called to make this a priority and to not rely on it being a by-product of our missions and programs. We have to be prepared to be inconvenienced and prepared to get out of our comfort zones to be productive. As we genuinely seek to love as Jesus taught, the Holy Spirit will guide and empower us to be effective. 15

18 VOTING NUMBER: #712 Dawson Ahnawake ADDRESS: S. Cedar St, Claremore., OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church, Claremore, Ok. DISTRICT: BARTLESVILLE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired Director of Christian Education AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Ahnawake Dawson Present Lay Delegate to Annual Conference, served several years as Lay Delegate, also an Alternate Delegate; Past UMW President, Vice President, Spiritual Growth Chairperson; Trained Disciple Leader; Adult Sunday School Teacher; Served on the Long Range Planning Committee and Building Committee; Lay Leadership Comm.; Local Church Leaders Workshop, Leader and member of Planning Committee; Bell Choir; Set up Confirmation program for several years; Trained VBS leaders and teachers; I have led a Senior Adult mission team to UMCOR Sager Brown in Baldwin, La. For 11 years, teams to Alaska, Rio Bravo and have been a member or a Poland team; Director of Christian Education for 20 years, and Director of Senior Adult Ministry for 11 years at Claremore First United Methodist Church. District - Presently serving on the District Committee on Ministry; former Education Committee Chairperson; past member of District Superintendent s Committee; several years served on the Camp Egan Advisory Board; offices of UMW; served many years as Dean of Elementary, Sunshine, Music, Arts and Drama Camps at Egan. Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is our mission statement; The world is my parish, a John Wesley quote; Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, Matthew 28:19. These statements empower us to move forward as a united force and witnesses for Jesus Christ. The UMC is a global church, not just a United States church; therefore, many cultures and theologies come together to transform our world for Christ. We must see each other as God s children, nothing more and nothing less. Conflict robs us of our gifts of community, our unity of purpose and our witness to the world. In Luke 4:18-19 Jesus proclaims, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord s favor. Keeping our mission the central focus channels our spiritual and emotional energy toward making disciples for Christ. Ridding ourselves of conflict keeps United Methodist united. 16

19 VOTING NUMBER: #713 Dillon Devon ADDRESS: E. Keowee Rd., Hunter, OK CHURCH: Pond Creek First UMC, Pond Creek, OK DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Sheep Farmer/Millwright Worker/Part-Time School Employee/Part Time Student AGE BRACKET: Under 25 Devon Dillon Lay Delegate to Annual Conference, Liturgist, Worship Committee, SSPRC, Finance Committee - Any activity in the church I try to make myself available to assist the pastor and the needs of others. Lay Delegate to Annual Conference and I do attend In this world we live in, with all the busyness in a young adults life, as a young adult, I find it challenging for young people to get involved in the life of Christ and the church. My goal is to try to instill in my generation, the importance of having Jesus Christ in your life. If I can transform one person to Christ, this one person can transform another person and because of this, the world is being transformed in the name of Jesus Christ. I m planting seeds right now to grow God s kingdom. I feel as a lay person in the UMC, this is my calling now and also my future calling to bring as many as I can to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 17

20 Gracie Eggleston LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #714 Gracie Claire Eggleston ADDRESS: 1303 SW 23rd street, Moore, OK CHURCH: Moore First United Methodist Church DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Internet School Student and Sales Associate at Justice AGE BRACKET: Under 25 Youth Council President for two years; Worked with our branch of Project Transformation every day for four summers helping the Site Coordinators; Member of Youth Council Hospitality; Represented our Youth group at every Church Council Meeting; Attend Finance meetings when anything needs to be presented and submitted for approval; Taken part in three dinner theaters to raise funds for Youth Missions; Work in nursery when needed Worked as a LIT (Leader in Training) at Growin In Grace camp for 3 rd through 5 th graders at Canyon Camp for two summers; In the process of becoming a youth delegate for this years Annual Conference. I believe that the UMC is being called to open their hearts to accepting anyone within the LGBTQ community. We are constantly taught Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors, so I have always struggled with understanding why people that identify by anything besides straight are the exception to that virtue. As someone who has a sister in the LGBTQ community, it breaks my heart knowing that she feels shunned by the church just by being who she is. If we are being taught from a very young age to love and support everyone, why is it not considered okay to love them? They are children of God just like everyone else, and I believe that it is not our job to tell them how they should live or what choices they should make. Everyone deserves the right to be happy and live their lives how they choose. Along with this belief, I also believe that the church is being called to open their minds to my generation. I cannot deny that we are young and that we still have so much to learn, but we have so much passion and drive behind our ideas and visions. I can t speak for all youth in the church of course, but I know that we feel looked down upon by older generations simply because we are young, and that is something we have zero control over. We have so much to offer to the church and I know it would make a difference to see a youth be able to speak their beliefs because that is something that we don t see. Although we have different beliefs, we all share our love of God and the mission to help make disciples of Jesus Christ. I just ask that you open your hearts and minds to my beliefs even if you do not agree with them. 18

21 VOTING NUMBER: #715 Ewton Travis ADDRESS: 9420 South 257th East Place, Broken Arrow, OK CHURCH: Verdigris UMC DISTRICT: TULSA DISTRICT OCCUPATION: MDiv Student AGE BRACKET: Travis Ewton Sunday School Teacher, Co-Chair Mission, Evangelism, and Hospitality Committee, Ad-council-at-large Member Alternate Lay Delegate, Youth Pastor, Worship Leader, I am a candidate for ordination and anticipate being a certified candidate by annual conference in May I believe God is calling the UMC to a spiritual revival and new growth by reclaiming our missional tradition. There is a growing desire among young people for a tangible relevance; to experience and participate in the work of God in this world. The UMC has the potential to foster this relevance but, in an increasingly unchurched and dechurched society we must re-imagine the purpose, ministry, and fiscal sustainability of the church. 19

22 VOTING NUMBER: #716 Floyd Erin ADDRESS: 130 W. Himes St., Norman, OK CHURCH: St. Stephen s United Methodist Church, Norman DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT erinssumc@gmail.com OCCUPATION: Director of Educational Ministries AGE BRACKET: Erin Floyd Director of Educational Ministries (current) Support and grow the education model at St. Stephen s UMC. Review and research curriculum. Teach Adult Sunday School classes, as well as evening classes each fall and spring. Provide opportunities to create intergenerational themes. Helping Coordinate the Round Table event that St. Stephen s plays host to at various times of the year. Help coordinate and plan the Advent workshop. Support committees like Adult Education and Reconciling Ministries. Children s Director/Youth director Planned mission trips Coordinated VBS Oversaw staff and volunteers Reviewed and wrote age appropriate curriculum. Campus Ministry Student Intern at Oklahoma City University Helped set up and assist during Evensong worship. Prepared community meals for Wednesday at the Wesley. Was Student Director of Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference Family and Youth Day. Served as lay delegate for St. Stephen s UMC at the Oklahoma Annual Conference. Served as the Student Director of Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference - Family and Youth Day. I believe God is calling the future of the UMC to be transformative. Regardless of present or future, God is calling the church to uphold and live out the Jesus way of life. Our denomination is going to be faced with many difficult decisions. We cannot continue to deny love and acceptance to all people. Now more than ever, God is calling us to do what is right, to be just, and live out the unconditional, radical love and hospitality that we find in scripture. The radical and counter cultural ways of Jesus broke down barriers of all kinds. The time is now to live out the ways of Jesus and to bring down the barriers that separate us from our brothers and sisters in Christ living this way will bring transformation to our world. 20

23 VOTING NUMBER: #717 Fulton Kent Wade ADDRESS: 604 Timberdale Drive, Edmond, OK CHURCH: New Covenant UMC, Edmond DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Federal Administrative Law Judge AGE BRACKET: Kent Fulton Responsibilities Presently Held: Member, Pastor Parish Relations Team; Member, Adult Discipleship Team. Responsibilities held in past at other Oklahoma United Methodist Churches: Lay Leader (2x at 2 different churches); Lay Delegate to Annual Conference; Member, Finance Committee; Chair, Long Range Planning Committee; Chair, Council on Ministries; Member, Staff Parish Relations Committee Responsibilities held in past: First Alternate Lay Delegate, Oklahoma Delegation, 2008 General Conference; Twice served on Conference Board of Laity; At Large Member, Annual Conference Council; Tulsa District Lay Leader for 3 years; Member, Tulsa District Committee on Superintendency; Member, Tulsa District Council on Finance and Administration By our faith in Jesus Christ we are set apart in how we live our lives and worship our Lord. The difficult challenges facing the lost, broken, poor and hungry are made no better by a church that places most of its energy into fighting over the legalisms of eligibility for ordination and the kind of marriages that will be allowed to be performed in our churches. Indeed, our inward focus as a church has likely done more harm than good to those we are called to serve. It is time to move past these divisive debates, and those within the Body of Christ who are not at peace with the current position of the church on these matters should move to a place of worship where they can serve Jesus Christ without distraction. Indeed, the poor and hungry are always with us, and it is time for the church to refocus on serving those most in need both in our communities and around the world. I believe that God is calling the UMC to return to its mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and bringing the love and hope of Jesus Christ to a lost and broken world. 21

