2012 Appointments

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson Announces Appointments for 2012, effective July 1, 2012 (except as noted):

Announced September 1, 2012

Mr. Jeffrey Lundblad is appointed as interim Lay Supply Pastor of Malvern United Methodist Church, in the Central District, effective September 1, 2012. Jeff is a native of Wyoming, where he grew up attending a community church comprised of Baptists, Methodists, and a few Pentecostals.  The church was affiliated with the American Baptist Church, but also had the Methodist cross with the flames hanging in the sanctuary.  He attended the University of Sioux Falls, majoring in Information Systems.  While working full-time on computer systems in North and South Dakota from 1995 to 2006, he also served as a part-time youth pastor for multiple churches.  In 2006, he moved his family across the country to Malvern so that he could attend Palmer Theological Seminary where he anticipates graduating with his Masters of Divinity in May of 2013.  He has spent the past two years as an intern / student pastor at Frazer Mennonite Church, where his wife Brenda now works as the church secretary.  With three kids, working full-time in Eastern University’s Administrative Computing department and attending seminary, Jeff stays very busy.  He has a heart for local community ministry and would love to see more partnerships between the churches in the community in order to accomplish God’s work in this world. 

Announced July 10, 2012

Announced June 21, 2012

Frederick Douglas, Jr. PHD, is appointed to retirement and to Mont Clare: Otterbein United Methodist Church as Retired Supply, in the Central District, effective July  1, 2012.  Rev. Douglas has served Chester: Grace UMC, Philadelphia: Emmanuel, Philadelphia: Eastwick, and Philadelphia: Devereux.  He has also served on Extension Ministry as the Chaplain for the Methodist Home for Children and Families in Philadelphia.  He is currently serving at Camphor Memorial UMC in Philadelphia.  Before answering the call to ministry, Rev. Douglas was a tenured professor at the College of New Jersey (now  Trenton State College), and had a private physical therapy practice specializing in sports medicine, rehabilitation for orthopedic and neurological disabilities.  His wife, Valerie is a certified community manager and his daughter, Tezrin, is pursuing her college degree in culinary arts.  His son, Steven is a behavior specialist with the Maryland State Department of Education.

William (Billy) C. Frick is appointed as lay supply to serve Clark’s Grove UMC on the Northwest District three-quarter time.  Previously Billy was on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  He has served as a licensed local pastor in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference, been a youth pastor and retreat leader, participated in prison ministry, served as chaplain to a Christian school, and managed a homeless shelter.  He is currently a student at Palmer Theological Seminary.  Billy is married and has a nine year old son and two grown step children.  He has officiated lacrosse from youth to the college level and beyond. 

Announced June 19, 2012

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson announces the following appointments, effective July 1, 2012:

Part time local pastor, Margaret Reed, is appointed to serve less than one quarter time William Penn Church on the Northwest District.  Pastor Reed, a former Salvation Army officer, will continue to serve the Port Carbon: Grace Church.  She formerly served New Philadelphia.  Pastor Reed lives in Mahanoy City.

Retired part time local pastor, Joanne Young, is appointed to serve less than one quarter time Zion’s Grove: Davis Chapel on the Northwest District. Pastor Young, previously served Helfenstein and Kulpmont and was the Executive Director of Hazelton Enlarged Ministry for a number of years.  She lives in Drums.

Part time local pastor, Al Schell, is appointed to serve one half time Trevorton on the Northwest District.  Pastor Schell, previously served Shamokin: Emmanuel and Shamokin: Zion.  He lives with his wife in Coal Township.

The Rev. Daniel Siddle, an elder seeking Incapacity leave, will be supplying at less than one quarter time Ranshaw: Johnston City.  Previously Pastor Siddle has served three churches in New Jersey; Coaldale, Middleport and Tamaqua: Salem; Clark's Grove; Levittown: Emilie; and Mount Carmel: First. He lives with his wife in Shamokin.

Part time local pastor, Betty Ford, is appointed to serve lass than one quarter time Ranshaw: Johnston City as pastor of visitation.  Pastor Ford will continue to serve Shamokin: Emmanuel and Shamokin: Zion.  She lives in Shamokin.

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson announces the following appointments, effective September 16, 2012:

The Rev. Ivan Alberts, an elder on loan from the Church of India, will be moving to the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference and serving Christ UMC in Jersey City. Pastor Alberts is currently serving Elysburg.

