Newly assigned missionary to serve Casa del Pueblo and East District  

The Rev. Olga E. Gonzales Santiago (left) is the new missionary assigned by the UMC’s Global Ministries to the EPA as Coordinator for Hispanic/Latino Ministries in the East District. She will serve Casa del Pueblo, a ministry of Lehman Memorial UMC in Hatboro, while also assisting the district in its broader Latino outreach ministry efforts. Coming from upstate New York, she begins her work July 1, succeeding the Rev. Luky Cotto (right), who retired from that appointment in 2021. 

“Our recently approved Path Toward Wholeness Economic Justice resolution (#2022-07) promised to take to the next level the conference’s stated commitment to dismantling racism,” said the Rev. Andrew Foster III, East District Superintendent. “This new appointment demonstrates our apportionments at work. We look forward to Rev. Santiago’s support in helping to grow and extend the mission of the church to:  

• Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  
• Lead and support congregations to connect with the people in their community.  
• Strengthen the health and vitality of congregations to be witnesses in the world.”  

Nancy Haigh Ross to Penns Park UMC

As a teenager, Nancy felt the call to ministry, but, as a Baptist woman, knew that was not an option. Her children introduced her to the UMC. Immediately she felt at “home.” Going back to school at age 54 was not easy, but they were some of the best years of her life. The activities of being a pastor (preaching, serving communion, visitation, community work) keep the joy of serving in her heart. 

Nancy has served as a supply pastor since retirement at Drexel Hill UMC, St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, The Mansion at Rosemont, Beverly Hill Presbyterian Church, and others. She will also spend one day per week as a supply chaplain at Rosewood from June 1 – September 30, 2022

Serge Brevert to to Elverson UMC

Pastor Serge Brevert was born in Haiti and is an ordained Elder in the Methodist Church of the Caribbean and Americas.  He attended seminary in Jamaica at the United Theological College of the West Indies and the University of the West Indies, earning a diploma in Ministerial Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Theology.   Prior to being a part-time pastor in the Greater New Jersey UMC Conference Rev. Brevert served for over a decade as a Superintendent Pastor in the Caribbean.  He has studied at Palmer Theological Seminary and the Lutheran Theological Seminary.  Rev. Brevert is married to Edwight Civil, and they have one daughter, Sharifa. 

Ali DeLeo to Swarthmore

Reverend Ali DeLeo is an Elder in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. Ali completed her Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School. 

Ali served under appointment at National UMC (Washington, DC) and Community UMC/Faith-Community Cooperative Parish (Pasadena, MD). She served on pastoral staff at Pleasant Green UMC (Durham, NC), North UMC (Indianapolis, Indiana), Hillcrest MC (Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa), and Duke Medical Center (Durham, NC).

Prior to ministry, Ali was a professor at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. Ali holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Duke University), Master of Physical Therapy (University of Delaware), and Doctorate in Physical Therapy (Temple University).

Rosalie Foster to Hamorton

Rosalie Foster was born in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Phyllis and Kenneth Kasper. She is a graduate of Woodlawn Senior High in Woodlawn, MD, and a graduate of Western Maryland College, now known as McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland, with a degree in Economics/Business administration.

In her professional life she worked in land acquisition for the Maryland State Highway administration, Army Corps of Engineers in Baltimore, and the National Park Service in Philadelphia.

She is a 3 year cancer survivor. God has led her to become a Christ Servant Minister, a lay leader and a Health Minister at Hamorton UMC. She is beginning Lay Minister training. She is looking forward to her new role at Hamorton UMC.

Tanya Huff to Bushkill

A certified lay minister, Tanya Huff has been an interim pastor for her husband’s Presbyterian church. She is an August 2022 graduate of Drew University with her master’s in divinity. She has been a youth group leader off and on for the last 30 years. She has led confirmation classes and a grief small group. She is following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather who was a Methodist minister. Both of her parents were Lay Directors of the church that she grew up in. She is married to her husband Lance Huff Jr and has a son and two step-daughters.

