Diversity Celebration 2008

Jackie Watson Receives Diversity Award

Three times Jesus asked Simon Peter, "Do you love me?" Three times Peter replied, "Lord, you know that I love you. " And Jesus said, "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17, paraphrased)

In her life and work, Jackie M. Watson embodies the good shepherd. Quietly and prayerfully, she has served the people of Saint Mark and the surrounding community for many years. In an age that gives much lip service to "servant leadership," Jackie has been that servant leader. Day in and day out, she has kept at her very heart all those around her even when times have been personally difficult for her. She has never sought any praise, recognition, or reward.

Here are just a few examples of her leadership. At Saint Mark, Jackie has organized and led a team of Saint Markers each summer on the Appalachian Service Project as they work to improve and rebuild housing and extend the arms of fellowship and love to our neighbors in need. Teammates even call her "ASP Maw." As one of our church lay leaders she has listened, counseled and given guidance to our church. She works with our senior members to make sure that they are able to attend services and events and continue being a vital part of our community.

Beyond the local church, Jackie has served as one of our delegates to Annual Conference for seven years. She also serves as an Associate District Lay Leader for the Atlanta Emory District and has been instrumental in helping local lay leaders in the district work together, often hosting the group at Saint Mark Wednesday night suppers.

As she goes about all these tasks, Jackie witnesses to God's inclusive love and the strengths we draw from embracing diversity. Like Saint Francis advised, she "preaches" the love of Christ for all ...and when she has to, she uses words. Earlier this year, for example, at the conference listening sessions before General Conference, Jackie (with other Saint Markers) shared her story about God's inclusive love and urged the larger church to work for full inclusion of the LGBT community. This effort is just part of her continuing witness. In 2004, for example, she went to the General Conference in Pittsburgh to add her presence to the Common Witness for full inclusion of all people in the life of the United Methodist Church.

These are just a few of the ways within the church that Jackie works to care for all God's lambs. Her life and work beyond the church embodies that same love. In her "day" job, for instance, she is a Manager for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. There too she works to ensure that the skills and gifts of all are recognized and effectively used.

These are just a few of the ways that Jackie Watson embodies the spirit of love and empowerment that we recognize with the 2008 Saint Mark Diversity Award.