2026 Lay Ministry Recognition Awards

The 2026 Laity Ministry Recognition Awards recognizes individuals or ministry teams demonstrating Christ-like ministry that exemplifies qualities of servant leadership. Servant leadership is defined in the Book of Discipline (para. 138) which reads in part, “The privilege of servant leadership in the Church is the call to share in the preparation of congregations and the whole Church for the mission of God in the world. The obligation of servant leadership is the forming of Christian disciples in the covenant community of the congregation. This involves discerning and nurturing the spiritual relationship with God that is the privilege of all servant ministers. It also involves instructing and guiding Christian disciples in their witness to Jesus Christ in the world through acts of worship, devotion, compassion, and justice under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. John Wesley described this as “watching over one another in love.”

Manuel Vargas
Community Outreach, Lay Leader, Butler UMC

Manuel Vargas is a lay leader for the Hispanic and Latino Ministry at Butler United Methodist Church, a member of various committees, a Men’s Walk to Emmaus member and representative at the church, a lay speaker and Bible Study facilitator, and a tech person during Sunday worship. Manuel has also represented our church on mission trips and Helping Hands ministries in the community. Manuel volunteers at our Loaves and Fishes food pantry and helps the Spanish-speaking community. Manuel engages with the community with his peaceful demeanor. Manuel has a unique non-anxious presence that, when he speaks, others listen. He stops at corners, the church parking lot, after work, and in the community, and takes every opportunity to ask people how they are doing and listens for a response. He doesn’t ask the question just because. No matter the answer he receives, he lets people know that he’s happy to help. On mission trips out of state or in the community, he takes the time to pray for people, their families, their households, and the community. Manuel sits at the table with anyone and everyone and quickly makes a new friend.

Cove Service Volunteers
Bob Greenway
Joy Greenway
AJ Granero
Ethan Granero
Scoop Gruver
Doug Moses
Larry Notch
Mary Notch
Helen Vile
Jon Vile
Cape May UMC

Since the summer of 2017, as the waves meet the shore and the sun rises over the water, the 8:00 A.M.
Cove Services remind us of the beauty of worshipping God under the heavens. Behind the calm and
welcoming atmosphere of these beach gatherings is a dedicated team of volunteers who embody what
the Book of Discipline (¶138) describes as servant leadership—leadership modeled after the life and
ministry of Jesus Christ.
The Book of Discipline reminds us that “Christian leaders are called to embody the servanthood of
Christ,” leading not by authority or position but through humility, compassion, and a commitment to the well-being of others. This is precisely what the Cove Services team demonstrates in their ministry each week during the summer months.
This team’s work begins long before the first hymn is sung and continues after the last chair is packed
away. From collecting the chairs, tables, and equipment on Saturday evenings from the church, to setting up on Sunday mornings at 7:00 A.M. and then greeting worshippers with warm smiles, this team serves quietly and faithfully. Their leadership is not about being seen, but about making sure others encounter the presence of Christ through hospitality, community, and worship.
Servant leadership is relational—it grows from love for God and others. This team models that love by working collaboratively, ensuring that each person’s gifts are used for the good of the whole. For
example, Helen leads in organizing the sound equipment and in coordinating music. Bob and Ethan
ensure the necessary equipment arrives on time so the other members can set up promptly. All parts of the “system” work fluidly. The team ensures that older worshippers, especially those with mobility
challenges, are safe and have access to the site. Every role, whether visible or behind the scenes, is vital to the ministry’s success.
Their example extends beyond the beach. Members of the team also engage in leadership in the broader church—helping with worship planning, serving on committees, mentoring youth, and supporting outreach programs. The spirit of service that defines their work at the Cove flows naturally into other areas of church life, demonstrating that leadership rooted in humility and love can transform the entire
community.

Elaine Peete
North Hunterdon Thrift Shop, Clinton UMC

Elaine Peete is the volunteer director of the North Hunterdon Thrift Shop at Clinton UMC. She has
worked hard to bring a strong sense of CUMC’s mission and vision to the shop. Elaine also serves in
many other capacities at Clinton United Methodist Church, assisting in worship, teaching Sunday school, and leading a growing small group.
Elaine manages our thrift shop mission with dedicated service, working with many volunteers who are not members of Clinton UMC.
She also performs math tutoring to the local youth community, typically feeding them cookies and snacks to make learning more fun.

Bette Mayers
Prayer Shawl Ministry, Mini-Food Pantry, Everittstown UMC

As Coordinator of the Prayer Shawl ministry, Bette heads a small team of dedicated volunteers who
create prayer shawls and other items that are distributed to the Hunterdon Medical Center, as well as to anyone in the church family or the community in need of prayer shawls. She also coordinates a similar small team of volunteers who shop and help keep the EUMC Mini-FoodPantry properly supplied. The Food Pantry also receives support from the wider community, who contribute donations of non-perishable food items, as well as non-food items such as paper towels, toilet paper, and shampoos.
Bette is also the Music Director for the Everittstown and Pattenburg churches, in addition to being the Vice President of the Administrative Council for Everittstown. Additionally, she is an active participant in church Zoom Bible Studies.

