MARKING SACRED TIME WEST MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Saturday, June 6, 2015 • 4:00 PMCalvin College Covenant Fine Arts Center

Grand Rapids, Michigan

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Marking Sacred Time*please stand as able

Leader: God’s call comes in many times and places. When Samuel was asleep in the Temple, God called out his name.

Response: God, your call can come when we think our work for the day is done. Leader: When Elijah was faced with a time of crisis, God called him in a gentle whisper.Response: God, sometimes your call is found in the quiet rather than the clamor.Leader: While they were in the midst of their daily labor, Jesus called the fi shermen to follow him.Response: God, often your call comes to us in the everyday rigor and routine. Leader: In the early days of the church, God sent the Spirit to empower the formerly

apprehensive apostles to share the Good News. Response: No matter when, no matter where, no matter what—we know that you are

speaking to us, God, and so we rise to sing as those who have come and followed when you called our names.

*Hymn “The Summons” (verse 1) Will you come and follow me if I but call your name? Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same? Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known, Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Recognition of Those in Extension Ministries and Appointments Beyond the Local Church

Called to Connection and Beyond the Church WallsIn the spirit of John Wesley, who ministered beyond the local Church

and declared ‘the world is my parish’,we recognize and celebrate the ministry of

Deacons in Appointments beyond the Local Churchand Elders serving in Extension Ministries.

These ministers have responded to Christ’s callwithin the Connection and beyond the walls of the Church

to off er signs of God’s presence, love, and graceto people in transition

who are searching for hope and meaning,awaiting signs of God’s Kingdom here on earth.

A Litany of Thanks for Elders in Extension Ministries and Deacons in Appointments Beyond the Local Church

Leader: For the gift of chaplains, who bring Your presence to those serving in the military, and those in prison, to the sick in hospitals, and the dying in hospices, to the challenged in workplaces, and elders in retirement communities. And the needs these chaplains meet While bringing Your presence, love and grace,People: We give You thanks.

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Leader: For the gift of administrators, professors, communicators, camping directors, and campus and youth ministers, who lead and guide, teach and inspire, nourish and inform; And provide opportunities for us to be and become, to learn and grow With wisdom and understanding,People: We give You thanks.Leader: For the gift of pastoral counselors, who share special understanding of relationships, mend social and spiritual fabrics, off er release from things holding us captive, And remind us of our belovedness as Your children,People: We give You thanks.Leader: For the gift of life coaches, who see hidden greatness and create new awareness, And empower us to serve You with all our hearts, soul and strength,People: We give You thanks.Leader: For the gift of missionaries, who enact Your Commission; And for advocates of peace and justice, who bring good news to the poor,People: We give You thanks.Leader: For the gift of District Superintendents, who keep the Connection, And share the Church’s vision While tending to workers in Your vineyard, and disciples in the making,People: We give You thanks.All: God, we give You thanks, for the power of Your Holy Spirit, Who uses these gifts of those called to Connection, and beyond the Church walls, to proclaim Your favor; transforming ANY setting in the world into fertile holy ground. Amen.

Recognition of:• Local Pastors who have completed Licensing School

• Local Pastors who have completed Course of Study

• Local Pastors who are in their fi rst appointment in the West Michigan Conference

• Holder of the Conference Cane

• Those serving among us from another Annual Conference

• Persons being commissioned as Provisional Elders

• Persons being commissioned as Provisional Deacons

• Full Clergy Membership

The Historic Questions to Candidates for Admission into Full Connection

*Hymn “The Summons” (verse 4)Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around,Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

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Litany of Celebration for RetireesAfter each retiree is recognized:

Leader: In the lives of all who are called, there comes a time to step into new ministries called and shaped by God.Response: We rejoice that God continues to work through us and we surrender ourselves to God’s always-evolving claim on our lives.

