2010 Appointments

RIGHT: Bishop Peggy A. Johnson is the episcopal leader of the Philadelphia Area of The United Methodist Church, which includes nearly 1,000 churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conferences.  Read more about Bishop Johnson.

 

The appointment announcements for 2010 are listed here, with the most recent announcements posted on top.

 

Bishop Peggy Johnson announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2010, except as noted:

Announced October 18, 2010

 

Bishop Peggy Johnson announces the appointment of Kathryn (Kay) Painter from full time at Trevorton UMC to ¾ time at Trevorton UMC and ¼ time at Shamokin: Oak Grove UMC, effective October 1, 2010.  Kay was born in Phillipsburg and grew up in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. She graduated with honors from the  Tyrone Area High School, and received a B.S. in Education from Clarion State College. Kay is an Elder in Full Connection who received her MDiv from Perkins School of Theology Southern Methodist University with cum laude honors.  Prior to being appointed to Trevorton UMC since 2001, Kay served as an  Assistant Chaplain/Interim Chaplain at Southern Methodist University and was appointed to Millers Crossroads and Trevorton.   Her ministry experience also includes teaching Spiritual Formation at Perkins School of Theology and Spiritual Wellness to freshmen at Southern Methodist University.   Kay is married to Tony; and they have three young adult children: Jason, Benjamin and Sarah; and three grandchildren: Shannon Painter and Jason Painter, Jr.

Trevorton United Methodist Church was organized in 1853 and is situated in the heart of Trevorton, a town of approximately 2,000 people. This traditional congregation has an average worship attendance of 33.  The church supports area and global missions. It is particularly noted for its Easter Egg fundraiser.

Oak Grove UMC is just north of Shamokin. It is a picturesque country church organized in 1863 and situated in a grove of oak trees.  The church offers a contemporary worship service and has an average worship attendance of 50. Oak Grove is a country church with a heart for ministry. It’s ministries reach out to the nearby community of Shamokin through “Bountiful Blessings” and a van ministry which brings children and youth to the services and fellowship events. They are also noted for transforming the oak grove into a Christmas Village, which is visited by hundreds of folks in the area.

Announced June 30, 2010

Olivet Brown is appointed to Union Memorial United Methodist Church.  Rev. Brown, a native of Antigua, joined Berry-Long Memorial UMC in 1978 and has been an active member ever since.  As a certified Christ Servant Minister, she has served in numerous leadership positions including Lay Leader and Lay Member to Annual Conference. She also provided leadership for the church at a time when the pastor unexpectedly passed away. Rev. Brown serves on the Wesley Foundation/Asbury Campus Ministry Board at Drexel University, where she is enrolled with a dual major in Communications and Technology.  She is the Social Action Coordinator of the United Methodist Women of Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.   Rev. Brown was an Account Manager for a major national employer for 23 years.  She is presently involved in Esther’s Closet, the new outreach ministry of Berry-Long UMC that provides a food pantry, clothing closet, counseling and study sessions to the community. In the fall the Edgar Love Health Clinic will be added to the ministries of Esther’s Closet.  Pastor Brown is passionate about using her God-given gifts of love, prayer, listening, organization, empowerment, and discernment to touch. She has a heart for community ministry and reaches out in both professional and personal ministry to make a difference in the lives of people.  Her personal replenishment is found in time with her family, enjoying life and the spiritual discipline of prayer and fasting.

Union Memorial United Methodist Church in Darby, PA was established in the summer of 1921 as St. Matthew’s Methodist Episcopal Church. They became a part of the new church in 1955 when they built a new building. The congregation has provided a consistent Methodist presence in the community throughout their history. They have enjoyed opening their doors to the community by serving as a location for AA and other ministries.

Mark Beideman is appointed fulltime to Parkesburg United Methodist Church.Rev. Beideman was born into a Methodist family and he attended Hibernia UMC in Coatesville, PA until God's call became too loud to ignore. Over the years as a member of Hibernia UMC he served as Sunday School Superintendent, PPR Chairperson, and Lay Leader.  As Lay Leader he became a Local Lay Speaker and eventually a Certified Lay Speaker.   He spoke at several area churches, camp grounds, and retirement homes.  While attending Charge Conference he was challenged by his Pastor and District Superintendent to listen to God's call.  After much prayer he knew he could no longer ignore God's call.  In 1997 he started attending Wesley Seminary's Course of Study and completed the Course of Study in 2004. In 1998 Mark was appointed to Parkesburg UMC as a 1/4 time interim pastor. July 1999 he was appointed to Parkesburg 1/4 time. In 2002 Mark was appointed as 3/4 time, and as of July 1, 2010 he will be appointed as full time at Parkesburg UMC.  Mark is supported in his ministry by his wife Pamela and their son Nathan.  Pamela is a nurse at Paoli Hospital and Nathan is a sophomore at Newmann University majoring in nursing. Mark enjoys spending time with his family and his church family.  His hobbies include reading and listening to sermons, NHRA drag racing and riding motorcycles.                     

Parkesburg UMC is a vibrant, growing church. The church has a single focus – “Worship - worship God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.”  They believe God must be first and that God put us on earth to be in fellowship with Him. It is their great joy to gather to worship the loving, forgiving Lord. Over the years the church has been blessed with talented, generous, and very committed lay people who strive to make the church a welcoming place to worship.  Outreach is a big part of the ministry at Parkesburg.  The church is in partnership with seven area churches to provide food, clothing, monetary and practical assistance to members of the Parkesburg community.  Each month the area churches work with state and local agencies to provide help for over one hundred and seventy members of the Parkesburg community.   The church was built by its members in 1870.  Many members of the church mortgaged their homes in order to raise the funds necessary to build the church.  The church was renovated and enlarged in 1918 and in 1959 an education wing was added containing eleven class rooms.  The church is known for its stained glass windows and beautiful sanctuary.  Over the last decade many improvements have been made to make the building more accessible, comfortable, and efficient.

Shellie Anne Sterner is appointed to Avon: Zion UMC.  Shellie is a certified candidate for ministry in the Northwest District. She was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and graduated from West Deptford High School in New Jersey. After graduating from Widener University with a degree in nursing, Shellie worked as a Critical Care nurse for 15 years.  She also worked as a Bereavement Care Coordinator in Hospice care.   After hearing a call to ministry, Shellie enrolled in seminary and received a M.Div. degree from Evangelical Seminary.  She received the award for excellence in Biblical Studies. Shellie is married to Jeff; and they have three children: Ken, Erin and Joshua; and two granddaughters Sophia and Isabella.  Shellie’s ministry experience includes serving on the staff of Church of the Good Shepherd in Lebanon as coordinator of small groups and pastoral assistant. She served in this capacity for four years, beginning in 2002.  Shellie has also had opportunity to explore her gifts for preaching, as well as pastoral care and counseling, at Church of the Good Shepherd.

Zion UMC was organized in 1872. It is situated in Avon, which is a community just east of Lebanon and west of Myerstown. The church has a worshipping congregation of 146 with an average attendance of 73.  Worship is a blend of traditional and contemporary music and liturgy. In addition to offering a blended worship experience, the congregation has a very active United Methodist Women’s unit and a weekly men’s breakfast. Zion UMC places great emphasis on local and global missions. For decades the church has been involved in Volunteer in Mission projects, inspired and led by the late Henry Funk.

Duksin Kim is appointed part-time to Prospectville: First Korean UMC of Philadelphia.  Dr. Kim comes to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference via the Western North Carolina Conference where he has grown a church and served as a senior pastor of Somang Korean UMC in High Point, NC . Dr. Kim is an elder in the Korean Methodist Church. He earned a D.Min. at The Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, California. Dr. Kim is a man who seeks God’s guidance for the community.

Prospectville: First Korean UMCis a congregation that is desirous of continuing to invite young families and children to experience and share the love of Christ. It is a congregation whose warmth is generated by its members’ love for God.

Ethel Guy is appointed part-time to Fallsington UMC. She comes to the church with a corporate background and a life-long commitment to engagement in ministry with the church. Her experience in bringing people together for a particular effort will be invaluable to the dynamic Fallsington congregation.

Fallsington UMC has a major focus on young families and children. The congregation has created a strategic plan that will inform and guide them as they create and implement ministry for those in the congregation and the community.

Announced June 20, 2010

Zachary Hopple is appointed to Shamokin: First UMC .  Zachary is a Christ Servant Minister and a candidate for ministry in the Northwest District. He is a graduate of Phoenixville Area High School; and a recent graduate of Keystone College. He graduated from Keystone College with an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences and a minor in Psychology. His next step is seminary.   Zachary is married to Jennifer; and they have a son, Sam.  Both Zachary and the congregation are very excited about this appointment, because Zachary’s home church is Shamokin: First UMC.  Zachary has already been using his gifts for ministry there, as well as in the greater Shamokin Area. He has been the “pulpit supply” for several of the Shamokin Area pastors and congregations. These congregations have appreciated his preaching and his people skills.

Shamokin: First United Methodist Church was organized in 1870. Its current worshipping congregation represents the merger of three Shamokin UMC churches.  As of July 1, 2010 it will become a ½ time appointment.  The congregation enjoys traditional worship and ministry. They have a high regard for music in the worship experience. The church also offers a weekly Bible Study, and hosts a program called “God’s Grub”, which meets the various needs of folks in the Shamokin area.

