Article Archives: Message from Patricia Magyar, New Executive Secretary of Health & Welfare I greet you with excitement and anticipation, as I begin my work in the Health & Welfare Unit of the General Board of Global Ministries. I have been a life long United Methodist, and have served in the local congregation as a Licensed Local Pastor and working in outreach and mission ministries. In my work in the local church, I have had a deep interest and empathy for those less fortunate than I. As my husband, Sarg, is an ordained Methodist clergy, I have assisted with worship, visitation, Vacation Bible School and youth ministries. I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana and graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. With the nursing and ministry background and a desire to serve others, I returned to school two years ago. In August of 2006, I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Masters of Public Health Degree. In my position as Executive Secretary of Health & Welfare with the General Board of Global Ministries, I am responsible for the following ministries: people who are Deaf, late-deafened, hard of hearing or deaf-blind; the developmentally disabled; older adults; persons with HIV/AIDS; and Congregational Health. I look forward to the work in each one of these ministries and know that I will learn more from you than I can give. In my first year, I hope to network and advocate for each ministry so that Methodists all over the United States and the globe will become more aware of the work and support that needs to be done in these areas. My prayer is that as we work together we make a difference. ©2009 by UMCom - Design by Pearson Web Design Return to Ministries page