For being the symbol of the grassroots United Methodist movement to combat poverty-related diseases, Katherine Commale, of Downington, Pa., who has helped raise over $85,000 for Nothing but Nets, is our 2008 United Methodist of the Year.

Katherine, a second-grader, turns 8 on Jan. 4.

She was nominated by Rich Peck, former editor of the Daily Christian Advocate, and the Rev. Kathy James, a congregational specialist in the South Carolina Conference, who wrote, “She gives an image of what ‘social holiness’ can look like in today’s world.” Ms. James added: “She also reminds us to come before the throne of grace with the wonder of a child and inspires hope for the future of United Methodism. ‘And a little child shall lead them . . . ’” Methodist leaders, authors and achievers in the national spotlight—as well as less famous pastors and laypeople who have worked quiet miracles in their own corner of the world—were also among the 2008 nominees for United Methodist of the Year.

UMNS FILE PHOTO BY MIKE DUBOSE Katherine Commale, from Hopewell United Methodist Church in Downington, Pa., has helped to raise more than $85,000 for the purchase of insecticide-treated bed nets to protect people in Africa from mosquitoes that spread malaria.

But Katherine stands out as the shining example of youthful energy and commitment to making a difference as a United Methodist.

She also represents, of course, the larger involvement of United Methodists across the country who provided insecticide-treated bed nets for families in Africa through the Nothing But Nets campaign. So everyone who’s dropped a $10 bill in an offering, take a bow!

We like the fact that nobody fought over who got the credit in the Nets campaign. We like the way that the grassroots initiative managed to bypass bureaucratic obstacles, denominational fiefdoms and territorial struggles—and just got done.

We like the simplicity. Ten bucks, save a life. Any questions?

We like the way it had former Christian-disser Ted Turner praising the work of the United Methodist Church.

We like the fact that it brings a small token of Methodism into thousands of homes in Africa, in the form of something that’s life-giving, that surrounds those who are vulnerable and keeps them safe while they sleep at night.

And we like the way it got young people like Katherine excited and involved. So congratulations, Katherine, on being a shining example to the rest of us.

Here are the other nominees for United Methodist of the Year, not as visible perhaps, but each quietly and faithfully also doing the ministry of the church.