2011 Appointments

Bishop Peggy Johnson announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2011 (unless noted otherwise):

Announced September 12, 2011

Effective August 25, 2011, Dr. Sharon Barley is appointed to Senior Interim Pastor of Jarrettown UMC. Dr. Barley brings to her position great skill and giftedness in the transformation of local church congregations. She has served St. Paul’s in Mountville and Boehm’s in Willow Street.

Jarrettown UMC is a church that is committed to Christ and to ministry to its community and beyond. One of its unique ministries is a vegetable garden, the harvest of which is shared with Philabundance and others. Jarrettown Church continues its commitment to share the love of Christ within its congregation, its community, and beyond. 

Announced August 25, 2011

 

Terry Cooney is appointed as part-time Visitation Pastor at West Lawn UMC in the Central District.  He has been serving at Christ UMC in Birdsboro since 2008, and will remain their pastor.  Married to Susan Cooney, Terry has two children Sean & Kathryn, and seven grandchildren (number eight will arrive any day).  He is a graduate of Northeastern University in Boston.  He is a second career Pastor after a thirty-year career as Vice President and General Manager with Browning-Ferris Industries.  He has also been a captain in the US Army after graduation.  He is currently working on a M.Div. at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown.  He has a passion for teaching the Bible, & Mission outreach, Terry and Sue have served on several mission trips repairing storm-damaged homes.  Terry and Christ Church are actively involved with the poor of Haiti through Divine Ministry Orphanage and with the homeless street Children in that country.  Terry currently is serving as the Director of the Crossroads Walk to Emmaus ministry of Eastern Pa.

West Lawn UMC is a growing congregation just west of Reading, PA, that is committed to ministry outside the church walls as well as inside.  They are about to celebrate their 100^th anniversary of serving Christ in that community.  They reach out to 600+ in their three Sunday worship services and open their doors to hundreds of people each week in their community meal ministry known as West Lawn Wednesday.  They emphasize the importance of missionary service, both by supporting missionaries around the world AND by sending out young and old in short-term mission teams from the congregation and community.

Dennis Emrick is appointed to Mt. Carmel UMC in the St. Peter’s community as a retired supply pastor.  He was educated at Lancaster Theological Seminary, Albright College, and Princeton Seminary.  He has served as a United Methodist Elder in the EPA Conference for forty-two years.  He has served over 15 churches within our Conference, the most recent church being Churchtown UMC.  He retired in 2007.  Along with his years in ministry, he is a lead coach at Emrick Coaching Ministries, which provides information on fund raising and guidance in paying off debts and developing savings plans.  He also is a stewardship consultant and Vice President of Kirby-Smith Associates.  This company provides spiritually based financial and fundraising services to Christian churches.  He has written articles on stewardship and has conducted numerous workshops on stewardship in local churches.  He is a David Ramsey financial coach.   Rev. Emrick is married to Frances Emrick, who is an organist at St. Paul’s in Stowe.  They have three sons: Christopher, Eric, and Gregory.  In his spare time, Rev. Emrick enjoys fishing, hunting, and traveling.  He is very fond of music and at one time was a member of a drum and bugle corp. 

Mt. Carmel UMC, nestled in the hills of rural, historical Chester County, was built in 1919.  We have a beautiful stone church and a pipe organ.  We have an extremely active church choir and a dedicated music ministry.  The congregation is composed of people with many different backgrounds, and has on average around forty-five members in attendance on a Sunday.  We have an active youth program with Sunday School and many missions activities.  Mt. Carmel also has a very active United Methodist Women’s society.  Their fundraising activities carry out a number of mission projects.  The most successful programs is the Christmas Shoe Box Collection.  They also have a number of programs that are open o the community such as the bazaar, dinners, strawberry festival, and rummage sale.

Elisandra (“Eli”) Garcia is appointed to Holy Cross in Reading in the Central District.  Her primary responsibility will be for the pastoral leadership of the Generation Life (Bilingual-Multi Cultural) Latino worship service.  She will also work with Rev. Gudikunst to reach young adults and to develop a new worship service to attract and connect with younger adults at Holy Cross.  She has felt the Lord calling her into a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community of believers. She has a vision, and a passion for people of all ages, all ethnic backgrounds, to encourage many to belong to a church that resembles the body of Christ.  She desires to be part of a church ministry that helps empower men and women, children and youth in God’s place of desire.  Before being part of Holy Cross, Eli came from Wesley UMC, a 1,000+ member UM church in our conference, where she was the Director of Youth Ministries.  The youth group experienced substantial growth under her leadership.  Eli has also been the youth director of La Trinidad UMC.   She has organized and participated as a keynote speaker in women’s conferences, youth conferences, and young adult conferences across the country. She has a Law Enforcement degree from Lehigh Career Technical Institute.  She received her B.A. of Science in Religion with a specialization in Biblical Counseling from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Eli is currently in the process of becoming an ordained Elder.  She is studying for her Masters of Divinity at Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem.  Eli is also a certified UM church planter.

Holy Cross United Methodist Church is located in center city Reading.  The current building, the fourth home for the congregation founded in 1822, is an architectural masterpiece of which the congregation is justifiably proud.  However, we recognize that the church is more than the building that houses the congregation, and that our real mission is to be in ministry not only to the people of the City of Reading but also to God’s children everywhere. Our mission statement, “Loving God - Loving People”, reflects this commitment.  Each Sunday, Holy Cross has both a traditional and a bilingual Latino service.  After a number of years of declining attendance at worship, we are now seeing increases in attendance at both worship services.  There are several groups including the Adult Fellowship, Men's Bible study, a Women’s small group and a very active unit of the United Methodist Women.  Each summer we collaborate with Gretna Glen Camp to sponsor two sessions of a day camp in partnership with for the children of the neighborhoods surrounding the church, and a neighborhood picnic in the fall.  In 2010, we became an UMCOR Mission Central HUB Church where we assemble emergency and educational kits.  As part of our outreach, the church invites multiple community groups to use the building for meetings and activities.

Announced June 30, 2011

Hwankee Yong is appointed to New Covenant United Methodist Church.  The Rev. Dr. Yong is from South Korea. He received a Bachelor degree from Yonsei University College of Theology in Seoul Korea and a Master of Music Education from Yonsei University Graduate School of Education. He came to the United States to Drew University Theological School where he received his Master of Divinity and then completed his Doctor of Ministry in Church Music at Canada Christian College & School of Graduate Theological Studies. Dr. Yong  has served in the Northern New Jersey Annual Conference, the East Ohio Annual Conference and the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference.  Hwankee is married to Young-Ai. They have two adult sons, one daughter-in-law and one granddaughter.

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.

Charles D. Thomas is appointed to Eddystone United Methodist Church.  He was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Temple University with a B.S. in Secondary Education (English-Speech-Theater) in 1974. He has served in the U.S. Army Reserves and PA National Guard as a platoon and company officer, and worked in the accounting department of a major Philadelphia law firm for 30 years. He is married to Linda and they have both been active members of Ridley Park United Methodist Church for 17 years, which is where he first experienced a call to ministry. Charlie has attended Laity Academy for many years and has been a CSM in Speaking, Caring and Leading Ministries and has also served as Treasurer for the Laity Academy Committee. He has used his gifts and this training both at his home church as Lay Leader and as pulpit supply in various area churches. Charlie is currently employed part-time by Swarthmore United Methodist Church as their Church Administrator.

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.

Cynthia A. Babiak is appointed to Ridley Park.  She grew up in the Ridley Township area. She is a registered nurse and works at Crozer Chester Medical Center in the maternity department.  She has been involved in youth ministry at Mount Hope UMC for the past eleven years and has been on staff as Youth Director for the last two years.  She is a certified bereavement counselor and also enjoys family counseling. Cindy sensed her call to pastoral ministry during her work in youth ministry.  This is her first appointment. Cindy is married to Karl. They have three children, one daughter-in-law and one granddaughter.

Ridley Park UMC has served as a church home for many people seeking after God's love and grace since the church opened its doors in 1892.  RPUMC strives to be a church of open doors in which each door is an opportunity to share Christ, enrich the community, and grow in faith.  The congregation is very active in the local community, reaching out through a new community garden, a job search support group, and an active missions ministry which includes a food pantry serving local families in need.  Ridley Park UMC is also a community of powerful prayer, featuring a prayer partners ministry which lifts up the local community and the world in prayer.  A variety of activities are hosted throughout the year which welcome the local community into the church such as a community fair, pancake breakfasts, and flea markets.  In recent years, Vacation Bible School, a youth mission trip, and Sunday school classes for all ages have extended the outreach and spiritual growth of the congregation.  In all that they do, the congregation of Ridley Park UMC strives to live out the message that God's love through Jesus Christ wins over even sin and death and offers us a deep and abiding joy that is central to a walk of faith.

John Neider is appointed to Hopewell United Methodist in Downingtown as a Part-time Licensed Local Pastor with responsibility for Outreach Ministries including Celebrate Recovery.  He has served at Hopewell UMC and at Crossroads UMC over the last 13 years as a Christ Servant minister and Disciple Bible Study leader. He believes in being public about one’s faith and is leading a Bible study this summer at a local park in Downingtown.  Rev. Neider graduated from University of Miami with a degree in English and attended graduate school at University of Minnesota.  He is a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served from 1966 through 1970.  He is an ambassador for Good Works, a Christian nonprofit organization which exists to improve the living conditions for low-income families in Chester County, meeting with homeowners to pray and talk together. His passion is to reach beyond the walls of the church to walk along side of those who struggle and do not know Christ in a personal way.  John is a single dad of five children, Sean, Kate, Ian, Jenny and Colin.

Hopewell UMC strives to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world through our mission of “Helping Christians Grow and Helping Grow Christians.”  Any day of the week you will hear the joyful sounds of the children who attend our Christian based preschool or people from our community who participate in outreach programs like Celebrate Recovery.  Located outside the borough of Downingtown, Hopewell offers a variety of worship experiences throughout the week with both contemporary and traditional services as well as our contemplative Tuesday Time Apart service.  Bible studies, mission trips, music and fellowship opportunities are offered for all ages; adults, youth and children.  The outdoor amphitheatre is home to drama presentations, Christian concerts and summer worship.  We are a serving congregation encouraging and empowering each person to claim their own giftedness for service both within and beyond our walls.  Our “Beyond the Walls” capital campaign encourages second- mile financial gifts which are sent beyond our walls to mission partners locally, nationally and globally and also provides opportunities for hands-on service. 

Esdras Seda is appointed one-quarter time to Phila.: El Mesias and three-quarters time to Phila.: Espiritu Santo. Presently, he is pastor of Iglesia Metodista Unida Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit UMC) which is the result of a merger between Juniata Park UMC and La Resurrección –Lindley. Born in New York City, the youngest of four brothers and one sister, he is married to Eva N. Seda. He completed his BS from Geneva College and is continuing with his MDiv at Palmer Theological Seminary. He is very involved in Philadelphia, a member of the Hispanic Clergy and Esperanza USA and a volunteer Police Chaplain with the 24^th Precinct. He is passionate about preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and developing leaders to use their gifts for the edification of the local church and community.

Phila.: El Mesias is a 100% Latino congregation and has at least three generations of families represented. The laity participates in worship and shares with the pastor the responsibility for witnessing how God works.  It is a congregation that addresses the basic needs of the community in the form of food, clothing, monies and the good news of salvation. It is a family-oriented congregation and is accepting of cultural differences. Some of the church’s ministries include Youth ministry for 10 to 17-year olds and children’s Vacation Bible School. The church is linked with the Philadelphia School District’s Head Start program for 2 to 5-year olds. Family counseling and prayer services are other ministries of the church.

Phila.: Espiritu Santo: The services at Iglesia Metodista Unida Espiritu Santo are lively, and people are encouraged to enthusiastically praise the Lord. Children, young men, and young women take turns in being liturgists each Sunday. Services are bilingual. Though the church is largely Latino, persons of Anglo and African American descent also share in the worship, and the church expresses the great diversity in the Latino community, as well. Differences are celebrated.

Mr. Steven J. Handzel is appointed one-half time to Montgomery Square UMC as Lay Supply.  Mr. Handzel expects to graduate with a MDiv degree from Palmer Theological Seminary in December 2011.  He holds a BBA degree in accounting from the College of William and Mary and a MBA from West Chester University.  He has completed a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education at Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington DE.  Mr. Handzel holds an active license as a Certified Public Accountant with a practice in his home town of West Chester as he makes a transition to ministry.  He has been recommended as a candidate for ordained ministry by Olivet UMC in Coatesville, PA where he has served as the Pastoral Intern since November 2009. In addition to his profession as a CPA, Mr. Handzel has served as the Executive Director of two Chester County non-profit organizations focused on the needs of homeless single men.  He has an extensive history of community involvement that includes being elected twice to both the West Chester Borough Council and the West Chester Area School Board.  Steve is married to Beth, and they have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Montgomery Square UMC is an audacious congregation for Christ that has built a new building located on a major intersection in Montgomery Township.  Even before the building was completed, they had reached out to families in the community and invited them to attend worship in the octagon-shaped edifice. It has two worship services and looks forward to beginning a preschool program and to strengthening its ministries for children and youth. The congregation is active in ministry to homeless persons in Souderton and actively supports “Nothing But Nets.”

Mr. James H. Wilkin is appointed one-half time to Philadelphia: Bridesburg as Lay Supply.  Mr. Wilkin earned a BA in Elementary Education from Eastern University in 1974 and a MBA in Management from Temple University in 1987. After a career of over 20 years in the child welfare field, he became the Director of Camping and Nurture Ministries for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in 2005 and served in that position through 2010. He is currently a student at Drew University Theological School, and he expects to graduate with a MDiv in May of 2012. He and his wife, Diane, have been active members of the Morrisville UMC, where Jim has played guitar and sung in the praise band, sung in the choir, and held various leadership positions over the past 26 years. Jim and Diane have three daughters and three grandchildren.

Phila.: Bridesburg UMC is a small church nestled in the Bridesburg neighborhood of Philadelphia. The church engages in traditional worship, is meticulous about the maintenance of its building, and is as conscientious about its food pantry and clothing ministry to the community. 

Michelle Beissel is appointed to Millers Crossroads UMC, ½ time.  She is a 1995 graduate of Central Dauphin High School and a 1999 graduate of Lebanon Valley College. She graduated from Methodist Theological School in Ohio in May 2004 and was commissioned in June 2004.  Michelle was ordained in June 2007, and is married to Brian Beissel, a pastor in the ELCA. Michelle served Shade Valley Parish from 2004-2006 and Trinity Northumberland from July 2006-June 2011.

Millers Crossroads UMC’s cornerstone was laid in 1889. Throughout most of its history the church has been one of several churches on a charge or circuit.  At one time there were as many as seven churches on the circuit.  Since August of 2001 the congregation has been on its own.  The church is actively involved in Methodist United, a cooperative ministry of 12 churches.  The congregation has a picnic pavilion frequently used by Methodist United; and is the site of their Ice Cream Festival.  The church has a very active women’s group; and hosts a local girl scout unit.

Dorris McCoy is appointed to Landingville: Welcome UMC, ¼ time.  Dorris is a graduate of Sam Houston High School.  She has an undergraduate degree in Christian Education from
Elmhurst College. Dorris became a certified candidate for ministry and was licensed as a part time local pastor in 2006. Since then she has been actively engaged in the Course of Study.  Dorris, and her husband Fred, have been long-time active members of Lincoln Park: Community UMC. Prior to Dorris’ appointment to the staff of Community UMC as Pastor of Christian Education in 2006, she served on staff as a direct hire, and before that as a volunteer in their Christian Education Department.  Dorris and Fred have two sons and one granddaughter.

Landingville: Welcome UMC has a membership of 114 and an average worship attendance of 35. The leadership works together to make worship creative, and fellowship events memorable.  In addition to their weekly worship service the church the church offers a once a month Coffee House event with live music and good food.  The church is also community minded: they partner with the United Church of Christ to offer a community VBS program; they participate in community events; and several members use their construction skills in local, national, and international mission projects, including Team Orwigsburg and its Gulf Coast projects.  Recently a team spent a day helping with the renovations at the Northwest District Mission Hub at Pathfinder in Lebanon.

Nan Crews is appointed as Part Time Local Pastor to Annville: Kauffman’s UMC, ½ time.  Nan is a graduate of Moravian Theological Seminary and an ordained Deacon in the Moravian Church. She will be seeking Recognition of Orders in the United Methodist Church. Nan has had ministry experience in youth ministry and new church starts, primarily in the Mennonite Church. She has recently connected with the Campbelltown UMC, where she has occasionally supplied the pulpit and participated in a Bible Study and Prayer Group.  Nan is also a Doctor of Osteopathy; using her gifts and skills to care for the medical needs of the Amish.  Nan is a person of compassion and has a great love for preaching and teaching the Word. She is eager to return to her United Methodist roots.

Annville: Kauffman’s is located just northwest of the campus of Lebanon Valley College. It was organized in 1847 and has a current membership of 73 and a worshipping congregation of 25.   The congregation has been very supportive of the denomination’s world -wide ministries with its faithful payment of the apportionment; and they have been involved with local and international missions such as the Shoebox ministry at Christmas. They are also very supportive of the EPA Camping Ministry, especially Gretna Glen.

Daniel Herner and Andrea Haldemanare appointed to a pastoral team serving Berne: Salem-Berne and Hamburg: Bethany UMC.  Dan is a retired Elder in Full Connection in the EPA, whose primary appointment is Berne: Salem-Berne, ½ time. Andrea is a Licensed Part time Local Pastor, whose primary appointment is Hamburg: Bethany, ½ time. She will also be serving Berne: Salem-Berne ¼ time and have the primary pastoral oversight for both congregations during July and August.  Dan and Andrea will work in consultation with one another and with their congregations to establish an annual preaching schedule, to provide pastoral care, to assign responsibilities for administration(who attends which meetings and performs what tasks), and to explore cooperative ministries (such as: Bible Studies, retreats, small groups, mission projects, etc).   Dan and Andrea have been a team in the not so distant past. When Dan was pastor of Lebanon: Covenant-Pathfinder, Andrea was a member of Covenant-Pathfinder and worked with Dan to establish a multi-sensory worship center at Pathfinder. Dan and Andrea are both excited to be given another opportunity to work together.  Dan is married to Mary Alice and has two daughters.  Dan received his license to preach in 1962 and was ordained in 1967.  Andrea is married to Dale and has two daughters.  Andrea continues to attend Evangelical Theological Seminary, and hopes to graduate with an M.Div in two years.  Andrea received her license to preach in 2008, and Hamburg: Bethany is her first appointment.

Berne: Salem-Berne is a country church situated near Hamburg, Pa. It has a membership of 123 and a worshipping congregation of 50. This congregation is most noted for its community events, which include an antique car show & community festival, and chicken pot pie dinners. They have a very active and effective men’s group, as well as children and youth ministries. The congregation also supports a missionary family and Red Bird Mission; and have supplied UMCOR emergency relief kits, especially flood buckets.

Hamburg: Bethany is located in Hamburg proper. It has a membership of 148 with a worshipping congregation of 42. The congregation is very involved in local ministries, which includes preparing and serving a meal for the Opportunity House once a month. The church also has a prayer shawl ministry, an active women’s ministry and a youth ministry. They also offer a VBS program to the church family and community.