24 VOTING NUMBER: #718 Garrett Cylde Brad ADDRESS: US Highway 59, Keota, OK CHURCH: Spiro First United Methodist Church, Spiro, OK DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired College Professor AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Cylde Garrett PhD Lay Leader, Trustee, SPRC committee Delegate I believe the UMC has stated its mission well in To Know Christ and make Him Known. Every individual has a calling if he/she will work through Christ to discover and develop their capabilities. The church needs its members to present themselves in their professional, personal, and in every day activities that let s others know their strengths. In this manner, they work to encourage others and get along with all people. The Jaycee Creed states A belief in God gives meaning and purpose to human life, and service to humanity is the best work of life. This is my personal belief. 22

25 Carla Garrison LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #719 Carla Nelson Garrison ADDRESS: 3520 W. 7th St., Elk City, OK CHURCH: Elk City United Methodist Church DISTRICT: CLINTON DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired Educator AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Vision, Administrative Council, Annual Conf. Lay Member, Worship comm. Ad Hoc, Staff Parish Relations, Finance, Stewardship, Sunday School Teacher, Family Council, Lay Speaker, Lay Leader, UMWPres. Lay Speaker, Transition Team, UMW District President Based on information from Pastor Terry or Devon in 1996, 85% of people with no religious affiliation had a good opinion of Christians but, in 2010 that percentage fell to 16%. It is essential that we make a visible difference ASAP. To do this we must let people know (HEAR) of our faith. We Methodists are involved everywhere: with children youth, the hungry, the elderly, etc. We need to be sure the parents, families, coworkers, caregivers hear that we are Christ s hands and feet that they may be inspired to join us in God s work. 23

26 VOTING NUMBER: #720 Graves Janina ADDRESS: 823 W. University, Stillwater, OK CHURCH: OSU-Wesley Foundation DISTRICT: STILLWATER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Coordinator of Student Ministry/Associate Director of Wesley Foundation at Oklahoma State University AGE BRACKET: Janina Graves The Wesley Foundation at Oklahoma State has not only been my employer for the last five years, but my home base and faith community for the last ten years. Currently, my role includes the creation and facilitation of 30 plus programs for young adults each year; conversation with students of all walks of life (churched, non-churched, dechurched, other faiths); coordination of student leaders and student employees (15); connection of our ministry with local churches and other ministries; and the authentic expression of my own faith. From leading contemplative prayer groups to international arts-based mission experiences to studies on vocation to English/Spanish conversation groups to an International Choir (30 plus countries represented in 5 years), my calling and work have been to meet young adults of all backgrounds where they are and to ask, what does it mean to love God and love people? Where does your deepest joy meet the needs of the community around you? To learn more about my leadership and involvement, folow the OSU Wesley at or or connect with me here: Board Member of and intern recruitment for Project Transformation. Volunteer and/or guest speaker at various campus and youth rallies (i.e. CYME, CLEW, Stillwater District Mid-Winter Retreat, Youth Force). Stillwater District Covenant Discipleship group with laity/clergy, led by former District Superintendent, Rev. David Wiggs. Annual Conference Lay Delegate for several years. Love God. Love people. The action which facilitates our mission is that simple, but not simplistic. I believe that God is calling us to be a faith-driven community, rather than a fear-ridden institution. I also believe that God is calling us to re-direct our conversations. I do not believe that the conversations taking up the majority of our time as a community and an institution have much (if any) impact on the majority of Oklahoma s population. I believe that this reality is why the majority of our broader community members don t care about or participate in the UMC. I also believe that we have bifurcated our point of views and must believe together that there is a middle road the way of Christ. Do we know our neighbors? Do we even know each other? Do we respond rather than react? Are we willing to listen? Are we willing to be uncomfortable? Are we willing to take risks rooted in relationship? This blog entry I wrote back in 2014 explains some of what I believe about the process of relationships and the development of programs and outreach to facilitate them. 24

27 Claudean Harrison LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #721 Claudean Harrison ADDRESS: 401 West Creek St, Lindsay, OK CHURCH: United Methodist Church, Lindsay, OK DISTRICT: ARDMORE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Educator and Counselor AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Lay Leader, Administrative Council Chair, Certified Lay Speaker, Worship and Communications Committees. Current SPRC Committee. UMW Past President. District: past Ardmore District Lay Speaker Director, Re-Ignite presenter, Transition Team and ECU Wesley Board. Current new district Transition Team. Conference: Board of Laity Assoc. Lay Leader with small church focus and Van Sickle Small Church Grant chair; Small Church Commission Vice-chair; Oklahoma United Methodist Rural Advocates President and jurisdictional representative to the United Methodist Rural Advocates - Executive Committee God is calling each of us as the Church to act, to get out of the chair, off the bench, up from the pews and into our communities to spread the news about the wonderful saving grace of our Lord. Before we can transform the world, we must examine our own lives, the spiritual needs of our families and reach out to our friends and neighbors. As His children we must speak and act in love about His unconditional love and grace; open the doors of our rural and urban churches with His message. A true revival is a must as we re-think the church and what it is about. How can this be done? Return to daily prayer, Bible reading, teaching and practice. Break the mold of traditional Sunday morning worship; create a worship experience that is available anytime that fits the community. With great preaching, committed laity and heart-felt music, our churches can be transformed one person, one event, one idea at a time. The world can and will be changed for His glory through us as His church! 25

28 Maurice Hawthorne LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #722 Maurice Ray Hawthorne ADDRESS: 468 NW 1025th Ave, Wilburton, OK CHURCH: Wilburton First United Methodist Church, Wilburton, OK DISTRICT: MCALESTER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired Eastern Oklahoma State College Physical Sciences Dept. Chair & Instructor AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Current: Lay Leader, Certified Lay Servant, Treasurer, Finance Committee, Higher Education & Campus Ministry Coordinator, Choir Member, occasional Lay Reader/Worship Leader Past: Administrative Council Chair, Education Committee Chair, Trustee, Discipleship Team member, Outreach Committee member, Strategic Planning Committee member District: Director of Lay Servant Ministries, Associate District Lay Leader, Discipleship Team, Treasurer of Eastern Oklahoma State College United Ministries/Wesley Foundation. Annual Conference: District Directors of Lay Speaking/Servant Ministries of the Board of Laity (10 years) Past member of: Board of Higher Education & Campus Ministry (12 years), Board of Education (8 years), Discipleship Ministry team (4 years), Standing Committee on Campus Ministry (6 years), VIM team to Israel/ Palestine (2013, scheduled for 2015), 2013 CYME Lay Servant teacher/leader, 2014 Youth Force Cleveland County adult sponsor/group leader As Bishop Hayes spoke at the recent I AM LAITY Summit 15, the Church has left the building. We cannot do business as we have in the past. We cannot have the attitude that, If we build it, they will come. Laity and clergy must work together both inside the church and out in the world where the majority of the populace is. We cannot make disciples if they are not where we are we must go to where they are. We must meet the people in a non-threatening and invitational manner. A second issue is that with too few ordained clergy to fill the pulpits, trained laity are going to have to fill in. In order to do either of these tasks effectively, we must motivate and have adequate training for laity at all levels with inspirational pastoral leadership. 26

29 VOTING NUMBER: #723 Hiller Sharri ADDRESS: PO Box 81, Caddo, OK CHURCH: Durant/Caddo UMC DISTRICT: ARDMORE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Civil Engineer AGE BRACKET: Sharri Hiller Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Sponsor, Choir Member, Piano Player, Administrative Council Chair, Outreach Committee, Lay Servant, VBS Teacher and Coordinator, Kids Club Leader, Lay Member Annual Conference, Music Leader Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries, Chair of the District Board of Laity, District Lay Leader, District Director of Lay Speaking Ministries, Camp Dean-Growin in Grace, Cross Point, Cross Point Site Development Chair and Secretary, Annual Conference Boar of Trustees of Camps-Secretary, Ardmore District Camp small group leader and Administrative Dean, CYME Small Group Leader, Ardmore District Mission Trip leader and coordinator. The UMC is being called back into relationship; with God, with each other, and with all people-regardless of their beliefs. We need to know our neighbors to help them nurture their walk with Christ. Those of us already in the UMC must be willing to continue to grow ourselves before we can help others grow. 27

30 VOTING NUMBER: #724 Hiller John Edward ADDRESS: P.O. Box 81, Caddo, OK CHURCH: Ringling UMC, Ringling Oklahoma DISTRICT: ARDMORE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Student AGE BRACKET: Under 25 John Hiller Worship planning committee, Sunday school teacher, youth group president District Youth Council president, Discipleship Ministry Team at-large member, Delegate to General Conference, Conference on the General Commission at-large member God is calling us as The UMC to reach out to those outside of our buildings. To do this we must empower church member to go out into their communities and serve. Every church member takes a vow to support his or her church through prays, presence, gifts, service and witness. The church is not here to serve us, nor are we here to serve the church. We are the church and we are here to serve God by serving others. For the laity to be empower to go and serve we must hold our clergy accountable. Just getting by is not good enough anymore. Sadly there are churches in our Conference who are served by pastors who are just trying to keep the doors open. Furthermore there are churches full of members who only want to keep their doors open. We cannot be satisfied with just getting by. We must reach out to a hurting world that needs to hear the good news of Christ. There are young people who are excited to spread the love of God. But far too often their energy is hampered by a complicated system that is in serious need of repair. 28

