2020 & 2021 Retirements

Nurtured and baptized by Rev. Young-Bong Yoon in Detroit KUMC, God reminded me of His Word. I developed a visional statement for my pastoral ministry which is: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).

God led me to a cross-cultural and cross-racial ministry for most of my pastoral career of 33 years. I am very proud of being part of the UMC for our strong stance against racism and strengthening racial ethics throughout the denomination. I am immensely grateful to the UMC for inviting me to participate in the ministry of God’s kingdom.

Throughout my ministry, my wife and children have been a major part of my work in the local churches, being actively involved and sacrificing along with me; for this I am very grateful. They have been an amazing blessing.

Cross racial ministry is not easy. We must be proactive and intentional in dismantling the misunderstandings and prejudices over racial ethnic issues. This is where the mandate of God’s kingdom leads us to what we will experience in heaven: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9). Praise be to God!

SEUNGHO “ANDY” BAEK
[(FE) – D 1987, FE 1993]

1997 Transferred from Wisconsin Conf; 1997 Grand Rapids Suhbu Korean New Church Ministry; 2001 Appointed Extension Ministries (¶344.1b,c) GBGM (New Church Ministry-Suhbu Korean Congregation; 2005 Suhbu Korean UMC (Re-named Church of All Nations 2006); 2006 Church of All Nations/Oakdale; 2008 Schoolcraft; 2010 Appointed in Other Conferences (¶346.1) West Ohio Conf, Columbus Korean; 2012 Union City (¾ time)/Athens (¼ time); 2015 Appointed in Other Annual Conferences (¶331.88, ¶346.1) Detroit Conference, Ann Arbor District, Dundee; 2018 New Hudson

Evan turned five the year I helped with the kindergarten class. His teacher had her baby just before Christmas, so I was teaching his class about the nativity. Each week I introduced a character, and we learned all about them. Now it was Christmas. Putting the characters in front of Sophia and Evan, I asked them to tell me the story. It was going well. All the characters made it to the manger.

“What happened next?” I asked. Evan quickly gathered Joseph and the shepherds and put them in front of the hay dripping from the roof. Then Evan had Joseph jump in the air as Evan announced, “and he scores!”

What just happened?” I asked. “He shot a basket,” replied Evan. “But where is the hoop?” I asked. “Under the hay!” he replied, looking at me as if he couldn’t understand why I even asked that question. Before Sophia could get upset and take Joseph from Evan’s hands, I gently put my hands over theirs and said, “I don’t remember that part of the story.”

“While Jesus sleeps, Mary cooks dinner, and all the boys play basketball.” As easy as that, Even had written himself and his family into God’s story.

Oh Lord, give us the eyes of a child! Amen.

PAMELA A. BEEDLE-GEE
[(FE) - PE 2003; FE 2006]

2003 Grosse Pointe (Assoc); 2009 Garden City: First; 2018 Sebewaing: Trinity  

and helping me say yes. Many things happened in that community church that shaped my faith, including trips to Ichthus, Disciple Bible Studies and district camps.

My first appointment took me to Stevensville UMC where again I found beautiful people of God. They taught me much in those first years of ministry. Rev. Gene Lewis was a wonderful example as I served as his associate. One of the most memorable events from Stevensville was my trip to Liberia with others from the congregation.

From Stevensville God brought me to St. Louis where I have served for more than 12 years with faithful people. Throughout my ministry I have been blessed to have the support of my husband Tom. His shared commitment to the church has enabled me to do more than I could have done. He has worked beside me in Haiti, Liberia, and on Native American reservations, always helping wherever he was needed. We are thankful to staff and to the people in our congregations who served as partners in ministry. We have treasured friendships. I give thanks for my colleagues and the wisdom, love, and support we have shared.

We are looking forward to time with family as well as new adventures God has for us. God’s work never ends. We are always called to love and serve others.

TERRI L. BENTLEY
[(FL) – FL 2002]

2002 Stevensville (Assoc); 2008 St. Louis: First  

I accepted the assignment to Ravenna UMC as a bi-vocational DSA for the first year. In the second year, I was appointed full time and gave up the unusual split schedule for the 24/7 expectations of “full-time.” I’ve been blessed to serve in that pleasant small town for nine years and will miss the quiet days and comfortable traditions of so many lifelong residents. While the congregation faces many of the same challenges as other churches, I am confident that their almost 150 years in the community is just the beginning of their continued faithful service.

CARLETON R. BLACK
[(FL) – FL 2012]

Ravenna (DSA ½ time); 2011 Ravenna PTLP ¾ time); 2012 Ravenna (FTLP)

But as a “PK”, it took me a long time to sort out the genuine call of God from the general desire to go into the family business. After leaving a previous career and going to seminary, I have never looked back, and I feel totally blessed to have been able to serve the United Methodist Church of Jesus Christ.

I have served with wonderful people in all of my appointments. When I was asked to be a DS, and Clergy Assistant to the Bishop, it was hard to give up being a pastor of particular congregations, but of course there are also great rewards in this later form of service.

Even though they are severely challenged right now, I am a believer in itineracy and connectionalism. There is a freedom in being told where to serve and where to live. Being “called and sent” is not only theologically foundational, it is personally fulfilling and liberating. And the Church must connectional – discipleship, justice and compassion are best pursued as a collective.

