STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT:
ABBEY REED, DIRECTOR OF NEIGHBORING
The Director of Neighboring provides leadership for the missional outreach in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and spaces and places beyond our neighborhoods. The first year of this position is underwritten beyond our budget. Program funds will be granted as ministry expands throughout the year.
Responsibilities:
- Work alongside all staff and lay leaders to equip and mobilize the congregation to be more fully present with neighbors engaging within the walls and outside of the church.
- Serve as a liaison to the University of New Mexico Wesley Foundation to inspire, train, and equip young adults for social witness and service.
- Being the primary advocate for educational and social witness purposes.
- Develop relationships with city and county staff to more fully understand the problems and opportunities for our neighbors' common health and wealth.
- Collaborate with faith communities, non-profit organizations, and social service organizations.
- Educate congregations and diverse audiences on creating and cultivating a community culture where justice, mercy, and compassion are primary values for all our neighbors.
- Participate in creating and sustaining local outreach ministries, apartment communities, adopting schools, city government, and non-profit organizations.
- Available for weekly office work, including some nights and weekends for services, outreach, and training events.
- Assist the United Women in Faith administratively with regular monthly and yearly responsibilities.
Introduction to Abbey Reed: After living and working in Mexico for 16 years as an international sports chaplain, Abbey comes to Central United Methodist Church as the Director of Neighboring. Her time in Mexico led to many experiences, including attending three Olympics and other world games. She also was part of an initiative to bring the first Spanish Braille Bible into the Republic of Mexico. She has had the privilege of working with people from around the globe who have become lifelong friends. Her time in Mexico created a passionate heart to serve her community and a desire to offer compassion to others. Originally from Wyoming, Abbey is happy to call New Mexico her new home. Upon returning to the USA and landing in Albuquerque, Abbey worked with ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative, where she worked in various capacities as the Director of Housing and Homelessness, the Interim Executive Director, and the Program Director. Working for ABQ FaithWorks allowed Abbey to learn about systemic issues that cause people to experience homelessness and built a greater empathy for Newcomers in our city. Her time with ABQ FaithWorks grew in a conviction that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and care. Abbey enjoys nature, being active with her dog, loom beading, and spending time with friends and family.
Abbey starts July 16 and will be introduced in worship on July 21.
| 