Passing of the Mantle

Bishop: In 1 Kings the elder prophet Elijah takes his mantle and throws it over the shoulders of Elisha, symbolizing the spirit and ministry that would henceforth

rest upon the younger prophet.Retiree: I transfer this mantle from our generation to the next, signifying thereby that the responsibility of those of us who are leaving will be caught up and carried on by those who are coming. The spirit of today’s Elijahs will rest upon today’s Elishas.Ordinand: We who come after you take up this mantle which falls upon us. May we, like Elisha, inherit a double share of your spirit.

*Hymn “The Summons” (verse 5)Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.Let me turn and follow you and never be the same. In your company I’ll go, where your love and footsteps show.Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

*Blessing of DismissalLeader: Those who toil in God’s vineyard are happy.Response: Though the work is hard, the reward is great. Leader: For God calls God’s children,Response: And those who hear God’s summons respond.Leader: We live in the joy of God’s call.Response: For God’s kingdom endures forever.Leader: Go forth in peace, in joy, and in love. Response: We serve God forever, in the joy of the love of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Leadership for this service:Members of the Board of Ordained MinistryJon Van Dop, pianist

Litany of thanks written byRev. Kathy Steen, Chaplain, Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, MI.Rev. Dr. Margaret Zee Jones, WMC Board of Ordained Ministry, East Lansing, MI

Cover triptych art: Doug Dykehouse

“The Summons”: Words by John Bell © 1987 WGRG The Iona Community (Scotland), admin. by GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638. Used by permission under license from OneLicense.net

Birthdate: August 22, 1984Home Church: Sodus Chapel Hill United Methodist ChurchEducation: Watervliet High School, 2002 Albion College, 2006 Vanderbilt University Divinity School, 2011Spouse: Meagan Burton-Krieger

Statement to Annual Conference:My sense of call and journey of faith have been nurtured at every turn by Chapel Hill UMC in Sodus, my family, and this annual conference. As a youth I was a district representative and clung to the words of 1 Timothy 4:12, eventually leading the CCYM, traveling to Haiti, and helping to lead Chapel at Albion College. A car accident, a pilgrimage, an M.Div. and three years of service later I continue to find encouragement in the words of Timothy, only now as a challenge to an adult, “…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you were made…” 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NRSV).

Matthew Joseph Bistayi

Welcome, those being ordained Elder...Birthdate: November 3, 1971Home Church: Battle Creek First United Methodist ChurchEducation: Lakeview High School, 1990 Western Michigan University, 1996 Associate Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 2002Spouse: Shellie BistayiChildren: Amber Bistayi June 9, 1990 Alex Bistayi June 13, 1998

Eric Burton-Krieger

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Welcome, those being ordained Elder...

Cori LynnCypret

Birthdate: July 20, 1981Home Church: Delton Faith United Methodist ChurchEducation: Delton Kellogg High School, 1999 Kellogg Community College Western Michigan University, 2008 Asbury Theological Seminary, 2012Child: Jessie Lee Cypret November 11, 1999

Statement to Annual Conference:Joshua 1:9 (NLT) “This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” I’ve been to a lot of places and through a lot of things to get to this point of ordination, and through it all, God has been with me, guiding, carrying, and even dragging me to places that have seen both immense joy and terrible pain. But I am so thankful that, through all of it, God has been with me, and will continue to be with me no matter what! To all those whom God has placed in my life to get me to this point: Thank You! To my family and friends who have supported me and walked with me through many celebrations and trials: Thank You! To the pastors and church-folk who have loved me and humored me: Thank You! And to my daughter, without whom I would never have said, “Yes”: Thank You! To God, my maker, my friend, my strength and my courage: Thank You!

Linda “Lyne” Stull-Lipps

Birthdate: October 22, 1953Home Church: Battle Creek First United Methodist ChurchEducation: Algonquin Regional High School, PA, 1971 Westminster Choir College, 1976 Associate Mennonite Biblical Seminary, 2006Spouse: David LippsChild: Emma Corinne Lipps April 23, 1987

Statement to Annual Conference:John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”I thank God for the never-ending grace that has guided me through times of sorrow and rejoicing. Thanks to you, my friends, clergy and laity, who have encouraged and discouraged me over the years. Both have been gifts that caused me to seek a deeper relationship with Christ. I would not have been able to follow God’s dream for me if it had not been for the support and care of my husband David and wonderful daughter Emma. I give thanks for you with every breath.