We all know that the Church is in challenging times right now. But of course, it has always been such. I have great faith and confidence in the Church of Jesus Christ and the UMC. The Gospel message of love, justice and compassion will live on through the Church until the end of time.

JOHN W. BOLEY
[(FE) – D 1991, FE 1994]

1992 Mancelona/Alba; 1997 Lansing: Central; 2002 Mt. Pleasant: First; 2010 Kalamazoo: First; 2014 UM Connectional Structures (¶344.1a,c) Kalamazoo District Superintendent; 2016 UM Connectional Structures (¶344.1a,c) Clergy Assistant to the Bishop

God’s beautiful, cherished gift. Without Janine’s gifts and graces, I would not be a pastor. We graduated from seminary together, raised four children together. Discipled hundreds. Loved thousands. Wept, laughed, prayed and sang together – and still do – introducing “praise songs” in two churches that now have them in their souls.

Countless heartaches. Innumerable headaches. And more precious souls than grains of sand along Lake Huron. Miracles, literally. Spiritual oppression, literally. Depression, elation, and a Peace that Passeth Understanding.

Record length pastorates in every appointment, either longest or shortest, except for this last one, which I am loath to leave except I can no longer accomplish all that needs doing.

Pre-breakfast meetings with CF&A using magic markers and graph-paper for charts that enabled conference legislation to pass without opposition when faced with potential tabling and delay.

With age comes the inclination to reminisce, hoping to find “significance” to one’s time on earth. Yet, the better I know My Lord and the Indwelling Spirit, the more I understand Paul’s declarations that my “righteousness” is merely rubbish, and I am truly, the worst of sinners; and yet God loves me as much as anyone on earth.

Unspeakable joy to share. Always to share.

May God’s grace and truth be with us all.

JOHN J. BRITT
[(FE) – PE 1982; FE 1984]

1982 Warren: First (Assoc); 1982 Sterling, Alger, Bentley; 1990 Mio, Curran Sunnyside; 2005 Pigeon: First; 2015 Millington

had the privilege of serving as pastor have each been a joy and blessing.  I met, loved, and was loved by so many wonderful people.  As always, God knew what He was doing in waiting until I was older to call me to the pastorate.  I had a lot to learn and there were many patient people to help guide me along the way. 

My life has been eternally enriched by the people I worked with, and I’m grateful for the experiences I’ve had in youth work, kid’s clubs, choirs, mission trips at home and abroad, special services, skits, puppets, parish bands, conferences and seminars, teaching Bible studies and Sunday School classes, and work projects. 

My first church was Losantville in the North Indiana Conference, beginning December 1991, and then served Brooks Corners, Sears, Barryton: Faith, Merritt-Butterfield, Moorestown-Stittsville, and Delton: Faith, after moving to Michigan to pursue my soon-to-be-wife Kendra.  She has been a blessing and active partner in ministry at each church.  Soon we are moving on to new opportunities and ministry experiences, believing that Christians do not retire, but simply change areas of ministry.  So, we are looking forward to serving Jesus in new capacities.  I give praise and thanks to God for the privilege of serving these almost thirty years!

BRIAN R. BUNCH
[(FL) – FL 1997]

1997 Brooks Corners and Sears; 2002 Brooks Corners/Barryton-Chippewa Lake/Sears; 2005 NE Missaukee Parish: Merritt-Butterfield/Moorestown-Stittsville; 2012 Delton: Faith

planned our wedding at this three-point charge, the parish suggested we have the service at 9:00, 10:00 and 11:00, to mirror our Sunday schedule! I treasure our time in Wisconsin, especially being ordained an elder by Bishop Marjorie Matthews, our first woman bishop.

Moving to the city of Kenosha, we welcomed our first child Iain. When Iain’s first sentence was “Daddy, vroom vroom bye-bye!”, we felt God’s nudge to step away from the pace of a large urban church. Taking a paternity leave so I could more fully be involved as a father, we sojourned to Michigan, enjoying four wonderful years of family focused life, including the arrival of our daughter Autumn.

While serving in Michigan, I prize being invited by the UMW to teach in their School of Christian Mission, enjoying the fellowship and friendships. I’m grateful for a teacher who invited me to her elementary classroom after remarking how much I resembled Abraham Lincoln. That began a 30-year passion for portraying the president in schools and community; recently Abe interacted with persons from age 6 to 104. I’m thankful to our beagle O.D. (Our Dog), who accompanied me on pastoral visits.

In all my appointments, we have been given the great honor and privilege to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

STEPHEN MG CHARNLEY
[(FE) – D 1978, FE 1982]

1988 Transferred from Wisconsin Conf ; 1988 Newaygo; 1994 Gull Lake; 2008 Greenville: First; 2013 Greenville: First, Turk Lake/Belding Cooperative Parish; 2014 Kalamazoo: First

our congregation and with my brother Dean Prentiss and me at our elders’ ordination and was my husband Ron’s mentor and friend.

Being a minister, God has allowed me to make connections, also. In my 23 years of ministry, I have made lifelong connections with God’s people in five different appointments and throughout the conference. It has been a pleasure to do mission and be in ministry with many laity, clergy, committee members, district superintendents, bishops, and Emmaus Walk pilgrims.

