In 1940, Hubert
Johnson, president of Methodist Children’s Home from 1933-1966, established a
group of clergy and lay members called Commissioners. These individuals would
act as volunteer fundraisers and advocates for MCH. Through the past 77 years
the activities and responsibilities of Commissioners have changed, but they
continue to serve and play an important role in sharing the MCH story.
The
primary role of the Commissioner now can be seen through the acronym HOPE:
Help MCH fulfill its mission through gifts of time,
talents and treasure.
Organize a special event for MCH at their church or in
their community.
Provide insight on ways MCH can partner with them to
serve at-risk families in their community.
Enlist others as benefactors and friends to support the
mission of MCH.
It has
been a long standing tradition for MCH to hold a two-day Commissioners meeting
in Waco, Texas. On Oct. 24-25, MCH Commissioners from across Texas and New
Mexico, representing six different United Methodist Conferences, gathered for a
time of fellowship and learning to be further equipped to advocate for MCH.
During the
two-day meeting on the Boys Ranch and Waco residential campus, Commissioners
had a full schedule of events on their agenda.
On the
first evening, they shared a meal with the 2017 MCH Choir and several Boys
Ranch residents. They were treated to a choral performance and a student
testimony on how MCH has impacted them. The Commissioners also heard from Tim
Brown, president and CEO of MCH, Trey Oakley, vice president for development at
MCH, Mark Ward, Commissioner chairperson, and other members of the MCH Benefactor
Relations team.
The second
day of the meeting provided time for breakout sessions with Residential Care, Transition
Services, MCH Family Outreach and Spiritual Development. As part of
understanding the vision and direction for MCH, Commissioners were invited to
tour the Daniels Home, the newest residential home on the Waco campus, and to
receive detailed information about the “Building Hope” capital campaign and the
projected growth and projects that are in plan for the ministry.
Kelly
Lawson, special gifts coordinator for MCH who directed the two-day meeting, saw
the different sessions as a highlight of the time shared with the
Commissioners. Lawson said that each group discussion was opportunity for Commissioners
to connect with different parts of MCH to get an in-depth and realistic
understanding of what life looks like for those MCH serves every day.
Further,
Lawson stated the breakout speaking sessions gave Commissioners a time to
interact with one another and to share about their own ideas and experiences regarding
how they are able to intentionally spread the news about MCH in their own
communities.
To conclude
the meeting, MCH conducted its first commissioning service in the Chapel.
There, 28 veteran Commissioners and 21 new Commissioners received and accepted
the call to action to commit themselves to the MCH Commissioner statement of
HOPE.
“Ending on
this note felt very special,” said Lawson. “We have the opportunity to bear
witness to God’s work in the world through this ministry in one small way. The
Commissioners came, they learned, they were inspired, and now they are sent
forth into their communities to do essential work. It is sacred work.”
Echoing
Lawson’s message, Oakley stated, “Commissioners are a piece of our legacy and
will remain important advocates for our ministry. We are grateful for the
support and awareness they raise throughout Texas and New Mexico.”
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