We are pleased to announce that Barbara Emri of Velda Rose United Methodist Church in Mesa has become the East District’s newest Certified Lay Speaker.
Barbara became a United Methodist in 1977. She began her journey of becoming a Certified Lay Speaker in 2007 while still living in New Jersey. After completing the basic course, she was inspired to continue this study and began taking the required courses that has led to her new title: Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts, You Can Preach, Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, Leading Worship, Leading Public Prayer, and Life Together in the United Methodist Connection. She has been endorsed by her pastor, has preached on Laity Sunday, undergone evaluation of her sermon, was reviewed by the Lay Servant Ministries committee, and is prepared to serve our District when needed.
After moving to Arizona in 2012, she found Velda Rose United Methodist Church and joined in November 2012. She currently serves the church as their Religious Education Coordinator and their Director of Family Life Ministries. She is a member of the church’s Canterbury Handbell Choir and Chancel Choir, serves on various committees, and is the current president of the Velda Rose United Methodist Women. On the United Methodist Women conference level, she is Assistant Dean of Mission u and will assume the position of Dean this coming September.
Outside of the church, Barbara’s time is spent reading, crocheting, gardening, silk flower arranging, and traveling. Her two sisters still reside on the east coast and she visits them whenever her schedule allows.
Please join the East District in welcoming Barbara.
Well done good and faithful servant.