Katina Krize to Geigertown: St. Paul UMC

Tina Krize is a Certified Lay Minister and a member of West Lawn and is currently serving on the leadership team. Tina has been a Stephen Minister since 2014, and heads up the prayer team training along with leading a weekly women’s Bible study. She is also an active member of the Crossroads Emmaus community. She serves as a lay speaker filling in at Christ UMC in Birdsboro. Tina has a heart for community service and missions. Her heart is full when she is sharing God’s word and doing his work for others. She is blessed with two daughters.

VK Macwana to serve Hulmeville: Neshamony

VK was born & raised in India but moved to the United States in 1999. As a young adult, VK helped organize gospel camps, discipleship training camps, various retreats, mission trips, and conducted Bible studies. He currently works as an IT Computer Executive but has a passion for serving others and following Jesus’ footsteps. He serves as a Christ Servant Minister and Lay Leader at Morrisville United Methodist Church. He is also an active participant at the Laity Academy and attends all classes and conferences Laity Academy. He is among those leaders who easily combine local spiritual enlightenment and the quest for human flourishing. He is passionate about kingdom growth and the transformation that can take place in individuals and organizations. This past decade, he became more involved in evangelism to many different multi-language cross-culture churches. He served as a guest speaker and works in different committees at different leadership levels.

Bridget Wagner, Ashland: First UMC/Presbyterian Church

I received my BA from Bloomsburg University and an MA in Higher Education from Messiah University. I am currently completing my M. Div. at Wesley Theological Seminary where I will graduate in May 2022. I received my call to ministry in 2017 where I began serving at Hazleton Diamond UMC and entered licensing school.  I became a Licensed Local Pastor in 2018. After Hazleton, I served in Cumbola UMC, where I am currently serving, New Ringgold Zion, reopening their church after an 11 month closure and Mahanoy City First UMC, where I am also currently serving. I enjoy cooking, watching sports and traveling with my family and pets, two Labradors Samson and Sadie. 

Lela Hartranft to Allentown: Emmanuel

A Certified Lay Minister, Lela Hartranft has been involved in Christ Servant Ministries since 2010. She leads the Women’s Ministry Team and Prayer Meetings, fills in for pastors, has been the featured speaker for women events and participated in children’s ministries. Following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, a circuit rider preacher and her father, a missionary and pastor, Lela is excited to start serving as pastor of Allentown: Emmanuel UMC. Earning an Associate in Applied Science in Data Processing Technology, Lela was a Programmer/Analyst for twenty-five years. She authored a daily devotional book, Thoughts to Ponder. Loving nature, Lela enjoys photography making cards featuring photos she has taken and going on hikes and picnics with Wilbur, her husband of fifty-two years. They have two daughters and three granddaughters. 

Margaret E. Kropp to Port Carbon: Grace

Margaret E. Kropp became a Christ Servant Minister after finishing the Disciple Bible Study at First Church in Tamaqua. She found that ministry to be very interesting in that she was able to serve many of the charge congregations in what was once the Asbury District. Her time as a local pastor was rewarding; however, due to personal constraints and health issues, she found it necessary to allow her license to expire. Now, Margaret looks forward to offering service to the Lord as a Christ Servant Minister.

Margaret enjoys reading, learning new things and watching her grandsons grow, finding it quite entertaining to see a 15 year old and a 3 year old interact with each other. Margaret lives in Hometown, PA, close to the Hometown farmer’s market, with an address of Tamaqua.

Doug Paglia to Quarryville

For the past 45 years,  Pastor Doug has been actively involved in full time ministry. Starting in 1976 following Bible college, his ministry travels have allowed him to visit 6 countries doing mission work with Fiji being his longest stay of 7 years among the Indian community. During 1997-2004, while in Fiji, Pastor Doug was a stateside fundraiser for new church plants. He served as a mentor to those going into ministry, along with a conference speaker and conducting leadership training seminars. He has served as Pastor to stateside churches and most recently resigned as Pastor at Marticville United Methodist Church where he served approximately  8 years. The church experienced numerical growth, financial growth along with a mission’s program that supported mission’s both locally and throughout the world. The ministry passion of Pastor Doug is to build up the body of Christ, through the preaching of the Word, encouragement and giving oneself fully to ministry. Pastor Doug currently lives in Mt Joy, PA. Beginning the first Sunday of July, 2022 he will assume the role of Pastor at Quarryville Memorial Church.

