{"id":102,"date":"2018-07-10T17:43:47","date_gmt":"2018-07-10T17:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pnwumc.org\/umw\/?page_id=102"},"modified":"2026-05-10T22:47:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-10T22:47:21","slug":"conference-officers-and-committees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/get-involved\/lead\/conference-officers-and-committees\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Marilyn Reid: Reading the Bible Through Life and Ministry\u00a0<\/strong><\/summary>\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As a candidate for Deaconess, I have been reflecting on how I read the Bible\u2014not just as a sacred text, but as a living Word shaped by my life, my experiences, and my call to serve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I first encountered Scripture in the life of the church. My grandfather founded Angono United Methodist Church in the Philippines, and as a young girl, I helped a Deaconess in Sunday School and later became a teacher myself. I learned earlier that Scripture is not only something we study, but it is something we live with together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing up as a Filipina in a communal culture, I learned to see faith as something shared. Even as a Methodist among mostly Catholic classmates, I was shaped by respect and openness. These experiences continue to guide me to reading Scripture with humility and a desire for connection rather than division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When I migrated to the United States, the Bible took on new meaning. Stories of journey, uncertainty, and trust in God became deeply personal. I began to see Scripture as a companion for those navigating change, reminding me that God is present even in unfamiliar places.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My ministry experiences have further shaped how I read the Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On my 70th birthday, I chose to celebrate with children battling cancer at Mary Johnston Hospital in the Philippines. We made it \u201ceverybody\u2019s birthday,\u201d giving each child a gift to open. In a space often filled with pain, there was laughter and joy. In that moment, I saw the love of Christ come alive. I was reminded that joy can be healing, and that honoring each child\u2019s dignity is a sacred act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In another moment of ministry, while serving as a church administrator, I spent time with individuals who were unhoused and seeking shelter. I learned that beyond food or a place to stay, many simply needed someone to listen. Sitting with them, hearing their stories, and recognizing their humanity changed how I understand Scripture. When Jesus calls us to welcome the stranger, I now see faces, not just words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, my journey as a caregiver for my husband continues to shape my faith in quiet but profound ways. In moments of fatigue, uncertainty, and deep love, Scripture becomes a source of strength and presence. I am learning that caring for others also requires caring for my own spirit\u2014through prayer, rest, and intentional soul care. In these daily rhythms, God meets me with grace, renewing my strength for the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through all these experiences, I have come to understand that we do not read the Bible from a distance. We read as people shaped by our culture, our journeys, and our relationships. I read as a Filipina, an immigrant, a leader, a caregiver, and a woman of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This awareness is shaping my journey as a Deaconess candidate. I am called not only to study God\u2019s Word, but to live it\u2014to embody compassion, seek justice, and honor the dignity of every person I encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As I continue this journey, I trust that God is still speaking\u2014through Scripture, through community, and through the everyday moments where faith meets life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.\u201d
\u2014 Psalm 119:105<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn S. Reid<\/em><\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Sharon Stovall: New (Slightly Used) Secretary<\/strong>
 <\/summary>\n

In October, I was elected your new Pacific Northwest Conference United Women in Faith secretary. The first time I was elected conference secretary was in the last century!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jenny Bygland was kind enough to do the new directories for 2026, but please remember to send any updates to me. Since she is still our communications coordinator, sending them to her also would be helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first learning session for all US conference secretaries was on January 12. One thing we discussed was acronyms. I know there have been a couple of different ways people have abbreviated United Women in Faith. According to the national secretary, the approved acronym is UWFaith. And you should use the whole name at least once before in your article or letter. If you have any questions about your job as a secretary, get in touch with me. If I don\u2019t know the answer, I will try to find out for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope you have a chance to attend Assembly. It is an awe-inspiring event. You will never regret being there to learn about all the great things UWFaith members are doing all around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am looking forward to meeting you at Mission u this summer.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n

Conference Officers and Committees<\/h1>\n\n\n
\n
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Left to Right: <\/strong>
Marsha Aufenkamp, Chair of Nominations, Stell Wallace, Vice President;<\/em><\/em> Kathy Johnson, Program Resources; Marilyn Reid, National Director; <\/em><\/em>
Cecille Corsilles-Sy, Social Action; Deb Avery, President; <\/em>Sharon Stovall, Secretary; Gail Simpson, Membership Nurture & Outreach; Joan Hackett, Education & Interpretation; <\/em>Roberta Headley, Treasurer; <\/em>Madelyn Bafus, Western Jurisdiction Chair of Nominations, Jenny Bygland, Communications Coordinator; <\/em>Judy Dirks, Judy Dirks, Nominations Committee Member<\/em><\/em> (Missing: Jan Catrell, Spiritual Growth, Tricia Bate, Nominations Committee Member<\/em>)<\/em>
 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Executive Team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

President\u2014Deb Avery
Vice President\u2014Stell Wallace
Secretary\u2014Sharon Stovall
Treasurer\u2014Roberta Headley
Communications\u2014Jenny Bygland
Education & Interpretation\u2014Joan Hackett
Membership Nurture & Outreach\u2014Gail Simpson
Program Resources\u2014Kathy Johnson
Social Action\u2014Cecille Corsilles-Sy
Spiritual Growth\u2014Jan Catrell
Chair, Committee on Nominations\u2014Marsha Aufenkamp
Committee on Nominations Member\u2014Judy Dirks
Committee on Nominations Member\u2014Tricia Bate<\/p>\n\n\n\n

District Presidents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Crest to Coast\u2014Bev Thomas
Inland\u2014Robin Gregory
Puget Sound\u2014Jeannine Lish
SeaTac\u2014Diana Wilson
Seven Rivers\u2014Robin Inlow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Committee Reports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Endowment\u2014Ja net’ Crouse
Nominations\u2014Marsha Aufenkamp
Racial Justice\u2014Deb Avery
Scholarship Committee\u2014Marsha Aufenkamp, Jenny Bygland, Diana Wilson
Standing Rules Committee\u2014Stell Wallace
Legacy\u2014Carol Gruen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Reports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Historian\u2014OPEN
Social Media\u2014 Jenny Bygland
Language Coordinator\u2014Marilyn Reid
National Director\u2014Marilyn Reid
Program Advisory Group\u2014Marilyn Reid
Atlantic Street Center\u2014Judy Mahoney
Tacoma Community House\u2014Sue Raymond
Mission u\u2014Deb Avery<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please let contact us below if you want to connect with one of our officers<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n
Submit a form.<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Conference Officers and Committees Executive Team President\u2014Deb AveryVice President\u2014Stell WallaceSecretary\u2014Sharon StovallTreasurer\u2014Roberta HeadleyCommunications\u2014Jenny ByglandEducation & Interpretation\u2014Joan HackettMembership Nurture & Outreach\u2014Gail SimpsonProgram Resources\u2014Kathy JohnsonSocial Action\u2014Cecille Corsilles-SySpiritual Growth\u2014Jan CatrellChair, Committee on Nominations\u2014Marsha AufenkampCommittee on Nominations Member\u2014Judy DirksCommittee on Nominations Member\u2014Tricia Bate District Presidents Crest to Coast\u2014Bev ThomasInland\u2014Robin GregoryPuget Sound\u2014Jeannine LishSeaTac\u2014Diana WilsonSeven Rivers\u2014Robin Inlow Committee Reports Endowment\u2014Ja net’ CrouseNominations\u2014Marsha … Continue reading People<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2544,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-102","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/PadWcW-1E","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=102"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/102\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16527,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/102\/revisions\/16527"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2544"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pnwumc.org\/uwfaith\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}