2018 Appointments

Juyeon (Julie) Lee was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. She received her M.Div. from Drew Theological School and her M.A.R. from Yale Divinity School in Liturgical Studies. She transferred to the GNJ conference in 2016 and since then has been serving as the music director at Embury UMC in Little Silver. She’s passionate about learning, teaching and nurturing the people of God. In her free time she enjoys baking macaroons. Julie currently lives in New Brunswick with her husband Michael and her one year old son Nathaniel.

Gift Magomero has been a part of the Mosaic Ministries for two years. In that time she has seen God at work in the churches she has served. She grew up in a pastoral family where ministry has been a part of her life from a very young age. Her passion is working with children and young adults. She was a youth advisor for two years before she became a part of Mosaic ministries. She also enjoys connecting with God through singing. She looks forward to discovering how God will continue working through her.

Kelly Spencer studied business administration and music at Furman University. She has been pursuing God’s call in her life through musical, youth, and administrative church work from a young age. Kelly is passionate about building inclusive, active, emboldened community that emphasizes the gift of grace from God in our lives. She experiences God most distinctively through making music, listening to the stories of others, enjoying the outdoors, reading challenging and inspiring books, and trying new things. Kelly is currently working on her Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary and hopefully pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church starting next spring.

Nicholas K. Young is a Masters of Divinity Candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary. His academic areas of focus are pastoral care and practical theology. Nicholas has served as an ordained and licensed minister in two nondenominational churches and as a volunteer chaplain at the juvenile justice center in Atlanta, Georgia. At the end of May, Nicholas will begin serving as a chaplain at the Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton. His passions include volunteer firefighting and eating kettle corn that was not cooked with any peanuts.

Lark McCalman was born in Guyana South America and received her B.S. in Radiological Sciences from Down State University in Brooklyn New York. He has recently graduated with a Master of Divinity from Drew Theology School. She has served at Wesley United Methodist Church in South Plainfield as an assistant pastor and in many other roles. She is passionate about social justice and loves to read and travel. She believes that the church should be without borders and everyone is her neighbor.

Antoinette Gaboton-Moss is graduating with a Master of Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. She worked in the New York City office of two global advertising agencies—as a media planner for Grey Global Group and an advertising executive for Ogilvy & Mather. She later formed her own marketing firm and was on staff at a 6,000 member church implementing innovative ministry and serving in pastoral care. Antoinette is passionate about creating community and sharing the incredible hope we have in Christ. She is married to Rev. Kermit Moss, Sr., and they have three wonderful children: Kermit Jr., Sebastian and Chloe.

Kermit Moss is interim director of the Center for Black Church Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. Kermit is a PhD student at Princeton Theological Seminary in area of practical theology. He holds the Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and graduated from Long Island University- Brooklyn, with a BA in political science. Additionally, he has pastored churches in the Bronx (NYC) and Manhattan (NYC). The church in Manhattan grew from 187 people to 570 people in attendance. Kermit is married to Antoinette Gaboton-Moss. They have children: Kermit Jr., Sebastian, and Chloe.

Annie currently serves Park Ave/St Johns’ UMC in East Orange.  She previously served United Methodist churches in East Orange, Summit, Jersey City and Union City NJ.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice/minor in behavioral science and a M Div. from New Brunswick Theological Seminary/Drew Seminary.  Annie brings her gifts and excitement to ministry and diverse communication skills, from her first career by serving all of God’s people who hunger for peace and change.  She enjoys quality time with family and making smoothies.

Enger Muteteke is a provisional member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference commissioned in 2015.  She has a passion for preaching, teaching, justice ministries, and community outreach ministries.  Enger has served in pastoral ministry in Severna Park, MD and Glen Burnie, MD.  Most recently, she served as national program director at Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Washington, DC.  Enger holds a B.A. from William and Mary, two Masters’ degrees in Theology from Wesley Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts in Social Responsibility and Sustainable Communities from Western Kentucky University.  Enger lives in southern NJ with her husband, daughters, and their dog, Belle.

Joseph Jueng is currently a 3rd year, M.Div. student at Wesley Theological Seminary. God-willing, he will be the third generation of ordained clergy in his family, joining his maternal grandfather and both his parents in ministry. Prior to seminary, Joe was an attorney practicing law in Illinois. He and his wife, Samantha, met on her birthday in 2013. Fittingly, it was love that brought Joe back to faith, with Sam insisting that they find a place to worship when she visited him in Chicago from NYC. Little did she know what God had in store for both of them!

Ron is a retired elder who has served both in the local church and appointments beyond the local church. He has gifts in counseling and working with families and individuals in the transitions of life. Ron has worked with Code Blue in helping homeless find a warm coat, meal and caring hand to help in some of the coldest days this past winter. He also has interest in creating and learning about sculptural art. Ron is married and has 3 grown children who live throughout the country.