Kap Soo Yoon to Bethlehem: Korean

Pastor Kap Soo Yoon is a retired pastor, who was raised in Gunsan, South Korea. He studied at Kangnam University Theological Seminary and Methodist Theological University, where he completed his M.Div. and was ordained as a Korea Evangelical Church pastor.  In 1994, he and his family immigrated to the United States. He planted a church in Cherry Hill, NJ, and served 7 years as senior pastor of “The Church in Acts,” while completing his D.Min. at Drew University. He has been attending Calvary Korean United Methodist Church in East Brunswick, NJ. Rev. Yoon has a particular interest in doing missions and evangelism.

John Bhajhan to Telford: Grace UMC

Pastor John Bhajjan retired on June 30, 2020, from The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodists Church.  He was ordained in 1975 and gave his first 10 years to the Methodist Church in New Delhi, India. He has been serving God in America since 1985. He served God in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery, and Bucks Counties.

He is married to Sarita for 41 years and is blessed by two children and two grandchildren. He looks forward to serving at Telford: Grace UMC.

Jacqueline D. Daniszewski to Shoemakersville: Salem UMC

Jackie has served as an LLP for the last 13 years starting at Grace: Reading in 2009 and moving to Grace in Telford 2016. Prior to and during this time, Jackie served the Reading Police Department as Records Office Supervisor for 29 years during which time she also completed her course of study.

Jackie loves all God’s creatures and especially enjoys incorporating them into devotionals and holding annual Blessing of the Animals events. Her own charge is a cat named Benjamin Binx who was waiting for her one block from the Telford church where he was fostered.

Jackie enjoys small-town living and being involved with the seniors in the community. Coming back to Berks will be a true homecoming. Her true passion is visitation providing the shut-ins with prayers, mailed sermons, many visits, and even treats. She also is looking forward to chairing the conference Safe Sanctuary Committee.

Rick Edmund to Belfast: Wesley UMC

His life’s journey has seen me living in Ohio, Maryland, and now Pennsylvania, and holding several occupations as a teacher and computer person before being called to the clergy ministry through a trip in 1989 to the Philippines through the General Board of Global Ministries as a layperson. Studying at Wesley Theological Seminary and God’s intervention gained him his initial appointment in the Pen-Del Conference, after which he served 17 years on a remote Smith Island in the Chesapeake Bay before being assigned to the Eastern PA Conference. In ‘retirement’ he looks forward to another challenge.

Sue Kiefner to Springtown: Salem UMC

Sue Kiefner is a Certified Lay Minister from the North District. Her love for Jesus came later in life when she began to search for deeper meaning and discovered God’s redeeming grace. From the moment she realized what Jesus did for her (and all people), she felt a call to do all she could to share the message of God’s love, hope, and forgiveness with others. Sue feels most satisfied when she is doing work for the church. She wants to lead people to a deeper understanding of themselves and help them build a relationship with God. Her heart overflows with love when she hears stories of salvation and always looks for ways to help those in need.

Sue and her husband Steve have two active teenagers who play softball and baseball. Sue is becoming a master at carpool coordination.

Carlotta Madison to Bristol: Harriman UMC

Carlotta is from Philadelphia and has lived in various communities. She currently lives in Chestnut Hill with her father.  

Her undergraduate and graduate degree in education is from Temple University. She earned an MDiv from Eastern Baptist Seminary, now Palmer Seminary, and was ordained an elder in 2009. 

Carlotta served Asbury United Methodist Church in Norristown from 2007, retiring in 2021. She has served as a candidate mentor and Associate Secretary for Annual Conference.  She loves to take advantage of all teachable moments that help others grow in their relationship with our Lord and Savior. Carlotta has one daughter.

