UMCom parters with annual conferences across the US to celebrate inspiring United Methodists
This summer, 22 US annual conferences presented a total of 68 #BeUMC Awards to individuals and congregations who exemplify the denomination's Mission and Vision. The awards, a collaboration between United Methodist Communications and conference communicators, began last year with a successful pilot in the Alabama-West Florida Conference.
In 2026, each participating annual conference nominated a congregation, a layperson, and a clergyperson who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. United Methodist Communications produced and shipped the glass awards for the formal presentations.
The #BeUMC Award recipients were inspiring.
Congregations Loving Boldly
In the Northern Illinois Conference, Durand UMC, a rural congregation, works tirelessly in its community. Church members support their neighbors through an assistance fund and partner with the Durand Ecumenical Council to provide gas and grocery vouchers. Their outreach includes a free clothing closet and support of the community food pantry. Church members can be found grilling and giving away nearly 1,000 hot dogs each season at the local ballpark, hosting meals after Trunk-or-Treat and on the Fourth of July, and opening their space for school testing and community gatherings.
Huntsville First UMC in the Texas Conference has a story familiar to many. Just a few years ago, the church was painfully divided, leaving real doubt about whether the congregation would survive. The Rev. Karen Jones was appointed in the aftermath, and under her leadership alongside a committed group of laity, the church has thrived: worship attendance is up, new members have been received, financial footing has been restored, debt has been reduced, and a preschool program is breathing new life into the building.
Laity Serving Joyfully
In the Pacific Northwest Conference, Carolyn Stimbert has spent more than two years coordinating Port Angeles First UMC's Friendship Dinner, a weekly meal that serves up to 135 people in the community. She manages 14 ecumenical partner teams and takes on whatever task needs doing — but what stands out most is the way she knows every guest by name.
Jalisa Pearson in the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference is that person people look to when something needs to get done. Whether she's organizing fundraisers, the Wild Onion Dinner, connecting Haikey Chapel UMC to community resources, or extending her leadership beyond her local congregation as chair of the Native American Comprehensive Plan and a member of the Board of Directors for the Commission on the Status and Role of Women, she lives The United Methodist Vision.
Clergy Leading Courageously
In every appointment, the Rev. Michael Park of the Great Plains Conference has focused his ministry on outreach and welcome. Since July 2025, Gretna UMC — where he serves — has received 58 new members and celebrated eight baptisms, helped along by his daily video devotions and his hashtag, #heyiknowyou. He is a pastor living The UMC Vision with his heart open to the people of his community.
In the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, the Rev. William Ritzenthaler leads with a heart for evangelism, discipleship, and community outreach, consistently calling the church back to its central purpose: "to make disciples of Jesus Christ." Through Thursday night Bible study, Wednesday night prayer group, "Need Prayer? Tap Me on the Shoulder" ministry, and GriefShare group, Pastor Bill provides avenues for spiritual healing and hope to the community.
And these are only a few of the laity, clergy, and congregations celebrated this summer.
Let's #BeUMC
"The honorees, all 68 of them, show us what it looks like to live out our faith in meaningful and impactful ways," said Jennifer Rodia of United Methodist Communications. "Their ministries inspire the Church to more fully engage in God's mission in the world."
The #BeUMC campaign is built on powerful stories of United Methodists living their faith. Collaborating with annual conferences on these awards is one way United Methodist Communications continues to celebrate and lift up those stories.
Use the #BeUMC hashtag to share stories of your congregation's faith in action. Learn more at www.UMC.org/BeUMC.
Sybil Davidson serves as US Annual Conferences Lead at United Methodist Communications.