Standing-room-only crowd attends bishop’s final clergy convocation

A dense fog advisory Feb. 21 didn’t discourage 250 United Methodists from gathering at First UMC, Beeville, for the annual Brush Country laity awards celebration.
Thirty-nine adults, four children and nine youths were honored for their service to their congregations and communities.
Carroll and Louise Buchhorn of First UMC, Cuero, received the 2008 Bishop’s Exemplar Award for the northern “Brush Country” portion of the Corpus Christi District. They were recognized for their “tireless service” to the church, community and beyond, said Corpus Christi District Superintendent Barbara J. Ruth.
Dorothy Whitby of Fannin Street UMC, Goliad, was given the District Superintendent’s award for her more than 50 years of work in The United Methodist Church.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez gives the Exemplar Award annually to laypeople selected by each district board of laity “for witness, commitment and service after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ruth presented the award on the bishop’s behalf. He was unable to make the event. The Buchhorns were unable to attend as well because of Carroll’s health. Their pastor, the Rev. Debby Lake, accepted the award for them.
The Buchhorns organize and facilitate a worship service at each of the three Cuero nursing homes and provide refreshments for all who attend. The couple has pulled weeds, repaired equipment and sprayed for bugs on the Cuero children’s playground to make it a “safe and attractive place” for children to play, Ruth said.
The husband-and-wife team served hot chocolate and helped participants into costumes for the church’s live nativity display during the “Christmas in the Park” community project.
In addition to their community service, Carroll fixes problems at the Cuero church, and Louise is the secretary-treasurer for the United Methodist Women unit. Both are members of the adult Sunday school class and often serve as ushers and greeters.
Carroll currently is on the First UMC staff-parish relations committee. He chaired the board of trustees for many years.
Whitby was commended for serving as the Fannin Street piano player, “in spite of being more than 80 years young,” Ruth said. Whitby is a member of the pastor-parish relations committee, the board of trustees, the program committee and the food committee.
Ruth said Whitby walks to and from the church every Sunday and Wednesday—in her high heels—and whenever the church has special services.
“Her spirit and heartfelt leadership continue to illustrate that despite an individual’s age, the work of the Lord can continue as God indicates and leads us to follow,” Ruth said. “She is a tireless spiritual leader and a tireless spiritual warrior for the Lord.”
Awards for discipleship in home, church and community went to members of 17 congregations:
> First UMC, Beeville—Don Clark, Sherry Clark, Walter and Lucille Kinkler, James Vasek, Richard Zowie.
> Jones Chapel UMC, Beeville—Shirley Jefferson.
> First UMC, Cuero—Marlis Felber.
> Dewville UMC—Vicki Brown, Carol Fare, Shirley Hester.
> Fannin Street UMC, Goliad—Freeman Bland Jr., Freeman Bland Sr.
> Fashing UMC—Sandy Mon-ferdin, Joan Roane.
> First UMC, George West—Lavern Bartlett, Terry Owen, Rex Lewis.
> Karnes City UMC—Mark and Shelley Walter.
> First UMC, Mathis—Marydele Porter.
> First UMC, Nixon—Cindy Lott.
> Harris Chapel UMC, Nixon—Marilyn White, Bill White.
> Pawnee UMC—Janice Porter.
> First UMC, Pettus—Janet Sellers.
> Smiley UMC—Norma Lynn Johnston.
> First UMC, Three Rivers—Pete Alexieff, Linda Crawford, Linda Gregory, Jo An Booth.
> Faith United Church, Woods-boro—Scott and JoAnna Hewitt.
> First UMC, Yorktown—Barbara Franke, Kindra Saunders.
Four youngsters received youngest disciple awards for dedication to their faith:
> Kassidy Bego, First UMC, Goli-ad.
> Sarah Duke, First UMC, Beeville.
> Michael Verata, Jones Chapel UMC, Beeville.
> Blake Weise, First UMC, York-town.
Nine teens from seven congregations accepted Young Disciple Awards for witness in their homes, schools, churches and communities:
> First UMC, Beeville—Sarah Draper.
> Fashing UMC—Jayson Hier-holzer and Natalie Schendel.
> First UMC, George West—Travis Locke and Mike Riser.
> First UMC, Goliad—Lexi Guer-rero.
> Jones Chapel UMC, Beeville—Jarrod Howard.
> Karnes City UMC—Jennifer Kotara.
> First UMC, Three Rivers—Man-die Tadlock.