Daniel Meader to Jim Thorpe: Grace St Paul’s UMC

Daniel is a licensed local pastor in the North District, currently serving the two wonderful and loving congregations of Coaldale UMC and Centenary UMC in Weatherly. Daniel experienced his call to ministry at a young age, though like many, even biblical characters, spent his time running from his calling rather than towards it but feels blessed now to be in service to the Lord through pastoral ministry since 2017. He resides with his supporting wife and two young daughters in Jim Thorpe, where he will now be returning to his home church of Grace St. Paul’s, now in the role not of a parishioner, but a pastor. He is excited about the opportunity to serve in this new, even if not so new setting.  

Catherine Morgan to Paradise Valley: Keokee Chapel UMC

Catherine (Cathie) is originally from St. Kitts British West Indies. She has worked in churches across different denominations as Children and Youth Ministry Director/Pastor in New York and Pennsylvania.

Cathie is married to Wayne Morgan; they’re both serving at Mt. Pocono UMC. Cathie serves as Lay Leader, teaches Adult Sunday School, coordinates Bible and Book Studies, and occasionally offers classes in philosophy. Cathie teaches at Scranton University as a professor of Theology, and at Northampton Community College as a professor of Philosophy.

Catherine earned her M.Div. from Alliance Theological Seminary; a Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Theological Seminary. Cathie’s passion is preaching and teaching the Gospel. She is passionate about helping people come into a relationship with Christ Jesus. She is excited to serve the Paradise Valley: Keokee Chapel in July with all of its members and their inspirations for the ministry of Christ.

Mike Reinert to Reading: Grace UMC

Mike Reinert is a Certified Lay Minister, recently serving direct hire with Rev. Jean Howe at Reading Grace UMC, and on West Lawn UMC Leadership Team. He has also filled in as a Certified Lay Speaker at several Reading-area UMC congregations. Mike works for WFMZ-TV69 Berks News, reporting as a “Time Train” host, and selling advertising. He is discerning a call from God to move forward in ministry, to share the “Good News,”, especially in Reading. Mike and his wife Anne Louise, and daughters Jess and Sarajean, live in West Reading. To all who read this, Mike says, “God bless you, with the joy of Jesus!”

Jessica Linn Ross to Lebanon: Trinity UMC

Jessica Lynn Ross serves as a Clergy Member in the Eastern PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Ross is currently appointed to Extension Ministry as a Hospice Chaplain, having completed her CPE Residency at the VA Hospital / Lebanon in 2020.

Pastor Ross became a member of the UMC in 2005, earning her MDiv from Palmer Theological Seminary in May 2006. She also earned an MS degree in Science from Morgan State University in 2000. Jessica has served as pastor of Trinity-Bayton, Kensington “Old Brick”, Mother African Zoar, Tobyhanna, and Pocono Lake. She also serves as the Peace with Justice Coordinator for the EPA Conference.

Pastor Ross was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., the eldest of seven children. Since her call to ministry in 2001, she has been joyfully serving the Lord and never ceasing to be amazed at God’s goodness, mercy, and grace. A retired math and science teacher, she loves teaching, preaching, Bible Study, providing pastoral care, and working for social justice. And on occasion, helping a child or adult with their math homework.

Maria Kollar to Ridley Park

Maria felt the call to serve at an early age, but options were limited in the faith tradition in which she was raised. Having joined the UMC as an adult, she served as a layperson in every avenue available to the laity. In 2012, beginning as a Christ Servant Minister, she became a Certified Lay Minister in 2016 and completed all necessary steps toward licensing in 2020. She has a heart for community service and has been the director of the food pantry at Broomall: St. Mark’s for ten years and is Community Needs Assessment Coordinator for the Rotary Club of Broomall. She hopes to bring her experiences as a civic volunteer, elementary/middle school teacher, and church servant to her new adventure as pastor of Ridley Park UMC.

Portia Kuzanga to Shamonkin: St. Johns as Associate

Rev. Portia Chitima Kuzanga is an ordained Elder in the Zimbabwe West Annual Conference of the UMC. She will serve on loan to the EPA Conference as a quarter-time appointment. She moved to the US in 2014 in pursuit of her academic career, which is close to the finish line. As a mother, preacher, and student, Portia is extremely excited for the opportunity to join the EPA Conference, and to serve with the people of St. John’s UMC in Shamokin. Indeed, “God is up to something, He is already at work, and I am glad to be part of it!”

