Connectional Katy Lee

Dr. Yolanda Williams is from Gary, Indiana. She's a pastor, activist, educator, long-time Minnesota resident, and is excellent at thinking outside the box. We talk about the loneliness of being black in Minnesota and the unique life of having a police officer as a father. She was a senior lecturer at the University of Minnesota for 24 years and is currently pastor at Glenwood United Parish in Glenwood, Minnesota. She has a fur-baby and a great laugh.

Formerly a pastor at Park Ave UMC, currently serving at First Covenant Church Minneapolis, 

"Rev. Jia Starr Brown's experience in community education, engagement, and outreach encompass more than 20 years.

Trilingual, she has served as a diversity trainer and community educator, continuing to be an advocate for underrepresented and marginalized communities. Pastor Jia's passion to increase accessibility of affordable academic and enrichment opportunities for all youth and families led her to design - and facilitate - more than 160 educational programs in the Twin Cities, receiving a Congressional Award for her service in 2015."

Pastor Jia is married to her incredible wife, Jennifer, and is the mother of five children.

Jia had a bit of a tough time in 2019, which we reference multiple times...if you're wanting to be more in the know about that, you can read the MN UMC Bishop's response here https://www.minnesotaumc.org/newsdetail/bishop-issues-statement-in-response-to-publicity-around-complaint-13143377 

black·ball

/ˈblakˌbôl/

verb

past tense: blackballed; past participle: blackballed


reject (someone, usually a candidate applying to become a member of a private club), typically by means of a secret ballot.


This episode is BIPOC UMC, but it also could be called "blackballed" UMC. Rev. Dr. Regenia Garrett has had much experience with this phenomenon, but has also learned what it means to love people even when they treat her poorly.



Genia has been in pastoral ministry for 28 years and preaching/teaching as speaker and evangelist since a teen. Dr. G states that one of the most important part of her life is to exemplify the life and love of Christ in all that she does and says. Born in Montgomery, AL to Deacon and Deaconess Eli and Sarah Garrett (Baptist), Dr. G was faithfully raised in the church – almost literally - 7 days a week. Her passion and love for the Word of God, holy living and teaching truth were formed during those years of church attendance and training.

Rev. Nancy Ellis is on staff at Faith UMC in St. Anthony...our episode with her is waaaay back at the beginning, scroll and you'll find her!

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd by the MPD in our neighborhood, we are giving space for our clergy of color to share their stories and perspective. First up, Shawn Moore: former police officer, current church pastor and Life Coach. This summer Shawn is transitioning from pastoring at the Beloved Church in St. Paul to Associate Pastor-ing at Living Spirit UMC in South Minneapolis. 

You’ve never heard a trio of millennial pastors in conversation quite like this before! Therefore you get a little extra for this quarantine conversation. (You’re welcome) 

This episode has everything: dating as pastors, claiming and naming religious trauma, PlayStation 4, Pokemon, PETA, and a few little things like warlocks, witches and unpacking white supremacy during COVID-19.

About Christian:

Rev. Christian Briones is a first-generation U.S. citizen and a native of Garland, TX. His mother came to this country from El Salvador and his father from Mexico. During high school, he felt the call to ministry and moved to Abilene to pursue a degree in Biblical Studies from Hardin Simmons University. In an effort to build a fresh expression of Christian community, he spent a semester in London with Awaken Church. His Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Sexual and Gender Justice is from Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth. He has been Associate Minister at Mayflower UCC Church in Minneapolis, MN for almost one year now.

Rev. Katie Matson-Daley is interim pastor at First UMC Red Wing, ready to transition to the Beloved Community in St. Paul this summer (presuming the Earth is still standing). Today we talk about all the wobbly-ness and clumsiness of ministry during COVID-season, and she gives us wisdom from someone highly experienced in patiently waiting....waiting...and waiting some more.