On August 18, retirees from 2020 and 2021 gathered at the Ritz Charles to celebrate this new season of life. The event, which was put on by the United Methodist Foundation, hosted approximately 30 retirees and spouses from across the state.
Manet Shettle, President of the Foundation, hosted the luncheon and introduced Conference staff in attendance: Lore Blinn Gibson, Shannon Stringer, Heidi Harding, Ruth Ellen Needler, Ashley Hobbs, Noah Maxwell, and Serena Acker.
Bishop Trimble brought a video greeting, encouraging retirees to continue their call, wherever God leads in this new chapter of ministry.
Shalimar Holderly, Board Member of the Foundation, offered a prayer before everyone enjoyed a deliciously-catered lunch.
Shannon Stringer, Director of Leadership Development, informed retirees of the resources available to them.
Lore Blinn Gibson, Dean of the Cabinet and Conference Superintendent in the Northwest District, and Glenn Howell, Director of Development for the Foundation, read the names of the retiring classes of 2020 and 2021. Those in attendance were invited to speak, sharing highlights from their careers, anecdotes, or words of wisdom.
To conclude the event, Glenn Howell led the group in singing “It Is Well.”