 

Announced June 21, 2011

William Parrish is appointed to Shoemakersville : Salem UMC.  Bill is a certified candidate for ministry available for licensing as a part time local pastor on July 1, 2011.  He is a graduate of Hellertown-Lower Saucon Valley High School and has an undergraduate degree from Lehigh University in Industrial Engineering. Before responding to a call to ministry, Bill had a career in management.  Bill and his wife Connie have been active members of Schuylkill Haven: First UMC. Bill has helped establish a Bible Study and worship service at a Senior Center in Schuylkill Haven; and he was recently hired as the minister of visitation for First UMC.  Bill and Connie have three daughters and four grandchildren.

Salem United Methodist Church of Shoemakersville is located just south of Hamburg. Its current membership is 145 with an average attendance of 48.  This active, intergenerational congregation has several notable ministries: a Vacation Bible School, a free Thanksgiving Dinner prepared for the community, youth mission projects; and they support the local Food Pantry.

Susan Moore is appointed to St. Clair-Wade UMC.  Susan is a certified candidate for ministry available for licensing as a part time local pastor on July 1, 2011.  Susan is a graduate of  Hamburg High School and has an undergraduate degree from  Drew University.  She is currently attending Evangelical Theological Seminary and intends to graduate in 2013 with an M.Div.  Susan has been an active member of Berne: Salem-Berne UMC. She has been a worship leader, a member of their praise band and chair of the Administrative Council. Her organizational and music skills have been greatly appreciated by her home church.  Susan has also supplied the pulpit of Girardville UMC.

St. Clair-Wade UMC is a merger of two congregations. The church is located in St. Clair, which is just north of Pottsville and just south of Frackville off Rte 61. The active congregation is twenty members strong. They offer a Saturday evening and Sunday morning worship service; and a weekly Bible Study.  They support local ministries, as well as UM world-wide ministries through their faithful giving to the Apportionment. The congregation also strives to find new ways to reach out to their community.  A recent addition to the church is a beautiful flower garden; and they are soon to pave a parking area in order to provide worshippers with off-street parking.

William Matthew Whayland III is appointed to Lebanon: St. John’s UMC.  Matthew is an Elder in Full Connection currently serving Annville: Kauffman’s UMC. He attended Penn State University and has an undergraduate degree from Eastern University, and an M.Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, now Palmer Theological Seminary. After graduating from seminary, Matthew was appointed to Avondale UMC. He also served Minersville/Llewellyn UMC, Belmont Hills: Ashland Avenue, Lancaster: Otterbein, Lebanon: Memorial/Mountville UMC, and Marticville UMC.  Matthew is married to Pam, and they have two daughters: Erin and Lindsey.  Matthew is an avid reader, who appreciates scholarly works on the Scriptures. He also has a heart for issues of social justice, and resonates with the message of the prophets of the Old Testament. Matthew is active in the Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting.  This past year he was their program director.

Lebanon: St. John’s is a ½ time charge, situated in a neighborhood of Lebanon referred to as “Pleasant Hill.” It was chartered in 1893 and has a worshipping congregation of 35.  This intergenerational congregation with many gifted leaders has a vision to strengthen its outreach to the immediate community. They already impact the neighborhood with their Vacation Bible School program and support of local food cupboards. Establishing a youth ministry that will attract neighborhood youth and nurture youth already active in the life of the church is one of their immediate goals.

Joseph Lee Wenrich is appointed to Geigertown: St. Paul’s UMC on the Central District.  Rev. Wenrich is from Pottsville, PA.  He graduated from Messiah College in 1975 with a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy and a minor in chemistry and physics.  He attended Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. graduating in 1979 with a Master of Divinity.  Rev. Wenrich has served the following churches:  Nantmeal, Nantmeal Village; Grace Church, Coatesville; Mt. Zion Church, Narvon; White Haven Church, White Haven; St. Paul’s, Geigertown; Mt. Carmel, St. Peter’s Village; Cornwells, Cornwells Heights; Friendship, Coatesville and Salem-Berne, Hamburg.   He has also served in ministry beyond the Local Church:  chaplain for 17 years with Civil Air Patrol in Reading, PA, and chaplain for three years aboard the Liberty Ship S.S. John W. Brown in Baltimore, MD.  He has been married for 36 years to Barbara J. (Yeich) Wenrich.  Together, they have three grown children:  Kimberly Jeantet of Sarasota, Florida; Kelly O’Brien of Lebanon, Pa.; and Jonathan Wenrich of Philadelphia, PA.  They also have two grandchildren: Jeremiah Jeantet and his recently adopted sister from Zambia, Charis Jeantet.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Geigertown is one of the oldest Methodist Churches in America.  We started as a small wood cabin and have a beautiful place of worship with good amenities – including an elevator.  We offer an 8 AM service, which averages 12 – 19 in attendance.  Sunday School (for all ages) averages 45 to 50 in attendance.  The 10:15 service averages 45 -55 congregants.  The 8AM service is a traditional one while the 10:15 often has praise music.  Our activities at St. Paul’s encompass all age groups.  We have Bible study weekly, Women’s Christian Outreach monthly, Men’s Fraternity weekly, Prayer meetings twice a week, and involvement in Christian Crusaders on a regular basis.  In addition, there is a choir and the usual involvements of committees through the Methodist Conference.  We also participate in Lenten service with four other churches (three are Methodist, and one is Lutheran) allowing us to have worship and fellowship with members of nearby communities.  Both the Women’s Outreach and the Men’s Fraternity are involved in many projects for various missions.  The Youth also have been involved in missions.  The last Sunday of the month, the youth have a ‘Make a Joyful Noise” collection for various missions.  Joyful Noise is the emptying of our coin purses into noisy tin collection cans.  One of our goals is to grow in our ministries and attract more people to our congregation.

Lydia Esther Muñoz is appointed to Plumbline Fellowship and Narberth UMC in the Central District.  Rev. Muñoz attended Penn State University where she received a BS in Adolescent Psychology and Women's Studies.  She received her M.Div from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2005.  Rev. Muñoz was commissioned as a lay missionary in 1992 at the time when she developed the Hispanic mission in Columbia, Pa.  She has served as local pastor in the Susquehanna Annual Conference, Baltimore Washington Annual Conference and as a church hire in the Florida Annual Conference.  Rev. Muñoz brings to Narberth and PlumbLine Fellowship the gifts of working with young people, in both the mental health field as a family therapist and within the life of the church.  She has over 20 years of experience with young people's ministry.  She is also serving on the General Board of Discipleship as the NEJ Regional Staff for the Division on Ministries with Young People.  Rev. Muñoz brings her experience and passion for multicultural and multiethnic ministries, a strong ministry of justice and advocacy, and working with marginalized communities.  Rev. Muñoz is currently working on a doctorate of ministry at Drew Theological on Worship, Preaching, and Spirituality and has a passion for music, worship and the creation of sacred moments where people can encounter the grace of God.  She is the mother of one 9-year-old son, William Gabriel Caraballo- Muñoz, who is the love of her life.

PlumbLine Fellowship at Narberth UMC is a new church start ministry that birthed out of Narberth UMC since 2009.  Its mission is to reach unchurched and/or nominally religious people, through a variety of ministries.  Currently, PlumbLine has established the Family Resource Center of Narberth, which provides food services, counseling and legal assistance to families in the adjacent communities including Philadelphia.  PlumbLine also has an alternative worship experience called The Well, which is a coffee house worship experience that draws people from all walks of life including people of other faiths and of no religious experience at all.  PlumbLine also has ministry called Circles of Care, which provides counseling and support groups for undocumented persons and their families who have no access to mental health services because of their legal status in the country.  Through this ministry, PlumbLine has also established an outreach faith discussion group in Spanish called Sazon para el Alma (Seasoning for the Soul) that reaches out to families that find themselves alone and new in the country and without support or simple friendship.  PlumbLine seeks to be a place where people can deepen in the walk with God and become disciples of Jesus Christ committed to transformation by working for equality and justice for all people.

Narberth is a borough with a distinct small town atmosphere, even though it is less than a mile outside Philadelphia.  The United Methodist Church of Narberth has been active in our community since before the turn of the 20th century.  Although our current membership has dwindled in number, our passion for the community around us has not diminished.  The Narberth congregation has always cheerfully supported the United Methodist Church's calls for donations to UMCOR, as well as the other mission calls throughout the year.  The original congregation members still  represent the Church in local community events like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July (a very big event in Narberth), & festivals held in the business district.  We proudly house Boy Scout Troop #176, New Horizons Senior Center, and the Narberth Community Theater.  We also provide meeting space for Women in Friendship (a form of AA).  Pastor Lydia Muñoz began our newest way of serving the community-at-large and we are happy to reach out to those in need through the Family Resource Center and its food pantry.

Pearl Johnson is appointed to Devereux Memorial UMC and Emmanuel UMC in the Central District.  Rev. Johnson was ordained as an elder in the Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference in 1998.  Her first church was in Marion, Md. in 1992.  She has served churches in Maryland and Delaware and currently in Philadelphia.  She has been the pastor at Devereux Memorial United Methodist Church since July of last year.  She is a graduate from Wesley Theological seminary in Washington, D.C.  She has chaired and served on several boards for annual conference, which include: advocacy, camping and retreat ministries, district committee on ordained ministries, communications, and worship (annual conference sessions).  She has also written church school curriculum for fifth graders through Cokesbury Publishing.  In ministry, she has demonstrated gifts and graces in the areas of evangelism, worship, and young people's ministry.   She is married to the Reverend Grant L. Johnson who is appointed to The Church of the Open Door in Kennet Square, Pa.  They have two adult children, Monica Edwards (David), and Jonathan Johnson. Their grandchildren are Faith, Jordan, and Brandon Johnson. 

Devereux Memorial UMC was erected in 1905 at the request of John L. Devereux, in memory of his sister Anne Devereux.  The neighborhood surrounding the church began to change from predominately white to black.  The first African American pastor, the late Rev. Robert Glover, was appointed in 1971.  Today Devereux is a thriving congregation with dynamic worship and community outreach.  The neighborhood community group meets there monthly.  Devereux is the home base for Planting the Seed, the recruiting emphasis for young adult African American pastors in the United Methodist Church.  Every Wednesday afternoon the community is served lunch and bi-monthly food assistance is given.  There are five choirs, including a children's choir.  There are active men and women's groups as well as traditional organizations of the church.  Devereux is known in the community for its welcoming spirit and acceptance of people from all stations in life.  Although predominately African American, there is diversity of age, income levels, and religious backgrounds.  We invite all to attend "Holy Ghost headquarters and be real about your faith."

Emmanuel Methodist Church is located in the heart of North Philadelphia and has a rich history of clergy leadership.  The men of Emmanuel and the United Methodist Men have joined forces in the implementation of several ministries, including an annual event – “One Hundred Men in Black”.  The men of Emmanuel also have a weekly event on Saturday mornings –the  Men’s Fellowship and Breakfast, and a Male Chorus that sings one Sunday a month at worship service.  Emmanuel has made itself accessible and open to the disabled and handicapped through improvements in their sanctuary and lower levels.  They have a strong Christ Servant Ministry and a weekly Bible study series called “Bible Basics” on Wednesdays.  Recently, the congregation has been working on church revitalization by engaging in the United Front Ministries, Project 6:15, and have made a two year commitment to church redevelopment.  The fruits of their efforts can be seen through the rebirth and growth of Emmanuel’s Sunday School program.  Emmanuel serves their community through a Food Bank that operates in conjunction with the offices of Pennsylvania Representatives Shirley Kitchen and Jewell Williams, who refer low income people for food distribution.  

David Felker is appointed to Salem UMC in Danielsville.  Rev. Felker retired from full-time ministry in 2010 after serving at Effort UMC for twelve years.  While at Effort he led the church in developing a strong day care program and a vital food pantry ministry for the region.  The church continued its growth under Rev. Felker’s leadership.  A second career pastor, he received his M.Div. from Moravian Seminary while working as an administrator at his alma mater, East Stroudsburg University.  He served the university in a variety of positions, completing his career as Assistant to the President, directing human resources and government relations.  Prior to his appointment to Effort UMC, he served the Portland UMC.  Rev. Felker and his wife, Ruthann, are looking forward to returning to parish ministry.

Salem UMC of Danielsville is located in the center of the Northeast District, near the Blue Mountain ski area.  The church welcomes all people to a blended worship service on Sunday mornings.  The monthly seniors luncheon provides a friendly environment to gather for community around the tables at a free luncheon.  The church is also moving to support the Bath food pantry after years of working in the Allentown community, and currently offers sign language classes for all interested. 

Kimberly Leskowich is appointed to Ebeneezer United Methodist Church in Lehighton.  Mrs. Leskowich is a certified candidate for ministry who will be completing licensing school this summer and will then be licensed for ministry.  She has been serving on a volunteer basis for the past appointment year as the pastoral leader of Parryville UMC.  Mrs. Leskowich is active in the Walk to Emmaus and works particularly with the Chrysalis youth branch of the Walk.  She and her husband, Scott, are members of Faith Alive UMC in Bowmanstown, where she has been actively involved as a layperson.  They first came to the Methodist Church in Schuylkill Haven where the local United Methodist Church welcomed them and made them feel part of the family.  Kim desires to create that same sense of hospitality for all who visit the churches she serves. 

Ebeneezer UMC in Lehighton is a church that has doubled in size over the last three years.  Looking outward, the members are seeking to discern how they are being called to reach out with the love of God in Jesus Christ and to make disciples.  Last year they held their first VBS in many years, and are looking forward to this year’s second annual VBS.  The children’s Sunday School was revived a year ago, and young people regularly leave the service following the children’s message for a time of Christian education.  The church reaches out to the community through events like the annual Bike Night in August when they open the church and provide free water to those cycling by, and the “trunk or treat night” in October.  The Lehighton community has undergone dramatic change as manufacturing plants have closed and the town has become a bedroom community for those working in the Lehigh Valley.  Ebeneezer looks forward to continuing its growth in the years ahead.

Announced June 6, 2011

 

James R. Bamberger is appointed to Churchtown UMC.  Jim graduated from Drew University Theological Seminary in 1975, then continued with a Doctor of Ministry at Drew in 1982.  He was ordained Elder in 1978, and served the Avondale-Chatham Charge from 1977-1980. Following his work in the local church, Jim worked almost ten years in the area of chaplaincy, both in military and hospital settings, from 1980 to 1989.  For the next fourteen years, he worked as consultant and assessor with the Student Assistance Program of Lancaster County.  From 2004 to2009, he was Executive Director of the Community Life Network in Columbia, PA.  The Community Life Network is a comprehensive, community-based, grassroots social service organization helping those in the greater Columbia area.  Jim has been a valuable part of the Board of Directors of LUMINA, the mission of the Southwest District shared with the General Board of Global Ministries.  Jim has served Terre Hill: St. Paul’s and Brunnerville (pastor of visitation and administration) the last two years, and will now continue to serve Terre Hill: St. Paul’s as well as Churchtown, both located in northeast Lancaster County.  Jim is married to Nancy and has two grown children. 

Churchtown UMC is located within a small town setting near where Lancaster, Berks, and Chester Counties come together.  The town was so named because of the many churches that once existed there.  For the past several years, Churchtown has been on a charge with Morgantown UMC on the Central District.  Churchtown has a membership of 108 and an average attendance of 35 each Sunday.  Though a very small church, Churchtown is determined to have a children’s ministry, and several years ago, launched a Thursday night “Kid’s Night” program which averages 8-10 children every week for an activity based program.  The Kids Night program complements the Vacation Bible School program held each summer for children in the neighborhood.  The church is looking at more ways to be in ministry with its community, and supports a local food bank in New Holland as well as national and international missions. 

Esdras Seda is appointed one-quarter time to Phila.: El Mesias and three-quarters time to Phila.: Espiritu Santo. Presently, he is pastor of Iglesia Metodista Unida Espiritu Santo (Holy Spirit UMC) which is the result of a merger between Juniata Park UMC and La Resurrección –Lindley. Born in New York City, the youngest of four brothers and one sister, he is married to Eva N. Seda. He completed his BS from Geneva College and is continuing with his MDiv at Palmer Theological Seminary. He is very involved in Philadelphia, a member of the Hispanic Clergy and Esperanza USA and a volunteer Police Chaplain with the 24^th Precinct. He is passionate about preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ and developing leaders to use their gifts for the edification of the local church and community.

Phila.: El Mesias is a 100% Latino congregation and has at least three generations of families represented. The laity participates in worship and shares with the pastor the responsibility for witnessing how God works.  It is a congregation that addresses the basic needs of the community in the form of food, clothing, monies and the good news of salvation. It is a family-oriented congregation and is accepting of cultural differences. Some of the church’s ministries include Youth ministry for 10 to 17-year olds and children’s Vacation Bible School. The church is linked with the Philadelphia School District’s Head Start program for 2 to 5-year olds. Family counseling and prayer services are other ministries of the church.

Phila.: Espiritu Santo: The services at Iglesia Metodista Unida Espiritu Santo are lively, and people are encouraged to enthusiastically praise the Lord. Children, young men, and young women take turns in being liturgists each Sunday. Services are bilingual. Though the church is largely Latino, persons of Anglo and African American descent also share in the worship, and the church espresses the great diversity in the Latino community, as well. Differences are celebrated.

Joseph Henry is appointed to White Haven United Methodist Church.  Rev. Henry is a licensed local pastor in the Eastern Pa. Conference, currently serving Ebeneezer UMC in Lehighton.  Pastor Joe is a graduate of DeSales University, and comes to ministry from his previous career in technical sales.  He brings a creativity to his leadership of worship, including the use of monologue sermons in character and visual props.  In the three years he has been at Ebeneezer,  the worshipping congregation has doubled in size and added the first children’s Sunday School program in many years.  Pastor Joe has led the church in reaching out to the community through participation in events like the annual cycle ride through Lehighton.  Pastor Joe and his wife, Jane, look forward to moving into the White Haven community and becoming part of the life of that congregation.

White Haven United Methodist Church is located in the small town of White Haven in the Poconos.  A small community, the town’s churches work together in a strong ecumenical relationship including a cooperative vacation bible school.  The church sponsors an annual health fair to reach out to the community and provide an entry point other than worship.  Members of the congregation support and volunteer at the White Haven Food Pantry and support the work of the Hazleton Enlarged Ministry by collecting clothing for the clothing depot.    Outreach to young families is a priority for the church.  A small youth group meets regularly and is engaging in mission projects,  a newly painted and decorated nursery space was created for young children, and a revamped Children's Worship and Education program is in place. 

