Washington Conference commissioned two pastors in May.
Growing up as the youngest of four children in a home where her parents were Seventh-day Adventist converts, Judy (Cuccia) Lizzi never aspired to be a pastor's wife or attain recognition in ministry. The Cuccia family priorities were God, family and friends, and the young girl quickly learned a lifestyle of practical Christianity.
Her academic pursuits led her to Pacific Union College where a budding relationship with Philip Lizzi eventually led to marriage. The couple embarked on a journey of ministry and service in the church. Wherever God placed Philip in pastoral ministry, He also challenged Judy to use her gifts and to develop her talents in service to the church and the community.
Lizzi has answered the call to ministry with her husband and two children in Southeastern California, Upper Columbia, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington Conferences. In addition to her pastoral ministry, Lizzi has served as a full-time teacher in Hawaii and Oregon Conferences and as a substitute teacher in Southeastern and Washington Conferences. She is currently an associate pastor at the Kirkland Adventist Church.
"Judy offers unique gifts and talents in her ministry," says Bruce Koch, Washington Conference ministerial director. "She brings joy to our conference ministerial team."
Wilma (Burton) Bing's exposure to ministry began as a young missionary child in Vietnam. Her family moved back to the states where her father, Wilber Burton, served as Texico Conference educational superintendent and youth director. The Burtons devoted summers to camp ministry where Wilma discovered a passion for creative ministry.
She met her future husband, Doug Bing, at Enterprise Academy. Together, they continued their education at Union College. One month after their wedding, they flew to Indonesia for a year of mission service. Returning from abroad, Bing finished an elementary education degree before working on a master's in curriculum and instruction at Andrews University.
During the Bing's ministry in the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, Bing re-engaged with her passion and calling in creative church ministries. She developed Sabbath School curriculums, children's musicals, dramas, small group resources and women's ministry events. By raising three children and being involved at the local church, she sensed God calling her to serve in a full-time capacity.
Bing serves as associate pastor at the Auburn Academy Church where she implemented the church's Journey to Bethlehem ministry, in addition to bringing people to Jesus through small group ministry, personal Bible studies and community events. In addition, she also serves as Washington Conference women's ministry and family life director.
"God has given Wilma spiritual gifts of leadership, wisdom and mercy," says Bill Roberts, Auburn Academy Church senior pastor. "She has an ability to mentor people and help them launch their own ministries."
Washington Conference pastors and Kirkland Church elders surround Judy Lizzi for a prayer of dedication at her commissioning to ministry ceremony. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
Judy Lizzi, Kirkland Church associate pastor, is surrounded by her colleagues during a prayer of dedication at her commissioning to ministry ceremony in early May. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
John Freedman, Washington Conference president, prays for a blessing on Judy Lizzi's ministry. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
John Freedman, Washington Conference president, prays for a blessing on Wilma Bing's ministry.
John Freedman, Washington Conference president, welcomes Judy Lizzi to the Gospel ministry and presents her with commissioned pastoral credentials. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
Bruce Koch, Washington Conference ministerial director, welcomes guests to Wilma Bing's commissioning to ministry service in late May. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
Fifty-one years after his ordination, Wilbur Burton celebrates his daughter Wilma Burton Bing's commissioning to ministry. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
John Freedman, Washington Conference president, welcomes Wilma Bing into the conference pastoral team as a commissioned pastor while her husband, Doug Bing, watches. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
