Katie Pryor Joins UMW
Katie Pryor (M.Div. ’19) recently started a new position as Executive for Membership Nurture and Development for United Methodist Women (UMW). UMW’s mission is “turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.” Previously, Pryor was Director of Neighborhood Outreach at Owenwood Farm and Neighbor Space in Dallas.
Chaplain Awarded Medal
Chaplain Ailsa Harl (M.Div. ’17) was recently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for her work at the 2021 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show, held in September. Harl is an active-duty Navy chaplain currently stationed in Cherry Point, N.C., and an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church from the Minnesota Annual Conference. The Air Show attracted 80,000 visitors and received three awards at the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) convention in Las Vegas. Harl was part of the planning team and headed a team of Marines that provided parking and transport for people with special needs. Harl went on active duty the summer of 2019 after spending six years in the Navy’s Chaplain Candidate Officer Program and serving two and a half years after seminary in civilian ministry. She comes from a family with a military history dating back more than 200 years.
Michael Roberts Earns Doctorate
Michael Roberts (M.T.S. ’13) graduated from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in December, earning a Doctor of Educational Ministry. The advanced degree was “all about equipping me to provide Theological Education to the rural Zambian Pastors whom I serve,” Roberts said in a Facebook post. “Please pray with and for us as Pastor Cevie and I shepherd Pastors Hope Ministries under the leadership of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God.”
Everett Speaks in Discipleship Ministries Webinar
Dr. Anthony Everett (M.Div. ’08), was the guest for the final “Engaging the Community for Social Transformation” webinar, presented by Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church on December 16. Everett is Executive Director of Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, which aims to educate every community in Kentucky to welcome, support, mentor, and equip formerly incarcerated citizens with the tools needed to successfully re-enter society. Dr. Everett is a social entrepreneur, public theologian, and prophetic activist who has been involved in church planting multiethnic congregations and has served local churches from Lexington to Dallas to Cleveland while working for social transformation.
Winning Poem
A poem by Adam Muckleroy (M.Div. ’14 and M.Th. ’21) recently won first place in Firebrand Magazine’s Charles Wesley Poetry Contest. In celebration of Charles Wesley’s birthday on December 18, the magazine invited readers to submit original poetry that “reflects orthodox Wesleyan theology, creates aesthetic appeal and a coherent theme, and uses appropriate literary devices.” Having received many submissions from all over the world, the judges chose Muckleroy’s poem, “Objections to the Incarnation” citing its “fascinating structure and approach, as well as his evocative theological themes.” Read the poem here.
Obit: John L. “Jack” Matkin
John Logan “Jack” Matkin (M.Div., ’99) died on December 15. Jack’s first appointment was as an associate minister at Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville, Texas, followed by a year in the British Methodist Church in Barnstable, Devon, England. His next appointment was as associate minister at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Texas, where he served for six years. Jack was next appointed senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Athens, Texas, followed by senior pastor at First United Methodist Church of Longview. In July of 2012, he was called to serve at Dickinson First United Methodist Church, where he pastored until his death. He is survived by Rhonda, his wife of almost 30 years and sons Jordan and Wesley of Austin. A memorial service was held at Dickinson First United Methodist Church on Dec. 21. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dickinson First United Methodist Church, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, The Ranch Halfway House of San Leon, or the M.I. Lewis Social Service Center. Read his obit here.
Obit: Rev. Charles Addington
Charles Addington (M.Div. ’93) died on December 17. A celebration of his life took place on December 21 at Lake Ridge Chapel in Lubbock, Texas. He was a retired elder in the Northwest Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, having served churches in Lubbock, Roscoe, Wellington and Brownfield, Texas. After retirement, he was Texas Division – Region 4 Service Extension Representative for The Salvation Army until 2018. Despite health problems that forced him to leave that post, Charles continued to serve by playing the organ and piano at the Corps for the Salvation Army church services. Survivors include his wife, Alicia Addington. Read his obituary here.