The Rev. Michelle Beissel, an elder on loan from the Susquehanna Annual Conference will be serving Elysburg one quarter time.  Pastor Beissel will continue to serve Millers Crossroads one half time.

Announced June 12, 2012

Announced April 16 2012

(Lawrence) Jim Whitehouse is appointed to Elverson United Methodist Church, in the Central District.  Rev. Whitehouse currently serves Fredericksburg UMC near Lebanon, Pa.  He received his M. Div. from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.  He has served appointments at Elysburg UMC; Christ UMC in Lancaster; and Columbia UMC in Columbia PA as an associate.  He is married to Kelly who is a registered nurse and they have two children: Logan age 9 and Hannah age 7.  Church is a family activity in which, according to Pastor Jim, the children themselves model what they have seen and experienced as part of the church family, with regular visits to see church members in the hospital or those who are homebound.  Pastor Jim has a real passion for soccer, which he sees as a way to connect with people on a personal level and to get to know the community from a unique perspective.  He still plays, and is active in coaching in the communities that he has served. 

Announced April 11, 2012

David Knotts is appointed to Wesley United Methodist Church in Reading (Central District) as Retired Supply.  This is the third time David has be appointed to serve the Wesley congregation: first as a full time pastor for nine years, reappointed a few years later as a half time appointment and a half time extension ministry appointment as a psychotherapist at Spring Psychological Associates; he will continue to serve Wesley  as a retired supply pastor.  David grew up at Union Methodist Church in Havertown.  He received his M.Div. and D.Min. from Drew Theological Seminary.  He has been married to his wife Sandy for more than forty years.  They have two children, Stephen who resides with his wife in Blue Bell, and Kate who lives with her husband and son in Langton-Matravers, Dorsetshire in the U.K.  David is also a licensed psychologist and a member of The Order of Saint Luke.  David has a heart for city ministry and for immigration issues.

Rodney Miller is appointed to the Lebanon: Hebron United Methodist Church, in the Northwest District.  Currently Pastor Miller is serving in his fourth year at Long Memorial UMC in Neffsville, Southwest District.  Pastor Miller has also served the Tamaqua: First and Salem Churches and the Eddystone and Upland Churches.  A native of South Africa and son of a Methodist minister, the Rev. Miller matriculated from Kingswood College in South Africa and holds degrees from Rhodes University and Lancaster Theological Seminary.  Before his call to the ministry he worked as a pharmacist in a mission hospital. After serving several churches, Rodney completed additional studies in pastoral care and counseling and served as a chaplain. This interest in chaplaincy brought him to America to study in the Clinical Pastoral Education program at St Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem. Since joining the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference he has served on District Boards of Ordained Ministry, the Structure Review and Strategic Planning Conference Committees as well as serving as Annual Conference Secretary.  He presently serves on the Conference “I Care” Team.   Rodney loves nature. He enjoys sailing, kayaking, and hiking.  He also enjoys choral music, woodwork and exploring new places. 

Announced March 28, 2012

Jessica Ross is appointed to Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church, in the Central District.  Rev. Jessica Ross is a Full-Time Local Pastor, serving her 5th year at Kensington “Old Brick” UMC on the East District.  She began her work in ministry leadership at Trinity-Baynton UMC from 2005 to 2007.  During this time she completed one unit of CPE at Jeanes Hospital and graduated from Palmer Theological Seminary in May of 2006.  Pastor Ross has four college degrees:  AAS from F.I.T.,  B.A. from Hunter College majoring in Physics,  M.S. from Morgan State University in Science with a concentration in Physics, and M.Div. from Palmer.  She is a member of the Urban Ministry Visionary  Team, the Board of Church and Society Work Team, the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE), and the MetaNexus Institute for Science and Religion.

Gertrude Duckett is appointed to Haven-Peniel United Methodist Church, in the Central District.  Rev. Duckett is an ordained Elder and has served in many churches in the Eastern PA Conference.  She has served as the Associate Pastor of Janes Memorial UMC Philadelphia for 4yrs.  She was appointed to Sayers Memorial UMC as Senior Pastor and was there for 8yrs.  In 2005, she was appointed to both Siloam and Trinity UMC in Chester PA and served as the senior pastor of both churches for 5yrs.

