WHY I SERVE Recipients of the 2018 United Methodist Women Service Awards talk about what inspires them to serve

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WHY i SERVE

United Methodist Women (UMW) is the largest denominational faith organization for women with over 800,000 members whose mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Members raise up to $20 million annually for programs and projects related to women and children in the U.S. and countries around the world. Each year the UMW of First Methodist recognize and honor members who have served through our church and in the community.

Congratulations to the 2018 UMW Service Award recipients: Rob Harroun, Jan and Mike Steinkamp, Tasha Whitton, Willa Roof and Donna Britt! Thank you for your service and your stories.

Years ago, after my family joined First United Methodist Church, my Mom, Thelma Horton (a very service-minded person), became a member of the “Care Team”. I was just starting a new job so, at that time, service was not a real priority. I wasn’t familiar with the Care Team nor was I aware of Mom’s membership.

Then, one day, I was told that Mom had terminal metastatic breast cancer. I lived with her during the last two years of her illness. We would open her mail and I couldn’t help but notice the many beautifully written cards she was receiving from this Care Team. Then there were the flower arrangements and visits from her Care Team and Rings N Ivy members, some bearing delicious dishes. I began to experience firsthand what the power of prayer and care were doing for us. Despite the devastating illness and the difficult problems she faced, Mom never gave up the hope of returning to the church and her service. Rev. Chris Andrews saw her at the end and said ‘You just look into those eyes of hers and you know she has ‘that spirit’.’

I had to find out who and what this Care Team was. I did and I sought membership and was accepted. Through this wonderful team and other service ministries I was able to give back to others the thoughts, prayers and care given to Mom and I in our time of need. I thank God, our Church, through its service ministries, but especially my Mom and her service for my inspiration to help and serve others. Through this wonderful Team and other service ministries I was able to give back to others the thoughts, prayers and care given to Mom and I in our time of need. WHY I SERVE: THE POWER OF PRAYER & CARE BY ROB HARROUN

TOP: Volunteers from FUMC head out to help others in our neighborhood after the flooding in 2016. ABOVE: Rob Harroun pictured with "Sir Winston."

Igrew up in Harahan, Louisiana where I attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. When I was a young person, I accepted the Lord Jesus into my life as my Lord and Savior. Having a desire to serve my Lord, I participated in all the activities the church offered for the youth and even had the privilege of preaching as a youth participant. Having a desire to work with people, I pursued a career in counseling, receiving a graduate degree from LSU in the field of social work. My career included serving 3 years in the U.S. Army as a social worker. Following this I worked in the field of mental health and addictions both as a clinician and an administrator.

I now enjoy giving on a more personal level. An example is feeling blessed to be able to bring joy into the life of a homebound church member by serenading her on her birthday with my ukulele.

Jan and I had both been widowed and our paths crossed in our field of social work. We married in 2000 at FUMC. It is a pleasure for us to work together on the Care Team as we have for the past 12 years. This team effort enables us to continue serving others and to share the love of Christ. We have learned that simple gestures of kindness can lift another’s spirit, and helps them know that we care about them. We feel a caring and compassionate heart toward others goes along with the teaching of Christ to “love your neighbor as yourself.” –Written by Mike Steinkamp. I grew up attending Grace United Methodist Church in Ruston, La. My mother was a charter member and I participated in and enjoyed all the church related activities. A young, female minister, Rev. Lea Joyner, came to speak to our church about the field of missions. It was her presentation that kindled my desire to help others. This led me to the field of social work. I studied it in undergraduate at La. Tech and pursued a graduate degree at LSU.

I was also greatly influenced by my mother who was so thoughtful and generous towards others. She set the example of giving of herself through visits, cards, food and flowers. I have been blessed to take part in arranging and delivering flowers to people in the hospital and the homebound as part of the Congregational Care Ministry when I learned there was a need for this. My husband Mike occasionally assists me with this ministry as needed. –Written by Jan Steinkamp. We have learned the simple gestures of kindness can lift another’s spirit and help them to know that we care about them. WHY I SERVE: SIMPLE GESTURES OF KINDNESS BY MIKE & JAN STEINKAMP

After retirement, we both enjoy continuing to touch the lives of others. It has also been rewarding to participate in Revive 225, the 2016 Flood Recovery, VBS and the annual Christmas basket ministry. Other opportunities for us to serve have come by way of the homebound and hospital visitation as well as assisting various seniors. We continue to be active members of FUMC’s ministries. Read more "Why I Serve" stories written by the 2018 UMW Service Award Recipients on pages 14-15.

ABOVE: Mike Steinkamp playing his ukulele for a homebound member of our congregation. Jan Steinkamp helping children paint at the craft table during Vacation Bible School.