Cheryl AnnMulligan

Welcome, one being ordained Deacon...Birthdate: July 29, 1961Home Church: Lowell First United Methodist ChurchEducation: Manual High School, 1979 Parkland Community College, 1982 Eastern Illinois University, 2006 Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, 2012Children: Kyle Alexander Mulligan Age 22 Preston Lewis Mulligan Age 18

Statement to Annual Conference:Romans 15: 13 “May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This Scripture defines my call as I have continued to trust my Lord and Savior on my road to ordination. It has been a time of challenge, change and at times difficult, but always rewarding. I have felt God’s presence every step of the way. I have been blessed by the love and support of many along this incredible journey. I am thankful for my two wonderful sons Kyle and Preston who supported and encouraged me along the way. I am blessed to also have a loving church family, good friends and many mentors who have been there for me. I am forever grateful for their love and support.

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Cydney Michelle Idsinga

Welcome, those being commissioned Provisional Elder...Birthdate: January 31, 1969Home Church: Muskegon Lakeside United Methodist ChurchEducation: Fruitport High School, 1988 Muskegon Community College, 1990 Western Michigan University, 2010 Asbury Theological Seminary, 2014Child: Sarah Elizabeth Idsinga December 29, 2005

Statement to Annual Conference:Luke 12:48b “To whom much is given, much will be expected.”Jesus pulled me from the darkness of this broken world and gave me a rich, full life. It is my desire to give all that I am to help others know the Lord who saves. I give special thanks to my foster parents Roger and Virginia Schutter, my Christian sisters Rose, Julie and GL, and my mentor Rev. Sandi Harryman who have invested much in me, so that now I may give to others.

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Mary Kathryn(Butler) Loring

Welcome, those being commissioned Provisional Elder...Birthdate: October 24, 1968Home Church: Grand Rapids First United Methodist ChurchEducation: Monroe Central Junior/Senior High School, 1987 University of Evansville, 1991 Methodist Theological School in Ohio, 2014Spouse: Mark LoringChildren: Eric Robert Loring June 18, 1998 Susan Elizabeth Loring November 8, 2001

Statement to Annual Conference:Jeremiah 17:7-8 “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is in the Lord. They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit.” My deep roots come fi rst from my parents, the Rev. Jim and Becky Butler, who love me and taught me how to “do Good, do no harm, and to attend to the ordinances of God.” I also found deep roots in friendships with Rev. Laurie Haller, Rev. Ethel Stears, Rev. Susan Hagens, Rev. Derek Weber, Bishop Judith Craig, Ned DeWire, Kim La Rue and Janelle Thompson Mahlman, who off ered deep nourishment, pruning, and guidance. Finally, and maybe most importantly, I found deep roots in my family. My husband, Mark, who let me stretch my roots by traveling 10 hours from home for two years to complete seminary and who continues to help me grow. Also my children, Eric and Sarah, watered me in my exhaustion with laughter and much love. Thank you all who have kept me bearing much fruit.

Mary Alice Irvine Sweet

Birthdate: November 9, 1960Home Church: Williamston United Methodist ChurchEducation: Williamston High School, 1978 Oakland University, 1982 Michigan State University Emory University, 2011 Candler School of Theology, 2011Spouse: Jeff rey Sweet

Statement to Annual Conference:Philippians 4:13 (CEB) “I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.”I thank God for the many people who have helped guide, shape, and mold me – by their thoughts, prayers, and actions – into the person you see before you today. Special thanks go to my family and friends, my teachers and mentors, and the congregations that I have attended and served – Williamston UMC, Glenn Memorial UMC and University Heights UMC in Georgia, Harbor Springs and Alanson UMCs, and Muskegon Crestwood and Whitehall UMCs. Blessings, all y’all!

