2020 DELEGATES OKLAHOMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Meet your 2020 Delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference - Oklahoma Conference of the United ...
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2020 DELEGATES
OKLAHOMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Meet your 2020 Delegates to General
and Jurisdictional Conference
United Methodist Ministry Center
1501 N.W. 24th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73106-3635
405.530.2000 | www.okumc.org
Oklahoma United Methodist Communications
OUR DELEGATES Clerg y l a ity General General 06 Joseph Harris 18 Tom Junk 06 Derrek Belase 18 Don Kim 07 Sam Powers 19 Cara Nicklas 07 Jessica Moffatt 19 Barbara Perry 08 Charla Gwartney 20 Herschel Beard 08 Valerie Steele 20 Kent Fulton 09 Tom Harrison 21 Janey Wilson Jurisdictional Jurisdictional 10 Carol Cook Moore 22 Chuck Stewart 10 Fuxia Wang 22 Kira Calhoun 11 D. A. Bennett 23 Andrea Shafer 11 Matt Judkins 23 Gloria Ajinomisangham 12 James Lambert 24 Holly Joy 12 Carlos Ramirez 24 Piper Freese 13 Tish Malloy 25 Aly Shahan Alternates Alternates 14 Lesly Broadbent 26 Evan Nicklas 14 Jennifer Long 26 Kyla Powers 15 Adam Shahan 27 Courtney Blacksten
4
G Y
E R
C L
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Joseph Harris
Oklahoma City
Clergy Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
OKC Church of the Servant UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Assistant to The Bishop/
Communications Director/
Conference Secretary
MY FAMILY
My wife, Nancy and adult children, Joseph II and Sarah.
“I am committed to pray for the delegation by name
during my morning devotions.”
Derrek Belase
Edmond
Clergy Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
OKC New Covenant UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Director of Connectional Ministry for
the Oklahoma Annual Conference
MY FAMILY
My wife, Rebeka and children, Madison and Elizabeth.
“I am proud of my hometown and upbringing. I continue to invest
in that small town as much as I can. I am on the educational
foundation board of directors and write a weekly devotional
column for the newspaper. I also love spending time with my
family. I try to read a book a week so I often bore conversations by
telling you about the latest nugget I just know will change your life
or ministry! Just indulge me if you can.”
6
Sam Powers
Edmond
Clergy Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Edmond First UMC
Guthrie First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I’m an Ordained Elder
MY FAMILY
My wife, Sheryl Heaton Powers and children, Kyla and David.
“I lost both of my parents in 2018 which I’m sure impacted
how I processed GC2019. For fun, Sheryl and I enjoy
snorkeling and scuba diving in the ocean and traveling to
places where we can!”
Jessica Moffatt
Tulsa
Clergy Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Tulsa First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Lead Pastor
MY FAMILY
My brother is Kent Farish. He is married to Sunny and they
have two children. My sister is Karen Miller. She is married to
Perry and they have one daughter. When all the babies are
born in February 2020, there will be four grand babies in our
family. My daughter is Hannah Birney. She is married to Will
and they have no children.
“I look forward to getting to know the new folks on our
delegation!”
7
Charla Gwartney
Tulsa
Clergy Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Tulsa Faith UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Senior Pastor
MY FAMILY
My husband, Kurt and daughter, Elizabeth.
“I am honored to serve our delegation. I put my name
forward for election because over the last 15 years,
I’ve served on the Conference Council on Finance and
Administration and the Board of Pension and Health
Benefits. I have a knack for details and process. My
primary area of interest is in the role of the General
Conference as it relates to our pension plan, the general
church budget, and administration.”
Valerie Steele
Stillwater
Clergy Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Stillwater Highland Park UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Pastor
MY FAMILY
My family includes four adult children, one son-in-law,
and three grandchildren.
“I am grateful to represent the Oklahoma Annual
Conference as a GC2020 Delegate.”
8
Tom Harrison
Tulsa
Clergy Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Tulsa Asbury UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Senior Pastor
MY FAMILY
My wife, Dana, three children, Joshua, Jessee, and
Jeff, and four grandchildren, Lonnie, Jack, Logan, and
Evie.
9
JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE
Carol Cook Moore
Alva
Clergy Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Alva First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Pastor
MY FAMILY
My husband, Henry Moore.
Fuxia Wang
Norman
Clergy Delegate - Jurisdictional
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Minister and Director of International
Ministry at OU Wesley Foundation
I grew up in mainland China as an atheist. I became a
Christian while pursuing my Masters degree at University
of Central Oklahoma in 1996 through the Chinese ministry
of The Wesley Foundation at UCO. After graduation, with
an education degree with an emphasis in Teaching English
as a Second Language, I attended the International
Theological Seminary in California in 1998. At the 2007
Oklahoma Annual Conference, I was appointed to serve at
The Wesley at the University of Oklahoma.