31 Debra HorseChief LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #725 Debra HorseChief ADDRESS: 425 North 12th Street, Muskogee, OK CHURCH: Spencer Memorial United Methodist Church - Muskogee, Oklahoma DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT horsechief.debra@gmail.com OCCUPATION: Retired Principal AGE BRACKET: I am currently the Administrative Council Secretary, Usher and Communion Steward, I have been Administrative Board Chair, Treasurer, Lay Member to Annual Conference, Member of Trustee Committee-PPR Committee-Finance Committee- District Associate Lay Leader I believe God is calling the UMC to focus on the youth. We should encourage each other. We should encourage each other and yourself. Love God, yourself and others. Appreciate the hard work of others. Show the youth how to do these things by doing them daily. Find the good in your unique brothers and sisters. Rejoice and praise God through it all. Remind each other to listen, be available and ready to work with our youth. Teach the young to praise, love, rejoice and be still and know that God is God. 29

32 Martha Jane Huffman LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #726 Martha Jane Huffman ADDRESS: 651 Parkhill Drive, Spiro, OK CHURCH: Spiro First United Methodist Church, Spiro, OK DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Broadcaster/Textile Artist/Administrative Assistant (Law)/Real Estate AGE BRACKET: Former Nominations Committee Member; Former Sunday School Teacher; Former Muskogee District Award- Winning Methodist Monday Volunteer; 2014 & 2015 Lay Delegate to Oklahoma Annual Conference; Staff-Parish Relations Committee Member 2014 & 2015; Credo Mentor; Facilitated spouse in 2005 becoming one of worldwide Methodism s first Certified Lay Ministers and supported spouse s pastoral ministries at three charges during 61 out of the past 96 months, including presently at Bokoshe UMC since March, Spiro First UMC s Lay Delegate to the 2014 Oklahoma Annual Conference; Spiro First UMC s Lay Delegate to the 2015 Oklahoma Annual Conference; Muskogee District Nominating Assembly Delegate and Nominee for consideration as 2016 General Conference Lay Delegate and/or Jurisdictional Delegate from Oklahoma Annual Conference. God is calling me and every Methodist to personal and corporate REVIVAL. We must follow John Wesley s admonition to let the Holy Spirit set our hearts on fire for the LORD so that all persons will be drawn to the Light of Christ s Love. Our church, nation, and world is ripe for REVIVAL and the UMC has the right message for the right time: Now is the time for us to dedicate ourselves to the utmost to the transformational mission of our beloved church on behalf of our LORD, who first loves us and is the Way, the Truth, and the Life...now and forever. Amen! 30

33 VOTING NUMBER: #727 Hull Cynthia Jeanne ADDRESS: 8517 County Road 380, Waynoka, OK CHURCH: Waynoka-First UMC DISTRICT: Woodward District OCCUPATION: retired AGE BRACKET: Cindy Hull Youth Director, Music Director, Church Organist/pianist, choir member, Administrative Council, Finance Committee, Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Building Committee, United Methodist Women s president, United Methodist Women s treasurer, Annual Conference Lay Member/Alternate Lay Member Conference UMW president, Annual Conference Council and Management Team, Conference Board of Laity, Conference Nominating Committee, Annual Conference Corporation, Neighborhood Services Organization Board, Cookson Hills Mission Board, Conference UMW secretary, District UMW secretary, District UMW Membership secretary, District UMW vice-president, OK Clergy Spouse Fellowship secretary, NW Oklahoma Walk to Emmaus Lay Director I feel the church should continue to make a statement for diversity, reconciliation and inclusion, so that more people will come to know God and become disciples. I read about and listen to a world being torn apart by violence and hate by those on opposite sides of world religions, racism, poverty issues, sexual identity and needs of the differently-abled. I think it must break God s heart. There will be many issues to become more educated about at General Conference. I am willing to study and listen carefully to all sides of the issues, be in prayer, and vote my conscience. 31

34 Darrell Johnson LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #728 Darrell Lynn Johnson ADDRESS: 315 S. Susan Ave., Wagoner, OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church, Wagoner, OK DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Truck Dealer AGE BRACKET: Administrative Council Chairperson, Head of Trustees, Sunday School teacher. LDMT, Conference Laity Board, District Lay Leader, Council on Finance and Administration In the Near future, both the clergy and the laity must work as an equally yoked team to show that every person has responsibility for the future of our denomination and it s work in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World. We must seek out and value the God given talents and gifts of each person we encounter and encourage those people to pray and actively seek God s will in their lives. We must encourage and mentor those we encounter to increase our collective effectiveness through our daily focus of pray, discernment and action. I think my most effective participation would be at the Jurisdictional level. 32

35 VOTING NUMBER: #729 Junk Bill ADDRESS: 4201 N. Classen Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: New Covenant United Methodist Church, Edmond DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: President-Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation AGE BRACKET: Bill Junk Chair, Pastor Parish Relations Team Chair, Administrative Council Trustee Building Committee Finance Committee District Lay Leader Chair of Bi-District Board of Missions District Committee on Ministry District Committee on Episcopacy OCU Trustee Methodist Manor Trustee General Board of Pensions Director Treasurer, South Central Jurisdiction Management Team-National Association of United Methodist Foundations Fundraising Committee- Neighborhood Services Organization Council on Finance and Administration General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegate-2008 and 2012 To spend our energy and resources sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with our neighbors, community, state, country, and world. We must seek and find new ways to bring people into relationship with Jesus Christ, especially beyond the walls of the church. We are charged in some of Jesus final words to go and make disciples of all nations... We must do a better job of reaching those around us who do not look like us. We cannot survive much longer as an aging, predominantly white church. Our pastors, leaders, and members, by our vows of membership and ordination agree to uphold the Book of Discipline. We all need to understand and uphold our covenant agreement with our church. Hold our denomination together. As a connected church, we are able to have a tremendous impact for Christ on a global basis. The growth of the African church, among others, is evidence of successful mission work over our many years together. Strengthen the efficiency of our general church agencies in order to stretch our financial resources as far as possible. Learn more about me, where I stand on issues facing our church and my thoughts on delegate selection at www. billjunk.com. 33

36 VOTING NUMBER: #730 Junk Tom ADDRESS: 2021 South Lewis, Suite 600, Tulsa, OK CHURCH: First UMC, Tulsa DISTRICT: TULSA DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Trustee and Director, Parker Family Trust AGE BRACKET: Tom Junk Chair, Board of Trustees Chair, Finance Committee Staff Parish Relations Committee Building Committees Executive Committee VIM Team Leader Youth Mission Team Leader Sunday School Class President Chair, Council of Finance and Administration General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegation Chair, Board of Pension and Health Benefits Episcopacy Committee Conference Ministry Center Building Committee President, Tulsa District Board of Trustees President, Oklahoma Methodist Manor Board of Trustees Founding Board Member, Pioneer Country Walk to Emmaus We must cast our nets beyond the walls of the Church. We cannot only expect the un-churched to come find us. God has empowered us to take the message of Christ to the streets, neighborhoods and throughout our troubled world. We can share and receive Christ through our words, mentoring, housing, feeding, clothing, teaching, money, clean water and medicine. Every church can do this! We must be faithful to the scriptures and to our Book of Discipline. The UMC is God s vehicle for sharing love and hope to our hurting world. But our denomination is quickly approaching the point of no return of separation and division due to defiant pastors and bishops and their disregard for the Book of Discipline. Our current statements regarding the practice of homosexuality are gracious but some in our Church are choosing to ignore them. We are at a crossroads as a Church. Will we take bold steps to be about our mission in the world or will we be the next denomination to fade into irrelevance as we spend our energies in these conflicts and divisions? What a tragedy it will be if we squander this opportunity to be Christ s church in the world. See more at www. tomjunk.com 34

37 VOTING NUMBER: #731 Kapka Donna F. ADDRESS: County Road 30, Perry, OK CHURCH: Lucien UMC Lucien, Oklahoma DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired educator AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Donna Kapka Lay servant, chairperson Education, Agape Circle organizer and president, UMW treasurer, secretary of numerous committees, Sunday School teacher, delegate to Annual Conference for many years. Enid district program resource chairperson, delegate to Annual Conference, teller God is calling the UMC to preach the gospel the Good News to a hurting world. Young people, both youth and young adults live such busy lives. Most young adults work full-time jobs and try to keep up with children s activities. How can we reach these families? Many are single parent families. What is the message they need to hear? God cares about them and is with them at all times in both good and bad circumstances. God With Us when we are afraid when we are lonely when we are sad when we are worried. Mission begins with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 35

38 VOTING NUMBER: #732 Kim Donald ADDRESS: 2429 SW 112th Street, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: Korean First UMC-OKC DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Physician AGE BRACKET: Don Kim Present: Board of Trustee, Finance Committee Treasurer, Mission to Mongolia Director, Adult Bible Study leader, Church Maintenance Committee member Past: SPRC member, Annual Conference Lay Delegate, Choir Department chair, Maintenance Committee chair Present: Vice-president to United Methodist Conference Corporation, Conference Associate Lay Leader, Board of Laity member, Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Board member, Wellness Committee member, OCORR Committee member, Asian Committee chair Past: Oklahoma Lay Delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conference in 2012, South Oklahoma City District Lay Leader, South Oklahoma City District Superintendent Committee chair, Department of Congregation Development Committee Member The Book of Discipline must be revised to eliminate unnecessary laws and regulations. The complexity limits work to be done only to fit the norm of the society, rather than fulfilling God s commands. The UMC has become only to protect its own identity, rather than to make disciples of Jesus Christ. It is now an institution that is layered with laws and regulations, shielding itself from the world. This makes it difficult to change and make differences in the world. We are too caught up in being more appropriate and appeasing the world, rather then rooting ourselves to become radical disciples. We are not here for the sake of pleasing our neighbors, but we are here for the sake of the Bible and God s calling by choosing the right path, and make disciples of Jesus Christ for His name sake. We must change the UMC to empower the local churches lay members and pastors to work together for their mission at hand. To do this, we as the UMC must first stand firm on values set before us by Jesus Christ and be bold in speaking to those who do not know Him, yet. 36