Larry Durfee has been an electronics engineer for over 45 years and now in retirement he looks forward to a life of pastoral ministry. During the last 16 years he has been very active at Changewater UMC serving in a wide variety of positions including SPRC and Trustee chairman, and many others. For the past 5 years, Larry has established ministries including Blue Christmas service, Blessing of the Animals, Spiritual Thursday and others. Larry and his wife Barbara have 5 grown children and 9 grandchildren. They enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Rachael was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, moving to New Jersey in 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Central Washington University and will complete her Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School this May. Discerning a call to ministry while serving as a peer minister in college, Rachael then worked in local church ministry in both Washington and New Jersey. Rachael is passionate about creating community, worship, and engaging scripture in everyday life. She believes that the church is called to be Christ’s body in the world through service, witness, and love.

Mark Schol has been a paperboy, chicken carver, bartender, and pastor serving churches in Washington, DC and Chicago, IL. He comes to GNJ after serving 6 years in the hipster neighborhood of Chicago, Logan Square. There, the congregation was revitalized by understanding church is something you do, questions are good, and community can be built anywhere. He grew worship attendance from 9 to 50 with an average age of 35. Mark loves photography, graphic design, biking, Crab Rangoons, his wife Meredith and their energetic daughters, Elise and Nora.

Natanael Bonne Annee, was born in Petit-Goave, Haiti where he received Christ as Savior at the age of 17 and was called into ministry. In 1975, he went to Jamaica for theological training and to work toward his master degree at Indiana Wesleyan University. He spent twenty five years in active service in the Wesleyan Church of Haiti serving in various local district and national positions. He relies on God’s word and strength. He is married and God has blessed him with three daughters.

Sheena Cameron received her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Springfield College and her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Sheena is a Chaplain at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital. Her passions include reading and discussing God’s word and learning to play church hymns on guitar. Sheena enjoys traveling, shopping and spending time with Gerald and their Yorkie Camille.

Jisun Kwak is currently serving Christ Church United Methodist in Fair Haven and will serve both Embury and Christ Church. Previously, she has served Mendham United Methodist Church, Thiells United Methodist Church, Centenary United Methodist Church of Metuchen, and Gateway North District and Delaware Bay District as superintendent. Jisun has passion for the outreach ministry. She is also a trained pastoral counsellor and has led various seminars on the subject.

Trinity UMC in Ventnor played an important part in Jim’s early years in ministry. He and his wife Nancy (who was raised in the church) were married there and they baptized their son Joseph there. Jim retired in 2017 but continues to serve Trinity Margate and looks forward to serving both churches. He lives in Mays Landing with his nephew Angelo. His son Joseph is Assistant Athletic Director at Seton Hall.

Ivan Alberts was born in India where he received his M. Div. and served a diaspora church in Mumbai, as a librarian and teacher at Karnataka Theological College and St Paul’s Church, Mangalore. He came to the US, graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a Masters in Theology and continued his studies in Boston University. In the U.S., he served United Methodist Churches in Rockland, MA, Holbrook, MA, Elysburg, PA and Christ UMC in Jersey City. Married to Elveera Alberts, he is blessed with two sons who are in college and a daughter-in-law.

Frank Davis, currently District Superintendent of the Capital District in Greater New Jersey Annual Conference will be Pastor of the Ezion-Mount Carmel United Methodist Church in Wilmington, DE beginning July 1, 2018. Frank has the heart of a pastor and came to this decision while caring for his mother who is on hospice care in Jamaica. We will miss his leadership and the gifts he has shared in Greater New Jersey. The Capital District, the Cabinet, the Bishop and all of GNJ thank him for his ministry and pray that God will bless him in his ministry journey.

Sanggeun Jo was born and raised in South Korea where he served as staff of the English Ministry at Chungdong First Methodist Church in Seoul. After coming to the US in 2014, He served as youth pastor at Monmouth Grace United Methodist Church in Eatontown for three years. He holds a Bachelor of Theology from Hyupsung University, and will graduate in May 2018 with Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School. Sanggeun is passionate about how to live out Jesus-Centered life daily. He enjoys music, especially playing the piano, guitar and drum, and sports. On May 5, he is getting married to Katie.

Jung Ae Lee was born, raised and educated in South Korea, is married to Rev. Sung Il Lee and has two children. Over thirty-five years, she and her husband have served as missionaries in the Philippines, as a hospital chaplain in Kentucky, as a teacher at Georgia Christian University in New York, and as a counselor for Korean pastors and their spouses. She completed her B.Th at Methodist Theological Seminary, M.A. in Intercultural Studies and M.Div at Asian Theological Seminary and D.Min in Family Ministry Counseling at New York Theological Seminary. Her ministry helps transform her congregations into Jesus’ disciples.

