As Peter Plum goes back to work in the world, Gregory Timmons is named new Water Recovery Coordinator in Flint.
It’s been almost a year since the Crossroads District came together over concern for Flint residents suffering from lack of clean water. They addressed that man-made drought with a God-made zeal. Contaminated water meant serious disruption to daily living and the health of church members and their neighbors.
Pastors responded with water collection. The District then hired Peter Plum to organize United Methodists in the city and state. Soon the United Methodist Committee on Relief stepped in with funds and training.
The water crisis continues but the response to it is evolving. The Rev. Paul Perez, Detroit Conference Director of Mission and Justice Engagement and Leadership Development, reports that the focus is shifting from “Water Emergency” to “Water Recovery” in light of the Michigan Area’s commitment to long-term response.
Perez also announced a transition in leadership. August 13, 2016 will be Pete Plum’s last day as Flint Water Crisis Emergency Coordinator. Pete will return to his position as Corporate Solutions Manager with OmniLingua Worldwide. He will be replaced by Gregory Timmons, a Flint resident who has been active in grassroots response to the water crisis.
“I am deeply grateful for all the work Pete has done for the people of Flint,” commented Bishop Deborah Kiesey. “His gifts were precisely what were needed as we responded to the crisis.”
During his time in the position, Pete led the United Methodist response to the Flint Water Crisis by working with congregational leaders to establish Water Resource Centers at each of the Flint UM congregations in the city. These centers distributed filters, water, body wipes, and educational material.
Pete, with the financial support of the Crossroads District Board of Missions, outfitted congregations and parsonages with water filtration units. He organized hundreds of volunteers and built relationships across the nation as he mobilized support for Flint. In the past few months, he has faithfully represented the United Methodist Church in collaborative efforts with non-profit, community foundation, local and national government leaders to develop a community-based Help Center model.
“It has been an honor to work closely with Pete over the past nine months,” Perez said. “On day one Pete hit the ground running and has not stopped. He has been an invaluable support to our Flint churches and a dedicated, recognized, and respected leader in the overall Flint community response.”
Crossroads District Superintendent, the Rev. John Hice, commented on the leadership transition: “Gregory Timmons comes to the Flint Water Recovery Coordinator position with unique skills and a passionate faith that will bless the people of Flint.”
Gregory is the husband of the Rev. Faith Green Timmons and is a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Flint, where she serves as Senior Pastor. Gregory brings a background in marketing, process improvement, and corporate social responsibility. He has been actively involved in the community-based response to the Flint Water Crisis.
“He will pick up where Peter leaves off with grace,” Hice added. “Gregory brings notable expertise and experience as a strategist and leader in both church and business circles. I am thrilled that he will lead us in this effort.”
Last Updated on August 9, 2016