Ignite Community UMC Women’s Fellowship
Community Care Food Pantry, Ignite Community UMC of Kenilworth

The IGNITE Women’s Fellowship leads through hands-on servant leadership. They manage a small but impactful Community Care Food Pantry, organize monthly outreach preparations (3rd Thursday of each month), and regularly coordinate the assembly and distribution of care kits for families. Their consistency and initiative have inspired others to join in acts of compassion and generosity.
The women live out their faith by serving 20–25 families monthly with food, toiletries, and emotional care.
Some even use their personal pension income to buy extra food and PetSmart gift cards for families with pets. Their work demonstrates faith that is both practical and deeply compassionate.
They guide through example—embodying compassion by serving others with dignity and care.
They demonstrate devotion and justice by remembering each family personally—calling, texting, and
giving cards with every food package.
They show that worship can be expressed in preparing and caring—turning everyday acts into sacred
service.

Linda Anderson
Servant leadership to Montville UMC, Montville UMC

Linda Anderson truly embodies the spirit of Christ-like servant leadership in our church community. She leads not by position but by example—always the first to step forward and serve with joy and humility.
Linda faithfully participates in every ministry, event, and program, offering her time and heart wherever help is needed.
She leads the Wednesday Faith & Fellowship small group, guiding others with wisdom, warmth, and
deep faith. Her passion for outreach is evident as she eagerly joins in every opportunity to share God’s love beyond the church walls. Within our congregation, Linda is known for her caring presence and nurturing spirit—many describe her as “the mother of our church family.”
Each Sunday, she lovingly prepares the fellowship time after worship, ensuring that everyone feels
welcomed and valued. Through her servant heart, Linda reflects the love of Christ and inspires others toserve with the same grace and dedication.

Linda Babcock
Faithful Fingers/Linda’s Hats for Hope, UMC at Absecon

Linda has been a quiet church leader for decades. She currently serves on the Mission Committee, on
Church Council, on Sunday School staff, in the Senior Choir, and for the past several years as Church
Treasurer, which takes special knowledge and talent. She leads Linda’s Hats for Hope, and co-leads
Faithful Fingers.
It’s also important to note that these two related ministries are laity inspired and laity implemented. This is a ministry that runs all year, every year. They did not even shut down because of COVID. During COVID lockdown, people created their items at home, and then during good weather gathered outdoors to meet together. They practiced contactless drop off/pick up to make certain that those in need were taken care of.
In 2009, Linda and another AUMC friend (Sue Reitmeyer) started Faithful Fingers merely as a time to gather with other fiber arts friends for fellowship. It wasn’t long before they began creating beautiful prayer shawls. Shawls were given to anyone (whether part of AUMC or not) who needed some comfort, warmth, and love.
After Superstorm Sandy in 2012, a Faithful Fingers offshoot formed called Linda’s Hats for Hope. The purpose was to provide warm hats, scarves, gloves, etc. for those in need. Linda began giving these handmade items to local ministries.
Soon word spread and individuals who were not connected with AUMC began donating their handmade items to Linda for distribution. Then she began receiving things in the mail. Boxes for her regularly arrive from both individuals and crafting groups from Florida to New England. She often marvels that people would pay high shipping charges in order to send their handmade items to her. They ship them to Linda because they know she diligently seeks out avenues for the hats, gloves, and scarves to reach those who need them most.

Todd Hickman
Corinthian Food Pantry and Church Outreach, UMC of Mantua

When Todd became our Outreach Chair a couple years ago, there were about three families using our
food pantry and a few individuals anonymously using our outside box. The pantry was supplied through donations from the congregation. Under Todd’s leadership, our pantry now serves 35 families and we have two outside cabinets that get regular use (available 24/7). He expanded the list by contacting the nurses in our local school district to obtain contact information who struggled with food security. He emailed all of them to invite them to the pantry. He also expanded the means of stocking the pantry by securing a monthly delivery of food from the Rural Development corporation at no cost. He has also secured 3 freezers and a refrigerator for perishable and frozen food. Through Todd’s leadership, we also are now supplied with diapers and wipes to provide for families with babies and toddlers.
Todd was a “one man show” when he started. He has built a team of about 10 people who are now a part of the Corinthian cupboard ministry. He is going to be facing some surgery and he has led the team to cover for him while he is out.
Todd also leads our Tuesday morning women’s community Bible Study.
He is the Vice-president of our United Methodist Men and has re-vitalized the ministry and it has grown in number.