By Rev. Dr. Leo Yates, Jr.
People hugged, long-time friends shared updates, and hands were flying in ASL during the gathering of Deaf Ministries from across the Northeastern Jurisdiction. The board of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Congress of the Deaf – a chapter of the Deaf caucus – hosted their gathering at Grace UMC in Wilmington, DE from June 26-27, 2026, and were welcomed by Karen Miller and Rev. Dr. Leo Yates, the planners of the event.
Image Description: Nathaniel Wright leading the Lord’s Prayer with Rev. VanGilder, Rev. Yates & Rev. Black watching.
The gathering opened with a worship service at the historic church that started with a land acknowledgement, the reading of a letter by Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (the assigned bishop to the episcopal area), while memorializing Deaf and hard of hearing leaders who passed since the last gathering. The worship also honored Rev. Dr. Kathy Black for her contributions to Deaf Ministries from 40 years ago and Karen Miller for her time as president. In addition, to sharing Holy Communion together, the congregation prayed for a Deaf mission team going to the Philippines this fall. According to Karen Miller, “This is wonderful, I’m so glad everyone came.”
Image Description: Rev. VanGilder and Rev. Black and others praying for the mission team going to the Philippines.
The gathering offered two tracks: an advanced workshop in worship for Certified Lay Servants taught by Rev. Jenny Gordon (serving in the Western PA AC) and Pastor Rick Kelly (serving in the Pen-Del AC) and the general track that included holy conversations, strategies for growing Deaf Ministries, evangelism strategies, and prayers. Pastor Kelly was also gifted a Bible and prayed over as the newest Deaf Ministry clergy leader, joining Rev. Dr. Kirk Van Gilder, Rev. Dr. Leo Yates, and Rev. Lisa Holder as clergy serving in Deaf Ministries in the NEJ. According to Pastor Rick’s Facebook post, “To everyone who has believed in me before I believed in myself, thank you.” Rev. VanGilder, who serves in extension ministry at Gallaudet University in the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference, shared insights for how some ASL signs are contextualized and have evolved (as language often does).
Image Description: People anointed & prayed for Pastor Rick Kelly and his servant leadership in Deaf Ministries.
The business meeting included the election of a new board. The new president, Alma Sue Andrews, is a member of Magothy Deaf Church in Pasadena, MD and a new vice president, Carroll Young of Christ Church of the Deaf in Baltimore, MD. The board includes Karen Miller as the past president, Pastor Rick Kelly as the secretary, Robyn Miller as the Outreach Coordinator, and Rev. Yates as the treasurer. At the conclusion of the gathering was a covenant service that engaged everyone’s commitment to Deaf Ministries. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve as the president of the jurisdiction,” said Alma Sue Andrews. Mary Ann Deters, the president of the United Methodist Congress of the Deaf, added, “We look forward to the continued partnership with the NEJ UMCD.” Well wishes were also shared by Bishop Delores Williamston, the assigned bishop to the Deaf caucus and to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee (a partner with Global Ministries).
Image Description: Rev. Kirk VanGilder and Rev. Kathy Black praying for the NEJ Board: Alma Sue Andrews (president), Carroll Young (vice president), Pastor Rick Kelly (secretary), Robyn Miller (outreach coordinator), and Rev. Leo Yates (treasurer).
Image Description: Group picture of participants in the fellowship hall.
* Additional images can be viewed here.