Victoria L. Allen has been appointed as Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Fairless Hills. She is a recent graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, and has worked in computer programming in the corporate sector.

First United Methodist Church of Fairless Hills is a church with a commitment to community outreach, Christian development, and youth and children's ministry. The church has multiple services in order to give options to people to come and worship and become disciples of Jesus Christ.

Michael C. Johnson is appointed to Mont Clare: Otterbein.  He is an elder and member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference and has been pastoring local churches since 1978.  He is a member of the Emmaus Community, the Academy of Spiritual Formation, and the Academy of Mission Renewal of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.  He is the husband of Bishop Peggy A. Johnson, Resident Bishop of Philadelphia Area or the United Methodist Church.  They have two sons:  Dr. Peter Johnson in Hampton, Virginia and Mr. Gabriel Johnson in Washington, D.C.

Otterbein UMC is located in Mont Clare, PA, just across the river from Phoenixville, and serves Northwestern Montgomery, Chester and Berks counties. The congregation is diverse, multi-generational and family oriented. For over 145 years this congregation of “flexible conservatives” has celebrated worship in an informal atmosphere, encouraging members and visitors to share special gifts and witness during worship services and social events.  Our ministry offers programs for all ages, from the youth and adult Sunday schools to adult discussion groups, home-based bible studies, retreats, community service and mission projects.  Though facing several major floods and periodic financial challenges, Otterbein is a spirited church that has always risen to the needs of its members and the community. A new “Caring Ministry” program is providing spiritual support and personal assistance to church members and neighborhood families in need. The congregation is recognizing a new spirit and appreciation for its heritage, purpose and possibilities.

Richard Conner is appointed to Wyomissing:Calvary.  After 43 years in pastoral ministry, Richard retired on July 1, 2010.  Born 66 years ago, he graduated from Pfeiffer College in North Carolina and Drew Theological Seminary in New Jersey.  Over 40 years ago he married Jeanne Sugalski .  Two daughters were born to the Conner family, Dr. Heather Conner, a college professor who teaches music and piano at the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City; and Laura Conner, who is a marketing analyst for John Mansfield Insulation Products, working and living with her husband in Denver Colorado.  In addition to serving 6 churches over 43 years, Pastor Conner is certified in Reality Therapy Counseling from the William Glasser Institute in California.  Over the years he has taught certification courses in Counseling; Quality Schools; and Lead Management.  In 2003 he was certified in our denomination in Interim Pastoral Leadership.   In ministry he has consulted with churches on how to start Praise & Worship Services; for ten years he served as secretary for the Spirit Network (Southwest District) Program Planning Council; he is currently district editor for the “Spirit Net” transformation newsletter; and is skilled in Power Point, creating church websites, and multimedia presentations for worship service.  During retirement Pastor Richard and his wife intend to continue living in their home in Conestoga and hope to do interim ministry for churches seeking transformational change.

Calvary United Methodist Church is located on North Wyomissing Boulevard, Wyomissing in Berks County. Sunday School is available to children and adults before a traditional worship service. The attractive sanctuary is air-conditioned and handicapped accessible. Coffee fellowship follows each service. This church always supported missionaries as well as local and global needs. Recently a number of new mission/outreach projects were initiated. Calvary’s friendly congregation plans to celebrate the church's 100th anniversary in 2012.

Announced May 26, 2010

Deborah Hoffman is appointed to Wooddale United Methodist Church.  Rev. Hoffman is currently serving Effort UMC as Associate Pastor.  She is a graduate of Moravian Seminary, and has a deep interest in development of the spiritual life.  At Effort UMC she established the youth group which grew to over 40 young people.  She has led the Grief Ministry small groups, and equipped lay people to serve as group facilitators.  Pastor Hoffman also leads the Saturday evening worship service.  She is an accomplished guitarist and singer.  She is married to Warren Hoffman, and has two daughters and celebrated the birth of her first grandchild this year.  Pastor Hoffman serves on the Northeast District Committee on Youth and Young Adult Ministry, and chaired the team for the fall youth rally at Asbury UMC.

Wooddale UMC is located on the northern side of East Stroudsburg.  The congregation is multi-generational, with a small but active youth group, and both long-time members and newcomers to the Poconos.  The congregation participates in the Family Promise ministry, supporting host churches by providing meals and volunteers to offer hospitality to homeless families.  A number of members serve at area food pantries.  Monthly community dinners through the summer months provide a welcome to non-members as they enjoy Wooddale's hospitality and great food.  And the Vacation Bible School invites young people from throughout the area to a time of fun learning about Jesus.  The church hopes to expand its Sunday worship from one traditional service to a second service offering more contemporary music and worship style. 

Debra Hebden is appointed to St. Paul's UMC in Drums, outside Hazleton.  Rev. Hebden is currently serving Otterbein UMC in Mont Clare.  Rev. Hebden is a graduate of Eastern College.  After working in the mental health field, she returned to Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary for her M.A.R. degree.  But God's call continued invite her into ordained ministry, and she returned to the seminairy once more to earn her M.Div. degree.  She has served Gradyville UMC, Lima UMC (associate), Salem UMC in Shoemakersville, Pearl Street UMC in Lancaster, and Grace UMC in Pen Argyl (associate).  Pastor Hebden is fluent in Spanish, a gift she plans to use in the ESL program sponsored by St. Paul's and Diamond UMC's in Hazleton.  She has also completed courses in sign language.  She and the congregation of St. Paul's are excited about the church's renewed commitment to reach out into the community.  Pastor Hebden brings to her ministry a gentleness of spirit and a commitment to caring for all of God's children, gifts honed in her work in mental health and now used by God in her outreach and pastoral care ministries.  

St. Paul's UMC is located in Butler Township, outside of Hazleton.  Over the past year, the church has joined with Diamond UMC in Hazleton to begin the Greater Hazleton Metro Ministries (GHMM).  Through the program, St. Paul's currently provides volunteers to lead English as a Second Language classes for Spanish speaking people in Hazleton.  The GHMM hopes to expand its programs in the future to include a Spanish language vacation bible school, Spanish language bible study, and other outreach programs to the growing immigrant population of Hazleton.  The church also offers a prayer shawl ministry, and participates in the "Listening Post" at the Penn State Hazleton Campus, offering college students a caring, listening ear.  St. Paul's offers two Sunday morning worship services, a contemporary service and a traditional service.  The church is completing extensive renovations to the church building including significant renovation of the lower level and the installation of a handicapped restroom.  This year the church council made a renewed commitment to reach out to the community in Butler Township, one of the fastest growing townships in the state of Pa.  As a result, the church and Pastor Hebden will participate in the High Potential Church program offered through the annual conference.

The Rev. Keyone Kale Yu will be appointed to extension ministry from St. Peter's UMC in Saylorsburg.  Pastor Yu completed his PhD. last year from Columbia University, writing his dissertation on the first Korean bishop in the UMC.  In his appointment beyond the local church, he will be teaching at the college level in New York City, and exploring the possibility of planting a church for second generation Asian Americans.  Pastor Yu's wife, Julia, is a physician.  They have four children.  Pastor Yu serves on the Northeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry.

Announced May 17, 2010:

Gertrude Duckett is appointed to Leave of Absence. Rev. Duckett has most recently served the Siloam and Trinity United Methodist Churches in Chester. 

Hun Ju Lee is appointed half-time to Drexel Hill: New Covenant United Methodist Church and half-time to Eddystone United Methodist Church. Rev. Lee graduated from Taekun High Schook, Incheon, South Korea in 1993. He obtained a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) from Mokwon University, Daejon, Korea in 1999. He received his M.Div. from Drew University Theological School in 2005 and his Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2006. He has served in youth ministry at Korean United Methodist Church in Bethlehem. Most recently, he has served as interim pastor to First Korean UMC of Philadelphia, located in Prospectville. Rev. Lee is married to Hye Shin Won Lee. They are the parents of 6 year old Brian and 3 year old Grace.

New Covenant United Methodist Church is located in Drexel Hill. The church is committed to serving the needs of the local Korean community. The congregation is excited about the many opportunities to expand the scope of their mission and ministry in this growing area.

Eddystone United Methodist Church developed from a union Sunday School that was organized in a vacant store in the village in 1875. Soon after the school began to meet they started to invite area ministers to preach each week. At the urging of an area pastor the Eddystone Methodist Episcopal Church was chartered in 1891 with a membership of twenty-five. The church flourished as the community grew and in the 1950’s their excellent newly built education facility served for several years as the local elementary school while the school district built a new school. The congregation continues to be committed to the community where it has served as a beacon of Christian hope and light since its beginning. The church provides a meeting place for various community groups including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Narcotics Anonymous. They reach out to the community with an annual Vacation Bible School and their Fishes and Loaves ministry provides food for the local homeless shelter each month. Sunday mornings at Eddystone begin with Sunday School at 9 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Worship at 10 a.m. Every Sunday after the worship service they enjoy a hospitality hour. Bible studies take place on Thursday evenings. The community of Eddystone is a community in transition and offers many opportunities for the church to serve and grow.

