by Kay DeMoss NEW ORLEANS, March 23, 2017—Thursday was a special day for storytellers gathered here from around the world to “Embrace the Story” at the United Methodist Association of Communicators Conference.

In the morning worship session, held at First Grace United Methodist Church, conference participants heard a powerful sermon by Pastor Shawn Moses Anglim. He concluded, “Sometimes you need to stay in the dark long enough for God to turn on the Light.”

Later, during the evening Awards Celebration Dinner, the efforts of 160 communicators were recognized. Their entries, across 10 classes of communication, bore witness to the shining of Christ’s Light at levels local to global.

The Dakotas communications team was the recipient of 12 awards including:  Class II Writing—1st place article series “Standing Rock,” 3rd place feature article “United Methodists Stand with Standing Rock.” Class V Video Production— 1st place production less than $500 “Heaven and Earth Kissed,” 3rd place production less than $500 “Serving Lunch and Living the Gospel in LeCrescent,” 1st place “S’mores and Spirit,” 1st place video ad or promotion “Living Generously,” 3rd place video production more than $2,000 “Igniting the Spirit,” 3rd place live stream production “Production of Annual Conference Living Generously: Unleashing God’s gifts,” 2nd place video production news story “United Methodist Stand with Standing Rock.” Class VII Photography—3rd place photo series “Camp Oceti Sakowin.” Class VII Visual Design—1st Place print or electronic design “Clergy Recruitment brochure.” Class IX Publicity and Advertising “2015-16 Missional Report.”  The team also won the Best of Class Award for Video Production.  There were over 56 entries and over 125 contributors in Class V Video Production, the largest of any class.

“Our job is easy because United Methodists throughout the Dakotas give us great stories to tell and are passionate disciples,” said Doreen Gosmire, director of communication for the Dakotas Conference. “I am also blessed to work with a very talented team of people across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area, Dave Stucke, Christa Meland and Amanda Willis.”

Gosmire noted there were several outside consultants that made the award winning communication pieces possible: Gavin Wigg with Steam Digital, Kent Taylor of Taylor Productions, Eric Brown with Picnic Table Productions and Bethany Sheets, graphic designer.

Best in Class awards are as follows:

Class I Print Publications
Robert F. Storey Award of Excellence
Interpreter—Dan Krause, Kathy Noble, Jennifer Rodia, Julie Dwyer, Joey Butler, Mike DuBose, Kathleen Barry, Elsie Cunningham, Tricia Bruckbauer (United Methodist Communications)

Class II Digital Publications
The Reporter—Arthur McClanahan, Liz Winders (Iowa Conference)

Class III Writing
Donn Doten Award of Excellence
Pastor’s healing from abuse inspires ministry and meeting with the Pope—John Coleman, Lindsey Cotman (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference)
Northern Light’s ‘love letter’ to Orlando reaches United Methodist pastor—Christa Meland (Minnesota Conference)

Class IV Internet Communications
Perspectives—Stephen J. Hustedt, Ashley Riddell, Mary Dalgish, Shannon Hodson, Karen Campolieto (Upper New York Conference)

Class V Video Production
Living Generously—David Stucke, Doreen Gosmire (Dakotas Conference)

Class VI Audio Production
The Kindness Project—Rev. Dr. Robin Blair (Common Good Radio)

Class VII Photography
Face of the Lumad—Kathleen Barry (United Methodist Communications)
Exploring East Congo—Mike DuBose (United Methodist Communications)

Class VIII Visual Design
Bazillion Book Drive Logo—Lyn Cosby, Danette Clifton, Mary Simpson (North Alabama Conference)

Class IX Publicity and Advertising
Leonard M. Perryman Award of Excellence
UM Cocoa—Poonam Patodia, Jennifer Rodia, Diane Degnan, Laura Buchanan, Crystal Caviness, Steven Adair, Royya James, Tyrus Sturgis, Sheila Harrison, Andrew Schleicher (United Methodist Communications)

Class X Media Presentations
GBHEM Booth—Ebony Lincoln, Donnie Reed, Beth Neil (General Board of Higher Education and Ministry)

Doreen Gosmire, member of the UMAC leadership team and director of communications for the Dakotas Conference, has organized the UMAC awards for the past two years. She says this about the value of the competition: “Learning about each other’s work gives you ideas. It refreshes you and renews your spirit for telling the story.” Gosmire notes that there was a total of 250 entries representing 300-400 contributors.

“Those entries represent a massive amount of energy, time and resources,” she said. “It’s phenomenal the number of people out there telling the story of The United Methodist Church in so many different ways.”

The 2017 Hall of Fame Award winner is Cate Monaghan, who retired from her role as communications director of the California-Nevada Conference in 2012. Bishop John Schol of the Greater New Jersey Area was on hand to introduce his director of communications, Carolyn Conover, as the 2017 Communicator of the Year. These women are two exceptional bearers of Christ’s Light. 

The association was also thrilled to welcome communicator Ndzule Tueche “Joe” of the United Methodist Church in Côte d'Ivoire, attending the gathering with the help of the UMAC "Helping Hands" fund.

Click here for the complete list of awards.
Click here for a video of the full awards ceremony. 
Click here for photos from the ceremony.