New appointments to be announced on Sundays at 1PM.
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February 9, 2025
Rev. Kyeong Su Jung appointed to Moore Twp : Covenant UMC

Rev. KyeongSu Jung is a devoted servant of Christ with a deep passion for worship and ministry. He holds a Master of Sacred Theology from Drew University and pursued a Ph.D. in Church History through a joint program with Iliff School of Theology and the University of Denver.
He has faithfully served churches in Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, bringing gifts in scripture-based preaching, visionary leadership, pastoral care, and social holiness. Excited for this new chapter, he looks forward to serving the congregation and community of Moore Township. KyeongSu is married to Clara, and they have three children.
Covenant United Methodist Church is a mission-driven, evangelical congregation dedicated to community outreach, Bible study, and pastoral care. Known for its generosity and commitment to local and global missions, Covenant seeks a pastor with strong leadership and a non-legalistic evangelical approach.
Rev. Jung’s theological depth, pastoral experience, and passion for mission align well with Covenant UMC’s vision. His strengths in preaching, pastoral care, and community engagement make him an excellent fit to lead and serve this vibrant congregation.
Jason David Rios Ramos to First UMC in Lancaster. PA

Rev. Jason D. Ríos (he/him) is an Ordained Elder in Full Connection. He is from Puerto Rico. Jason graduated from El Seminario Evangelico de Puerto Rico with a Master of Divinity Degree and has served as a Pastor for 18 years in Puerto Rico and Greater New Jersey, with his most recent appointment to First UMC Tuckerton.
First UMC in Lancaster is a vibrant church in the heart of the city. They are committed to mission, and live out that commitment through their own ministry and strong partnerships with organizations and missionaries in the city and around the world.
Jason enjoys preaching and leading congregations to serve and grow, and his gifts for connecting church and community in mission will be a blessing to the church and to the city. He is married to Yaya, and together, they have a 5-year-old son named Jayden and two pets.
February 2, 2025
Rev. Arturo Andres L. Bautista, Jr. appointed to Frackville: First UMC

Rev. Arturo Bautista is a dedicated servant leader with a deep passion for ministry and discipleship. Growing up in a Methodist family in the Philippines, he was inspired by his faith and community to pursue a life of service. Pastor Arturo began his ministry as a mission pastor and later served as a district superintendent. He holds a Political Science degree from Philippine Christian University, a Master of Divinity (cum laude) from Union Theological Seminary, and a Master of Sacred Theology from Drew University.
Pastor Arturo brings strong preaching and teaching abilities, honed through years of ministry, along with a relational approach and a deep commitment to pastoral care. He will empower lay leadership, foster creative worship, and nurture intergenerational relationships. With a heart for community engagement and a vision for mission outreach, Pastor Arturo is committed to guiding First UMC in fulfilling its mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Arturo and Normie, his wife of thirty-six years, have two grown children, Melissa Claire and Arthur Andrew.
January 26, 2025
Rev. Sophia Driscoll Gamber appointed to Bensalem UMC

Rev. Sophia Gamber (she/they) is a deep listener, strategic visionary, and a builder of people. She has a heart of a shepherd and has served previously as an Assistant Pastor and an Intern Youth & Outreach Minister, in addition to holding various social service and advocacy roles. Sophia has demonstrated their pastoral heart as a chaplain in hospice, oncology, and pediatric healthcare settings. Sophia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Sociology & Anthropology from Ursinus College as well as a Master of Divinity from Yale University School of Divinity. Pastor Sophia coupled with Bensalem UMC’s desire to grow and thrive through diversity and continued ecumenical partnerships providing more opportunities to evangelize the community with creativity and a fresh approach will yield discipleship for years to come. Pastor Sophia’s passion for meeting people where they are exactly what makes this a good ministry match.
January 19, 2025
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Timothy Duchesne as the pastor of Downingtown United Methodist Church.

Rev. Duchesne has served mostly in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference but also in Peninsula Delaware and currently in the Mississippi Conference. He is a transitional, intentional interim pastor, as well as a spiritual director, coach and consultant. He specializes in church growth, creative ministries, and community engagement. Tim has extensive experience in helping congregations develop strategic plans and discern their unique gifts and graces for ministry. He is committed to embracing diversity and equity and answering God’s call to make disciples of all people for the transformation of the world.
These gifts will be invaluable as Rev. Duchesne serves the Downingtown congregation and community, which seeks to grow and move forward in new ways to impact the lives of children, youth, and all people.
Rev. Dr. Timothy Duchesne is married to Rev. Dr. Suzanne Duchesne.
January 12, 2025
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Steven Pittman as Superintendent of the South District. His appointment will be effective July 1, 2025.

Rev. Pittman has faithfully served in the Eastern PA Conference as a pastor in urban and suburban churches as well as cross-racial cross-cultural contexts. He is focused on serving God and humanity to bring God’s love and wholistic wellbeing, shalom, to all humanity.
Steve has a passion for ministry, nurturing spiritual growth, supporting clergy, and making disciples for the transformation of the world. He stresses the importance of developing strategic plans for congregations and promotes the necessity of effective communication. He is dedicated to building bridges and relationships to bring about unity in diversity fostering inclusivity and equity.
Steve has a background in psychology and counseling. He is a professional coach with training in Outward Mindset, a mentor, advisor, and deep listener. He is also an assisting elder, serves on the East District Committee on Ministry, has completed the Financial Leadership Academy, and the Normalizing Next Cohort.
All of these gifts will serve him well in his new role as Superintendent in the South District. The 96 churches of the South District are primarily in suburban and urban settings. Many of the congregations have expressed a desire to grow in their discipleship by finding ways to more faithfully address the needs of the communities around them. They have expressed a desire to build bridges to the diverse communities in their midst. Some congregations are also seeking ways to faithfully fund their ministries even as they try to do more to reach out beyond their walls.
Steve has demonstrated that he has the gifts and the grace to meet these challenges and to continue to develop the strengths of the churches and ministries in the South District. There are churches of all sizes in the South District with strong, committed clergy and laity who are ready to journey forward together with Steve as the next District Superintendent. The potential is great, the possibilities are endless, and the power belongs to God.
Steve is a non-anxious presence, serving in humility with a deep commitment to God and his family. He is married to Kabrene Pittman, and they have two children.