Nelson Alleman is appointed to Bethany UMC of Lebanon.  Nelson was born and raised in Coal Township, Pennsylvania, where he attended St. John's UMC. It was there that he heard, and was nurtured in, his call to ministry. He has been serving Oak Grove UMC since 2000 as a part time local pastor. Nelson is a graduate of Bloomsburg University and currently attends Evangelical Theological Seminary.   Nelson has a passion for the spiritual disciplines, especially prayer and fasting. They precede any decision that will impact his life and ministry, as well as the church's. He likewise enjoys leading worship and proclaiming the Word. He describes himself as a "biblical preacher."  Nelson also has a commitment to sharing the Good News with the immediate and global community. He enjoys working alongside others to meet the physical and spiritual needs of folks who aren't yet a part of a church family. At the recent "Tools for Ministry" Nelson led a session on risk-taking mission and service. Nelson is married to Traci. They have two sons: Wade and Uriah. They have also opened their hearts and home to include two youth: Elijah and Steven.

Bethany UMC of Lebanonis a ¾ time appointment. It was organized in 1900 as a new mission in the eastern section of Lebanon.  Today this urban church has a membership of 178 with an average worship attendance of 110.  This intergenerational, multicultural congregation enjoys a blended worship service, which includes traditional hymns with organ accompaniment and praise songs led by a praise band.  The church also has an active youth ministry, as well as a flourishing ministry to Seniors, known as the Golden Fellowship.  They are proud to refer to themselves as a neighborhood church where non-members from the immediate neighborhood and greater community worship and participate in small group life.

W. Theodore Bach is appointed to the yoked charge of Phila.: Bustleton United Methodist Church and Phila.: Holmesburg United Methodist Church. Rev. Bach has had experience in rural, suburban, and urban ministry and has formerly served as Director of Kensington Area Ministries. He brings gifts of these experiences to these churches.

Bustleton United Methodist Church is a church with an international congregation, serves in an international community, and has a daycare center in its facility.

Holmesburg United Methodist Churchenthusiastically reaches out into the community through clothes closets, meals, a  computer literacy program, and English as a Second Language program.

Dorothy M. Field is appointed to Retirement. Rev. Field retired from full time ministry in 1992 and has served as Retired Supply Pastor to Crozerville United Methodist Church since then. 

Karen Sadvari is appointed to Crozerville United Methodist Church. This is Rev. Sadvari’s first appointment. She has served as Lay Leader at her home church, Parkside United Methodist Church. She has also served in a variety of other leadership roles including Administrative Council Secretary, Board of Trustees Chairperson, and as a member of the Finance and Worship Committees. She is a trained Christ Servant Minister with an emphasis on leadership and preaching ministries. She has conducted prayer groups, Bible studies and has served as a substitute preacher. She enjoys altar décor and uses her creative talent to coordinate altars with the scripture or the liturgical season. Pastor Sadvari graduated from Concord High School in Wilmington, Delaware and attended the University of Delaware. She has worked in a variety of clerical, managerial and retail positions while her children were growing up. She served as PTO President and was instrumental in fundraising and recruiting for the PTO. Karen is married to Karl. They have three adult sons, Kyle, Kevin and Keith.

Crozerville United Methodist Churchwill celebrate 159 years of service in Jesus’ name in November. The missionary spirit that gave birth to the congregation has continued through the years, as they minister to the congregational family and to the greater community by living out Jesus' charge to "love and serve God by loving and serving our neighbor." The congregation celebrates Sunday worship at 11 a.m. followed by “coffee and conversation” each week. The congregation is faithful to their strong prayer ministry, praying for family, friends and neighbors.  . They are committed to the work of the United Methodist Church and the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and faithfully support the six Special Sundays. They reach out whenever they see a need. They provide ongoing support for the local food pantry and local families in need as well as global support through UMCOR for disaster relief such as the Haiti and Chile earthquakes and Nothing But Nets Anti-Malaria Campaign.

Announced May 7, 2010

Fred Douglas is appointed from Devereux Memorial to Incapacity Leave, starting March 14, 2010.

Thomas Jackmon is appointed to Devereux Memorial: Retired Supply Pastor, April 5 to June 30, 2010.

Pearl Scott Johnson is appointed to Devereux Memorial, starting July 1, 2010.

Pearl is an ordained elder on loan from the Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference where she has served in five appointments in Delaware and Maryland. She is married to the Reverend Grant L. Johnson, pastor of Grace UMC, in Philadelphia, Pa.

Pearl was born in Port Deposit, Md. She attended Salisbury State University and received a degree in Communication Arts. While her husband attended Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Ga. Pearl returned to a previous career from high school, cosmetology. This allowed her plenty of time to attend classes and seminars at Gammon. This is where she received her call to ministry.  Pearl attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. and graduated in 1996. Her passion in ministry has been in evangelistic outreach. She believes that we must be intentional in reaching out to young adults and other groups that are marginalized in our churches. Designing spirited worship services is another passion and she has worked on the annual conference worship sessions committee for several events.   She has also been on the district board of ordained ministry and chair for Camp Pecometh Retreat Center, conference trustees, advocacy resource team and many other boards and agencies.

The Johnsons have two adult children, Monica (David) Edwards, and Jonathan Johnson. They have two grandchildren, Faith and Jordan Johnson, to help them rediscover the joy of the zoo and Dora the Explorer.

Devereux Memorial UMChas a history of being a church that encourages spiritual growth in its membership and meet the needs of the community by providing a welcome place for community meetings, voting and other community based activities. Devereux is continuing its ministries for our seniors, children and youth programs that include "game night" (checkers, scrabble, etc.).  Devereux's overall ministry is to bring disciples to Christ through our prayer service, bible study, music ministry, youth participation and other outreach ministries.

Dan Lebo is appointed as Full-Time Local Pastor to Somerton UMC. He did extensive work in Kenya relative to AIDS ministry in the summer of 2009.  He comes to Somerton in Philadelphia with a passion for the urban context.  He will graduate from Palmer Theological Seminary in May 2010.

Somerton UMC was exemplary in its care to the family of the late Rev. Farai David Muzorewa who passed this Spring. The congregation is committed to its growth and being an intergenerational  and mission church in its community and beyond.

Announced April 30, 2010

Mercedes Case is appointed to New London United Methodist Church. Mercedes has been serving the Parkesburg UMC as associate pastor (1/2 time local pastor) since July 2009. She  served on the Parkesburg UMC staff for 5 years as pastoral assistant prior to appointment there. Her duties include Christian Education Director, visitation, worship, and all functions of the pastor. She is a member of the Parkesburg Churches Ministerium where she participates in community events and National Day of Prayer. She  has taught Disciple classes, adult Bible studies, and adult VBS Bible study. Mercedes is a member of the EPA conference Congregational Transformation team and EPA CTT grant review team.   Before serving at Parkesburg UMC, she was a member of the West Chester UMC for 14 years. She served there as the volunteer coordinator of Pastoral Care team, visitation director and Disciple class leader.  Mercedes graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Computer Science and Eastern University with an MBA, and worked in the computer industry for 14 years. She completed the Course of Study program for Licensed Local Pastors at Claremont School of Theology.  She is currently a student at Lancaster Theological Seminary for the Advanced Course of Study.  Mercedes has been married to Tim for 25 years, and they have a son, Jonathan, 16.

New London United Methodist Church is located in New London Township in Southern Chester County. While built in 1806, the beautiful church is handicapped accessible and also updated with air conditioning. The church enjoys the benefit of their Sunday school building which provides space for many activities and opportunities for study and fellowship. The congregation enjoys traditional worship celebrations. They have a heart for mission and faithfully respond to both local and global mission needs. New London United Methodist Church is located a developing area with tremendous potential for growth.

David Goss is appointed to Mount Pocono UMC.  Dave has served both in local churches and in extension ministry appointments.  In the last year he completed the Interim Ministry training through the Intentional Growth Center from Lake Junaluska, and in February was appointed as interim pastor at Faith UMC of Stroudsburg.  Previously, he served as pastor of First UMC of Easton, the former Trinity UMC of Allentown, Richmond UMC and on staff at East Stroudsburg UMC.  Additionally, he served as VP of Development and Communications for the Methodist Home for Children, and as Associate Director of the Kirkridge Retreat Center in Bangor, Pa.  Dave holds the M.Div. from Drew Theological School, and B. Mus. Ed. from the Combs College of Music.  He worked in the field of music publishing at Shawnee Press before hearing the call to ministry.  He brings gifts in conflict resolution, financial management and communications, and plays the tuba.  His wife, Laura, is Executive Director of the Pocono Arts Council, headquartered in Stroudsburg.  Dave serves as co-chair of the Nurturing Disciples Resource Team, is a member of the Camping Board, the Disability Concerns Committee, the District Conflict Resolution team, the District Board of Church Building and Location, and is a trainer for Safe Sanctuaries.

Mt. Pocono UMC is located in the heart of the Poconos, offering ministry through worship, education and servi ce.  Three worship services each Sunday provide a variety of styles of worship from traditional worship in the beautiful sanctuary to contemporary worship in the recently added fellowship hall.  The church is intentional in its community outreach, from local outreach such as participation in Family Promise, housing homeless families in the church building, to enthusiastic support of the Russian Initiative of the UMC.  A kids’ day out program offers weekday childcare.  The population growth in the Poconos has presented numerous challenges to the area, inviting the church to reach out to support families struggling with the demands on families commuting daily to New York City. 