God is now leading me to make new connections. My husband and I will be meeting and helping people build forever homes for their families through Habitat for Humanity. For our retirement, we have chosen to give away all our possessions except those that fit in our RV. We will be full time “RVer’s,” making new connections, and helping out on various Habitat projects.

We are grateful to be in the Michigan Conference where financial plans have been set in place so ministers can retire well. We are thankful for my parents and siblings, our son and daughters, their spouses and children who enrich and enliven our lives. Through mission and ministry opportunities, we will continue to make connections with God, God’s people, and our family all over the world.

LISA L. COOK
[(FE) - PE 1997; FE 2000]

1997 Tawas (Assoc.); 2000 Saginaw: Kochville; 2004 Northville: First (Assoc); 2009 West Branch: First; 2014 Sanford

I was honored to serve four congregations, (Springville (1980-85), Ypsilanti: St. Matthews (1985-92), Chelsea (1992-2004) and Clarkston (2004-2021).  In each appointment, I walked alongside laity who taught me well, gave me authority before I earned it and grace when I struggled.  I was blessed to have staffs who were partners in ministry. Together, we all grew, the church thrived, and most days were sacred fun.  On days of challenge, God’s grace was more than sufficient. I am proud to have been part of a Clergy Session where we welcomed all who were called by Christ, without prejudice.  I am proud to have played a part in breaking the glass ceiling of women as Senior Pastors of Large Churches.  

My parents, Ralph and Audrey supported me completely.  My brother Jim remains my best role model.  I could not have made it this far or be able to take the steps forward without my wife Laura beside me.  I continue to seek to make our daughters, Emily and Elizabeth, my sons-in-law, Martin and Matt and our grandchildren Leah, Alaina, Jasper and Caroline half as proud of me as I am of them.  I am humbled to be so richly blessed. Thanks be to God!

RICHARD L. DAKE
[(FE) – PE 1979, FE 1982]

1980 Springville; 1985 Ypsilanti: St. Matthew’s; 1992 Chelsea: First; 2004 Clarkston

degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, majoring in American History; Master of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; and his Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Dr. Del Pino previously served on the faculty of Saint Paul School of Theology (with tenure) in Kansas City, Missouri; taught in the Doctor of Ministry program at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago; and served on the faculty of Yale University Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Del Pino has been awarded numerous awards for his commitment to social justice and community service. He is the co-founder of a group called “Friend’s United” whose mandate is to develop bridge-building activities between the Arab and non-Arab citizens of Dearborn. He served on the Detroit Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Most recently, he has taught in The Native American Course of Study, sponsored by the Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church. He has lectured across the country and in Europe. Recently, Dr. J was honored at Northwestern University, Garret-Evangelical Seminary, in Chicago, along with four other seminarians, for the publishing of an historical account of the establishment of The Garrett Black Seminarians Anthology 1968-1971. Dr. Del Pino is currently working with his spouse, Reverend Laurie Smith-Del Pino, on a manuscript entitled, Running Spirit No More. They have six children between the two of them and four grandchildren.

JULIUS E. DEL PINO
[(FE) - PE 1970 Cal. Pacific; 1976 FE Cal. Pacific]

1998 Trans from California-Pacific Conf.; 1998 Detroit: Metropolitan; 2004 Incapacity Leave; 2005 Dearborn: First; 2008 Rochester Hills: St. Luke’s; 2016 Grand Blanc

someone so unexperienced in “the church” and certainly “uneducated” in theology, but he did. With affirmation and encouragement from all around me, I answered reluctantly. I believed that God would show me the way one step at a time, and he did that, too. That was 28 years ago. As many of us would say, “It’s been quite a journey.”

I have loved being a pastor. It has its challenges and struggles, but God and God’s people have been gracious and patient with me. I believe in the local church, no matter how large or how small. The Church has a mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ. I pray we will, as did the early disciples, risk it all for the sake of that call. It is a new day and challenge for our United Methodist Church. May God find us faithful to share the Good News with everyone.

I would like to thank my husband Fred and our daughters Katie and Erin. They have encouraged me more than they’ll every know. They have sacrificed, too, for the “sake of the call.” I am so looking forward to lots of “Grandma time” with Jake, Lucas, Jaycie and Cecilia.

I thank the dear people within the churches with whom I’ve served. We have served well together. Thank you all and many blessings.

BARBARA J. FAY
[(AM) – FL 1997, PL 2007, AM 2009]

1997 Ganges (FTLP); 2004 LP w/o Appointment; 2007 Plainwell: First (Assoc) (PTLP); 2010 Frankfort/Elberta

(LTFT ¾); 2007 Westland: St. James, Inkster: Christ; 2008 Detroit: Peoples; 2013 Detroit Peoples, Calvary; 2014 St. Clair Shores: Good Shepherd; 2017 Rochester: St. Paul

six children (four now adults and married) each January that this is the season that at the Bishop’s direction our family could move. We taught, and modeled for them, that submission to authority, ultimately God’s authority, will always lead to blessing even when the move didn’t make sense. Some moves made sense. Some did not. However, each move led to blessings. Each church allowed us to use our giftings and not try to be like the previous pastor. Great grace was on all our appointments as good things happened at each.