Sandra Lozada to Philadelphia: Bridesburg

Sandra Enid Lozada was born Puerto Pico and was raised in N.Y.C. and Utuado, PR.  During her 10 years attending Holy Spirit UMC, she served as an SPRC member and spent 9 years leading the Daily Bread Ministry.

Sandra is currently a Christ Servant Minister and plans to work toward becoming a CLM.  In 2018 Sandra graduated from the Spanish Eastern Institute of the Assemblies of God as part of their 4 year Christian Ministry and Theology Program and in 2019 graduated from Omega Vegas Missions with a certificate of Urban and Global Mission studies.  She continues her theological studies through Global University and the Spanish Eastern School of Theology.

Sandra and her husband have 2 wonderful children and a grandson, Samuel.

Dorothy Stem to Wooddale and Analomink

Dottie Stem feels very blessed and is looking forward to serving both Analomink United Methodist Church and Wooddale United Methodist Church.  After retiring from medical administration after 30+ years, she started her journey as a Certified Lay Minister and served as Pastor of Analomink UMC from 2014 – 2020.  Dottie has also served on the North District Church and Location Committee. Upon retiring from Analomink UMC, she asked God to use her according to His plan.  While not imagining that she would be called to serve as Pastor to a congregation again, she is excited to follow His calling to serve two churches.  Both of these congregations are not only close in proximity, they are closely connected as friends and relatives.  Dottie believes God has exciting plans for all of us!

Shannon Weaver to Brunnersville

Shannon’s call to ministry has developed over 7 years of attending Long Memorial UMC. He has been preaching by filling in as a guest speaker at several churches connected to LMUMC. He serves on the board of Trustees, SPRC, and is currently the Lay Leader. He has been the President of Line Pro Inc for twenty years. Shannon was born and raised in Lancaster County and still resides there with his wife, Ginger. Together they have 8 children, 5 adults, and 3 at home. Shannon loves spending time with his family and their Yorkie, Leon. He enjoys the mountains and being outdoors.

William B. Wilson Sr. to Philadelphia: St. George (Historic St. George’s)

Bill and his wife Dawn will be moving to Mullica Hill to live on his family farm.  He is the father of two sons and has seven grandchildren.  He is looking forward to joining together with the laity of Historic St. George’s in ministry.

John Brice to Philadelphia: Janes Memorial, in addition to St. James

As Lead Pastor of St. James Campus, John is a committed visionary focusing on the community, family, and youth development. 

A member of Philadelphia’s Commission on African-American Males, member of the planning committee for Arcadia University’s Black Male Development Symposium, member of Greater Philadelphia Morehouse Alumni Chapter, and member of Health Equity Advisory Committee for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. 

John is an alumnus of Morehouse College (B.A.), Palmer Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and currently a Doctoral candidate at Drew University (D.Min.). 

Todd Glasmire to Lattimer

Todd got the call to ministry at age 12, but first worked 20 years in the business world before retiring and going to Seminary part time and serving a church part time.  He received a Dual Degree from Evangelical Theological Seminary with an MDiv and Marriage and Family Therapy in 2016.  In 2002, Todd began providing pulpit supply in various United Methodist Churches. He received his first church appointment in 2005.  He served at that same appointment, Neola UMC for 15 years, before being appointed to his current position at Drums: St. Paul’s where he is in his 2^nd year.  

Rev. Joong Hyuck Kim to Hellertwon: St. Paul’s, in addition to Bethlehem: Fritz

Rev. Joong Hyuck Kim has served Korean UMC of Bethlehem since 2013, and Fritz Memorial UMC since 2018 (two-point charge). Over a twenty year period and prior to coming to the EPA Conference, Rev. Kim planted several churches and served congregations in Georgia, California, and South Korea. He believes God makes his people move forward TOGETHER in any circumstances through the providential way.  Additionally, Rev. Kim enjoys exploring all of the ways that pastoral ministry springs from the people of God, and is very interested in developing relevant practical worship ministries for the local church.

Rev. Kim was born in Seoul (Korea), and is married to Jiyoung Choi Kim, who is a registered nurse.  They have three children: Inhee, Jonathan, and Abigail. The family came to the United States in 2008.  