John G. Smith is appointed to Pocono Lake UMC.  John is a native of Jamaica, and is ordained in the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas.  Before coming to the United States, he served as pastor and circuit superintendent to churches in Honduras, Belize and Jamaica.  He holds the Diploma in Ministerial Studies from the United Theological College of the West Indies, the Licentiate in Theology from the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, the STM with focus on Church and Society from the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, and the D. Min. in Marriage and Family from the Graduate Theological Foundation in South Bend, Indiana.   He has also completed post-graduate marriage and family therapy training at the Penn Council for Relationships, and mediation and conflict resolution training at the Lancaster Mediation Center, where he serves as a  volunteer, and at the Mediation Training and Consultation Institute in Ann Arbor, Mich.   In the Eastern Pa. Conference, John has served as pastor of St. Paul’s UMC in downtown Lancaster and Mt. Zion UMC in Akron, Lancaster County.  St. Paul’s offers a weeknight children’s program in conjunction with LUMINA, and after school tutoring, touching the lives of 50-100 children weekly.  John has been married for twenty-five years to his wife, Claudia, a therapist and psychological evaluator for children and youth.  She holds an M.A.R. degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary.  They have two grown sons, Dwayne and Gavin, and a daughter, Sheriece, who will enter middle school in Pocono Lake.  John serves the annual  conference as a member of the  Conference Transformation Team, the Board of Pensions and Health Benefits and the Investment Committee.

Pocono Lake UMC is a church made up of “People Blessing People.”  Originally conceived as a chapel for the Poconos, the church’s congregation is made up of local residents, people with second homes in the area, retirees to the area and weekend visitors.  The church has been intentional over the last few years in developing an understanding of the ways congregation members can bless the world around them both individually and corporately.  The church sponsors an annual Christian Musicfest on the church lawn each spring to welcome the community.  Over the last year, the church has developed a new mission and vision, as well as developing a new structure to enable them to reach out to the community as people blessing people.

Salim Khan is appointed as an interim retired part-time supply pastor to Simpson Memorial UMC in Philadelphia, effective March 10.  Salim received his B. Div. from Temple University and his M.Div. from Gordon Conwell. In Eastern Pennsylvania, he has served Faith UMC in Stroudsburg and First UMC in Mahanoy City.

Simpson Memorial UMC in Philadelphia retains its commitment to serving its community.

Announced April 7, 2010 

John Cordes is appointed to the Solebury United Methodist Church in New Hope, PA.  Rev. Cordes has previously served Emmanuel UMC, New Castle; Point Marion UMC; Pocono Lake UMC; Mountville UMC and presently serves Mt. Pocono UMC.   His education credentials are from Eastern College (B.A.); N. Texas State (M.S.); and Methesco (M.Div.).

Solebury UMC has two worship serves on Sunday morning, emphasis on family ministry and its vision/mission statement is "Our Mission: To know Jesus Christ, to grow as his people and to lead others to embrace him."

Barbara J. Seekford is appointed to the Chalfont United Methodist Church in Chalfont, PA.   Rev. Seekford presently serves the Bustleton UMC in Philadelphia, PA.   Her education credentials are from Ursinus College (B.A.) and Palmer Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Chalfont UMC has a commitment to children as evidenced in a large and strong scouting program that occurs on its site; the church also has expanding intergenerational ministries. 

Hun Ju Lee has been appointed as an interim part-time local pastor to First Korean UMC of Philadelphia, located in Prospectville, effective February 1. Rev. Lee received his M.Div. from Drew University Theological School in 2005 and his Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2006. He has served in youth ministry at Korean UMC in Bethlehem.

First Korean UMC in Prospectville is striving to grow in ministry to all ages.

Carolene Brubaker is appointed to Lancaster: Community UMC.  Carolene has been an associate pastor at West Chester United Methodist Church for the past five years.  Prior to that, she was a part-time intern pastor at First United Methodist Church, Lancaster, for 5 years.  In 2005 she graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary and was ordained elder in 2008.  In 2005 she also completed the National Capital Semester for Seminarians at Wesley Theological Seminary and did intern work for the General Board of Church and Society.  She has made education/ministry trips to Africa and Asia and is passionate about the healing power of Christ and furthering God’s righteous reign.  She is the Conference Peace with Justice Coordinator with the Church and Society Work Team and facilitates Peace with Justice Grants.  She is also the Conference representative for the Pennsylvania Council of Churches’ Commission on Public Witness.  Carolene is the oldest of 8 children, was raised in the Mennonite Church, and spent most of her childhood on a farm near Lancaster.  For 30 years she had worked in the field of special education, mostly with the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 and she has a Masters in Education from Temple University.

Community UMC is technically within the bounds of Lancaster City, but has a very suburban feel in the community of Bridgeport, east of downtown Lancaster. The church was founded in 1956 during a time when many were moving out of central cities into suburban and small town communities.  The church attempts to live up to its name by providing ministry to the surrounding community.  There is a very active scouting program established many years ago, and there has been a community Kids Program which has reached out to marginalized children. The church supports LUMINA in Lancaster, as well as the McCurdy School and Red Bird.  There have been six persons who have attended Christ Servant Ministry training, there is a strong hospitality program to welcome newcomers, and the church has a very active music program.  The United Methodist Women are a strong force for mission at Community.  The church has a membership of approximately 270, with an average attendance of about 80.

Announced March 24, 2010

Amy Banka is appointed to Faith UMC, Stroudsburg.  Rev. Banka has served at Fallsington UMC for the past five years as she completed her M.Div. at Palmer Theological Seminary.  She will be commissioned toward elders’ orders at annual conference this year .  Prior to entering ministry, Rev. Banka served as an instructor of freshman writing at Drexel University, a position she expected to hold for many years.  Sitting in the pew at church one day, she heard God’s call to professional ministry.  She began her ministry experience in youth ministry at Johnson Memorial UMC in Philadelphia.  After attending licensing school, Rev. Banka was appointed to Johnson Memorial as Associate Pastor, where she continued her work with youth and added pastoral care, equipping lay leadership, and leading retreats for youth and adults.  In 2005 she moved to Fallsington UMC and shortly after began her M.Div.  She served as class president at Palmer.  Rev. Banka is married to Michael Banka, who works as a counselor in an alternative school for teenagers referred by the school system.  He worked as his wife’s partner in youth ministry.  Together, they have two daughters, Grace Elizabeth, age 10, and Emily Rose, age 7.  The family enjoys vacation time in the Poconos, and is looking forward to living near their favorite vacation spot.

Faith UMC is located on the outskirts of Stroudsburg, but is deeply committed to ministry in the area.  The culture of the Poconos has changed dramatically over the last ten years, as residents of the New York area purchased homes at lower cost in the Poconos.  The changes have brought the challenges of urban issues to the area.  Faith UMC  serves as a host church for Family Promise, housing homeless families in the church building for a week every quarter.  Through this program, Faith and other local churches provide  meals, evening activities and friendship to homeless adults with children.  The church members are also actively involved in a downtown soup kitchen.  The church’s drive-through Bethlehem every other Christmas is as highlight for the local community.  Faith hopes to expand their youth ministries under Rev. Banka’s leadership, and expand efforts at evangelism in the local area.  They are a welcoming community offering a casual traditional service of worship.  

Timothy Fisher is appointed to Reeders UMC, in Reeders on the Northeast District.    Rev. Fisher grew up in the Lehigh Valley, where his father was and continues as a faculty member at Lehigh University.  His family was active in Fritz Memorial UMC in Bethlehem, and his brother, Christopher, is also an elder in the EPA.  Tim graduated from Lehigh with a degree in classics and the following summer served as a missionary intern with the North American Indian Mission in British Columbia, staying on the west .  Although Tim had felt God’s call to ministry, it was in the aftermath of an automobile accident that he finally said yes to God.  He returned to the east coast, to complete his M. Div. at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  He began his service as the pastor of Friendship UMC in Coatesville while still a student, and was ordained elder in 1992.  He subsequently served St. Matthew’s UMC in Reading, and is currently serving Avon Zion UMC in Lebanon.  Tim is committed to active involvement in the local community.  He volunteers in the Lebanon area as a firefighter, and as a chaplain for both the fire company and the Lebanon Police Department.  He has been a volunteer hospital chaplain and is a member and officer of the Lebanon Rotary club.  He is a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry, has served as district missions secretary and as a member of the conference camping board, still serving as a member of the Gretna Glen site committee.  Rev. Fisher enjoys reading, seeking out a broad spectrum of reading material.  He is also looking forward to fly fishing in the Brodheadsville area.  He is married to the Rev. Robin Fisher.  They have three children:  the eldest, Phoebe Rae, lives in Indiana with her husband and son, and is expecting her second child this year; James August, married with a daughter,  just completed four years in the US Navy and will be beginning college this fall in the Lehigh Valley area; and John Everett who attends the State University of New York. 

Reeders UMC is located just outside of Stroudsburg.  The church boasts a strong lay leadership made up of both long-time Poconos residents and those who are new to the community.  It is an active congregation, offering outreach and ministry to the local area, and, in its commitment to share the good news of Jesus Christ, supporting missionaries around the world.  The church houses a Christian nursery school.  Sunday morning classes are offered for all ages, with several adult classes available, and both discipleship and fellowship opportunities for adults.  The church also provides weekly meetings of Jesus In The Steps, a Christ-based 12 step program for those struggling with addictions of any kind.  Reeders also offers active youth and children’s ministries.  

