Day begins work with Oregon-Idaho Conference
Already in her work as the Director of Connectional Ministries and Assistant to the Bishop, Laurie Day has learned what “other duties as assigned” really means in her job description.
In just her second week in the office, Day found herself putting garbage bags over her legs and wading into a plumbing and sewer situation that temporarily shut down the office.
“When you jump in with both feet you never know what you’re going to get into,” Day said with a laugh. “I appreciate the great team of staff and leaders throughout the conference who are willing to brainstorm, troubleshoot and innovate our next steps”
She’s navigated those waters, while also managing Zoom calls about communications strategies, meeting one-on-one with mission and ministry staff, talking to leaders throughout the Conference – and bought a new house in Portland on top of everything else.
Day comes to the Oregon-Idaho Conference from Denver where she served as the Director of Community and Congregational Engagement for the Mountain Sky Conference of The United Methodist Church.
FAST FACTS ABOUT LAURIE DAY:
Favorite vacation spot: In the mountains
Personal achievement you’re most proud of: Antarctica is the only continent I haven’t visited.
What are you currently reading? “The Last List of Miss Judith Kratt” written by Andrea Bobotis, a friend of mine from Denver.
What do you listen to? I’m addicted to NPR!
Three things you need to make it through the workday: brainstorming partners, wifi and chocolate (in that order).
But Day has had a lifelong connection with the Oregon-Idaho Conference that started while growing up in Caldwell, Idaho, and attending Caldwell United Methodist Church. She was a camper, counselor and staff member at Sawtooth Camp and attended Willamette University in Salem.
She holds a master’s degree in justice and peace studies from Iliff School of Theology and has a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University.
“I’m excited to get to know people in the Oregon-Idaho Conference,” Day said. “This is our opportunity to live into what God is calling us to do and be within our communities.”
Day’s calling has had her reaching around the world. She’s traveled to every continent except Antarctica. She’s been a high school volunteer in mission in Kenya and Tanzania. This led her to full-time mission service with the General Board of Global Ministries in the United States, Northern Ireland, Kenya and Liberia as well as 15 years serving on the World Methodist Council.
She’s still connected as a member of the General Board of Church and Society, a board member of the National Plan for Hispanic Latino Ministry, and has served in the Western Jurisdiction as a member of the Hispanic Latino Ministries Advisory Council and the Interethnic Coordinating Committee.
Day held a variety of staff positions with the Rocky Mountain Conference (now the Mountain Sky Conference), in the last 11 years. She’s worked in the treasurer’s office, then served as the assistant director of mission and ministry before becoming the director of community and congregational engagement.
When Bishop Elaine Stanovsky announced Day’s hiring in April, she explained the two had worked together for eight years when Stanovsky served as Bishop of the Mountain Sky Area.
“I know her deep faith, her competence, and her heart for people on the margins,” said Stanovsky. “She was nurtured and formed by the Oregon-Idaho Conference. It’s great to bring her back home at a time when we are shaping a new future.”