The Dick Bourne Service Award
"One of the principal rules of religion is to lose no occasion of serving God.
And since God is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve God in our neighbor."
John Wesley, 1777, OnChristianPerfection
Each year, Arapaho United Methodist Church honors a member of our congregation whose sustained, faithful service reflects the spirit of generosity, leadership, and dedication that strengthens our church community. The Dick Bourne Service Award celebrates individuals whose quiet commitment and outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact. We invite you to be part of this meaningful tradition by nominating someone you believe exemplifies this spirit of service.
Honoring the Legacy of Richard F. Bourne
Richard “Dick” Bourne was the first recipient of the Arapaho UMC Outstanding Service Award in 1992—and later became the steward of the award itself, helping to recognize others until his passing in February 2020. Alongside his wife Nancy, Dick served Arapaho faithfully for more than 30 years. His leadership included chairing the Administrative Council, Finance Committee, and Stewardship Campaign. He taught the Open Door Sunday School class for over two decades, led Bible studies such as Kerygma and Disciple, and helped plan the construction of our sanctuary. On Laity Sunday, you could often find him preaching from the pulpit—bringing wisdom, conviction, and heart. If it involved Arapaho UMC, Dick was there. This award carries his name to honor his legacy and inspire future generations of service.Each year, Arapaho United Methodist Church honors a member of our congregation whose sustained, faithful service reflects the spirit of generosity, leadership, and dedication that strengthens our church community. The Dick Bourne Service Award celebrates individuals whose quiet commitment and outstanding contributions have made a lasting impact. We invite you to be part of this meaningful tradition by nominating someone you believe exemplifies this spirit of service.
PRIOR RECIPIENTS: Dick Bourne (1992), Estelle Smith (1993), Shirley Brumfield (1994), Eddie Cardwell (1995), Dick Arp (1996), Pete Tatman (1997), Ann Muir (1998), Barbara and Bruce Hyink (2000), Bob Lamb (2001), Ann Goar (2002), Shirley and Jim Howard (2003), Mary Ann Smith (2004), Joe Staser (2005), Phil Jackson (2006), Joyce Patton (2007), Karen and Phil Lipoma (2008), Steve and Betsy Morton (2009), Linda Ratcliff Mendenhall (2010), Jim Mitchell (2011), Dewey Thoes (2012), Lauren Hames (2013), Jacky and Marty Russell (2014), Geoff Zenick (2015), Beverly Those (2016), Charlie Burgess (2017), Bob Douglas (2018), Sharon Groves (2019), Cliff Clark (2020), Pam Wood (2021), Jim Smith (2022), Jim & Barbara Adams (2023), and Karen Sulkowski (2024).
FAQS:
What is the purpose? To recall, celebrate, and recognize the leadership of long-term outstanding service to God, Arapaho United Methodist Church (AUMC), and our community.
Why is it called an “award”? After the original meaning to “decide after careful observation”; emphasis on the process of awarding versus the object being awarded.
Who awards it? Our entire church community: all may nominate, past recipients help select, and the United Methodist Men (UMM) provide limited administrative support.
Are there any qualifications? Only that a nominee has been an active lay member of AUMC for at least ten years.
How are people nominated? Anyone may nominate a member by submitting this form or by any other written means describing the nominee’s exemplary long-term service.
How are recipients selected? Prior award recipients, the pastor, and the UMM president meet to decide among submitted nominations.
What do recipients receive? Our additional heartfelt “thanks”, recognition at a Sunday service, a personal engraved plaque, and their name(s) inscribed on the plaque at the church listing all honorees.