Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church

Mary Lewis Dassinger

Mary Lewis Dassinger joined the staff as Director of Missions in November 2009.  Mary Lewis recently received a Master of Arts in Religion from Memphis Theological Seminary and is a candidate for ordination as a deacon.

A Word from Mary Lewis
 “All people are of sacred worth.”  I discovered this statement when reading the United Methodist Discipline for a class in seminary.  When I quote it, write it or ponder it, I think about the people in my life.  I look on my husband Sid and two sons, Sidney and Keeton, with great pride.  I also consider my brothers and sisters in Christ who discover their worth through God’s love.  Mostly, I picture those who live at the margins of life—the least, the last and the lost.  I remember the homeless sleeping in church doorways, the millions suffering from HIV/AIDS, and the victims of poverty, natural disasters, human atrocities and disease.  I also envision partnerships with people of other faiths and no faith that see suffering and take action.
 Fortunately, my role as part-time Director of Missions will permit me to be an integral part of a community that unhesitatingly seeks to relieve people’s suffering.  PHUMC has a rich history of serving others on the margins of life by working to meet their direct physical and spiritual needs as well as transforming the social systems that put and keep people there.  This commitment to practicing faith in the community reminds me of another favorite line—“When one suffers, we all suffer.”  I am humbled by PHUMC’s ability to make a difference in the world and grateful for the opportunity to further God’s kingdom on earth with this group of people.
 In seminary and through my past work with agencies and schools that connect community service and learning, I know the difference that self-awareness and social awareness makes.  In the context of the gospel, such understanding allows us to realize our own sacred worth and acknowledge the sacred worth of others.  My hope is that all who participate in the life of PHUMC accept their sacred worth and find a way to pass this truth on to others through service and mission.  Please come by to see me if you need assistance.  I will be in my office most mornings, Monday-Thursday.
Peace,
Mary Lewis Dassinger