Marcus Jones Named University Chaplain
The Rev. Marcus Jones (M.Div. ‘16) is the new University Chaplain at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. A native of Oak Cliff, Jones earned a B.A. in Business Management at Huston-Tillotson, then an M.Div. in Black Church Studies at Perkins. “Rev. Jones brings a profound commitment to spiritual growth, community engagement, and student development, making him a remarkable addition to our institution,” according to a Facebook post by Religious Life Campus Ministries.
Perkins Alums Among New District Superintendents
The Rev. Dr. Ramonalynn Bethley (D.Min. ‘00) has been named district superintendent in the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Conference, effective July 1. This appointment marks a return to the role for Bethley, who previously served as a district superintendent from 2005 to 2012 in the Alexandria (2005-2008) and New Orleans (2008-2012) districts. “Rev. Bethley brings her past experiences, wisdom, and knowledge to the role of superintendency, along with her faithful and steady commitment to The United Methodist Church,” said Bishop Delores J. Williamston. “She has served passionately in the local church, conference, and on the appointive cabinet previously, and I believe her giftedness will lead clergy and laity strategically in the North District as we live into our vision to build, connect, and equip disciples of Jesus Christ for a transformative future.” Bethley is currently the Lead Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Alexandria, La. (2021 – present) and previously served as Senior Pastor at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Shreveport (2019 – 2021).
Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announced the appointment of two new District Superintendents in the Texas Annual Conference, both Perkins graduates, effective July 1. Dr. Deborah Vaughn (M.Div. ‘08; D.Min. ‘19) will assume leadership of the Metro District. An ordained elder in the Texas Annual Conference, Dr. Vaughn currently serves as pastor of Abiding Faith United Methodist Church in Houston, a congregation she founded in 2009. Earlier, she served as an Associate Pastor at St. John’s United Methodist Church in downtown Houston. Her leadership extends beyond the local church, having served on the TAC’s Council on Finance and Administration (2012–2016) and as Chairperson (2016–2021). She has also played a pivotal role in the African American Church Initiative and currently serves as Chairperson of the TAC’s Committee on Episcopacy, a Leadership Team member of the Metro District, and a Board Member of the Texas Methodist Foundation.
Rev. Cesar Martinez (M. Div. ‘17) has been appointed to lead theSoutheast District. Born in El Salvador, Rev. Martinez immigrated to the United States at age six and grew up in the Houston area. His 14 years of service in the United Methodist Church reflect his passion for ministry and multicultural engagement. Receiving his call to ministry in 2011 at Foundry United Methodist Church, Rev. Martinez later served there for five years before being appointed to CrossRoads UMC, a diverse, multilingual congregation, where he has served for the past eight years. A dedicated advocate for Hispanic-Latino ministry, Rev. Martinez has led the Directiva, the TAC’s Hispanic Ministry Committee, working to reinvigorate Hispanic-Latino ministry in the Texas Conference.
The Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen (M.Div. ‘01) has been appointed the next Metro East District Superintendent in the Horizon Texas Annual Conference, effective July 1. Since 2020, Dr. Facen has served as the senior pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Dallas, a historic congregation known for its deep commitment to outreach ministries, including initiatives supporting young people and the unsheltered. Prior to leading St. Paul UMC, she served congregations including New World UMC in Garland, Hamilton Park UMC in Dallas and Jubilee UMC in Duncanville. “Dr. Facen’s perspective, experience, and unwavering energy for ministry will make her an excellent addition to the cabinet,” said Bishop Ruben Saenz. “She has deep roots in the Metro East District, and her commitment to transformative leadership will be a blessing to the district’s churches and congregations as we seek the loving, just and free world God imagines for all people.”
New Arrival for Perkins Alums
Congratulations to Danielle Buwon Kim (M.Div. ‘19) and Dukwhan David Kim (M.Div. ‘21), who celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Tabitha Lahai (라해) Kim on St. Patrick’s Day. “We are drenched in pure joy and love God brings to our lives through our little girl,” said Danielle.
New Book by Jennifer O. Smith
Jennifer O. Smith (M. Div. ‘13) has published a new book, Being A Blessing Everywhere You Go: Your Book of Prayers (December 23, 2024.) “Divinely inspired and written by a woman who loves Jesus Christ, this book is designed to share her journey through personal stories of self, loved ones and others. It will serve to empower, encourage and inspire you to not allow anyone or any circumstance to stifle or block your life journey,” according to the book’s description. The book is available on Amazon.