Welcome, those being commissioned Provisional Elder...

Michael AllenRiegler

Birthdate: June 17, 1954Home Church: Lake Ann United Methodist ChurchEducation: Benzie Central High School, 1972 Western Michigan University, 1976 Oakland University, 1996 Central Michigan University, 1998 Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2010Spouse: Anne W. RieglerChildren: Amber Irwin December 6, 1976 Spencer Riegler February 16, 1979

Statement to Annual Conference:

James 1:22-24 “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.”Since my call into professional ministry, a key challenge for me has been, “Am I who I say I am?” I am eternally grateful to God for my call and to The United Methodist Church for providing the means, the setting and the support to live it out. I thank God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – for all things, second chances, continued guidance and strength and the opportunity to choose for – and not against – God every day and every way. And, thank you to my wife – Pastor Anne Riegler – for steadfastly helping me in becoming who I say I am.

Ryan LeeWenburg

Birthdate: May 14, 1974Home Church: Pilgrim United Methodist ChurchEducation: Dundee High School, 1992 Central Michigan University, 1998 Asbury Theological Seminary, 2015Spouse: Beth WenburgChildren: Christian Wenburg February 8, 2005 Elijah Wenburg February 12, 2007 Anna Wenburg July 20, 2010 Isaiah Wenburg May 14, 2014

Statement to Annual Conference:2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Thanks to my wife and best friend Beth, our children, and my parents for always loving me. Recognitions to Jim Breithaupt, Ken and Vicki Bremer, Greg Buchner, Robert Coleman, Stacy Minger, Merlin and Kay Pratt, and Patrick Tiedt for your mentorship. Gratitude to John Boley, Bill Dobbs, David Hills, Deborah Kiesey, and Sherri Swanson for your leadership. Glory be to God!

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Welcome, those being commissioned Provisional Elder...

Caleb BenjaminWilliams

Birthdate: September 9, 1985Home Church: Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist ChurchEducation: Interlochen Arts Academy, 2003 Western Michigan University, 2009 Boston University School of Theology, 2013Spouse: Colleen Kay Stano

Statement to Annual Conference:Psalm 98:4-5 “Shout triumphantly to the Lord, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises! Sing your praises to the Lord with the lyre – with the lyre and the sound of music.” I stand here in this place of change, in awe and filled with gratitude,for mentors, parents, spouse, and friends, who’ve given me the latitude to be myself, to find my faith, to sing the song in my own way. Without their love and patient care, my name would not be here today.

Welcome, one being commissioned Provisional Deacon...

Timothy William Trommater

Birthdate: June 28, 1983Home Church: Lansing Trinity United Methodist ChurchEducation: Pewamo-Westphalia High School, 2002 Community College of the Air Force, 2004 Lansing Community College, 2009 Central Michigan University, 2010 Saint Paul School of Theology, 2015Spouse: Erin TrommaterChildren: Jacob Clark Trommater June 6, 2009 Weston Patrick Trommater August 30, 2013

Statement to Annual Conference:Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will fi nd rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” I give thanks to God for you, to all of you who have planted and nurtured the seeds of faith in my life. To my parents Pat and Bill Trommater, and to Pastor Scott Otis who all planted the seeds of faith in my childhood, to Pastor Bill Beachy and Pastor David Randall who helped nurture and develop me years later, and to all those who go un-named, I thank God for you. To my wife Erin who pushed me and supported me throughout this process, to my sons Jacob and Weston, and all of my family that supported me, I thank God for you. I especially thank God for the congregations of the Lyons-Muir Church and the First United Methodist Church of Liberal, Kansas, for all of your love, prayers, and support through life and seminary.

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Congratulations to those who have completed Licensing School...

Welcome to Local Pastors in their fi rst appointment in our Conference...

Congratulations to Local Pastors who have completed the Course of Study...

