Two Michigan storytellers were among 80 honored by the United Methodist Association of Communicators last week in Portland, Oregon.
UMAC gathers annually for training, networking and recognition of excellence in communication. “Innovation at Work” was the theme of the gathering January 18-20 held in conjunction with the Pre-General Conference Briefing.
The professional association for those working and volunteering in United Methodist communications presented 10 best-in-class awards.
Mark Doyal, Director of Communication for The Michigan Area, took the top honor as the 2015 Communicator of the Year. The Rev. Arthur McClanahan, president of UMAC and Director of Communication for the Iowa Conference, reported that eight nominations for the award were received.
Calling the recipient one who, “works tirelessly to tell the story,” McClanahan went on: “Possessing a cutting edge understanding of ways to communicate effectively and efficiently, our Communicator of the Year has even literally stuck his neck and head outside a car to catch some engaging video. Our honoree is both a visionary and a responsive manager who helps people to appreciate the importance of communication ministry.”
Doyal has guided church leaders in communicating about crises, whether they are the church’s response to environmental disaster or all-too-human controversy. He also has helped conferences move toward unification and helped Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey make the difficult announcement that she planned to retire because of health concerns.
McClanahan quoted Michigan Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, who said, “I can’t recount all the ways Mark has helped this Area. He is a great gift to me personally, to the Area, and to The United Methodist Church.”
Upon receiving the award, Doyal said he was “speechless and humbled.” He recounted the moment he felt called to the ministry of the word on the shore of Clear Lake while shooting photos at Wesley Woods Camp.
“I’ve said this was the hardest job I’ve ever had. It’s also the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” he told his fellow communicators.
In addition to Communicator of the Year Doyal received a 1st Place Award for, “Conversations on the Journey,” a multimedia presentation about the bishop’s listening sessions across Michigan.Kay DeMoss, Senior Editor-Writer for the Michigan Area, shared two awards with Mark: 1st Place Digital Publications/Electronic Newsletter, MIConnect Weekly; and 2nd Place Print Publications/Newsletter, MIConnect Monthly Digest.
“Prayer Transforms Plainwell,” a story written by DeMoss for Michiganumc.org, received a 2nd Place Donn Doten Award of Excellence/Feature Article.
Last Updated on December 27, 2022