Welcome to the North District

by Carla Whitmire | Jul 20, 2021 | North District Web Page, North District Newsletter

Erna Snukis, LPA, CLM – First UMC, Winslow, AZ

I was born to Norwegian parents – hence the name Erna – in Brooklyn, New York but I grew up in northwest New Jersey with my parents and sister. I was baptized Lutheran but raised Presbyterian. I am still in contact, via Facebook, with one of my former pastor’s wife (he is deceased) and another pastor who is still in service.

My husband Joe who was of Lithuanian heritage – hence the last name Snukis – and I relocated to Arizona in 2002. I started working at my local hospital in 2004 and recently retired after 17+ years. As Joe and I both had previous marriages, between us we had six kids with age ranges this year from 60 down to 37 and we were blessed with two granddaughters, 20 and one year old. Joe passed away this past November. His middle daughter passed in May.

I am an animal lover and since living in Arizona have owned up to four dogs at one time (I only have two now), I had twelve birds (down to three), a bearded dragon and a hedgehog (both deceased), three guinea pigs and one ferret. I would have a zoo but zoning will not let me.

My home church has been Mohave Valley UMC with Pastor Eugene Stouffer. I joined in October 2011 after attending for two years. Pastor Gene asked me to preach for him one Sunday and gave me three months advance notice! I asked if he thought I was ready and he said yes, scary. I preached my first sermon on February 23, 2014. I moved on to become Lay Leader, Certified Lay Servant, and Certified Lay Minister. I was on track for Licensed Local Pastor however Joe’s health declined so I had to step back. But now I am again moving forward and with the patience and guidance of Pastor Gene and the mentorship of Rev. Dan Morley, our District Superintendent, I have reached the first of many future appointments God willing.

Patrick McAvoy, LPA, CLM – Page Community UMC, Page, AZ

Pat was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in the nearby suburb of Berkley. After attending Berkley High School and Oakland University, Pat pursued a career and retired from the United States Air Force, completing 20 years of service in 1997. His second career was in the Clark County School District, retiring after 22 years in 2020.

In 2014, Pat felt the calling to become a Certified Lay Minister. After completing the required course of study and training Pat started his first assignment at First Henderson UMC. During this assignment Pat was asked to provide Pulpit Supply and pastoral care to other churches in the North District. His second assignment to Boulder City UMC proved to be much of the same.

Pat wishes to continue serving the Lord in ministry and strongly believes God has provided great opportunities for him to serve in the United Methodist Church. Pat is married to his wife Priscilla of 43 years and they are looking forward to Pat’s current assignment as Lay Person Assigned at Page Community UMC in Love, Fellowship and Worship.

Stallons, Rev. Judy

Rev. Judy Stallons – Pahrump Valley UMC

Judy is married to Mark Stallons and together they have two sons who blessed them with two daughters and six grandchildren. She is an ordained elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Her background prior to ordination includes serving as a Community Health Educator, registered nurse, and elementary school educator in grades K-4, P.E., and Music.

Judy has a passion for mentoring others in what it means to be a disciple-making disciple of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. She has traveled to Israel, Egypt, Australia, China, and Kenya giving her a global perspective on what it means to live as a citizen of the kingdom of God. Her doctoral dissertation, Following Our Rabbi: Discovering an Apprentice Model of Discipleship, became the foundation of her ministry role today as a retreat leader, speaker, coach, Spiritual Director, and follower of Jesus Christ committed to teaching others what it means to be transformed.

Phyllis Murray, LPA – Pahrump Valley UMC

Phyllis Murray spent 21+ years as a Church Camp Director in Nevada, Alabama, Oregon, Michigan, and North Carolina, 15 years as the Director at Potosi Pines Camp in the North District. She most recently was the North District Lay Leader.

In her leisure time, she enjoys reading, volunteering, Las Vegas Golden Knights ice hockey, and college football. She loves the amazing friends God has blessed her with.

Phyllis has the gifts of Hospitality, Prayer and being Joyful.