Tom Kinter to Schaefferstown: Zion & Kleinfeltersville: Trinity

Tom attended Asbury College and Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received his M.Div. He began pastoral ministry in SNJ in 1972 and retired in 2014 from GNJ. Following retirement, he moved to Manheim and served at the West Willow UMC. Tom has served on DCOM, as a supervising pastor, as well as on the conference committee on Community outreach and as a Youth Soccer Coach. He has been involved in Mission outreach through mission work teams SA. In retirement he continues to support Ruhl’s UMC mission work teams, teaching Sunday School, and preaching to area retirement villages. On June 10, Tom & JoAnne will celebrate their 50th Anniversary, and on June 18 Tom’s 50^th year in ministry. He and his wife enjoy camping and kayaking in PA State Parks. They have 3 children and 8 grandchildren.

Mertice Shane to Canadensis UMC

Mertice Shane is excited to be returning to his home church at Canadensis.  A Certified Lay Minister, he has been the pastor at Paradise Valley:  Keokee Chapel UMC since 2010.  

Mr. Shane served for more than 35 years as an Associate Professor at East Stroudsburg University before retiring.  He taught courses in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine and Movement Studies.  A Certified Athletic Trainer, he was academic coordinator for the intercollegiate athletic department.  Additionally, he has been a therapist/counselor specializing in addictions. 

In addition to serving on numerous church boards and committees, he is currently co-convener of the Healing the Wounds of Racism Core Accountability team and a Cross Racial/Cross Cultural companion. 

Beth Trone to Safe Harbor

Beth has been blessed to share the presence of our Lord together with the people of three very different congregations, as they grew together in the holiness and happiness of life. 

The people called Methodists have inspired in her a life of joy unspeakable (even during troubled times) because she knows… He Lives with us and through us!   She has been truly blessed by the privilege of serving God’s people who have journeyed with her for a while in this life. And, as she prepares to fellowship with the people of Safe Harbor United Methodist Church, she holds these words in her heart: “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love. The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain, but we are still joined in heart until we meet again.”

Jason Armold to Iona: Zion

Jason Armold’s call to ministry came after a personal tragedy in 2009. He attended Lancaster Bible College for a BS in Bible Ministry, and Missio Seminary for an MDiv degree in 2015. He now teaches biblical languages at Missio in Philadelphia.  Jason served Palmyra First UMC as Pastor of Discipleship from 2017 to 2021. He was appointed to Rocherty UMC as pastor in 2019 where he continues to serve ¾ time.

Jason and Angela (married 8 years) moved to south Lebanon city last year. They enjoy reading, playing games, cooking, museums, composing music, and hanging out with their four cats.

Rev. Misty L. Fuller-Powers to Warrington St. Paul, in addition to her current appointment at Trevose: St. Matthew

Rev. Misty L. Fuller-Powers was born in Philadelphia and grew up in West Mt. Airy.   Misty attended Temple University graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a dual major in Risk Management and Insurance and Business Law.   In 1999 she answered the call to ministry and in 2004, she graduated from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity. Pastor Fuller-Powers was ordained in May 2012.

Her gifts are teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She is passionate about children, youth ministry, and social justice. She has taught Clergy and Laity through various programs in the EPA conference.

Pastor Fuller-Powers has served the following churches: Clearview UMC, Haven Peniel UMC, Sayers Memorial/ Berry Long UMC (2 church charge), Clarks Grove UMC/ Zion Treverton UMC (two-church charge), and currently St. Matthew UMC of Trevose.  

Pastor Fuller-Powers married Daniel Powers in 2020 and enjoys photography, traveling, and their new puppy named Liam.    

John T. Krimmel to Bristol: First

John T. Krimmel, Sr. Is a retired criminology professor from the College of New Jersey.  He served Langhorne Methodist as chair of the administrative council, and a subsequent stint as president of the board of trustees.  He is also a Christ Servant Minister, Certified Lay Minister, and Licensed Local Pastor.  In 2001 he assumed the pastorship of Neshamony United Methodist Church  and later at Penns Park United Methodist Church in a two-point charge.  He is a graduate of the Financial Leadership Academy and holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York.  John will retire as a licensed local pastor in June 2022. A former police officer from Bristol Township, he has three grown children, one stepson, eight grandchildren and a great granddaughter.  He lives with his wife Toni, in Burlington City.