Now, I retire, younger than I expected. However, another calling on my life and ours together. Another move that doesn’t make sense, but we can see that God is in it. Ellen and I are joining the staff at Adult & Teen Challenge, a one-year residential treatment program in Detroit, to serve as Campus Directors for adult men and women dealing with drug, alcohol, or other life-controlling addictions. Helping lives put their faith in God and turn from their self-destructive ways. Helping them to become more than sober or clean but saved and cleansed! Who knows, maybe those who have disagreed theologically, might work together closer than ever before. Addiction doesn’t care who you are or what you believe!

KEVIN J. HARBIN
[(FE) - PE 1996, FE 1999]

1996 school (Asbury); 1997 Fairgrove, Gilford; 1999 St. Charles, Brant; 2002 Imlay City; 2011 Swartz Creek; 2015 Fraser: Christ

of the church; yet while serving the church, I also used what I learned in my family life. My wonderfully supportive husband of 45 years ministered alongside me with family who joined us in music ministry. God provided for me as I gave my all to serve the church family.

I feel blessed to have been called by God to serve as a Local Pastor. I served as a Certified Lay Minister in 2009, assigned to the appointment I now leave as a Local Pastor. I have served in many church roles including the Prison Fellowship Committee. I thank God for using my gifts of counseling, compassion, empathy, and teaching in my ministry and pray I have accomplished all He desired.

I will miss leading and caring for God’s sheep; each one has been a unique joy to serve. I have been a witness to those who found Christ as their Lord and Savior. Participating in weddings, funerals, Bible studies, and Sunday worship has been such a blessing. It has been exciting and inspiring to watch God’s people grow.

It has been a privilege for me and my husband to serve God’s people. Although I am retiring with some sadness in my heart, God has told me it is time to take care of myself. I will continue to serve God as He calls me to new opportunities. Thank you for putting your trust in me to serve God’s people.

JUDITH A. HAZLE
[(PL) – CLM 2009, PL-2012]

2009 Shepardsville (CLM ¼ time); 2012 Shepardsville (PTLP ¼) 

I worked with youth, did visitation, and worked with the Blue Water Leisure Ministry supervising at two campgrounds and a Vesper Cruise we started on the St. Clair River. Burton Christ was my longest appointment of ten years, and it was here that I met my wife of 23 years. Carol has been such an asset finding ways to get involved in each place we served. She also introduced me to clogging, and we have clogged at many church and community events. In Richmond, I served on several school committees, joined Rotary and Kiwanis and was a chaplain for the police and fire departments. Cheboygan was definitely the most beautiful church with its many windows looking out into the woods. We saw many deer; even a bear was sighted by one of our elderly members, but it turned out to be Carol dressed in a brown coat walking through the woods to church. My last church, Romeo, is very active in mission projects including a weekly free meal and a lunch buddy program at the local elementary school.

We will be retiring to our home we built in Houghton Lake 20 years ago. We look forward to visiting family and enjoying a couple months in Florida.

TREVOR A. HERM
[(FE) - PE 1984,  FE 1988]

1986 Port Huron: First (Assoc); 1989 Yale, Greenwood; 1994 Burton: Christ; 2004 Richmond: First; 2010 Cheboygan: St. Paul’s; 2017 Romeo 

a teaching career. I attended Eastern Michigan for a MA in special education in the area o deaf education. I was using my voice in helping my students with their voice. This was a remarkable time in my life!

I was an active United Methodist in a church that allowed opportunities to grow in my faith in God and develop my leadership skills. I found opportunities to take youth and adults on mission trips that led to a deeper understanding of God and God’s people by being the hands, feet, voice, and heart of Christ.

Realizing God’s call on my life, I entered the ministry and have enjoyed serving God’s people through designing and leading powerful worship. I love to preach! I enjoyed leading studies for all ages, assisting an ecumenical group, and participating in a rotating homeless shelter. While serving churches, I was trained as a Ministry Mentor, a facilitator in the Vital Church Initiative program, as well as being trained in Healthy Congregations.

I found that God has a great sense of humor, because as an urban Detroiter, I moved first to the suburbs, then the Upper Peninsula, and then to the position of District Superintendent. What a joy it has been to serve God in these varied appointments! I look forward to discovering how God will use my voice into the future. God is so good!

ELIZABETH A. HILL
[(FE) - PE 2006, FE 2009]

2006 Birmingham: Embury, Royal Oak: St. John’s, Gladstone: Memorial; 2015 Blue Water District Superintendent; 2018 Ann Arbor District Superintendent; 2019 Heritage District Superintendent  

and the COS at Methodist Theological School of Ohio.

In 2005, I was called to serve two small membership churches in what was the Blue Water District (now East Winds), Memphis First and Lamb. This charge is the only one I have served in my 15 years of ministry. During that time, I became a chaplain for the police, fire, and EMS. In 2011, along with three others, I helped to organize and run the Blue Water United Methodist Free Store in Port Huron.

God has led me in many different directions during my ministry, and I would not change anything for the world. I just pray I leave knowing things were changed for the better.

JAMES E. HUFF, JR.
[(PL) - PL 2005]

2005 Memphis: First, Lamb

America. We had arrived with the clothes on our backs, a suitcase full of pictures, and the hopes and dreams of a future where anything was possible.