Announced March 26, 2012

Timothy Duchesne is appointed to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in suburban Wilmington, part of the Peninsula-Delaware Conference.  Rev. Duchesne currently serves the Epworth UMC in Bethlehem Township.  Rev. Duchesne received his M.Div.  from  Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and holds a D.Min. in Church Renewal from EBTS.  He is trained in Appreciative Inquiry and is completing work to be an AI coach.  He is also certified by GBHEM as a transitional ministry specialist.  He has served appointments at Wesley UMC, Strasburg; Asbury, Allentown, associate; First UMC, Bristol; and a student appointment at Gladwyne UMC.  While at Epworth he helped lead in the development of a strong Bethlehem cluster ministry with Fritz Memorial UMC and St. Paul’s UMC.  Together, the three churches sponsored mission activities, raised significant funds for the Congo Partnership, and sponsored joint worship and studies for Advent and Lent.  Rev. Duchesne is married to the Rev. Suzanne Duchesne, a PhD. candidate at Drew Theological School in preaching and worship.  St. Paul’s UMC is an active congregation offering two Sunday morning worship services, with a mission to “become the heart of Jesus in the world today.”  The church partners with Aldersgate UMC to offer a summer day camp for children, and is involved in mission activity from Wilmington to the Congo.

Eric Ritz is appointed to Grace UMC, Pen Argyl, PA.  Rev. Ritz currently serves as Senior Pastor of Evangelical United Methodist Church in New Holland and  previously served as Senior Pastor of First UMC, Schuylkill Haven; pastor of Calvary UMC, Easton; and the former Providence Avenue UMC, Chester.  He held student appointments in Reading and suburban Hazleton.  He received his M.Div. from Drew Theological Seminary.  Growing up in Newark, Rev. Ritz attended a United Methodist Church in a transitional community.  His commitment to ministry with the poor took form in his work to establish Wesley House Shelter for Homeless People and his leadership of the Chester Cluster of UMC’s in the late ‘80’s, and in his on-going work with UMCOR, LUMINA and other United Methodist outreaches.  At New Holland Evangelical, he led the church in establishing a contemporary worship service and introducing multi-media into worship.  He has served as chair of the Asbury District Committee on  Ministry, and has published numerous books.  He and his wife, Mary, met at Huron College in South Dakota, and have two children and four grandchildren.  

Announced March 20, 2012

Rev. Coryn Elaine Pena is appointed to Willistown United Methodist Church on the Southeast District. Rev. Pena is an Elder in Full Connection in the Eastern PA Conference.  She is currently serving the Prospect Park United Methodist Church. Previous appointments include Cheltenham United Methodist Church and Millers Crossroads United Methodist Church. Coryn has also served on the Committee on the Episcopacy and the Committee on Addressing Community and World Issues Resource Team.

The Rev. Bonniekaren Mullen-Holtz is appointed to Phila.: Fox Chase. Rev. Mullen-Holtz has a passion for community work. Where there is a need in the neighborhood, she will find a way to invite the church to engage in order to respond to the given situation. She brings to pastoral ministry effervescence that gives excitement to her conversations, to her preaching, to her visions for ministry. At Fox Chase, Rev. Mullen-Holtz will find a congregation doing and open to new avenues of ministry.  Fox Chase UMC is a mission-minded congregation which has supported United Methodist missionaries and mission programs for many years. It supported The Rev. Bob and Mrs. Hazel Terhune, missionaries in Japan, for over 20 years. It has continued that support with city and community ministries, including Frankford Group Ministry, the former Kensington Area Ministries, a local community food bank, and other ecumenical community service. The music program is excellent with a small, but dedicated choir and two outstanding, versatile church musicians. A recent merger with the former Cheltenham UMC has brought a new core of willing workers and leadership to the congregation. A warm, welcoming congregation, willing to try new ministries, describes this fellowship.

Announced March 19, 2012

Lori Wagner is appointed to Prospect Park United Methodist Church on the Southeast District. Rev. Wagner is a Licensed Local Pastor in the Eastern PA Conference.  She has been serving Old Union United Methodist Church in Wallingford since 2008. 

Announced March 9, 2012

Brian Reading is appointed to Schuylkill Haven: First United Methodist Church, in the Northwest District as a part time local pastor, effective February 7, 2012.  Previously he served the Lewistown: Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church for over five years. Pastor Reading is retired from 36 years of federal service in the US Postal Service and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Upon retirement he was hired at Schuylkill Haven: First in the staff position of Associate in Discipleship. Now he returns to his home church, this time under appointment as Minister of Visitation.Pastor Reading is active in the community through the Lions club and umpiring adult softball.  He is also a member of the Mountain Top Walk to Emmaus.  Brian is married to Judy Greenawalt Reading and the couple has two grown children.

