lay delegate nomination form-gc/sej 2008 · lay delegate nomination form-gc/sej 2012 (each...

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Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2008 Due: April 1, 2007 Date Received (for office use only)_____________ Name: Colleen Fae Astrike Telephone # (910) 867-7358 Address: 5407 Tarheel Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314-1424 Member of: Camp Ground United Methodist Church Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 14, 2006 PERSONAL INFORMATION: Married 54 years to Charles Astrike. Three children-Mark, Marsha, & Nancy. Four grandchildren. Retired from Civil Service with 30 years service in 1995. Member of Camp Ground United Methodist Church since 1977. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: High School. 2½ years College. Have also taken several Community College Courses over the years. CHURCH ACTIVITES: Local Church – Church Lay Leader 8 Years. 3 rd & 4 th Grade Sunday School Teacher 19 years. Stephen Minister Leader 5 years. Member of the following Committees: Finance, Council on Ministries, Admin Board, & Staff Parish Relations Committee, (SPRC). Leads Sharing with Children monthly at the 8:30 and 11:00 church service. Lay Delegate to the Annual Conference for 8 years. Assist the Pastors to administer Holy Communion monthly. District – Chairman of the Fayetteville District Laity Board effective June 2007. Member of the Fayetteville District Laity Board. Recorder for the Fayetteville District Laity Board. Responsible for the attendance rosters and plaques for the Annual Fayetteville District Lay Rally. Conference – Member of the North Carolina Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CFA) General Church: Have not had the opportunity or pleasure to serve at the General Conference level. CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Member of the Friends of the Library. Member of the Fayetteville Library Executive Board. Member of the City of Fayetteville Board of Adjustments. Member of the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). Registrar of the Fayetteville Liberty Point DAR Chapter. DAR Liberty Point Chapter Veterans Coordinator. Attends the DAR Continental Congress at Washington, D.C. Serves as Chief Judge for the City of Fayetteville 24 th Precinct for all City, County, State, and Federal elections. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: God has called me to work in as many capacities as possible in my local church, and at the district and conference level. I have attended Annual Conference as a Lay Delegate for 8 years and would like to be involved with the decision making of the church at the next level. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS: I believe Methodists do God’s work in a unique connectional covenant. We are dedicated to a life of Christian purpose, of generosity for all and sacrifice for our Brothers and Sisters. We love God’s word and strive to make disciples for Jesus Christ. We live the promise of our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service. These are part of the glory of the Methodist church and I truly try to follow these guidelines.

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  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2008 Due: April 1, 2007 Date Received (for office use only)_____________ Name: Colleen Fae Astrike Telephone # (910) 867-7358 Address: 5407 Tarheel Drive, Fayetteville, NC 28314-1424 Member of: Camp Ground United Methodist Church Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 14, 2006 PERSONAL INFORMATION: Married 54 years to Charles Astrike. Three children-Mark, Marsha, & Nancy. Four grandchildren. Retired from Civil Service with 30 years service in 1995. Member of Camp Ground United Methodist Church since 1977. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: High School. 2½ years College. Have also taken several Community College Courses over the years. CHURCH ACTIVITES:

    Local Church – Church Lay Leader 8 Years. 3rd & 4th Grade Sunday School Teacher 19 years. Stephen Minister Leader 5 years. Member of the following Committees: Finance, Council on Ministries, Admin Board, & Staff Parish Relations Committee, (SPRC). Leads Sharing with Children monthly at the 8:30 and 11:00 church service. Lay Delegate to the Annual Conference for 8 years. Assist the Pastors to administer Holy Communion monthly.

    District – Chairman of the Fayetteville District Laity Board effective June 2007. Member of the Fayetteville District Laity Board. Recorder for the Fayetteville District Laity Board. Responsible for the attendance rosters and plaques for the Annual Fayetteville District Lay Rally.

    Conference – Member of the North Carolina Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CFA)

    General Church: Have not had the opportunity or pleasure to serve at the General Conference level.

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Member of the Friends of the Library. Member of the Fayetteville Library Executive Board. Member of the City of Fayetteville Board of Adjustments. Member of the Daughters of American Revolution (DAR). Registrar of the Fayetteville Liberty Point DAR Chapter. DAR Liberty Point Chapter Veterans Coordinator. Attends the DAR Continental Congress at Washington, D.C. Serves as Chief Judge for the City of Fayetteville 24th Precinct for all City, County, State, and Federal elections. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: God has called me to work in as many capacities as possible in my local church, and at the district and conference level. I have attended Annual Conference as a Lay Delegate for 8 years and would like to be involved with the decision making of the church at the next level. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS: I believe Methodists do God’s work in a unique connectional covenant. We are dedicated to a life of Christian purpose, of generosity for all and sacrifice for our Brothers and Sisters. We love God’s word and strive to make disciples for Jesus Christ. We live the promise of our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service. These are part of the glory of the Methodist church and I truly try to follow these guidelines.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by April 8, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Eston C. Brinkley Telephone # 910-352-7380 Address: 5730 Market St., Wilmington, NC 28405

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Wesley Memorial UMC

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am blessed to be a lifetime member of the UM Church. I have been married for 46 years and have two sons. I taught high School one year before becoming self employed. I am now retired devoting my time to serving God through the local, district, and conference United Methodist Church.

    EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

    UMCW with a NC Secondary Education Teaching Certification majoring in Math with minor in Chemistry and numerous work related certifications.

    CHURCH ACTIVITIES:

    Local Church – Delegate to Annual Conference, Lay Leader, SS teacher, SPRC, Finance, Evangelism, Nominations, Trustee, Administration Board, Emmaus Lay Leader, Stephen Minister.

    District –

    District Board of Ordained Ministries, Director of Lay Speaking, Evangelism, committee. Conference –

    Board of Ordained Ministry, Executive Committee for the Board of Ordained Ministry, Six years on the Committee for Extension Ministries, selected for the 2010 Denman Award for Evangelism.

    General Church –

    Member of National Association of United Methodist Evangelism, assisted the conference director of Lay Speaking Ministries representing the NC Conference for Jurisdictional meeting in 2006

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Past President of YMF, troop leader for Boy Scouts, President of Key Club in College, Faculty director of Circle K, past member of UMM, 20 yrs. On Azalea Festival Committee, active member of NAUME. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I have been blessed with a variety of local, district and conference experiences as a team member working with many Ordained, Local Pastors and Lay Leaders across the conference. I have the basic knowledge of the Book of Discipline and teach the Social Principles. As a denomination we need direction and a clear vision as we face an uncertain future. I am concerned about our current Spiritual and Financial challenges. I have a concern about some of our liberal seminaries. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS: I believe in the Trinity, Resurrection, Accession, Holy Spirit and God’s redemptive plan for humanity through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ. I believe all Baptized are called to be and do the work of ministry as Jesus’ passion for all to be witnesses and follow His call for compassion as found in Matt. 25. I believe Wesley’s view on Free Will, His call to perfection and the fruit of one’s faith as evidence of one’s belief. I believe scripture as the primary source of all we believe, tradition as our guiding example, experience as application of our belief and reason as our foundation for Orthodox Doctrine and Theology reflecting not only what we believe, but how we live as a result of what we believe.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by April 8, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Katie Browning Brinkley Telephone # 910-297-0873 Address: 5730 Market Street, Wilmington, NC

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, Wilmington, NC

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am blessed to be a United Methodist for over 45 years. I have been married for 46 years and have two sons and a wonderful husband and 4 grandchildren. I have been self employed with my husband in several businesses, but now retired devoting my time to serving God through the local, district and conference UMC.

    EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: UNCW, Miller Mont College and work related Continuing Education Certifications. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church –

    Delegate to Annual Conference, Board of Trustees, Administration Board, Certified Lay Speaker, Stephen Minister, Community Lay Director for Coastal Carolina Emmaus, Kairos Prison Ministries, and Chrysalis Youth Ministries, Sunday School Teacher, Finance Comm., Confirmation Mentor, Mission Vision Comm., Staff Parish Relation Comm., Chaired Parsonage Comm., VBS teacher, Choir member, Disciple Bible Study Facilitator

    District –

    Nominations Committee, Lay Speaker Trainer, Past UMW Historian Conference –

    12 years as Delegate to Annual Conference, Prayer Ministry for Board of Ordained Ministry, Lay Speaking Trainer, 12 years Lay Witness Missions

    General Church –

    Congress on Evangelism CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:

    30 years on Azalea Festival Committee, Certified Judge for Miss America, Past Director of NC Spot Festival

    WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED:

    I love our Church and as a committed member, leader and disciple I offer myself in His service as needed. I have leadership training with business and Church application. I am grounded in the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, familiar with our articles of faith, Book of Discipline, teach the Social Principles to Lay Speakers and SS. I am concerned about our Spiritual, and Financial challenges.

    STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS:

    I believe all Baptized are called to ministry to win, disciple and be sent into the world. I believe in the Apostles Creed, Wesley’s call to Perfection, To do Good, Do no Harm and Stay in Love with God. I also believe that Theology is not only what we believe, but how we live as a result of what we believe.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Martha Bullock Caves Telephone # 336-599-7037 Address: 4404 Burlington Road, Roxboro, NC 27574

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Warren’s Grove United Methodist Church, Roxboro, NC

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I was born in 1950 into a military family. I traveled the United States for my first 18 years and joined the Methodist church in my youth. I have been married for 39 years to Ronald Lee Caves and have 3 daughters, Sandi, Lesa and Elizabeth, 2 sons-in-law, Joe and Sam, and 2 granddaughters, Anna and Sarah. I taught High School math for 7 1/2 years, and then stayed home to raise our family. I grew up in Girl Scouts and am now a lifetime member. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: I graduated from LeJeune High School in 1968 and East Carolina University in 1971 with a BS in secondary education. I received many hours of training in Girl Scouts as a troop leader for over 12 years. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – United Methodist Women; Nurture committee; Building Committee; Choir; Sunday

    School; Lay Speaker. Served as Lay Delegate to Annual Conference; PPRC; Finance committee; Administrative Council; Handbells; Youth coordinator; Council on Ministries Chair; United Methodist Women President.

    District – District President for United Methodist Women; Sub-District Leader for United Methodist

    Women; Leadership team; Board of Laity; Connectional Table; Croasdaile Village Local Committee; Incubator Group.

    Conference – United Methodist Women Executive Committee; Scholarship Committee for United

    Methodist Women; Finance Committee for United Methodist Women; Incubator Group for United Methodist Women; Volunteers In Mission teams.

    General Church – Attended Assembly and SEJ for United Methodist Women. CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Girl Scout lifetime member; Girl Scout leader; Camp Graham Girl Scout Camp Director; United Way interview committee; serve at Christian Help Center; Community Choir; Roxboro Christian Woman’s Club. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: My past years as a member of Annual Conference and my leadership roles, particularly on the district and conference levels, have helped my understanding of the policies and doctrine of the United Methodist Church. I am committed to God’s call in my life and believe that includes involvement beyond the Annual Conference. I will study the issues brought before the General Conference, listen with an open mind, seek opinions from laity and clergy, pray for guidance and listen for God’s voice. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I believe in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and that we are saved by God’s grace. I believe the Apostle’s Creed and the Bible to be God’s Holy word. I believe we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, to be in service to everyone, locally and globally.

  • Name: Ann Davis Address: 3806 Blarney Street, Greenville, NC 27834 Email: [email protected] Member of: Jarvis Memorial United Methodist Church Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010 Personal Information: I am a native of Rose Hill in the Goldsboro District. I was a school teacher and retired in 2001. Ray Davis is my husband and we have three children. Educational Background: I graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in education and a MA in elementary education. Church Activities: Local church: Administrative Council 2001-present; chair of Nurture Task Force 2009-present; Leadership Team 2009-present; chair of Evangelism 2006-2009; chair of Church and Society 2001-2005; Stephen Minister 2006-present, UMW-all local offices; lead Small Groups 2004-2006; taught Sunday School, chair of Mission Committee and Council on Ministries; Finance committee. District: Board of Laity 1999-present; Superintendency Committee 2006-present; Member of Annual Conference 1999-2003; UMW President 1999-2003; UMW Secretary 1995-1998 Conference: 2008- present-Connectional Table, Board of Laity, Nominations, Outreach Team, Annual Conference Planning Committee, Conference UMW President, Member of Annual Conference; UMW Secretary 2004-2009; UMW Executive Committee 1999-present; Assistant Dean and Dean of School of Christian Mission 1998-2001 General Church: Dean of South Atlantic Regional School, 2006-2007; Secretary of South Atlantic Regional School 2005 Civic, Community Activities: MERCI Board Member, Prison MATCH Board Member, Red Cross Drives, Meals on Wheels, volunteer in schools, Community in Schools Task Force, Habitat for Humanity Why you believe you believe you should be elected? I have a working knowledge of the United Methodist Church and understand our connectional system. My passion is to be a servant follower for Jesus Christ, carrying God’s mission into all world. We are all ministers and laity should be more actively involved in the life of our church. I have an intense interest and desire to be a part of the challenges and decisions that our denomination is facing in a global society. The general church needs to focus and place emphasis on vital congregations and rather than our general agencies. Statement of Philosophy and/or beliefs: I am a child of God and I strive to live by God’s Holy Word. I am a person of strong ambitions and I am willing to chase after a bold vision. Jesus has transformed my life. I know he can transform others and make all of us new people. It is our responsibility to share God’s Word and live like Jesus in a hurting world. We are to go where no one else has gone before and make disciples for Jesus Christ thereby transforming the world. God has a plan for each of us. He is willing to instruct us daily and reveal His that plan only when we are open to listen to Him.

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Christine Dodson Telephone # 919-779-6115 Address: 700 Waterfield Ridge Place, Garner, NC 27529

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Mt. Moriah UMC, Fayetteville District

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have been employed with the NC Annual Conference for over eleven years and have been serving as Conference Treasurer since 2006. I have been married to my husband, Anthony, since 2000 and we have a seven year old son, Wade, and a four year old daughter, Emily. We live in rural Sampson County near Salemburg and attend Mt. Moriah UMC in the Fayetteville District. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BS Chemical Engineering, NC State University; Master of Business Administration, Campbell University; Certified Public Accountant, NC. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – I am currently serving on the Finance and Audit Committees for Mt. Moriah UMC. I

    have previously served on Administrative Council for Mt. Moriah UMC. District – I have participated in and led sessions in all twelve districts for Lay Leadership workshops or

    Lay Rallies. These sessions have included financial leadership and accountability, stewardship, building risk management, property management, the role of local church trustees and finance committees, etc.

    Conference – In my role as Conference Treasurer, I am responsible for the overall financial and business management for the annual conference. I work with various committees and boards within the annual conference including the Council on Finance and Administration, Board of Trustees, Board of Pension, Insurance Committee, Joint Committee on Incapacity, Equitable Compensation, Stewardship and the United Methodist Foundation. In addition, I represent our annual conference at the jurisdictional level in serving on the Southeastern Jurisdiction Council on Finance and Administration and Audit Committee.

    General Church – I am currently serving as President of the National Association of Annual Conference Treasurers, a Steering Committee member for the Association of United Methodist Conference Pension and Benefit Officers, a member of the General Council on Finance and Administration Pension Study Group and the Economic Advisory Committee.

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I participate with Mt. Moriah UMC in volunteer staffing and support for the Salemburg Christian Food Bank. The food bank is an ecumenical community organization supported and staffed by various Sampson County area churches. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I believe that I can offer perspective from all levels of The United Methodist Church to the delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conferences. I am willing to put in the work to study the issues before the conferences, make myself informed on the decisions to be made and vote to implement the policies that will do the most to promote the work of God’s people in the most efficient manner - all to bring glory to God in all that we do. I am a member of a small rural UM congregation and can offer that small membership church perspective to the delegation. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I believe that we are at a critical juncture in the life and mission of The United Methodist Church. I believe that our delegates must work hard to fully represent the NC Conference during this critical time. I pray that all of the work that I do and all the ways I can contribute will be blessed by God. I pray for wisdom such that my only role is in carrying out His vision and fulfilling His purpose in my life and His church.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Johnn Dooley Telephone # 919-362-0811 Address: 7304 Cateswood Ct, Apex, NC 27539

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Apex UMC, Raleigh district

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I and my family have been members of Apex UMC for nearly 20 years. We moved here shortly after we were married. I have one son who is very active in cub scouts. I work as a software engineer at a telecommunications firm and have been working with software for almost 30 years. My primary interests outside of software are physics, theology and how we function together as a society. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BA English, graduate studies in physics, computer science and theology. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – Active member of administrative council in various roles since 1992. I use my

    technical skills to assist with computers, internet and audio visual areas where whose can enhance life in the church. I have worked on local mission projects, largely in home repair for the elderly and single mothers. Active in church prayer ministry, have taught in adult Sunday school. I have served as a certified lay speaker, and communion steward.

