Experience:

• Pastor in small rural, mid-size suburban, and larger membership churches
• District Committee on Ordained Ministry
• Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (10 years; 4 as chairperson)
• General Board of Higher Education and Ministry member
• General Conference delegate since 1992
• Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy
• District Superintendent
• Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry
• UM Foundation of Michigan trustee
• Conference Secretary

I have a deep commitment to the call of God upon our United Methodist Church: a diverse and faithful people, Christ-centered and Spirit-led, to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As the Michigan Conference is establishing itself, I humbly offer my experiences and the wisdom I have gained, that we may have a vital presence in our larger church.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

The most important priority for The United Methodist Church and the Michigan Conference is to do as Jesus commanded: to love God with our whole selves - heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. We must empower and trust our local churches and centers of ministry to love all people into relationship with Jesus Christ, and trust God with all the rest. 

Brad Bartelmay is currently President of the Council of Finance and Administration for the Michigan Conference after serving for six years on the Council of Finance and Administration (West Michigan). Brad is also a member of the Conference Leadership Council. Since 2016 he has served on the Mission Council of the North Central Jurisdiction. Brad has training in developing emotional intelligence from the EQ-HR Center and did conflict resolution work for churches on the former Kalamazoo District. Brad is committed to the furtherance of God's reign of justice, grace, and peace and believes this combined with his skills in leadership, administration, and finance will give him a unique voice as a member of the clergy delegation.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

In light of the 2019 General Conference, it’s clear the United Methodist Church can no longer function as currently configured – division is not only inevitable, but necessary.  Having said this, the manner in which we separate is very important.  Can we continue to share some ministries such as UMCOR and Wespath?  How will United Methodist assets be divided among the new denominations/branches formed from the UMC?  This impacts the Michigan Conference as well.  Ought we continue to operate under the Trust Clause as currently construed or can it be renegotiated giving congregations greater flexibility to pursue their best missional future.  Can we reform itineracy to give local churches more input while also speaking prophetically about being fully inclusive in the appointment process?  We are at a pivotal moment in the Methodist movement and we need to fully explore all possibilities for recreating the Church to meet 21stcentury challenges.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

As the President of the Council on Finance and Administration for the Michigan Conference I believe I’m uniquely situated to be able to address the challenges listed in the aforementioned question.  If selected by the conference as a delegate, I will bring my time, energy and experience to best serve not only the current church, but to help position our conference, and the churches therein, for a future of greater ministry impact for the reign of Jesus Christ.

As a young clergyperson, I’m committed to helping our church faithfully navigate these anxious times. To that end, I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Wespath Benefits and Investments and serve on that board’s Audit Committee. I also serve on the Michigan Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, Young Leaders Initiative Board, UM Foundation of Michigan Board, and the board of Michigan MFSA. At annual conference, I have served as a legislative committee chair the last 6 years. Previously, I served as a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegate in 2004 and 2008, as well as the boards of conference and district youth and young adult organizations, the Conference Rules of Order Committee, and Grand Rapids Metro Ministry’s Board.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

The first priority is discerning how compatibilists and non-compatibilists can move forward with integrity while reducing harm and minimizing damage to mission and ministry. General Conference 2019 made clear that that a large faction of the global church does not desire unity without uniformity. Given that fact, the top priority is dreaming a new connectionalism.

The second priority is deciding how we organize whatever comes next to best make disciples who transform an increasingly secularized and unequal world. I believe the world still needs our Wesleyan message of personal and social holiness, and I hope we can form structures that facilitate the spread of that message.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

I have worked, and will continue to work, for a church that is more open, gracious, and willing to engage with the brokenness of the world. I am dedicated to helping United Methodists in Michigan find ways to make this happen. 

Don has served as a member of the District Committee on Ordained Minsitry (past chair), District Council on Ministries, Trustee of the United Methodist Union, Conference Nominating Committee, Commission on Equitable Compensation (past Chair), Michigan Area Haiti Task Force (past chair), helping to renew the covenant between the Methodist Church of Haiti, and the UMC in Michigan, Conference Board of Global Ministries (past chair), helping to create a new structured giving program and bring agencies together, Council on Finance and Administration (current), and is currently the Co-Convener of the National Advisory Council for Church and Community Workers at the General Board of Global Ministries. Served on several VCI teams, and extensively in Congregational Resilience. Locally, served as the Chair of a three county mental health board, and a member of a child abuse and neglect prevention task force.

