San Marcos woman, Smithville
church cited for work

A San Marcos woman and a Smithville congregation were recognized Feb. 11 for efforts to transform their communities.
Loraine Burleson, Jackson Chapel UMC, San Marcos, received the 2006 Bishop’s Exemplar Award for the Austin District.
First UMC, Smithville, was given the 2006 Innovation in Programming Award for organizing a community anti-drug campaign.
Both awards were presented at Northwest Hills UMC, Austin, during the annual district laity celebration. Fifty-six other individuals and five programs were also recognized.
Some 250 people attended the event.
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.”
The 8-year-old Innovation in Programming Award, a traveling plaque, recognizes creative ministry initiatives by local congregations.
“I do thank God for the privilege of standing before you today,” Burleson said after receiving the Exemplar Award. “I don’t think I’ve earned this, but I will continue to do all I can to build the kingdom of God and offer Christ to all.”
Burleson was honored for more than 50 years of service to her community and congregation. She now works as a unit director of the Willie Mae Mitchell Center. She is responsible for developing programs for senior adults.
For 25 years Burleson was employed at Texas State University in Residence Living and Career Services. She worked with the Office of Student Affairs to train adult staff members to serve children and youths.
In the community she was program director and volunteer coordinator for the Rearing Our Own to Succeed—or ROOTS—tutorial program.
At Jackson Chapel Burleson has served on or chaired the administrative board, visioning and long-range planning committee, staff-parish relations committee, finance committee, and evangelism and outreach committee.
In 2005 she organized “Father’s Day in the Spirit of Unity,” an ecumenical program that marked Juneteenth. The event involved seven congregations from Buda, San Marcos and Lockhart.
In 1995 Burleson began rearing a great-granddaughter with impaired hearing. Burleson learned sign language and became an advocate for children with hearing impairments.
In Smithville, United Methodists spearheaded efforts to address an illegal drug problem. Called “Turn Around Smithville,” the effort brought together representatives from the ministerial alliance, city government and police department. They stage anti-drug marches through town nearly every week.
The Smithville program is based on “Turn Around America—The Wrice Process.” That effort has successfully rid neighborhoods of drug trafficking and lowered crime rates in communities across the country.
First UMC, Smithville, played host to initial turnaround training last March. Since fighting illegal drugs is an ongoing problem, the church plans another training session this year.
Individuals from 13 congregations received certificates for their ministry achievements:
> Bethany UMC, Austin—Gail Buckley, Susie Peterson.
> Crestview UMC, Austin—Margaret Glueck, Phyllis Moore, Bob Reinhart, Arlene Smith, Rob Turk.
> Oak Hill UMC, Austin—Ellen Bond, Mike and Beth Cochran, Kellye Graham, Al Jones, Jerry Morford, Charles and Janie Wall.
> Tarrytown UMC, Austin—Christine Bailie, Wendy Boatright, Cheryl Crain, Holly Dietert, Faye Evans-Martin, Scott Fairbairn, Stuart Garner, Dick and Betty Herrington, Jim and Annette Morriss, Steve Muckelroy, Pat Peyton, Linda Roudebush, Cindy Stone, Jenny Strender, Jack Wolfe, Michael Yerger.
> Wesley UMC, Austin—Matthew Edison, Laura B. Giles, June Murphy, Essie Mae Riep, Lydia Williams.
> Rolling Hills Community Church, Largo Vista—Karli Calhoun.
> Leander UMC—Renee Purvis, Julius “Scottie” Scott.
> Manor UMC—Pat and Howard Anderson, Nancy Boatright.
> First UMC, Pflugerville—Emmett Eary, Don Greenway, Paula Harmsburger.
> Prairie Lea UMC—Darlene Pooley-Ewell.
> First UMC, San Marcos—Diana Wiley.
> First UMC, Smithville—Victoria Bailey, Arleen Bullock, Nancy Burris, Harlan and Helois Castles, Virginia Erwin.
> Wimberley UMC—Daphne Smith.
Five other ministries were given innovation in programming certificates:
> Developing a Leadership Culture at Bethany UMC, Austin. This three-year program helps church members prepare for congregational leadership.
> Work Life Ministry at Bethany UMC, Austin. This effort helps church members integrate their faith and work using a Wesleyan model.
> Difficult Topics Sessions at Tarrytown UMC, Austin. Developed by the Church and Society Committee, this program considers pressing social topics over six Sundays.
> Merge (a connectional high school ministry) at Tarrytown UMC, Austin. This ministry involves 10 Austin District congregations. They bring together adults and high school students the first Tuesday of each month at Huston-Tillotson University for worship and small-group sessions. Participants are involved in fellowship, outreach and discipleship the third Tuesday of each month.
> Micah 6 of Austin at University UMC, Austin. A coalition of nine congregations around the University of Texas campus, this effort coordinates outreach services, raises awareness of participating students about social justice issues and organizes service projects.