By Doreen Gosmire
Oct. 30, 2017

RAPID CITY, SD - Twelve conference communicators spent two days at Storm Mountain Center in worship, learning and fellowship. The goal of the two-day gathering was to increase the level of collaboration among the team of 11 conference communicators.

“We experienced so much synergy from our collaborative work during the 2016 North Central Jurisdiction conference in Peoria. This meeting afforded us space and time to plan for continued and improved collaboration in the future,” said Mark Doyal, director of communications for the Michigan Conference.

Those in attendance were: Paul Black, Illinois Great Rivers Conference, Mark Doyal, Michigan Area, Anne Marie Gerhardt, Northern Illinois Conference, Doreen Gosmire, Dakotas Conference, Karla Hovde, Minnesota Conference, Rev. Art McClanahan, Iowa Conference, Kay Panovec, West Ohio Conference, David Stucke, Dakotas Conference, Tyrus B. Sturgis, United Methodist Communications, Michele Virnig, Wisconsin Conference and Rick Wolcott, East Ohio Conference.

“There’s a lot of talent in our jurisdiction and a lot of innovation that colleagues are introducing to the rest of us across the jurisdiction,” said Rick Wolcott, communications director for the East Ohio Conference. “We are all being challenged in new ways. It’s wonderful to be part of a team of talented people.”

The learning retreat began with opening worship led by Revs. Karl Kroger, Piedmont Grace UMC, Kori Lehrkamp, Box Elder The Bridge and Holly Sortland, Rapid City South Maple UMC. “This place, Storm Mountain, has fed my soul and brought me closer to Jesus. It is here where I first felt my call, even though I ran from my call for many years. This is a magical place where you are surrounded by God’s creation,” said Rev. Kori Lehrkamp, delivering the message at opening worship.

Donovin Sprague Hump, Lakota Sioux author and historian, shared the history of the Black Hills, tribal life and cultural influences of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota.  “We are a people of story. I have a passion for the stories that are the way of life and history of who we are as Native people.” Sprague has authored twelve books. He told attendees about how all parts of the buffalo are used and have been a part of the lives of indigenous people for centuries. He also played flute music, from a flute he hand-crafted. Photo from Rick Wolcott. Donovin Sprague showed the group a photo of his great-grandfather, Hump, and his family.

The group journeyed to Mount Rushmore. It was a first-time visit for most.  Custer State Park was also part of the agenda to see buffalo, antelope, mule deer and prairie dogs.

“Climbing Storm Mountain and seeing Mount Rushmore were highlights for me,” said Karla Hovde, communications coordinator for the Minnesota Conference.

“It was an honor to have our colleagues experience some of the history, culture and landmarks in the Dakotas,” said Dave Stucke, communications associate for the Dakotas Conference.  Photo by Mark Doyal. Rick Wolcott surveys the Black Hills sunrise from the top of Storm Mountain.

The team began planning for communications work at General Conference 2019 and 2020. Tim Tanton and Vicki Brown from United Methodist News Service joined the group via conference call to discern what worked well in 2016 and discuss the setup and processes for the upcoming general conference sessions.

In 2016, the North Central Jurisdiction (NCJ) communicators worked collaboratively to report the happenings of conference in Peoria, Illinois, July 13-16. The collaborative effort allowed a wide variety video, news stories, photos, social media posts and audio to be shared back to each conference. The attendees at the retreat began planning for this type of collaboration for the 2020 NCJ conference to be held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, July 15-18, 2020.

“I loved what we did together at NCJ. Each conference has limited resources. I come solo to General Conference and the North Central Jurisdiction conference,” stated Anne Marie Gerhardt, director of communications in the Northern Illinois Conference.

Bishop Bruce R. Ough, Dakotas-Minnesota Area, spent time in conversation with the communicators. He shared thoughts about A Way Forward and the role of communicators in the episcopal areas and conferences.  “The Commission on A Way Forward is working to provide a direction for the church around homosexuality. We will not find an answer everyone, but we hope to provide unity among the common values we all hold. Even though we have differences we share common values.”

Ough also shared insight about how the conference communicator supports and advocates for the bishops of the Church. “The conference communicator and the bishop work as a team that supports each other with confidence and trust. The team plans out key messages and strategies for communicating those messages.”  Photo by Mark Doyal. Communicators prepare to participate in a videoconference with Bishop Ough from Storm Mountain Retreat Center.

Tyrus B. Sturgis, director of leader communications for United Methodist Communications, provided attendees with an update. “We are developing resources and communications tools around three target populations: leaders, members and seekers,” said Sturgis.

“I appreciated hearing from Bishop Ough. He provided us with great insight with on what is happening with the Commission on A Way Forward and also how to create effective communications that advocate for the general church and the Council of Bishops,” stated Paul Black, director of communications for the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.

Those in attendance shared resources, strategies and tools. Participants were able to ask questions of each other and get feedback from each other on issues, processes and management strategies.

Kay Panovec, director of communications for the West Ohio Conference, has been serving in her conference for one year. “One of the things I am taking away is how this group works as a team and collaborates.  It was also helpful to learn about what is working and not working for people. Specifically, it was great to learn about how each communications department is structured in each of the conferences.”

“Connecting with my colleagues; sharing our experiences was invaluable,” said Michele Virnig, Wisconsin Conference communications director.

Rev. Rebecca Trefz, director of ministries for the Dakotas Conference led closing worship.  “I ask you these three questions as you leave. Why are you doing what you do? What gets in the way? What will you take with you as you leave?”

“This was a time of renewal and learning. It was productive and refreshing,” said Art McClanahan, director of communications for the Iowa Conference.

The group plans to meet in Michigan in 2018 and will meet in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2019.