Fellowship Family updates FELLOWSHIP NEWS & NOTES


Suzanne Cate and her husband, Michael, moved back to Shreveport, LA, in Novem- ber 2021 in order to be closer to their son, daughter-in-law, and two teenage grand- daughters. Te Cates lived in Shreveport from 1987-1995 when Suzanne was Min-


ister of Music at Noel Memorial UMC.


Dave Collett was recognized for 40 years of service as an ordained clergy in Te United Methodist Church in June 2021. In November 2021, he officiated at the wedding of his daughter, Grace, to Roger Reyes.


Bodie Gilbert was called by unanimous congregational vote to serve as Associate Pastor to Bering Memorial United Church of Christ in the Montrose neighborhood of Hous- ton on October 24, 2021. Bering Church has deep roots in United Methodist life and was known throughout the city for its unconditional embrace and care for the gay commu- nity. In June 2021, the church affiliated with the UCC and brings a rich tradition of progressive Wesleyan theology, hymnody and liturgy, and mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.


Eileen Guenther has been awarded the first Distinguished Alumni award by the University of Kansas Organ and Church Music Alumni Network.


Tom Jones has been named Chaplain Emeritus at Lexing- ton Medical Center aſter 41 years of service. He was also elected President of the Residents Council at Still Hopes Retirement Center in West Columbia, SC.


Former Fellowship President Janet Lee died on October 21, 2021, in Hillsdale, MI. Janet was elected president for the 1981-1983 term and was the first woman elected to this office. She was a forerunner and inspiration to many and was known


to set up an exhaustive display of Fellowship history at national convocations.


Ann Rowell retired on June 30, 2021, aſter 15 years of music ministry at Shelburne UMC in Shelburne, VT. Her husband, Len, also retired from pastoral ministry. Ann writes, “We both are grateful for the opportunity to serve, each in our own capacity, and give thanks for these years of service.”


Betsy Schwarzentraub has written and published her new book, Tossed In Time: Steering by the Christian Seasons, which introduces people to the worship seasons to help people re-shape their sense of time and find their bearings again aſter many social anchors have been torn away


through the pandemic. At-home activities, reflection ques- tions and website resources help everyone worship in this otherwise isolated time.


Mary Scifres is serving as the Interim Senior Pastor of Santa Clarita UMC. Mary’s spouse, B. J. Beu, is the Interim Senior Pastor of Manhattan Beach Community Church. Teir son, Michael Beu, is the Tech Director for United Methodist Church of Vista. Te Scifres-Beu family thinks of themselves as their own sort of “three musketeers,” but hopefully wielding love and service as tools of the trade.


Diane Toogood, former Fellowship President of Rochester, MI, died on October 28, 2021. In addition to working as organist and choir director in many churches, she founded the Rochester Area Girls Choir. She served as president for


the 2001-2003 term. Diane requested that everyone wear bright and bold colors to her memorial, reflecting her always cheery and radiant personality.


In June, aſter living almost 41 years in Raleigh, NC, William Weisser moved to Wilmington, NC, to be closer to family. William writes, “Tis came following a long year and a half of recovering from a hip fracture and kidney cancer. I’m doing great now!”


Saxon Scarborough retired in August 2020 from First UMC in Gastonia, NC, aſter 21 years as Minister of Music there, and relocated to Morganton, NC. He is currently serving Broad Street UMC in Statesville, NC, as interim Director of Music, working with Organist Emerita and long-time Fellowship member Maryette Bost.


__________________________________________________________________________________________________ January-February-March 2022 • WorshipArts • UMFellowship.org


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