Benton serves as the Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM) for the Michigan Conference. He was the DCM for the West MI Conference for nine years. He served as the District Superintendent of the Lansing District, in a variety of congregations across the state of Michigan and as a math and science teacher & basketball coach. He is a member of NCJ Committee on Appeals and the Jurisdictional Episcopacy Committee and a member of delegations since 1996. In 2008 Benton was awarded The John and Ruth Mount Outstanding Alumni Award for Parish Ministry, by MTSO. He has been an active leader and preacher in the Cornerstone UMC in Caledonia

Benton is passionately committed to Christ, his wife, Linda, and their two married daughters, and two grandsons.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

The mission of the Church, “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” remains unchanged.  Our conference vision of “Christ Centered Mission and Ministry, Bold and Effective Leaders and Vibrant Congregations” offers a vision that is critical to every congregation and its pastoral leadership. Each congregation, individual and conference ministry is called to express their faith and witness through this vision that helps align resources, focus energy and be the Gospel expression of grace, love and responsibility.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

I have been a consistent builder and leader of diverse teams for the purpose of accomplishing common goals toward a greater good and as a reflection of the Kingdom of God here and now. I feel that this experience and the relationships I have across the denomination are a unique benefit in this time of significant change and challenge in our denomination.

We are in a time when we need connectional people still focused on making disciples. As we are part of a great global church that faces 21st century challenges, I believe we can solve much with the right people around the table. In leading multi-ethnic/cultural worship & workshops, my prayer continues to be that the Holy Spirit would overflow through me to draw more and more people to the love of God in Jesus Christ. While pastoring in Bolingbrook, IL, Memphis, TN, Birmingham, MI, and Dexter with good growth, favorite ministries beyond local include Healing the Children, World Methodism (21 years), UMRC Board (11 years), UM camps (5 years), reserve delegate in 2016 & 2019 GC's, and Conference Board of Trustees.

The Rev. Paul Perez is a Deacon and the Michigan Conference Associate Director for Mission & Ministry. Over the past five years as a conference staff member Paul successfully grew conference young adult and disaster recovery ministries across the state. 

Paul was the founding director of Justice for Our Neighbors Southeastern Michigan (JFON-SEMI). He also served as Deacon at Livonia: Newburg UMC leading mission, justice, and adult education ministries.

Annual Conference leadership:

• Michigan Area Episcopacy Committee (20012-13)
• Detroit Conference Leadership Team (2009-2012).

General Church leadership:

• Director of the General Board of Church & Society (2016-present)
• Director of the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry (2004-2008
• Delegate to the 2004 General Conference
• Steering Committee Member of The United Methodist Student Movement (2000-2002)

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

The most important priorities are to 1) unleash Methodism to creatively share the gospel of Jesus Christ with religiously unaffiliated people, people of color, and LBGTQIA people and 2) mobilize Methodists to confront the most pressing issues facing our world: systemic racism, extreme poverty, and ecological destruction. This will require a Methodism that is governed locally, networked globally, and open to innovative forms of mission and ministry.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

I am a church history and theology geek! After seminary, I spent two years studying church history at the Catholic University of America. My research focused on how ancient Christians interpreted the Bible and the contemporary ecumenical dialogues among Roman Catholic, Methodist, and Eastern Orthodox communions. I take the Bible and the ecumenical Christian tradition very seriously.

Rev. Sutton has over 30 years experience as pastor and District Superintendent. She has served on many boards and agencies. She was the President of Black Clergy, served on the Board of Christian Education, Board of Nominations, Chairperson of Church and Society. She was awarded as Outstanding Alumni of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2017 and the Certificate of Congressional Recognition: Outstanding and Invaluable Service to the Community by the State Senator in 2015.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

In the United Methodist Church and the Michigan area the main priority is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Other priorities included in the United Methodist Church are four areas of focus which emphasizes, engaging in ministry with the poor, improving global health, developing principled Christian leaders and creating new and renewed congregations.

In the Michigan area our priorities have been outlined in our vision statement which means creating Christ-centered bold and effective leaders, vibrant congregations and mission and ministries. In addition, our conference needs to become more diverse and maintain our spiritual compass.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ who loves the church. I believe God has called me to be a prophetic and bold witness that proclaims the message of our Savior. As an analytical and a dependable person, I am able to dissect and report information to everyone.

