North Alabama Conference Honors 2026 #BeUMC Award Recipients

North Alabama Conference honored its first #BeUMC Award recipients at the 2026 Annual Conference, recognizing individuals and a congregation that embody the United Methodist Church’s mission. The awards, presented in partnership with United Methodist Communications, celebrate those who exemplify the denomination’s vision of loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading courageously. More than 20 annual conferences participated in the initiative this year.

The 2026 North Alabama recipients include Rev. Elizabeth Crosby, a clergy member; Mollie Stewart, a lay person; and Birmingham First United Methodist Church. Crosby, pastor of Long Memorial UMC in Cordova, was nominated more than any other clergy candidate. She was appointed senior pastor in July 2025. Rev. Suzanne Katschke, Executive Director of New and Renewing Churches and co-pastor of Heritage UMC in Madison, presented the award, highlighting Crosby’s impact on her community.

Katschke described Crosby as someone who has built trust with individuals who had never felt heard, welcomed children and youth into the church, and engaged with families in the community. She emphasized Crosby’s commitment to the poor and mental health, noting her dedication to connecting people with the help they need. Katschke also referenced John Wesley’s words to describe Crosby’s influence, stating that she has “loved boldly even when she’s had to make sacrifices. She has served joyfully even in the hard days. And she has led courageously in ways that seasoned clergy might even have struggled a little bit.”

Mollie Stewart, a longtime member of Mount M

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