Hi, my name is Esther Irish; many years have gone by since I was that little girl, and oh, what an adventure it has been! My husband Dave and I were married in 1964. We have three daughters, one son-in-law, seven grandsons, and two great-granddaughters. We are expecting three more additions to our family in the spring.

I began my United Methodist journey at the First UMC of Mt. Morris. While there, God put many people in my path to encourage and guide me, helping me hear and respond to God’s call of ministry as a clergy person. Though I began this journey later than many, through God’s grace, my time of serving has been filled with friends and colleagues that have helped make this journey so rewarding. I am very thankful for each of you. Now I begin a new adventure of RETIREMENT, a new chapter for Dave and me. I’m not sure yet what this new chapter is going to look like, but I am sure about the Author. “Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” (Isaiah 12:2)

ESTHER A. IRISH
[(FL) - PL 2008, FL 2017]

2008 Flint: Dimond; 2013 Caring Covenant Group Ministry: Columbiaville

sometimes. He showed me in scripture the story of Moses saying, “I can’t speak.” God said, “Go and I will give you the words to say,” and He has been faithful to do as He promised for 20 years.

I was blessed to serve six to eight years at each of my appointments. It was always difficult to leave people who were and continue to be part of my family. I am grateful for the people who supported me “behind the scenes” at the churches and the leaders who encouraged me to be a better pastor each day.

Along the way, my prayer was always that I would be able to make a difference in this world and in the spiritual walk of those I met – that they would remember me as a pastor who led them by loving them.

As I go into retirement my only plan is to be a full-time wife to my husband Tom, who has supported everything I did. He sacrificed and allowed me to be a part-time wife for 20 years. I thank God for laughing at my plans and blessing me with His better plan.

BRENDA K. KLACKING
[(FL) - PL 2000; FL 2013]

2000 Glennie, Curran: Sunnyside; 2008 Whittemore, Wilber; 2013 Whittemore, Wilber, Churchill; 2014 Churchill, Mio

I will thank God for all the parents who trusted me to teach songs of faith to their children. Thanks to all the teens who asked their questions and shared their dreams. Thanks to all the campers who paddled a river of lived in a cabin. Thanks to all the adults who willingly opened their minds and hearts to learn something new about God’s grace and how we live it as followers of Jesus. Thanks to all the candidates I had the privilege of mentoring. I thank God for all the colleagues who encouraged me, laughed with me, and shared the call with me. Last, but certainly not least, I thank God for my life partner Peter, who has been with me every step of the way. It has been a wonderful journey; one I never could have imagined. God really does give more than we could every ask.

JANET M. LARNER
[(FE) - PE 1979, FE 1984]

1981 Sterling, Alger, Bentley; 1982 Sutton-Sunshine, Bethel; 1986 Beaverton: First, Dale; 1991 Bay City: First (Assoc) (LTFT ½); 1994 Wagarville; 1994 Gordonville; 2002 Sabbatical Leave; 2003 Sanford; 2011 Voluntary Leave of Absence; 2011 Churchill; 2013 Corunna; 2017 Shepherd, Blanchard-Pine River

New York, and became an ordained minister under the American Baptist denomination in 1995. One day in 2007, Rev. Melanie Lee Carey asked me if I would like to be part of the UMC.

I became a local pastor in Ypsilanti and was hired to be the associate pastor with Rev. Carey. Then in 2008, I became the pastor of Brant and St. Charles UM churches. Eventually my credentials were accepted, and I became an elder. After almost ten years in those churches, I came to Gordonville UMC and Homer UMC in 2017.

My journey has been a beautiful one of blessing. During my years in St. Charles, I met my wife Judy, and it has been a wonderful journey for us. In our combined families we have four girls and three boys, nine grandchildren and give great grandchildren.

I am grateful to the UMC for giving me the opportunity to serve as a minister. I hope I have contributed to the spiritual journey of my parishioners. As the book of Ecclesiastes says, there is a time for everything, and so my time for retirement has come. Now I will enjoy my days with my wife and family traveling, watching movies, reading books, playing chess, and playing my ukulele before the Silver Cord snaps (Ecclesiastes 12:6). God bless you all!

ERNESTO MARIONA
[(FE) - FL 2008, American Baptist Convention; FE 2011]

2008-2017 St. Charles; 2008-2015 Brant; 2017 Midland: Homer, Gordonville

Dearborn and Novi. I am humbled to retire with such esteemed colleagues. While I will remain in part-time ministry, I value the friendships, camaraderie, and connections of ministry with all of you. I can review my life and ministry and see God’s hand in our journey.

My parting reflection: I am awed with the many ways my previous careers remarkably prepared me for aspects of ministry. Paralegal and claims adjusting, specializing in fraud are trainings I wish I could ‘gift’ to new pastors.

I am looking forward to traveling, spending time with my daughters and their families: Dawn Dingman, Elizabeth Bramhall, and Corinne Smith (soon to be Labardee).

May God bless you!

JUNE M. MARSHALL-SMITH
[(FE) - PL 2006, PE 2007, FE 2011]

2006 Dearborn: Mt. Olivet; 2007 Novi

1993; Charlevoix, 1998; Cadillac, 2000; Traverse City Central, 2007.

