Meet Monique...
As a mom, wife, pastor, daughter, granddaughter, ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, and so on, I answer to a lot of different titles. But, this one is one of my favorites as it seems so fitting for my journey.
As a Pastor and Character Education and Bible teacher at my children’s school, I was addressed in this way a few years ago by a friend of my son Teddy. This little guy had forgotten my name. But, he knew I was his friend’s Mom. So, in that moment, I was dubbed Pastor “Teddy’s Mom.”
This title has so much truth to it as my identity as a pastor at local United Methodist church where my children attend elementary school lives out its day to day. Weekly adventures are known to include leading chapel while one of my kids “home from school with the germ of the day” plays video games behind the pulpit, and running back and forth between our house and the church at least once every day of the week as we worship, serve, attend school, play sports, and inevitably forget something in my office.
MY STORY INCLUDES
…my husband Ryan whom I’ve known since middle school. We started dating senior year of high school when I asked him to the homecoming dance. He turned me down at first for a fishing tournament. (I know… Right?) But, thankfully, I talked him into it and we’ve been by each other’s side since.
Together we have two amazing boys whom I love more every day. Teddy, our older son, is our little turtle who goes about life in his happy, steady pace. Teddy was diagnosed a few years ago with low working memory and slow processing. His heart is as big as his eyes are blue. We are so proud of the young man he is becoming.
More like a squirrel than a turtle, our younger son Matt is funny, compassionate, and spirited. Matt was just recently diagnosed with ADHD and we are learning what that means for our family. With the right tools, Matty will surely do great things in this world.
I find myself continually inspired challenged, encouraged, frustrated, and amazed by this adventure of motherhood. Who knew it would take every bit of love, patience, gentleness, and all those other fruits of the spirit to bring up these little people? But, I love them beyond measure and I’m so blessed to be their mom.
MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Ministry with children and families is my heart and I’ve been serving in churches throughout Florida as an Ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Currently, I serve as Pastor of Schools and Families at Christ Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I love bringing the biblical story to life in creative ways, sharing God’s grace and love, and introducing children and families to the beauties of worship and the liturgical seasons. I also love sharing some of my interfaith background and traditions as a child of a Jewish Dad and Christian Mom.
I LOVE
I love all things crafty. I have a small addiction to chalkboards and the color aqua. It is a neutral in my book and can be paired with any color.
Pinterest boards, books on Christian education, and coffee are my bosom friends. Flip flops are my everyday footwear of choice. I’m known to rescue stray dogs and furniture. I love to cook and bake.
Though, we have a habit of ordering tacos and pizza a little more than I’d like to admit. Ministry and two kids with learning and behavioral differences gets in the way of homemade meals and clean floors sometimes. But, that’s okay. I’m learning to have patience with myself and breathe. Amen?
Florida Conference Children's Mission Study
Managing Our Emotions - a children's study
The United Methodist Women present this study as we work to live out our vision, in part which states "faith, hope, and love in action on behalf of women children and youth around the world."
This study is based on the book Managing Our Emotions, by Dr. Trudy Rankin.
We feel that our witness to the most vulnerable segments of our society, our children, is very much needed at this time. This text, written long before the pandemic, focuses on anxiety and stress children are encountering and is quite timely.
Below are the links to all 4 sessions of this study:
Session 1 - Learning About Our Feelings
Session 2 - Anxiety and Sadness
Session 3 - Fear and Frustration
Session 4 - Finding Power and Helping Others
This study is designed for Elementary age children (Pre-K to 5th grade). It also can be modified for rising 6th graders.
Should you have any questions, comments or feedback, please email Judith Pierre-Okerson, UMW Florida President at judithpierreokerson.umw@gmail.com.
2020-2021 Program Book
Knitted Together for God's Good Work United Methodist Women
Knitted Together for God's Good Work explores how we as children of God are joined and linked together into the whole body of Christ. Even at times when social distancing or other obstacles may keep us physically apart, we are knit together in community to transform the world.
