Corpus Christi UMs recognize couple from Rockport

Corpus Christi District United Methodists recognized a Rockport couple Sept. 15 for mission service at home and beyond.
Three men from Oak Park UMC, Corpus Christi, received a District Superintendent’s Award for their work in transforming their congregation and keeping it “alive.”
Both honors were presented at First UMC, Corpus Christi, during the annual laity celebration for the southern portion of the Corpus Christi District. More than 400 people from 22 congregations attended.
Rob and Jeannie Coe of First UMC, Rockport, received the 2007 Bishop’s Exemplar Award for the southern portion of the district for their work with their congregation and NOMADS. That’s a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission organization who travel in recreational vehicles to rebuild houses throughout the United States. NOMADS stands for “Nomads On a Mission of Active Divine Service.”
Paul Martens, Ken Smith and Melvin Kronk took home the 2007 District Superintendent’s Award.
Forty-six other adults, seven youths and two groups were given certificates for distinguished discipleship during the celebration.
Bishop Joel N. Martinez presents 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.”
While Martinez was unable to attend the event, he sent a video greeting to participants.
The Coes said they were “surprised” and “humbled” by the award.
“We’re honored,” Jeannie Coe said. “It’s almost embarrassing because we have such a wonderful time doing what we do.”
The Coes were commended for their “quiet,” yet “strong” faith lives.
“This couple believes that church membership means a conscious decision to become involved and to share the gifts and talents that God has blessed them with,” said John Gay of Rockport. “And they have embraced that belief fully, …and they are people of their word.”
He said Rob Coe might be described as a carpenter, lector, stagehand, actor, chief dishwasher and turkey fryer. Jeannie Coe sings in the chancel choir, serves on the board of trustees, works with confirmands and helps with Vacation Bible School.
Both Coes have participated in about 20 NOMAD rebuilding projects in eight states since 2000 and about 15 housing rehabilitation projects. In 2006 they worked 19 weeks with NOMADs—more than half of that in Mississippi helping victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Rob Coe works on Habitat for Humanity projects in Rockport, and Jeannie Coe volunteers with the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Martinez called them “wonderful and committed laypeople” in his video remarks.
“Rob and Jeannie are a team, missional in spirit, generous with their giving and service and their commitment to Christ,” he said. “I have been amazed at all they have done—worked as volunteers with NOMADs, serving in Habitat and serving in the ministries of the local church and just being a Christlike presence in the community.
“I am grateful for your ministry as laypeople. You are people with big smiles and big hearts,…and all those who know you have been blessed by your ministry.”
The annual District Superinten-dent’s Award, given first in 2003, recognizes “outstanding examples of Christian servanthood to church, district, annual conference and community.”
District Superintendent Barbara J. Ruth said she chose Martens, Smith and Kronk—the “Three Musketeers” at Oak Park—for the award because of their selfless service in keeping their congregation “vital.”
“All three of these men have given of themselves on a daily, weekly, regular basis,” she said. “They are among the folks who represented servanthood under Jesus Christ. And they are very special to me.”
Recipients of distinguished discipleship certificates by congregation were:
> First UMC, Aransas Pass: Larry and Lynita Hale.
> First UMC, Bishop: Pam Ham, Kenneth Nelson.
> Asbury UMC, Corpus Christi: Wayne and Sharon Cole, Margaret Combs, Solita Hatman, Billy and Laura Shelton.
> First UMC, Corpus Christi: Carla Gardiner, The Wheels Program.
> Grace UMC, Corpus Christi: Margaret Van Blarcum, Don Gron-bach, Pat Pike.
> Island in the Son UMC, Corpus Christi: Betty Bundy, Carol Eckles, Dave Reader, Nina Young.
> Oak Park UMC, Corpus Christi: Rene and Lupe Castillo.
> St. John’s UMC, Corpus Christi: Benny Cason, Robyn Cobb, Bill Hatfield, Pat Steinocher.
> St. Luke’s UMC, Corpus Christi: Lauren Dietz, Ralph Little, Joe, Zule and Nicholas Moncada, Bobby and Marti Parr.
> St. Paul UMC, Corpus Christi: Zachary Bell.
> St. Peter’s by the Sea UMC, Corpus Christi: Marie Rawson.
> Wesley UMC, Corpus Christi: The “Wooby” Women.
> First UMC, Odem: Marce Blunt-zer, Dorothy Butler, Sandra Linde-man, Clifford Hayes.
> First UMC, Refugio: David Newman.
> First UMC, Robstown: Donald and Cheryl Jackson.
> First UMC, Rockport: Becky McChesney, Sue Painter (posthumously).
> First UMC, Taft: Paul and Shir-ley Primm.
> Ingleside UMC: Ann Miller.
> Skidmore UMC: Billie Jean Brown.
Young Disciple award recipients by congregation were:
> St. Paul UMC, Corpus Christi: Miles Johnson.
> St. Peter’s by the Sea UMC, Corpus Christi: Carlton Jarbeaux.
> St. John’s UMC, Corpus Christi: Morgan Cole, Tressa VanSickle and Greg Winters.
> First UMC, Refugio: Fletcher Wright.
> First UMC, Rockport: Dustin Barre.