Naomi Sea Young Wittstruck will be leaving her position as the Leadership Development Minister (LDM) for Social Justice & Mission at the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church on July 16, 2013. Naomi Sea Young has been an LDM since April 2008 and has been instrumental in growing our outreach and advocacy ministry by encouraging, resourcing, and educating local churches about the social justice issues in our communities and beyond.
“It has been a meaningful experience and tremendous opportunity to learn and grow with all of you throughout the past five years,” Naomi Sea Young said. “As I have traveled throughout the state, I am consistently inspired by the ministries and community development efforts that our congregations and extension ministries are creating that provide meaningful relationships and incarnational partnerships with people living on the margins of our communities and culture—those who are seeking signs of God’s hope, love, justice, and transformation in a deeply hurting world.”
“It has been a privilege and joy to work with the Leadership Development Ministry team and I wish them the best in this time of transition. It has been a gift to work with each of you and the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church and I wish for you a future filled with grace, peace, and joy. Thank you for the opportunity to serve,” she added
“We will certainly miss Naomi Sea Young’s passion for her work and her ever-present good cheer. Please join me in wishing her much success and happiness as she pursues her new calling,” said Joni Mardesen, the Conference’s Director of Human Resources.