Sid Hall Q&A
The Rev. Dr. Sid Hall, III, (M.Th. ’84, D. Min. ’88), 2020 recipient of the Perkins Distinguished Alum Award, was recently spotlighted in a Q&A on the Perkins blog. Hall is pastor emeritus of Trinity Church of Austin and now retired from full-time ministry in the United Methodist Church and in the United Church of Christ. He continues to write books and speak on topics such as creation spirituality, the history of anti-Jewish theology in the church, LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the church, and earth-based ritual and worship in the church.” Read the Q&A with Sid Hall here.
Mara Richards Bim Approved for Ordination
Mara Richards Bim (M.Div. ‘24) is one of five candidates for ordination approved this year at Royal Lane Baptist Church in Dallas. “I’m so grateful to the folks at Royal Lane Baptist Church for believing in me,” Bim posted on social media. “The journey has officially begun.”
James Howard Hill Essay
An essay, “Abyssal Love,” by James Howard Hill, Jr. (M.T.S. ‘16) appeared in the Fall 2024 issue of Insights, the Faculty Journal of Austin Seminary. Hill is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Religion at Boston University. He holds a B.A. from Criswell College, an M.T.S. from Southern Methodist University, and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. He teaches courses and conducts research in Black study, religion and the politics of popular culture in the United States, political theory, black political thought, modernity, ecology, and coloniality, and conceptual methodologies informing the study of religion. Hill is the author of two forthcoming books under contract: The Haunting King: Religion, Michael Jackson, and the Politics of Black Popular Culture (under contract with The University of Chicago Press Class 200: New Studies in Religion series) and Haunting Joy: Essays on Religion, Black Popular Culture, and Overcoming Childhood Adversity (under contract with Fortress Press).
OBITUARIES
Obituary: The Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Griffin, Jr.
The Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Griffin, Jr., (M.Div. ‘90) died January 6. Griffin was the Director of Endorsement and Endorsing Agent of The United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, an ordained elder in full connection with the Horizon Texas Annual Conference, and a beloved member of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. He is survived by his wife Ellainia, their daughters, Porsche and Alex, and the Griffin family. A proud veteran, Griffin spent 39 years in the military, including 9 years in the United States Army and 30 years in the United States Navy. After retiring from the Navy in 2023, Herbert made history as the first African-American Director of Endorsement and Endorsing Agent for the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. In this role, he continued his lifelong commitment to service, guiding and mentoring countless individuals in their paths of ministry and professional growth. Services were held January 17 at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home in Dallas and January 18 at Hamilton Park United Methodist in Dallas.
Obituary: The Reverend Kenneth “Kent” Wood Kinard
The Reverend Kenneth “Kent” Wood Kinard (Th.M. ‘72) died November 24 in San Antonio at the age of 77 after a long illness. Kinard devoted 44 years to ministry as a United Methodist pastor at more than a dozen churches in Arkansas and Texas. He is remembered as an insightful preacher, a reliable and encouraging ministry colleague, a faithful minister, and for his beautiful singing voice. He also loved classic cars and made many friends through the Association of North American Rover Clubs and South Texas Triumph Association. He is survived by his wife Sheila, three children and nine grandchildren. A memorial service was held December 21 at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in San Antonio.
Obituary: The Rev. Michael Nichols
Michael Loy Nichols (Th.M. ‘73) died January 3 at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Center in Dallas, surrounded by his wife and children. Nichols spent more than 50 years as a United Methodist minister, serving a period of that time as a District Superintendent in the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Mike served many churches throughout the North Texas region, including Axe Memorial United Methodist Church in Garland, Texas and Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville, Texas. While at Wesley UMC, he participated in numerous mission trips to Juarez, Mexico, helping to build homes with the Proyecto Abrigo organization, now known as Operación Abrigo. Most recently, he served as the Campus Pastor at CC Young Senior Living, where he preached and met regularly with the residents. A Celebration of Life was held on January 18, at First United Methodist Church Dallas. He is survived by his wife, Janice, four children and seven grandchildren.
Obituary: Harold Lee Price
Harold Lee Price (Th.M. ‘63) passed away on Wednesday, February 5 at the age of 86. Price graduated from Logansport High School, Centenary College, and Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Chesley Price and Billie Townley Price; his daughter, Polly Price Massey; and stepdaughter, Anne Ward Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Rebecca Price and Amy Price; granddaughters, Chesley Banks Jones, Ali Massey, and great-granddaughters, Olivia and Penelope Jones. Interment was private.