39 VOTING NUMBER: #733 Lefler Jim Clark ADDRESS: 8717 E 105th Street, Tulsa, OK CHURCH: Faith UMC Tulsa, OK DISTRICT: TULSA DISTRICT jlefler@jclsc.com OCCUPATION: President & CEO JCL Service Company LLC AGE BRACKET: Jim Lefler Administrative Council chair, SPRC chair, Lay Leader, Finance Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Worship Committee, Lay Delegate, Disciple Bible Study Teacher, Certified Lay Servant, choir member, Sunday school teacher. Board of Ministry Executive Committee, Coordinator of MEF Scholarship, Coordination for BOM, Annual Conference Council, District Lay Servant Committee The UMC continually faces challenges but in the near future I feel that the church must pull together and unify on the key principles that have established our denomination as a stronghold of Christian values. We must unite in the pursuit of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation and salvation of the world. We must re-invent the word evangelism and understand what it takes in our everyday lives to reach others for the Gospel of Jesus. We must also help others understand the forgiving grace that Christ offers to all no matter what our past, so that the way to salvation and sanctification may be possible. 37

40 Blake Lemmons LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #734 Blake Lemmons ADDRESS: 504 East 5th Street, Hennessey, OK CHURCH: Hennessey United Methodist Church, Hennessey DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT OCCUPATION: student AGE BRACKET: Under 25 I am on my church s church council and serve on a committee to start a community church-related coffee shop in Hennessey. I have helped with Vacation Bible School in years past and I helped plan our church s Youth Force during the summer of I was the secretary on the Oklahoma CCYM. While I was secretary, I led a task force that created a curriculum to help youth understand what human trafficking is. This curriculum was presented at JEM camp. While I have been on the Oklahoma CCYM, I have helped plan CYME for the past three years. I have been a youth delegate from the Enid District to Annual Conference two previous years. Become a place that truly embodies the Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors mission of the UMC. In other words, we need to do what it takes to accept people as Jesus Christ accepts them. 38

41 VOTING NUMBER: #735 Lindsey Albert James Albert J. Lindsey ADDRESS: 2920 N. Harvey Parkway, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: St. Luke s United Methodist Church Oklahoma City DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT alindsey@blackchronicle.com OCCUPATION: Executive Vice President, Perry Publishing & Broadcasting AGE BRACKET: Stephen Ministry leader, Sunday school teacher, Finance Committee member, President of Triquetra Sunday School Class, Head Usher Mission Council of South Central Jurisdiction (Volunteers In Mission Committee), Board of Directors of Circle of Care of Oklahoma Conference I believe the UMC must continue demonstrating its unwaver allegiance to the tenets of The Discipline and to the Holy Bible and to the moral and other principles outlined in both of them, thus convincing the world that we are lifting up Christ, with the goal being to draw all men unto Him and to His Church. Also, the UMC must continue (and expand upon, if possible) its emphasis on ministering to the needs of those who suffer and are heavy-laden with the cares and tragedies of the world, and we must continue to undo the heavy burdens and let the oppressed go free if we are to fulfill our mission to make disciples of men. 39

42 Larry Lockwood LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #736 Larry Leland Lockwood ADDRESS: 1225 N College, Cordell, OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church of Cordell DISTRICT: CLINTON DISTRICT icgodnu79@yahoo.com OCCUPATION: Nursing Home Transportation AGE BRACKET: Run the sound system and computer screens every Sunday, Back-up Sunday School teacher for every class 1st grade through Sr. High, Assist the UM Men with their Ground Hog Dinner, Lead VIM teams, Member of the Mission Committee, Co-teach our Confirmation Retreat, Help out with any other jobs at the church. Member of the District Mission Committee I believe that it is our mission as United Methodists to not give in to secular ways. We are called to be believers in Christ and to spread His word to all people. I believe we as Christians don t do what we are called to do for fear of offending others. It is our duty to do as Christ commanded us, sometimes we may step on toes, but we need to stand up and defend the Bible from all of those who want to push it aside. God calls each and every one of us to worship Him and to declare Him as the Lord of Lords, so therefore I also believe that God is calling the UMC to make a better and more deliberate effort at reaching out to those, both here in the US and around the world, that don t worship God on a regular basis. We need to all realize that sometimes that means just reaching out to those in our neighborhoods or towns. 40

43 VOTING NUMBER: #737 Luster Miranda ADDRESS: 815 N. Main St. #13, Stillwater, OK CHURCH: Highland Park UMC DISTRICT: STILLWATER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Student AGE BRACKET: Under 25 Miranda Luster Church SPRC Vice-chair; Lay Leader Young Adult Voting Delegate to Global Young People s Convocation and Legislative Assembly (2014), Lay Delegate As God s children we are called to love one another. Not only are we called to love our neighbor that we might not like, but we are asked to go out and be disciples of Christ to more people that we might not want to associate with. But the point of the church is to reach those who have yet to find a church home. To help those who are dealing with situations unfathomable to someone else. We are called to minister to those who are overlooked, unloved, and unlike ourselves. 41

44 VOTING NUMBER: #738 Madere James Michael ADDRESS: 3619 E 49th st, Tulsa, OK CHURCH: University UMC, tulsa DISTRICT: TULSA DISTRICT jmadere@okstate.edu OCCUPATION: Electronics Technician AGE BRACKET: James Madere Finance committee, Lay delegate, Liturgist Lay delegate To connect to our neighbors with more diverse techniques. In a rapidly changing world we need to move Churches into new areas, where the message of God is needed the most. The Church faces a great challenge in adapting the gospel message to a new generation that perceives the organization in a negative light, we must be a visible force for good in our communities and in the world. 42

45 James McCullough VOTING NUMBER: #739 James Allard McCullough ADDRESS: 8045 Conifer Road, Henryetta, OK CHURCH: Henryetta-First UMC DISTRICT: MCALESTER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Chair for the School of Visual Communications, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology / Graphic Designer and Illustrator / Cattle & Sheep Rancher AGE BRACKET: As a PK (Preacher s Kid) I seem to have held or done just about every job or position with a local church that you can think of or imagine, (I think I learned it from my dad). From leadership roles as a youth, to a youth sponsor. From mowing the lawn and mopping the floors as the janitor to now the Facilities Chairman and the Chair of the Board of Trustees. I have Chaired the Church Council for over 10 years, been a member of the Finance, Worship and Building committees, been a regular usher, lay leader, and have on many occasions been honored by our United Women s group for working and helping in and on their projects. As the church complex, that we currently occupy in Henryetta, was being built, I literally hauled the native stone, tons of it, that makes up the Main Sanctuary and the outside veneer of the complex. From Bike and Build, to community clean up days, Bean Dinners and Bazaars, and anything else that our church has had as an outreach or a special activity, I ve try to apply my talents and skills as a designer and artist, to help in the promotion and awareness of these events (as well as working them). Bible School, weddings, funerals and showers, I seem to be involved in them in multiple ways. The Sunday School class that I teach each week is a blessing to me, as well as singing in the choir and facilitating small group studies and workshops for the church congregation. I honestly believe that the only jobs I haven t held or done in our local church are the Nursery and sitting on the SPRC committee. District Trustees, District Building/Project review board, Conference Committee of Agency Emergency /Capital Fund, Lay Nominee for General/Jurisdictional Conference To be the Church. Go out, get out and be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the world. It s that simple, if we would just commit to doing it. Quit making excuses and just do it! 43

46 Randy McCurdy LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #740 Randall McCurdy ADDRESS: 3220 S. Ash Ct., Broken Arrow, OK CHURCH: St. Stephen s UMC, Broken Arrow DISTRICT: TULSA DISTRICT randymccurdy@yahoo.com OCCUPATION: Youth Director AGE BRACKET: Sunday school teacher, youth leader, choir director, pre-school director, Christian Education director, committee member, committee chairperson, building committee, scout leader, worship leader, musician, volunteer coordinator District Youth Coordinator, Conference Youth Coordinator, Conference Chair of District Camp Curriculum Design Team, Board of Director of Local Campus Ministry, Program Development for Conference Camps, Emmaus, Dean of District Camp, Dean of Conference Camp/Event, Conference Trustees, Conference Board of Ministry Putting our faith in action by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 44

47 Wayne Middleton LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #741 Wayne James Middleton ADDRESS: 2916 Kingston Drive, Bartlesville, OK CHURCH: Bartlesville First Church DISTRICT: BARTLESVILLE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Operations Manager for Bartlesville First Church (parttime), otherwise retired. AGE BRACKET: Currently: Lay Member to Annual Conference; Member: Church Council, Finance Committee, SPRC, Contemporary Service Task Force; Work with Children s Wednesday Night Programming, Preach in Green Country Vespers Rotation, Lead a Small Group study. Past: Chair: Church Council, Evangelism, Finance, Education (Small Groups); Member of Fellowship and Family Life. God is calling the UMC to bring people to God, but in ways that call them genuinely to God s way, not by trying to adapt God s way to the demands of the world. 45