    District – Served on Raleigh board of ministry from approximately 1992-2000 Conference – General Church – CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Active in cub scouts. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: Because of my long involvement with the NC annual conference, I believe I have a good feel for and understanding of the conference which would help me to represent it. As a church we are facing major proposed changes in how we relate to one another, both in terms of a world wide church and as clergy and laity. As recently discussed, we also plan changes in how the general conference and staff work with the local church to carry out the work God gives us. I would hope my ability to reason analytically, listen to the conference, and, most importantly to the holy spirit would allow me to serve faithfully and productively at general conference. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Quote from John Wesley: “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid

    lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the

    case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.”

    Many of the changes proposed are intended to avoid this concern, I am thankful for our brothers and sisters overseas who I think have helped us in this regard, and look forward to a renewal here in the United States to match.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Charlie Gray Telephone # 919-810-2217 Address: 4904 Ivercroft Place Fuquay Varina NC 27526

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Fuquay Varina United Methodist Church

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am married to Donna and have two sons Trey and Joseph. I am a business owner in the Raleigh area and also serve as Executive Director of the MERCI Mission and Ministry Resource Center in Goldsboro. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Bachelor Of Science in Political Science from East Carolina University. Licensed General Contractor, Real Estate Broker and Real Estate Appraiser. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – I am Vice Chairman of our Church Council and Chairman of FVUMC Facility

    Usage Committee as well as leader of an adult Sunday School class. Leader of a weekly men’s group and past United Methodist Men’s President.

    District – Currently serve as the Raleigh District United Methodist Men’s President. I currently serve

    on the Raleigh District Church Location and Building Committee. Conference – Currently serve on the North Carolina Conference United Methodist Men council. General Church – I am one of eighteen certified Men’s Ministry Specialist in the General Church. I

    am an UMCOR Certified ERT Trainer. CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am founder and President of Banded Brothers, a 501 © 3 Not For Profit Christian Charity that currently serves as managing partner for the MERCI Center Mission and Ministry Resource Center. I serve on a North Carolina Department of Corrections Reentry Advisory Board. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I would be blessed to share my experiences and energies with the appropriate groups within our General Conference as well as glean the same for others. I am a devoted servant to whatever I commit my energies. God has blessed me with a successful business that provides me additional time and opportunities to serve my church. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Thank you for this consideration

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012

    Name: Dudley Gwaltney Telephone # (919)522-7929 Address: 3311 Cotton Mill Drive, Apt 304, Raleigh, NC 27612 Email: [email protected] Member of: Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, Raleigh, NC Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010 PERSONAL INFORMATION: Born in 1960 Separated with one daughter, Kayla, born in 1997 EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: 1983 Graduate of NC State University with degrees in Economics and Business Management 1995 Graduate of the NC State Computer Science Certificate program CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church –

    Past Administrative Board Chair Member of the Staff Parrish Relations Committee Lay delegate to Annual Conference Trained Stephen Leader Member of the Mission Vision and Values committee Member of the Strategic Mapping committee

    District – Lay member to the Raleigh District Superintendency Committee

    Conference – Delegate to Annual Conference

    General Church – CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED:

    As a delegate to General Conference, my focus will be on ensuring that our denomination lives out the legacy of our founder, John Wesley. Sometimes, I think we forget how bold and radical Wesley was in living out his faith. Open Communion is just one example of Wesley’s boldness. We may take it for granted, but our belief that Christ’s table is open to all sets us apart from other major denominations. My belief is that the structure of the Church must not get in the way of the service of the Church. The inner workings of our denomination provide a wonderful foundation for us to be instrumental as God’s servants in transforming the world for God’s kingdom. The fruits of the Church are best manifested in the actions that the Church takes in alleviating suffering in the world, the injustices that run rampant, and evil anywhere that is contrary to God’s love. I will solicit the opinions of fellow Methodists on the issues before the General Conference and prayfully consider all decisions by the Conference.

    STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS:

    I strongly believe the Church universal has two guiding principles – First, the foundation of the Church are the Scriptures. Secondly, the Church must be led by the Holy Spirit. Only by adhering to these two principles can the Church carry out God’s calling for us. As Methodist, we are called by John Wesley to radically carry God’s Word and Love to all people. We must never forget that Wesley, left the confines of the church building to take the word of God to the street. As a denomination, Wesley calls us to serve Christ by stressing individual study and understanding of the scriptures, taking God’s Grace to all people, not waiting for them to come to us, and strong Christian education through support of Methodist colleges and universities, to name a few.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form‐GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only.) 

    Deadline:  by May 2, 2011 to [email protected] 

    Name:  Fred M. Hight, III                                                    Telephone #    252‐237‐1594 

    Address:  1201 Branch Street, Wilson, NC 27893‐2419 

    Email:  [email protected] 

    Member of:  Winstead United Methodist Church 

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended:  June, 2010 

    Personal Information:  Married to Sanda Baucom Hight; two children:  Mort and Johanna; four grandchildren: Kayli, Bridget, Jacob, and Tyler; Self‐Employed for 29 years:  The Colonial Craftsman  

    Educational Background:  High School; one year of college; Community College courses over the years 

    Church Activities: Local Church – Lay Leader, 1985‐2003; Delegate to NC Annual Conference; UMYF Leader; Building Committees; Sunday School Teacher; Sunday School Superintendent; Currently Church Council Chair; Adult Choir; UMM President; Local Church Mission Trips:  1986, 1987‐ Jamaica; 1988‐ Mexico; 2008‐ Thailand and Sri Lanka; 2010‐El Salvador; SPRC Chair; Scout Master of Troop 89 from 1967‐1991 and currently serving as Troop Committee and Pack Committee Chair; Hand in Hand Tutor at Vick Elementary School 

    District‐ Rocky Mount District Lay Leader‐ 1996‐2008; District Board of Laity Chair‐1996‐2008; District Connectional Table‐1996‐Present; Presently serving as District Board of Superintendency; Certified Lay Speaker 

    Conference: Bishop’s Task Force on Effective Ministry; Past Vice‐President of Conference Board of Laity; Conference Board of Laity‐ 1996‐2008; Conference Mission Trip to Anguilla‐1982; past Conference UMM Secretary; Currently serving as First Vice‐President of Conference UUM 

    General Church:  2009 participated in Leadership Conference at Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, Kansas; attended SEJ Conference Men’s Presidents’ Event in November 2010; attended NACP Event in Nashville, Tennessee in March 2010; completed Early Response Team Training in April 2010 

    CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:  Past Chair of MHC Board of Visitors; MHC Board of Directors Member‐ 2002‐2005; Board of Directors of Flynn Christian Fellowship Home in Wilson for six years and chair for 1 ½ years; Soup Kitchen Volunteer at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church 

    WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED:  I believe in Jesus Christ, and I have a strong commitment to the United Methodist Church.  I believe I have been called to serve in God’s Church in whatever way I can.  I also believe that I am level‐headed and reasonable and have the ability to work with other people in serving one another and God. 

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  I support the United Methodist Church with my prayers, my presence, my gifts, my service, and my witness and if elected will continue to do so and grow in my commitment to God and His Church.   