The past 34 years of ministry have been a wonderful and challenging journey. My family and I received incredible support from the congregations I served. The opportunities he had to cry and laugh and serve Christ together as community were transformative. I’m deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by Bishops, District Superintendents, colleagues and church laity. In turn, I gave my best and found, as I did, Christ’s amazing grace upholding me. My calling is still with me, although I sense it searching for new expressions. I trust God in Christ to continue to speak and pray for grace to hear and respond. “By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3: 13-14 The Message

DALE P. OSTEMA
[(FE) – D 1987, FE 1990]

1988 Baldwin: Covenant Community; 1993 Charlevoix/Greensky Hill; 1998 Charlevoix; 2000 Cadillac; 2007 Traverse City: Central

congregations of First UMC of West Branch and Churchill UMC who nurtured me into ministry. When I began hearing the whisper of sacred call, these faithful people affirmed my worth and my gifts.

Thanks be to God for dear friends and family, including my mother Carol Parker and my spouse Rev. George Lewis, who have filled my life with encouragement and love.

Thanks be to God for the congregations of Wooden Shoe UMC, Wagarville UMC, Hartland UMC, Hardy UMC, First UMC of Ann Arbor, Dundee UMC, Trinity UMC of Chesaning and First UMC of Brighton and Whitmore Lake. I carry with me stories of their faithfulness and compassion, generosity and selfless service in the name of Jesus Christ. Through ministry in these churches and their communities I have been challenged and inspired. I am a better person for serving with these followers of Jesus Christ. I have grown in faith and discipleship.

Thanks be to God for those who have said “yes” to serving Christ in powerful ways during my years of ministry. I am grateful to have served with many courageous parishioners in mission. I have been blessed to walk alongside men and women who have claimed their Christian vocations and now serve as clergy and missionaries. I count each of them as God’s gift.

Thanks be to God for the United Methodist Church that supported my theological education, connected me with colleagues who have my heart and sent me into places where I would find God’s grace again and again.

And finally, thanks be to God that impactful ministry does not end with retirement. I look forward to continued service with the United Methodist Foundation of Michigan, in my community and in the United Methodist Church.

SHERRY L. PARKER-LEWIS
[(FE) – PL 1991, PE 1996, FE 1999]

1991 Wagarville: Community, Wooden Shoe (LTFT ½); 1994 Hardy, Hartland (Assoc); 1995 Ann Arbor: First (Assoc); 1997 Dundee; 2002 Chesaning: Trinity; 2008 Brighton: First; 2020 Sr. Director Church Relations, United Methodist Foundation

Persons captures both my confessional heart and the root of my life’s fumbled ministry:

“My ignorance about Muslims and all things Islam was an innocent result of my being born on the cold summer shores of Lake Michigan in Ludington, Michigan, 70 years ago, third in the line of seven poor pig-farm boys, to an uneducated but brilliant Englishman father and an irascible and comparatively highly-educated Swedish mother, and then raised through much of my childhood by an illiterate but wonderfully wise old woman who was a blood-blend of Oklahoma Chickasaw Indian and African American. My next-door neighbor, who also was my sometimes Sunday School teacher, was a shrunken little man with beautiful long white hair who played the piano and occasionally had me and my brothers up to his house to sit straight-legged on his old horse-hair couch as we consumed milk and cookies while we listened appreciatively to him play and sing for us the songs that he had written. It wasn’t until years later, when I saw him on national television as a guest on the Tennessee Ernie Ford Show, that I realized he was the famous author of the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross” – I just knew him all those years as my gentle, loving neighbor, the Reverend George Bernard.”

JON R. POWERS
[(FE) – D 1972, FE 1975]

1974 East Lansing: University (Assoc); 1978 Portage: Chapel Hill; 1978 Hillside; 1981 UM Connectional Structures (¶344.1a,c) Chaplain and Director of Church Relations, Adrian College; 1988 UM Connectional Structures (¶34431a,c) Chaplain, Ohio Wesleyan University

as inconspicuous as possible. I fell away a little. It makes me sad. Rocky ground.

As an adult, my focus changed. I wanted to get married, raise a family, and start a career. I did these things. I got married and helped raise two wonderful daughters, started a career, and enjoyed life. Cares of the world.

But there was something missing. I could sense God’s call. Then in 2000, I was divorced. I asked God, “Why?” But He was always with me. He again proved Romans 8:28: “All things work for good for those who love God.”

I sensed His call again as He blessed me with my beautiful wife Esther in 2003 and two more wonderful daughters. I started candidacy, college, and seminary. Out of that, God brought eight and a half years of wonderful and sometimes incredibly difficult ministry with four wonderful congregations, thirty, sixty, and one hundred fold. And God was faithful every step of the way.

Would I do it again? That’s a tough question. I don’t know any calling that could be any harder. But I do know this: I wouldn’t trade this journey that God has taken me on for a million dollars. God is good, all the time. He always has been. He always will be. Amen.

