United Methodist Endorsing Agency

24 days left to register!! Get in while the getting is good!!

For all current endorsed UMEA clergy and a spouse (spouse not required). Registration link is in the chat. Must be registered by 25 Sept.

Chaplain Meeker is a UMEA endorsed Army Chaplain currently serving at one of the highest levels possible within the Pentagon. UMEA clergy are everywhere!

IWP Alumna Spotlight: CH (COL) Karen Meeker, U.S. Army - The Institute of World Politics The first woman chaplain to serve in Special Operations and the first woman chaplain jumpmaster, Chaplain Karen Meeker came to IWP for a U.S. Army War College

UMEA hosted a San Antonio area dinner at St. Matthew's UMC for endorsed clergy, spouses and other stakeholders. The evening led to great connections within the endorsed community and highlighted all the ways UMEA is working to ensure our identity remains strong.

Not only does UMEA Director, Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy meet UMEA clergy in their work settings, he also meets (when invited to do so) with supervisors of UMEA clergy. He is pictured here with Rev. Leah Gunning Francis of Indiana University Health (Indianapolis, IN). She is the senior VP and chief mission & values officer for the health system. They discussed the importance of clergy endorsement and maintaining a healthy and helpful relationship with the endorsing body.

From Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy: "What an honor and privilege to be asked to do some of the training at the recent BOM Mid-Quadrennial gathering at Peachtree Road UMC in Atlanta. I led a session entitled, "How to Deal with Knuckleheads: Conflict Transformation." The future of the church is bright because of leaders such as these!"

UMEA Director Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy did a site visit to Indiana University Hospital in Indianapolis, IN where he heard from UMEA Administrator Chaplain Robyn Axel-Adams learning all the ways she solidifies the spiritual health of staff, students, patients and families. UMEA clergy are everywhere!

UMEA Director, Rev. Dr. Kent A. Lundy visited Navy Chaplain Gwynne May aboard her "parish" of the USS Essex (LHD 2) in San Diego. To Kent's far left and right are two more UMEA Navy Chaplains stationed in the area: John Miyahara and Gen Clark. **Please note: this picture was taken before the guidance changed in how chaplains are to wear their rank.**

Orris Kelly was the last United Methodist Army Chief of Chaplains. After retirement from the Army, Kelly became GBHEM's Associate General Secretary for the Division of Chaplains and Related Ministries (back when we were a division). At the beginning of his tenure, the endorser’s office moved from Washington, DC to Nashville. In 1985, he left GBHEM to become the Vice President of Pastoral Service with the Hospital Corporation of America. He was an alumnus of Kansas Wesleyan University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and a strong supporter of United Methodist education.

UMEA joins in all those praying for the Eternal rest of this faithful servant and for his family as they pass through the valley of the shadow of death.

Chaplain Major General Orris E. Kelly U.S. Army, Retired Obituary | Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home | Manhattan, KS View Chaplain Major General Orris E. Kelly U.S. Army, Retired's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 3 tribute posts from the community.