48 VOTING NUMBER: #742 Earl Mitchell ADDRESS: 3 Summit Circle, Stillwater, OK CHURCH: Highland Park UMC DISTRICT: STILLWATER DISTRICT earldmjr@gmail.com OCCUPATION: Retired (Professor Emeritus, OSU) AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Earl Mitchell Lay Delegate to Annual Conference, PPRC chair, Member of the Administrative (Board), (Council), Lay leader, adult and youth teacher. Stillwater District Lay Leader, OSU Wesley Foundation Board member and president, Conference Board of Church and Society, Board of Higher Education (Vice-chair), Commission on the Status of Women, Commission on Religion and Race and the Board of Laity (at-large and as a member). UMC South Central Jurisdictional Delegate 1976, 1980, 1984, UMC General Conference Delegate in 1980 and Alternate in 1984 (did not attend). The UMC is being called to be a consistent voice in sharing the two commandments given by Jesus, Love of God and Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself. In that sharing we must be willing to reconcile and forgive unconditionally as Gods Grace is unconditional. In order to carry this out, we as individuals in the UMC must be intentional in what we do to make this happen. Intentional includes sharing, sacrificing and using our resources wisely. A good guide for us to follow the simple Wesleyan Quadrilateral of Scripture, Tradition Experience and Reason in our personal lives as we share with churched and un-churched persons while we earn all we can, save all we can, give all we can to help as many as we can for as long as we can. It begins with those close and spreads out to acquaintances and subsequently to strangers. 46

49 VOTING NUMBER: #743 Morgan Barbara Kathryn ADDRESS: 33 NW Heatherstone Drive, Lawton, OK CHURCH: Centenary UMC Lawton DISTRICT: LAWTON DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Ret. Educator/Administrator LPS Current Adjunct Cameron University AGE BRACKET: Barbara Morgan Lay Delegate at Annual Conference, Lay Leader, SPRC chair, Sunday school teacher, Lay Servant speaker, officer UMW, Worship Committee, Finance Committee, LOGOS asst. teacher, Liturgist, Usher, Greeter, Church Council Chair, Nominating Committee, Safe Sanctuaries chair. Lay member dcom, Lay member Equitable Compensation Committee God is calling us to go out in the world in the same way that Jesus did by loving God and loving our neighbor. This begins within our church with small group study and constant dialogue with our peers in order to keep learning and growing spiritually. God is calling us to connect with our youth and young adults by forming relationships to ensure that their needs are met and that they can grow into a place of discipleship. We then move beyond the walls of our church to reach out to those who may be different not just to accept them, but to embrace them. There are many hungry people in this world hungry for sustenance and even hungrier for words of hope and healing. God is calling us to be compassionate life giving, nourishing, and encompassing. We need to be actively engaged, working together to move into a place in which true social justice exists. Growing disciples for the transformation of the world requires active listening, understanding, creativity, and action. God is not is not just calling us to do this, God is urging us! 47

50 Russell Morrison LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE Russell layman VOTING NUMBER: #744 Morrison ADDRESS: 501 Sunset Drive, Watonga, OK CHURCH: Hitchcock Methodist Church DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired AGE BRACKET:

51 VOTING NUMBER: #745 Neel Jackie ADDRESS: 4005 E 67th St, Tulsa, OK CHURCH: Boston Avenue United Methodist Church DISTRICT: TULSA DISTRICT jackie.neel@cox.net OCCUPATION: physician AGE BRACKET: Jackie Neel Church and Society Committee chair I believe that carrying out our mission first of all requires getting back to our discipleship in following the example of Jesus in building a community in which all members are valued as God s beloved children. This is a community that works to feed God s sheep not only with food, but with emotional support, equality, health, education and safety. John Wesley encouraged us to think and let think and to offer our friendship to all despite our differences in gifts, ideas, beliefs and backgrounds. I think the future of the UMC depends on our being open to God s love and compassion. Our open heart and minds will lead to the correct actions. The path to transformation of the world is one of cooperation, compassion, sharing of resources and minimizing our conflicts within our Church. Christ goes before us and shows us the path. 49

52 VOTING NUMBER: #746 Nicklas Cara ADDRESS: Forest Glade Drive, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: St. Luke s UMC, Oklahoma City DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT caranicklas@cox.net OCCUPATION: attorney AGE BRACKET: Cara Nicklas Finance Committee, current member and past chair; Administrative Board, past chair; Staff Parish Relations Committee, past chair; Sunday School teacher for children, youth and adults; Sunday School curriculum committee. Jurisdictional delegate, 2012; Lay delegate to Annual Conference; Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation, trustee; Agency Emergency/Capital Fund, current chair As John Wesley advised, God is calling the UMC to hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which [we] first set out lest we only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. The UMC in the United States is declining in membership. This may be a result of spiritual mushiness within our denomination. Toleration of diversity cannot become indifference toward our core beliefs. Our churches must provide a place where seekers are challenged to deepen their relationship with God. Despite cultural changes, we must submit to the authority of the Bible. Its message is timeless and should not be dismissed as culturally irrelevant. A recognition of Jesus loving sacrifice for us and the witness of the Bible is where we find unity as a denomination. Structural changes within the United Methodist system and better prioritization of matters presented at General Conference are necessary in order to promote unity and ensure our mission is effectively carried out. As long as the focus of General Conference is dominated by the issue of homosexuality, the revival within our denomination that is so sorely needed will be less likely to occur. 50

53 VOTING NUMBER: #747 Peck Pamela ADDRESS: PO Box 435, Copan, OK CHURCH: Copan United Methodist Church, Copan DISTRICT: BARTLESVILLE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Home Maker AGE BRACKET: Pam Peck Lay Servant, Lay Delegate, Ad Council Secretary, UMW President, Outreach Chair, Finance Chair District Lay Leader, Board of Laity Member, District UMW President, District Finance Committee, District Board of Trustees, Leadership Development Team I believe God is calling the people, clergy and laity, of the UMC to wake up. We have been asleep too long ignoring the Holy Spirits call. We have forgotten how to evangelize. We have grown lazy in being Christians. I believe God is calling us to grow in Christ. We are doing great things in the mission fields around the world but we need to do missions right here in the United States and in Europe. We need to be training spirit-filled leaders. We need to become passionate about God. We need to learn how to talk about God with our family, our friends, our neighbors, and our community. We must change and I believe we are on the right track. I see great things happening in the church today. We must get back to our Wesleyan roots and hold ourselves accountable to one another. We must nurture our youth and train them to show God s love in whatever they do. 51

54 VOTING NUMBER: #748 Perry Barbara Jean ADDRESS: 4319 St. Patrick Drive, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: Chapel Hill UMC - Oklahoma City DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT barbara.perry@okstate.edu OCCUPATION: Adjunct Math Professor - OSU-OKC AGE BRACKET: Barbara Perry Present: Past: Chancel Choir (14 yr) Adult Education Team Chrmn Sunday School President & Treasurer Church Council (13 yr) Bible Studies - Leader UMW Nominating & Reception - Chrmn Lay Servant Faith Promise Committee Staff Parish Relations Committee Ministry & Missions Fair Chrmn (11 yr) Lay Leadership Committee Rebuilding Together Missions Committee Strategic Planning Committee (6 yr) Mission Teams Sunday School Newsletter Editor Mobile Meals - Coordinator Support Our Soldiers Chrmn (12 yr) Spiritual Gifts Placement Counselor General Conference - First Alternate Delegate Jurisdictional Conference Delegate Conference: Board of Laity (8 yr), Head Teller (4 yr), Laity Luncheon Registrar (6 yr), Lay Member Delegate (11 yr), Discipleship Ministry Team, Leadership Develop. Ministry Team NOKC District: District Lay Leader (6 yr), Associate District Lay Leader (3 yr), UMW District Treasurer (4 yr), Bi-District Board of Buildings (10 yr), Committee of Ordained Ministry (6 yr), Missional Strategy Team, New Sites Task Force, Revitalization Task Force, Superintendency & Trustees Committee, Transition Committee, Epworth Villa Board & PPR Chairman Be intentional and dedicated to DISCIPLESHIP, spreading the Gospel through Biblical preaching, teaching, and evangelism. Make every effort to preserve the UNITY in our denomination. Improve the process of assimilation and connection of new members and new Christians into our local churches. Perpetually support and engage in Christserving MISSIONS, local and global. Make the message of God s love real and take it outside the church walls. 52

55 VOTING NUMBER: #749 Player Reece ADDRESS: 424 Lakeside Drive, Altus, OK CHURCH: Altus FUMC DISTRICT: CLINTON DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Youth Director & Student AGE BRACKET: Reece Player Intern, Worship Leader, Lay Speaker, Candidate (Candidacy Process), Hospitality Chair, Audio/Visual Director, Servant Leader/Volunteer for ministries such as Youth Force, Project Noel, DaySpring Camp, etc, Choir, Hand Bells, Alpha Course Leader/Teacher, Domestic/Foreign Mission Team Member Youth Director, Annual Conference Secretary, SCJC Paige, Wesley Campus Ministries Worship & Servant Leader, Green Country Chrysalis & Journey Servant Leader I believe Jesus calls us to live out our Biblical & Wesleyan Heritage by basics such as Scripture, Prayer, Worship, Service, Witness, & Christian Community. I believe we need to get out into the world and people s lives more than architecture and programming. I think the Father is calling us to bridge the gap in Christ s body the Church, and be one big Christian family who turns the world upside down. I believe the Holy Spirit wants us to be filled with Him, and bring His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. 53