Rev. J Matthew Weiler was raised in the West Michigan Annual Conference, graduated from Garrett Evangelical in 2007, and has served as the appointed Elder of Sunnyside UMC in Kalamazoo, Mi for nine years. He has served on many conference camp staffs, and has partnered with the Wesley Foundation of Kalamazoo providing support in student leadership development, preaching, and the formation of the EncounterMi Call Internship Program. Locally, Matt has served as President of the Board of Gamaliel Community Organizing Affiliate, ISAAC and currently participates as a member of the Regional Antiracism Team with Crossroads Antiracism affiliate ERACCE (Eliminating Racism and Celebrating/Claiming Equity). Matt is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in the field of Community Organizing with an emphasis on congregational antiracist identity transformation.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

The United Methodist Church, and the Michigan Conference should prioritize an analysis of the ways in which dominantly white culture has centered itself, and has historically and currently perpetuated an institution that lives into white dominant values over and above those values of the Kingdom of God. This is speaking specifically to an anti-racist / anti-oppressive lens which holds values of both/and thinking, abundance, collaboration, and transparency. An embracing of these values through an anti-racist/anti-oppressive framework will be essential in carrying us through our current tensions as we navigate a way forward in welcoming our LGBTQIA+ siblings in all areas of ministry and discipleship.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

I have been married to my wife, Rev. Cara Weiler (Deacon, LMSW) for 13 years. Together we have 3 children. It is a joy doing ministry and community organizing work together in Kalamazoo where we have lived for 12 years, and within the Michigan Conference. 

Rev. Christina Wright, Ph.D. is an ordained deacon, currently serving as the Associate Director of Spiritual Care at Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan hospitals), where she previously served as a staff chaplain for 3 years. Her missional appointment is with Royal Oak First UMC. Christina serves on the conference Board of Ordained Ministry as a board member and seminarian liaison. She served as Co-President of the national Board of Directors for Methodist Federation for Social Action and as a community organizer for various not-for-profits. She has attended and been involved with legislation and volunteer work at each General Conference since 2004. Her doctoral dissertation focused on research with United Methodist clergypersons.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

GC19 demonstrated the deep divisions within The UMC and the ways in which the current structures are unable to withstand the demands being placed on them.  As such, we are severely limiting our ability to make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world while also causing great harm in many contexts.  We can no longer ignore these divisions; this is a critical time in the life of our denomination to prayerfully discern what structures and relationships best allow us to live into our mission and to follow Wesley to do no harm, do good, and attend to the ordinances of God.  The voices of the most vulnerable and oppressed must take priority in such conversations.  While I would be honored to contribute to this discernment, I would gladly defer to clergy of color and/or LGBTQIA+ clergy.  Amidst these deep divisions, every day, United Methodist clergy and laity continue to attempt to live out their callings in local communities, and we must continue to support them in providing effective ministry.  Attending to the the well-being of individuals and local communities while discerning the larger denominational structure must be at the forefront of our work.   

A member of Chelsea First UMC with strong organization and leadership skills, Diane is a life-long United Methodist who has served in conference, district and local leadership positions. She is passionate about the United Methodist Church, its mission and its method. Namely, she is the Legislative Coordinator for the Michigan Conference and former Detroit Conference; member Rules of Order; member of the GC/NCJC delegations in 2008, 2012 and 2016-2019; freelance writer with Michigan Conference Communications; former chair District Council on Ministries and secretary District UMW; former church treasurer, Board of Trustees chair, and Church Council chair. She earned an MBA from University of Michigan and B.S. from Central Michigan University and is a member of the Detroit Handbell Ensemble and two church handbell choirs.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

The United Methodist Church serves domestically and globally with those in poverty, hunger or crisis. We must prioritize through our actions our primary belief that God’s grace is available to all people, no matter where from, look like or done. The Great Commandment challenges us to find ways to be a church community to all. As the Conference lives into a new structure, we must equip clergy and lay members to effectively connect with unchurched community residents while providing growth opportunities and supportive ministries for existing members. Revenue stream diversification and budget revision along with finding new, effective outreach models that aren’t based in brick-and-motor continue to be crucial to sustain church ministries.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

Along with many years of coordinating conference legislation, I also served on the 2013-16 NCJC Rules Committee. At the 2016 General Conference, I served on a General Administration sub-committee that addressed petitions recommending revisions to Paragraph IV (Inclusion) of our United Methodist Constitution. The 15 sub-committee members embodied the philosophy that building relationships can help bridge differences.  

My legislative work has deepened my knowledge of the Book of Discipline and parliamentary procedure, both critical to effectively participating at General and Jurisdictional conferences.  As a third-generation (United) Methodist passionate about our Church, my legislative knowledge, denomination experience and relationships would be very beneficial to the Michigan Conference as the 2020 General Conference likely will address a myriad of changes for the future of the United Methodist Church. 