Narie L. Grayson is appointed to Simpson-Fletcher United Methodist Church in the Central District.  Rev. Grayson is currently serving Advocate St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, where she has been appointed for nine years.  Rev. Grayson’s Christian ministry began to bud at an early age at Saint Barnabas United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, PA.  Rev. Grayson’s professional background is in the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation as a Facility Supervisor.   She has served at the Harold O. Davis church for over twenty-five years in the capacity youth minister assistant youth choir director, Sunday school teacher and assistant to the Pastor.  Rev. Grayson provided numerous ministerial duties including Church instruction and mentoring, drug/alcohol support ministry, neighborhood and prison outreach and various ceremony leadership and assistance.  Rev. Grayson is a member of the Philadelphia Police Clergy at the 35^th Police District.  She serves as a Board Member of the Church Mentoring Network, of the United Way.  She serves on the Board of Managers of the Wyncote Church Home, Wyncote, PA.  Rev. Grayson is a Volunteer-Staff Member of the Honorable State Senator Shirley Kitchen’s Faith Base Clergy Initiative.  Rev. Grayson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Geneva College and the Master of Divinity Degree from The Lutheran Theological Seminary.  Rev. Grayson loves preaching and teaching the Word of God.  She is fun-loving person, who loves the Lord and always strives for excellence.  Her life verse is “I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:14

Simpson Fletcher United Methodist Church is the product of two congregations, the former Mary A. Simpson and the Fletcher United Methodist churches formed in 1974.  The Mary A. Simpson church was established in 1913 and the Fletcher church was established in 1848.  The former Fletcher UMC was destroyed in a fire in 1968.  The church has been serving the community in the West Philadelphia area for many years and continues to do so.  Its current ministries have included the re-development of an adult praise and worship team, a Youth Choir and a Young People’s Game Night.  Simpson Fletcher has participated in a training and evaluation program with SBC-21 through the Urban and Global Office that is further helping the church to define its mission and ministry in a transitional season.  The church conducts an annual Thanksgiving Basket and Outreach Drive in November connecting with those who are in need during the holiday season.  They have held a Gospel Music “Praz” Night to benefit summer ministries.  This benefit contributed necessary funds for a joint-venture pairing Simpson Fletcher and Fellowship Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), located at 61^st and Oxford Sts. for a summer VBS in which over 60 neighborhood children and 20 adults were served last summer.  Also during the month of August of last year, a community movie night was established resulting in increased involvement with youth from the neighborhood at various events throughout the year.  This year, the congregation is sponsoring one of its young adult members to attend the World Methodist Conference in Durban, South Africa.  The Communications ministry has been active in redeveloping the church’s website, which now highlights activities of the congregation at various times during the year on Facebook.  Simpson Fletcher also hosted a six-week introductory course on learning Mandarin Chinese.  Finally, Simpson Fletcher continues to seek new ways to engage people in ministry and make new places for new people through its program of Willing Workers program who endeavor to meet the needs of the church while still actively making disciples for Jesus Christ. 

John Gudikunst is appointed to Holy Cross UMC in Reading.  Rev. Gudikunst is a second-career pastor, with his wife of 33 years April and two grown daughters, Amber and Lauren. He also has two grandchildren:  Annabella Rose and Nathan David.  John has been serving the local church since 1988, and his appointments have included small churches, a three church circuit, directing a group ministry, which included 13 churches, as well as a large church and several mid-sized churches.  John is a progressive evangelical whose passions include preaching, teaching, and guiding churches in the process of discerning their mission and vision for ministry in their community.  John enjoys passionate worship of all styles whose goal is to make and nurture disciples, as well as empower people to be the ministers in their own community.

Holy Cross United Methodist Church is located in center city Reading.  The current building, the fourth home for the congregation founded in 1822, is an architectural masterpiece of which the congregation is justifiably proud.  However, we recognize that the church is more than the building that houses the congregation, and that our real mission is to be in ministry not only to the people of the City of Reading but also to God’s children everywhere. Our mission statement, “Loving God - Loving People”, reflects this commitment.  Each Sunday, Holy Cross has both a traditional and a bilingual Latino service.  After a number of years of declining attendance at worship, we are now seeing increases in attendance at both worship services.  There are several groups including the Adult Fellowship, Men's Bible study, a Women’s small group and a very active unit of the United Methodist Women.  Each summer we collaborate with Gretna Glen Camp to sponsor two sessions of a day camp in partnership with for the children of the neighborhoods surrounding the church, and a neighborhood picnic in the fall.  In 2010, we became an UMCOR Mission Central HUB Church where we assemble emergency and educational kits.  As part of our outreach, the church invites multiple community groups to use the building for meetings and activities.

Announced May 13, 2011

Hun Ju Lee is appointed to Landenberg United Methodist Church and Chatham United Methodist Church. Hun Ju obtained a bachelor of Theology (B. Th) from Mokwon University (developed from Dajeon Methodist church), South Korea in 1999. He received his M.Div from Drew University Theological School in 2005 and his Th. M (Christian Education) from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2006. He is currently serving Eddystone UMC in Eddystone and New Covenant Korean UMC in Drexel Hill. Previously he served as an interim pastor to First Korean UMC of Philadelphia in Prospectville. He is married to Hye Shin (Jessica) Won Lee. They are parents of 7 year-old Brian and 4 year-old Grace.  

Announced May 6, 2011:

Alicia M Juliá-Stanley is appointed to New Journey/Nueva Jornada UMC in Reading.  A native of Puerto Rico, she received a BA in Languages and Literature from the University of Puerto Rico in 1981 and an M.Div. from Eastern (Palmer) Seminary in 1986.  She has served the following congregations: former Mt. Pisgah UMC in Philadelphia, Wesley UMC (Assistant Pastor) in Bethlehem, former Lincoln Street UMC in Shamokin, former Trinity UMC in Havertown, and Pearl Street UMC in Lancaster.  Since 2004, she has served as Associate Pastor at Emilie UMC in Levittown.  Her mission statement is that she is ‘called to be a bridge builder’ wherever she may be called to serve.  Her ministry goal is to help persons to ‘recover, uncover and discover their God-given gifts and to love them, train them and send them to do the same’, after all, life is full of Godpportunities, and we just have to be open to the direction of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Pastor Alicia and her partner-in-ministry, Joe- who has many gifts for ministry and loves mission work- have been married for 23 years and are blessed with two young adult children, Joseph Luis and Kerry Elena, and two dogpanions, Sidney and Dozer.

New Journey UMC is located in downtown Reading.  It is a recent merger of the former Central Park, a Caucasian congregation and Emmanuel Olivet, a Hispanic congregation.  New Journey (Central Park) has had a food ministry for the people of Reading for over 30 years.  This ministry includes a soup kitchen that serves over 100 people ever weekday except Wednesdays.  On Wednesdays, it has a food pantry that provides groceries for about 75 families.  A clothing ministry that provides clothing for all ages and some household items is open on Fridays.  Sunday services include a traditional English language service and a bi-lingual praise service.  We have a joint bi-lingual service is held and is usually followed by a congregational luncheon once a month.  New Journey has an active adult Sunday school and a monthly movie night as well as Christian Education for the children.

James Hallam is appointed to Valley Forge UMC in the Central District.  Rev. Hallam is currently the senior minister at Lima United Methodist Church and is completing his 42^nd year of full-time ministry.  Upon retirement, he looks forward to the challenge of serving a part-time church believing his experience can be helpful to a church as it defines its mission and seeks to be a vital witness in its community.  Jim served St Philips UMC in Kensington and after two years there became Director of the Wesley Foundation at the University of Pennsylvania and pastor of Asbury University UMC.  After eight years as a campus minister, he was hired as Dean of Students at Drexel University where he was an administrator for fifteen years.  While at the university, Jim was also appointed as part-time minister of Clearview UMC.  Upon leaving Drexel, he became pastor of Lima United Methodist Church where he has been for eighteen years.  He has also taught courses at Neumann University.  Jim earned a B.A. from Dickinson College, an M.Div. from Drew Theological School, and an M.S. from the University of Pennsylvania, and a D.Min. from Drew.  He is the father of four children and the grandfather of two energetic grandchildren.

Valley Forge United Methodist Church, founded in 1832, is located within the boundaries of Valley Forge National Historic Park.  We are a multi-generational fellowship of believers, led by Christ, focused on helping people develop an intense relationship with God, one another, the community, and the world.  We seek to proactively reach out to invite people into a meaningful church experience.  Inspire people with the Holy Spirit to help bring them closer to God through prayer and worship. Cultivate church members in the capabilities and execution of discipleship and leadership Led by the Holy Spirit, send people forth into service for the Church, the community, and where there is need in the world.   The church has Sunday School for all ages, worship, multiple Bible studies and a strong music program.  We support a local food bank, shelter, and free clinic.  On a global basis, we have helped build and fund an orphanage and school in Haiti as well as supporting children throughout the world.

James A. Houck is appointed to Malvern UMC in the Central District.  Rev. Houck is an ordained Elder on loan from the Susquehanna Conference.  He received his M.Div. from Asbury Seminary in Kentucky, his Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University in Maryland, and is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania.  He has also authored two books entitled: The Apostle Peter: His Words Should Be In Red Too!, and Redeeming the Bereaved: A Spiritual Model For Healing Our Woundedness. 

Malvern United Methodist Church is a small, intimate church located at 16 Monument Avenue in Malvern, PA.  The church has a “village” feel as it is located within two blocks of the quaint town of Malvern.  The church is celebrating its 125^th anniversary this year.   Malvern United Methodist Church reaches out to various groups and provides many needs through it’s ministries.  The members collect towels and blankets for the SPCA.  In addition, there is an on-going collection of new and gently used books.  The books are donated to dental clinics through Community Volunteers in Mission  and given to the children upon their visit.  Volunteers from the church make regular visits to “Good Works” at the Christian College in Phoenixville, PA.  Food and personal hygiene items are collected weekly and donated to a local food bank.  Each Christmas season, the congregants buy new toys that are given to children of various ages.  For a number of years, the church has bought many bed nets for use in areas that suffer from malaria. 

Edwin Green is appointed to Evansburg United Methodist Church, Collegeville on the Central District.  Johnson Memorial Methodist Church in Philadelphia was his home church.  Ed earned degrees from Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, Temple University, and Eastern Baptist Seminary.  During his 43 three years of active ministry under appointment he served 8 churches as well as on many boards and committees in the conference.  He retired in 2003 after serving as Senior Pastor at Wayne UMC for 16 years.  Since retirement, Ed has served four interim positions- Marshallton, Limeville, Cedarville, and Elverson.  Ed and his wife Peggy live in a 55+ community in Downingtown, PA and will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August.

Evansburg UMC, founded in 1836, is a small but dynamic congregation situated in the growing region of the Perkiomen Valley near Collegeville, PA.  Worship attendance averages 30 - 40, and the service offers a blend of contemporary and traditional music, supported by a dedicated Adult Choir.  There is a Sunday School with a children's class and an Adult class taught be the Pastor.  The church has many fellowship activities, boasts active Women's and Men's Groups, and sponsors a Boy Scout Troop.  Perhaps most impressive for its size is the congregation's extensive Mission and Outreach Program, which includes such  items as supporting a local Food Bank, regularly preparing a meal for a Soup Kitchen in Norristown, contributing supplies to the Red Bird Mission, making sleeping bags for the homeless, giving presents to needy families at Christmas, hosting a community Easter Egg Hunt, and participating in Habitat for Humanity projects.  The church also takes part in the local Collegeville-Trappe Ministerium and supports ecumenical activities throughout the year.  Evansburg is currently celebrating its 175th anniversary and looks forward to continuing its witness for Christ in the surrounding community.

Karyn Fisher is appointed to Shamokin: St. John’s UMC.  Karyn is a Licensed Full-time Local Pastor, who is currently serving Whitehaven UMC.  Prior to her appointment as pastor of Whitehaven UMC, Karyn served on the pastoral staff of Perkasie UMC. Karyn’s sponsoring congregation is Warminster: St. Andrews, which has been one of several congregations that have nurtured her in her call to pastoral ministry. Another important congregation in Karyn’s journey was Marble Collegiate, the oldest continuous Protestant Church in North America, where she met her husband Rob.  Karyn is a graduate of Bronx High School of Science and has several degrees from several institutions of Higher Education, including The State University of New York and Columbia University. She is a licensed therapist. Karyn is currently working on the Advanced Course of Study, having ordination as an Elder in the UMC as her heart’s desire.  Karyn is an extrovert. She embraces each opportunity for ministry with great enthusiasm. She loves people, and loves to share the Word with them.

Shamokin: St. John’s is located in Coal Township. It is one of twelve congregations actively involved in ministry in the greater Shamokin area. The church has a worshipping congregation of 60.
Most recently the congregation has begun a Prayer Walk ministry. Monthly, members walk through assigned neighborhoods praying for the residents and for community life. The church also offers healing services.  It must also be noted that St. John’s has nurtured several of our EPA clergy in their call to pastoral ministry.

Laurie Ann Rookard is appointed to First UMC of Bristol and Harriman UMC of Bristol. Rev. Rookard has 23 years experience in pastoral ministry as an ordained elder. The churches served during these years include a four-point charge in Barbados, Parkside, Frankford Memorial, Camphor Memorial, Cookman, and a two-point charge to Narberth and Radnor. Rev. Rookard is a certified pastoral psychotherapist and was selected for a cross-racial appointment in urban ministry and for extension ministry as a behavioral health specialist serving at-risk youth. Her areas of specialty in ministry include resourcing and equipping people for ministry, building community partnerships, developing cultural sensitivity for healthy multiethnic relations, leading interdependent work teams, and assisting with behavioral/mental health and recovery programs in the practice of discipleship.  Laurie Ann and her two sons, Raymel and Jesse, currently live in Northeast Philadelphia.

First UMC of Bristol is a diverse congregation which is comprised of long-term members and a sizeable Liberian membership. The church is active in outreach to addition recovery programs, Angel Food Ministries, ministry to the tent city in the area, and allows a Nigerian group to use its space for Bible study. These are just a few of the ministries of this church that is committed to participating in the welfare of its community.

Harriman UMC is located in Bristol, directly across the street from the local high school. The music in the traditional service enjoys classical, sacred music. The church’s ministries are a Christian day school, Vacation Bible School, a commitment to local service agencies such as E.R.A. Food Pantry, giving to needy community residents, and it nurtures a relationship with the neighboring high school by supporting teachers and students in need. Important to this church is laypersons, serving as liturgists in the service. The focus presently is to strengthen its lay leadership in order that persons might more capably serve the local church and the community.

Susan E. Daniels is appointed to Fallsington UMC. Rev. Daniels is a part-time Local Pastor who received her MDiv in 2008 from Palmer Theological Seminary. She was appointed Phila.: Bridesburg in July 2009. During her ministry at Bridesburg, Rev. Daniels participated in the Council of Churches, encouraged the establishment of a food pantry and clothes closet which serviced approximately 1000 individuals in 2010. She was instrumental in creating an on-line Bible Study. In the past year, Rev. Daniels used her organizational skills to hold a concert and stiletto run to raise funds in support of the food pantry. Prior to serving in ministry, Rev. Daniels was employed for 12 years as a paralegal. More recently, she was employed as a civil court clerk for the District Justice Department of Montgomery County. In the past, Susan has also been active in community service as a Freedom Valley Girl Scout troop leader, volunteered and sat on the Board of Development for Manna on Main Street, Lansdale, and taught English as a second language for the Indian Valley Opportunity Center. She has one daughter, Heather, and enjoys being “Nana” to Norah, age 2.

Fallsington UMC is located in the charming centuries-old village of Fallsington. It is passionate about ministry to youth and doing this through worship, through arts, through mission, and other creative ways to help young people to see The Christ. A signature of its Christmas holiday season is a live nativity scene. Adults find a place where they readily become a part of the family of this church in the village of Fallsington. 

Blaik Westhoff is appointed to Tabor United Methodist Church in Woxall.  Rev. Westhoff currently serves the First United Methodist Church of Perkasie where he has served for twelve years.   Rev. Westhoff began his college education at Embry Riddle University, planning on a career in aviation.  He holds his private pilots license.  But God’s call intervened.  While serving in volunteer  ministry at his local church, the pastor began providing him with opportunities for leadership and Blaik realized God was calling him to pastoral ministry.  He completed his B.A. at Lebanon Valley College and continued on to United Theological Seminary for his M.Div.  He has served First UMC of Ashland, Girardville UMC and Pocono Lake UMC prior to moving to Perkasie.  Blaik has led the Perkasie Church through a period of visioning and strategic planning, including the development of an intentional discipleship process.  He is actively involved in community ministries, as well, serving as the Perkasie Fire Company volunteer chaplain.  He is chair of the Northeast District Committee on Superintendency.  Rev. Westhoff and his wife, Susan, met while serving as counselors one summer at Gretna Glen.  They have two children, Nathan and Rachel.

Tabor UMC in Woxall provides a strong program of Christian discipleship for all ages.  Located outside Harleysville, the church is committed to offering the grace of God to the community through two Sunday worship services, one traditional, the other contemporary. The youth group is actively involved in discipleship and missions, and Pioneer Clubs provide mid-week programming for children. The church’s missions committee maintains communication with missionaries around the world, many of whom came out of the congregation, as well as local missions in the area.  As participants in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, they provide housing for homeless families one month each year. The annual community day outreach serves to invite people to learn about Tabor and visit the church.  The early Monday morning coffee ministry, “Back to the Grind”, engages church members in offering coffee and a weekly devotional at the roadside to early morning commuters.  The strong prayer ministry is known in the community.  The Tabor Hill Nursery School is sponsored by the church.  Over the next few years the church hopes to increase its community outreach and develop a strategic plan to move forward in its ministries.  The facility itself is a collection of buildings including the 1860’s sanctuary which now serves as a chapel, additions built through the last century, and the new sanctuary built in the early part of this century.

Wendy Hudson-Jacoby will go on loan to the South Carolina Annual Conference beginning June 29, 2011. Rev. Hudson-Jacoby, a South Carolina native, came to the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference in 1998 as a Mission Intern young adult missionary through the General Board of Global Ministries. As a Mission Intern, Wendy served at the Frankford Group Ministry in Philadelphia and at Central and Rehoboth UMCs, where she continued her field education while attending Wesley Theological Seminary. Ordained an elder in full connection in 2009, Wendy has served two full-time appointments: Springfield: Covenant as an associate pastor and West Grove (her current appointment). She also serves on the Conference Committee on Mission Personnel, Conference Committee on Disability Awareness and Concerns and the Board of Ordained Ministry. She and her husband, Mike, a librarian, motorcycle rider and stay-at-home dad, have three children: Jackson, 8; Wesley, 5; and Anya, 3. They are returning to South Carolina to be closer to family and continue the ministry to which God has called.

H. Joe Tyson is appointed part-time retired supply to Limeville UMC.  Joe has been serving as senior pastor of Coatesville: Olivet since 2000, and prior to that was District Superintendent of the Philadelphia Northeast District (now East District) for eight years.  Joe also serves as Adjunct Faculty at Palmer Theological Seminary.  Raised in Oklahoma but with roots in the Eastern PA Conference, Joe came to the Philadelphia area in 1969 when he enrolled at Crozer Theological Seminary near Chester.  He was assigned to the Mid-Town Parish for his field education experience, and worked with the Rev. Frank Kensill for four years.  It was such a good experience that Joe decided to stay and applied for membership in the Eastern PA Conference.  He was appointed as associate pastor of Mid-Town Parish, working with children and youth at risk, then in 1980 was asked by the Cabinet to be the founding director of a ten-church cooperative ministry in the Kensington section of Philadelphia which became known as the Kensington Area Ministry.  He was primarily responsible for St. John’s and Hancock Street churches, and helped develop the chaplaincy ministry at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.  Joe enjoys mentoring seminary students, and hopes to do so in his new appointment.  Joe is the son of a Southern Baptist pastor, and is married to Lesley. 

Limeville is a rural church located in eastern Lancaster County, near the town of Gap on the Chester/Lancaster County line.  The church, established in 1879, has a large modern sanctuary and excellent facilities.  The worshiping congregation of about 55 is seeking to become more involved in mission to the community surrounding the church.  The church has been very generous in responding to needs in the community and warmly welcomes new visitors who come to worship and other events.  There is an emphasis on adult education, prayer, and Bible Study.