Robin Fisher is appointed to Effort UMC, in the Northeast District.  Rev. Fisher currently serves Bethany UMC in Lebanon.  Robin first came to know Jesus as her Lord while a student at Virginia Commonwealth University.  It was there that she experienced the saving grace of God in her life, as well as a call to ministry.  After graduating with a B.S. in communications and a minor in religious studies, Robin spent two years as a missionary assistant with the Assemblies of God in Cairo, Egypt.  She speaks Arabic and developed a deep commitment to the Christian – Muslim relations as a result of her time there.  Returning to the states, she enrolled in Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where she met her husband, the Rev. J. Timothy Fisher.  Robin deferred her M.Div. while they began a family.  The family  moved to Eastern Pa. when Tim finished his M. Div., and Robin resumed her studies part-time at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer).  Her first appointment was as an urban missioner in the city of Reading, where she worked to establish a new faith community.  In 2003 she moved to Bethany UMC in Lebanon and has served there for the last seven years.  Robin serves on the conference Board of Pensions, is chair of the Northwest District Committee on Superintendency and secretary of the District Committee on Ministry.  She is active in the Lebanon County Christian Ministries and is President-Elect of the Lebanon Kiwanis Club.  Both she and her husband, Rev. Tim Fisher, have participated as counselors at conference camps.  Robin and Tim’s three children, Phoebe, August and John, are now grown, and Robin and Tim have two grandchildren with a third on the way.

Effort UMC is an active congregation in southern Monroe County.  The rural community has become a commuter community for New York and New Jersey, bringing many urban issues to the area.   The congregation has grown from a small country church to a vibrant congregation of over 200 in three weekend services of worship.  The Saturday evening service is often lay led, while the two Sunday morning services offer both traditional and contemporary worship.  The church houses a large food pantry that provides assistance to many families in the area.  The youth ministry serves nearly 50 young people on a regular basis.  A church sponsored daycare and nursery school are both housed in the church building.  A Grief Share program and professional counseling are available for both members of the church and of the community.  A computer learning center offers computer literacy skills to young people.  The church hosts both AA and NA, and has chartered a boy scout troop.  Music ministry is an important part of the church’s life, and the ecumenical choir, sponsored by the church, offers performances to the community. 

 

Appointments announced March 23, 2010  

Bernard J. Kefer is appointed to Mohnton: Calvary.   Bern came to ministry as a second career. Bern graduated from West Chester University with a double major in Public Administration and Literature, and worked as manager of a drug store, several wholesale distribution warehouses and in other small businesses. Raised in the Roman Catholic faith, he has a deep appreciation for traditional worship forms and theology, while his theatre background allows him to thrive is less structured formats. Bern came to the United Methodist Church during a period of deep seeking and reflection, embracing both Wesley's ideas of an open Eucharistic table, and our denomination's emphasis on developing and honoring lay leaders. Bern served one term as Lay Leader of Hopewell UMC, and helped lead some of their early contemporary services. Commissioned for ministry, Bern served Akron: Mt Zion as a half time local pastor while attending Lancaster Theological Seminary, from which he graduated in 2002. Since then, Bern has served as pastor of Community UMC in Lancaster. He helped Community launch several new ministries, served on the Board of LUMINA, facilitated a local clergy group and wrote for the District newsletter, Spirit Net. He has been married to Victoria Hankins Kefer for 24 years. They are the proud parents of three college age children, Matthew 21, Christopher 19, and Elizabeth 17.  

Calvary United Methodist Church of Mohnton celebrated 75 years of existence in 2007 and eagerly plans for the future as it seeks to fulfill its vision of “Sharing God’s love in community through worship, fellowship, service, and outreach.” With a membership of more than 500 persons, the church enjoys an active music program featuring various children’s choirs, musical dramas, and an early service of praise and worship music led by the RockSolid team as well as a more traditional later service with senior choir.  The past few years have witnessed the addition of “Mohnton Meals,” which twice a month provides meals to the community and Governor Mifflin food bank clients; “Helping Hands,” which offers work teams to community members requesting assistance; “Fifth Sunday breakfasts,” which four times a year augment the Sunday School experience with food and fellowship; and mission teams to Mississippi and the Redbird Mission in Kentucky. In addition, the congregation continues to provide medical mission support to Haiti as well as frequent medical mission trips and monthly support of the Good Shepherd Mission, Hospital and Orphanage in Puttur, India. The church has hosted the Wyomissing Valley Preschool for more than three decades and also sponsors a before-and-after-school care program.  An active Stephen Ministry program, United Methodist Women, United Methodist Men’s Salvation Army furniture bank, and L.I.F.E. (Living in Faith Everyday) small groups are staples of the Calvary experience, as is Wednesday morning prayer, a prayer shawl ministry, Outgrown Sale, and other efforts designed to put faith into works in both the local and global community.

Announced March 17, 2010

Richard J. Rimert, Jr. is appointed to Conestoga UMC.  Rick was born and raised in Lancaster County, having attended Hempfield High School and then Elizabethtown College.  He received his B.S. in Elementary Education, but worked for many years in retail and sales.  After sensing a calling to the ordained ministry, he attended Lancaster Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree in 1990.  He later went back to Lancaster Theological Seminary and received a Doctor of Ministry degree in 2001, writing his thesis on “The Church’s Ministry with Women who are Widows.”  Rick and his wife Diane will celebrate 35 years of marriage on June 1, 2010.  They have two grown sons, Matthew and Travis.  Matthew and his wife Jennifer live in Strasburg, PA and are the proud parents of Rick and Diane’s one grandchild.  Rick has served four churches, including his current appointment, Mohnton: Calvary, where he has been appointed since 2005. Prior to that, he served Berwyn, Colemanville, and Safe Harbor UMC’s.  Rick has volunteered as a camp counselor at Gretna Glen for over 15 years, and his other interests include walking, biking, and reading about the Civil War.  He loves being a “grandpa!”

Conestoga UMC is located on the Southwest District in southern Lancaster County. The name “Conestoga Wagon” is derived from the area where these heavy wagons were developed, in the Conestoga River Valley of Lancaster County.  The town of Conestoga has a rural feel, but is only ten to fifteen minutes away from the city of Lancaster.  The Conestoga United Methodist Church was organized in 1856, and currently has a membership of 157.  It is one of the original 14 churches that were organizers of the Rawlinsville Camp Meeting, also located in southern Lancaster County.  Conestoga UMC has an active laity, involved in hunger ministries in Lancaster City as well as Bible studies open to the community.  A sizable addition was put on the back of the building in 2005, which greatly boosted the church’s ability to have a variety of classes and groups use the building at the same time.  The church has an active Vacation Bible School program in the summer, a 55+ Senior Ministry, and is a supporter of both the Conestoga Food Bank and LUMINA, the mission of the Southwest District in partnership with the General Board of Global Ministries.  More information about Conestoga UMC is found on its website: www.gbgm-umc.org/conestoga. 

Drena Miller is appointed to Birdsboro: Alice Focht Memorial.  Drena was raised in Simpson UMC, Gordon.  God called her into ministry while working as a mental health crisis intervention worker in Schuylkill County.   As second career pastor, Drena began serving churches part-time as a licensed local pastor.  She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Bloomsburg University and her Master of Divinity from Moravian Theological Seminary.  Drena has served Stroudsburg UMC (Associate), Willistown UMC and St. Paul’s UMC, Drums.   While serving at St. Paul’s, Drena worked with the pastor of Diamond UMC to birth The Greater Hazleton Metro Ministries.  This ministry offers ESL classes four nights a week to Latino’s in the greater Hazleton area but is open to anyone who desires to learn the English language.  A computer lab is presently being set up to teach computer skills to Latino’s of the area.  Drena has served on the Superintendency Committee in the former Anthracite District. While in the Southeast District she served on the Resource Design Team, the Congregational Transformation Team, co-chaired the conference Leadership Resource Team, and was registrar for the S.E. District Committee on Ordained Ministry.   She currently serves as registrar for the Northeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry.  Drena is married to Glenn W. Miller who is a commissioned officer for PA Dept. of Corrections. They have two daughters and six grandchildren.

Alice Focht Memorial UMC is located in the community of Birdsboro, PA about 9 miles south of Reading, PA. The building that we currently worship in was built in 1912 but the congregation has existed since 1837 when Services were held in the Mt. Airy School House. There had been two other buildings where worship was conducted before the large stone edifice was constructed on the corner of Hook & First Sts.  At the present time there is a membership of 200+ with a weekly attendance of about 75. We have an active women’s group and an annual Bazaar which draws the community to our doors. Our Choir is known for their musical Cantatas, most often taking place during the Christmas Season. We enjoy faith and fellowship, witnessing to our mission statement… “Living the Love of Christ”.

Appointments announced March 12, 2010 

Rev. Thomas Hall is appointed from Crossroads to Leave of Absence. 

