News from us [link removed] SPRING 2025 RETIREE NEWSLETTER
Greetings Missouri Conference Retirees! How has Easter already passed us again?! Annual Conference and the summer season are just around the corner. Keep scrolling to read about what Missouri Conference retirees have been up to this spring. May these stories provide a bright spot in your day and invite you to connect with one another to continue sharing encouragement and hope.
Your Voice Matters. Make It Count at Annual Conference!
We need retired clergy's wisdom and witness at this year’s Annual Conference, especially on Saturday, June 7, when the Missouri Conference votes to ratify four important constitutional amendments passed by General Conference 2024. These amendments address regionalization, inclusion of gender and ability, racial justice, and clergy voting eligibility for General Conference delegates.
We have intentionally scheduled all four constitutional amendment votes for Saturday so that retired clergy can carpool and drive to the St. Charles Convention Center for the day.
Things to Know
You must register for Annual Conference to vote — so be sure to sign up ahead of time to ensure you receive credentials for a voting device.
Registration is FREE for retirees who are not serving an appointment. Register at [link removed] MOACInfo.com.
Every vote counts. Ratification requires a two-thirds majority across all conferences, and your vote directly impacts the outcome.
Want to Learn More?
Read up on the amendments at [link removed] www.resourceUMC.org
Join our retiree webinar at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, hosted by Rev. Andy Bryan. [link removed] Click here to learn more and register.
Church Triumphant
Clergy and clergy spouses that have gone on to glory:
[link removed] Rev. Effie "Louise" Reed - 11/30/1933 - 11/10/2024
[link removed] Rev. William "Keith" Lee - 7/6/1928 - 11/14/2024
[link removed] Rev. Antionette "Ann" Morehouse - 7/1/1938 - 11/22/2024
[link removed] Barbara Neth - 3/20/1934 - 11/26/2024
[link removed] Rev. John Heyward - 11/20/1934 - 11/28/2024
[link removed] Patricia "Sue" Kelley - 2/1/1944 - 1/7/2025
[link removed] Rev. Jean "Billie Jean" Dicken - 8/16/1934 - 1/23/2025
[link removed] Donna Nelms - 9/2/1941 - 1/26/2025
[link removed] Modene Murphy - 6/11/1945 - 2/7/2025
[link removed] Rev. Vernon Kneir - 4/11/1931 - 2/13/2025
[link removed] Rev. Dale Hoak - 6/11/1936 - 2/15/2025
Rev. Dorothy Smith - 6/24/1940 - 2/16/2025
Rev. Donna Miller - 10/1/1934 - 2/24/2025
[link removed] Pastor Ura Hardin - 10/21/1925 - 3/5/2025
[link removed] Rev. Dan Adkison - 1/30/1950 - 3/24/2025
[link removed] Judy Parsons - 3/26/1941 - 4/2/2025
Gleanings From Around the Conference
[link removed] [link removed] Susan Cox - Retiring and Becoming a Grandmother
I am retiring from my chaplaincy position at a senior living facility this month. I plan to start an Etsy shop selling baby afghans at reasonable prices. My big news is that I’m a grandmother!
[link removed] Bill and Marty Koch - Playing Golf and Preparing for Graduation
Marti and I are enjoying a quiet life in Ashland, Missouri. Occasionally, I get out for a round of golf. [link removed] Connie Ury - Splitting Time Between Mission and Maryville
My husband, Gary, and I continue to spend five months each year in Mission, Texas. We enjoy our time there with many friends. I co-teach a Bible study there every year. [link removed] Carolyn Steinhaus - Thankful to Be in Columbia
I am still upright and vertical and thankful to be so. I had hip replacement surgery and am doing well and am thankful. [link removed] David and Marsha Kerr - Making Travel Plans
News from St. Louis ... We are experiencing a very damp April. Some thought it was time to build an ark :) [link removed] [link removed] Harry Sharp - Moving Back to Missouri
Last year I returned to Missouri from Florida causing a number of my friends to question my sanity. Florida was great, but after my wonderful wife passed, life was not nearly as great. [link removed] Cleo Kottwitz - Remembering Judy
Since last May my wife, Judy Parsons, has lived in the Greenwood Memory Care here at Lenoir Woods Senior Community. She died April 2 following a damaging head injury from a fall March 30. [link removed] Mary Ann Cieslak - Traveling to Alaska and Publishing a Book
Last July I took a 16-day tour/cruise to Alaska. I saw bears in Denali and the Sentinel Lighthouse in Juneau. In October, I published my first book, "The Castlemouse" on Amazon.com. [link removed] [link removed] Ross and Melinda Fulton - Staying Active in Ministry and in the Community
Melinda and I continue living in our Independence, Missouri, home. I get in the way at First UMC Independence connecting with homebound and folks who give this downtown Independence church a try. [link removed] [link removed] Sharon Kichline - Easing Into Retirement
Friends, I have spent my first year of retirement transitioning. One would think that after a season of pandemic flux, creative adjustments would come easily. But it's been a challenge. [link removed] Scott A. Moon - Let's Vote at Annual Conference!
I share this letter from friend and colleague the Rev. Andy Bryan. [link removed] Click here to view all Retiree Newsletter posts
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Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church
3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 | 573-441-1770
www.moumethodist.org