Donald Keller is appointed to Scottsville. Rev. Keller was raised in Feasterville, graduated from Neshaminy High School, Lebanon Valley College, and Princeton Seminary. He is an Elder in Full Connection and has served Conestoga UMC and Grandview UMC in Lancaster. He also served in appointment beyond the local church as Youth Ministry Executive for the Hawk Mountain Council, BSA. For the last 18 years he has served on the Conference Staff of the West Virginia Annual Conference. In this staff position, his portfolio included: Director of Camping and Outdoor Ministries, Director of the Spring Heights Education Center, and Coordinator/Trainer for Child Protection Standards. Don and his wife, Patsy, have three children: Jonathan and his wife, Heidi, (both Lebanon Valley grads) live with their three children in Manheim, PA; Janelle and her husband, Matt, live with their very new-born daughter in Austin, TX; and Erin graduates from high school in WV in a couple weeks and will be starting at WV Wesleyan College in the fall.

Scottsville is a multi-generational congregation that worships in two Sunday services – one traditional and the other blended. There is also a Wednesday evening contemporary service twice a month. Some of Scottsville’s ministries are volunteers preparing meals/soups for shut-ins on a monthly basis, a team making and supplying pillows to cardiac and surgical patients at a local hospital monthly, and the Scottsville Annual Mission (SAM) reaching out locally and afar.  There are several  Bible studies, weekly prayer and e-prayer ministry, and the annual winter food drive for the lower Bucks County food banks. 

Announced April 24, 2011:

Alan J. Smith is appointed to Lebanon: Church of the Good Shepherd.  Alan is an Elder in Full Connection, ordained in 1983. He is currently appointed to Woxall: Tabor UMC. His previous appointments include: Lehighton: Wesley, Parryville and Bowmanstown UMCs; Norristown: Hawes Avenue; and Wooddale, Cherry Lane and Analomik UMCs.  Beyond the local church and community, Alan serves as chair of the Eastern PA Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, is involved in the Eastern Pennsylvania Renewal Fellowship, is a spiritual director in the EPA Emmaus Walk communities.  Alan has a heart for ministry. He is very pastoral, and loves to preach and teach the Word.  Alan is married to Mary, and they have five children: Aaron, Andrew, Jonathan, Joshua and Rebekah. Alan and his family enjoy the outdoors. They camp, hike and canoe. Alan also enjoys his motor cycle.

Church of the Good Shepherd in Lebanon is the largest United Methodist Church in the Northwest District. This regional church was chartered in 1966. It has a membership of 770 and a worshipping congregation of 520.  The church offers three Sunday morning worship experiences: two are multi-sensory and take place in a  theatre-like worship center. These services are referred to as soul.com. The third service is a traditional service, and takes place in their traditional sanctuary.  Each of these services is supported by a strong music ministry, and dedicated, gifted laity.
In addition, Church of the Good Shepherd is committed to nurturing its members and friends in a life of Christian discipleship. There’s a Sunday morning Christian Education program and Koinonia groups that meet throughout the week. The church is also intentional about providing opportunities for the congregation to be engaged in local and global missions

Sharon K. Paul is appointed to Middletown: Christ United Methodist Church. Rev. Paul is currently serving the Landenberg United Methodist Church where she has been appointed for the past seven years. Prior to becoming a Licensed Local Pastor, Sharon served in ministry and mission for approximately 16 years at West Chester United Methodist Church.  She served there as “Minster of Prayer Life” and was effective in inspiring people to make prayer the foundation for their lives and the life of the church. Sharon received her call to ministry while serving in that position.  Sharon’s secular work experience included serving as Director of Corporate Customer Relations in a large marketing company where was successful in leading customer service team of 250 people in developing new systems and procedures for growth in customer satisfaction. Sharon is currently enrolled in the Course of Study at Wesley Theological Seminary.  Her goal is to eventually become ordained in the United Methodist Church.

Christ United Methodist Church is located between Route 352 and 452 on the border of Middletown Township and Brookhaven Borough at 600 E Dutton Mill Road.  The congregation gathers at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday for worship enhanced with inspirational music provided by the Choir . The celebration of Holy Communion is part of the service on the first Sunday of each month. They are committed to regular Bible study each Thursday at 11:00. The congregation is known for being warm, caring and friendly. They enjoy fellowship opportunities such as coffee time after worship. United Methodist Women, a prayer chain and Mary/Martha Sisters are active groups within Christ Church. The church reaches out to the community by supporting local ministries such as AA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and a Quilters Group who meets at the church. The congregation’s mission support includes Eastside Ministries in Chester and Red Bird Mission in Kentucky.  The church also serves as a drop off point for Operation Christmas Child.

Bumkoo Chung is appointed to West Grove United Methodist Church. Pastor Chung was born in Seoul, Korea, and moved to Argentina in 1985 when his father who is a pastor of the Korean Methodist Church decided to serve a Korean Congregation in Argentina. Bumkoo lived in Argentina for sixteen years, until he came to the United States in 2001 to enter the Master of Divinity Program at Drew University. Rev. Chung holds the Bachelor of Theology Degree from Instituto Universitario ISEDET in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the Master of Divinity Degree from the Theological School of Drew University.  Currently Pastor Chung serves the Cochranville UMC and previously he was appointed to Cherry Lane UMC in Tannersville, PA.  Rev. Chung is also serving on various boards and agencies in the Annual Conference including Board of Ordained Ministry, Southeast District Committee on the District Superintendency, the ICARE Team, and Congo Partnership. He is married to Debra (Eun Kyung) who works as a scientist at GlaxoSmithKline. They are blessed to have one daughter Kayla Yeaji. They are also blessed to live with Rev. Chung’s parents who retired from the pastorate in the Korean Methodist Church in 2009.

West Grove UMC is a vibrant, Spirit-filled church in beautiful Southern Chester County. This congregation is committed to Opening our hearts to Jesus, Growing our faith, and Serving our community and world in his name. The congregation is intergenerational, committed to radical hospitality, and engages every member in service based on spiritual gifts. The congregation offers a free monthly meal ministry; operates Children’s Morning Out Preschool that welcomes children of all races, incomes and abilities; and is active in local and world mission service. We have active ministries to older adults, children and youth. The congregation of 200 worships in both the contemporary style at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays and traditional style at 11 a.m.

Ethel Guy is appointed to Linwood United Methodist Church.  Pastor Guy is a Licensed Local Pastor who has been preaching since she was 17 years old, when she first felt the call to ministry. She is currently serving Fallsington United Methodist Church. Ethel will be commissioned as a provisionary Elder in The United Methodist Church on May 20, 2011.   She recently graduated with a Masters Degree in Divinity from Palmer Seminary. She earned certification in Clinical Pastoral Education after serving eight months as a chaplain at Christiana Hospital in Wilmington, DE, where she worked in the trauma and emergency units, ministering to patients and families in crisis. She served as Assistant to the Chaplain at Philadelphia Park Race Track in Bensalem, PA for two years. Ethel retired from Sunoco in September 2006.  Ethel’s professional background is in management, engineering, and quality assurance. She holds a B. Sc. in Biology and Chemistry from The University of Charleston, W. VA, and  a M.Sc. in Chemistry from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Ethel is the mother of three grown children and the grandmother of six.  She enjoys finding new meaning in the Word, offering challenging Bible studies and enlightened sermons, and being involved in music and drama ministry. She is looking forward to working with the congregation at Linwood Heights as they come together to discern where God would lead them next.

Linwood UMC is a church with a rich history. When the community changed in its demographics, many people moved out of the area and all of the churches began to decline. In the last seven years all that has changed for Linwood UMC. The church is more outward looking and has made its presence known in the community by localizing missions, stepping out of its comfort zones, and reaching out to a younger demographic. Its primary mission is the school which was started 11 years ago with two kids and now serves 85. Through the school the church ministers to parents and families. The church has a ministry in partnership with City Team and Teen Challenge. A weekly Friday evening outreach ministry with average attendance of 65 called "BREAD & BLESSINGS" caters to the needs of the less fortunate. The church is active in teen ministry and gladly opens its doors to the community for use of the facilities. Services are programmed to meet the spiritual needs of the aging and newer members. Members are actively seeking to make the church more user friendly. The church is poised to become a major voice with great potential for ministry.

Evelyn Kent Clark is appointed to the newly created two point charge of Upper Darby: New Life UMC and Lansdowne: Trinity UMC. Pastor Clark received a M. Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2000, and in 2003 she was ordained an elder in full connection. She has served Morrisville UMC, Janes Memorial UMC and she has been serving New Life UMC since 2001. Before the call to ordained ministry, Rev. Clark was a certified secondary educator teaching French, English and Spanish in the public school system for 13 years. Evelyn currently serves the General Church and the EPA Conference in several capacities. She is the youth coordinator for the Curriculum Committee of the General Board of Discipleship, and in the Eastern PA Conference she serves as the secretary of the Committee on Episcopacy and a member of the Southeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry. She is also active in the Upper Darby community working with the First Suburbs Project, the Upper Darby Ministerium and the Upper Darby Police Clergy. Over the last decade Rev. Clark has been a catalyst in initiating a progressive education ministry among the youth and young adults of New Life, introducing cutting-edge technology into the worship setting and emphasizing a strong and fruitful evangelism ministry. Rev. Clark enjoys ministry with international/multi-cultural congregations.  She has a heart for the community which is clearly demonstrated by her focus on meeting the needs of the people 
for holistic growth and well being.
 
New Life United Methodist Church is an international congregation located in Upper Darby, which is a first suburb of Philadelphia.  Within the Upper Darby community sixty languages and ninety dialects are spoken. The members of New Life come from countries all over the world. Many persons came to the church as immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean primarily Liberia, Ghana, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Thomas, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and Dominica. Through the years the extreme struggles of new immigrants were sometimes overwhelming. Now a large number of those who were immigrants, both young and older, are American citizens. European Americans and African Americans complete and compliment the cultural make-up of the congregation.   New Life is the result of a merger that occurred in 2000. The congregation is committed to a ministry of excellence. The worship services are passionate and the music ministry is vibrant. There is a focus on youth and young adults and college preparation with 97% of the college age young people are in schools of higher learning.  Older adults have also seized the opportunity for education and training and have moved from unemployment or minimum wage jobs to a better economic status. The Vision Team’s first phase has birthed several new ministries and now are ready to embark on phase two beginning with a new Older Adults Ministry, expanding the Children’s Ministry and many other additions.  New Life has been doing the fruitful work of evangelism in the community with a great desire to serve its needs through community health fairs, dinners, the food and clothing ministry, classes and other events for the people in the name of Jesus Christ.

Trinity United Methodist Church in Lansdowne, also known as The Garden Church, a United Methodist Community is a faith community committed to sowing the seeds of hope and assisting peoples’ spirits to soar with God’s help. It is the merger of the old Trinity UMC in East Lansdowne & the Lansdowne UMC, which happened in 1996. They are a diverse faith community, comprised of people who are young and old, blue-collar and professional, recent immigrants and those whose families have been here for generations. They welcome people from Liberia, Sierra Leone & Nigeria. They treasure and celebrate their diversity, finding a synergy of faith and purpose in their differences. The congregation sees faith as relational, something to practice in community. Worship and study programs seek not only to deepen understanding of the example of Jesus, but also to enhance outreach in the community and around the world. Worship services include traditional and contemporary elements and the Communion table is open to all.   The church supports many local ministries which serve people in need.  Additionally, the church operates both a Gift Shop and Thrift Shop and hosts an after-school program called "The Salt & Light Learning Institute of the The Garden Church" (SALLI). They also have sponsored or been part of over 5 mission trips to New Orleans and the Gulf Coast for Hurricane Relief efforts through UM Volunteers in Mission. The congregation is dedicated to equipping one another for the work they are called to do: striving for peace and justice among all people, protecting and restoring the integrity of all of God’s creation, and bringing hope to those Jesus called the least of his sisters and brothers.  In all, The Garden Church seeks to Love God & Love Neighbor in a full, inclusive and caring way.

Michael Roberts Sr. is appointed to Philadelphia: Eastwick Worship Center. He began his journey in Christian ministry serving as Pastor of Christian Education at Deliverance Evangelistic Church in Philadelphia.  As Pastor of Christian Education he directed The Deliverance Evangelistic Bible Institute, Deliverance Evangelistic Christian Academy, as well as all Educational Ministries of the Church. Pastor Roberts also developed various Counseling and Support Group Ministries, such as ministry to Married Couples, Single Parent Support Ministries, and Singles Ministries.  Pastor Roberts was appointed to Tioga United Methodist Church as a full time Local Pastor in 2003, where he led and developed ministries in Neighborhood Outreach, Evangelism and Follow up.  Ministries included a Breakfast Ministry to the Homeless, a “Movie “Ministry, street worship services in the summer, and collaborative efforts with local businesses and agencies to address health and social needs of the community. Pastor Roberts serves as leader of the North Philadelphia Cluster of United Methodist Churches. He has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Geneva College, a Master of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Christian Counseling Degree from Westminster Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity Degree from Palmer Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Conflict Management from Trinity Theological Seminary.    Pastor Roberts is married to his wife of 30 years, Rev. Janice Roberts.  They are the proud parents of Tiffany age 28, and Michael Jr, age 25. Daughter Tiffany is married to husband Tony Adams and they have a son, Raymond Michael Adams. Pastor Roberts is a passionate Preacher/teacher of the Word of God, and desires to impact the world for Jesus Christ.

Eastwick Worship Center United Methodist Church is located in a diverse urban setting with a beautiful tapestry of races and cultures. The congregation’s  mission is to become a holistic church whose ultimate goal is to be a beacon of light, symbolizing an open door, to meet the needs of its people and its community.   Some of the congregation’s ministries include Culinary, Ushers, Christian Education, Senior’s and Security. For the young people they have the Rosebuds Youth Choir, the Lights of Joy, Genesis Mime Group, Kings Kids and for the teen’s God's Most Wanted. Their Food and Clothing Bank which is located at 8430 Lindbergh Boulevard provides a weekly bible study for its recipients.  Their commission is, “We will go and make disciples of all peoples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy, Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded us.” Their vision is “Glorifying God, by Serving Others in Love”.

Johnson Dodla is appointed to serve the newly joined congregations of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Lionville and Crossroads, A United Methodist Congregation. 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.  In 2005, Johnson moved to Downingtown, Pennsylvania and began working at Hopewell United Methodist Church as the Director of Youth Ministries. Johnson graduated from Palmer Theological Seminary with a M.Div. He is married to Christyn and they have two children Samara (3 years old) and Elijah (10 months). Both of the children  have joined their family through adoption.

United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (UMCR) began in 1984 as a new church start to accommodate a rapidly growing population in the Exton area. UMCR’s mission is to be an open door church, sharing God’s love and equipping people with a faith that works in real life. They are an energized church providing powerful blended worship, true relationships, and real faith. Strongly committed to missions they focus on many mission projects, trips and local ministries. Great Beginnings Christian Preschool serves 253 pre-school and kindergarten children and Sunday School for children and adults as well as Bible Studies round out the Christian education program. The Community Life Center hosts many events for the church and community throughout the week including Boy Scout Troop 220 which they sponsor. The congregation values fellowship and regularly plans church-wide activities designed to nurture support of each other on their journey of faith.

Crossroads, A United Methodist Congregation 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 (60 to 80 folks), Crossroads continues to send congregational members into mission every year. They’ve sent teams to Mississippi each year since Katrina, have sent three mission envoys to South Africa (Hope Village) and summer trips to Coatesville (Good Works, Inc.). Internally, they have launched the Stephen Ministry program. A design team of presenters and musicians plan and shape worship services that result in single big idea that the congregation can live out. The current location of Crossroads is only a mile and a half from United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and its beautiful facility. In this new appointment both churches will combine their congregations and their and resources to serve the Lionville community.

Hannah Bonner will remain appointed to Manheim Township: Faith UMC church (Southwest), at 3/4 time capacity, to allow her to also serve a new 1/4 time appointment in co-establishing a new faith community in Lancaster city with Chris Eden.  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 seminary, Hannah invested herself in justice and reconciliation ministry, living in intentional Christian community at the Isaiah House in Durham, North Carolina and serving an intentionally multiracial United Methodist congregation.  Since then, she has completed a unit of CPE, 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), and in her current appointment to Faith UMC.

Chris Eden is appointed to Willow Street: Boehm's church (Southwest) and to a partnered ministry with Hannah Bonner to plant a new faith community in Lancaster city. Chris will graduate from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and will be commissioned one week later as a provisional member. He is serving Lancaster: Covenant UMC as Director of Family Ministries, having served on staff since moving his family from Wichita, Kansas to attend seminary in 2008. Chris was born in Arkansas and raised in Wichita's small Bahá'í Faith community. His mother, Maureen, is an elementary school teacher. His father John is a retired self-employed general contractor. He and his wife, Amanda, met while earning Communications degrees at Wichita State University; they married and pursued careers in public relations, marketing, and advertising. Both answered the Holy Spirit's call to follow Jesus Christ in 2003. Chris was baptized at East Heights UMC, Amanda remembered her infant baptism at his side. Amanda is a public relations manager for a Lancaster advertising agency. They have three young children: Maria, Lucia and Anya.

New Lancaster Faith Community – Hannah Bonner and Chris Eden are each appointed to cooperatively explore and form a new faith community in Lancaster city. While still in the earliest visioning phases, the new community will be intentionally multiracial, multiethnic, and evangelistic. The ministry will reach out to people who have not yet experienced the gospel of hope, as well as people who have had spiritual experiences but are adrift on the margins of Christian community. This lives out the general church’s mandate to reach out to younger and more diverse people by living into Lancaster’s varied cultural landscape.

Boehm's Chapel Society has committed to provide a majority of the funding for the appointment as proposed by District Superintendent Jim Todd: thus stepping into its historic heritage of pioneer evangelism, and sharing in the denomination’s and Cabinet’s hope of new places for new people. The community will also be supported by two other local churches, yet to be announced. Chris and Hannah treasure the prayers of the Conference as they step into this appointment.

Willow Street: Boehm’s UMC is located in Willow Street, just south of Lancaster city in the Southwest District.  The original Boehm’s Chapel still stands behind the present church, built in 1791, and was an important hub of early Methodism in Lancaster County.  The present day sanctuary was built 100 years later, and a modern fellowship hall added many decades after that.  Martin Boehm, raised in the Mennonite tradition, together with Philip William Otterbein, founded the United Brethren Church, one of the three strands of tradition that helped form the United Methodist Church in 1968.  Martin Boehm donated the land for Boehm’s Chapel, and his son, Henry, became an important figure in early American Methodism.  The modern day Boehm’s Church has an average attendance of 77, with a membership of 216.  The church has an active youth fellowship program, and is involved in outreach to the community through a prayer shawl ministry, Boehm’s Chapel Helping Hands, and active participation in the ministries of LUMINA.  Boehm’s Chapel Society is a separate organization with an independent board to help maintain and enhance the heritage of the Chapel.  Lately, however, they have recaptured their early evangelical vision, and are generously supporting a new ministry in and around Lancaster city to reach out to young adults.  Every fall, the Chapel Society and Boehm’s Church work together to sponsor a very successful Apple Festival to support their mission, which draws many hundreds from the area.  Boehm’s Church is also a founding member of Rawlinsville Camp Meeting which attracts many hundreds of United Methodists and others each summer. 

Elaine M. Bortman is appointed half-time to Christiana UMC in addition to her current charge of Georgetown/Mt. Pleasant, in southeastern Lancaster County on the Southwest District.  Elaine is a native of Springfield, Delaware County, and has been married to her husband, Michael, for 38 years.  They have three children, one granddaughter, and another grandchild on the way.  Elaine graduated from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2004, commissioned in 2006, and ordained elder in 2010.  Prior to attending seminary, Elaine worked for twenty years as a registered nurse in different clinical settings.  Her pastoral ministry began in 1999 when she was appointed as associate pastor of Olivet UMC in Coatesville.  From there she went to Grace UMC, then Gradyville UMC, and in 2006 was appointed to the Narberth-Radnor Charge.  She and Michael reside near Coatesville, and find time to relax at the New Jersey shore. 