56 VOTING NUMBER: #750 Prentice Betty Jean ADDRESS: 84 SYCAMORE CIRCLE, PRYOR, OK CHURCH: Pryor First UMC, Pryor, OK DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Betty Prentice Certified Lay Servant, UMW President, Delegate to Annual Conf., Missions Committee, Worship chair, choir, bells, Sunday School teacher Board Ordained Ministry, UMW Conference Treasurer, Dist Committee on Ministry, Dist UMW pres, v-p, secretary, treasurer, Music leader for Lay Speaker/Servant Training, Mission U Treasurer, UMW Conference Program Resources, UMW Conference Committee on Nominations member God is calling us to listen to each other, to love each other where we are, to be the hands, feet, voice of Christ in God s world here and now. 54

57 Stephanie Quammen LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #751 Stephanie Jayne Quammen ADDRESS: 1807 E. North Avenue, Tonkawa, OK CHURCH: Prairie Chapel UMC DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Student AGE BRACKET: Under 25 Youth Delegate to Administrative Council (Tonkawa FUMC ) 2 years Lay Leadership Committee (Prairie Chapel UMC ) 3 years CYME Member, Discipleship Ministries Team, Certified Lay Servant, Equalizing Delegate to Annual Conference (Prairie Chapel UMC) 2014 and 2015, Teller at Annual Conference (Prairie Chapel UMC) 2015 I believe that God is calling the UMC to have a ready and willing spirit to help others to the best of our ability. I think that as disciples of Jesus Christ ourselves, an effective way of making other disciples is to lead by example. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (English Standard Version, Rom. 12.2). By acknowledging that our actions or words alone will never be enough to make a disciple we are set free from the fear of inadequacy. We are then able to recognize ourselves as being, as Saint Francis wrote, an instrument of Thy peace. God is guiding us in our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ. When we bring people to God, He is then able to work in and through them to bring forth the fulfillment of their lives. To effectively live out our mission we must be open to hearing God s voice and His call, trusting that the understanding will come to us when God knows that we are ready. 55

58 VOTING NUMBER: #752 Rice Stephen Kelton ADDRESS: 2503 NE Turtle Creek Dr, Lawton, OK CHURCH: Lawton First United Methodist Church DISTRICT: LAWTON DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Unemployed (semi-retired Systems Analyst) AGE BRACKET: Steve Rice Currently I am a worship leader in the Praise & Worship team for Sunday mornings. I co-lead the weekly Prayer Group for the church, and also run the prayer ministry for our Celebrate Recovery ministry. In addition, I am currently SPRC Chair, Lay Leader, Trustee of our local Foundation Board, and Certified Lay Servant. Previously, have been chair of the Church Council and also was Chair of Trustees Committee. I believe that God is calling the UMC to return to its biblical roots and become the bold voice proclaiming to a lost, confused world the absolute truth and inerrancy of His holy word revealed to us through the Bible. (Really, it is a call to the entire Christian church, but the UMC has the opportunity to take the lead on this.) We are living in an age of confusion where there is doubt as to the authority and accuracy of the Word of God and there seems to be a lack of absolute truth anymore. Unfortunately, I feel the church finds itself victim to the same confusion which grips our world today. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. But in this climate of confusion, how can we effectively do this when people are bombarded by conflicting messages, and can t trust that what we tell them about Jesus is absolutely true and reliable? I believe that to lead people to Christ we must convince them of the absolute inerrancy of the scriptures. And to do this we, as a denomination, must get back to basics. With one united voice we must proclaim the Bible as the INSPIRED and living Word of God our single source of guidance for living as God intended us to and with which to dispel the darkness and confusion which exists in our world today. Further, we must clearly demonstrate through our doctrine and actions our belief in this by boldly reclaiming our passion as United Methodists as John Wesley once showed us. This is, indeed, a very high calling to the UMC, but I believe that God demands nothing less. 56

59 Mary Richardson LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #753 Mary Louise Richardson ADDRESS: PO Box 89, Cromwell, OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church Wewoka DISTRICT: MCALESTER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired from Local Government Fiance AGE BRACKET: Over 70 Coordinate Student Ministry, President United Methodist Women, Chair SPRC, Administrative Council, Finance Committee, Lay Leadership Committee, Board of Trustees, Lay Member to Annual Conference and Alternate Lay Member to Annual Conference McAlester District UMW Treasurer, Adult Leader District Camp, Camp Egan Site Development Committee, Member & Secretary Board of Trustees Camps of the Oklahoma Conference. I believe that God is calling the UMC (the people) to be people of faith and trust in God s provision; to move out into communities where the mission field is ripe for harvest. God is calling us to be in relationship with persons from all walks of life, to understand their needs, to help provide for their needs, to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, to share the Gospel and to be inter-denominational in our work. 57

60 VOTING NUMBER: #754 Salazar Marsha Diane ADDRESS: 108 Kelly Drive, Holdenville, OK CHURCH: Barnard Memorial UMC DISTRICT: MCALESTER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: retired - Correctional Education Counselor AGE BRACKET: Marsha Salazar Witness Chair, Certified Lay Speaker, Youth Leader, Choir member, Sunday school teacher, small group leader, Disciple Bible Study leader, Worship chair, Outreach chair, Finance Committee chair, Endowment Committee member, Candidate for Ministry. Associate District Lay Leader, Board of Laity, Methodist Academy, Local Pastor s Academy. I believe that the UMC should be the image of Christ in all circumstances, not just in crisis. We should stand strong in our beliefs and disciplines as set out in our Book of Discipline. The world is looking for strength and stability. We should be in the world and not of the world. God has given us a mighty power for the world according to his word and we should stand by that word and not be swayed by the conventions of the world being forced upon us. The Church is a place of safety and security for all. We have been given a tremendous task by God and we should offer His love in a way that does not diminish or bring shame upon Him. 58

61 VOTING NUMBER: #755 Schmidt Aneta Sue ADDRESS: 7217 Breckenridge Rd., Enid, OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church, Enid DISTRICT: ENID DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired Teacher AGE BRACKET: Aneta Schmidt Church Council, Adult Leadership Team, Hospitality Committee, Sunday School Teacher; UMW - President, Secretary, Social Action Coordinator, Membership, Nurture &, Outreach Coordinator Enid District UMW President, Vice-president, Social Action Coordinator, Membership, Nurture, & Outreach Coordinator; Conference UMW Nominating Committee, Standing Rules; Mission U Board Member I believe God is calling the church to reach out to the hurting world and equip all with the spiritual strength to live out their Christian walk. It takes individuals willing to reach out beyond themselves. It could be a smile or a special touch. It may involve a little sweat or tears. But it starts with the individual. 59

62 VOTING NUMBER: #756 Scraper Kathryn Louise ADDRESS: 1004 W. Scott Ave, Marlow, OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church, Marlow OK DISTRICT: LAWTON DISTRICT OCCUPATION: RPO Global Operations Executive AGE BRACKET: Kate Scraper Global Missions Chair, Annual Conference Delegate, UMW Chair, Youth Committee Chair, Youth Minister, Communications Team, Sunday school teacher (adult, children, and youth), Lay Speaker, Music Ministry, VBS Coordinator, Administrative Council, Children s Ministry Chair Conference Clergy Spouse Fellowship President, Delegate to Annual Conference, District Youth Council, District Camp Leader, Conference Camp Administrative Assistant (Cross Point) The UMC has a long tradition of bringing God s love to the most forgotten and broken places of the world. This tradition has formed the strong foundation upon which countless generations of Methodists have encountered God s transformative love. However, today we stand on a precipice. The traditions that have sustained us no longer accomplish what God once so effectively used them for. If we are to step boldly into a changing future, channeling God s love to make a difference that matters for countless generations to come, then we must reassess, retool, and reinvent what it means to make a difference that matters. First, I believe that we must reassess where the most forgotten and broken places of the world actually are. Some who were once marginalized are still very much so, while new marginalized and forgotten groups have emerged, some within the very midst of the post-modern, westernized world. We must reassess the medium that we use to step into those broken and marginalized places, and how we form transformative relationships with those marginalized people. This will involve retooling ourselves to better prepare to make a difference that matters, as we reinvent what it means to be Church. 60