Kenneth Klingborg is appointed to Annville United Methodist Church, in the Northwest District.  Previously Pastor Klingborg served for 19 years as pastor of the Chapman’s Quarries and Bushkill Charge.  He was the pastor of the Bangor: Salem charge from 1984-1992. Pastor Klingborg is a graduate of United Wesleyan College and the Drew University Divinity School.  He has been an active participant and officer of the Bowmanstown camp meeting for more than 20 years and has served on the Chapmans Borough Council. Ken is married to C. Susan Klingborg and the couple has two grown daughters.  Ken lists his hobbies as singing, reading, history, steam trains, gardening, and bird watching.

Susan Daniels is appointed to St. Luke’s UMC in Lebanon.  Pastor Daniels was recently approved by the Board of Ordained Ministry for commissioning toward elders orders.  She has been serving the Fallsington UMC where she held short term Bible studies, took youth on their first mission trip, organized a children’s Christmas play and a blue Christmas service.  Previously she served the Bridesburg UMC where she was instrumental in the beginning of a clothes closet and food pantry which is now serving 1000 people. Pastor Daniels is a puppeteer, loves to bake, makes homemade soap and crochets.  She holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern University in organizational management and a Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary.

Robert Wingfield Kirby III is appointed to be senior pastor of Jarrettown UMC.  Dr. Brown is an elder and received his M.Div. and D.Min. degrees from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.   Dr. Kirby has a wealth of experience in the corporate sector and entrepreneurial enterprise. Spiritual Formation is an emphasis that he brings to the appointment. He is married to Chris Kirby and has three adult children -- two daughters (Jennifer Kirby Ha and Jessica Kirby Alexander) and one son (PFC Robert Wingfield Kirby IV). Dr. Kirby comes to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference from the Peninsula-Delaware Conference.   Jarrettown United Methodist Church is a congregation that is in the midst of formulating its vision and mission for its future and is a church that is growing in its evangelical outreach to its community. This local church has a strong motivation to engage in spiritual formation in order that it might be available to God's guidance as it makes disciples for Jesus Christ and engages in ministry with and for its community. 

Susan Sliker is appointed to Dagsboro: Bethel UMC (Peninsula Delaware Conference).   Susan is currently serving New Holland UMC in the Southwest District.  Susan was born and raised in Hanover, PA, the oldest of four. She attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, and received a BA in Christian Education in 1974. She graduated from Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, PA in 2002 with honors, after eight years of part-time study. Susan has served two churches in EPA Conference: Marticville and New Holland, both on the Southwest District. She has been involved in community, district and conference ministries.  Susan has two grown children and five grandchildren.  Some of her interests are spending time with family, going to the beach, traveling, sports, reading, knitting (just learning), biking/walking and cooking.

J. Timothy (Tim) Fisher is appointed to Bushkill and Chapman Quarries United Methodist Churches.  Rev. Fisher is currently serving at Reeders UMC, near Stroudsburg, and has served churches in Coatesville, Reading and Lebanon during his career in the Eastern Pa. Conference.  He is a graduate of Lehigh University.  While in college, he took time off to live out west, and subsequently spent summers as a chaplaincy intern on the reservations of several Native American tribes.  Rev. Fisher attended Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts, where he met his wife, the Rev. Robin Fisher, also a United Methodist pastor.  Rev. Fisher’s interests include the camping ministries of our conference.  He has served as a camp volunteer director for over twenty years.  He is currently the Spiritual Director for the Mountaintop Emmaus Walk, and serves on the conference Board of Ordained Ministry and the District Committee on Superintendency.  Pastor Tim is a trained volunteer fire fighter, and has been actively involved in fire companies in the communities in which he has served, and as an associate chaplain at area hospitals, currently serving at Pocono Medical Center.  He is an avid trout fisherman and hunter.