Welcome to one serving among us from another UMC Conference...

John M. BrooksDeborah S. ColeGerald A. ErskineEric M. Falker

Russell D. MorganVincent J. NaderRobert L. Snodgrass II

Ralph A. Posnik, Jr. Robert W. Eckert

Eric M. Nduwa (Africa/Southern Congo/South-West Katanga/Jordon District)

Deborah S. Cole (06.01.15)Gerald A. Erskine (11.10.14)Eric M. Falker (11.10.14)Alejandro “Alex” D. Fernandez (01.01.15)Thoreau D. May (03.01.15)

Russell D. Morgan (11.10.14)John P. Murray (07.01.15)Vincent J. Nader (11.10.14)Robert L. Snodgrass II (11.10.14)Donna J. Sperry (11.1.14)

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GordieBarry

I t was on Highway 218 on the way from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque and my father-in-law and I were talking about the Iowa territory in terms of its future sales potential. I remember very clearly how I

paused and then told him that I didn’t think kitchen cabinet sales was where I was supposed to be. I said, “I think I need to go to seminary and be in some kind of ministry. I don’t know what that looks like or what that means.”

When I look back on that day, I certainly didn’t know what that meant or where God would take me! I am home. This is where God formed, prepared, and called me to be. All my experiences before ordained ministry in the Navy, sales, working recreation and at the National Security Council, sharpened as well as revealed the gifts God gave me for ministry.

I sum up these years of and in ministry as: an absolute blessing, a deep and humble joy in walking with people in their most vulnerable experiences, a challenge to preach the gospel message of justice to a world that doesn’t want to hear it sometimes, and the profound gift of being with some of our youth through their high school years at Lake Louise and remaining in touch with them years after.

In my experience of leading CROP Walk teams, I ran across a poem from India, years ago, that I keep in front of me. These words have guided as well as pushed me in the years since. The poem reads:

“A candlelight is a protest against midnight.It is a non-conformist.It says to the darkness, “I beg to differ.”

There is a lot of darkness in our world, but the gospel message of Jesus Christ I have had the privilege to proclaim, alongside you colleagues, continues to be a light to the world, and a joy beyond any of our words. It continues to say, “We beg to differ. Life and relationships do not have to remain this way.” I give great thanks for being in ministry with the congregations of Remus, Mecosta, Halls Corners (now Mecosta New Hope), New Buffalo, Lakeside, Bridgman, Lowell and Stevensville, as we responded to the call of Micah, and sought to live out justice, love kindness, all the time walking humbly with our God.

Susan and I look forward to playing with our kids and grandkids, as well as being involved in whatever mission experiences God has in store for us.

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Randall R.Hansen

Call:The seed that sprouted and grew into my call to ministry was planted in a third grade Sunday school class in Lincoln Park UMC in Flint, MI, when the pastor told us that God calls people into ministry and gives them a Sign.

During a bath that evening, I prayed to God “if you want me to be in the ministry, give me a Sign”. The only thing that happened is that the water got cold. So, I thought, I wasn’t called by God to ministry.

The Sign came years later, 1977, when we went to Uruguay as GBGM missionaries: the Uruguayan Methodist Church, IEMU, appointed me to pastor a local Spanish-speaking congregation. The IEMU ordained me an Elder in 1984.

Signifi cant Moments in Ministry:From 1970-1992, we served as GBGM missionaries in Latin America; as member of the leadership team of Servicio Paz y Justicia, a human rights organization in Uruguay during the dark days of the military dictatorship; and mentoring young clergypersons there. We have enjoyed lifelong friendships with colleagues and parishioners from our missionary years.

From 1992-2014, we served in the West Michigan Conference in 3 grace-fi lled appointments; mentoring new clergy; Certifi cation in Spiritual Formation; chairing CBGM for 7 years, and as registrar of DCOM.

Like all pastors, I knew the blessing of accompanying persons in moments of great joy and great sorrow.