Christiana UMC is located near the Lancaster/Chester County line in Eastern Lancaster County, on the Southwest District.  Started as a Methodist class meeting in 1851, it quickly grew into a worshiping community.  Its current structure was built in 1902.  About 73 persons worship at Christiana each Sunday in a blended style worship service that includes much lay participation.  There is an active youth group which meets, and there is Sunday School for all ages.  The church also has a large summer outreach to the community through its Vacation Bible School program.  The church supports a variety of mission trips taken by its members, including relief trips to the Gulf Coast and an annual youth trip to the Heifer International farm in Massachusetts.  The church is involved in a variety of other local, national, and international missions, including support of a missionary in Russia through the Mission Society, and LUMINA in Lancaster County.  The United Methodist Men’s group is part of a large regional UMM group with churches in Chester County on the Southeast District.  More information is available at their website located at:http://www.christianachurch.org/. 

Bonniekaren Mullen-Holtz is appointed to the East Bangor United Methodist Church.  Pastor BK attended Drew Theological School and graduated from the Lutheran Seminary of Philadelphia.  She is currently the pastor of First UMC in Bristol.  Although raised in the Lutheran Church, she began to consider the possibility that her calling was to the United Methodist Church.  After completing several units of CPE in Arizona, Pastor BK worked as a hospital chaplain, a Master’s level therapist at an addictions facility and local church pastor.  Eventually becoming a UM pastor, she led a congregation in the California desert.  She was asked by the state to begin an employment program for people with disabilities, focusing primarily on women.  The program was successfully underway when she left to return to the east coast.  Pastor BK has two sons living in Pa. and New Jersey, and seven grandchildren.  She has a passion to reach out into the community, to connect the church and the world around it, and to discover and work to meet the needs of the people in the communities to which she is appointed.  Pastor BK also serves as professor of humanities at Gwynedd Mercy College and Montgomery County Community College, where she teaches comparative religion.

East Bangor UMC is located in the Slatebelt of the Northeast District.  The church’s congregation is intergenerational with all ages represented.  The church supports a number of area ministries including local food bank and clothing programs.  An active craft group prepares items for the annual church bazaar, and the prayer shawl ministry provides an opportunity for members to use needlework skills in ministry.  The church hosts meetings of AA, and provides space for scouting ministries.  The on-going Disciple Bible Study groups have led members deeper into understanding Scripture.  The church has incorporated strong lay leadership into the weekly worship service.  The church participates in the Slatebelt Ministerium, reaching out to the community with ecumenical initiatives including shared Lenten luncheons. 

Navin Satyavatra is appointed to the First United Methodist Church of Bangor.  Pastor Navin was born in India and grew up in the Robinson Memorial Methodist Church in Bombay.  He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Bombay University, and worked in the secular field for over 10 years in finance and accounting department. In 1994, he resigned as Finance Manager when God called him to full time ministry.  He has been a full time Pastor for 17 years and received his M.Div. in 2001 from Union Biblical Seminary, India. Since 1994 he has served as a Pastor at Emmanuel Nissi Church and the United Basel Mission Vishranthi Church, both in Bombay, India.  He served as Pastor at Clearview UMC, Philadelphia before moving to his current appointment at  St. John’s UMC, Shamokin where he has shared his passion for preaching and teaching.  He currently serves as the Chair of the Northwest District Committee on Superintendency. At the Conference level he serves on the Council on Church Finance and Administration and the Commission on Religion and Race. He has also served on the Structure Review Committee.  He is active in the Shamokin area, serving on the Gang Awareness Task Force, the local ministerium and area ministeries.  Navin is married to Cynthia for 21 years. They have one son, Richard who is 20 years old and will graduate in May with a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management. He is a Multi Engine Commercial Pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor, and will begin an MBA program this fall.

First UMC of Bangor is a congregation that resonates with the Wesleyan tradition of growing in both piety and service.  The church reaches out to the community through its Bangor thrift shop, assisting those in need with clothing and household items as well as prayer and emotional support.  The support of the Thrift Shop is supplemented by a Pastoral Discretionary Fund that assists both church members and those in the community in need of help with utilities, rent and food costs.  The active program for children and youth includes after school programs with food, recreation, homework help, counseling and Bible lessons.  Many of the young people attend the church’s contemporary service on Sunday mornings.  The traditional worship service offers an excellent music ministry including choir and bell choir.  In addition to the active UMW unit, the church has begun a new men’s ministry over the last year.  Within the monthly men’s fellowship, a smaller Wesleyan band, the Band of Brothers, has been formed to develop discipleship among men.  There are several midweek bible studies for women as well.  In addition, the church provides space for AA, NA, a Boy Scout troop and three Girl Scout troops.

Announced April 11, 2011:

Zachary Hopple is appointed to Ranshaw: Johnston City UMC.  Zachary is a Christ Servant Minister and a Certified Candidate for ministry soon to complete Licensing School.  He is a graduate of Phoenixville Area High School, as well as Keystone College. Zachary has an undergraduate degree in Social Sciences and a minor in Psychology.  He will be starting seminary classes this fall. Zachary is married to Jennifer; and they have a son, Sam.  Zachary has been serving Shamokin: First UMC, half time since July 1, 2010. He will be serving Ranshaw: Johnston City UMC quarter time in addition to his current appointment.  Prior to his appointment to a local church, Zachary used his gifts for ministry in the local church as lay leader and Bible Study leader; and he occasionally supplied the pulpit in the greater Shamokin area.  These congregations have appreciated his dynamic preaching, and his people skills.

Ranshaw: Johnston City UMC is located just east of Shamokin. The church was organized in 1898. It is currently the only protestant church in Ranshaw. It has a worshipping congregation of 12, which has been very faithful in worship attendance, supporting community ministries, and staying connected through the apportionment. They are noted in the community for their pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday , their Holy Thursday Service, called “Service of Shadows”, and rummage sales.

Lawrence Richard is appointed to Rocherty UMC.  Larry is a licensed full time local pastor who has served churches in the Eastern PA Conference since 1999. His first appointments were part time and included: Kleinfeltersville: Trinity UMC and Lebanon: Mountville. His current appointment to Shoemakersville UMC is full time.  Larry is married to Jean, who is the Director of the Ono UMC Preschool.  They have two sons: Jeremy and Jeffrey.  Larry has an excitement and passion for pastoral ministry. He loves Christ, he loves people; and he loves an opportunity to share the good news.

Rocherty UMC is located in a farming community just southwest of Lebanon.   It began in 1890 as an independent church, and then joined the United Brethren denomination in the fall of 1890 and became part of the Schaefferstown Charge. This conservative, friendly church has a worshipping congregation of 52. Preaching and teaching the Word are important to them. Their annual picnic with live music and great food draws many from the surrounding community.

Tracy Ann Duncan is appointed to St. Matthew UMC in Trevose, Bucks County, on the East District.  A provisional elder, Rev. Duncan will be ordained this year at Annual Conference.  She currently serves Simpson Fletcher UMC in Philadelphia. Previously, she served True Worship Memorial UMC where she and the Rev. Anthony A. Arrington facilitated the merger of True Worship Memorial and Trinity (Baynton) UMCs to become Journey of Faith, a United Methodist Congregation. Rev. Duncan’s gifts for ministry are in the areas of counseling, intercessory prayer, music, and worship. She has strong interests in healing ministries. Rev. Duncan received a M.Div. at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer) in May 2003. Before entering full-time ministry, Rev. Duncan worked in the mental health field as a creative arts therapist and group psychotherapist.  She is an accomplished musician and was for 14 years, prior to entering seminary in 1999, the Assistant Organist and Minister of Music at St. Matthew, which is also her home church.  Rev. Duncan is the proud and loving aunt of seven nieces and nephews and two great-nieces and one great-nephew.

St. Matthew UMC, Trevose is located in Bucks County on the East District. The church has been in the process of transitioning its worship style with the use of more sophisticated electronics and computer software in an effort to attract and bring young people into the church. The congregation continues its giftedness and commitment to reach young adults and young families with children with the love of Jesus Christ.  

Zabdiel Y. Khan is appointed to Royersford UMC in the Central District.  Pastor Khan was ordained in the EPA Conference as a Deacon in 1987 and as an Elder in full connection in 1989.  He received a B.A. degree from Gordon College Punjab University in 1971 and a Master of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1986.  Rev. Khan has been a United Methodist pastor for 25 years.  He has served at Cumbola/Covenant United Methodist Church Schuylkill Haven, Harmony UMC in Morgantown and Bethany UMC in Palmyra.  Currently, Pastor Khan is serving Parkside UMC and Christ UMC in Brookhaven, PA.  He is a member of the Conference Committee on Nominations, Racial Ethnic Ministries, and the Southeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry.  Pastor Khan is married to Shabnam (Doni).  They have two sons Sharoon and Zimran; both are attending college.

Royersford United Methodist Church, founded in 1881, is located in the heart of Royersford at 4^th and Church Sts.  We are in the process of making the transition to a new pastor since our current pastor is retiring in June.  We have a multi-cultural and multi-generational congregation and worship service that strives to be a source of hope and light in an ever-changing world.  We have Sunday school for all ages as well as Wednesday night Bible study.  UMW, Youth Fellowship, Choral Groups, Bell Choir, Breakfast Groups, Parish nurse Program, and our Prayer Chain are several of the opportunities available.  We are currently working on a capital campaign to renovate the facility to better meet our vision, “Energizing Our Ministries and Making disciples of Jesus Christ”.  The congregation is very active in mission work both near and far.  Support for the local Project Outreach and sharing the Hope on the Hill effort with Spring City UMC are just two of our local missions.  RUMC provides a loving family home to worship our Lord and Savior.    

Dennis G. Keen is appointed to the Spring City United Methodist Church in the Central District.  Pastor Keen has been a pastor since 1974.  He began his ministry serving two appointments in the Southern New Jersey Conference from 1974-1976.  Since then, he has served numerous churches in the Eastern PA Conference:  Minersville UMC, Llewellyn UMC in Pottsville, Windsor Street UMC in  Reading, Wesley UMC in Reading, First UMC in Mount Carmel, Mt. Zion in Narvon, Georgetown UMC in Bart, Black Creek UMC in Sugarloaf, and is currently serving Scottsville UMC in Langhorne.  He is an advocate and avid supporter of missions on all levels: local, national, and world.  In his current appointment the mission team has gone on mission trips to the Appalachian Service Project and the Pittsburgh Project.  Pastor Keen has gone on mission trips to Puerto Rico and the Pittsburgh Project.    He has introduced multi-media projection to his last two appointments.   He has served the Conference as counselor and director for children’s camp at Pocono Plateau, and as a member of the Equitable Salary Commission and the Commission on Conference Sessions.  Currently, he serves on the staff of the Conference Recording Secretary as journalist and is a member of the Committee on Church Location and Building of the East District.  He also serves as the representative from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference to the PA Council of Churches.   Dennis and his wife, Linda (Wyckoff), will celebrate their fortieth anniversary this coming July.  They are parents of two grown children: Samantha Reina and Benjamin Keen.  They are proud grandparents of four grandchildren:  Robert and Salvatore (sons of Samantha) and Reilly and Rebecca (children of Benjamin).

Spring City UMC, also known as “The Lighthouse on the Hill,” is a 166-year-old congregation in Spring City, on the Chester County side of the Schuylkill, seven miles from Camp Innabah.  Every Sunday morning 60-70 disciples gather for worship, which includes traditional hymns and vibrant choral offerings.  The bell choir or contemporary praise music occasionally seasons the service.  We have an active Tuesday morning Bible Study as well as Sunday School for adults.  The congregation provides a free hot meal for the community on Wednesdays, serving 35 to 50 people per week, and comes together with other local churches to maintain a weekly pantry.  Spring City UMC seeks to be a beacon of Christ’s light in the community.

Beverly T. Andrews is appointed to Chiques UMC, Southwest District.  Beverly was born and raised in the south, having been born in Nashville, and receiving her Bachelors in Psychology at Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, AL, and her Masters in Education at East Texas State University in Commerce, TX.  She has been married to Richard (“Rick”) Andrews, retired ordained elder, for 38 years, and together they have two children, Heather and Charles.  Beverly and Rick are the grandparents of Henry, son of Heather and her husband Edward.  The Andrews’ live in their own home in Mt. Gretna, and Beverly commutes to Malvern UMC near Philadelphia.  Prior to being appointed to Malvern in 2007, Beverly served Bridesburg and Wissinoming in Philadelphia, and was interim pastor at Crescentville from 2002 to 2003.  Her first appointment was as lay supply pastor of the former Erdenheim: St. Mark’s congregation outside of Philadelphia in 2001.  Beverly chairs the I-Care Team of the Annual Conference, which is the team that is called in to help churches respond to sexual misconduct.  Her previous employment at the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center in Lebanon from 1989-98 prepared her well for that difficult work.  Prior to that, Beverly worked in various college settings, including Bryn Mawr, International House in Philadelphia, Windham College in VT, and Ohio Wesleyan University.  Beverly was approved for full-time local pastor status by the Board of Ordained Ministry in 2007, and completed the Local Pastor’s Course of Study School at Wesley Theological Seminary in 2009.

Chiques United Methodist Church is located just outside the borough of Mt. Joy, PA.  Mt. Joy is also home to St. Mark’s, Glossbrenner, and the Bridge UMC’s.  On Easter Sunday afternoon March 29, 1959, the groundbreaking for Chiques symbolized the first step in uniting the Mount Joy (established 1881) and Salunga (established 1889) Methodist churches. The name Chiques was selected because the new property sat midway between Big and Little Chiques Creeks. The cornerstone was laid on June 7th and the new building was dedicated November 10, 1959 by Bishop Fred Pierce Corson.  Chiques is currently served by retired elder and former DS in the Susquehanna Conference, the Rev. Robert Stokes, who serves as an interim pastor alongside the Rev. Ted Mefferd, interim pastor of visitation.  The congregation numbers almost 150 on Sunday mornings, with traditional worship in the Sanctuary and a lively “Coffeehouse Authentic Worship” experience in the fellowship hall, led by a talented praise band.  The Amplify youth group is very active and goes on mission trips each summer to various locations.  There is also Elderberries, a group of active seniors who welcome all from the community, and the Red Hat Divas for “women of a certain age,” from both church and community.  The church has an active mission to the community and the world, as well as an active prayer chain ministry.  

 

Announced April 4, 2011

Joyce Mounds Anderson is appointed to Hawes Avenue UMC in Norristown on the Central District.  She is into her third year serving as part-time Pastor of Valley Forge UMC.  Prior to Joyce’s first appointment as part-time pastor at Valley Forge UMC nearly three years ago, she was student pastor at Thorndale UMC.  Right out of college Joyce used her undergraduate degree in Political Science from Syracuse University to pursue her public service passion for improving the quality of urban life.  She transitioned to the for-profit sector, working for 20 years between nonprofit organizations and insurance companies.  After earning an M.B.A. degree from West Chester University in 1997, she was lured away from singing in the church choir and teaching her beloved high school Sunday School class into church politics for the first time, and became a church treasurer. In May 2009 during the same week as her M.Div. graduation from Lancaster Theological Seminary, Joyce entered the doctoral program at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.  She expects to receive her D.Min. degree in May 2012.  Joyce is also an adjunct business professor at Esperanza College of Eastern University.  She feels blessed that her two grown daughters, Lauren and Susaye, had the courage to pursue their dreams in the visual and performing arts, and that they are her best friends.

Haws Avenue United Methodist Church is a 126 year old congregation in Norristown, PA. We have a multi-cultural and multi-generational congregation church and worship service that strives to be a source of hope and light in an ever changing world. We have Sunday school for all ages as well as a very active Wednesday night bible study and other study opportunities thru United Methodist men and women and couples for Christ bible study on Saturday mornings. Our church building is very active all week with ‘Crayon Kids” daycare, AA Meetings, Montgomery County Welfare to Work program and a thrift shop that operates twice weekly. We follow the command of Jesus to “feed my sheep” by hosting a “Sunday” meal that is open to anyone in the community as well as operating a food cupboard twice per month. Haws Avenue UMC strives to be a welcoming place of hope to a changing community

Dorry Kuhn Newcomer is appointed to Rolling Hills UMC in Pipersville. Rev. Newcomer is an elder, currently serving Harriman UMC in Bristol. A native of Towanda, Pennsylvania, Rev. Newcomer grew up as a very active Presbyterian. She graduated from Grove City College in Western Pennsylvania where she met her husband, Phil. They became active at Lansdale UMC when they settled in North Wales. Rev. Newcomer earned her MBA at Temple University and was employed as an accountant until her children were born. During her son’s and daughter’s preschool years, she began to feel called to ministry and enrolled in Eastern Baptist Seminary as a part-time student. Her favorite part of pastoring is helping people make a connection with the God who loves them better than anyone. She enjoys helping people discover their gifts and finding ways to put them to use in God’s service.

Rolling Hills UMC, a new church start in 1991, is located in Pipersville, in the Doylestown PA area. Over the last seven to eight years, the congregation has doubled its average worship attendance from 35 to 65-70. The church has a teenage worship band, a non-denominational, faith-based, community coffeehouse for adults, two to three Bible studies, is connected to organizations in the community, sponsors a soup supper once a month for persons in the community and members of the congregation, and is committed to growing to the next level, in that it may be able to reach more persons for the Kingdom of God. The people describe the church as one filled with the love of God for others. 

Gregory Holston is appointed to a two-church circuit -- Mount Carmel United Methodist Church and Tioga United Methodist Church, both in Philadelphia. Rev. Holston is an elder, currently serving St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Trevose. He has brought in electronics software for worship and he is eager about bringing young people into the local church. He has expressed commitment to churches in the city. Rev. Holston was ordained by Church of the Redeemer Baptist in 2001, having grown up in a family with ministers and deacons in the Baptist Church. His orders were recognized in The United Methodist Church in 2006 and he became a full member of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in 2009. He earned his MDiv at Lutheran Theological Seminary in 2006. He holds a BA in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (1982), a JD from Georgetown University, and a MEd from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania. It was during law school that he felt called to ministry. Prior to becoming a pastor, Rev. Holston worked as an attorney, a business owner, and a Philadelphia public school teacher. Rev. Holston is married to Deborah, a public school teacher, and they have three children. 

Mount Carmel UMC in Philadelphia is making the transition to a new pastor because its current pastor will be retiring in June. Its blended worship experience offers something for everyone in its multi-cultural, multi-racial congregation of Europeans, Africans, African Americans, Asians, Native Americans, and Caribbeans. Located two blocks north of the Albert Einstein Medical Center, the church remains committed to its community in the Fern Rock section of the city, demonstrated by its outreach ministries through evangelism, music, monthly food distribution, and by its efforts to be open to the young people in the neighborhood and the recent re-establishment of a United Methodist Men's organization. 

Tioga UMC in Philadelphia is located in the Tioga-Nicetown area of Philadelphia and is in the heart of Temple University’s Medical Campus. Founded in 1960, Tioga has a rich history of educating children and youth, as well as advocating for the betterment of their community. Their progressive history is due to dynamic Christ-filled pastoral leadership, involved laity, and excellent church spirit exhibited by their membership for fifty golden years. With the leadership of Rev. Dr. Michael Roberts, Tioga has grown under his emphasis on Bible Study and evangelism. They have seen tremendous growth through their Sunday Breakfast Ministry. Tioga has partnered with the Jamaican Cuisine Restaurant and the community to sponsor an annual street festival for the past 3 years, with water rides, Praise Dancers, food and music.  Most recently Tioga has begun extensive renovations and repairs to the beautiful cathedral-like building, installing a new roof, patching and painting the interior and exterior of the entire church. An elevator has been contracted and is due to be installed this year. The Breakfast Ministry outgrew the facilities and staff, so it has been temporarily shut down. Tioga continues its relationship with Bethune Elementary School, as well as partnering with Temple University and other neighborhood churches to found the Ecumenical Health Initiative.