TIMOTHY R. PUCKETT
[(PL) – PL 2011]

2011 Frontier (PTLP ¼); 2012 Frontier/Osseo (PTLP ½); 2014 North Adams/Jerome (PTLP ¼)

be with me on the journey. What a journey it has been! Throughout these past seventeen years, I am blessed to have served four wonderful congregations. I have met some of the most interesting, loving, caring, and grace-filled people who make up these churches. It is through obedience of God’s call on my life that I have been able to do things that I would never have dreamed I could. God amazes me!

My family also amazes me. They have been by my side through it all! If it weren’t for my husband and children stepping up to the plate over the years to take care of things of the household, I’m not sure I would have been able to accomplish all the things that I have.

It is now time to close this chapter of my vocation and see where the next one will open, for I know God is not done with me yet! To God be the Glory, indeed!

DIANNA L. REES
[(FE) - PE 2003, FE 2006]

2003 Armada, West Berlin; 2011 Imlay City; 2013 Wyandotte: First

last appointment.  In between, there have been 30½ years of serving 8 churches during 5 appointments (5½ years at Owosso: Burton Community and Carland UMC’s, 7½ years at First UMC in Iron Mountain, 7½ years at Davisburg UMC, 3 years at Central UMC and Algonquin UMC in Sault Ste. Marie, and 7 years at the Oscoda UMC and the Oscoda Indian Mission.) 

In the 1994 album, Going Public, the Newsboys sing a song called “When You Called My Name”:

When You called my name,

I didn't know how far the calling went,

When You called my name,

I didn't know what that word really meant,

When I recall Your call, I feel, so small.

When I answered the call into the ministry, I really didn’t know how far that calling went and that’s probably a good thing.  Had I looked too far into the future I would have been overwhelmed.   Had I looked to my own strengths I would have faltered.  I just kept taking one step at a time trying to be faithful and during this pilgrimage found the Lord has been faithful to me.   There have been ups and downs on this journey, but the Lord has blessed me and I hope, through Christ living in me, has blessed others.

WILLIAM R. SEITZ
[(FE) - FL 1991, PE 1992, FE 1996]

1991 Owosso: Burton, Carland; 1996 Iron Mountain: First; 2004 Davisburg; 2011 Sault Ste. Marie, Algonquin; 2014 Oscoda UMC and Oscoda Indian Mission

To my husband, my partner, my friend, Jerry, how can I ever thank you for your undying love? To every single person with whom I have served, those who taught me what it means to love deeply, and those who pushed me to the edge of my patience and forgiveness, I thank you. And to the Spirit of God, whom Kenneth Boulding eloquently named, “the burning Oneness binding everything,” I fall on my knees in awe before You. As I take my leave, I wish you all…peace to your journey.

CYNTHIA A. SKUTAR
[(FE) – D 1987, FE 1990]

1988 Hersey; 1992 Kalamazoo: First (Assoc); 1997 Three Rivers: First; 2000 Muskegon: Lake Harbor; 2004 Coldwater; 2010 Mt. Pleasant: First; 2013 Grand Ledge: First

WILLIE F. SMITH
[(FE) - PL 2008, PE 2011, FE 2014]

2008 Westland: St. James; 2015 Detroit: Conant Avenue

graduated in 1987 with a major in Biblical Studies and a focus in New Church Development. He went on to complete the advanced course of study at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky. in 2007

Ordained an Elder in the Church of the Nazarene in 1989, he served new church starts in: Colorado Springs, Warrenton Oregon, and Springwater New York. In 1996 he returned home to the Detroit Annual Conference, becoming an Elder in Full Connection in 2007. He pastored New Hope United Methodist Church in Shelby Township from 1996-2010, Trenton Faith in Trenton from 2010-2016, and is retiring from Houghton Lake United Methodist Church where he has served since 2016.

Rev. Spencer taught a course in Church Planting during the winter term at Nazarene Bible College from 1990-1992. He was a member and/or chairperson of the New Church Development Team of the Detroit Annual Conference from 2000-2010.

At the General Conference level, Rev. Spencer has been a member of the National Network of Congregational Developers, and has served as an advisor to the Bishop Rueben Job Center for Leadership Development at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Rev. Spencer is married to Donna Spencer, who retired from her position as a Credit Union Branch Manager in Troy, Michigan in 2010. They have four adult daughters who reside in Michigan and Indiana with their families.

GEORGE R. LEWIS
[(FE) – FL (recognition of orders, Church of the Nazarene) 1997, AM 1999, PE 2005, FE 2007

1987-1995 Warrenton Church of the Nazarene, Warrenton, OR; 1995-1996 Springwater Church of the Nazarene, Springwater, NY; 1996 Trans to Detroit Conf, Hope, Mount Vernon; 1999 North Central Macomb Regional Ministry: Mount Vernon, New Hope, Washington; 2002 New Hope, Mount Vernon; 2002 New Hope; 2010 Trenton: Faith; 2016 Houghton Lake

Seminary. The decision to do so followed 19 years of running from the call to ministry, which I received at an E Stanley Jones Ashram when I was 16. Involvement in a teen boys’ small ministry group had prepared my heart to receive this call. Desiring worldly success kept me from it too long.