Tori Novack recently graduated from Stockton University with a Bachelor’s in Literature, a concentration in Education and a minor in Ancient Greek. While at Stockton, she was greatly involved with the Christian ministries and was awarded “Legatus Christi” for her leadership and pursuit of knowledge in Christian Apologetics. She teaches high school English full time at Atlantic Christian School in Egg Harbor Township. She has faithfully been serving Minotola UMC for one year and looks to continue to grow in her ministry endeavors.

Holly Paul is completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and will attend Drew Theological School in the fall for her Masters of Divinity. She is currently serving as a part-time local pastor at Montana UMC and continues her involvement with the New Brunswick UMC’s board of trustees, confirmation classes, Bible study and homeless ministries. Holly enjoys being in ministry with people of all ages. Holly will be transitioning from her current position as a veterinary nurse to school and ministry. During her free time Holly enjoys outdoor activities that include camping, hiking, fishing and shooting sports.

Reynaldo Salazar is an ordained elder from Bulacan Philippines Annual Conference who started his pastoral ministry in 1982. He will continue to serve at Trinity United Methodist Church in Jersey City. Rey received his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, Philippines in 1990. He served churches in Philippines before migrating to United States. He is married to Loi, and together they have two daughters, Loren Grace, a flight attendant and Kristine Grace, a public school teacher. Rey enjoys drinking coffee with members and friends, loves travelling, and loves listening to gospel music and hymns.

Born and raised in South Jersey, Zachery graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education. After working for three years in the public school system, he felt called to pastoral ministry and earned a Masters of Divinity degree from Boston University School of Theology. He likes to fish, go on nature walks, play golf, write, meditate on Scripture, and dine with friends. His ministry focuses include discipleship formation, social justice, economic issues, families, and helping people find meaning and hope in their pain and suffering.

A native of New York and reared in northern New Jersey, Vanessa M. Wilson currently serves as the pastor of Magnolia Road UMC. A second career pastor, she served as a higher education executive and adjunct faculty member. She is a speaker, educator and writer. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning/Community Development and a Juris Doctorate from Rutgers University, she will graduate in May 2018, with a Masters in Divinity from Drew Theological School. Her interests include Hebrew Bible, trauma/mental health, gender and race studies. She is the mother of two wonderful sons, Anson and Aaron.

Mary Kathryn Allen was born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, FL. She graduated from Huntingdon College, with her bachelor’s degree in religion. After graduation she attended seminary at Candler School of Theology, graduating in May 2017 with her Master of Divinity, including concentrations in both ‘Scripture and Interpretation’ and ‘Formation and Witness.’ Throughout her college and seminary studies she served in a variety of ministry internships. She has been serving as the pastor of Marlow United Methodist Church since her graduation. Mary and her dog, Moses, enjoy cozy nights in and adventures in the great outdoors.

Jennifer Bolton has felt called to work for the church since she was 13 years old and is fulfilling that calling as a local licensed pastor. She uses her degree in fine arts to fuel her creativity for various parts of the church life, including youth ministry, bible study, crochet ministry and painting ministry. Jennifer hopes to use her contagious enthusiasm to inspire others to use their God-given gifts to positively impact their church and community. Jen is married to her high school sweetheart, Steve, and has three daughters.

Eun Ok Cha was born and raised in South Korea and came to the US in 2005. She earned her Bachelor and M.A. degrees from Hyupsung University Theological School in South Korea and completed the Master of Divinity and S.T.M (Master of Sacred Theology) program at Drew Theological School in 2010. She has served churches in South Korea and in the United States including Bountiful UMC in Berkelely Heights, Kenilworth UMC and Korean Community Church. Eun Ok Cha is married to Daniel, a professional chef and coach for Table Tennis, and they have two children, Jacob (age 7) and Irene (5).

Tim Conaway has served as Media/Communications Director for Trinity UMC in Mullica Hill for seven years. He received his B.A. in Media Communications from Asbury University in 2011. He is also the founder of ugalicreative, LLC, a multimedia design consultancy empowering churches, nonprofits, educational institutions and small companies to tell their stories. Tim is passionate about creativity in the worship experience and developing new ways to communicate the gospel and ministry stories. Tim met his wife Emily, currently a middle school Humanities teacher, while working and fundraising for a mission organization in Africa.

Leslie Houseworth-Fields presently serves as the Associate Minister at Christ Church UMC in New York City. She is a graduate of South Carolina State University, Clemson University and received the Master of Divinity degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. She graduated with a concentration in Scripture and Interpretation and a certificate in Black Church Studies. She was also a recipient of the school’s prestigious Woodruff Fellowship and was selected as a Fund for Theological Education Ministry Fellow.  Leslie enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her husband, Corey Fields, and their children, Chloe and Corey Jonathan.