Larry Mark is appointed to Reeders United Methodist Church.  Rev. Mark currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Grace UMC in Pen Argyl.  He arrived at Grace Church at a difficult time – their new pastor of 5 weeks had been killed in a bicycle accident with a car.  Now, fourteen years later, he has led the church in growth and outreach.   He has served churches in Reading, Akron, Havertown and Pocono Lake, often bringing healing to conflicted or challenging situations.  Rev. Mark spent a number of years in extension ministry as a certified United Methodist evangelist and the director of Reach Ministries.  He has preached and led evangelistic services and training in many of our conference churches.  He has served the Lord as an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church for 35 years.  He is a graduate of Millersville University, attended United Theological Seminary and completed his M.Div at Lancaster Theological Seminary while serving a church, Covenant UMC in Reading.  He and his wife Deborah have three adult sons.  In addition to his pastoral ministry and evangelism interests, Pastor Larry has several areas of interest.  He has been deeply committed to preventing substance abuse among teenagers of the school districts and communities in which he has served.  He has also been trained as a community organizer against hate groups and has, as a trained consultant, assisted conflicted churches to find healing and hope.  He is committed to sharing the joy and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Announced February 27, 2012

Monica Guepet is appointed to to Ackermanville United Methodist Church in the Northeast District.  Rev. Guepet is currently the pastor of St. Paul’s UMC in Hellertown, where she has helped the church to grow and to develop a cooperative relationship with two other United Methodist Churches in the Bethlehem area.  She is a graduate of Penn State University, with a degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Classical and Ancient Mediterranean Studies.  She will receive her M.Div. degree from Moravian Seminary in May.  Prior to her appointment to St. Paul’s, she served at Lehman Memorial United Methodist Church in Hatboro, first as Director of Christian Education and then, after her licensing, as Pastor of Christian Education.  She is a member of the Northeast District Committee on Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  She is married to Steve, and they are the parents of Alisabeth and Felicity.  Rev. Guepet, who enjoys sacred dance, was joined by her daughter, Felicity, in leading the procession for opening worship at last year’s annual conference.

Joy Bagwell is appointed to Salem United Methodist Church in Allentown on the Northeast District.  Rev. Bagwell is currently the pastor of Willistown UMC on the Southeast District.  She received her M. Div. from Duke Divinity School and was ordained elder in the Virginia Annual Conference where she pastored churches in the Shenandoah Valley.  Arriving in the Eastern Pa. Conference, she worked at United Methodist Neighborhood Services in Philadelphia t learn more about urban ministry.  She has served as the pastor of Gradyville UMC and Calvary UMC in the University City area of Philadelphia, and as the associate pastor of First UMC of Media and Elam UMC.  Highlights of her ministry include mission trips to the Gulf Coast, Mexico and Honduras.  She enjoys trail riding on her bicycle and is passionate about shopping for pottery in the Seagrove area of North Carolina.  Rev. Bagwell serves on the Southeast District Board of Church Location and Building.

Announced February 17, 2012

Sharon Barley is appointed to Wyomissing: Calvary United Methodist Church, in the Central District.  She served as an Intentional Interim at Jarrettown UM Church, Boehm’s UM, and St. Paul UM.  She has served as a consultant for Leola UM, Washington Boro UM, Strasburg UM, and coaches pastors throughout the Central Pennsylvania region on change leadership and strategic planning.  She led an Intentional Interim Workshop at the Global Board of Ministries for TIMS, Nashville, and at Lake Junaluska, N.C.  She holds a D.Min. from Wesley Seminary and M.Div. from Palmer Seminary, graduating both programs Summa Cum Laude.  Dr. Barley is a licensed part-time local pastor who lives in Lancaster with her daughter, Micaiah 14 yrs. old, and son, Benjamin 12 yrs old.  Both children attend Lancaster Mennonite School.

Candy LaBar is appointed to Richmond UMC in the Northeast District.  Candy hails from the Falls United Methodist Church in the former Wyoming Conference, having transferred to the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in 2008. She attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA for her bachelor’s degree in music education, and Drew Theological School in Madison, NJ for her Master of Divinity degree. She was commissioned at Annual Conference in May of 2010 and will be ordained in May of 2012. For the past four years, she has been serving as the Associate Pastor and Director of Adult Discipleship at East Stroudsburg UMC in East Stroudsburg, PA. She serves as the convener of the Northeast District Youth & Young Adult Ministry Team and is its representative to the District Transformation Team; she is a member of the Drew University Theological Alumni Association and serves on the Monroe County VNA/Hospice Board of Directors. She also volunteers in the community through local school music and theater programs. She enjoys writing liturgy, leading Taize-style worship, and challenging people to grow deeper in their faith. She and her husband, Keith, live in East Stroudsburg and are eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child in early March.

