Ben Compton
Co-founder and President WE International

Ben and his brother Alex (WE International Philippines Director of Public Relations), grew up traveling across Asia and the United States. His parents, Carol and Lin Compton, were international educators and are now retired university professors (and TUMC members), who initially met in the Peace Corps, in Thailand and have worked extensively in the fields of international development, extension agriculture, adult education, and Southeast Asian Linguistics. Ben has lived in Thailand, Laos, Philippines, and China and has an M.A. in Counselor Education. After spending the initial part of his professional career working as a therapist, mentoring program coordinator, and foster parent with at-risk teenagers in the United States, Ben has spent the last 8 years working as a high school counselor, teacher, and basketball coach in international schools in Asia. Ben has a heart for youth, and a heart for the Philippines, and is also currently serving on the Board of Directors of the Palawan Project Foundation.

In lieu of an honorarium, they are asking that an offering be taken for WE’s mission. Please remember to bring a gift above your usual offering to support their work. Thank you.

Gary Grinnell, age 53, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2009, as a result of a sudden illness. He was born March 13, 1956, in Monroe. Survivors include step-parents, Boyd and Donna Schermerhorn of Lena, Ill.; brothers, William (Sally) Grinnell of Albany, David (Christine) Bernet of Freeport, Ill. and Wayne (Brad) Schermerhorn of Rockford, Ill.; nieces, Ashlee and Lindsee Bernet of Freeport; and close friends, James Fountain and his daughter, Kylie. A memorial service was held on June 11, 2009, at TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 1123 Vilas Ave., Madison.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Gary’s memory c/o Trinity United Methodist Church, 1123 Vilas Ave., Madison, WI 53715.

Angela Jones is planning to teach a 5-week class on environmental stewardship for our children, ages 5 and up. Class dates are still TBD, but they will be run during worship like our regular academic year. Interested? Let Angela know! She’d love to share with your kids. Thanks!