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Jenna Purdy Education Attending Duke Divinity School. Graduated from Texas A&M University with Bachelor of Arts in in creative writing/theatre arts with a business minor.
The Call I first felt the call to ministry when I accepted Christ (or “when my heart was strangely warmed,” as John Wesley describes it) on June 28, 2000 at the age of 13, during a weekend youth retreat held by La Vernia UMC. At that time, I wasn’t prepared to commit to full-time ministry— especially given my firsthand knowledge as a pastor’s kid—but Harlingen First UMC and the youth group there played a major role in preparing me to accept my call. It was during my time there that I truly began to grow in my relationship with Christ, to grow as a disciple. The summer after my high school graduation, I realized I could no longer imagine working outside the United Methodist Church.
Hobbies Reading; writing; playing card and/or board games; spending time with my family and friends; babysitting my niece and nephew; photography; graphic design; watching entirely too much television (usually sci-fi); deconstructing plot arcs, character development, and dialogue; remembering generallyuseless trivia; and quoting movies.
Family My dad, Steve, is an elder in the United Methodist Church and is currently serving as the Austin District Superintendent in the Southwest Texas Conference. My mom, Vickie, is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She works with a non-profit in Austin called My Healing Place, which focuses on providing healing and help for individuals in times of grief, trauma or loss, regardless. I have a sister, Alicia, who is three years older than I am. She graduated from Texas A&M Corpus Christi with a dual-degree in music performance and business administration. She and her husband, Eddie, have two children named Sofia (age 4) and Dylan (2).
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Westbury United Methodist Church
5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, Texas 77096-5298
Westbury
Main Office: 713-723-0175 United Methodist Church
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 7821 Houston, Texas
WestburyUMC.org
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Westbury United Methodist Church
Bravo, teachers! by Susan Edge, Day School Director
T
his year marks a significant milestone for Karen Ewing and Westbury Methodist Day School. For the past 25 years, Karen Ewing has faithfully served Westbury Methodist Day School and Mother’s Day Out in many capacities. She began in 1986 as the Day School Spanish teacher. In 1992, Karen assumed additional responsibilities by working part-time as office assistant. Karen’s family moved to The Woodlands for a few years, and then in 1995, the Ewing family returned. In 1997, Karen accepted her current positions as Day School Assistant Director and Mother’s Day Out Director. Karen’s efficiency and organizational skills keep the office running smoothly. Karen’s genuine love for children is evident to all who know her. Her gentle approach with toddlers and 2’s makes her the perfect for the job. Our school’s excellent reputation in the community is due, in large part, to her. Thank you, Karen, for your part in maintaining a standard of excellence for Westbury Methodist Day School over the past 25 years. interview with sossiena Sanders by martha upton
What subject do you teach? I teach chemistry at Milby High School. What’s the most fulfilling part about your work? When I see kids getting excited about science, especially chemistry. Also when they recognize and appreciate the fact that chemistry is all around them not just in class. How do you see your profession as connected to your faith? I try to practice my faith for every child in every class. Being a Christian means being patient, helpful, polite and open-minded and that’s what I try to do. Some
Clockwise, starting at left: Kay Kubena receives Houston ISD’s Secondary Teacher of the Year 2013 award for teaching mathematics at Bellaire High School. Karen Ewing has served Westbury Methodist Day School/MDO for 25 years. Another Westbury UMC member, Sossiena Sanders, who teaches chemistry was recognized as Teacher of the Year 2013 for Milby High School.
days are easier than others. Some kids are more challenging than others but, all in all, I love each one of them as if they are my own. I feel that teaching was my true calling and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work with some extraordinary students.