Announced February 10, 2012:

Eva Johnson is appointed to Evansburg United Methodist Church, in the Central District.  Rev. Eva Johnson has served in professional ministry since 1992, as Director of Christian Education at St. Matthew’s: Valley Forge and Phoenixville: First.  In 2004, Eva answered the call to pastoral ministry, attended Local Pastor’s School at Drew University, and was licensed and appointed to Phoenixville as Pastor of Christian Education.  Rev. Johnson serves several positions at the Conference level as a member of Connectional Table, Safe Sanctuaries coordinator, Christian Educators contact person and chair of Hope for the Children which solicits commitments from churches for grant giving to EPA churches working with impoverished children and youth.  Pastor Eva is married to Glenn Shallis, is mother to five grown children and grandmother to eleven grandchildren, ranging in age from infant to teenagers.  Eva enjoys being with family and friends, reading, and spending time on the water.  “I am deeply grateful to God for the grace and love that has been mine throughout my years in ministry and strive to share that with others.”

Announced February 1, 2012

James D. Anderman is appointed to Springfield: Covenant United Methodist Church on the Southeast District. Rev. Anderman is an Elder in the Eastern PA Conference. Since 2007 he has been serving Salem United Methodist Church in Allentown. He is a member of the Commission on Religion and Race and is Chairperson of the Northeast District Transformation Team. Previous appointments include: Parryville, Palmerton: Salem, Lehighton: Ebenezer, Danielsville: Salem, and Belfast: Wesley.

Announced January 25, 2012

Samuel Kofi Ashley is appointed to Mt. Pocono UMC.  Rev. Ashley currently serves the Richmond UMC in the Slatebelt.  The grandson of a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Ashley was raised in a Christian home in Ghana.  He came to the United States in 2000 to complete graduate studies at East Stroudsburg UMC, having earned a bachelor's degree in History and the Study of Religions at the University of Ghana.  At ESU he earned a Master of Education in Political Science.  While a student, he attended East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church. He had been actively involved in church work as a layman in Ghana, and continued that commitment here.  It was while volunteering at the church that he felt God's call to ordained ministry.  Once he completed his degree at ESU, he enrolled at Drew Theological School.  While a student, he worked on the staff of East Stroudsburg UMC, and later served Analomink and Portland UMS's as student pastor.  In 2007 he was appointed to Richmond UMC.  While serving at Richmond, Rev. Ashley reached out to the community, becoming a regular speaker in the local schools as he shared about life in Ghana.  He led a mission trip to Ghana this past summer, taking volunteers from Richmond UMC to work and learn about the country, as well as delivering medical supplies collected by the church.   Rev. Ashley serves on the Northeast District Committee on Ordained Ministry, where he coordinates the mentor program.  He is also a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry and the Conference Relations Committee.  Currently, he is participating in the Pastors of Excellence program at Ashland Theological Seminary.  He is married to Sarah, whom he met while both were studying at East Stroudsburg.  Sarah is also from Ghana, although her early years through elementary school were spent in Vienna.  She is currently working as an Instructional Technology Specialist at Drew University’s Department of Media Communication and Technology.  Kofi and Sarah are looking forward to working with the people of Mt. Pocono UMC in their mission to call, nurture and send disciples of Jesus Christ.

Tracy Bass is appointed to Paoli UMC, in the Central District.  Tracy L. Bass has been a member of this conference for over twenty years.  He has served in three prior cross racial/cross cultural appointments.  Tracy is a trained interim pastor and a trained member of the EPA Conflict Intervention Team.  Tracy has trained locally and across the country in multicultural ministry.  He is a second-career Pastor after nearly two decades of practicing law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Tracy is an honors graduate from the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia and a recipient of the Denman Award for Evangelism.  Tracy L. is married to Tracy Y. Bass and they have two teenage sons. 

Gil Clark is appointed to Janes UMC in Rising Sun, Maryland, in the Peninsula Delaware Conference.  Rev. Clark is currently the pastor of Ackermanville UMC in the Slatebelt. Rev. Clark holds the M. Div. from Wesley Seminary.  He was originally ordained deacon in the Virginia Annual Conference, but left ministry to attend to family issues.  He later was licensed and served as a local pastor in the Greater New Jersey Conference.  In 2006 he was appointed to Ackermanville UMC where he has led the church in its growth from part-time to full-time status.  He attended the 2010 training event at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas, and was energized for ministry by the experience.  His focus at Ackermanville recently has been to assist the church in reaching out beyond the walls in outreach and ministry to the community.  Rev. Clark has served on the District Committee on Youth and Young Adult Ministry.  He is married to Ute, his partner in ministry. 