Retirement PlansOn March 12, 2014, I suff ered a massive stroke. This led to my early retirement and a move to Evanston, IL, to be closer to our daughters.

I retire with a heart overfl owing with gratitude: to God for the Call; to Susan my companion in mission, ministry and marriage all these years; our daughters Saray and Hilary, who were invaluable assets in every appointment; to my friends and colleagues who have accompanied me in this post stroke recovery time; and to the love and generosity of the Montague UMC, and the Rev. Mary Brown, for allowing us to live in the barrier-free parsonage for nine months after my stroke.

I have no doubt that the ministry God has in mind for me now will be revealed in the fullness of time.

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Mark Johnson In 2008 I began a quest to hike the Appalachian Trail. Along the

way I have discovered Lessons of the Trail that have applied to the spiritual journey of my pastoral ministry.

Lesson #1 Nothing prepares you for hiking the Appalachian Trail.I can train all I want before I start a hike but I have discovered over time that the only way to really prepare for hiking the AT is to start hiking the AT. The same was true in my ministry. I spent my years in high school, in college and even in seminary preparing for other endeavors. It was only after all my formal education was completed that I felt the nudge to enter the pastoral ministry. Oddly enough, even though I was not aware of it at the time, God was using all of those years of preparation to get me started. Still, I have discovered that much of the pastoral ministry requires on-the-job training.

Lesson #2 Hike your own hike.Most of my trek on the trail has been by myself. Yet all along the way I have been tempted to try to keep up with much younger and stronger hikers or to slow down my itinerary so that I could keep company with hikers who were slower than I. This is folly. In order to be successful on the trail you need to hike your own pace and set your own goals. That has been my experience in ministry as well. There have been times I have been envious of colleagues who seemed to go like gangbusters and I have been frustrated by parishioners whom I thought were holding me back. How silly! I have been much better served when I have sought God’s direction for my work, allow others to follow their understanding of God’s will and celebrate those times when the two come together.

J. PatrickMcCoy

Pastoral record: Three Rivers: First/Ninth Street (Assoc.) 1980; Resident Supervisory CPE, North Carolina Memorial Hospital, Chapel Hill, NC 1983; Director of Clinical Chaplaincy

Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, IA 1985; Director of Chaplaincy, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 1993.

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RichardMoore On a summer evening in 1984, I was enjoying Loud Christian

Rock at a festival in the hills of Pennsylvania. A thought came to mind which I, to this day, cannot accept as being my

thought. It occurred to me, beyond any desire of mine, to enter into pastoral ministry. I told my wife Margo, who had organized the youth groups with which we were attending the event. She had been in ministry for several years. I was happy with an administrative position in a car dealership. Two years later, after responding to Margo’s question, “Well, are you going to do this or not?” I began preparing for Seminary. I had fi nally answered God’s call.

For the last 25 years, it has been my privilege to serve our Conference as a pastor. Margo has served for many years in a new vocation, a Psychologist. Our family has been fortunate to serve two wonderful church families. The fi rst position was Maple Hill UMC just south of Howard City. We arrived and everything was so new, including a 3 month old daughter with Down Syndrome. The church family was so supportive. Two and a half years later, brother Andrew came along, and has been a joy to know. In my ninth year there, on Pentecost Sunday of 1998, that beautiful country church was destroyed by a tornado developing out of a very large “straight wind” storm. Out of that grief and shock, the next two years saw the merger of Maple Hill with Howard City UMC and Coral UMC, creating Heritage UMC. In 2000, the Moores moved to Hastings to serve Hope UMC. In the 15 years hence, we have seen the creation of a beautiful sanctuary and spent a long, vibrant season with a family who loves the Lord. I am grateful for the patience and love granted me by both of these churches.

As Andrew fi nishes college, Margo and Emily and I will continue to reside in Hastings, having just purchased a home there. My father-in-law, recently widowed, will be living with us. My young bride will be working for several years, but my intention is to truly retire. I have many interests, and one of them, photography, will become a part- time vocation. I will continue to stay active in music, and, of course, there are so many good books I haven’t read yet. I will continue to thank God daily for the years granted me in the pastorate, and I am thankful as well for the support and prayers of my family, my congregations, my D.S.s, and my colleagues.

