40th Annual Steel-Hendrix Banquet

Jerry Burns

Jerry Burns has dedicated his life to service, education, and community engagement. With a rich history of involvement in both church and civic organizations, Jerry has made significant contributions that reflect his commitment to faith and fellowship. For eight years, Jerry served on the Insurance Committee and the Conference Pension Board, responsibilities that required his active participation in the annual conference. His leadership was further demonstrated at First United Methodist Church of Russellville through his roles as Chair of the Trustees and of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, as well as serving as the Church Lay Leader.

In the field of education, Jerry taught junior high school students and played a pivotal role in establishing the Covenant Sunday School Class in 1989. As a part-time teacher for the Jerry Burns Covenant Class, he inspired many, leading to the class members voting to rename it in his honor and presenting him with a plaque. Alongside his wife, Nancy, he served for nine years as counselors for the Senior High Youth program once known as Methodist Youth Fellowship, guiding young people in their spiritual journeys. Jerry also took on significant roles in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), serving as the Local Chairman for Russellville High School and Arkansas Tech University, and contributing to the State Board for FCA. His dedication to youth and young adults earned him a place in the Hall of Distinction as a non-alumnus of Arkansas Tech University. Jerry also has a deep passion for biblical education. He has taught a four-week course on the History and Principles of the Methodist Church and conducted a weekly Bible study at the Wildflower Senior Living Facility, sharing his love of the Scriptures with residents. He has also supervised the church's volunteer program, coordinating efforts to visit local hospitals, nursing homes, and homebound members of the community.

Jerry's personal faith has taken him on five trips to Israel, along with his close friend, the Rev. Mackey Yokem.   This bond and his travels have deepened his understanding of his faith and community. Through his tireless efforts, Jerry has left a lasting impact on his church, students, and the broader community, embodying the principles of service and leadership throughout his life.

Jerry will be unable to attend the banquet but will be recognized at First UMC Russellville's 8:30 a.m. worship service on February 9.

Andrea Boston

Andrea Boston has been a dedicated youth pastor at Vilonia United Methodist Church for four years and currently resides in Benton, Arkansas. She is also pursuing her master's degree in social work online at Ohio State University and completing a therapeutic internship with the Second Chance Youth Ranch, both of which she expects to complete in the spring. A 2021 Hendrix College graduate, Andrea has spent several years working with young people in various roles, fostering their growth and development.

“God certainly called her to this work and she had the gifts to do it,” said the Rev. Lauren Delano, who pastored Vilonia UMC when Andrea joined the staff. “Andrea is patient and kind with the youth. She challenges them to be leaders in the church through service at the community food pantry monthly, they help serve at special church events, and they attend ACCYM [Arkansas Conference Council on Youth Ministries] events, which Vilonia had not done in a long time. Andrea is an amazing mentor to these students, their families and the whole church. She has helped kids who feel left out or different to be accepted as their whole selves.”

Under Boston's leadership, the youth group at Vilonia UMC has grown from an average attendance of three students to almost 15, and she works diligently to ensure that youth have a place where they know that they are loved, says the Rev. Chad Hornsby, the church's current pastor.

“She encourages missions through Ozark Mission Project in the Summer and a monthly service Saturday,” Hornsby says. “Both of these mission activities have become key elements of the youths' own identity. Andrea's ministry in the classroom is thoughtful and she shows her own interest in growing spiritually as well as mentoring the students.”

In her free time, Andrea enjoys volunteering, reading, and exploring creative outlets. Andrea has a passion for organization, often found crafting detailed to-do lists and managing her calendar to maximize productivity.