Meet Pastor Mary Hurmence
Education
BA - Hamline University, 1972
MDiv. - Duke University Divinity School, Durham NC, 1975
Appointments
1996 - 2004 - Winona: Central UMC
1989 - 1996 - Stewartville: First UMC
1988 - 1989 - Minnetonka UMC
1981 - 1988 - Faribault: Hope / Prairieville
1978 - 1981 - Lake Harriet UMC (Associate)
1975 - 1978 - Winona: Inmmuel and Stockton
Call to Ordained Ministry:
My calling to ministry remains very alive in my life. I have found that each appointment, and each year of ministry, reveals a new aspect of my call to serve Christ through the church. I have a strong commitment to the local church, and have focused much of my tirne and energy to the setting where I arn appointed to serve. I experience life, meaning, and joy in my ministry. I can't think of doing anything else with my life! This is what God wants me to be doing!
Vision for the Church:
I believe the church is the body of Christ in the world. As the body of Christ, there is room for all persons who seek to grow in relationship to Christ. The church needs to be an inclusive community, where each person may grow in his/her relationship to Christ. The church's mission is to form disciples and to send disciples into the world to share God's good news. My dream for the church is to be an exciting, active conununity of faith that is an inviting place for everyone to live out his/her faith in Christ.
Worship:
For the most part, I follow the liturgies of our church. I use the lectionary as a basis for my preaching. I try to give people a message that will provide spiritual nurture for their daily lives. I enjoy using all forms of music in worship - contemporary to traditional. I seek to include children, youth, and laity in worship, enabling others to take leadership in this area.
Faith Formation:
I believe this is a very critical area for the future of the church. Children's and Youth ministries are critical to the passing on of the faith to the next generation. I am a strong advocate for these areas in the life of the church. I have worked hard at Central Church to see that these areas are developed, by putting staff and resources in place to enable this ministry, and helping the church realize the importance of this area. I also am discovering gifts for adult faith formation in small groups.
Mission/Ministry:
I seek to provide opportunities for persons to be in mission whether as a mission trip away from the community or as part of the local community. I am committed to seeing that apportionments are paid. This is the first level of mission. I also believe that it is important to provide opportunities to give to specific mission projects. Therefore, I seek to work with the mission / outreach committee to give priority to this vital area in the church life.
Evangelism/Church Growth:
I seek to help the church that I serve to be an inviting church. This means that all persons are welcome. Creating a welcoming, inviting spirit is critical to church growth, as well as providing meaningful programs that reach out to person's needs today. By providing a variety of places for people to connect in the church: lively worship, small groups, programs for children and youth, mission opportunities, etc., I believe the church will grow and become stronger in the future.
Team Building:
This is 'a growing and exciting area of ministry for me. I do not see myself as the "boss" or "CEO" of a church, but as a coach, or team leader. By working together with other staff and lay leadership coaching and giving persons the freedom to develop their programs and ministries, we empower one another to discipleship. In order to achieve this, we must develop trust, clear fines of communication and feedback, and a clear understanding of each other's roles.
Conflict Management:
Whenever there is conflict, it is important to listen, not to take sides, and follow a process for resolution. Family systems theory has been an invaluable tool for me in understanding and dealing with conflict. I also believe that it is important not to rush to a "quick fix" of the problem but to take time, to pray, and to seek God's guidance as to how to handle a conffict.
General Administration:
I believe I have strong gifts in this area. Having a good "infrastructure" in a local church enables ministry to happen. I also have several years of experience in computer use.
Updated 8/21/2005 jlb