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JamesRichie

SusanOlsen

P astoral record: Hesperia/Ferry 1998; Gobles/Kendall 1998; Mt. Pleasant: Trinity/Countryside/Leaton 2004; Welcome Corners/Freeport/Peace 2006.

P astoral record: North Georgia Conf., Mt. Zion 1994; Transferred from North Georgia Conf., Lansing New Church Start 2000; Battle Creek: Washington Heights 2002; Cassopolis 2009;

Baldwin Covenant Community/Luther 2012.

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KeithTreman

P astoral record: Whitehall/Claybanks 1985; Kalamazoo First (Assoc.) 1990; Sturgis 1998; Portland 2008.

DavidSelleck

M y call began at an early age, ninth grade. I knew a lot of life could happen and my understanding of God’s call could be misunderstood by me. I made a deal with God that I would

head towards ministry with a discerning ear that something else may emerge.

Eleven years later I graduated seminary ready to begin ministry.

Significant pieces of my ministry were a long interest in Wilderness Camping Adventure, with trips to Smoky Mountains, Boundary Canoe Area, canoe adventures in the U.P. and Wisconsin. Later years were devoted to short-term mission trips with experiences with Katrina, Haiti, and Mo Town. Emmaus Walks have been a major influence and encouraging people to consider a walk as part of their spiritual growth has been an important part of my ministry.

Plans for the future include some family time, travel with Anne, and of course fishing. I plan to continue to work with VCI as a consultant and be open for part-time ministry, should the opportunity arise.

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Karen SlagerWheat

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 43 years since I stood before this Annual Conference and was ordained as a Deacon. Since then, so much has transpired. When I fi rst entered the West Michigan

Conference there were only 6 women members. Except for my last appointment, Schoolcraft UMC, I have been the fi rst woman at every appointment. Sometimes that was challenging, but most of the time it was a joy to see how congregations began to realize that women pastors were not really so bad after all.

I am so thankful to The United Methodist Church for giving me an opportunity to fulfi ll my call to ministry. I experienced my call in 9th grade when I heard, with the ears of my heart, the voice of Jesus calling me to dedicate my life to Him through Christian service. I had no idea, at the time, that that might mean pastoral ministry. Being raised in the Reformed Church, ordination was absolutely not an option.

It was while in college, at Western Michigan University, that the call became too strong to ignore. Through the ministry of the WMU Wesley Foundation, I was invited to pursue ministry through The United Methodist Church. After a great deal of prayer and discerning, and with the blessing of my Reformed pastor (who participated in my Elders ordination) and my parents, I began the journey that brought me here today.

Through the years I have been blessed to pastor many wonderful people and to serve some great churches: Niles Wesley (associate), Gobles/Kendall, Jackson Trinity, Battle Creek First, Charlotte Lawrence Avenue, and Schoolcraft. I learned many things from each one of them.

While on my pastoral journey I met and married Vince Wheat, the best “preacher’s wife” anyone could ask for. He has been my support and my right hand in every appointment. We were blessed with a wonderful son, Wesley, who I think is the best PK anywhere. (I admit bias.).

One of my greatest professional and personal joys has been to see fi ve people from the various churches I have served go into the ministry. Another joy has been to see my brother, Ron Slager, answer a call to the ministry and to serve with him in this Conference.

As far as the future is concerned, we plan to retire to Kalamazoo, my hometown. What happens after that, God alone knows, but I’m sure God has more “Adventures in Ministry” ahead for me. What they will be, I guess I’ll soon fi nd out. Grace and peace to all.

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GregWood

P astoral record: New Buffalo/Lakeside 1982; Lansing: Trinity (Assoc.) 1985; Manistee 1990; Portage First 1998.