This Summer, laity across the East and West Ohio Conferences were invited to HATS, Hearts Aligned to Serve, an opportunity for laity serving in key local church roles to collaborate, learn, and receive support.
More than 70 people joined the virtual meeting, which included a discussion among a panel of diverse United Methodist leaders across Ohio, moderated by West Ohio Certified Lay Minister Sandra Combs.
The West Ohio panelists were Certified Lay Servant Mary Ann Jacobs, an attorney serving in local church administrative leadership; David Finney, a Certified Lay Minister who leads worship for memory care residents and leads ministry to the unhoused; and Carolyn Johnson, Vice President of West Ohio United Women in Faith and serves in multiple roles in her local UWF unit.
East Ohio panelists included Valerie Reidthaler, a Deaconess and principal at Wings of Change Learning Center for disabled children, and Dr. Martha Banks, a Certified Lay Speaker active in social justice ministries.
HATS covered several topics, including aligning your call with your gifts, the importance of mentors, and showing love for people. Taking risks in ministry and praying for discernment before considering new ministry opportunities were also covered.
The panel acknowledged the church can sometimes be an unintentional barrier to individuals when they fail to recognize individuals' gifts or their leadership style differs from other leaders in the church.
But one panelist offered, “The church needs to allow people to lead how they lead and provide opportunities to serve.”
Kathy Moore, Director of Lay Servant Ministries for the West Ohio Conference, said, “I believe HATS will be the vehicle to energize more laity to know they have gifts to fulfill their call to ministry in the church and beyond.”
Plans are currently underway to create smaller groups for leaders of similar ministries.
After this event, 5 attendees were interested in becoming involved in Lay Servant Ministries.
To learn more: Contact Director of Lay Servant Ministries, Kathy Moore at Kathymoore@wocumc.org, or Director of Faith Formation, Julie Carter, at jcarter@wocumc.org.
Written by Amy Graham, Freelace Communications Specialist