Announced March 25, 2011

Beverly Petrovich is appointed to Kulpmont United Methodist Church.  Beverly is a graduate of Stone Mountain High School (Georgia). She is a part time local pastor involved in the Course of Study program.  In addition to this ¼ time appointment, Beverly will continue to serve Irish Valley United Methodist Church, which is a ½ time appointment she has served since 2009. She also served Ranshaw: Johnston City UMC from 2005-2011. She is a former member of Shamokin: Lincoln Street UMC and Shamokin: First UMC.  While at Shamokin: First, she served as a minister of visitation. Beverly’s gifts for ministry excel in the areas of leading Bible Study and pastoral care.  Beverly has two children.  A son and his family live in the greater Shamokin area.

Kulpmont United Methodist Church recently celebrated its 95th year in ministry to the community of Kulpmont, which is situated between Mt. Carmel and Shamokin. The open, and friendly congregation is actively engaged in ministry to the community. They are especially noted for their monthly Angel’s Table ministry, which provides a scrumptious meal to neighbors who’d enjoy the food and fellowship. They also participate in the ecumenical ministries of the local ministerium.  The congregation has worked hard at refurbishing the sanctuary for its 95th Anniversary, and the fellowship hall for its ever-growing ministries to the community.

Steven T. McComas is appointed as Senior Pastor to Hatboro: Lehman Memorial. Rev. McComas is a second career pastor. He first worked for 25 years as an Electronics Engineer at the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster. In the early 1990s, he felt called to follow in his father’s footsteps, who was a United Methodist pastor in the Holston Conference, rather than relocating to the Naval Air Warfare Center in Patuxent River MD. He was commissioned in 2001 and ordained in 2004. Rev. McComas has served Doylestown and Rolling Hills (Pipersville) UMCs. He is married to Deborah and they have two adult sons: Patrick and Michael. He holds a B.S.E.E. degree from Tenn Tech University and a M.Div. degree from Palmer (Eastern) Theological Seminary. He is chaplain for the Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company and serves on the Board of Central Bucks Cares. He has served on the pastoral care committee of Doylestown Hospital. He chairs the East District Focus Team and serves on the conference Calling Disciples Resource Team.  

Hatboro: Lehman Memorial is the most vital congregation in its community. It is totally, enthusiastically, passionately committed to ministry to the community. It is the first church and even the first place in the Hatboro community which individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and municipal entities will turn to for partnership in community concerns. The church nurtures leadership in all peoples and has sponsored a new church start in the Latino community of Hatboro.

Ron Waite is appointed to Quakertown UMC.  Rev. Waite currently serves as the senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd in Lebanon.  Raised in the Methodist Church, Rev. Waite first heard his call to ministry while serving as a counselor at Camp Innabah  during his high school years.  He attended Albright College with the intent of going on to seminary.  While in college, he met his future wife, Nancy.  He attended Lancaster Theological Seminary and was appointed part-time to Conestoga UMC for his senior year.  The local UCC was without a pastor and asked if their youth could participate in his youth group.  When he graduated from seminary, the UCC church became part of a cooperative parish with Conestoga, and Rev. Waite served there for four more years.  Rev. Waite, his wife and their three month old child moved to First UMC of Tamaqua in 1978, and the church experienced growth under his leadership.  In 1987 he moved to the Church of the Good Shepherd, a twenty year old congregation at the time.  During his tenure there, the church has grown to over 500 in weekly worship, developed a strong small group ministry and expanded its worship experience to include Soul, Com, a multisensory worship experience.  Rev. Waite’s wife, Nancy, serves as director of worship design for the church.

Quakertown UMC is located an hour from Philadelphia and 30 minutes from Allentown.  The congregation spans four generations, from members who remember  the Evangelical and Methodist churches that preceded Quakertown UMC, to infants, children and youth.  The church offers three Sunday morning worship services, with both traditional and contemporary worship, as well as a dedicated Christian education hour.  Quakertown is actively involved in the local community.  Members of the congregation support the work of the local food pantry, a shelter and the work of Kensington Area Ministries in Philadelphia.  Over the last two years, the Rethink Church group of the congregation has worked to take the church outside the walls with activities like a new community garden on the church grounds which provided over 600 pounds of fresh produce to area food banks, a free family fun fest for the community, and festive meals for women from the shelter.  The church hopes to expand its small group ministry in the years ahead.  The current church building, fully handicapped accessible,  is 25 years old with a 10 year old education wing.  The congregation celebrated paying off the mortgage earlier this year.  The church is currently involved in a visioning process looking to chart the way forward for the 21^st century.  The Faith Pre-School and Parents’ Time Out for children too young for nursery school are also ministries of the church.

Nancy Haigh Ross is appointed to Grace United Methodist Church of Telford.  Rev. Ross has a BA degree from Wittenberg University  and holds the insurance designations of CLU and ChFC.  Prior to entering ministry, Rev. Ross worked in the insurance industry as a claim adjuster, marketing manager, and sales and training representative.  While in college, Nancy first heard the call to ministry.  However, it was not until 1995 that she answered the call by attending Local Pastor School and becoming a part-time Local Pastor at First United Methodist Church, Fairless Hills.  Then in 1998 she left her work in the insurance industry to attend the Drew Theological School.  Nancy has been happily married to Lemuel (Jack) Ross for 15 years.  Jack spent much of his working life in insurance – sales, training, securities, and teaching.  He is presently a social worker .  Jack loves to cook (he is wonderful for church dinners!) and read. He is presently going through the “process” towards licensing as a Local Pastor.   The third member of Pastor Nancy and Jack’s household is Waldo the family dog.  Nancy has two adult children, Janet Lewis, an outstanding athlete and Rob,  an attorney. Rev. Ross has served First UMC of Frackville, Girardville UMC, Clifton Heights UMC, and most recently Quakertown UMC where she has worked with the local food pantry and shelter, and assisted in the development of the church’s community garden, raising over 600 pounds of fresh produce for the local food pantry.

Grace UMC of Telford, located on the border of Bucks and Montgomery Counties, is in the midst of a growing community.  The church provides many different opportunities for people to serve Jesus Christ in ministry. Members of the church serve in the Grace’s Closet, a clothing ministry that provides clothing for all ages at no cost to those in need.  Others are active in the local senior center, and in the homeless hospitality ministry.   The blended Sunday worship offers music of many different styles.  This year the church began an intentional process of visioning for the future.  The community around the church is growing, and the congregation seeks to connect to the changing community in order to offer Christ more effectively.  The church offers many different small group activities including a small but active youth group, men’s and women’s groups, and YES, the Young, Energetic Seniors group.  This year saw the creation of family activity and young adult groups, as well as increased bible study. 

Michael Netznik, Sr., is appointed to Emmanuel UMC in Allentown.  Rev. Netznik is a full-time, licensed local pastor.  Rev. Netznik began his working career in retail, serving in management with Acme Markets.  But his call to ministry goes back to his youth.  As a young adult, he led a Lutheran Church youth group, growing it from start-up to over 100 young people.  Surely that was a portent of things to come.  Rev. Netznik began his ministerial career as a part-time local pastor, juggling church and work.  Eventually he heard God’s call to full-time ministry.  He has served a variety of small churches on the Northeast District, growing many of them from part-time congregations to full-time.  He was one of the founding pastors of Faith Alive UMC in Bowmanstown, guiding two smaller congregations through the merger process. The resulting church is now a strong, vital congregation in the area.  Most recently he has pastured Meeds Memorial UMC in Nesquehoning and Grace St Paul UMC in Jim Thorpe.  Both church have grown significantly under his leadership, and Grace St Paul built a new church building outside of town, where the church has grown from under to twenty to nearly 100 in worship weekly.  Mike is a graduate of Concord High School in Wilmington, and attended United Wesleyan College. He has completed training as a church planter, and is deeply committed to starting and growing congregations to share the love of God in Christ.  He is married to Karen, and together they have three adult sons.  Mike is an avid Washington Redskins fan, and attends evening games with his son who lives in D.C.

Emmanuel UMC in Allentown is a 145 year old congregation located on the south side of the city of Allentown near Emmaus.  The church shares space with La Trinidad UMC, a Spanish speaking congregation.  Emmanuel’s congregation reflects the local community with a diverse population including Vietnamese, African American, Latino and Indian members as well as Caucasian.  The church offers family oriented ministries, including a pre-school program and family fun week in the summer, and dinner outings for all ages throughout the year.  Weekly Disciple Bible study classes extend the Sunday morning Christian Education program, and the Boys’ Brigade offers activities for young boys.  The trustees have worked to upgrade the property in recent years, renovating the narthex and library, and adding a memorial garden outside the sanctuary. 

Announced March 18, 2011

Joan H. Trout is appointed to Hibernia United Methodist Church.  Before being called by God into professional ministry, Joan worked in retailing, was a stay-at-home mom, and then worked in accounting/computer technology.  Joan’s homechurch is Lampeter UMC.  As God led her to pursue ordained ministry, Joan served as a part-time Local Pastor at Safe Harbor UMC in the Southwest District, from 1994 to 2004, while pursuing her education.   During that time, Safe Harbor, Green Hill UMC, Marticville UMC, and Highville UMC founded a cluster ministry that continues today.  Joan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Millersville University in 1999, with a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Speech Communication, and Magna Cum Laude from Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2004, with an M.Div.  Rev. Trout was ordained Deacon (Transitional) in 2004 and Elder in 2007.  She has served Lionville: UM Church of the Resurrection (UMCR) since 2004.  During her time at UMCR, she has enjoyed preaching and teaching God’s Word, facilitating growth in discipleship, working with the Missions Team, and strengthening community connections through the UMCR’s Great Beginnings Christian Pre-School and Kindergarten, VBS and Bible Studies at the Adult Care Center next door to the church.  She enjoys singing in the choir and Praise Band, and has been a member of the Lionville-Exton Ministerium.   While in the Southwest District she served for 8 years on the Committee of District Superintendency and in the Southeast District Joan has served on the District Committee of Ordained Ministry since 2007 and as chair since 2008.  She also serves as a candidacy mentor.   Joan is married to Barry Trout. They have two daughters, Hilary and Vanessa, and four grandchildren.  In addition to her family, Joan enjoys reading, walking, bicycling, music and poetry.                         

Hibernia United Methodist Church is located in Coatesville, PA and is near Hibernia National Park. Founded in 1841 by the Hibernia Iron Works, it was once part of a “circuit” of churches that had one preacher that rode on horseback to each church every 7-8 weeks. Today Hibernia United Methodist Church is a warm and accepting family church with a rich history and future. On Sundays they conduct an adult and children’s Sunday school and celebrate worship with a blended service. Community involvement includes Cub Pack #134, Boy Scout Troop #116 and supporting 101^st Airborne Division of the United States Army serving in Iraq. The congregation is involved in a food bank ministry, Habitat for Humanity workdays, Souper Bowl Sunday and other opportunities to care for the people.  They reach out to the community with an annual country fair, Christmas bazaar and Father’s Day picnic.           

Gary Lefever is appointed to Conyngham United Methodist Church.  Rev. Lefever served part-time at Intercourse United Methodist Church while completing his M Div. degree at Evangelical School of Theology.  He will be commissioned toward elders’ orders at the May 2011 annual conference.  A second career pastor, Rev. Lefever worked in the printing industry and taught secondary social studies prior to entering seminary.  His call to ministry was nurtured in the small group ministries of his home church, Hempfield UMC.  While serving the Intercourse United Methodist Church, Rev. Lefever provided critical leadership in a major reorganization of church records, and a strong commitment to connectionalism that helped the church strengthen its ties to the conference.  Rev. Lefever and his wife, Julia, currently live in York where she is employed by a Christian bookstore.  Rev. Lefever has two adult sons, both living in Arizona and working in the mental health field.

Conyngham United Methodist Churchis located in a small town outside of Hazleton.  It is a multi-generational congregation blessed with strong programming for children and youth.  Young people serve regularly in worship.  The church also offers an excellent music ministry including three choirs, a hand bell choir and a summer concert series.  The church provides numerous small group experiences for fellowship and spiritual formation, ranging from Bible study and prayer shawl ministry to men’s groups, women’s groups and sports teams. They host the community Lenten devotional lunches.   Every year the church participates in the July 4^th weekend Rest Stop Ministry, offering care and food to travelers on Interstate Route 81 over the holiday.  The church has a mission partnership with the Moringa Community in Ghana.

Announced March 14, 2011

Richard Hostetter is appointed to Coventryville UMC in the Central District.  Pastor Hostetter has been pastor for eight years at Rocherty UMC in Lebanon. He was employed as a District Sales Manager for Nabisco before answering God’s call to ministry. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Alvernia University with a BA in Business.  He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Evangelical Seminary in Myerstown, PA where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.   At Rocherty UMC, Pastor Hostetter introduced multimedia worship. With his leadership, membership has consistently increased. During his appointment the church has reached out to the lost in the community by partnering with Agape Shelter, a home for abused woman and children. The congregation has a financial commitment to the shelter but also a spiritual one. For example, the church and Agape were partners in vacation bible school.  His ministry emphasized social concern by leading the congregation to begin a benevolent fund  and food pantry  that extend beyond the church walls and into the community.   He is also a volunteer chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital in Lebanon, a member of the executive council of Lebanon County Christian Ministries, and a member of the Alumni Council of Evangelical. Over the last eight years, Pastor Hostetter has also been an auxiliary chaplain at Cornwall Manor.  Before his appointment at Rocherty, Pastor Hostetter was supply pastor at St. John’s in Lebanon and Associate Pastor at Church of the Good Shepherd in Lebanon.   Pastor Hostetter has been married 38 years to his wife Carol. He has a daughter Tara who is married to Justin Dively.  He has two grandchildren-- Gabriel who is two, and Sophia who was born this past November.

Coventryville UMC started in 1774.  Mrs. Rebecca Grace was the founder of Methodism at Coventry. It is the second oldest United Methodist Church in Pennsylvania.  They presently have two services, a contemporary and regular service. They have numerous Sunday school classes, some are held in our property next-door called the Chrisman House. Bible Study is held each week at 10am and 7pm. They have three choirs, an Adult choir, a Children choir and a Bell choir. Forty years ago, the church opened a pre-school, which is still operating now and is open five days a week to the community.  They have a number of scout troops that meet in their church. They have prayer groups and Mission groups that travel to help those in need. They also have OWLS, Methodist Men, and a Youth Group.  They have just started a Thrift Shop and it is very successful.  Coventryville UMC is a family worshipping together as Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

Timothy Thomson-Hohl is appointed to Ardmore UMC in the Central District.  He is an ordained Elder and has been in ministry for over 31 years.  In his current appointment, he is serving as pastor of The Garden Church, a United Methodist Community, also known as Trinity Lansdowne UMC. He has been the pastor there since July, 2004. He is part of the Clergy Association of Lansdowne & Vicinity and on the Coordinating Board of Simpson Gardens, the new property that is an extension of Simpson House/Simpson Senior Services. Prior to assuming the pastorate at The Garden Church, he was the Executive Director of the Wesley Foundation of Philadelphia and Asbury Protestant Ministry at Drexel University. In his pastoral role at the college, he was called upon to teach, conduct counseling, provide worship, lead small groups and create special programming.  He is committed to issues around social justice and the inclusion of all people.  He has also enjoyed the expanded ministry horizon he has experienced in ministering to the West African immigrant community around The Garden Church, particularly immigrant communities from Sierra Leon, Nigeria, and Liberia.  He has taught an elective course entitled “Women in the History of Religion” and for the past twelve years he has co-taught a 3-credit course entitled “Issues in Science & Religion” with two Physics professors.  Rev. Thomson-Hohl is a graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School in Chester County, Pa., earned a BA in Economics & BA in Business Administration at Thiel College in Northwest Pennsylvania.  He earned his Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, Mo. He is currently at work on his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) from Chestnut Hill College and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.  He is married to Renee, and they have three children: Colin, Elise, and Ian and one grandson, Owen.  And of course, he is a big Phillies fan.

Ardmore United Methodist Church is located in the Main Line area outside of Philadelphia in the small community of Ardmore.  The community reflects a diverse stretch of socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.  Ardmore’s congregation believes that everyone is a minister, and is made up of many young and growing families.  They also have a weekly Pre-school program housed in their church building.  They have a strong Christian Education program, and also serve their community in many ways.  Ardmore UMC has a long term and continuing relationship with "the woman'sresource center" and the United Methodist Children’s Home.   They have a holiday outreach to 10 families in West Philadelphia to supply meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as a substantial Christmas Gift Cards for each family to gift Christmas to their children.  They contribute monthly to St. Mark's Food Bank and cultivate and grow vegetables on the church property for donation to Manna.   They also have a long time relationship with Calcutta House and the AIDS support residence community.    

Announced March 13, 2011

Gary L. Nicholson is appointed to be Northwest District Superintendent.  Gary has been a United Methodist pastor for 32 years. He has served at Temple UMC in rural Chester County, East Stroudsburg UMC, Monroe County, as associate pastor,  Bethany UMC in Palmyra, Lebanon County, and Jarrettown UMC in suburban Montgomery County.  Since 2005 Gary has served First UMC of Bangor, in the Slate Belt of Northampton County.  He is a summa cum laude graduate of Albright College and received his Master of  Divinity from the Divinity School at Duke University.   As a leader in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, he has been active in the camping program serving as a volunteer counselor at all four of the camps, and currently as the program director for the Junior High Adventure Camp at Pocono Plateau.  He also chaired the Pocono Plateau site committee and served on the conference camping board.  He has been a member of the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration and currently serves on the Northeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry.  For the last four years he has been a mentor in the Pastors of  Excellence program of the Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland , Ohio, and recently returned from the Philippines where he taught and mentored in the pilot, cross-cultural version of the program.   Gary is married to Pamela S. Nicholson, a trainer with the Institute for Family Professionals in Philadelphia.  Gary and Pam enjoy birding and hiking.  Together with Pam's mother, Esther Geary, they maintain a section of the Appalachian Trail near Hamburg.  They have two children, Mark, 24, and Rachel, 20.  Gary is the son of the Rev. Blake E. Nicholson Jr., retired, and the late Anne D. Nicholson. 

Announced March 8, 2011

Michael Roberts is appointed to Emmanuel UMC in the Central District.  Rev. Dr. Roberts is a Provisional Elder with an evangelistic zeal and a heart for ministry to children and families.  He has served as Pastor of Christian Education from Deliverance Christian Evangelistic Church from 1989 to 2002.  At Deliverance, he directed and coordinated all educational, administrative, and counseling ministries.  He then was appointed to Tioga UMC where he has served since 2003.  There, he initiated and integrated multimedia technology in worship services, led the breakfast ministry to the homeless in the community, feeding on average 80 people each week.  He has also initiated and implemented a Community Movie Ministry, community neighborhood outreach, door to door ministry, street services, and give-aways in collaboration with local businesses and agencies.  He has also given leadership to the North Philadelphia Cluster of United Methodist Churches.  Rev. Dr. Roberts has graduated with a Masters of Divinity from Palmer Seminary in 2010.  He also has a M.A. in Religion with a focus on Christian Counseling from Westminister Theological Seminary, as well as a D.Min. in Conflict Management from Trinity Theological Seminary in Indiana.  He is married to Janice Roberts and they are parents of two lovely children, Tiffany Adams and Michael Roberts, Jr, and enjoy their wonderful grandson, Raymond Adams.

