The Robert B. Steelman Methodist History Award: Rick Krassow, Friendship UMC
Sponsored by the Commission on Archives and History to recognize the best overall church history within The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey this year.
Rick Krassow is the historian of Friendship UMC in Monroeville. He spent more than 20 years researching and confirming the church’s history, including an accurate list of the pastors appointed to the church and anticipates the celebration of the church’s 250th anniversary in five years. Rick has been a member of the United Methodist Church for 30 years, serving on various committees and positions, teaching Sunday school and serving as lay speaker. He is the fourth generation of his family to attended Friendship Church.
The Multi-Media Church History Award: Marie Mahler, Midvale UMC
Sponsored by the Commission on Archives and History to recognize the best overall multi-media church history within The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey this year.
Marie Mahler grew up in West Milford. She received a B.A. in Linguistics from Montclair State University and later attended the Latin American Institute in New York City, receiving a diploma for International Trade. She met her husband, Dan, after college. They settled in Wanaque, not far from where they both grew up and raised three children. Marie is a genealogy “fanatic.” She has discovered that her father’s people came to the U.S. in 1765 and that she has Methodist roots on both her mother’s and father’s side. Through doing genealogy, Marie has become involved in local history. She belongs to several historical societies and is the treasurer and historian for the Midvale UMC.
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award, Laity: Judy Colorado, Emanuel UMC
Sponsored by The Foundation for Evangelism to recognize a clergy member, lay person or a youth pastor who has an outstanding personal evangelism ministry.
Judy Colorado is a member of Springfield Emanuel UMC in Springfield. She grew up in the Philippines and was inspired by her family’s faith heritage at a young age. A registered nurse, Colorado has been a respected lay leader in her congregation, serving as a role model for children, youth, young adults and elders through her transformational, servant leadership style that models Christ in her interactions with an inclusive, collaborative spirit. She is a member of the Connectional Table, the Board of Laity and the Council of Finance and administration. She is also serving as a lay delegate to Jurisdictional and General Conference.
The Harry Denman Evangelism Award, Young Adult: Megan Gallagher, Jackson UMC
Sponsored by The Foundation for Evangelism to recognize a clergy member, lay person or a youth pastor who has an outstanding personal evangelism ministry.
A devoted Christ-follower, Gallagher will be graduating from Messiah College this spring with a B.A. in Elementary Education. She has used her gift of teaching at Jackson UMC where she has held leadership positions at summer Sunday school classes, VBS for seven years and summer camp programs for children in the community. Gallagher has served as one of the childcare providers at both Bishop’s Clergy Convocation and Annual Conference for several years.
Helenor Alter Davidsson Award: Fran Noll
Sponsored by the Commission on The Status and Role of Women (COSROW), to recognize a women who demonstrates vision, passion, resilience, sense of purpose, inclusiveness, perseverance, and a willingness to work with and stand for the status and role of women in ministry.
Rev. Fran Lawrie Noll was the 13th woman ordained in GNJ. She was ordained a deacon in 1979 and an elder in 1982. She served churches in Buttzville, Free Union, First Church Arlington in Kearny, Archer UMC in Allendale, and Bishop Janes in Basking Ridge. She also served as Superintendent of the Northern Shore District. Noll is passionate about the homeless and those in need. She is a member of the Somerset County Food Bank and continues to serve the poor at food banks and soup kitchens. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.