louisiana conference

In this episode, we delve into one of the most significant seasons in the church calendar – Christmas. (Yes, we know it's technically Advent) 

In this episode, we're thrilled to visit with Rev. Chad Brooks, the Church Vitality strategist for the Louisiana Conference, with insights on how churches can gear up for Christmas, a time known for its high visitor engagement.

We’ll explore practical tips and innovative strategies to make this festive season both spiritually enriching and welcoming for all who walk through the church doors.

And that's not all – host Todd Rossnagel will be sharing a few social media hacks to boost your church's online presence this Christmas. With these tips, we aim to help you create a buzz on social media that translates into greater engagement and brings more people to experience the joy and community of the season.

Todd's full list can be found here. 

Remember, we always love to hear from our listeners. Whether you have a question, a comment, or just want to share your Christmas preparations, reach out to us at podcast@la-umc.org. We’re eager to hear your stories and insights.

In this installment of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we connect with Rev. Frances Hooton, who serves as the District Superintendent of the Lake Charles Acadiana District within the Louisiana Conference. During this episode, we delve into Rev. Hooton's inspiring journey, her call to ministry, the unique allure of Louisiana as a place for ministry, the complexities of dealing with hurricane-related grief, and the ongoing challenges posed by the post-disaffiliation landscape within The United Methodist Church.

In this episode, Todd references the AC23 logo; you can see that logo below: 

Join us for a conversation with Bishop Delores Williamston, who is set to become the new bishop of the Louisiana Conference on January 1. This is the second of two episodes. 

In this episode, Todd Rossnagel asks Bishop Williamston about what brings her joy and what sabbath looks like for her. We also get a glimpse of her call story, and we also get to meet her pet dog, a Shih Tzu, who has several names!

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Bishop Delores J. “Dee” Williamston, a Kansas Army National Guard veteran, and a Methodist church administrator, was assigned to the Louisiana Conference at the South Central Jurisdictional meeting in Houston on November 3, 2022.

Bishop Williamston was ordained as an elder in 2010 and previously served in the Great Plains Conference as the superintendent for the Hays, Hutchinson and Salina Districts. She also served as Director of Clergy Excellence and Assistant to the Bishop.

Prior to beginning her service with the Great Plains Conference, Williamston served churches in Independence, Salina, Mentor, and Topeka in Kansas. She earned her master’s of divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, with a specialty in Black Church ministries and evangelism. She is pursuing a doctorate of ministry from Philips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bishop Williamston’s background includes a 22-year military career in the Kansas Army National Guard, where she served as a technician and eventually became chief supervisor of the account and finance operations at the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office in Topeka. Her rank upon retirement from the National Guard was sergeant first class.

Bishop Williamston, a breast cancer survivor, has one son, seven grandchildren, and one pet Shih Tzu.

Join us for a conversation with Bishop Delores Williamston, who is set to become the new bishop of the Louisiana Conference on January 1. 

This episode is the first of two.  

In this episode, Todd Rossnagel asks Bishop Williamston about her family, her background, which includes work inside the church as well as military service. They also discuss the historic nature of her election. 

To watch the consecration service from the 2022 South Central Jurisdiction, please head here. 

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Bishop Delores J. “Dee” Williamston, a Kansas Army National Guard veteran, and a Methodist church administrator, was assigned to the Louisiana Conference at the South Central Jurisdictional meeting in Houston on November 3, 2022.

Bishop Williamston was ordained as an elder in 2010 and previously served in the Great Plains Conference as the superintendent for the Hays, Hutchinson and Salina Districts. She also served as Director of Clergy Excellence and Assistant to the Bishop.

Prior to beginning her service with the Great Plains Conference, Williamston served churches in Independence, Salina, Mentor, and Topeka in Kansas. She earned her master’s of divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, with a specialty in Black Church ministries and evangelism. She is pursuing a doctorate of ministry from Philips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Bishop Williamston’s background includes a 22-year military career in the Kansas Army National Guard, where she served as a technician and eventually became chief supervisor of the account and finance operations at the U.S. Property and Fiscal Office in Topeka. Her rank upon retirement from the National Guard was sergeant first class.

Bishop Williamston, a breast cancer survivor, has one son, seven grandchildren, and one pet Shih Tzu.

In this episode of the Louisiana NOW podcast, we catch up with Charles Green, the new director of campus ministry on the campus of Southern University in Baton Rouge. Guest host Rev. Sam Hubbard recently interviewed Charles and explored several topics, such as the history of Southern, what students need today and even cancel culture, and how Christians are to respond. 

For more on their interview, please check out Sam's NP2Cast. 

If you have an interest in the Wesley Center at Southern, please reach out to the Office of Congregational Development and Transformation and someone will be able to connect you; 225-346-1646. 

We also catch up with Rev. Austin Rinehart from McGuire United Methodist Church. On Christmas Eve, McGuire raised a significant amount of money for the Children's Home. Many churches across the connection raise money for the Children's Home; find out what makes this offering unique. 

In the episode, Rick discusses several websites to visit; here are those links: 

https://www.WorkForMethodist.com
https://www.RecruitFosterCare.com
https://www.MCHSELA.com

If you would like to learn more about the Advent Conspiracy, please head here: 

https://adventconspiracy.org/

You can also reach out to Austin by emailing him: austin.rinehart@me.com