Hello! My name is Bailey Brawner, and I’m so excited to be serving as the Tuell Center intern this spring.
I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and am a member of Saint John UMC, where I’ve attended my whole life. Church was always a huge part of what I did, often spending hours there after school or on Sunday mornings. My mother is the youth pastor at that church, making it even easier for me to be involved.
When I graduated high school, I packed up and moved to Dillon, a tiny town in western Montana to become a teacher. The summer after my second year of college, I came back home to be an intern at Saint John. My pastors asked me to preach one Sunday, something I was hesitant to do, but agreed anyways. When I shared my message, I felt God telling me that this was what I was supposed to do with my life; be a pastor.
So here I am now, graduating in May with a teaching degree and a semi-clear road to follow. I am discerning and learning, making my way through the candidacy process, and making plans to attend seminary in the fall.
Being at the PNW Conference Office is giving me another viewpoint of ministry. Because I’ve done most of my work in the local churches, it has already been so beneficial to take a step back and see the inner-workings of the Methodist Church. I can’t wait to see what else I get to discover while working here in Washington.
I’m excited for the new things this season holds, and to growing closer to God in the process! So, if you find yourself at the Conference Office, stop by and say hi!
Bailey Brawner: Welcome to the Pacific Northwest Conference Tuell Center. My name is John Shaffer and while we may not have met, we have connections. I was a pastor in Alaska from 1962 to 1995. I never served St. John, but I was around when it was being formed. One of my unfunny jokes is that the church was named after me. Not really.
Having served there for 33 years, it is a big part of my life. My wife and I returned to Juneau in December to participate in the celebration of 40 years for the Northern Light United Church. In April we will go to Sitka to celebrate 50th years for that church. Any excuse to return to Alaska works for us.
Hopefully our paths will cross while you are here. My role as “Minister to the Retirees” brings me to the conference office from time to time. When I am there, I will check to see if you are in your office. Again, welcome.