All districts in Iowa were challenged to hold Laity Summits in 2020, and the Central District was the first to hold this new opportunity.
About 30 people joined together at Ankeny First UM Church’s Uptown Campus to listen to speakers, worship together and brainstorm new ways that their local churches could partner together in mission.
“Our goal is to build up the network of our laity,” Central District Lay-Leader Angela Hansen-Abbas said. “God is still God and church is still church, and I’m excited that people want to continue to grow and learn together.”
Speakers included Rev. Dr. Lanette Plambeck, Rev. Dr. Mary Bellon, Lynn Calvert, Brent Gibbons and Rev. Dr. Heecheon Jeon.
Jeon, the Central District Superintendent, discussed the global context that United Methodists function in, especially in education.
“Since we’re a global church, our leadership has to be developed in that context,” he said. “The Laity Summit is a great way to continue that partnership with leaders in our district and beyond.”
To find out more about the Laity Summit and get connected,
contact your district lay-leader.