10D.A. Bennett
Oklahoma City
Clergy Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
OKC St. Andrew’s Community
UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Senior Pastor is my vocation, but
I dream of being a professional
fisherman or photographer
MY FAMILY
My wife Robin, children Garrett, Jonathan, and Charis, and
our dogs Charlie the Wondermutt and Braindead Bella.
“I believe God spoke to my heart about being a pastor when
I was five. I love the mountains, fishing, Sooners, Cincinnati
Reds and attended a seminary no longer approved by
University Senate. Other than preaching, I love confirmation
and church camp.”
Matt Judkins
McAlester
Clergy Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
McAlester First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Pastor
MY FAMILY
My wife, Nanci and children, Emma, Caleb, and Blake.
“I am honored to have been elected to serve on the
delegation. As a reserve delegate, I think the most
important way I can serve is through prayer during our
meetings and conferences, as we seek the Lord’s guidance
to move into a faithful future.”
11James Lambert
Tulsa
Clergy Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Tulsa Asbury UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Ordained Deacon - Pastor
of Adult Discipleship
MY FAMILY
My wife, Christine, daughter Naomi, and a foster daughter
placed through Circle of Care.
“I love The United Methodist Church for the richness of
our Wesleyan heritage and for the connection we share.
I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for so many pastors
and lay leaders who influenced me at church camps, in
the Emmaus movement, and connectional ministry. Some
of these folks I see eye to eye with theologically and some
I don’t. I think we need to have honest and respectful
conversation with one another and look for solutions that
allow everyone freedom of conscience as well as freedom
to serve in a connection that shares their basic theological
convictions.”
Carlos Ramirez
Oklahoma City
Clergy Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
OKC Putnam City UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Lead Minister
MY FAMILY
My wife, Wendi Neal and children, Miguel and Citlali.
12Tish Malloy
Ponca City
Clergy Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Oklahoma Annual Conference
WHAT DO YOU DO?
District Superintendent of the
Northern Prairie District
MY FAMILY
My husband, David Nichols and children, Charmaine
Nichols with her husband Bryan, James Nichols with his
fiance’ Ami, Sarah Nichols Lofton with her husband Jairus,
John Nichols and Shawn Bell (deceased).
“I am grateful to be serving alongside you! “
13ALTERNATE DELEGATES
Lesly Broadbent
Yukon
Clergy Delegate - Alternate
MY CHURCH
OKC First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Pastor
MY FAMILY
My wife, Amy and children, Morgan and Lawson.
“I am proud to be part of the delegation. I am excited
about the future of the Methodist movement across the
world.”
Jennifer Long
Oologah
Clergy Delegate - Alternate
MY CHURCH
Oologah First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Ordained Elder
MY FAMILY
My husband, Jason Bush and children, Rylee and Taylor.
“I’m from OKC, born and raised, but have lived in New
Hampshire, Illinois (for Seminary), and California (for my
DMin). “
14Adam Shahan
Perkins
Clergy Delegate - Alternate
MY CHURCH
Stillwater Lost Creek UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Lead Pastor
MY FAMILY
My wife, Aly and children, Micah and Peyton.
“I am praying for each of you to remain grounded in
hope, to be full of grace, and to lean in to the love that
God has for you in Jesus Christ.”
1516
IT Y L A
GENERAL CONFERENCE
Tom Junk
Broken Arrow
Lay Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Tulsa First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Trustee of the Robert L. Parker
Trust
MY FAMILY
My wife, Kelly, children, Stephanie, Sara, and Michael, and
grandchildren, Ava, Tanner, Hadley, Peyton, Emma and
Margot.
“I see serving in the delegation as an incredible honor and
an incredible responsibility. I have been helped along the
way in my service to the church by great mentors who
modeled church service and leadership for me. I hope to
give back because the church has given so much to me!“
Don Kim
Oklahoma City
Lay Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
OKC Korean First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Physician in Pain Management
Associate Conference Lay Leader
MY FAMILY
My wife, Kay Cho and children, Anabelle and Jonathan.
18Cara Nicklas
Oklahoma City/Edmond
Lay Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
OKC Church of the Servant UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Attorney with McAlister, McAlister,
Baker & Nicklas, PLLC
MY FAMILY
My husband, Tim and children, Connor and Evan.
“I love hiking! My favorite hike (and my favorite
place ever visited) was in Portovenere, Italy. I prefer
mountains to beach even though I am not opposed
to walking on the beach at sunrise/sunset. Most of my
free time is spent doing volunteer activities through the
UMC and the Congo Initiative.”
Barbara Perry
Oklahoma City
Lay Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
OKC Chapel Hill UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Adjunct Professor
MY FAMILY
My husband, Ron and children, Lisa and Ted.
19Herschel Beard
Madill
Lay Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Madill First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am an Abstractor
MY FAMILY
My wife, Sue, children, Wade and J.T., and grandchildren,
Jack and Henry.
