About our writers

John Daniel Gore

I am in my fourth year of five at Michigan State University where I study English and Communication. My specialization is in Creative Writing because I hope to become a successful columnist and novelist. This goal led me to write for the Young Adult Network, as well as work for the MSU Writing Center. At the Writing Center, I work with students one-on-one on a variety of projects; many of the students I help are from other countries. My strong interest in interpersonal, mass mediated, and cross cultural communication have led me to add Communications as an additional major.

            God has moved my life in strange, sweet, ways. With parents coming from different denominations, I learned to think in creative ways about the way people express their individual faith-walks with the Holy Spirit. I owe my initiation into Christianity to a Quaker church in the South-west Michigan countryside that taught me the value of quiet-time, open-worship, and strong familial bonds. After leaving home, I became involved with the campus's Wesley Foundation. I later attended United Methodist events such as the 2006 Ministry Exploration Conference in Jacksonville, Florida. Through that experience, I slowly came to believe that God has a wonderful, though unusual, path for our calls. Camping ministry has played a significant part in that path; I counseled at UMC camps the past two summers.

            At ministry exploration, I promised God that He had my "pen". Like many Christians, I struggle with my relationship to the Almighty and the possibilities of ministry or of writing for a living. The 'valley' portions of my journey have been characterized by doubt and anxiety about the future. Never the less, I pray each day that I can take the talents God gave me and use them to cultivate Charity and Spirituality in readers someday. This fall, I plan to intern for a sexual-assault and relationship violence prevention education team.

Previous contributers:

Anna Lee

I have learned over the years that I am not very good at relaxing or sitting still. I love a challenge and thrive on new experiences. I am currently a first year student at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN pursuing a Master of Divinity. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and English from Tennessee Wesleyan College. I am from the Knoxville, TN area (Go Vols!), and I grew up in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. I hope to pursue a career in faith-based non-profit organizations, and I am also interested in writing both devotional and teaching materials for the church. I am passionate about seeing the church continue to lead the way on social justice issues of every kind.

My husband and I reside in Murfreesboro, TN where he is a youth pastor. We are currently adjusting to life in a new town with a new job and a new school. All things are new for the Lees this year, but we are having a blast and learning daily! I love family, reading, pictures, music, sports, movies, and traveling, and I always love a good adventure. I learn each day that attempting to follow God’s will in life is the scariest and best adventure of all.

Melissa Meyers

I am currently serving a two point charge in the Northern Illinois Conference of the United Methodist Church.  I am entering my second year in the parish and seeking Elders orders in the United Methodist Church.  My passions in ministry are around spiritual formation for all ages, but with special attention to the younger generations.  I would hope that children, youth, and young adults would be able to find a home within the Church and find ways to express their faith in the way that they live their lives.  This fall I am offering a series of new Bible studies for intergenerational studies around pop culture.  We’ll be studying The Gospel According to Dr. Seuss, The Gospel According to Harry Potter, The Gospel According to Disney, and a Faith & Film class.  In addition to my work with the local church, I also work with the Young Adult Seminarians Network as the graduate representative.  The network exists to help other young adult seminarians connect with one another for reflection, refreshing, rejuvenation and networking. 

I like to go out and spend time with people, but also like to stay in and watch movies. Reading is another passion and because I am no longer in school or on a reading schedule, I try to read something new every month. In the midst of new books, I try to keep up on the news, both nationally and internationally.  Music is one of my passions and live music can't be beat!  I love to listen to all kinds of music and the music on my Ipod ranges from Indie rock to Top 40 and everywhere in between!  Whenever I get in the car, I have to plug in some music no matter how long or short the trip.  Since moving to a new area, I find that I get “lost” a lot.  I like finding new things to do-- just getting lost someplace and finding something new! I can usually find a cozy coffee shop anywhere I go.  I've done some traveling around the country and have also been through Italy. I would love to travel to all 50 states and I have several other countries on my list too!

Bonnie McCubbin

Bonnie McCubbin is currently a junior at St. Mary’s College of Maryland where she is double majoring in History and Anthropology and has completed a Math minor as well.  She is extremely involved in extra-curricular activities, including being the President of a Pre-Law group, teaching environmental education to 5th graders, is an Orientation Leader, sits on a college judicial board, is a tour guide, a member of 2 honor societies and leads an all-women’s Bible Study through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.  She also works 2 on-campus jobs and plays in handbell choirs through a local church in addition to numerous community and church-based volunteer positions.