The past 34 years of ministry serving in seven different appointments, some multiple churches, has been a rich experience. Whether they were in farm fields, a suburban inner-city context, or small towns, ministry has been fulfilling. The one constant that has guided me has been John Wesley’s admonition, “You have nothing to do but to save souls!”. Evangelism and the follow up of discipling believers in small groups has, not unexpectedly, driven me. Experiences in ministry, be they going on an undercover mission trip to Pakistan and Qatar, ministering cross-culturally in Wayne, ministering to the Recovering Community, or helping individuals, whether youth or adults, deepen their relationship with Jesus, has never been dull. One unexpected joy has been mentoring individuals who have gone on to become pastors themselves.

I conclude with two questions: Have you received Jesus as your Savior? And secondly, have you been filled with The Holy Spirit? God always wants to give us more of Himself. We have but to ask.

DAVID K. STEWART, SR.
[(FE) - PE 1985, FE 1989]

1986 Peck, Buel, Melvin; 1990 Plymouth: First (Assoc); 1991 Beaverton: First, Dale; 2000 Wayne-Westland: First; 2008 Hale: First; 2013 Pigeon: Salem

back to Michigan in 1990 to begin my appointive time in my home conference.

There were few clergywomen then. Congregations were not always receptive. But God wanted me, and I have held tight through all the ups and downs.

I want to say thank you to those who have gone ahead and blazed the path. I am thankful for my precious clergy dad, from whose shadow I benefitted. I deeply value those who offered support along my journey. Thank you. God bless you for your love and care.

May God bless and guide those of you who will continue to provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care to all God’s people, as the church blazes her way forward into the ever-unrevealed future.

Peace be with you.

PAULA M. TIMM POTRYKUS
[(FE) - PE 1990, FE 1993]

1990 Hillman, Spratt; 1992 Flint: Court Street (Assoc); 1994 Redford: Lola Valley; 1997 Leave of Absence; 1997 Grand Blanc: Phoenix; 2001 Royal Oak: St. John’s; 2004 Harbor Beach, Port Hope; 2011 Oak Grove

Methodist Church. God is infinitely greater than my best words. His Word is more beautiful than I can possibly convey. But for 33 years I have tried to use my words, love, and life to proclaim His glory and truth. Despite my best efforts, He is more majestic, lovely, beautiful, and perfect in every way, than I have ever been able to say. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)

GARY S. WALES
[(FE) – D 1988, FE 1990]

1987 Fife Lake/Boardman; 1994 Otsego: Trowbridge; 2008 Kingsley; 2013 Charlotte: Lawrence Avenue

church life. A few that come to mind are: evaporating maple syrup, lowering coffins into the ground, worshiping, late nights at homeless shelters, laughing, visioning, doing dishes, sacred fires, hard conversations and meetings.  Those moments live with me as I journey ahead.

Yet it is the relationships with the people I have journeyed with which are of immeasurable value and I carry close to my heart.  The new life Christ has birthed in and through these relationships has woven these people into who I have become.   Thanks be to God.

I am excited to discover where God leads Paula and me as we transition into a new stage of our lives.  

TIMOTHY B. WRIGHT
[(FE) – PE 2005, FE 2008]

2005 Horton Bay/Charlevoix: Greensky Hill; 2013 Grand Rapids: Northlawn; 2018 Gladstone: Memorial; 2019 Lakeview: New Life

summer that I met the love of my life, Nancy Rice.  Nancy and I were married the summer of 1976 and embarked upon an amazing and grace-filled journey of school, raising sons, and falling in love with those whom God entrusted to our care in the churches that we served.

We have been blessed with some incredible churches and people.  Our journey began June 15, 1983, when I was appointed to the Ontonagon South End Circuit, which included the White Pine, Bergland and Ewen UMC’s, along with the Trout Creek Presbyterian Church.  After serving there for four and a half years we were appointed to the Marine City UMC, February 1988.  In June of 1992 we moved to Gladwin First UMC, where we served for ten years.  After a two year leave of absence we were appointed to the Commerce UMC, where we lived for fourteen years.  Our last stop was with the folks of Owosso First UMC in 2018.

For thirty-seven and a half years God’s grace has proven sufficient for every step.  It has truly been an honor to serve alongside some wonderful and loving lay people.  We will always cherish the memories and friendships that we have made along the way.

DEANE B. WYLLYS
[(FE) – PE 1981, FE 1985]

1983 White Pine, Bergland, Ewen; 1988 Marine City; 1992 Gladwin: First; 2002 Family Leave; 2004 Commerce; 2018 Owosso: First

Extension Ministries (¶344.1.b,c) Chaplain, Clark Retirement Home; 2001 Wayland; 2003 Leave

of Absence; 2004 Other Valid Ministries (¶335.1d) Chaplain, Spectrum Health (LTFT); 2005 Leave of Absence; 2006 Kalamazoo: First (Assoc); 2010 Deacons Appointed within UM Connection Structure (¶331.1b) Executive Director, United Methodist Metropolitan Ministry of Greater Grand Rapids (LTFT ¾) and Grand Rapids: Trinity (Deacon, Assoc) (¼ time); 2015 Deacons Appointed within UM Connectional Structure (¶331.1b) Executive Director, United Methodist Metropolitan Ministry of Greater Grand Rapids (¾ time) and Chapter Director of Circles Grand Rapids (LTFT ¼); 2016 Deacons Appointed Beyond the Local Church (¶331.1a) Director, Circles Grand Rapids