“I believe God has called me to be the best lay person I
can be. I have spent a great deal of my time training local
church leaders to be better equipped to serve their own
churches and expand their leadership to the district and
conference levels. He continues to find places for me to
volunteer and serve.”
Kent Fulton
Edmond
Lay Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Edmond New Covenant UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Administrative Law Judge for the Office of Hearing
Operations, Social Security Administration; Chancellor,
Oklahoma Annual Conference
MY FAMILY
My wife, Jenny, children, Adrienne, Stephanie and Nick, and
grandchildren, August, Noah, Armin, Caroline, Azlynn, and
one on the way in January.
“I enjoy cooking, and have taken several cooking classes
at Francis Tuttle. I have an extensive theological library
at home, spurred largely after taking the Disciple I and II
classes several years ago.”
20Janey Wilson
Ada
Lay Delegate - General
MY CHURCH
Ada First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
ECU Wesley Campus Minister
MY FAMILY
My Fiancé, Tony and bonus daughters, Alyssa and
Morgan.
“Love spending time with my family, friends, equipping
leaders, supporting ECU Wesley and the campus of ECU!”
21JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCE
Chuck Stewart
Stilwell
Lay Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Stilwell First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Conference Lay Leader,
Rancher
MY FAMILY
My wife, Cindy.
“I think we, as The United Methodist Church, are
convinced restructuring will happen. I believe we
have a unique opportunity to solve some big issues
for laity as we create what this new thing will look
like.”
Kira Calhoun
Sapulpa
Lay Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Sapulpa First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Youth Ministry/Seminary Student
MY FAMILY
I have a foster son named Tristan and a cat named
Caramel Milkshake.
22Andrea Shafer
Oklahoma City
Lay Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Lawton Centenary UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Director of Accounting for the
Oklahoma United Methodist
Conference
Gloria Ajinomisangham
Norman
Lay Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Norman McFarlin Memorial UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
International Associate Director at The Wesley at
The University of Oklahoma
MY FAMILY
My Mum and Dad, two brothers, and four sisters.
“I am very blessed and thankful to be a part of the
delegation and I also enjoy very spicy food.”
23Holly Joy
Ardmore
Lay Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Ardmore First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Business Administrator,
Ardmore First
MY FAMILY
My husband, Tracy, children, Christian, Hanah, and
Bobby, and two grandchildren, Harper and Tessa.
“I am honored to be among a group of Christian leaders
not only in the Methodist Church but leaders in the
Church Universal.”
Piper Freese
Jenks
Lay Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Jenks First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Homemaker, Clergy Spouse,
24/7 Church Volunteer
MY FAMILY
My husband, Rudy and children, Lauren and Hayley.
“I love working at the church and filling in wherever I’m
needed. Motorcycle riding is a great hobby for Rudy and I.
I’m an avid crafter and love learning new things and
unfortunately for my hubby that means buying new
equipment.”
24Aly Shahan
Perkins
Lay Delegate - Jurisdictional
MY CHURCH
Stillwater Lost Creek UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Associate Director of The Wesley
Foundation at Oklahoma State
University
MY FAMILY
My husband, Adam and children, Micah and Peyton.
“I’m so excited to get to be a part of this group. I am a lay
person who is in full-time ministry and passionate about The
United Methodist Church.”
25ALTERNATE DELEGATES
Evan Nicklas
Oklahoma City
Lay Delegate - Alternate
MY CHURCH
Edmond St. Luke’s UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Research Tech at
Stephenson Cancer Center
MY FAMILY
My parents, Cara and Nicklas, and brother and sister-in-
law, Connor and Michelle.
“I am an avid Atlanta Braves fan and look forward to
them winning it all this year. I also enjoy hunting. I hope
to someday be accepted into medical school, propelling
me into a future in medical ministry.”
Kyla Powers
Oklahoma City
Lay Delegate - Alternate
MY CHURCH
Edmond First UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Student at OKCU
MY FAMILY
My parents, Sam and Sheryl and brother David.
“I am a Business Administration major and am studying
to become an ordained elder in the church.”
26Courtney Blacksten
Edmond
Lay Delegate - Alternate
MY CHURCH
Yukon Church of the Good
Shepherd UMC
WHAT DO YOU DO?
Youth Director
MY FAMILY
My husband, Brandon and daughter, Elsie.
“I am currently a Lead Innovator in the Center for Youth
Ministry Training’s Innovation Lab. I also serve as the CCYM
Adult Co-Chair for the Conference and as the Crossroads
District Youth Coordinator. I sit on the Camps Board, and
serve on the Design Team for Camp Spark and Young Adult
Spark Camps. The United Methodist Church has molded me
into the person of faith that I am today. It is my joy and calling
to walk alongside young people and point out where God is
working in their lives and the world around them.”
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