Johnson E. Dodla is appointed to Crossroads.  Johnson was raised in Hyderabad, India and attended Centenary Methodist Church. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Christian College.  Upon graduation, Johnson moved to Leyland, England to become a community/youth worker. After working with urban youth for a year, he moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to attend Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  Johnson graduated with a Master of Arts degree with an emphasis in New Testament.  Upon graduation, Johnson accepted a position as a ministry associate at The Pittsburgh Project. The Pittsburgh Project is an inner city ministry that provides home repair and after-school tutoring to those living on the North side of the city.  While working at the Project, Johnson met his wife, Christyn. Desiring to live closer to each other, Johnson moved to Downingtown, Pennsylvania.  He began work at Hopewell United Methodist Church as the Director of Youth Ministries. In 2005, Johnson and Christyn married. In 2008, Johnson and Christyn welcomed their daughter, Samara, into their family. Currently, Johnson is finishing his final semester at Palmer Theological Seminary where he will graduate with his Master’s of Divinity in May. 

Crossroads UMC is an innovative, missions-driven, young congregation that draws strength from its nomadic beginnings.  Begun in 2003 jointly by Denny Emrick and Thomas Hall, Crossroads has gathered  in a tavern, a fire hall, an elementary school, a hotel, and spent this past summer in a wedding tent. Currently they gather at Marsh Creek Corporate Center amidst beauty salons, a music store and beer barn. Though young and relatively small (85 to 100 folks), Crossroads continues to send congregational members into mission every year. They’ve sent teams to Mississippi each year since Katrina, have sent two mission envoys to South Africa (Hope Village) and summer trips to Coatesville (Good Works, Inc.). Internally, they have launched the Stephen Ministry with two of their number trained and training others. A design team of presenters and musicians plan and shape worship services that result in single big idea that the congregation can live out.

Rev. Hilda Campbell is appointed from Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Director of Human Relations and Leadership to Chester: Siloam United Methodist Church and Chester: Trinity United Methodist Church.  Hilda currently serves as Director of Human Relations and Leadership Ministries providing leadership for the “Healing the Wounds of Racism” program in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. The Multiracial/ethnic Core Team guides the "Bridge Building Process" by divulging unwritten historical facts.  Rev. Campbell is a full time local pastor (Course of Study), she graduated from Manna Bible College of Philadelphia and also holds an undergraduate degree in Applied Science/Construction Technology from Delaware Technical Community College. She has served  in numerous Conference board positions including: Conference Resource Team: Addressing Community and World Issues, and the Conference Transformation Team. She previously served Feltonville United Methodist Church and is currently Assistant to the Pastor of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Chester.  Rev. Campbell was the first female in Carpenter's Local 626, and supervisor of Maintenance Crew in IBEW 1238. Named Trailblazer by Dept. of Labor, she has toured the Soviet Union with 22 Tradeswomen for Peace.  She has been a member of a Princeton Team working at Seminary La Biblica in Costa Rico.  As the Director of the Nehemiah Philadelphia Project, she instructed and supervised  trainees who built/rehabbed 250 housing units. She also supervised/trained Chester Housing Authority maintenance department workers.  She coached Little League Baseball for eighteen years.  As a part-time thespian with TOVA she has traveled the world sharing arts and ministry while highlighting social issues through drama. Rev. Campbell has two sons, David and Jamar. She is a grandmother and  great-grandmother; and this demands her continued social justice work.  

Siloam United Methodist Church is located in the heart of Chester, Pennsylvania.  This multi-cultural ministry enjoys worship services which are open to all people. Siloam UMC offers active ministries for all ages, including weekly adult Bible Study and Sunday School for children and youth, an adult choir, a multi-generational choir and a children’s choir. Siloam has a 4-part Liturgical Dance Ministry: adult, men, teens and children. They demonstrate openness to those in the community by embracing the needs of the His people and offering love and resources to those in need. Siloam continues to stand in awe of what God is doing in the lives of His people

Trinity United Methodist Church is celebrating its 145^th Anniversary this May. This growing congregation’s ministries revolve around their “open door” vision. Current ministries include: Youth for Christ, Chester Education Center, and a Hispanic Ministry which gathers three times each week. In addition to their outstanding choir (referred to by the congregation as the “Little Mormon Tabernacle Choir”) they enjoy exciting and meaningful worship and fellowship together. They are in the midst of major repairs and renovations to both the gymnasium and church and are eagerly looking forward to the next 145 years of serving the community of Chester in the name of Our Lord.

Appointments announced March 10, 2010

Sunil Balasundaram is appointed to Trinity United Methodist Church in Lickdale.  Sunil was born a Methodist, raised a Methodist and served Methodist churches in India.  Upon coming to the United States, he served Narberth and Radnor United Methodist Churches. His most recent appointment is Solebury UMC.  Sunil also serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Eastern PA Conference.  Sunil has a B.S. in Mathematics from Osmania University, a B.D. from Serampore College, and a Th.M from Westminster Theological Seminary.  He is married to Praveena, and they have two children: Prateek and Prerna.  Sunil has a passion for evangelism, discipling, and spiritual disciplines. He has experience in leading contemporary and traditional worship, as well as in organizing and nurturing small groups.  Prayer- both personal and corporate - is extremely important to Sunil.

Trinity United Methodist Churchwas organized in 1968 when three congregations merged into one and relocated to a new sanctuary.  The church has 314 members and a worshipping congregation of 116.  In recent years the congregation added a large, attractive multi-purpose room. This addition has increased the worship opportunities at Trinity UMC. Sunday morning begins with contemporary worship in the multi-purpose room. Sunday School for all ages is offered at the same time as this service. This is followed by traditional worship in their traditional sanctuary.  Hearts Afire ,Trinity's praise band, leads the contemporary service and extends the ministry of Trinity by occasionally leading worship at neighboring ministries and camp meetings. Because Trinity is easily accessible from Rte 81 and its facilities are easily accessible from its parking lot, Trinity is usually host to the Northwest's "Tools for Ministry."    Trinity UMC has an active children and youth ministry, as well as an active men's ministry. The church provides a released-time program for third graders attending a nearby Elementary School, they are involved in ministries that reach out to the greater Lebanon area and every other year a multi-generational team is involved in a mission project within the continental United States.

Robb Faller is appointed to New Berlinville: St.Andrew.  Robb grew up attending Hopewell UMC in the Southeast District.  It was while pursuing his degree in psychology at West Virginia University that Robb received his call to Ordained Ministry. He continued his education at Drew Theological School and Asbury Theological Seminary.  He has served Jarrettown UMC, Open Arms UMC: Norristown and Salem UMC: Pottstown.  Robb and his wife Denise have been foster parents for six years.    They have served over thirty children and currently have six children (mostly teenage boys) in their home.  They have been married for eleven years.

St. Andrew United Methodist Churchis located in New Berlinville just outside of Boyertown.  The congregation just celebrated 160 years of ministry. The congregation has a contemporary worship service and a traditional worship service with an average worship attendance of 170.  The mission statement is "Called by Christ to bring others into the nets of God's love."  They have a passion for doing ministry to the community.  They are involved in the Boyertown Salvation Army and the Boyertown Multi-Service.  There have been many from the congregation who have participated in short-term mission trips. They have accomplished a lot in the past but they believe the best is yet to come as they follow God's call.

Appointments announced February 22, 2010

Dennis R. Snovel is appointed as Retired Supply (interim) to Milton Grove UMC.  Dennis, who is married to Cynthia, retired from full time ministry in 2009, having served Hopeland UMC for seven years.  (Effective February 21, 2010)

Hannah A. Bonner is appointed to Manheim Township: Faith UMC.  Hannah grew up at Thornton: Bethlehem UMC in the Southeast District, and attended Furman University in South Carolina.  She then attended Duke University and received her Master of Divinity magna cum laude in 2008.  During and after her seminary years, she was a ministerial intern in several churches in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, in both urban and rural settings.  She completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education last summer at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.  Most recently, she has served as pastor at the St. Peter's and Somerset UMC's in the Oriole Charge on the Eastern Shore of Maryland (Peninsula Delaware Conference).  In 2008, Hannah's article, "Abolitionist on Trial: Rev. John Dixon Long and the 1858 Philadelphia Conference" was published in the Annals of Eastern Pennsylvania: Journal of the Historical Society and the Commission on Archives and History of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. 

Manheim Township: Faith UMC is located in a fast growing area of Lancaster County, just north of the city of Lancaster.  Faith Church was begun in 1986, in response to the many new housing developments springing up in the area.  Currently, a brand new mixed use development (condos, single family homes, and small businesses) is being built across the street from Faith, and the church is finding ways to respond.  A building addition is planned which will significantly enlarge the current facility, adding several new classrooms to allow Faith to increase its educational program.  The church currently has a worshiping attendance of about 65.  More information about Faith's ministry is available at its website: www.gbgm-umc.org/faithumclititz/. 

Timothy C. Anderman is appointed to Mt. Joy: Glossbrenner UMC.  Tim is a third generation pastor, and has many family members in ministry in both the United Methodist Church as well as the UCC.  Tim currently serves as pastor of Lickdale: Trinity UMC in Lebanon County, where he was appointed in 2008.  Prior to that, he was appointed for eight years to Mont Clare: Otterbein UMC.  He graduated from Millersville University in 1995 after many years employed in industry, and graduated with an M.Div. from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2000.  While in seminary, he was a pastoral intern at Lancaster: First UMC for three years.  He also completed one unit of Clinical Pastoral Education in 2002.  He was ordained elder in 2003.  He currently serves as vice chairperson of the Conference Health Benefits and Pension Board, and chairs the Health Benefits Committee.  He and his wife Julie have been married since 1998.

