Clergy session welcomes new ministers

Bloomington, Ind. - "I appreciate you. You are a contribution," Bishop Mike Coyner told more than 600 clergy members of the South Indiana Conference as they began their work in closed session June 9 at First UMC. "I want you to know that you are appreciated; you are a gift of God."

Instead of comments, Bishop Coyner showed a video titled "Radiating Possibilities." The video included five steps in showing a positive attitude. The steps included:

Get in the front row of life;
When you make a mistake, say "how fantastic;"
Don't listen to the voice in the head;
Connect with other people; and
Affirm "I am a contribution."

The video is available for loan from the conference resource center and the bishop's office.

During the session, 11 probationary clergy members becoming Elders were presented and approved to be ordained June 10. They included: Pamela Carol Cook of Fishers, Joseph Thomas Johnson II of Indianapolis, Timothy Grant Johnson of Greensburg, Jeffrey A. Landon of Middletown, John Robert Mantle of New Albany, Deborah J. Reichenbach of Solsberry, Ronald R. Russell of New Albany, Matthew Lee Scholl of Moorsville, Alvis Holmes Styron Jr. of Indianapolis, Raymond Wilkins of Indianapolis and Ronald Alan Willis of Indianapolis.

During the session, seven candidates to ordained ministry were approved to become probationary members. They were commissioned to service June 10 and included: Gi-Chae Lee of Bloomington; Thomas A. McGilliard of New Albany; Mitchell H. Norwood of Grandview; Lisa D. Schubert of Durham, N.C.; David Williamson of Terre Haute; Jamalyn Alece Peigh-Williamson of Terre Haute; Cynthia Diane Wood of Indianapolis.

Also during the session, Elders and Local Lay Pastors seeking retirement were officially retired, effective the end of June. Each addressed their clergy colleagues. Most expressed their indebtedness and thanks to those gathered.

Those retiring as Elders included: Philip Brennaman, Beverly Faulk, Nancy Lindley Flood, James Gentry, Holly Rudolf, Marvin C. Swanson, James Witty Jr. and Morris Gene Young.

Those retiring as Local Pastors included: John Like, Melvin Mozingo, Beverly Smith, Robert Taylor and Thomas Ward.

Those retiring represent more than 270 years of service.

Beverly Faulk, the last to speak, told those assembled, "I have been a lesbian all my life. God bless you and may you see the life of Christ in all you do." She then left the sanctuary and joined a small group assembled in front of the church holding hands, praying together and wearing rainbow colored stoles.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

Questions or comments: webmaster@inareaumc.org