As CoNAM mourns the loss of William Seybold and Robert Coombe, members of the Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) and others reflect on their lives of active service and their impact on CoNAM.
Mr. William Henry Seybold, Jr. – July 9, 1929 – May 12, 2025
Courtesy of Linda Seybold.
Bill was a lay person and long-time member of Grove UMC in Chester County. He served on CoNAM for many years and helped to strengthen the team and develop its ministry. Sandi Cianciulli, CoNAM co-chair, said, “CoNAM would not be what it is today without Bill Seybold.” Bob Hinderliter who, along with Sandi, helped to revitalize the committee more than 20 years ago, commented that Bill was one of the members who stayed on with the new leadership and provided guidance to help the team move forward.
“CoNAM was one of the ministries dear to Bill’s heart,” his wife Linda shared, emphasizing how much he cared about CoNAM members’ “devotion to the CoNAM cause.”
Verna Colliver photo.
Bill could be counted on to be at CoNAM meetings and to support programs, particularly at Camp Innabah. whether it was to plant a peace tree or to learn more about Native American history.
Dan Wiant, a member at Grove UMC, was inspired when he learned that Bill and Linda “were advocates for Native Americans, especially through the UMC and was happy to get involved.” He spoke about CoNAM providing speakers who “preach and provide history and context” inspiring listeners to “heed the imperative to contact our Representatives to support legislation recognizing the plight of Native Americans.”
Verna Colliver photo.
From Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministries are these words:
Bill Seybold believed in lifelong education and intentional advocacy efforts. Bill’s leadership at the local church and conference compelled individuals and congregations to take seriously Jesus’ commission and seek ways to partner with local organizations to create a world where all people have access to abundant life.
In her “Words of Hope” at the funeral service Bill’s pastor, Rev. Stacy Gonzalez, shared her question to Bill during her last visit with him, “What can we do for social justice?” to which Bill replied, “Just need workers for Jesus.”
Read the obituary here: https://www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com/obituaries/William-Henry-Seybold-Jr?obId=42515648
The Rev. Robert G. Coombe – May 31, 1950 – May 18, 2025
Bob was an ordained elder and served churches in the city and its surroundings. After retiring as an elder in Eastern PA Conference, Bob joined CoNAM and immediately participated in programs and events.
Whether it was the status of immigrants or government-run Indian boarding schools, Bob was involved. As senior pastor of FUMCOG in 2018, he led the congregation in welcoming families facing possible deportation, saying “It gives them a safe place to pursue their options, but it also provides time where we as a society can see the injustice of separating children from parents.”
Verna Colliver photo.
With CoNAM, Bob helped facilitate the interactive exercise, The Loss of Turtle Island, which dramatically presents the trauma of Native American children separated from their families to be forcefully assimilated into American culture. He joined a tour of the Carlisle Indian Boarding School in 2023.
At a Drexel University event planned by the Drexel Indigenous Students of the Americas and the Open Door, a student group sponsored by the Wesley Student Foundation, Bob thanked the students for a “hospitable ‘open door’ experience.” [photo at Drexel]
Rev Alisa Lasater Wailoo, in her homily at the Memorial Service, centered her words on Mark 10:13-16, where Jesus blesses the children. As Jesus was indignant and said, “Let the children come to me,” when disciples pushed aside the children, Bob also was indignant when he saw injustice. Bob saw those on the margins and welcomed them as Jesus did.
Verna Colliver photo.
As a student pastor in seminary, Rev, Suzanne Duchesne remembers being welcomed by Bob into the cooperative ministry he served. Bob’s stories of his work as a lawyer at the UN advocating for human rights encouraged her to commit to justice in her own work.
Barb Revere expressed her gratitude, “Thank You for over 30 years of our friendship and holding my hand as we journeyed together.”
From Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministries, these words:
Bob Coombe manifested grace in his life and witness. Bob’s commitment to advocacy, inclusion and justice ministries was a hallmark of his ministry. Bob treated every person he met as a beloved child of God. Bob’s joy was contagious, and I know he is rejoicing in Heaven and calling us to keep running with perseverance.
As a final tribute, Bob’s two children captured who Bob was in a brief but powerful witness:
Daughter Jess– “What would Bob do? He would just show up. Just be there.”
Son Jeff– “He taught us to love everyone.” [photo at St. John UMC]
Read the obituary here: https://obits.cremationsocietyofphiladelphia.com/robert-coombe
Although an age gap and other differences separate Bill Seybold and Bob Coombe, both were deeply committed to justice and fairness with unstinting efforts to address the wrongs they saw around them. A common thread in the testimonies of those who knew them is how blessed they were in knowing these servants of Christ.
As we recognize their differences and reflect on their common commitment to serve and advocate for justice and fairness, we realize that anyone, no matter their situation or station in life, can devote time and effort to love God and neighbor. Let us honor their memory with our devotion and action to the cause of justice and fairness.