Glossbrenner UMC is located in the western part of Mt. Joy borough, in an area known as Florin.  It proudly celebrates its EUB roots in the United Brethren tradition, and was established in 1839.  On February 20, 1846, the Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren met in the small brick church.  Bishop J. T. Glossbrenner presided, and the church was named to honor him. In 1860 the Conference again convened at Springville (as Mt. Joy was then known) and appointed a committee to establish a school in Pennsylvania, which resulted in 1867 in the chartering of Lebanon Valley College in Annville.  The mission of Glossbrenner UMC is to: Grow in Our Christian Faith, Praise God through Worship, Glorify God's Name by Serving Others.  The building in use today was dedicated on June 4, 1961, under the leadership of Rev. Charles W. Wolfe, and about 156 persons worship currently at Glossbrenner every Sunday morning.  More information is available at the church's website at: www.gumcmj.org. 

Brian Albert is appointed to Lebanon: Covenant/Pathfinder UMC.  Brian currently serves Shamokin: First UMC, and is a Provisional member anticipating his ordination as an Elder in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in the May 2010 session of Annual Conference.  Brian has an undergraduate degree from Harrisburg Area Community College and Penn State University.  He has a degree in nursing, which he has used both in the military and in the private sector. Brian's MDiv is from Evangelical Theological Seminary. Brian is married to Barbara, who has a daughter Gina.   Brian first served Mountville UMC. He then served Ebenezer UMC of Lebanon for nine years. His most recent appointment was to First UMC of Shamokin.  Brian has a heart and gifts for worship and outreach ministries. He was instrumental in establishing a second service at First UMC, called First at Five (a Sunday Service at 5:00 PM). This service attracted folks not yet connected to a church family, as well as folks eager to make a difference in their community. Brian also loves to preach and lead Bible Study. Throughout his ministry he has encouraged hiss congregations to use their Bibles. 

Covenant UMC is located in the heart of Lebanon. The congregation worships and is engaged in outreach ministries from two sites: Covenant's beautiful, traditional sanctuary and it' expansive program space, as well as The Pathfinder building . The Pathfinder building is a warehouse, which is host to several ministries, the Hispanic Center of Lebanon, and Covenant's multi-sensory worship experience.   Covenant / Pathfinder has a worshipping congregation of about 160. Music is very important to the congregation. There are several choirs involved in the traditional service and a praise band leads the multi-sensory worship. There are also Christian Education opportunities for folks of every generation.   The Covenant site is also host to a Child Care Center with a nursery, preschool, and a before & after school program.   Covenant / Pathfinder has been actively involved in the Conference's High Potential Church Initiative. The pastor and lay leadership have participated in trainings and received coaching on how to incrase their effectiveness in ministry. The congregation is particularly excited about their growing children and youth ministries; and about establishing a Mission HUB in the Pathfinder building. 

Appointments announced week of February 5, 2010

Thomas Fries is appointed to Bethlehem: Wesley UMC.  Rev. Fries currently serves as pastor of Pocono Lake UMC.  He is a graduate of West Chester University and holds his M.Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  After four years at First UMC of Palmyra, Rev. Fries moved to Hempfield UMC where he served for 15 years, helping the church grow to become one of the largest churches in our conference.  During his subsequent sabbatical, Rev. Fries studied spirituality while caring for his aging parents on the family farm in northeastern Pa. where he grew up.  He returned to full-time ministry at Pocono Lake in July, 2008.  He brings a deep appreciation for the work of the spirit, and a strong commitment to the breadth of God's grace.  His ministry has been characterized by the tension between the need for personal piety and spiritual growth with the command to act on faith through mission and ministry in the world.   At Hempfield and now at Pocono Lake, he has encouraged the congregation to consider both their own spiritual life and how they can be a channel of God's grace to the world.  He has travelled extensively - he and his wife, Pam, travelled to Bosnia and Croatia last summer.  Rev. Fries has two adult sons and is looking forward to becoming a grandfather this summer.

Wesley UMC is located in suburban Bethlehem.  Having moved out of the city proper thirteen years ago, the church retains a commitment to ministry in the city, in the region and around the world.  The diverse congregation of nearly 1000 members welcomes over 400 weekly to worship.  Its mission is "to be a center of Christian spiritual growth, where hearts and lives are changed, where faith is taught and lived, where the broken are healed and the hurting are helped, where the visitor is welcomed and new friends are made, where people find peace and seekers find answers, where God's love is celebrated and God's forgiveness is known."  Wesley's ministries include resettlement of African refugees, racial reconciliation in the Bethlehem school district, spiritual development through weekly prayer service and monthly teaching of the Labyrinth, outreach to Rwanda, creation of a Mission Central HUB in the Lehigh Valley, support of ministry to the homeless in the Lehigh Valley, and the development of a new multi-cultural faith community in South Bethlehem.

Mark Moore is appointed to Allentown: Asbury UMC (senior pastor).  Rev. Moore is a graduate of Eastern College, and holds both the M.Div. and M.A.R. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He is currently serving Glossbrenner UMC in Lancaster County.  Prior to that Rev. Moore served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from the fall of 2001 until July 2007, including service on the staff of the Chairman of the Joint  Chiefs of Staff.  He retired from the USAF Reserves as a colonel.  Rev. Moore had previously served as Senior Pastor of Church of the Resurrection in Lionville, and of Ranck's UMC in New Holland, and as Pastor of Chatham UMC and of Bethesda UMC in Phoenixville.  He currently serves as the chair of the Commission on Equitable Compensation, and is a member of the Camping Board.  He is spiritual director for the Crossroads Walk to Emmaus, and is the long-time director of the Youth Music and Drama Camp at Pocono Plateau.  He and his wife, Karen, have an adult son, Dustin.

Asbury UMC is an outwardly focused congregation of 1500.  The three Sunday services welcome nearly 500 people to worship.  Over the last several years the church has engaged in an extensive period of study and reorganization, leading to a new structure and the beginning of a new, emergent style worship service in addition to the two traditional worship services.  Asbury has a long history of commitment to mission, and Asbury in Mission, the mission arm of the church, raises over $100,000 annually beyond budgeted giving such as apportionments.  The church has sent mission teams around the world, from the Gulf Coast to South Africa.  The congregation supports strong children's, youth and music ministries.  Over 300 children attend nursery school and weekday programs at the church, and the Wesley Center gymnasium hosts sports leagues and community events. 

Richard Wilcock is appointed to Bowmanstown: Faith Alive.  Rev. Wilcock is a graduate of Eastern College, and worked as a chemist prior to his call to ministry.  He completed his M.Th. at Maranatha Bible, and has completed additional study at Eastern, United and Moravian Theological Seminaries.  Prior to his service in the Eastern Pa. Conference, Rev. Wilcock served churches in the Western Ohio Conference and in Indiana.  In the Eastern Pa. Conference he has served Ebeneezer UMC in Weissport and Ebeneezer UMC in Lehighton, St. Paul's in Mount Carmel, St. Paul's in Terre Hill, St. John's in Shamokin, and is currently serving Conestoga UMC in southern Lancaster County.  Rev. Wilcock is President of the Bowman Park Camp Meeting Association, and a member of the Evangelical Connection of the Eastern Pa. Conference. He serves as Local Pastor Registrar for the Board of Ordained Ministry, working on local pastor education and licensing at the conference and jurisdictional level.  He and his wife, Arlene, serve on the Southwest District Spirit Network, and Arlene edits the newsletter as well as managing the SW district website.  The Wilcock's have a son who teaches math at Messiah College, and a daughter who is Sr. Manager of Market Research for a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson.  The Wilcock's enjoy time with their five grandchildren.

Faith Alive UMCin Bowmanstown is an active congregation worshipping approximately 275 people weekly in two services of worship, one contemporary and one blended.  Resulting from the merger of several UM churches in the region, Faith Alive is completing the final stages of construction this year.  The congregation has expanded greatly over the past decade, offering a wide array of ministries including a dynamic small group ministry, programs for children, youth and seniors, a creative puppet ministry and a diverse music program.  The congregation reaches out to the community at the center of Northeast District both proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and seeking to provide tangible signs of God's love.

Carole Ann Wood: from Stroudsburg: Faith UMC to Retirement.  Rev. Wood retired January 31^st after having served as a licensed local pastor in Ohio and, for the last eleven years, at Faith UMC, in Stroudsburg.  After successfully battling her own cancer several years ago, Rev. Wood led the church to develop a healing ministry which has blessed many people throughout the area.  She has brought compassion and empathy to her ministry throughout her twenty years.  She and her daughter plan to move to the central area of the conference.

David Goss is appointed to Stroudsburg: Faith UMC (Interim).  Rev. Goss completed his undergraduate degree in music education at Combs College of Music, and his M. Div. at Drew Theological Seminary.  He has served churches in East Stroudsburg, Richmond, Allentown: Trinity, and Easton: First.  In addition, he has served as VP of Development and Communication for the then Methodist Home for Children, and as Associate Director of the Kirkridge Retreat Center.  Rev. Goss is a certified interim minister, having completed the Intentional Interim Ministry training of the Intentional Growth Center at Lake Junaluska.  His wife, Laura, is the Executive Director of the Pocono Arts Council.  Pastor Goss will provide interim leadership to Faith UMC until July 1, 2010.

Appointments announced February 4, 2010

Clyde S. Flaherty is appointed to Retirement.  Rev. Flaherty will be retiring after 23 years of ministry in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. Since 2004 he has served as senior pastor of Elam United Methodist Church in Glen Mills.