Emmanuel United Methodist Church is located in the heart of North Philadelphia and has a rich history of clergy leadership, many of whom have gone on to become District Superintendents and Bishops.  The men of Emmanuel and the United Methodist Men have joined forces in the implementation of several ministries, including an annual event – “One Hundred Men in Black”.  The men of Emmanuel also have a weekly event on Saturday mornings –the  Men’s Fellowship and Breakfast, and a Male Chorus that sings one Sunday a month at worship service.  Emmanuel has made itself accessible and open to at-risk youth in the community with the establishment of a teen lounge, and open to the disabled and handicapped through improvements in their sanctuary and lower levels. They have a Praise Dance Ministry, a strong Christ Servant Ministry, and a weekly Bible study series called “Bible Basics” on Wednesdays.  Recently, the congregation has been working on church revitalization by engaging in the United Front Ministries, Project 6:15, and have made a two year commitment to church redevelopment.  The fruits of their efforts can be seen through the rebirth and growth of Emmanuel’s Sunday School program.  Emmanuel serves their community through a Food Bank that operates in conjunction with the offices of Pennsylvania Representatives Shirley Kitchen and Jewell Williams, who refer low income people for food distribution.  

Janet L. Saddel is appointed to Warrington: St. Paul’s.  Janet has served churches in Springfield (Delaware County) as Associate Pastor and in East Bangor PA for the past eight years. Prior to attending seminary, she served for a year as a missionary to Russia, where she worked to bring Christian Education curriculum to the schools. Her mission service has also included many short-term mission trips. While attending seminary she participated in a two-week mission project in Sombrerete, Mexico, where she helped in digging a foundation for a church plant in the mountains, in painting the existing church in town, and in putting together a VBS for the town. As an elder, Janet has also served on the Northeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry and the conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Prior to entering the ministry, she worked for 12 years as a bookkeeper and administrative assistant to the president of a family-owned paper company in Elkins Park PA. Raised in Center Square PA and growing up as an active member of Calvary UMC in Ambler, she earned a B.A. in philosophy from West Chester University and a M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.

St. Paul’s in Warrington (Bucks County) is a vibrant congregation with a strong interest in mission. Significant ministries of the church include a Shepherding Ministry, a long-established preschool program, a prayer shawl ministry, service to the community in terms of hosting Scouting ministries, Bible Study groups and book studies, outreach through the Doylestown Food Pantry, an expansion of its Christian Education program, and an active prayer chain. 

Bob Amundsen is appointed to Bensalem United Methodist Church.  He is a second career clergyperson, and is married to Karen Dianne Gibney-Amundsen. Bob and Karen celebrated their 20^th anniversary this past June with a trip to the Red Lion Inn in Lenox, Massachusetts where they went on their honeymoon. Pastor Bob was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to East Stroudsburg PA in the 1980s where he met Karen, who is from Bucks County, while she was a Communications major at East Stroudsburg University, The Amundsens have a summer home in Marshalls Creek, PA. For 28 years Bob and Karen owned a wedding photography studio and camera shop in East Stroudsburg. Pastor Bob holds a Bachelor degree in Communications, a M.S. in Educational Technology from Lehigh University, and a M.Div. from Drew University. His passions in ministry are to empower congregations to develop ministries and missions that benefit their communities. He has served Cherry Lane UMC in Tannersville PA since 2007, developing groups to form mission teams that have assisted in the rebuilding of New Orleans for the past four years, a UM Men’s group, which includes the Northeast District UM Men Chairperson, a local mission that feeds hungry school children each week, Boy Scout Troop 1910, affiliations with Family Promise, signed worship services twice a month, and many other local outreaches and ministries. Current projects include raising funds to build four cabins at Pocono Plateau Camp and establishing a regular AA meeting at the church. Pastor Bob and Karen enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking, camping, cross-country skiing, vacationing at the Jersey Shore and Montauk Long Island. They have a 30-year old foster son, Sebastian, who currently resides in Danbury CT where he works doing fundraising and campaigning for the Democratic Party of Connecticut.    

Bensalem United Methodist Church recently celebrated its 200^th anniversary of being in ministry to its lower Bucks County community. With an average weekly attendance of 114, the congregation currently worships using both a traditional, hymnal-based early service and a blended late service with video for its primary music. Congregants prepare over 1500 meals a year which are distributed by Aid-for-Friends. An active UM Women’s organization leads the congregation in giving to and supporting monthly missional outreach projects. Community outreach includes the Bensalem Fall Festival, cold water and water ice give-aways, and Christmas caroling at the Neshaminy Mall. There are several choirs (chancel and chapel for adults, cherub for preschoolers, and Happiness for elementary age children, as well as an adult bell choir). Christian education classes are available for all ages and a yearly VBS is open to the community. Over 180 preschoolers are served by the church’s Christian Day School. Prayer ministries and missions support round out the congregation’s current ministries. 

Announced March 6, 2011

William Gary George is appointed to Grace United Methodist Church (East District).  Dr. George has been an elder in the EPA Annual Conference since 1988.  He received his B.A. from Gwynedd Mercy College, his M. Div from Drew University School of Theology and his D. Min from Eastern Baptist Seminary.  He has served Camphor Memorial UMC, Trinity (Baynton), Reading Shared Ministry (extension ministry), Trinity (Reading), Arch Street, Mt. Carmel UMC, Grace UMC and as District Superintendent in the Central District.  In addition he is a licensed Marriage and Family Counselor and has served on a number of conference boards and agencies. 

Grace United Methodist Church, located on Ogontz Avenue at 71^st Street in Philadelphia was founded in 1873.  This multi-generational congregation has a vital worship experience with a number of choirs and a dance ministry.  In addition the church has outreach programs in the community, a day care, and an after-school program. 

Anita Adams Powell is appointed as the new District Superintendent of the Central District of the Eastern PA Annual Conference. 

Anita’s vocation in ministry began in the American Baptist Church where she was licensed and ordained. After serving on the ministerial staff at St. Paul’s Baptist Church for several years, God led her into Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church where her orders were recognized and she became an elder in full connection. 

Her ministry in the Eastern PA Conference includes having served as associate pastor of West Chester United Methodist Church, and as the founding pastor of the United Methodist Church of the Open Door in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. She has also served on the Board of Ordained Ministry, Conference Relations Committee, Deacon-Elder Work Team, and she is a candidacy mentor.  Recognizing the importance of connecting the congregation to the community in ways that confirm God’s presence and activity in the world, her leadership in the church and community reflects her commitment to diversity, inclusion and community partnership. Through her involvement in organizations such as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Advocates and Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast, Dr. Powell has become known throughout the region as a champion of social justice, peace and reconciliation. 

Dr. Powell received a Bachelor of Science degree from Hampton University in Virginia; a Master of Arts in Teaching from Wesleyan University in Connecticut; a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Divinity in Ministry to Marriage and Family, both from Palmer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania.   Her extensive experiences are best characterized as that of “teacher” and “servant”. She has been a public school teacher, counselor, college & seminary administrator, director of community agencies, as well as having labored in other vineyards of servant leadership and pastoral ministry. She also conducts workshops and other presentations for churches, schools and community organizations and has written for religious publications. Her writings are included in the Women of Color Study Bible, Promises from God for Women of Color, as well as the Sister to Sister Devotional, Volume 2.  Dr. Powell is married to Marvin, an attorney and university professor. Together, they are blessed with adult children and they are also grandparents. She enjoys being with her family, traveling, playing board games and latch-hooking. Above all that can be said or written about Rev. Dr. Anita Adams Powell, she simply wants to be known as one who truly knows Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and who joyfully commits her life to doing the will of God.

Grant L. Johnson is appointed to United Methodist Church of the Open Door.  Grant is a native of Cambridge, Maryland.  After serving in the U.S. Navy, he attended Salisbury University in Salisbury, Maryland and graduated with a B.S. in Biology and Education. Hearing and accepting God’s call to ordained ministry, Rev. Johnson joined Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated with a Master of Divinity. He was ordained in the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference in 1982 and has served in various ministry settings. Rev. Johnson was the founding Executive Director of Salisbury Urban Ministries in 1992, an outreach collaboration of eight United Methodist congregations in Salisbury, Maryland and served a second term as director from 2003-2007.    He has also served in many conference levels positions including chairperson of the Pen-Del Board of Ordained Ministry and Conference Vision Team, delegate to the North East Jurisdictional Conference and the World Methodist Council. He currently serves as pastor of Grace United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. While Rev. Johnson served Grace the church established a partnership with the local elementary school and provides a weekly “Snack In A Pack” to needy families. Rev. Johnson’s joy is preaching the Holy Scriptures. Throughout his ministry he has been involved in community outreach, especially as it relates to children and youth.   He has been married to Pearl who also is a pastor serving Devereaux United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. They have a daughter, Monica who resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband David, and a son, Jonathan who resides in Wilmington Delaware also with their three grand children, Faith, Jordan and Brandon.

United Methodist Church of the Open Door was founded in 2002 by the Rev. Dr. Anita Adams Powell in Kenneth Square. This growing congregation demonstrates true unconditional acceptance of everyone through their intentionality in developing ministries addressing previously unmet needs in the community through partnership with other local churches and organizations. These ministries include:

• creating the H.U.B. of Hope, which has grown into a Eastern PA Conference community resource helping those living with and affected by HIV and AIDS
• initiating a New Horizons ministry which teaches English as a second language, computer usage, and other life skills to Latina women;
• creating the ISMS (Inclusive Social Ministry for Solidarity) ministry which partners with other  community advocacy organizations and the EPA Conference in organizing forums for dialog in an effort to help dismantle the "-isms" in our society, such as classism, racism, and sexism;
• founding the Helping Hands C.A.N. network of local churches and organizations to connect people "in transition" with temporary housing, food, or other needs;  
• starting a Christ-Centered Recovery support group with a 12-step approach designed to help anyone struggling to confront habits, compulsions and addictions; or for those who have lived in a family with addictive traits.

The church is constantly seeking new ways to connect with people in the community through events such as free pancake breakfasts and block parties, while at the same time the members are developing their own faith through participation in spiritual growth small groups.

Announced March 3, 2011

Brunilda Martinez is appointed to Lancaster: El Redentor and St. Paul’s United Methodist Churches.  Brunilda (“Bruny”) is a second career pastor, currently serving Shenandoah: First and William Penn UMC’s on the Northwest District.  Her roots are in Puerto Rico in another faith tradition, but when she and her husband Ramon moved to Lebanon County, they helped with the organization and leadership of New Birth UMC (Iglesia Metodista Nuevo Nacimiento).  Bruny was lay leader, secretary, treasurer, teacher, and held other positions at various times over the years.  Prior to going into pastoral ministry, she was the State Recruitment Coordinator for the Center for Schools and Communities in Lemoyne, PA.  In that job, she journeyed all over the state of PA, and developed a love of driving.  In her current ministry position, she lives over an hour away from the two churches she serves, so she gets to enjoy that time in the car listening to the “oldies.”  In addition to her devoted husband, Ramon, she is mother to three grown children, Dayra, Luis Miguel, and Andrea.  She also has three grandchildren, Nicole, Alyn, and Anella.  Currently, Bruny serves on the Camping Board, the ICARE Team, the Latino Commission, and as a consulting team member for Conference restructuring.  She is also chair of the Hispanic Center Board in the city of Lebanon, and a member of ETEL (Escuela Teologica Evangelica Latina) of the Eastern PA Conference.

El Redentor UMC is one of the oldest Latino churches in the Eastern PA Conference, having been founded in 1977.  With a membership of 99, it has a combined attendance at its two services on Sunday morning of 96 persons.  It is populated with persons of many different nationalities and ethnicities.  Some of its members speak only English, others are bilingual, and still others speak mostly Spanish.  The church seeks to be sensitive to the needs of its entire congregation and neighborhood and its more contemporary first service on Sunday mornings is conducted in English, while the second traditional service is conducted in Spanish.  Even with its multiplicity of cultures and peoples, there is a strong sense of unity and purpose to this congregation which is relentless in its desire to serve the city and surroundings of Lancaster.  The church describes its three strongest attributes as loving hospitality, generous giving, and musical worship.  El Redentor seeks to reach out to all age groups, with a strong Sunday School ministry and Christian Community Club, which is an outreach to community children with warm meals and Gospel lessons.  There is also S.A.L.T. (Saving All Lives Together), a proactive youth ministry & P.E.P.P.E.R (Preparing Everyone thru Praise & Prayer for Everlasting Rewards), a pre-teen ministry to develop faith and leadership, and Golden Age Club, a small group that provides fellowship time for adults 50 years of age and older.  The church, under the leadership of current pastor Wanda Santos-Perez, has developed a strategic plan targeting five areas of ministry outlined in the book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations written by Bishop Robert Schnase.  El Redentor is in ministry partnership with St. Paul’s UMC of Lancaster.

Lancaster: St. Paul’s UMC was founded as an outreach Sunday School by First UMC in the city of Lancaster in 1851.  Located on South Queen Street below the new Convention Center, St. Paul’s has sought to have a strong connection with the city of Lancaster, calling itself “The church with a  heart in the heart of the city.” St. Paul’s is the church which incubated LUMINA, the Southwest District’s mission organization done in cooperation with the General Board of Global Ministries.  Recently, LUMINA moved its offices back to St. Paul’s, and St. Paul’s also hosts several other ministries in its large well kept building, including Diakon, a ministry to troubled youth, as well as a Latino Seventh Day Adventist Church.  In the summer, the large educational facility of the church plays host to the Shalom Partnership.  The Summer Enrichment Project of Shalom Partnership of Lancaster brings together students from Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School and dedicated teachers at St. Paul’s UMC to provide Math and Reading instruction to selected 4^th and 5^th grades students.  In addition, a committed member of St. Paul’s began the Cup of Cold Water project, a tutoring program at the neighboring Carter and McCrae Elementary School, which utilized volunteers from the church and the Willow Valley community in remedial reading and mathematics four days each week.  The church also has a very active food cupboard which opens its doors to the public every week, and a clothing bank, among other outreach programs.  Though the church has seen declines in membership and attendance in recent years, those remaining are strongly committed to their unique place in the city of Lancaster, and to reaching out to the surrounding community as their resources allow them to.

Jonathan Wesley Hall is appointed to Tobyhanna United Methodist Church.  Jonathan is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College and received his M.Div. from Lancaster Theological School.  He served Stehman Memorial UMC before commissioning and moving to Emmanuel UMC in Allentown, where he has served since July 2008.  He will be ordained elder at annual conference in May.  Jonathan is the son of two EPA local pastors, the Rev. Cindy Hall at Faith Community UMC and the Rev. Ken Hall, at Avondale UMC, and his brother serves as a pastor in another denomination in Indiana.  While at Emmanuel, he has led the effort to upgrade the building, and worked closely with La Trinidad as that Spanish speaking congregation and Emmanuel share space.  Fostering a spirit of community, Rev. Hall has helped the congregation reach out to newer, younger and more diverse families.  He is married to Katie, who directs the nursery school at the church.  They are the parents of two daughters, Olivia, age 5, in kindergarden, and Sophia, age 1.

Tobyhanna United Methodist Church is a multi-cultural congregation in the northern Poconos.  Located near the Tobyhanna Army Depot, the congregation welcomes persons of many different racial and ethnic backgrounds.  The church has an active men’s group that participates in the Upper Room prayer ministry, fielding prayer requests from across the country one Saturday a month, and an active UMWE as well.  A newly launched monthly prayer ministry on Saturday morning provides an opportunity to explore many ways of praying and connecting with God in meditation.  The congregation seeks to reach out into the community to share God’s love and grow in its life together.

Announced February 28, 2011

Bishop Peggy Johnson announces the appointment of Rev. Dr. Christopher Jacob Kurien from Southeast District Superintendent to EPA Director of Connectional Ministries, effective July 1, 2011.

Christopher was born to missionary parents in India. Growing up, he lived in various places and settings which has allowed him to appreciate and understand different cultures and people, and to become fluent infive languages. He completed his Bachelors, Masters, and Theological studies in Andhra, Kerala, Annamalai and Serampore Universities respectively. He was ordained in 1985 and served the Church in India in various settings, including planting a church, before coming to the U.S to pursue his doctoral studies in Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. While a student in Chicago he served the CSI congregation in Chicago, Illinois and Toronto, Canada, and planted an Indian congregation in Detroit, Michigan. After completing his studies in Chicago he returned to Bangalore, India and served a large congregation in Bangalore and later taught at the United Theological College. He is one of the founding members of the Indian Association of Clinical Pastoral Education and has served as the Vice Chair of the Chaplains section of the Christian Medical Association of India.  After finishing the CPE residency program at the Memorial Herman Hospital in Houston, Texas he joined the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and was appointed to Reading: St. Matthew’s UMC.  Following this, he was appointed as the Northwest District Superintendent and then as the Southeast District Superintendent. He has been serving as Dean of our cabinet for the last four years.  Dr. Kurien serves on various boards and agencies in the Annual Conference including: Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Trustees, Commission on Conference Sessions, Committee on Nominations and Commission on the Latino Plan and Ministries,and theMethodist Hospital Foundation.  He is a board member of the General Commission on Religion and Race and also a member of the NE Jurisdictional committee on Appeals. He embodies the Global nature of our church.  Christopher brings his vast experience in pastoral counseling, administration, new church starts, ecumenical relations and conflict mediation.  He enjoys family, traveling, playing the guitar and listening to music.  He is married to Christy, a Math teacher at Reading High School and they are blessed with three daughters, Susan and Elsen are finishing their Doctor of Pharmacy Degree this spring, and Ann is a freshman at the Boston University.

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson announces the appointment of the Rev. Thomas C. Haugh to serve as the new district superintendent in the Southeast District effective July 1, 2011.

Rev. Thomas C. Haugh is an ordained in the EPA Conference as a Deacon (transitional) in 1984 and as an elder in full connection in 1988.  He received a B.S. degree from Valley Forge Christian College in 1982 and a Masters of Divinity degree from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 1986.  Rev. Haugh has served the following churches in the Eastern PA Conference:  Coatesville: Olivet (associate) from 1983 to 1986, Mahanoy City: Frist and Gilberton from 1986 to 1988, Mahanoy  City: First from 1986 to 1990, Paoli from 1990 to 1998, Hatboro: Lehman Memorial from 1998 to the present.  He is an instructor of Worship and Preaching for the Local Pastor’s Licensing School and also teaches courses on “Introduction to the old Testament” and ‘Biblical Interpretation” for the School of Extension for local pastors.  Tom  has preached and taught in Puerto Rico, Ghana and Kenya where his focus was to teach pastors in those countries.  He also participated in mission trips to Mexico with “Caring Action for Children.”  He has served on numerous conference boards and agencies  Rev. Haugh is often asked to be a guest speaker at various churches, camp meetings, retreats and other organization, and has served as a consultant for church growth by a number of churches.  Tom and his wife Susan have two sons, Daniel (age 21) and Samuel (age 15). 

