During the afternoon session, the Rev. Gary Henderson, Chief Relationship Officer for United Methodist Communications (UMCom), joined by video to present the Epikoinonia Award to Derek Leek, conference director of communications.
The award honors and celebrates excellence in communication ministry. It is rooted in the call to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Epikoinonia is the Greek word for “communication.” This Greek word in the Christian context implies connection to community that is deep, intimate, near, before, and after. Where there is no communications, there is no community.
Rev. Henderson’s statement included the following:
“Derek embodies with excellence the spirit of communication ministry. We at United Methodist Communications appreciate your drive toward excellence always. You have elevated the web presence of the North Carolina Annual Conference to one that is studied and emulated by others. You carry the local church in your heart as you engage in communications ministry. Thank God for Derek and all those in the North Carolina Annual Conference who make communication ministry possible. We are grateful for the shared communication ministry of the North Carolina Annual Conference. Thank you. Hallelujah!”