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected] Name: Curtis B. Hildt, Jr. Telephone # 910-324-1117 Address: 104 Perfect Court, Richlands, NC 28574 Email: [email protected] Member of: Haw Branch United Methodist Church Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2009 PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have been a member of the Methodist Church from my youth. Have been married for 42 years and have two daughters. One daughter is a successful Middle School Teacher and the other is married to a minister. Both daughters, my wife and I actively and enthusiastically serve our church. I have three "grand" grandsons. I served my country in the United States Marine Corps for 25 years, and I am currently serving my community as a community college instructor in the GED, Adult High School programs. I’m also serving my God in my church, district, and community. I love to serve God and get many real personal rewards for it. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BS degree in Elementary Education MAEd, Reading Specialist; Reading Specialist K-12, CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church: Lay Leader 6 years, Delegate to Annual Conference 8 years, Served on Trustee, Finance. Taught Kindergarten Sunday School, Worked with youth programs on several outings. District: New Bern District Lay Leader, 4 years. Served on the District board of Laity, Certified Lay Speaker. Interim Pastor at Haw Branch United Methodist Church, Conference: Delegate Member, Member Board of Laity General Church: CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Boy Scouts of America 30 years, District Commissioner and trainer, I received the Wood Badge Service Reward and the Flame and Cross Award for service to God and Scouting. Disable America Veterans, Life member. Marine Corps League. Relay for Life. Soup Kitchen Volunteer. Work for the Mail Handler Food Collection and distribution. Actively donate and serve several community organizations and The community college Scholarship Foundation. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I have a common sense view of laity service to the church and have served the church in various leadership billets. I work my vision as a instructor to at-risk students. I believe that my service to God is though my service to his kingdom. I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk through my behavior and service to my fellow man through demonstrated service. I strive to make disciples for the Lord and plant the seed of service in those I meet.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012

    Name: Emily Innes Member of: Pine Valley United Methodist Church Address: PO Box 7710 Wilmington, NC 28406 Telephone: (910) 228-5081

    Date of Last Annual Conference You Attended: June 2010 email: [email protected]

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: A native of Wilson, NC, currently residing in Wilmington, NC. Married for 25 years to The Reverend Randy Innes. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting and Directing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston Salem.

    CHURCH ACTIVITIES:

    Local Church—Delegate to NC Annual Conference 1993-1996, 1999-2011. DISCIPLE 1, 2, & 4 Bible study facilitator (5 years); Administrative Board, Administrative Council, Mission/Outreach Chair; Evangelism/Hospitality Committee; UMYF Leader; Building Committees; Chancel Choirs; Christian Drama Director; and local UMW President.

    District—Burlington District: Board of Laity 1993-2001; Board of Managers, Christian Enrichment Event 1993-2001; Board of Missions Treasurer 1993-1999; District UMW President 1993-1996; Committee on Hunger and Human Need 1993-1996; District Youth Council 1992-1994.

    Conference—NC Conference Lay Leader 2004-present; Conference Board of Laity 2000-2011 (Chair 2004-present); Conference Connectional Table 2000-2007 (Chair 2004-Present); Member of the Bishop’s Ministry Cabinet 2004-Present; Conference UMW President 2000-2004; Conference UMW Executive Committee 1993-Present. Also serving on Annual Conference Planning Committee 2000-present; Conference Nominating Committee 2000-present; Conference Staff Relations 2004-present; Episcopacy Committee 2004-Present; Insurance Committee 2004-Present; Mission Team & Board of Missions Inc. 2004-present; Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development Circle 2004-2008; Leadership Team 2008-present; Conference Mission Development Circle 2000-2004; and Clergy Living Committee 1997-2003. President of the Conference Clergy Partners Association 1997.

    General Church—Elected by the NC Annual Conference to serve as a delegate to the 2000, 2004 and 2008 General Conferences, and the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conferences. Currently serve as a Director of General Board of Global Ministries 2004-Present; Executive Committee of GBGM 2006-Present; GBGM Personnel and Search Committee 2006-Present; Director of Women’s Division 2004-Present (Vice President 2006-present); GBGM Evangelism & Church Growth 2006-Present (Chair of Missionary Placement 2010-present) GBGM Mission Context & Relationships 2004-2006; General Commission on the Status & Role of Women 2004-2008. Southeastern Jurisdiction Episcopacy Committee (2008-present); Elected President of the Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference Lay Leaders (2010-present)

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Board of Directors for Methodist Home for Children 2002-2010; American Red Cross Blood Drive Coordinator; Prison MATCH transportation volunteer; and One-on-One (Friends of Youth) program volunteer.

    WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I have a genuine desire to serve the Lord and the Church of Jesus Christ. Having previously served as a delegate to the 2000, 2004, and 2008 General and Jurisdictional Conferences, I am fully aware of the tremendous and extremely important responsibility of this particular calling. I will faithfully serve, pray, listen, and study the issues and concerns of United Methodists in the North Carolina Conference with God’s help.

    STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS: I am a baptized member of Christ’s holy church. I believe in and affirm the Apostles’ Creed. I believe the Holy Scriptures are the inspired Word of God. I give my time, talents, and tithes to God through the United Methodist Church which I love, and where God has called me to serve. It is my strong conviction that God has called his people to be in mission with the whole world, and that making disciples and sharing the love of Jesus Christ should be the ultimate goal of all Christians.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Graydon F Isaacs Telephone # 336-376-6530/336-516-2553(c) Address: 5287 Lindley Mill Rd, Graham, NC 27253

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Cedar Cliff UMC in Burlington District

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended:

    2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am 63 year old male and have been married 42 yrs to Betty Thompson Isaacs. We have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. I have been owner of P&L Electrical Co Inc since 1978. I have been a member of the Methodist Church since the age of 13 and have been an active and faithful member of Cedar Cliff UMC since 1985. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: I graduated from Southern Alamance High School in 1966 and received a Certificate in Electrical Apprenticeship after taking a 4 year course at Technical Institute of Alamance. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – Lay Leader 1995-2008, Co-lay Leader 2009 until present. I have been a delegate to

    NC Annual Conference since 1992. I have served on most committees of the church and as chairpersons of several of them over the years. I served as chair of the Building Committee for many years.

    District – 2000-2002 Served on the Board of Churches and Buildings

    Elected Burlington District Lay Leader 2010 Completed Lay Speaking Ministries Basic Course in October 2010. 2010 District Board of Laity Conference – 2000-2002 Lay Representative to Conference Connectional Table

    2004 Delegate to Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference 2010 Conference Board of Laity General Church – CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Past member of the Eli Whitney Ruritan Club, Alamance County Electrical Contractors Association, Member of Cedar Cliff UMC team for American Cancer Society Relay For Life WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: Having been a member to Annual Conference for several years, I feel that I understand the policies and positions of our conference. I believe that the Word of God is the only rule that we need to follow to live our Christian faith. I believe that by following the book of discipline and with God’s guidance, I can serve as a faithful representative for our conference and serve in a way that will meet the needs of the conference. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011, to [email protected]

    Name: Sam Isley Telephone # 919/834-6042 Address: 1422 Mordecai Dr. Raleigh, NC 27604

    Email: [email protected] Member of: Edenton St. United Methodist Church

    Davis St. United Methodist Church – attends Sundays with my father in Burlington.

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010 PERSONAL INFORMATION: Accounting Instructor/Interim Dept. Head, Wake Technical

    Community College. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BSBA Univ. of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. MBA –Pfeiffer University. CPA – Licensed in State of N.C. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – ESUMC-Chair- Living Memorial Scholarship Committee. District – Disciple Bible Study facilitator Raleigh Correctional Center for Women. Conference – Officer: MFSA-NC, RUM-NC. Kairos-Outside, Jurisdictional Conference Alternate-

    2008. General Church – None. CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: AICPA, NCACPA, Mordecai Citizens Advisory Council. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I would like to educate fellow United Methodists about the relationship between our decision making body, General Conference, and members of the local church. At General Conference 2008 in Dallas/Ft. Worth, delegates added to ‘witness’ to the order of confirmation and reception into the Church in the UM Discipline (par217#6). I believe this is an excellent addition to our membership vows and at General Conferences in Cleveland and Pittsburgh as well as four Southeast jurisdictional conferences in 2000, 2001, 2004, and 2008, I have offered my witness to other delegates, bishops, and other participants. More importantly, I have offered my witness to those outside the walls of our church with the goal of bringing people to Jesus Christ. I appreciate the prayerful process of episcopacy elections, laypersons’ involvement in those elections and assignments within our jurisdiction, and offer myself to be involved in that process through our delegation with our 2012 episcopal nominee from the N.C. Conference. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: As I reported in 2008, I am still the primary caregiver for my elderly parents. They both continue to face numerous health issues and we simply prayerfully address them one-by-one. Thankfully, my father is still able to recognize Davis St. UMC on the Sundays that we are able to attend worship services there. This is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit and supportive members present in our local churches. I am very interested in issues that face our elderly in our churches and in our society. I support prison ministries. We need to get outside of our comfort zone in missions have encouraged others to be involved in this mission area. The individuals that are incarcerated and their families are no different than you and me. As a CPA, I am familiar with the financial minutia which goes into the budget process and if elected, I am willing to be involved in that process. As a part of that budget making process, I recognize that in this global economy, there are limited revenue resources and we must be creative in stretching those resources to provide the maximum amount of delivery to those in need. I welcome and look forward to hearing from members of our annual conference and beyond with your/their correspondence and questions prior to and after the election of delegates to general/jurisdictional conferences.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Mr. Henry C Jarrett Telephone #

    919-787-3122 (home) and 919-606-5674 (cell)

    Address: PO Box 18311 Raleigh NC 27619-8311

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Fairmont United Methodist Church Raleigh, North Carolina

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am a North Carolina and Raleigh native and I am a life long United

    Methodist.

    EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from North

    Carolina State University

    CHURCH ACTIVITIES:

    Local Church – Chair of the Outreach Team, I have also been the Church Council chair twice-now serve as the secretary of the Church Council and I have served a member of Annual

    Conference from my church. I was a senior high youth counselor 1991-2003 and have led

    numerous work teams to South Carolina, Mississippi, Haiti, Jamaica, Costa Rica, the Bahamas

    and North Carolina.

    District – Served on District Board of Ordained Ministry from 1995-2001.

    Conference – Served as Chair of Conference board of Church and Society 1995-2000 and member of Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry 2004-present, Secretary of BHECM 2009-2011.I

    have also been a member of the conference’s Unity Dialogue since its inception in 1998. I also serve

    on the North Carolina Council of Churches’s Legislative Program Committee.

    General Church –

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Member of the Board of the Women’s Center of Wake

    County, President of Wake Friends of the Homeless-1997-2001, President of the Wake Homeless

    Affordable Housing Coalition 1995-97.

    WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: Through my 20 some odd years of activity

    in church polity and my devotion to serious study of scripture and the various issues of that face

    The United Methodist Church I feel I have an understanding of the issues and I am committed to

    the United Methodist Church to moving forward and encouraging a new generation of leadership

    in the church. I want to see the United Methodist Church to continue to be about Open Doors,

    Open Hearts, and Open Minds.

    ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

    mailto:[email protected]

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Name: Courtney Louise Jennings Telephone # 919-550-7499 Address: 62. N. Bellaire Court, Clayton, NC 27527

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Knightdale United Methodist Church

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have been blessed with an extremely loving and supportive family. I live with my mom, Lou, who works for Cokesbury Christian Bookstore, my dad, Jeff, and my younger sister Lindsey. I have grown up going to charge conferences and other church events with my grandpa, Rev. Kermit Braswell. I have also been blessed with a loving church family, both at Knightdale and throughout the NC Conference. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Rising senior at Clayton High School. I plan to major in biology in college and pursue a medical career. I was inducted into the National Honor Society last year. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – I am the director of the children’s choir at my church. I serve on the Lay Leadership

    Team. I have organized and participated in mission projects, such as Footprints at the MERCI Center and serve at local soup kitchens, with my youth group, and will be attending a mission trip to Ohio this summer. I frequently help with other events at church such as Vacation Bible School. I often play the piano for the offering in Sunday services. I was chosen as the United Methodist Women’s Woman of the Year in 2010 for my work with my youth group, mission projects, and children’s ministry.

    District – I serve on the Raleigh District Committee on District Superintendency and the Raleigh District Youth Council

    Conference – Youth representative to the NC Annual Conference for the Raleigh District since 2006.

    I am a member of the Conference Youth Council, Conference Committee on Youth Ministry, and serve on the 2011 Kaleidoscope and Pilgrimage planning teams. I have served on the youth resolutions committee and remain an active part of that group. I am a certified Lay Speaker.

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Captain of Clayton High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leader in the Relay for Life Club at Clayton High School Volunteered at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Smithfield, NC in the Chaplain’s office and behavioral health unit WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I have been coming to the NC Annual Conference with my grandpa, Kermit Braswell since I was four years old. I have grown up in the United Methodist Church and I’ve developed a love for the workings of the church. I enjoy having a say in what is decided each year at Annual Conference for our church. I believe I could bring a lot to the delegation because I am open minded-I like to hear both sides of every story- and I am knowledgeable-I understand the rules and doctrines of the United Methodist Church well. I also believe that it is important to include youth in the delegation because we are the now as well as the future of the church. I would be honored to be elected. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS: Since I was a very little girl I have been involved in church. It wasn’t until I began attending youth events that I understood what it really means to have a personal relationship with Christ. I believe that we were not meant to deal with life on our own, but to depend on Him to support us through it. That relationship with Him is the most important thing in life, and it is meant to be shared with others.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012

    Name: Laura Johnson Little Telephone: (252) 756-5704

    Address: 217 King George Road Greenville, NC 27858 email: [email protected]

    Member of: St. James United Methodist Church

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION:

    Active, lifelong Methodist. Grew up in Bethany UMC, Lenoir County. Married to Marvin Little in 1957. Two

    Daughters: Teresa, a member of Edenton Street UMC, Raleigh and Susan, a member of St James UMC,

    Greenville EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:

    East Carolina University - B. S. in Home Economics

    UNC- Greensboro - M.Ed in Home Economics Education

    North Carolina State University - Ed.D in Occupational Education

    CHURCH ACTIVITIES:

    Local Church Finance Committee - 1986 - present

    Building Campaign Committee - present

    Joel Team (Visioning) - present Chancel Choir – 1976 - present

    Current Studies – John and Cultural Couples

    Previous studies of Disciple I, II, III, IV, Christian Believer, Growing In Grace and others

    Lay Member of Annual Conference – 1986 to present

    United Methodist Women (Special Membership in 1983)

    Lay Person of the Year – 1984

    Cape Fear Emmaus Community

    District – Board of Trustees – 1985 - present Advisory Comm.- Latino Hispanic Ministry (Unidos por Cristo)-2006 to present

    Conference – Board of Trustees – 2005 to present Design Team for new UMC Building

    Church & Society – GBCS 2002 to 2008

    Council on Finance & Administration- 1995-2003, Secretary 1995-2003

    Council on Finance & Administration- 1985-93, Secretary 1986-92

    CF&A Observer Methodist Foundation- 1990-92

    Trustee, Methodist Children’s Home- 1983-85

    Wesley Foundation of Greenville- 1977-86

    Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry- 1981-85

    Board of Stewardship- 1980-84

    General Church Elected delegate to General Conference- 2000, 2004 and 2008 Elected delegate to Jurisdictional Conference- 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008

    Southeastern Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals- 2000, 2004, and currently an alternate

    Board of Directors, General Board of Church & Society 2002 - 2008

    SEJ Nomination/ Organizational Representative for GBCS- 2004

    WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: With humility and sincere love for the United Methodist Church, I again seek election to General Conference. I will give

    my full support to the Discipline. With God’s help, I plan to study the issues, listen, seek advice from pastors and laity,

    and pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit.

    STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS:

    As a growing disciple, through the years, I have joyfully served whenever and wherever my God – given gifts and talents

    could be used for His work. My commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord continues to be formed, based on our Wesleyan

    heritage. I believe in the Bible as the primary authority for Christian faith and practice. I also recognize the importance

    of illumination by tradition, experience and reason.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 Due: April 8, 2011 Date Received {for office use only}:______________

    Name: Gary W. Locklear Telephone # 910 521-3160 Address: 667 Locklear Road Pembroke, NC 28372

    Member of: Sandy Plains UMC

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have been married to Panthia Lowry Locklear for 40 years. We have three children and three grandchildren. Panthia is a retired teacher with the Public Schools of Robeson County and I am a Missionary (Church & Community Worker) with the General Board of Global Ministries assigned to the Rockingham District Native American Cooperative Ministry. My education prepared me for a career in teaching. I taught for three years and then went into private industry where I worked as a mid- level manager for twenty seven years specializing in Training and Leadership Development. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: I graduated from UNC-P in 1970 with a Bachelor’s Degree. Since then I have continued to study and certify in many areas of leadership. I am presently studying toward certification as a Christian Coach. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – Chairperson PPRC, Secretary to the Administrative Council, Serve on the Finance

    Committee, Nurture Outreach and witness, Sunday School teacher 42 years. I have served in almost every capacity in the Local Church over the past 40 years.

    District – I presently serve as the Chairperson of the Rockingham District Connectional Table. I am a

    certified Lay Speaker and use this skill regularly. I also am a Lay Speaker trainer Conference – Serve on the Board of Mission, the Conference Connectional Table, the Committee on

    Staff Relations, Chairperson of the Committee on Native American Ministries, Serve as a member of the Multi-culture Ministries team, member of the Committee on Mission Personnel, and the Conference Leadership Team.

    General Church – Served as a delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conference in 2004 and 2008.

