The Metro McKendree District’s “Unsung Heroes & Heroines” Celebration, took place on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at St. Paul’s UMC, in Lakeland, TN.
Two of our Emmanuel members were recognized and honored for their faithful, dedicated service to their church and community.
Emmanuel’s 2015 Unsung Hero is Mike Walker.
Mike serves Christ in many ways through Emmanuel and in the community. He gives of his time and talents as a Stephen Minister and as Chairman of Family Life and Recreation Ministry. He initiates and organizes many fitness events including yoga and walking groups, and he is a community coach for many Memphians.
Mike serves with Mission and Community Outreach events, especially Room in the Inn and Emmanuel Feeds. He also volunteers with all our fellowship dinners and family picnics.
Mike has a witty sense of humor and is grace-filled. He lives his faith openly and honestly. Mike has a true servants heart and lives the great commission to love God and neighbor. He is a joy to know and be with in ministry. We are proud to honor him as this year’s “Unsung Hero”.
Ruby Webb is the recipient of the Ann Willis UMW Service Award.
This award was created to commemorate the legacy of Ann Willis, a faithful member of the UMW at Centenary UMC.
Ruby is an incredible woman of God who has been in the UMW for 70 years. Ruby embodies Jesus’ Spirit of Love, Grace and Generosity with everyone she meets.
Ruby’s commitment to the UMW includes her service as Key Woman for the Women’s Auxiliary, her support of the Neighborhood Center (meetings, Easter Baskets, Thanksgiving Baskets, Christmas gifts), and as Church Health Center liaison.
Ruby’s service to others includes 15+ years working with 20/20 cleaning and testing donated glasses, working with the food pantry, and serving on Emmanuel’s Special Care ministry (to the homebound). Ruby faithfully calls on those who are homebound or ill every day.
She is active with her Sunday School Class (Adult Bible), Ladies Bible Study, Wednesday night fellowship dinners and programs, First Friday Fellowship dinner groups, and Women’s Ministry Retreats. Ruby continues to sing with ‘Noiseful Joys’ as she has done so for 13 years. Ruby also has supported many ministries financially throughout the years.
Ruby is one of those rare women who never utters a negative word about others, whose eyes shine with the love of God, and whose sweet grace-filled spirit is a healing balm in our world. She is a blessing to Emmanuel and a blessing to all who know her.
Dr. Cynthia Davis, superintendent of the Metro McKendree District, presented Mike and Ruby with their awards.