Announced February 24, 2011

Gerard (“Jerry”) M. McGrath is appointed to Lititz UMC (Southwest District).  Jerry has served in the Eastern PA Conference since 1990, when he was appointed to the Morrisville UMC as associate pastor.  In 1993, he was appointed to Manheim: Salem UMC as associate pastor, then his longest pastorate thus far took place at Prospect UMC from 1997-2006, where under his leadership worship attendance increased significantly as the church began to reach out to young adults in the Prospect Park area of Delaware County.  He introduced multi-media worship to the congregation, and helped them to develop a mission and vision statement based on the acronym HOPE (Hospitality, Outreach, Praise, Education).  During this time, Jerry received additional training in the areas of conflict management, emerging church, equipping church, and preaching to a post-modern world.  In 2006, he was appointed as senior pastor of Lincoln Park UMC near Reading.  Here he helped the congregation develop a vision statement based on The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, and established a behavior covenant.  Jerry received further training in interim ministry and clergy coaching.  Jerry is married to Karen, and they have two young daughters, Katherine, age 6, and Marguerite (“Mei-Mei”), age 5.  Jerry grew up in the Roman Catholic faith, but was positively influenced as a youth and young adult by his older brother-in-law, the Rev. Truman Brooks, senior pastor of West Chester UMC, and became a United Methodist.  He attended Temple University and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer). 

Lititz UMC is located in the historic borough of Lititz, a picturesque small town located ten miles north of the city of Lancaster, where Moravians settled beginning in 1756.  Lititz UMC has been an important part of this town since its founding in 1890.  A major expansion of its facilities took place in the 1990’s as the church began to grow numerically.  The church has three worship services, including a relaxed and informal Saturday evening service called, “The Journey.”  On Sunday morning, there is both a traditional and informal service, and multi-media is used extensively to help the more than 400 worshipers each week connect with the Lord.  There is a large Christian education and youth program, and the praise band, “Awakened,” and the Youth Praise Band help the congregation offer praise to God each week through music.  Lititz UMC has partnered with Brownstown: Emmanuel UMC to work jointly on a mission project in Musese, Kenya, and members of both churches traveled to Kenya last spring.  The church’s mission statement is: “To Win People to Christ and Equip Believers for Ministry,” and has as one of its nine core values, “Every Christian is meant to be in ministry: the church staff primarily enlists and equips laity for ministry.”  More information about Lititz UMC may be found on its website: www.lititzumc.org. 

Rev. David J. Davis is appointed to Coatesville: Olivet United Methodist Church.  David hails from India and a family that has a long lineage of ministry. He was ordained in 1992 in The Church of North India, Bombay, where he spearheaded initiatives to support the health and rights of the poor including widows, street children, slum dwellers and those suffering with HIV and drug addiction. He has a Bachelor degree in Commerce from Bangalore University, a Masters in Divinity from Union Biblical Seminary and Serampore University, India. He has completed a diploma in Ecumenical theology from the centre for Ecumenical theology, Bangalore and Diploma in Community Health and Development in preventive health initiatives from Jamkhed. He has also completed 3 units of CPE at the Jefferson Health Care System, Philadelphia. In 2001 he moved to the United States and was appointed to Clearview United Methodist Church in Philadelphia. In 2005 he was appointed to Linwood Heights United Methodist Church where he is currently serving.   He is married to Naomi who is the prayer power in his ministry. They have two sons: Prashanth the eldest, a former US Marine, is currently an officer with Maryland Police Department. Praneel is an auto technician pursuing further certification. Pastor Davis loves serving, preaching and living the Gospel. He is a gifted singer and guitarist and has heart for evangelism.

Olivet United Methodist Church is celebrating its 195^th year in ministry in  Coatesville, Pennsylvania.  Two worship services are celebrated every Sunday. There are multiple Sunday school classes for all ages from nursery to senior adult.  Their strong music program includes five choirs.   The congregation is committed to the community. The church facilities are used frequently by the community as a polling place for voting, a meeting place for neighborhood programs, a weekly free lunch program that averages 100+ guests, a weekly Community Night dinner and small group sessions. Their outreach efforts also include an annual Strawberry Festival and an annual Holiday Bazaar.  They are mission focused and reach out to those in need in a wide variety of ways, including regular financial support to a number of designated ministries. In addition they send a mission team each year to the Appalachia Service Project, conduct the Spanish Health Ministry, Operation Christmas and Thanksgiving - a community food distribution of holiday dinners and many other mission projects.  Their mission is to be the heart, mind, hands and voice of Jesus.

Robert Wilt, Jr. is appointed to Lima United Methodist Church.  Bob is originally from Phoenixville, PA. He graduated from Phoenixville Area High School and attended Lebanon Valley College, graduating with a B.A. in Religion. His home church is Mont Clare: Otterbein UMC.   While attending Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer), Bob served Pomeroy UMC. After graduating with honors in 1978, Bob continued to serve Pomeroy UMC full time. Bob’s previous appointments also include: The Memorial Church of the Holy Cross in Reading (Associate), West Willow UMC, Fritz Memorial UMC, and St. Matthew’s of Valley Forge.  Since 2008, he has served as Northwest District Superintendent.  Throughout his ministry Bob has served on a variety of Conference Committees and Boards: The Committee on Mission Education and Cultivation, the Committee on Volunteers in Mission, the Conference Board of Global Ministries, the Harkness-Allentown District Committee on District Superintendency, and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. He has also led and participated in several Volunteers In Mission projects:  Bo Pasto, Puerto Rico; Window Rock, Arizona; Kathmandu, Nepal; McCurdy School, New Mexico; Akron, Ohio.  Bob is also committed to the Conference Camping Ministry, as well as to providing opportunities for youth to hear and be nurtured in a call to ministry.  Bob is married to Marilyn. They have two children and two grandchildren. They enjoy traveling to historic places and being involved in hands-on mission outreach.

Lima United Methodist Church began meeting with just a few members in the parlor of a private home in 1832. It is now a large active congregation with four regular Sunday Services including one off site service on Sunday evenings at a local retirement community. Sunday school for all ages is provided.  The Lima Christian Nursery School and the Bus Stop after school program are significant outreach ministries of the church. Their ministry to older adults extends to fellowship, worship services and Bible studies at several nearby retirement communities. The church also opens its doors to the community for numerous programs including Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon, Debtors Anonymous, an exercise class, and a community Bible study.   The congregation reaches out to the poor and those in need supporting numerous organizations and ministries with financial resources as well as with food (casseroles to homeless shelter), school supplies, Christmas gifts and other provisions as needed.

The Rev. David T. McMillan III is appointed to Lincoln Park Community UMC in the Central District as Senior Pastor.  Rev. McMillan has served in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference since he first accepted the call to ministry.  He became a Licensed Local Pastor in 1989 and accepted a position serving as the Associate Pastor of Lincoln Park.  He served there from 1989 to 1995. During his appointment at Lincoln Park, he was ordained an Elder in 1992.  In 1995, Rev. McMillan was appointed to Pastor at Willow St: Boehm UMC, where he served from 1995 to 2000.  In 2000, he was appointed to Hibernia in the Southeast District, where he has served for these last ten years.  Rev. McMillan graduated from Penn State University in 1983 and studied at both Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now Palmer) and Asbury Theological Seminary before earning his Master of Divinity in 1987.  He has also completed post-graduate certification in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2008 at the Council for Relationship in Philadelphia.

Lincoln Park Community United Methodist Church is located in the suburbs of Reading.  The church enjoys contemporary and traditional worship services and has a growing congregation of all ages.  They are involved in their Soup Kitchen ministry and are very engaged at the Opportunity House in Reading, where they are able to minister to children and families that are working on self-sufficient living.  The congregation focuses on Christian education and has a flourishing Missions Team.  They are a close-knit congregation and had a big church picnic this past Fall.  They are excited about the opportunities in ministry they can develop with Rev. McMillan.

Rev. Lillian Smith is appointed to Tindley Temple UMC (Central District).  Rev. Smith will be bringing her wealth of experience and knowledge to her appointment at Tindley Temple.  She served as the Associate Pastor at Asbury UMC in Washington, D.C. from 1994 to 1997.  During the same time period, she was the Chaplain-Director at the Wesley Foundation-UM Campus Ministry at Howard University in Washington, D.C.  From 1997 to 2004, she served as the Director of Ministries with Women and Persons of Color and the Campus Ministry Section at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, TN.  From 2004 to 2006 she served as the Associate General Secretary of the Division on Ministries with Young People at the General Board of Discipleship.  In 2006, Rev. Smith came to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference to become Director of Connectional Ministries and the Executive Director of Congregational Transformation.  In addition to her work, she is a member of the Multi-Ethnic Center for Ministry of the Northeastern Jurisdiction and the Partner Table of the Northeastern Jurisdiction.  She has served as Chair of the Northeast Jurisdictional Directors of Connectional Ministries and is a member of Black Methodists for Church Renewal. She is married to Rev. David Cassidy, the pastor of Mother African Zoar UMC.  They are proud and happy parents of two handsome boys, CJ and Hayward.  

Tindley Temple UMCis the historic African-American church on the main thoroughfare in Center City, Philadelphia (Central District).  The church is proudly named after Charles Albert Tindley, who is known as the Father of Gospel Music and authored over 65 hymns, including “We Shall Overcome” and “We’ll Understand it Better By and By”.  Tindley Temple is known for their sacred gospel music and their 6,000 pipe Moller organ, the second largest in Philadelphia.  In addition to their robust music ministry, the congregation is very involved in their outreach ministries.  They have a Soup Kitchen that operates three times a week, is staffed by volunteers and serves over 650 people a year.  They also have a Charles Albert Tindley Institute, an educational ministry, a Deaf Ministry, a Prison Ministry, and the “Hour of Power”, a noontime service on Wednesdays and many more outreach opportunities.  They have recently started partnering with Partners for Sacred Spaces and have just been approved for the National Historical Registry.  Tindley Temple considers itself a beacon of light on South Broad Street.  They are excited about further opportunities to reach out into their community and desire to feed peoples’ souls as well as their bodies.  

 

Announced Feb. 10, 2011

Kerry William Bart is appointed to Campbelltown United Methodist Church.  Kerry is originally from the Midwest. He graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois and attended Grinnell College in Iowa, graduating with a B.A. in Chemistry and a teaching certificate in Elementary Education. After receiving a call to ministry, he came east to attend Lancaster Theological Seminary, graduating in 2001 with a Master of Divinity.  Kerry’s first full time appointment was to West Lawn UMC as the Associate Pastor with youth ministry as his primary responsibility. He was appointed to Spring City in 2006.  Kerry is married to Melissa, and they have a daughter, Alexandra.   Kerry has many gifts for ministry, but he is particularly passionate about preaching and about developing meaningful, deeply spiritual relationships. He continues to have an interest in youth ministry; he loves music, especially folk music; and he keeps physically fit by training for a half marathon every other year.  His personal mission statement speaks of his desire to bring a word of hope or to nurture hope in every situation.

Campbelltown United Methodist Church was organized in 1920 as a mission of the Gravel Hill UMC.  The sanctuary and fellowship hall were built at that time. In the late 1960’s the attached parsonage was relocated and an education/office wing was added. Today they have a worshipping congregation of 128.  Campbelltown UMC is known throughout the community for its Prayer Force. Members of the church gather every night of the week to pray for the needs of the church and community. This Prayer Force Ministry has given birth to other similar ministries, which include a Prayer Shawl Ministry, Postcard Ministry, and an Email Prayer Chain with 70+ participating. The church also has an extensive Sunday School program with several opportunities for every generation; and they partner with another church in the community to offer a very effective VBS program.  Their youth ministry is growing!  They also extend their witness beyond the community: supporting missionaries and commissioning short term mission teams.

Thomas Daniel is appointed to Booth's Corner: Siloam United Methodist Church on the Southeast District. Rev. Thomas Daniel was commissioned as a Probationer (2003) and ordained an Elder in Full Connection in 2006.  He has served the Tobyhanna United Methodist Church for the past eight years.  Rev. Daniel graduated in Commerce from the University of Kerala, India and with a Bachelor of Divinity degree Serampore University, Calcutta, India. He also studied for the Doctor of Theology in the University of Durban-Westville, Durban, South Africa for two years.   Before coming to the United States, he served at Merebank Methodist Church, South Durban Circuit of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in South Africa.  He also preached in many churches in the South Durban Circuit, Natal Coastal District. He widely travelled in other African countries such as Rwanda, Burundi and Zambia and he was an eyewitness of the Rwandan civil war in the year 1994.  Rev. Thomas serves on the District Committee of Ordained Ministry in the Northeast District.  He is married to Anila Thomas, a science teacher. They have two children John Thomas (ninth grade) and Miriam Thomas (seventh grade).

Siloam United Methodist Church celebrated its 158^th Anniversary last year. Located on Foulk Road just around the corner from the Booth’s Corner Farmers Market, the church has served as the only United Methodist Church in Bethel Township since 1852.   The congregation enjoys a traditional worship service including excellent music provided by the choir. Nursery care is provided during worship. They conduct a renewed and growing Sunday school for all ages. Scouting is important to the congregation and it sponsors Cub Scout Pack #191 and Boy Scout Troop #191. There are two 55+ adult residential communities and a nursing home in the vicinity. The church conducts a monthly outreach ministry and worship service for the nursing home. Siloam UMC is associated with Brandywine Summit Camp Meeting and has many associations with other churches in the area. It is well known in the community for its two annual roast beef dinners.

Tracy L. Bass is appointed to Downingtown United Methodist Church on the Southeast District. Rev. Tracy Bass is a “second-career” clergyperson.  For over 17 years Tracy maintained a law office in Center City Philadelphia where he was engaged in the full-time practice of law.  In 2004, after spending several years confirming his call to pastoral ministry, Tracy enrolled at the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia attending day, evening and weekend classes graduating in 2006.  While at Lutheran, Tracy received the JQ Jackson Scholarship award for academic achievement.   Tracy’s first appointment was to the Old Brick UMC where he served for 3 years.  Tracy was next appointed to the Haws Avenue United Methodist Church during which time he became a recipient of the Denman Award for Evangelism. During his 5 year tenure at Haws, the Lord blessed the people to expand to a weekly soup kitchen which feeds over 100 people nutritious meals each Sunday.  During this same period a food pantry was created providing families, large and small, with food for a month; a clothes cupboard, temporary shelter assistance for the homeless, and a partnership with the Welfare to Work Program were also established in addition to other community outreach and children’s programs.  Tracy enjoys spending time with his family and playing racquet ball. Tracy L. and his wife, Tracy Y., will celebrate their 20^th wedding anniversary this year.  Tracy and Tracy have been blessed with two great sons, Braelin (15) and Tauren (12).  If there is a third child he/she will be named…Tracy.   

Downingtown United Methodist Church is an historic 179-year old congregation with a ministry to its community and world.  Whether building homes with Good Works in the area or establishing a breakfast ministry to children in Zowe, Malawi, DUMC people provide hands-on help and financial support to many ministries.  Neighboring Simpson Meadows United Methodist Retirement Community opened in 2000 through a partnership with Simpson Senior Services.   Dynamic traditional worship, progressive adult studies, and imaginative children's ministries create a unique sense of family for the church's members drawn from across the Chester County area.

Mary Catherine Miller is appointed to Newtown United Methodist Church (Bucks County) on the East District. Rev. Miller is an elder in full connection. Prior to her pastoral appointments to Bensalem and Kensington “Old Brick” UMCs, she has been an Interrogator and Linguist (Russian) while serving in the U.S. Army and a Philadelphia public school teacher. She holds a B.S. from The Pennsylvania State University,  a J.D. from The Beasley School of Law at Temple University, and a M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary.

Newtown UMC is located in upper Bucks County. The church has a Sunday School program using a strong workshop curriculum. The congregation has expanded its mission outreach to begin a mission connection in the Dominican Republic. Many congregants participate in community ministry by volunteering at a local homeless shelter. Newtown Church is committed to excellence in the growth of the individual (both adults and young people) as well as the church.

Lorelei Krall Toombs is appointed to First United Methodist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia (FUMCOG) on the East District. Rev. Toombs is an elder in full connection who has served churches in Conyngham PA, Philadelphia PA, Wilton and Kipling, NC, and also had a Ministry Immersion Experience in Durban, South Africa. She lived in London, England for a year and a half, first as a student and as an employee in an agency at Westminster City Council. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rev. Toombs studied through Syracuse University’s London Centre (England), received a B.S.W. from the School of Social Work at Temple University and a M.Div. from Duke Divinity School.

FUMCOG is a church that has committed to remaining in the city of Philadelphia and doing ministry that services its community and those of its congregation, and has a strong commitment to diversity. One important ministry to the community is an afterschool program which provides intense tutoring, sports opportunities and extraordinary enrichment activities for Germantown High School students. The church is a partner with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, supplying rotating housing for homeless individuals and families and is committed to the Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM). In addition, the congregation is involved in international and domestic service and social justice programs, including locations such as Haiti, Mexico, and New Orleans, with a mission team currently preparing to go to Haiti this year. 

Announced Feb. 1, 2011

Blaine R. Wenger to Lampeter United Methodist Church on the Southwest District.  Blaine moves from Coventryville UMC, where he has served for the past eight years, and replaces the retiring David Nissly, who has faithfully served Lampeter for 21 years.  Blaine was born and raised in southern Lancaster County, not far from Lampeter, and graduated from Solanco High School in 1988.  He then went to Penn State University, but graduated from Millersville University in 1992.  He was called into ministry in the mid-1990’s, and attended Lancaster Theological Seminary, graduating in 2000.  During his time in seminary, he pastored the Washington Boro UMC in western Lancaster County.  Following graduation, he was appointed full-time to Shoemakersville UMC for three years, before being appointed to Coventryville in 2003.  He was ordained an elder in 2003.  He is married to Bonnie since 1992, and they have two sons, Benjamin, age 9, and Jonathan, age 5.  Blaine’s interests include cooking, fishing, and gardening, and the family enjoys camping together.

Lampeter UMC is a growing church in a growing community southeast of Lancaster city.  Recently, the church built a major new addition to its facilities, including large classrooms.  Because of the new space, the church welcomed about 300 persons for the Southwest District Tools for Ministry event this past weekend.  About a dozen years ago, the church expanded its facilities with the addition of a large all-purpose room that functions as a fellowship hall and gymnasium.  In both additions, members of the congregation gave much time to finish work and light construction, thus saving the church a great deal in construction costs.  The church’s mission is, “To Make Christ Known and To Grow in Him,” and the vision of the church is, “to impact our world by winning people to Jesus Christ, then nurturing them and equipping them to serve in the world as His witnesses."  The church places a high priority on discipleship ministries, and has a strong outreach to the Lampeter Strasburg High School, located just across the road from the church in the village of Lampeter.   The church has a membership of 376, with an average Sunday morning attendance of 239.  

Rene A. Perez is appointed as District Superintendent of the Central Massachusetts District, New England Conference, by Bishop Peter Weaver.  Rene has served the Lititz UMC for the past three years, and has been actively engaged with consultant Bill Easum to help the church grow.  Prior to his service at Lititz, Rene was appointed by Bishop Weaver in 2000 to Extension Ministries as the Director of Latino Ministries and Church Multiplication, where he served under two bishops for eight years.  Prior to his Extension Ministry position, he served for almost seven years in Philadelphia at the LaResurreccion-Lindley UMC in Olney.  Rene grew up on Long Island, after his family emigrated to the US from El Salvador during that country’s civil war in the early 1980’s. He is a graduate of Temple University and Drew Theological School, and has been a delegate to General Conference.   Rene is married to Wanda M. Santos-Perez, who will leave her appointment of seven years at El Redentor UMC in the city of Lancaster at the end of June 2011.  Rene and Wanda have three children, Ezekiel, Isaias, and Kayla.