Charles Clinton Cole is appointed to Downingtown United Methodist Church on the Southeast District. Rev. Cole is an Elder in the Eastern PA Conference. Rev. Cole serves as Chairperson of the Eastern PA Conference Joint Committee on Marital Separation & Divorce.  He has been serving Paoli United Methodist Church since 2002. He has also served at Fallsington, Fairless Hills: First, Phila.: Church of the Redeemer, Ranshaw, and Former Shamokin: Chestnut Street.  Charlie is married to Cindy.

Misty L. Fuller is appointed to Phila.: Sayers Memorial United Methodist Church on the Southeast District. Rev. Fuller is a Provisional Elder in the Eastern PA Conference.  Rev. Fuller is currently serving the Haven Peniel United Methodist Church in Philadelphia and previously served Clearview United Methodist Church in Philadelphia.

Gary Jacabella is appointed to Berwyn United Methodist Church, in the Central District.  Gary Jacabella grew up in the woods of the Pocono Mountains where his friendship with God began in nature.  He has worked at Homeless Shelters in New York, Fort Lauderdale, Chester PA, and Bensalem PA.  In addition to his M. Div., Gary has earned a Master of Arts in Holistic Spirituality from Chestnut Hill College and completed the training program for Spiritual Directors through Oasis Ministries for Spiritual Development.  He directs a weeklong camp for older children at Gretna Glen called "Becoming Brave: Native American Adventure.”  Gary's current musical interests include group drumming, playing the Native American Flute, and leading worship with singing and guitar.  Gary and his wife Bernie have two beautiful daughters age 17 and 16.

Bradley Schutt is appointed to serve Pottsville: First United Methodist Church, effective November 1, 2011.  Pastor Schutt is serving as a ¾ time local pastor.  His predecessor, the former Rev. Storm Hutchinson, withdrew from the ministerial office.  Previously Pastor Schutt was serving the First UMC of Secretary, MD, in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference.  He is a graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary and the University of Delaware.  Bradley is married to Erin and the couple lives in Cressona.

Mark Young is appointed to First United Methodist Church of Phoenixville, in the Central District.  Mark Young grew up in Delaware County before graduating from Boston University and the Duke Divinity School.  He was ordained an elder in 1991 and has served at the Frankford Group Ministry, Holmesburg UMC, Trinity and Salem churches in Allentown, and Trinity UMC in Lebanon.  Before his current appointment to Covenant UMC in Springfield, he served as a chaplain resident at Lancaster General Hospital.

Announced January 23, 2012

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson announces the following persons appointed to retirement, effective July 1, 2012:

Philip I. Ponce

Thomas Steger

Lorelei M. Bach

John H. Lynch

William Chrin

Connie Asquith

John T. (Jack) Wright

Stanley J. Krall

Terry A. Mills

Amy C. Smith

Carol V. Lawfer

David A. Knotts

Announced December 28, 2011:

Rev. Dr. Irving Cotto is appointed to be District Superintendent for the Northeast District.  The Reverend Dr. Irving Cotto was born in New York City on the 4^th of September 1954.  He is the third of four children. Following his ordination as an elder in 1980 he continued to serve as pastor at Emanuel Church, a Latino congregation he planted in 1977. Later in 1983 he was appointed to serve at El Redentor Church in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. There he served for sixteen years.  From 1999-2008 he was the Senior Pastor at Asbury United Methodist Church in the city of Camden, New Jersey and transferred into the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference under the Episcopal leadership of Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar.  At Asbury UMC he served as the Senior Pastor of a multiple staff ministry involving an Associate Pastor, a GBGM 10-10-10- Missionary, and a Music Director.   This parish is a multicultural congregation consisting of two main fellowships, speaking English and Spanish, representing at least 25 countries.  Under the initiative of Bishop Marcus Matthews from the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, Dr. Cotto was invited and appointed in 2008 to serve as Director of Congregational Development, with the primary responsibility of initiating new churches and faith communities. As part of his portfolio he is also director of Latino ministries. He is presently serving in this position as program staff of the Eastern PA Conference.  Dr. Cotto graduated with a degree in Psychology (B.A.) from Bayamon Central University, Bayamon, Puerto Rico. He earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Union Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary.  In addition, he obtained a second Master Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling (M.S.) from Neumann University, a Franciscan institution in Aston, Pennsylvania.  He is presently completing a Ph.D. in Theology through the Graduate Theological Foundation (GTF) in Indiana and the Instituto Teológico Internacional de Puerto Rico (ITIPRI).  He is writing his dissertation in the area of Liturgy and Pastoral Care.  He has served on the Board of Ordained Ministry in both the Eastern Pennsylvania and the Greater New Jersey Annual Conferences and was a member of the Peace and Justice Coalition in Lancaster, the Board of Advisers for the Salvation Army, and many other community efforts aimed at bringing change and transformation to the city.  For many years, Dr. Cotto has served in a variety of capacities as a volunteer and as an independent contractor with a number of denominational agencies.  He has facilitated many training modules for Lay Missioners, and has both written and implemented workshops on Liturgy and Worship as part of the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries. For ten years he was a volunteer Summer Camp Director with youth and children at Camps Innabah and Gretna Glen.  He has also been an instructor for many years in the Course of Study School at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas, Texas and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston and Naperville, Illinois.  As a youth Dr. Cotto studied music with a private piano teacher and at the Institute for Puerto Rican Culture in San Juan, Puerto Rico under a renowned musician, Dr. Francisco Lopez Cruz.  An accomplished musician he has composed hymns and leads worship events throughout the country.  Dr. Cotto is a member of the Order of Saint Luke and is founding Prior of the Spanish language Pennsylvania and New Jersey Chapter (PA-NJ). He is also a founding member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, a member of the American Counseling Association, the National Association of United Methodist Evangelists and the Society of Pastoral Theology.  His interests include music, reading, movies, liturgical studies, and traveling.  He is married to the Lilian Lucrecia de Paz, a Local Pastor and church planter, presently serving at Lehman UMC in Hatboro, PA.  They have three grown children: Julio, Andres, and Alejandro.

Announced December 18, 2011:

Rev. Bronwyn  Yocum is appointed to Grove United Methodist Church, located at 490 West Boot Road, West Chester, PA.  She will be following Rev. Jack Wright, who will be retiring on June 30, 2012.    Rev. Bronwyn Yocum comes to Grove UMC after serving as the Superintendent of the Northeast District of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference where she took as her mission statement “To Encourage, Equip and Empower the Clergy and Laity of the District.” She helped to establish the youth ministry council on the district which sponsored youth rallies and district activities. The district developed a council on ministries for overseeing district programming and a district mission project program raising over $15,000 a year for mission projects both locally and in Africa. Rev. Yocum worked to strengthen relationships both among clergy and between churches and the conference, and established a strong connection between the UMC and its ecumenical partners, especially Moravian Theological Seminary.  Prior to serving as District Superintendent, Rev. Yocum was the Senior Pastor of First UMC of Phoenixville.  During her tenure the church developed its first mission and vision statement, developed a facilities vision, continued youth mission trips and added adult mission teams to the Gulf Coast.  Rev. Yocum was active in the local community, serving on committees at the Phoenixville Hospital and on the board of the senior housing facility.  She also participated in the local ministerium and other community organizations.  Rev. Yocum has also served as Associate Pastor of Hopewell UMC and as Discipleship Coordinator of Berwyn UMC.  She was elected as an alternate clergy delegate for the Northeast Jurisdictional Conference which will be held in July of 2012.   Rev. Yocum has served as Chair of the Order of Elders and has been a member of the Board of Ordained Ministry.  She is a graduate of Wellesley College, and holds the M. Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently working on a D. Min. from Drew Theological School.  Prior to entering ministry, she was a human resources director for CBS, Inc., and Conrail.  She is married to Gordon, an IT consultant in the Philadelphia area.  They have two adult children: a daughter, Jenny, a teacher and jewelry designer, and a son, Douglas, a member of the professional choir at the Washington National Cathedral.  Bishop Johnson requests your prayers and input as a new District Superintendent is sought for the Northeast District.  Suggestions may be sent to her at dscandidates@gmail.com

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson also announces the continued appointment of Rev. James Todd as an EPA District Superintendent.  He will stay on as the superintendent of the Southwest District and as the Dean of the Cabinet for the 2012-2013 appointment year.  A District Superintendent may serve up to 8 years.