    Serve as a member of the Commission on The General Conference. CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I serve on the board of Robeson Community Ministries. Serve on the Executive Committee for the Robeson County Community Development Corporation. Serve as a board member of Asbury Homes. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I have a very good knowledge of the United Methodist Church, doctrine and polity, based on studies and experience in serving in many areas of leadership over the past forty years. I have a proven record of compassion and service to persons in many settings. I am a person that not only understands process but has spent years teaching process to others. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY AND/OR BELIEFS: I believe the words contained in the Holy Scriptures to be the words of God and his son Jesus Christ. I believe in the Apostles Creed, The articles of Religion, and the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Samuel Duncan McMillan IV Telephone # (252) -266-1087 Address: 3621 Sheffield Drive Rocky Mount NC 27803

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: First United Methodist Rocky Mount

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010 PERSONAL INFORMATION: Son of the late Rev. Samuel D. McMillan III and Paige L .McMillan, Grandson of the Late Rev. Samuel D McMillan Jr and Fran McMillan as well as Rev. Tryon and Anne Lancaster; Young Adult EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Junior Elementary Education Major at Campbell University CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – VBS volunteer, Children’s Christmas program volunteer, Summer food distribution

    to the needy; Attends worship regularly District – Youth Delegate to Annual Conference RM District (2008-2010 ) Rockingham District

    (2005-2007 ) Conference – Lay delegate to Jurisdictional Conference (2008 ) First alternate delegate to General

    Conference ( 2008) Conference Treasurer of the United Methodist Youth (2006-2007) NC Conference Youth Committee (2004-2005, 2007-2008 )

    Will work at Camp Don Lee this summer as a counselor General Church – First Alternate to General Conference (2008) Attend all sessions and committees

    Jurisdictional Delegate (2008) CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Student Government Association at Campbell University’ Teaching Fellow President Campbell University ( 2009 -2011) Intramural Sports (2008-2011) WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I believe that I should be elected to the 2012 General Conference because I am a young voice for the conference who will uphold the values that it represents. If elected I will do my best to serve God and this conference and the global church as He may see fit. Also I believe that the works and efforts I put in as a delegate in the previous general conference delegation, showed that I would and will continue to lead this church for now and the future. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: It seems as if since the moment of my birth, I have been apart of the United Methodist Church. My parents used to say that as an infant I was held more on Sunday by the members of the two point charge my father served, than some children are held in a lifetime. I have grown up in the church. The church has been my guide, my family and my support. In the months following the sudden death of my father, I have seen first hand the power of the connectional church. My mother, sister and I have been prayed for and supported by ministers and laity all across the Jurisdiction. We have seen and felt the hands and feet of Christ reaching out to us and reminding us of the caring, open, loving church we are a part of . I believe in the church and her ministry. I believe in her mission in this world. I feel God has placed a call on my life to serve Him in this world, first through the classroom and then as a pastor in a local church. My father as well as my entire family, have loved and served this conference faithfully. Now, it is my turn to continue the mission we are all given to make disciples of those that are in our paths daily.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected] Name: Barry Merrill Telephone # (919) 922-1499 Address: 505 S Walnut St, Princeton, NC 27569 Email:[email protected] Member of: First United Methodist Church, Mt. Olive, NC Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010 PERSONAL INFORMATION: Married 34 years to Marilyn Dunaway Merrill. Two beautiful college graduate daughters, one married and working as a wedding photographer, one a community college teacher. Enjoy singing in the choir, serving in the local church. Marilyn and I have published community weekly newspapers for the past 29 years. Three years ago we effectively doubled the size of our company and have enjoyed the blessings of God despite the challenges of our economy. Dedicated our newspapers to God's glory. Native of Houston, TX, lived and worked in New Mexico, Las Vegas, NV, Anderson, SC, and Cincinnati, OH before moving to eastern NC 29 years ago. Lived in Fremont, NC and was a member of Fremont UMC and Princeton UMC before moving our membership to Mount Olive two years ago. Very active in Kairos Prison Ministry, at Raleigh Central Prison and Pender Correctional Institute, led a Kairos weekend (Rector) at Pender. Very active in Walk to Emmaus. Served as Lay Director for a weekend. Currently serving on Cape Fear Emmaus Board of Directors as Assistant Community Lay Director. Served on several Lay Witness Missions. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Graduate of New Mexico Military Institute. Attended Southern Methodist University, University of New Mexico for business studies and Furman University for theology studies. Attended American Press Institute. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – Former lay leader, former finance chair, local United Methodist Men president, Evangelism chair, worked in disaster response, helped organize and worked local clothing and food giveaway programs. Led several Bible studies and organized other studies. District – former District president United Methodist Men. Served on District Board of Laity. District Lay speaker.Jurisdictional delegate in 2008. Conference – former Conference president United Methodist Men. Served on Conference Missions Committee, Conference Board of Laity, Conference Connectional Table. Currently serving on MERCI Center Board. General Church – Served as vice-president and secretary for SEJ United Methodist Men. Member of National Association of Conference Presidents for United Methodist Men. CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Helped organize local chambers of commerce. Secretary, Princeton Chamber of Commerce. Currently president of Mount Olive Rotary Club. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I believe the best years of our church are ahead. We will be a mighty beacon on the hill, not a dying ember in the fire. While I believe in the spiritual leadership of women of the church, I believe the men of the church have abdicated too often their responsibilities as leaders. In partnership with clergy and the women of the church, if we are to fulfill our call to make Disciples for the Transformation of the World, the men of the church must step forward, and I believe we will, if we make the call of Christ central in our lives. As a leader in men's ministry, I will continue to work to spread His call on our lives. I believe men's ministry holds the potential to re-energize our church as Wesley energized our pentecostal Spirit. I can effectively represent the heritage of my small rural church as I bring a breadth of experience working on the conference and general church level. I was a jurisdictional delegate in 2008. It would be an honor and privilege to again represent the Annual Conference.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012

    Name: Allen O. Morris Telephone: (910) 488-5090 Address: P.O. Box 2864, Fayetteville, NC 28302-2864 Email: [email protected] Member of: Camp Ground United Methodist Church (CGUMC) Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010 PERSONAL INFORMATION: Born and raised in the Methodist Church in Texas; electronic communications engineer for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company; served in the Army Signal Corps for twenty+ years; retired as a major from Ft. Bragg and settled in Fayetteville, NC. Full-time volunteer for revival effort in UMC. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Math at East Texas State University; Masters of Business Administration in Management at the University of Texas at Arlington. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: � Local Church – Past: Vice-President and President of the Methodist Youth Fellowship; Youth Coordinator at CGUMC, Administrative Board, Council on Ministries, Vice-President of the UMM, Sunday School teacher for youth. Current: Sunday School co-teacher of the Men’s Bible Class, Sing in the chancel Choir, Sing with the Kingsmen (men’s choir), Member of the Grooms Gang (maintains the yard, cemetery, buildings, equipment). � District – UMM, District Lay Rallies, District classes. Emmaus Community. � Conference – Full time volunteer for Concerned Methodists, inform annual conference members of issues important to the United Methodist Church through its information display, Concerned Methodists’ publications to include books, the “Monthly Update” and as Editor of The Christian Methodist Newsletter. � General Church – Attended all General Conferences since 1996 and GCUMM quadrennial Conferences since 1997. Inform General Conference members of issues important to the UMC thru Concerned Methodists’ website, books, and The Christian Methodist Newsletter. Authored eight books addressing renewal in the United Methodist Church; advocated on the thirty-two amendments to the constitution of the UMC to pass those beneficial to the church and defeat those detrimental to it, sending information to include the book On the Brink to all 2008 General Conference delegates around the world; submitted petitions to 2008 General Conference. CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Tarheel Challenge – mentoring “problem” boys headed to either a reformed life or prison; Cumberland County Big Brothers program; UpWard Basketball – 3rd & 4th grade boys; Chaplain for Fayetteville Christian School (FCS) football team; Assistant coach for FCS Swim Team; Set Free Prison Ministry to male inmates; support Honduran boy Antonio Castellanos through Compassion International. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I have a passionate desire to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and to bring people into a relationship with Him. I believe that the Wesleyan Doctrine is the best in terms of helping people everywhere understand how to live their lives in the fullest way possible according to Christ’s teachings. But up until now we have sustained an unbroken 42-year decline in membership; we need to recognize the problems in our denomination so that we can implement solutions. The United Methodist Church has had a rich heritage; we can have an even more brilliant future. What we need is authentic, spiritual revival. As the Executive Director of Concerned Methodists, I am engaged in full time volunteer work, and my full-time focus is the actions needed for revival in the United Methodist Church. In the twenty-two years I have been doing this, I have studied thousands of pages of information and data, analyzed the reasons for our church’s problems, and formulated what I believe can spark a turnaround and the reversing of our decline. As one who has talked with people and churches from Florida to Fairbanks, Alaska, I have a wide grasp of the concerns expressed by a cross-section of United Methodists, both laity and clergy. As the Editor of The Christian Methodist Newsletter with a circulation of 17,000+ all over the United States and up to 31 foreign countries to include Africa, Europe, and the Philippines, we can have an influence that reaches out to other countries as well. STATEMENT OF BELIEFS: As one who has had a life-changing experience, I have found that there is a richer, fuller “million-dollar” life for those who come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and to use the Bible – God’s Word – as life’s roadmap. Just 18 inches makes the difference – many people know about Jesus with just a “head knowledge” – but what they need is knowing Jesus by having a “heart experience”!