Brenda Dupree has served: Michigan Crossroads District: Secretary of Global Ministries 2012-2018, Leadership Team, 2012-2018, Trustee 2013-2018, Haiti-Liberia Committee 2013-2018

Detroit Annual Conference: Chair Conference Mission Personnel 2014-2018, Chair Board of Global Ministries 2018-

Community: Blessings in a Backpack and Inventory Chair 2011-2019, Tutor for Clarkston Youth Assistance 2003-2018

Numerous Mission Trips, national and international.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

Priorities

1. Living out our faith and God’s love, whether one-church, traditional, or otherwise – respectfully treating each person, each child of God with words and actions of grace so that the world knows God
2. Moving forward with renewed boldness and belief in a Wesleyan foundation for a truly open, re-organized church
3. Assuring that what the UMC is accomplishing globally through financial and organizational support of seminaries, colleges, hospitals, GBGM, etc., continues to be strong, to thrive and grow
4. Leading the world in the encouragement of all peoples
5. Harnessing our passions of anger, sadness, hope, and love to positively serve all peoples

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

1. Retired: Lahser High School Mathematics Teacher (20 years), including Student Activities Coordinator and Student Council/Leadership Teacher (11), also junior high math teacher (7)
2. MI Annual Conference: Chair, Board of Global Ministries, 2018 –
3. DAC: Chair Mission Personnel and Member Board of Global Ministries, 2014 – 2018
4. Crossroads District: Secretary of Global Ministries, Leadership Team, Trustee, Haiti-Liberia Committee - 2012-2018
5. Clarkston United Methodist Church: Choir (43 years), Missions (20), Chair (3), Lay Leader (2012 -), Co-Coordinator Capital Campaign, 2015 & 2019
6. Mission trips: local, national, international
7. Blessings in a Backpack Clarkston Board, 2011 –
8. Clarkston Area Youth Assistance tutor, 2004 - 2015

• Christian disciple embodying the call to serve unconditionally.
• Local, District, Conference and National Board of Directors/Officer with United Methodist Women, currently appointed to  their National Racial Justice Team.
• Denominational delegate with United Nations Migration and Human Rights/Geneva and Status of Women, New York
• Elected to serve with general Board of Global Ministries and seven years liaison with Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility.
• Employed within the church serving: Founding Executive Director, Northend Community Ministry
• Currently: Trinity's Discipleship Ministries Director
• Empowered by leadership as Co-Chair Commission on Annual Conference and
• Delegation Head: General Conference 2016/Special Session 2019
• Embracing capacities as gifted by God to servant leadership through: global mission relational experiences, environmental justice and health/welfare services.
• "Doing justice...loving kindness...walking humbly with God" kindness, walking humbly with my God"

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

Robert brings a unique set of skills and experience including 50 years in the UMC, multicultural experience through African missionary service, small and large church involvement, and a career in technology business management.

Robert is a Member of the Mio UMC, an Affiliate Member of the Birmingham/Berkley church and has been a delegate to the Michigan Annual Conference for the past 3 years. Church involvement recently has been focused on local church missions such as the local homeless shelter, food bank, affordable housing and young family assistance. Other church activities are church building project leadership and installation and operation of technology for worship and communications. Robert has been a regular Bible teacher in both adult and children’s ministries, within the local church and as a 20 year participant in Bible Study Fellowship. Robert and his wife have also recently served as long-term missionaries in Malawi through Rafiki Foundation.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

1. In light of resolving a key issue of our definition of marriage, there is a need for rebuilding a solid, unified consciousness of ourselves that harmonizes the entire global membership and leadership. The message of personal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ must dominate our efforts, and our missional presence everywhere calls for the winsome love image that Jesus teaches.
2. Honor the desire of Congregations to leave the UMC, by offering a loving, gracious process for separation.
3. Strengthen our efforts in sound Biblical literacy so our Christian heritage and teachings of the Bible can be more effectively understood in an increasingly secular culture.
4. Emphasize radical hospitality to everyone who enters our midst.

District- Protection Policy train-the-trainer. Former DCOM chairperson. Camp Michigamme board, counselor, 9 year Junior High co-dean recruiting 8 volunteer counselors annually. Certified lay speaker/servant. facilitated Polity and Lay-Servant classes. Wrote $12,000 Calvin Institute of Christian Worship (CICW) grant.
Conference- Nominations committee -6 year Camp Kinawind counselor/co-dean. Formerly: CCOM. CCOM exec, standing rules, Christian Education. DAC Protection Policy development task force. 2002-2010 Detroit Conference Council on Youth Ministry adult coordinator, helped youth plan annual fall rallies, Conference Youth Assemblies, joint WMI Confirmand rallies with the bishop. Assisted youth write $8,000 CICW grant providing district-wide youth lay-speaking training. Calvin: first youth written grant. Supported youth in Jurisdictional, general, and global activities. Ellgage MI ambassador. Community-1995-2019 Asset Building. Asset Based Community Development created 15-year after-school program.