63 VOTING NUMBER: #757 Shahan Aly ADDRESS: 1411 Tara Dr., Moore, OK CHURCH: Moore First United Methodist Church, Moore DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Youth Director AGE BRACKET: Aly Shahan Youth Director, Small Group Leader, Young Adult Women s Group, Clergy Spouse Associate Conference Lay Leader of Young Adults & Young Families, Board of Laity, New People New Places Grant Review Team, Annual Conference Council, Conference District Camp Curriculum Writing Team, South Oklahoma City Youth Coordinator, Co-Dean of Oklahoma City District Camp, Vice-president of Clergy Spouse Fellowship, Director of Re-Ignite Workshops/ Local Church Leaders Workshops, Administrative Assistant to Youth Ministries, Congregational Development, and Discipleship Ministries, Representative of OKUMC to South Central Jurisdiction s Bishop s Week, Delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conferences in 2012, on South Oklahoma City/ Heartland District Missional Strategy Team. Before anything is done, the UMC must be open to change. Our church was founded on serving others, and that is the core of ministry, but to continue to make disciples of Jesus Christ, we must be open to new ideas, new people, and new ministries. Often times ministry is stopped by polity, and that is unacceptable. If our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ, let us do so! Where have we not yet looked? What ideas have we not yet heard? Who have we not yet served? There is a generation of people who are not in our churches and there are many of God s children who are alone. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must be willing to take up our cross, and follow Jesus into the unknown to love, serve, comfort, welcome, invite, and grow. To become a more effective church, the UMC must become a church in which ministry, love, and church become verbs. We must become a church who DOES. 61

64 Estes Sherwood LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #758 Estes Paten Sherwood ADDRESS: S 4100 Rd, Eufaula, OK CHURCH: Eufaula-First UMC DISTRICT: MCALESTER DISTRICT pmed4670@gmail.com OCCUPATION: Critical Care Paramedic AGE BRACKET: Local Lay Leader, Leader of Crossroads adult Sunday school class, Worship Committee, choir, Friendship Kitchen Prep Team Annual Conference Delegate Our church family has a calling to reach out to those of our communities who have been disenfranchised or pushed away from the Church. Restorative justice and social justice are becoming increasingly relevant in our rapidly changing world. 62

65 VOTING NUMBER: #759 Slack Michael ADDRESS: 6817 St Marys PLace, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: Grace UMC, OKC DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Director of Development, OK UM Circle of Care AGE BRACKET: Mike Slack Chair, Finance Committee (2014-present) Sunday School Teacher (Various) Staff member of conference agency Tulsa high school district camp preacher (circa 2007) Church and society representative to Ecumenical Advocacy Days (circa 2007) I believe God is calling the UMC to create and cast a vision of what it means to be a united church. Our world is fractured and broken in many ways. One of the fundamental ways we are broken is our difficulty in working with those with whom we differ. Jesus was able to get tax collectors, sinners, gentiles, and fishermen to follow him. These were, certainly, very different people who somehow found themselves coalescing around their Savior. Our connectional system provides the resources and structure to achieve both parts of our church s mission statement: making disciples and transforming the world. Despite this, it may feel like we struggle to accomplish this mission. One reason might be that, in some ways, we are not a united church. At our worst, we can be fragmented and myopic. I believe our world responds to leaders with integrity, passion, and a vision. If we are to fulfill our collective potential, we must be able to identify the vision that drives the UMC. 63

66 VOTING NUMBER: #760 Stewart Charles ADDRESS: RRt. 1 Box 65, Stilwell, OK CHURCH: Stilwell FUMC, Stilwell DISTRICT: MUSKOGEE DISTRICT chuckstewart@windstream.net OCCUPATION: Rancher AGE BRACKET: Chuck Stewart Co-Chair Administrative Council; Chair SPPRC; Chair Strategic Planning Committee; Safe Sanctuaries Committee; Finance Committee; Lay Delegate to Annual Conference; Past Chair Evangelism and Missions Committee; Certified Lay Servant District: District Lay Speaking Committee; District Strategic Plan Coach; Past District Lay Leader of the Ardmore Conference: Conference Lay Leader; Chair of Conference Board of Laity; Editor of Lay Leader Handbook in both English and Spanish; Organized Lay Leader Focus Day; co-facilitator of TEAM; Organized Conference Strategic Plan Coaches Training; taught at Local Church Leaders Workshops; co-taught Jurisdictional Workshops at Mt. Sequoyah; Local Church Leaders Workshops presenter; Annual Conference Council; Annual Conference Council Management Team; Annual Conference Corporation; Episcopal Committee; Conference Standing Rules Committee. Past Chair of Leadership Development Ministry Team I believe that God is calling the UMC to many things. However I think there are specific things of importance. First and foremost is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. In my opinion, I think the UMC is being called to branch out and learn how to more effectively reach an individual. A church is made of individuals and the church will continue to decline unless it touches individual hearts. Those individual hearts are our disciples and leaders around the world. There are numerous ways to grow, lead, branch out, and make a difference. But one thing is for sure, the UMC is here to make a difference in the world. Our nature of discipleship and leadership and empowering the individual and congregations is what will help us make the difference. 64

67 VOTING NUMBER: #761 Swaim James ADDRESS: 5613 Piedmont Road North, Piedmont, OK CHURCH: Piedmont First United Methodist Church DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Pharmacist (Retired) AGE BRACKET: Jim Swaim Lay Leader, Sunday school class leader, Alternated Annual Conference delegate, Finance Committee member Bi-District Board of Church and Location, Annual Conference Council This last year, I had the distinct pleasure to serve on the ACC and the New People, New Places (NPNP) team. I have met and witnessed the members of our churches making great strides to look outward, earnestly seeking to fulfill the mission of making disciples for Jesus in ways that are unique, innovative and good! These wonderful disciples are doing exactly what the Conference has asked them to do and that s a good thing! But in our zeal and love, vision and desire to accomplish this directive, are we overlooking the person already sitting in our pews and because of where he is on his own Christ walk, may be overlooked? This is my concern! Are we so hurried, excited and focused in looking for the new and unchurched, that we miss the disciple who by faith and need chooses to sit in our pews, but does not yet have the courage to stand and serve. These are the followers of Jesus Christ. We must remember that we cannot really make a disciple of someone. All we can do as a United Methodist is recognize the unseen disciple that is already in them and by faith and love, encourage that to come forth. 65

68 VOTING NUMBER: #762 Tobey Briana ADDRESS: 1700 N Robinson Ave Apt 103, Oklahoma City, OK CHURCH: Acts 2 United Methodist Church, Edmond DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT tobey.brie@gmail.com OCCUPATION: Teacher, First Kids Learning Center AGE BRACKET: Briana Tobey Youth Leader, Confirmation Mentor, Small Group, Apprentice Sunday school teacher, VBS Leader, Active Volunteer Member of Executive Council Young Adult Ministries Council, and Ex-Officio Delegate Jurisdictional and General Conference Delegate 2012, General Conference Subcommittee Vice-chair, Board Member of the General Board of Church and Society. Love is transforming. God so loved that he gave the world a savior, and this gift changed the world. Love is the answer and to love more effectively, we need to exercise humility. I believe we are spiritually killing ourselves, and in turn our church, by arguing humanity s faults and qualifications. Humanity is inclined to be judgmental. It seems the mission is to target people s sins, acting as if we do not sin ourselves. This makes an idol of a man made description of an ideal Christian. We have lost a sense of humility that is vital to us being loving as we were created to do. I believe to gain humility we need to start looking at ourselves honestly, and focus on seeing who we are in relationship to God--we are not God. Nothing we do can earn our salvation, therefore, we are no better than the next person. Through pure and authentic love we can grow into our full potential. Humility and love from all sides will bring us together, and make disciples for the transformation of the world. 66

69 Mona Mae Waymire LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #763 Mona Mae Waymire ADDRESS: 924 S. Franklin Dr., Ardmore, OK CHURCH: First United Methodist Church, Ardmore, OK DISTRICT: ARDMORE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Life, Health and Investment Broker AGE BRACKET: Over 70 President UMW, Administrative Council chair, Trustees chair, RSPR chair, Sunday school teacher, Member Stephens Ministry, member Committee on Missions President UMW, District Council on Ministries chair. Annual Conference, member of Cross Point Site Committee. Conference Council on Finance and Administration chair, member Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, Conference Health Benefits Committee chair, Conference President UMW To reach out to all those about us, neighbors, family, fellow workers, the homeless, and the alienated of all ages with a compelling expression of Christ s love in work and deed. 67

70 VOTING NUMBER: #764 Welch Sam Richard ADDRESS: E 880 Rd, Wellston, OK CHURCH: Wellston UMC, Wellston, OK DISTRICT: STILLWATER DISTRICT swelch3579@hotmail.com OCCUPATION: Project Engineer AGE BRACKET: Sam Welch Lay Member of Annual Conference, 1982-Present Adult Sunday school teacher, 1988-Present Choir Member Past service as Lay Leader, Administrative Council Chair, PPRC Chair, member of Lay Leadership and Finance Committees Former Certified Lay Speaker Stillwater District Lay Leader, Stillwater District Council Member, Crossroads District Transition Team Member, Conference Episcopacy Committee Member 2007-Present, Conference Communications Board Member 2007-Present, Conference Communications Board Chair, 2013-Present. MissionInsite polls show Oklahoma and U.S. United Methodist and other mainline Protestant attendance declining, while the number of people professing None/No Religious Preference is growing. To turn that around, Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors must be more than mere words. The Church must meet all people where and how they live and how they prefer to worship. This means reaching new people in new places, but it also means enriching our worship in the existing places to better fulfill people of all ages and to grow those congregations. No single form of worship will attract all people, any more than one genre of music or movies satisfies all people. We must communicate the good news of Jesus Christ in ever-increasing ways, if we are to truly make the light of Christ shine brightly in Oklahoma and throughout the world. 68