Jennifer Miller to Mt. Pocono

Jen’s call to love through action has been an important part of her ministry and personal life. She earned her Master of Divinity Degree from Drew Theological School in May 2019. Jen also holds a B.S ED in Special Education Pre k-8^th grade with a dual certification in Elementary Education Pre K-4^th grade from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. In her ministry, she’s spent time serving at St. Luke’s Health Network as an associate chaplain and a crisis response chaplain. Jen has also served as the pastor of  Wooddale, Analomink, and Pocono Lake. Jen and her husband, Andrew, welcomed their daughter Addison into the world in August 2021. 

Kevin Rutledge to Berwyn UMC

After graduating from Elizabethtown College with a degree in psychology and Religious Studies and attending seminary at Vanderbilt Divinity School, where he earned his Masters of Divinity Degree, Rev. Kevin Rutledge has served churches in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. He and his wife, Rebecca, were married in June 2005 and had two children, Joshua (10) and Eliana (8). Over the last two years, he has served on extension ministry, providing consulting and development services to churches around the United States. He looks forward to returning to full-time pastoral ministry to partner with the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to transform communities and the world.

Debra Stevens to Evansburg & Mont Clare: Otterbein

Pastor Deb lives in Douglassville, Pa. She is married, has 2 sons and 3 grandchildren, and is a Certified Lay Minister.  She ran a licensed family daycare for 31 years, she had the opportunity to help and witness to many people while participating in craft shows. She has volunteered many hours with different non-profits.  She is self-employed owning a furniture repair and refinishing business as well as a craft business.  She has the love and compassion in her heart to help all people. She is looking forward to Worship Service, Bible Studies, Prayer meetings, children’s programs, and working with the community.

Lee Corpier to Yardley UMC

Lee Corpier was Licensed for Lay Ministry in the East District of the EPAUMC while pursuing Elder status and received an MDiv from United Theological Seminary in 2021. Before starting the candidacy process, he worked as a volunteer Youth Leader and then as Youth Director for 10 years. Lee’s gifts are Spirit-directed preaching, teaching, and worship. He champions small group ministries. His experiences in a small group setting have allowed him to see redemption and growth both in faith and practice within his own family in breaking the chain of self-destructive behaviors.  Having been brought up Pentecostal, Lee has learned that both Spiritual empowerment in continual renewal and focused use of Christian disciplines can bring profound spiritual growth in the life of all believers.

Kathryn Dinkelacker-Swan to Mountainhome UMC

Kathryn Dinkelacker-Swan has been a local licensed pastor since 2019 while attending United Theological Seminary. She graduates with her M.Div in December. Kathryn earned her bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, minoring in Intelligence, from Neumann University. While attending Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2016, she accepted her call into Christian ministry. Prior to this, Kathryn was a social worker with Child Protective Services and other adoption agencies. Adopted from Romania as a child, Kathryn has a passion for international ministries and diverse communities. She is currently serving as pastor at Emmanuel United Methodist Church of Allentown, PA and Quakertown UMC as associate pastor. Kathryn and her husband Sam have been married for 3 years.

Lori Reyes to Levittown – Emilie UMC

Lori L. Reyes was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised on the north coast of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. She is the mother of two young men. 

Lori has served as a Local Pastor at Bridesburg United Methodist Church in Philadelphia County since 2020. She is currently an active member of the Emanuel Emmaus Community. 

Her mission is to apply the gifts that God has given her through her ministry of the local Church. Her focus will be on the role of developing and equipping the spiritual formation of the local church, laypeople, and leadership. Her hopes are that through her contagious enthusiasm for the Gospel and the Church, she may inspire and lead others to Christ. 

Jared Stolzfus to Ironville UMC and Newtown UMC

Jared experienced his call to ministry in high school. He has a BA from Eastern University and an MDiv from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. After completing his MDiv Jared served in youth ministry for 6 years before being appointed to Bethany UMC in Palmyra in 2017. 