As many activities as Bonnie is involved in, her real passion lies in Retreat and Camping Ministries.  She has worked as summer staff for West River United Methodist Center for two years, and goes back throughout the winter to help with activities and weekend hosting duties.  Her high energy and enthusiasm are well-suited in this environment, where she marvels at the many ways worship can occur…through music, drama, art, (some of her personal favorites!) dance, movement, running, across language barriers and social classes.

When Bonnie is not busy on campus or at camp, you can often find her sewing her own clothes, riding her bike on trails, playing piano, hanging out with friends and family, and helping her grandfather write his autobiography.  She is looking towards grad school and a career in ministry.

Ben Kendrick

Ben Kendrick is a freelance writer and grad student living in New York City. He graduated with an English Lit degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and is now pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at the New School in Greenwich Village. Ben is the author of a Bible study based on the television show "LOST" and is in conversations with the United Methodist Publishing House about expanding the series. Ben writes articles, columns, devotions, and is working on his first novel. Check out his devotions in the facebook.com group "Ben's Devotionals Go Global" or on myspace.

Bethany HargisBethany Joy Riddle

Last May, I graduated from Whitworth College (now Whitworth University) with my bachelor’s degree in Journalism. In June I was proposed to, in December I started my first journalism job with a monthly business journal and in February my now husband and I were married and moved into a one bedroom apartment in the Tri-Cities. Many changes and new things, but all wonderful gifts from God.

My husband David is a volunteer firefighter and works as an EMT with American Medical Response. He and I both share a desire to serve others and remain active in our local church, Riverview United Methodist, leading the praise team, helping out with youth group and chairing a committee that seeks to reach out to those in our community.

About once a month or so my husband and I make the five hour drive to visit my parents, my two younger sisters and my grandma who all live on the opposite end of the state and whom are all very important and close to me.

I love to write, always have, and hopefully always will. Someday I would like to publish a book or perhaps a series of poetry or short essays. God has given me a love for the written word and I am so grateful for the many blessings He has placed in my life.

Holly Keane

God has allowed me to be many things. I am a bookseller most days (at a big Barnes and Noble, discounted coffee and books, it's not a bad gig) and a helper to the college and singles ministry at my church. I live right outside of Philadelphia (two hours or less from the shore, the mountains, the big city and farmland America ). I am the in-awe-aunt of two fabulous twin boys; and a sis to their dad; a not always grateful enough daughter to amazing parents, and a sometimes funny friend to some wonderfully compassionate people who let me be me. I am a graduate of Liberty University , and an English major forever. I am a big fan of good books, movies, and fruit and nuts on salad. I am trying to be a world watcher and keep a missionary's heart near and far from home. I've always loved to write. Letters, essays, journals; so here I am, attempting to write my heart.

 

Nancy Speas Hill

I'm a (soon to be) clergywoman who loves to write and is passionate about helping people connect to the Gospel in ways that transform lives and societies.  I graduated with a religion major and history minor from Belmont University in 2002, then took a year "off" to work as a nanny and as a legislative researcher/writer for the Tennessee General Assembly.  I attended Candler School of Theology from 2003 through 2006, where I completed my Master of Divinity degree, and have spent the past year in Louisville , Kentucky , working as the Lay Ministry Coordinator at a large church while working my way through my commissioning application.  I'll be commissioned a probationary elder at the KY Annual Conference in June.  I'm also married to another young UM clergyperson, John Hill, which makes for an interesting life and ministry! We have two ridiculously energetic dogs, Sasha and Buster, whom I love like children. I love to read (particularly outside), watch movies, and play board games, and in the past year, I've learned to knit, sew, make jewelry, and scrapbook. It's amazing what you can do when you're not in school!

Elaine Atim

I am currently a senior at Drew University College of Liberal Arts, where I am in the middle of a challenging, grueling, intellectually stimulating and absolutely fun process called the Specialized Honors Thesis Program. My honors thesis is in Religious Studies (that's also my major; my minor is Art History), and it explores the Biblical texts used in discussing the death penalty and how the Christian Church in America has contributed to the conversation. Both in my academic and personal life, I've consistently sought to integrate Jesus's teachings with issues of social justice in today's culture. The radically countercultural nature of Jesus's life and teachings are so inspiring and compelling.