71 Margaret Whitaker LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #765 Margaret Marie Whitaker ADDRESS: Beau Kay Dr., Choctaw, OK CHURCH: Linwood UMC DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Teacher/Church Admin Assist. AGE BRACKET: Certified Lay Speaker, Youth Bible study teacher, Adult Sunday school teacher, Church Council chair, Audit Committee Chair, Church Administrative Assistant, Lay Delegate With the significant decrease in church attendance and membership, I believe we need to be MUCH more welcoming to God s children and encouraging to the youth in our communities. I believe that our tendency to continue to do things as we have always done them is NOT working. I believe we need to make some significant changes in how we present Jesus in order to fulfill our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 69

72 VOTING NUMBER: #766 White April Sellers ADDRESS: PO Box 730, Sapulpa, OK CHURCH: Sapulpa-First UMC DISTRICT: STILLWATER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Retired Judge and Attorney AGE BRACKET: April White Lay Delegate, Lay Leader, advanced Lay Servant, Worship leader, Sunday and Wednesday class leader, Choir member, Praise Team member, Finance chair and member, Strategic Planning Team, Stewardship Committee, Membership Committee member, Sunday breakfast coordinator, Pastor s Development and Planning Team and Youth Council adult member. District Superintendent s Committee, District Lay Leaders Committee, CJAMM Board member I believe God is calling the UMC to move outside our building s walls by living our lives in ways that show what we believe and how we try to follow Him. I believe He expects us to share our faith with those who don t yet know Him and to share wherever they are instead of waiting for them to walk inside our church. 70

73 Devaunjue Williams LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE Devaunjue Jay Lay Servant,Youth group president, acolyte VOTING NUMBER: #767 Williams ADDRESS: 1114 S. Hitchite Ave, Wewoka, OK CHURCH: WEWOKA FUMC DISTRICT: MCALESTER DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Lay Servent AGE BRACKET: Under 25 Oklahoma Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) co-chair in training In the sixth grade I received a calling to pastorial ministry. Even though it wasn t what I wanted for my life, God has blessed me every step of the way. I ve been blessed to participate in a global setting for a gathering of young people held in the Philippines. There we discussed issues that effect our lives churches, and world. My goal for my future is to make a difference in our Church ultimately reviving it. I don t know how that is going to happen but I do know that, God is calling me to do it; therefore it will get done. I plan to take all and any opportunities to learn and grow more in my faith to see Gods plans through. My mission field is right here, in Oklahoma. 71

74 VOTING NUMBER: #768 Wilson Janey Louise ADDRESS: 1013 N. Highland St, Unit A, Ada, OK CHURCH: ECU Wesley & FUMC, Ada DISTRICT: ARDMORE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Campus Minister at ECU Wesley & Young Adult Minister at FUMC, Ada AGE BRACKET: Janey Wilson Church/Staff member at Ada-First UMC, as the Young Adult Minister and serves as campus minister at the ECU Wesley. Has served as the Associate Campus Minister at the University of Oklahoma. Served as the full-time Children s Minister at Will Rogers UMC, Tulsa Served on the Higher Education Committee, United Campus Ministry Board of Directors, University of Tulsa Wesley Board of Directors and the Young Adult Council in the past; Oklahoma Annual Conference Camps Ministry for 17 years served as a volunteer, leader and dean of Sonshine Camp, Elementary Camp, District Camps, Journey Camp, Dayspring Camps and Senior Adult Summit. Currently serves on the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference Board of Laity; current Associate Conference Lay Leader for Spiritual Servant Leadership. Often we focus too much on our churches and us. We forget that Jesus explains it very clearly in the Great Commission, Go and make disciples. Three questions come to mind from this passage. 1. What does it mean to be a disciple? 2. How do we disciple others? 3. What is God calling me to do? I feel the UMC needs to equip its members to be able to answer these three questions or our members will continue to leave the church. Being a disciple means we need to be determined and devoted to Christ in how we live out our lives. We need to learn to trust in Him with all of life. The key to discipling others is being in an authentic relationship with them. We can do this by: praying, studying the bible and sharing life together. A word that stands out in the Great Commission is GO. We must be willing to go when God says go. We need to change the culture from event focused to evangelism outside the church. For example, offer small groups in homes. How will we do this UMC? By living out the Great Commission. It starts with us! 72

75 Freda Wiseman LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #769 Freda Maurine Wiseman ADDRESS: 6940 NW Sprucewood Dr, Lawton, OK CHURCH: St Paul s UMC Lawton DISTRICT: LAWTON DISTRICT bobmawi@sbcglobal.net OCCUPATION: Retired AGE BRACKET: Financial Secretary, President UMW, Chair of Congregational Care Member of District Finance Committee and Member of CF&A. I feel the church must meet people where they are and show them that the church cares about them. As members of the church we should be living as an example to the community the teachings of Jesus Christ. I believe that our actions speak volumes. We need to be reaching out to the homeless, to the needy members of the community and to the incarcerated through prison ministry. Young people today have an interest in missions whether at home or international. When they see that the church is reaching out in mission, they want to be a part of it. They can then see that the church is living the teachings of Jesus and they ll want to learn about these teachings. 73

76 VOTING NUMBER: #770 Witzel Trey Eugene ADDRESS: 847 Beacon St. Apt. 8, Boston, MA 2215 CHURCH: Village United Methodist Church, Oklahoma City DISTRICT: NOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Seminary Student AGE BRACKET: Under 25 Trey Witzel Lead worship leader for The Well contemporary worship service, Pub Church Leader Delegate to 2012 Jurisdictional Conference, OCU Delegate to Annual Conference, NOKC Youth Delegate to Annual Conference, NOKC Youth Council chair, Lay Speaker I believe that God is calling the body of the UMC to become more intentional about the way we live out our Christian lives. I hear God s voice crying out for the Church to be a shining light within neighborhoods, an agent for both individual and systematic change. This means bringing the church outside of the walls of our buildings to the community while simultaneously evangelizing and bringing the community into the church. It is time for the UMC on a local and global scale to take seriously the call of caring for the poor and loving the children of God. Doctrines and empty statements will not create disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, but living an authentic Christian life in word and deed is what will show others that not only is another world possible, but that a better world is coming. By the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, the message of Jesus the Christ can and will be the empowering force of change for ushering in God s Kingdom to earth. 74

77 VOTING NUMBER: #771 Nichols Sarah Sarah Nichols ADDRESS: 1501 NW 24th St. CHURCH: Moore First UMC; Moore, Oklahoma DISTRICT: SOKC DISTRICT OCCUPATION: director; Young Adult Mission & Service (Oklahoma United Methodist Conference) AGE BRACKET: Church Council Member - Youth Sunday school & Vacation Bible School leader - Youth/Young Adult OKUMC Annual Conference District Lay Delegate (North and South OKC)- 15 yrs North/South OKC District Camp Adult Leader - 2 yrs OKUMC Lay Delegate to General & Jurisdictional Conference OKUMC Conference Young Adult Co-Chair - 4 yrs OKUMC Conference Youth Co-Chair - 2 yrs I believe God is calling the United Methodist Church to stand firmly in our tradition of uniting communities and transforming lives through mission and ministry. The world is pushing and pulling us in a million different directions and demanding that we choose sides and put up divisions between ourselves and our neighbors, but Jesus calls us to be more than that. More than a responsibility as a Christian denomination, it is our calling as United Methodists to be bridge builders and problem solvers. No one issue is too controversial or powerful enough to divide a church that is truly grounded in being the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. As a young adult United Methodist, I am powerfully devoted to working with all people in and outside of our church to share God s love in ways that make a lasting difference. I believe in our church; We are a strong and capable force for good. I would be honored to represent all Oklahoma United Methodists on the Jurisdictional and General level. I m proud to be a member of a conference that values young people and prioritizes the challenges God places in our path to be more like his Son. 75

78 Karen Distefano LAY NOMINEES TO GENERAL/JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE VOTING NUMBER: #772 Karen Distefano ADDRESS: 126 Ramblewood, Bartlesville, OK CHURCH: Bartlesville Oak Park UMC DISTRICT: BARTLESVILLE DISTRICT OCCUPATION: Sales and Manufacturing AGE BRACKET: SPRC Chairperson Missions Committee Chairperson VIM Team Leader UMW President Lay Speaker Liturgist Alternate Lay Delegate to Annual Conference UMYF President Conference Secretary of Global Ministries Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Cookson Hills Mission Center Board of Directors Woodworth Foundation Executive Committee Green Country District Missional Strategic Planning Committee Green Country District Mission & Disaster Response Committee Green Country District Transitional Team Bartlesville District Board of Missions Chairperson Bartlesville District Disaster Response Committee Chairperson I believe God is calling us into unity as followers of Christ, to strengthen and edify the church. Fear is one of the biggest obstacles we face as a denomination: fear of those who are different than us, fear of failure, fear of change--even fear of a new carpet color!. Fear manifests itself as a barrier that prohibits our living out the Good News and bringing others into The Way. Fear separates us from fulfilling God s greatest commandment: to love Him and our neighbor, regardless of who that neighbor is. The UMC is founded on the principles of inclusion; we need to reclaim and embrace our Wesleyan heritage once again. We must see every person as a child of God and walk alongside all who seek to join in the body of Christ. To this end, I feel that God is calling us to dialogue with others in ways that are intentional and respectful, offering forgiveness, patience, and acceptance so that together we may offer hope and love to all peoples in all the world. You know, kind of like the way God does for you and me 76