John D. Inghram appointed to Elam.  Dr. Inghram has served Bowmanstown: Faith Alive for since July 1999 where he has  participated in the design and development of several staffing positions, the initiation of a contemporary worship service, involvement in ongoing new construction and visioning for future expansion.   He has served for over 25 years in the United Methodist denomination.  He earned a bachelor degree in Developmental Psychology from West Virginia University, a Master of Divinity Degree - with a Minor in Pastoral Counseling - from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.  He also attended Duquesne University's Institute of Formative Spirituality for post graduate work and later engaged in additional studies in Advanced Pastoral Psychotherapy at Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute.  Ingram has served on DCOM committees in both the Eastern and Western Pennsylvania Conferences and he has served on several Conference teams and committees. He has also been involved with Habitat for Humanity, local ministeriums where he has been influential in initiating local ordinance changes, and a local school board strategic planning and vision committee. Dr. Ingram's ministry has been defined by dedication to leading persons in a life-changing experience with Jesus Christ that results in spiritual growth and personal transformation. Inghram is a long time Rotary International member and is a member of several local Rotary Clubs. In his spare time, he enjoys running, karate, skiing, photography and music. He is married to Betsy and they are the parents of Steven, a senior at Moravian College and Rachel, a senior at Lehighton Area High School.

Elam United Methodist Church of Glen Mills in Concord Township near the Delaware state line is an offspring of the Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting.  The women of the church saw the need to move to a new location and were persistent in this vision while the men were at first reluctant. In 1878 the present property was purchased and the church was chartered in 1879. They were moved to call the church "Elam" meaning "Our Village".  Their vision for ministry in "Our Village" was not just local but also global. The people of Elam saw their farming dirt roads transformed into suburban neighborhoods near thriving commercial districts.  Many building additions have been made at Elam to facilitate growth and ministry. In 2001 a major 1.3 million dollar renovation was made. Currently, Elam membership is 1005 with average worship attendance of 245. Besides the senior pastor the church employs another full time staff member and six part time staff members. Elam has a very vibrant music program with several choirs for children, youth and adults with a diversity of genres.  They have also created "The Voices of Hope" combining choirs and voices from around the area in an annual concert in support of ovarian cancer research. Elam has developed a unique and significant Christian Education Ministry which serves approximately 100 children each Sunday.  There are many additional ministries at Elam in reaching out to the community, two of which are the "Early Childhood Development Ministries" and "The Children's Clothing Turnabout". Organizationally, Elam seeks to respond to God's calling by turning to one another in prayerful conversation and through its five faith ministry teams: Sharing the Faith; Nurturing the Faith; Celebrating the Faith; Deepening the Faith and Sending Forth in Faith."  Elam is a theologically diverse church that seeks to respond to the call to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with God. 

Appointments announced February 2, 2010

Matthew L. Heckman appointed to Kochenderfers of Lebanon.  Matthew is a graduate of Northampton High School and Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School, where he majored in electronics.  He has an undergraduate degree from Liberty University and an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary.  After seminary, Matthew served as the Associate Pastor of Jarrettown UMC, and then served as Senior Pastor of Black Creek UMC. He is currently in his eighth year as Senior Pastor of St. Andrew.   Matthew has a passion for making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. He loves worship and has an appreciation for both traditional and contemporary worship; and he takes seriously the awesome privilege of preaching the Word. Preaching, leading worship, fostering small group ministry, and playing the guitar are just a few of his gifts for ministry. Matthew has also led and participated in mission teams involved in the Katrina Recovery , as well as projects in Central America.  Matthew is married to Laura; and both are roller coaster enthusiasts. Matthew's appointment will put them in close proximity to a number of theme parks with notable roller coasters. Matthew is also actively involved in the Walk to Emmaus.

Kochenderfer's UMC was organized in 1848. It is situated in North Lebanon Township with the city of Lebanon to its south and farmland to its north. The church has a traditional sanctuary and a recently added complex with a large multi-purpose room used for contemporary worship. These two unique worship experiences have a combined average attendance of 205.   Kochenderfer's has a strong Christian Education program with opportunities for all ages.  It has a weekday pre-School for families of the church and community. Its congregation, and facilities, is host to many community groups, including one of the largest Scout Packs in the Township.  Meeting the spiritual needs of the worshipping community, increasing the number of small groups, and reaching out to the community and world are all very important to Kochenderfer United Methodist Church.

Richard Conner appointed to Retirement.  Rev. Conner will be retiring after 43 years of ministry in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.  Since 1997 he has served as senior pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Manheim, Lancaster County.

Melinda L. McKonly appointed to Manheim: Salem UMC.  Melinda (Mindy) has been senior pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Allentown since 2000.  Prior to that, Pastor McKonly was pastor of the Phoenixville: First United Methodist Church for four years, and before that, a District Superintendent for eight years of the former Harkness (now Northeast) District.  She has also served Lincoln Park, Erdenheim: St. Mark, Berwyn (associate), and Oregon United Methodist Churches.  She has been full-time in ministry for more than thirty years, having graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1978.  Born and raised in Lancaster County, she was an endorsed candidate for Bishop from the Eastern PA Conference in 2008.  She has served on the General Board of Global Ministries, as a member of the World Methodist Council, a delegate to four General Conferences and five Jurisdictional Conferences, and currently serves as the chairperson of the Conference Committee on Mission Personnel.  Her hobbies and interests include music, reading, gardening, traveling, and tending to her three cats.

Manheim: Salem United Methodist Churchis located within the borough of Manheim in northern Lancaster County.  The church was organized in 1823, and currently has a membership of 464, with an average worship attendance of 251.  A church in the former EUB tradition, Salem moved its location from a small "downtown" building to a much larger property near the edge of town to allow it to expand its ministry.  The current buildings serve a variety of ministries of the church, including Salem Family Ministries, a comprehensive social service ministry to the immediate community and beyond, directed by Associate Pastor Jacquie Sheely.  In addition to an active youth ministry and young adult program, Salem also has a comprehensive children's ministry program.  Two "Kid's Clubs," Tadpoles ("Totally Awesome Dedicated People Outwardly Loving Everyone's Soul") and KFrogs ("Kids Fully Relying on God's Son") meet twice per month for fun and learning for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.  Salem is also a hub for community activities in its building and on its grounds, including Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Midget Football.  An every Wednesday night supper program also brings in many from the community to get to know the ministries of Salem.  There are two worship services, one traditional and the other contemporary.  More information is available at its website: www.salemumch.org.

Appointments announced  January 25, 2010

Kent Kroehler appointed to Retirement.  Rev. Kroehler will be retiring after 42 years of ministry in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.  Since 1986 he has served as senior pastor of First United Methodist Church in Lancaster.

J. William Lentz, Jr. appointed to Lancaster: First UMC.  Bill Lentz has been the Senior Pastor at Bethlehem: Wesley United Methodist Church for 17 years.   He focuses his ministry on preaching, teaching, visioning and administering the life of that congregation of 1,000.   He is a life-long United Methodist.   He is a graduate of Ridge High School (Basking Ridge NJ), Albright College (Reading PA), and Duke Divinity School (Durham NC).   He began his ministry in Lancaster County at the Highville and Washington Boro churches (1986-1989) and then served as Associate Pastor at West Chester UMC (1989-1993).   After moving to Wesley UMC, he led them through a relocation effort, and has a sense of being a "founding pastor" of a new church because of the relocation. He's committed to the renewal of the local church by practicing proven methods of leadership and organizational development.   Bill is a lecturer in congregational development, as well as Methodist history, doctrine, and polity.   He and his wife, Kathy, are the parents of three children - son Scott (24) and daughters Sherri (24) and Tracy (20) - and they are grandparents of Bryce (3).   Kathy and Bill love to travel and they both have green thumbs for the garden.   In 2005, Bill led a mission trip to Rwanda in East Africa as the culmination of his longtime dream to participate in the development of a global Christian movement.

First United Methodist Church of Lancaster is a historic church, dating back more than 200 years, in the heart of Lancaster City.  Between 1842 and 1892, First Methodist Episcopal Church spearheaded a Lancaster City Sabbath School Project. Two of the three Sunday Schools supported in the east, west, and south sides of the city exist today as United Methodist congregations.  In 1848, the Pennsylvania Medical Society was organized in the First Methodist Episcopal Church building.  The Protestant mission to Korea was launched from this church in 1885, when Dr. and Mrs. Henry Appenzeller left First Church and sailed to Korea to establish a Christian mission.  In 1980, the Rev. George Bashore was elected a Bishop in the Northeast Jurisdiction from First Church. The Rev. Kent Kroehler has been senior pastor since 1986 (after having been appointed associate at First Church from 1968-1972); the Rev. Kerry Leeper has been associate pastor since 2005.  At a time when many urban churches were either losing members or moving to the suburbs, First Church remained strong and made a commitment to stay in the city.  In 2006, the church completed a multimillion dollar addition which resulted in a substantial addition to the parking and a major addition to the building included new space for a large multi-purpose room (gym, worship space, dining facilities) designed to meet the needs of a growing contemporary worship service and a sports ministry.  Currently, First UMC has a membership of almost 1200 and a worship attendance that averages 586.  More information about its ministry is available at www.engagegodfirst.org