Sept./Oct. response: Generational Leaders

Mother and daughter members serve together as General Conference delegates.

by Liz Lennox

Denise-Nicole Stone (left) and her mother, Peggy Ward, both members of United Women in Faith, served as full delegates for the Western Pennsylvania Conference. Photo: Liz Lennox

Western Pennsylvania delegates Peggy Ward and Denise-Nicole Stone are well acquainted with United Women in Faith and with United Methodist meetings and conferences. But the recent 2024 General Conference holds special significance. Not only did they both attend as full delegates for the first time, they served together as mother and daughter.

Ward began attending Greenstone United Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as an adult. There she discovered United Methodist Women (now United Women in Faith), and her ministry has “been a go ever since.” She has served as a lay member to the annual conference, delegate to the jurisdictional conference, and chair of several conference committees, including the Commission on Religion and Race and United Women in Faith.

Stone grew up in the church and often accompanied her mother to meetings from a young age. Her commitment to The United Methodist Church developed following an experience at the Children’s School of Mission (now Mission u) at just 5 years old, which she pinpoints as a formative moment in her life. By 19, Stone had become the youngest person elected to the national board of directors for United Women in Faith. She currently works at the Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Ward noted with a laugh that due to her daughter’s extensive denominational involvement, she is frequently recognized solely as “Denise-Nicole’s mother.” Her pride is evident in describing how Stone has found her own way within the church.

This recent General Conference feels deeply meaningful to the pair, and they are blessed to experience it together.

“We have traveled so many journeys,” said Ward. “We are happy to be here during this particular Conference, during this particular moment.” 

Stone acknowledged the importance of General Conference, emphasizing the powerful worship, community spirit, and the building of long-lasting connections. However, she believes that the genuine effort lies in cultivating these values within the local church.

Ward agreed, saying, “No matter what we do here, our work is not done. This is the moment to decide what kind of church we are, and then we have to go and build that.”

Both women have committed themselves to advocating for justice and equity within the denomination and globally. They are grateful for the ongoing efforts within The United Methodist Church and harbor a deep hope for its future. 

With her daughter at her side during the 2024 General Conference, Ward thought more deeply about the legacy of the church that will be left to future generations.

“We are seeing the impact of decisions concerning inclusion,” Stone added. “It is important to try and get it right.” 

Liz Lennox is director of Communications for the Western Pennsylvania and Susquehanna Conferences.

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