This episode of the Louisiana NOW features an interview with Steve Barlow, the new Director of Finance and Conference Treasurer, and Rev. Dr. Van Stinson, the Executive Director of the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. Together, we explore Steve's transition into his role and his connection to the Gulf Coast. Reflecting on his past experiences, Steve shares how his time caring for his mother and a world cruise inspired his career path toward meaningful work in Louisiana. We also discuss the importance of financial stewardship within the Church, discussing the need for adaptive income strategies to further mission work. Steve draws on his extensive business background to highlight the parallels between managing finances in retail and the church.

Clergy will be invited to make a healthcare plan selection during open enrollment beginning October 29 and ending November 13th. Currently, there are six healthcare plans to choose from. Everyone is invited to utilize Wespath's online tool, ALEX. Participants can use ALEX to estimate costs and receive a personalized recommendation for their 2026 HealthFlex elections. ALEX will remain available throughout the Annual Election period (October 29 - November 13) and participants can visit as often as they would like. ALEX will give individuals the option to look up actual claims estimates using their Blue Cross Blue Shield Member ID and group number. This allows ALEX to make the best recomendations related to your plan selection. Your Member ID and Group number are easily found on your insurance card.

Annual Election is your opportunity to choose or modify your HealthFlex coverage for the coming year. With options for medical, dental and vision coverage, health accounts to help you save for medical expenses and a host of award-winning well-being programs, there's a plan that's right for you.

The best way to learn about your 2026 HealthFlex options and to make your selections is to log into Benefits Access. If you don't have access, you can find many of the same helpful resources below. Learn about your plan options, how to make the best choice for 2026, and where to go for additional information or support.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Bishop William W. Hutchinson and Rev. Don Cottrill reflect on the enormous responsibility of guiding the Louisiana Conference through Katrina and Rita. From promises to pastors to organizing large-scale relief, they reveal the leadership lessons forged in crisis. This closing episode captures the spirit of connection, courage, and hope beyond the storm.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Born from the merger of two historically separate congregations, First Grace UMC stands as a living example of unity and justice. Pastor Shawn Anglim and lay leader Margaret Washington share how Katrina's upheaval opened the door to a new kind of church. Their story is one of faith, inclusion, and enduring community witness.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Rev. Martha Orphe played a central role in creating "Mission Zones" to keep ministry alive when congregations were displaced. She explains how cooperation and creativity shaped this new model for serving communities. The episode reveals how thoughtful structure can sustain hope after disaster.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Katrina became a defining moment for Rev. Kaseem and Sabrina Short, awakening a call to serve in bold new ways. They share how the crisis clarified their mission and deepened their faith. Their journey — selling everything they had and moving from Seattle, back home - underscores that God's call can come in life's most turbulent seasons.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Just three weeks after Katrina, Hurricane Rita struck southwest Louisiana, forcing churches already in relief mode into survival mode. Rev. Angela Bulhof and Rev. Karl Klaus recall the emotional and logistical challenges of evacuating twice. Their reflections highlight resilience in the face of back-to-back disasters.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

As a teenager from Ohio, Dan Bracken's first mission trip to Louisiana after Katrina changed the trajectory of his life. He shares memories of long days, deep connections, and the enduring power of service. Guided by the saying "I don't know how, but I know who," Dan's story is one of mission that lasts far beyond the trip.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Rob Weber and Drew Sutton took cameras into the hardest-hit areas after Katrina and Rita, documenting loss and resilience alike. Their work became a powerful fundraising and awareness tool for the church's recovery efforts. This conversation explores how telling the story can be a form of ministry in itself.

Welcome to a very special series of the Louisiana NOW podcast, Hope Beyond the Storm. Ten episodes that tell the stories of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in South Louisiana. Twenty years after the storms, the recovery isn't just history—it's still shaping lives, churches, and communities across South Louisiana. This series shares first‑hand stories of resilience, hard choices, and pastoring from pastors, lay leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who rebuilt together.

Rev. Ellen Alston recounts leading her congregation through the uncertainty of evacuation, the shock of loss, and the challenges of ministering in a scattered city. She reflects on the pastoral role as both spiritual guide and community anchor during a prolonged crisis. Her journey reveals the depth of care and adaptability required when shepherding through disaster.