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Beth Norris Telephone # Address: 4714 Ludwell Branch Ct., Raleigh NC 27612

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Edenton St. United Methodist Church

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June, 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am the widow of J. Allen Norris, Jr., mother of two adult children, Betsy and Bill, grandmother of 5 and great-grandmother of 2! I am a native of Sampson county where I Still own a farm and spend about 1/3 of my time there. I value family, my church and my friends, all of whom have helped me to adjust to a new life and move forward. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: A. B. in English from Woman’s’ College, University of North Carolina (now UNC-G). Graduate work at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – Currently- Chair, Education Committee; Member, Council on Ministries;

    Chair, United Methodist Women Education and Interpretation; Member, Chancel Choir; Bible Study Leader; Bulla Foundation and Edenton Street Endowment Committee. Past-Visioning Committee, Chair, Lay Shepherding Ministry; Member, Administrative Board;

    District – Older Adult Committee representative; Past, Raleigh District Council on Ministry ( one term as Chair)

    Conference – Currently – Nominating Committee; Board of Institutions; Committee on Clergy Counseling and Consultation. Past – Older Adult Committee; Youth Council; Board of Higher Education and Ministry (one quadrennium as chair); the Episcopacy Committee

    General Church – General Conference Delegate, 2008; General Conference Delegate, 2004; Represent the North Carolina Conference on the Southeastern Jurisdiction Nominating Committee 2008-2012; General Board of Discipleship, 1996-2004

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Currently – Member, Louisburg College Board of Trustees; Immediate past Chair, North Carolina Commission on Volunteer and Community Service; Past – Methodist Home for Children Board Member; President, Pines of Carolina Girl Scout Council; President, American Association of University of Women of North Carolina. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: Having attended the last 6 General Conferences, the last 2 as a delegate, I understand the workings of General Conference and the on-going issues that come before it. I am willing to do the preparation required to be an informed delegate. I grew up in a small rural church and am now a member of a 4000+ member church, so I understand the diversity of our Conference. I believe my past experiences have well prepared me to represent the North Carolina Conference. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I believe in God. I believe in the worth of every individual because each one is a child of God. I believe that Christ is the example for our lives. Our constant struggle is to live more like him. I believe in prayer because prayer serves to focus our thoughts on discerning Gods’ will for us.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected] Name: Bill Norton Telephone # (919) 779-6115 (O); (919) 851-6005 (H) Address: 6352 Deerview Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606 Email: [email protected] Member of: Saint Francis UMC, Cary, NC Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: 2010 PERSONAL INFORMATION: NC Conference Director for Communications and NC Conference Christian Advocate Editor. Works with Conference Communications Committee, Advocate Committee, Board of Laity and United Methodist Women. Writes news articles and takes photographs of conference events for use in secular, church-related news media, and conference publications. Supervises the conference communications team with responsibility for the conference website, NCCUMC.ORG, local church web ministry assistance, video editing and studio production, notices to clergy and laity about clergy prayer requests and death notices, News Briefs, the conference weekly e-mail newsletter, Advocate advertising, subscriptions, production. Served on mission work teams to Haiti, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe. Before joining the conference staff in 1983, served as Director of Information Services at Meredith College and as a reporter and photographer at the Star-News Newspapers in Wilmington and the Evening Telegram in Rocky Mount. A native of Selma, NC, he is married to the former Margaret Craig Hedgepeth of Pinetops. They have two adult children and one grandson. In May, Bill and Craig celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Graduate of Selma High School and NC Wesleyan College with a BA degree. He has a Certification in Christian Communications awarded by the United Methodist Association of Communicators. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – Baptized and Confirmed at Edgerton Memorial UMC in Selma. White Plains, Cary –

    Past Administrative Board Chair and Vice Chair and Chair of Stewardship, member of Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, Finance, Council on Ministries, and served as an usher. Currently, member of Saint Francis UMC in Cary – serving on Staff Support Ministry (PPR), Communion Assistant, Lay Reader, and Usher. Previously, Administrative Board Chair and Vice Chair and a member of the Council on Ministries, Finance, Pastor-Relations, and Stewardship.

    District – Instructor at leadership training workshops in Communications and Stewardship. Conference – Local church consultant in Communications and ReThink Church General Church – Member of General Commission on Communications, and serve on their Finance

    and Branding Committees. Elected as NC Conference Delegate to the 2008 and 2004 General Conferences and First Alternate to the 2000 and 1996 General Conferences. Delegate to the Southeastern Jurisdictional Conferences in 2008, 2004, 1996, 1992 and to the 2001 called session.

    WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: It is my belief that our response to Christ’s call “that we go and make disciples” begins within the local church and flows through the connectional church all around the world. The primary task for the connection is to provide resources and organizational assistance that strengthens ministry within and from the local church. As a local church member who is employed at the conference level to work with local churches, I bring a unique perspective that will help me to effectively represent local church ministry at this level of policy making. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I believe in the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, creator of all things. I believe God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to give flesh to the words of the Holy Bible. It is through this gift that the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ brought forgiveness of sins. I believe God, through the Holy Bible and Jesus Christ, gave us guidance and laws to live by, to worship God and only God, and to share the love of God with others. I believe that freedom was given by the all-loving Father to his creation which often sin against the Father through acts of disobedience, willful and without realizing it. Even when committed, God forgives the sin when acts of repentance are sincerely offered. I believe that Baptism and Holy Communion are gifts from God and that through Father, Son, and Holy Spirit there is life everlasting.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by April 8, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Maureen Oakes Telephone # 919-815-2014 Address: 1 Tippecanoe Court, Durham, NC 27713

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Epworth UMC – Durham

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: Have not been a delegate for at least 10 years.

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am single. I currently work as a Staff Assistant for an orthopaedic

    surgeon at Duke Medical Center. I am the daughter of Taylor and Ruth Oakes from Roanoke Rapids. I

    grew up in First UMC in Roanoke Rapids. I was very active in youth and music activities at FUMC,

    subdistrict, and district levels while growing up. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Graduated from High Point College (now University) in 1973

    with a major in Religion and a minor in Sociology. Attended Duke Divinity School between 1973 and

    1975. Worked as a Director of Christian Education 1973-1974 while attending Duke part time. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – Active in music activities (choir, handbells). Serve as liturgist for 8:30 am service

    every Sunday at the request of the pastor. Coordinate the schedule for liturgists serving the 11:00 service. Serve as Church Historian/representative to the Christian Advocate. Serve on Council of Ministries.

    District – I am a Certified Lay Speaker, available to my local church and other churches in the Durham District if needed.

    Conference – I have not served at the Conference Level except in the past as DCE and as a delegate.

    General Church – I have not been active with anything in the General Church except to keep myself informed of issues confronting the Church. I have not been a delegate before or run to be elected as a delegate.