Over the past seven years, Jared has also worked full-time at Jubilee Ministries in Lebanon PA which seeks to “serve those affected by incarceration by being ambassadors of life change through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Jared has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 12 years and they live in Lancaster County with their three dogs and three cats. 

Kipp Gilmore-Clough to Chestnut Hill Church of Christ UMC

Kipp Gilmore-Clough has been an Elder in Full Connection since 2006. He served Cheltenham United Methodist Church from 2003 – 2007, when he enrolled at Temple University to earn his PhD in Religious Studies, which he completed in 2013. He served at Solebury United Methodist Church from October 2013 through June 2014 and has been serving as Associate Pastor of Chestnut Hill United Church since July 2014. Kipp also serves in Extension Ministry as a Part-Time Lecturer in Philosophy and Religion at Rutgers University – Camden and West Chester University. Kipp lives in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia with his wife Cathy.

Gregory Impink to Wayne UMC

Greg’s call to ministry developed while doing mission work. He has a BS in Industrial Engineering from Penn State and a MDiv from Palmer Theological Seminary. He coordinated missions at Hempfield UMC and pastored Limeville, Ironville, and Newtown UMCs in Lancaster County. He is co chair of pastoral care on the Board of Ordained Ministry, on the conference’s Economic Justice Council, an advocate with POWER Interfaith, and the president of the Columbia Area Ministerium. His wife, Rachelle, is a K-12 math content specialist and high school math teacher. Greg enjoys running, drumming, and time with his miniature dachshund, Tag.

Barbara Smith Lee to Easton: Green Pond UMC

Rev. Barbara S. Lee believes that Christ’s love needs to be embodied in compassionate presence and service in the community.  She currently serves as Pastor of Discipleship and Congregational Care at Asbury UMC, Allentown.  She has also served in chaplaincy at St. Luke’s University Hospital, specializing in trauma care, and as pastor at Fritz, Bethlehem, and Salem, Slatedale. She also serves as a companion/mentor for cross-racial/cultural appointments.  Prior to ministry, she served as a journalist and media relations specialist. Barbara holds an M.A. in English Literature from Lehigh University, an M.Div. from Missio Seminary, and an M.A. of Theological Studies from Moravian Theological Seminary. She loves reading, traveling, and bicycling.  Barbara and her husband have three adult daughters.

Rodney Brailsford to Newtown UMC

Rev. Rodney Brailsford has served the Eastern Pennsylvania UMC since 2016. He was initially appointed to Haws Avenue United Methodist Church and was subsequently appointed to Berwyn United Methodist Church. Rodney earned his Master of Theological Studies from Palmer Seminary and his Master of Sacred Theology from Lutheran Theological Seminary. Prior to serving as a pastor, he served as a missionary in Thailand, Malaysia and Peru. Rodney is a Member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society and serves the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference as a member of the Economic Justice Council. Rodney and his wife, Lauren, were married in November 2021.

David T. Ryan to Leola UMC

David T. Ryan is thrilled to be returning to EPA after being on loan to the Pen-Del Annual Conference. David was ordained an elder in 1987. He has served the following Churches: Washington Crossing (Assoc.), Fairless Hills: Christ UMC, Leola UMC, Quakertown UMC, Hopeland UMC, First and Christ UMCs in Chestertown Maryland. David understands his life mission to be “Helping others delight in God’s love”.  He believes that all of us are Children of God – Precious and beautiful to behold.  He and his wife Jeanette are looking forward to returning to Leola after 21 years!

The Rev. Hun Ju Lee has been appointed as the North District Superintendent

The Rev. Hun Ju Lee has led Coatesville: Olivet UMC since 2019. He was formerly the pastor of Landenberg UMC, West Grove: Chatham UMC, Eddystone UMC and First Korean UMC of Philadelphia in Prospectville. Previously, he was the youth ministries director for five years at Korean UMC in Bethlehem and a youth pastor at several New Jersey churches. A U.S. citizen since 2007, Hun Ju has four theological degrees. He taught school and directed Christian education in his native South Korea. He serves on the Episcopacy Committee and was on the Commission on Religion and Race for 9 years.