During my college years, I've been most involved with the Young Adult Ministry Team of my annual conference (Greater NJ) and my campus ministry group, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF). Both groups have been very instrumental in nurturing my Christian faith and providing places where I can really grapple with and worship God, and where I can experience being in fellowship and community with other believers. The unity we have in Christ is far more powerful than any thing that can divide us; that is a truth I see lived out in these communities daily. It is also through this community that I have been able to forge life-long friendships with the most faithful and obedient followers of God. These friends have not ceased to amaze and inspire me.

Some quick tidbits about me: I love ballroom dancing, mostly because it teaches me how to be a good "follower," which is a concept that really did wonders for my relationship with God. I enjoy any and all creative outlets, from drawing and painting to writing and singing. I am a Broadway junkie and own more cast recordings and soundtracks than everyone I know. I love books and I've got a very, very long reading list. I consider myself a world traveler, even though I've only been to Egypt and Canada (unless you also count Philippines , where I was born). My ideal vacation is traveling across Europe and looking at the greatest works of art by the greatest artists in history, although I'd also be perfectly happy spending a quiet afternoon sipping smoothies or tea (depending on the season) with my closest friends. Beaches make me ridiculously happy. So do really, really good movies.

Noel Schoonmaker

I am an ordained Baptist minister currently working on a Ph.D. in preaching and worship at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. My wife Dayna and I are expecting our first child around February 25th, 2007. We’re so excited to meet our little girl!

My main goals in life are to be a good Christian, a godly husband and father, and a powerful preacher of the gospel. I want to get better and better at loving God and neighbor. I want to worship God in spirit and in truth. I want to help others grow in Christian faith, hope, and love.

My professional hopes are to finish my Ph.D. and get back to being a full-time pastor. Down the road, I’d like to teach preaching and biblical studies at a seminary or college.

Emily Earnshaw (Pastor Emily)

How many people do you know that love their job? I do. I am currently a pastor in a small town in Colorado. My lifestyle includes a few visits to local hospitals, preparation of sermons, Bible studies, many phone calls and occasional bird watching. We have hummingbirds but my husband would tell you we don't have any pets you can actually pet. Gardening is slow this year due to lack of water; As I drive home most afternoons I am welcomed by signs that say "Extreme Fire Danger".

I did not grow up in the country, but I am getting used to waving at everyone after living in rural America for only two years. We are forunate to live close to a mid-sized city with two Wal-Marts and another one on the way (I avoid shopping there in spite of so-called convenience). Until last week, we did not own a T.V. I am moderate in most things, yet unashamedly devoted to God. Travel plans for the future include an upcoming mission trip to Kenya and educational jaunts to Israel and Rome. I hope to go to India someday also to follow in the path of Gandhi. Happiness is a risk I am learning to take.

Adrienne Trevathan

I’m a first-year Master of Divinity student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL, where I am currently trying to survive the winter. I come from a small town in Tennessee called Atoka, and I grew up in Pennsylvania.

I graduated from Lambuth University in Jackson, TN in April 2006 with a B.A. in English. I am part Native American of the Port Gamble S’Klallam tribe in Kingston, Washington, although it isn’t really obvious. I love to write, and although most of my writing has been academic this semester, I still try to write poetry and journal on a fairly regular basis. The things I write range from experiences I have had to obscure musings about the church fathers and early Christian writers like Tertullian and Origen.

My home church is Munford First UMC in Munford, TN, where I was encouraged, loved and supported as a teenager. I felt my call to ministry in high school, and have recently decided to pursue the deacon order of ordained ministry in the UMC. I’m interested in counseling and helping people in addiction recovery, but I’m trying to stay open to other possibilities as well. When I’m not at home, I attend Holy Covenant UMC in Chicago.

As is the case with many young adults, I’ve gone through a long string of possible careers and vocations that I’ve considered, and may actually examine at some point in my life. These include: Flight attendant (Flying is fun!), journalist, author, innercity counselor, local church pastor, guest speaker at universities. When I’m not thinking about all the things there are to do in Chicago or the rest of the state or world, I like to spend time with friends, relax at bookstores, or sled in laundry baskets. I am, after all, from Tennessee.

If you would like to know more, or if you’d like to see the laundry basket experience captured on video, feel free to visit my website at www.myspace.com/adriennetg.