Steve is a lifelong member of the UMC and currently is a member of Traverse City Central UMC in the Northern Waters district where he serves on the District Leadership Team.
Steve has attended more annual conferences than he cares to count, several General Conferences and Jurisidictional Conferences. Steve has been on numerous committees for the West Michigan conference and is currently on the Board of Ordained Ministry for the Michigan Conference.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

The first priority for the United Methodist Church is to come to the realization that
neither the conservatives nor the progressives are going to change the mind of the other.
Therefore for the Church to continue along the same path that it has is not beneficial to
making disciples for Christ. The Church will be better served to separate to enable the conservatives and the progressives to minister to each of their respective followers without the distraction of continued turmoil. A plan for separation needs to be developed
and adopted by General Conference that is equitable to all concerned.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

Having started my journey as a conservative I have now come to believe that all of God’s
people, including LGBTQ+, are worthy of being included in “ALL” aspects of church life regardless of their sexual orientation or who they may be married to.

Currently, Central Bay District UMW president, served on district lay servant committee, previously convener of District Nominations, served last 8 years on Conference Equitable Compensation committee, a Reserve Delegate for the 2016 Jurisdictional Conference (attended all special called General Conference planning meetings and attended Bishop David Bard's listening sessions). At the Sanford UMC served as Ad Council chair, SPRC chair and finance committee member and as a lay servant served as worship leader. Work in the local Midland homeless shelter two days per week, preparing meals for the soup kitchen and in the Sanford Food Pantry.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

My goal is to give representation to the small church in rural northeastern MI. I live by the rules in Micah 6:8. “to do justice, embrace love and walk humbly with God.”  I believe that God loves everyone and there are no exceptions.  I try to live every day, trying to improve the Kin-dom of God.  I live this out as a volunteer at the local homeless shelter, on mission trips to Liberia, Haiti and Mexico and as an active participant in the local, district and conference UMW.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

The most difficult issue facing my church, the district, the conference and the greater world church is unity.   If our focus is Jesus and the message that he has taught us, then we will find commonalities that we can unite around.  As a delegate to the Annual Conference I will pray for unity and acceptance of all people into the church.

Mr. William Tolentino's involvement with the church as follows:

• National UMYF President in the Philippines-1995-1996
• National UMYAF President in the Philippines-2012-2016- activation of 21 Annual conference YA ministries
• Member, Division on Ministries with Young People-2012-created the 1st GYPCLA & Young People's Address
• Member, General Board of Discipleship, 2014
• Chair, Worship Ministries, Novi UMC, 2018- spearheaded the 190th Anniversary of Novi UMC showcasing Asian presence in the congregation through "Taste of Asia"
• Lay Delegate to Michigan Conference, 2017
• Provided vegetables to the Novi Foodbank 2017-2018, raised funds for Crop Walk 2018 and helped a single parent secure furniture and food for her mobile home in Novi MI, 2018

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

I can see 3 most important things for the Michigan Annual Conference UMC to consider for the  next four years:

Laura is currently the Associate Director for Lay Leadership Development, North Central Jurisdiction Mission Council vice chair, local church small group leader and adult education facilitator, Vital Church Initiative consultant and scribe.

Her experience includes General and Jurisdictional Conference Alternate Delegate 2016 & 2019, Commission on the Annual Conference Session Co-Coordinator, member of the Commission on the Annual Conference Session / Conference Program Committee, Conference Facilitator, member of the Conference Committee on Rules of Order, Conference Secretary, Assistant Conference Secretary, member of the Grand Rapids District Nominations Committee, Local Church Vital Church Initiative Team Leader, Communications Team Member, Missions Committee Chairperson.

What are the most important priorities for The United Methodist Church and Michigan Conference you see for the next 4 years?

• Creatively find a new way forward in our brokenness. We need to show the world what it really means to be a follower of Jesus, to live out the Gospel, to love God and love others. A core characteristic of our DNA is social holiness. We are in this together and include all at the table. Leaving that piece of United Methodism behind is not an option.
• Reclaim our baptismal vows of resisting injustice and oppression in all forms they present themselves. Looking at ways to collaborate with one another, focus on abundance, cultivate transparency and have both/and thinking are key.
• Shine a light on those who are not being heard by acting on issues of poverty, human rights and peace throughout the world. It is important to recognize that no one is truly voiceless, we just are not listening.

In addition to the information you have already provided on your nomination form, what else would you like us to know about you?

I’ve been in the United Methodist Church my whole life and have invested my whole self in it. I do not believe this is MY church; I believe this is God’s church and I am one of its caretakers, agents, organizers and promoters.