Conference women active in Assembly
Almost 100 Oklahoma Conference United Methodist Women watched one of their own be consecrated as a new deaconess, a lay ministry role, on April 27 during the 2014 UMW Assembly.
Recognition of Jerrie Lindsey, a member at Holdenville UMC, was a highlight for those who traveled to Louisville, Ky. Lindsey also is McAlester District UMW president.
UMW members from Oklahoma counted among some 6,000 people who attended the three-day Assembly. The Oklahoma Conference women wore green shirts embroidered by Cookson Hills Center.
Cindy Hull, Conference UMW president, arrived with a loaf of wheat bread.
For Holy Communion, each Conference team was asked to provide bread representive of its region, Hull explained. The various breads — pita, cornbread, etc. — symbolized the diverse body of Christ coming together.
Other Oklahomans also carried out worship roles. They included Treasurer Sue Helms, Melanie Dewey, Melissa Thompson, Michelle Gaddis, and C.J. Herbeck.
Among exhibitors from around the world were Neighborhood Services Organization of Oklahoma City; Cookson Hills Center; and Church World Service (CWS), a nonprofit partner with The UMC. Rebekah Belase of Oklahoma staffed the CWS booth. Rev. Belase is assistant director for that agency’s Greater Plains Region.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, a lifelong United Methodist, was the Assembly’s keynote speaker. Events included a day of volunteer service and a solidarity march.
Dora Lue Reavis, 84, of Miami wears her Oklahoma UMW shirt.