Previous contributers:

Sarah Downin

I am currently working for Christian Care Companies as a senior accountant. Christian Care is a Christ centered organization whose mission is to provide quality and responsive senior housing and healthcare services through Christian love and concern. There is no substitute for an employer who understands the importance of Christ in our daily lives both at home and work. When I’m not working, I can usually be found scrap booking which has become a bit of an obsession for me. When I’m not scrap booking, I can usually be found reading. My mom is a middle school librarian and she keeps my reading list quite long!

I am also married. James and I have been married for 5 years. We actually met through church while on a retreat when we were sophomores in high school. We started dating the summer after our first year in college and have being going strong ever since. I am so thankful that God brought such a wonderful and caring man into my life. Together we’re about to embark on perhaps the biggest adventure of our lives—starting a family!

Barbara Wheeler

I live in New York City. I am an idealist, and I live the life of a realist most days. I’ve been a stringer-reporter, graphic designer, after school teacher, fundraiser, volunteer coordinator, and pianist. Right now I’m editing publications at a nonprofit organization. I’m also doing a bit of free lance writing and publicity for a Philadelphia author. I studied journalism and art in college. Then I moved away from the small community I had grown up in near Harrisburg, Pa. to Jackson, Miss. After two years in Jackson, I moved to New York City for a job and have lived here for three years.

My true vocation: a writer. I take advantage of being able to write at work whenever possible. I journal daily and regularly churn out a personal essay or op/ed. I have discovered that I understand myself better when I write. I appreciate the peace and the outlet that writing is for me. I am interested in going back to school to study journalism or creative writing. I don’t plan to write the great American novel. I’m more of an observer and a reflector when I write, and not a fictional yarn weaver. I want to write for change. Change in myself, and change in the world today.

I enjoy traveling, which is convenient because many of my friends and family are scattered across the country. I went to Italy in college and I’m going to Africa later this summer (for work.)

I am passionate about social justice. Social justice will bring equality, fairness and change to not only individuals, but also communities, countries, and the entire world. One step toward social justice: the removal of poverty from our world. The root cause of so many injustices is poverty. Poor education, poor healthcare, poor nutrition, poor working conditions, poor race relations...are you beginning to see a pattern?

Hopes: I hope to publish a book or some sort some day. I hope to have a family. I hope to become a better version of myself each day and with each encounter and relationship I have. I hope I never experience a hurricane. I hope my two nieces grow up to be raging feminist liberals (which would drive their father crazy!) I hope I never have gray hair.

Jim Morrow

I am the Director of Youth and Program Ministries at St. Marys United Methodist Church, in South Georgia. After teaching drama for two years in the public high school, I could no longer deny my call into full-time ministry. I have an intense passion to communicate the relevance and importance of the Gospel to our diverse society.

I just celebrated my 6 month wedding anniversary, so I have virtually no experience with women! My wife, Amanda, is a wonderful lady and she brings me more joy than I could have ever imagined. The other day, Amanda told me that she wanted to have a baby. So, I got her a new puppy instead! All kidding aside, we plan to have children in a few years, but we want to spend some time nurturing our marriage first. Amanda and I are excited about where the Lord is leading us in life and we are excited to submit and follow Him!

If you would like to read more, please visit www.myspace.com/jimthemethodist or http://jimmorrow.wordpress.com!

Mary Beth Smith

My name is Mary Beth Smith, I am 24 and have recently graduated with a Masters of Letters in Shakespeare and Renaissance Literature in Performance. Like most people my age I am in search of a job, preferably having to do with my degree….this may turn out to be wishful thinking.

I am originally from Louisiana, I lived there for 22 years, I grew up there, I studied there, I became who I am because of Louisiana. There are things that about the Deep South that I have rejected and things that I have embraced, but in the end I am loyal to the incredibly eclectic and artistic place that I originated.

As far as my future is concerned, one day I plan to open a Shakespeare Theatre company in south Louisiana. But until then I am in Virginia looking for any and all opportunities to make myself a better director, a better educator, a better business owner, and a better person overall…basically I’m just trying to figure out this crazy thing that is life in your 20s.

Rev. Matt Kelley

Rev. Matt Kelley serves as Associate Pastor at Crievewood United Methodist Church in Nashville, TN. He will graduate (hopefully) from Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville with a Master of Divinity Degree in 2007. As of October, Matt will be married to his wonderful fiancee/wife, Jessica.
Matt has written for Youthworker Journal, The Journal of Student Ministries, and The United Methodist Publishing House. In his free time Matt enjoys reading, playing guitar, a good cup of coffee, and the outdoors.

 

 

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