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I have been active in the past in civic activities, having been a member of a local Civitan Club, but past changes in my employment created the need to resign from that organization. I participate when I can in charitable causes at Duke and in the community. I have worked on Habitat for Humanity in the past. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: I believe that I could be a delegate that has an open mind, would listen to all sides of debate, and base any votes cast on knowledge of the subject and the needs of the church. I believe that I have a solid theological background that would allow me to evaluate points based on their merit and whether they complement our belief as United Methodists. I am able to hear the voices of others, even though they may be different from my own voice and balance their voices with my own. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Having grown up watching my parents’ service to God and church, I want to honor their commitment to a life of service in the church by my own witness and service. I seek to be a voice for all who need a voice. I view being a delegate to General/Jurisdictional Conference as providing that voice.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Mack B. Parker Telephone # 919-255-3353

    Address: 2204 Laurel Valley Way, Raleigh, NC 27604

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: North Raleigh United Methodist Church

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I’m a native of Mt. Gilead, NC, and grew up in the Wesleyan Tradition at Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. My wife, Wanda, is a native of Kinston, NC, and is a project leader at Duke University’s Duke Clinical Research Institute. We have been married 34 years, and have two children and one grandchild. Our eldest child, Alysia, is a certified nurse mid-wife; and LaTosha is a former Peace Corp Volunteer in South Africa, and presently is a teacher in Antiqua. We have been members of the United Methodist Church for 31 years. I am self employed as a retirement planner representing Lincoln Financial Group, and previously worked in industry for two Fortune 500 companies EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Master of Business Administration degree in finance from the University of New Haven, West Haven, Connecticut; Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – At North Raleigh UMC: past chairman of the administrative board, staff parish relations

    committee and finance committee; certified lay speaker, advance commitment leader for capital campaign to build new sanctuary; and Disciple 1 Bible Study leader

    District – Affiliate member of Raleigh District United Methodist Men through my relationship with the North Carolina Conference UMM

    Conference – Immediate past chairman of the Board of Trustees for the United Methodist Retirement Homes, and led our effort to build a $15 million facility in Lumberton, NC; past president of the North Carolina Conference United Methodist Men; past vice president and member of the Council on Finance and Administration; past member of the Board of Pensions; past member of the Connectional Table; served on the Bishop’s Task Force on the United Methodist Building Relocation Study Committee and on Pastor’s Salary Structure; served as a member of the Conference Equitable Compensation Committee and the Annual Conference Planning Committee; was Lay Director for the Cape Fear Walk to Emmaus ( twice); served on many teams for the Heart of Carolina Emmaus Community, and served on the Board of Directors for both Communities; former member of the United Methodist Retirement Homes Foundation; and past member of the Board of Directors of the Zimbabwe Orphan Endeavor

    General Church – Delegate to the 2000, 2004 and 2008 General Conference; delegate to the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference; presently serving as the Southeastern Jurisdictional representative to the Board of Directors of the General Commission on United Methodist Men

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: District Governor 2011-12 for Rotary District 7710, which encompasses 10 counties in the East Piedmont Region, including Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill; member of the Rotary Club of North Raleigh; past district chairman of the Rotary Against Drugs Speech Competition; past participate on Central Prison Kairos Team WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: My years of experience working in leadership at all levels of the Church has provided me with unique gifts and graces to serve God’s people at General Conference. I am committed to studying the issues facing our Church and acting in accordance with the Holy Scriptures revealed to us through the life, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. POSITION STATEMENT: I am continuing to demonstrate my love for Christ and His Church by responding to my call to lay ministry. Scripture teaches us that we are saved by grace, and that we are to use our gifts in service to God and His creation. I believe that God would have the Church to be in ministry to the poor and for us to seek a right relationship with God and one another. Our great task as Christians is to help those who are hurting, and to mend brokenness in the world. This call to ministry can be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit, who is at work in our lives.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012 (Each nomination is limited to one page, one side only)

    Deadline: by May 2, 2011 to [email protected]

    Name: Christina J. (CJ) Pearce Telephone # 252-213-7459 Address: 4939 NC Highway 39 South Henderson NC, 27537

    Email:

    Member of: Gillburg United Methodist Church

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: June 2010

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am the daughter of Rev. Ray & Terri Pearce. I am 20 years old and attend the Gillburg/Spring Valley UMC Charge in the Durham District. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: I graduated from Louisburg High School. At present I am a rising Jr. in college. I have attended Vance Granville CC and UNC at Pembroke. I plan on transferring to ECU in the next year to continue my studies in musical theater. I hope to earn my degree in musical theater in the next few years and either teach or pursue a career in theater. CHURCH ACTIVITIES: Local Church – I attend regular worship and help with Wednesday night dinners. I sing in the choir or

    specials when time allows due to school or shows I am presently working on. I also work the yard and bake sales (twice) each year to help raise money for the youth and children’s ministry and deliver meals to the Men’s Homeless Shelter. I have also served on the Worship Committee, Youth Council and Administrative Team and different churches

    District – As a youth I served CYC for the Greenville and Durham Districts. I have served as youth delegate

    for the Grenville and Durham Districts to Annual Conference and well as young Adult delegate from the Durham district for 2010 and 2011.

    Conference – I served as a member at large on the Conference Council on Youth Ministries. I have served as

    youth staff at Kaleidoscope, Summer Breakaway and Pilgrimage. I have been a participant at Kaleidoscope, Summer Breakaway (6 Years), Annual Conference Session for Youth (ACS) ( 4 years), Global Vision and Pilgrimage (10 years). I was in the first class of Youth Lay Speaker for the Annual Conference. I have also attended Annual Conference either as a delegate or an observer for 11 years.

    General Church – I have attended seminars (through Global Vision) in both New York City and Washington

    DC concerning “Poverty and The Homeless.” Our seminars were held at the UM Women’s Building (at Capitol Hill) and the Religions Center across from the United Nations.

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I am a member of the Henderson Rec Players and Granville Little Theater and work with a local High School helping in the Drama Department. WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: It is always said the “Youth and young adults are the Church Now!”…however I wonder if we live into that role. I want to be the church of the now. In order to do that I feel I must be involved on local, Annual Conference and a General Church level. I feel I have something worth saying and can be used…and if done humbly, thoughtfully and in a spirit of cooperation it can happen. I also want to use the gifts God has given me no matter how small. I am excited about this opportunity and what lies ahead for the God’s church now and in the future. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I have been blessed to be a PK. I have learned a lot and been given a lot! So I want to give back in service to the church. I would consider myself a conservative Christian who believes and holds to Biblical teaching of the Holy Scvriptures and the teachings of John Wesley.

  • Lay Delegate Nomination Form-GC/SEJ 2012

    Name: Celie Benton Richardson Telephone: 919-968-7919

    Address: P.O. Box 2585, Chapel Hill, NC 27515

    Email: [email protected]

    Member of: Carrboro UMC, Carrboro, NC

    Date of Last Annual Conference Attended: None.

    PERSONAL INFORMATION: I grew up in Newton Grove, and Goshen UMC (which is still part of my life). I now live in Chapel Hill

    with my husband, Phil, and my black standard poodle girl, Beadie, age 2. I went to law school after a

    career in newspapers and teaching (college, community college, and adult basic education). I have been

    practicing law for 13 years. I am addicted to reading, particularly murder mysteries and philosophy. I

    play folk and classical guitar and piano. And yes, I am that woman whose shoes do not match. I was run

    over by a car seven years ago, leaving me with one injured foot that can wear only a flipflop.

    EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: A.B., UNC-Chapel Hill; M.A., American Studies, University of Minnesota; J.D., UNC-Chapel Hill.

    CHURCH ACTIVITIES:

    Local Church: I am a cradle Methodist, from several generations of same. I have been a member of

    Carrboro UMC since 2005. I am a certified lay speakers. From most of my life, my main church

    activity was choir, but I have made a change. I am in my fifth year as finance chair and endowment

    chair. I worked with the UM Foundation in setting up the endowment structure, and I led the process

    of incorporating the church. I work with many behind-the-scenes administrative matters.

    District: I participate in the district lay speaker program and attend district workshops.

    Conference and General Church: I am a conference appointee to the board of the Wesley Student

    Ministry at UNC-Chapel Hill. Otherwise, I have not had an opportunity to participate in conference

    activities (other than a finance workshop) or general church activities.

    CIVIC & COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I have been a director and officer of many nonprofits. I now serve on the board of Wesley Campus

    Ministry at UNC-Chapel Hill. I work with bar service groups. For example, as a member of the Durham

    Bar Association’s Public Service Committee, I work with Legal Aid to present programs on debt

    management to community groups.

    WHY YOU BELIEVE YOU SHOULD BE ELECTED: Issues to be discussed at this general conference will fundamentally affect the way our church both

    organizes itself and interacts with the world. For example, the appointment system is being seriously

    challenged. The system has many advantages that lay people may take for granted, such as avoiding the

    congregational turmoil that can come with search