After his retirement from a 37 career in teaching, Tom has been a leader at Grace Church in Wyckoff as a Stephen Ministry leader, the life group’s coordinator and the lay leader. He also serves as the Palisades District Lay Leader. During this time he has served on the District Committee on Ministry, the Committee on Buildings & Locations, and the Laity Board. Tom enjoys sports and spending time with his dog Penny. He has two children Kimberly, age 29, and Philip age 26. He is looking forward to his new career in ministry.

Fred Laux has been a leader at Sparrow Bush UMC. He is an advanced lay speaker, teaches VBS and Bible studies and a Certified Lay Minister. As a CLM he was assigned to Sparrow Bush and Pond Eddy UMCs. He serves as supplying pulpit support to many churches in Skylands District. Fred takes on ministry as a second career. He started and runs a computer repair and network service company. He and his wife Joanne have five children and seven grandchildren. He is a true servant dedicated to Christ.

Daniel Lee was born in Seoul, Korea and spent his teenage years in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He received his M. Div from Alliance Theological Seminary in 2007 and has been serving the Hispanic immigrant families for over 14 years. He has a passion for studying, preaching and teaching the word of God and annually visits some Spanish speaking countries to spread the gospel.

Jisun Nam served in ministries as a youth pastor at Bethel KUMC as an assistant pastor at Calvary UMC. She has experience working in ministry in Christian Education in Korea, majoring in Christian Studies and minoring in Child Studies at Seoul Women’s University. Jisun has an A.S. in Early Childhood Education from Bergen Community College and will complete her M.Div. at Drew Theological School in May. She hopes to listen to and sustain the weary with the words of God, living by the words of Isaiah 50:4. Jisun and her husband Kenneth Jung live in Ridgewood with their three children Neri, Nicholas, and Irene.

Jesse Ruch is currently pursuing his MDiv from Drew University, he is an IT professional in transition to Pastoral Ministry. He graduated from Stockton University with a B.S. in computer science. Originally from Ocean City, NJ, Jesse has served various volunteer ministry positions including youth, small groups, camping ministry and A/V. He believes that God has called the church to be the hands and feet of Christ here on earth. When out of the office, Jesse enjoys camping, cooking and coffee

Bridget Wendell is a graduating Princeton Theological Seminarian who will be serving the church as the director of Christian education. Bridget is a second career pastor who was a high school Spanish teacher in her previous career. She is passionate about education, incarnational ministry and responsible missions. During her time in Princeton she worked with the Institute for Youth Ministry and as a chaplain at a local hospital. In her spare time, Bridget enjoys horseback riding, competing in triathlons and spending time with her fiancé.

Ji Sun Yang was born and raised in South Korea. Her major in college was computer science and She built her career as a project manager for several years in South Korea. Ji Sun completed a Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School and has served various ministries from children to adult groups, currently serving Congers UMC in Rockland county, NY. She is passionate about sharing the story of God and people in Scripture and today. She is a gifted in music and loves to learn something new. Her husband, Sung Woo Lee, is her best friend and supporter.

Before retirement, Peter Broomall served the Dennisville, South Dennis, Gloucester Trinity, Malaga and Porchtown: Zion United Methodist Churches In addition to serving as pastor, he served on the Delaware Bay District Board of Bldgs. and Locations as its Chairman and also served on the Greater New Jersey Board of Trustees. He enjoys music and sports. With his wife EJ, he looks forward to continuing his ministry journey with these two churches.

Marikay Green is a part-time local pastor. Currently she has been serving Repaupo UMC since 2007 and Aura UMC since 2015. As a bivocational pastor she also works full-time for the Salem County Office on Aging and Disabilities as the Assistant Executive Director. Marikay received her M.Div. from Palmer Theological Seminary in 2012. She feels called to serve small membership congregations. As such, Marikay believes the church is the body of Christ called to bring a message of faith, hope, and love to our neighbors through our witness and service. She is mom to college age daughter, Eilisse.

John Hartman and his wife Linda have the Waterloo UMC for over 20 years. He has served as chair of the Ad Council and Finance Committee, preached as a Certified Lay Speaker and completed the requirements to become a Certified Lay Minister in 2015. John contributed the past three years as a CLM, preaching one Sunday each month at Montville UMC. He has served as District Lay Leader for the Skylands District since 2014 and has enjoyed an active role in many Lay Leadership support activities. John and Linda have three children and six grandchildren in their combined families.

Will Joseph has served in various ministries, including youth group coordinator, Sunday School teacher and certified lay servant at Dingmans Ferry UMC, and Supply Pastor at Free Union and Vienna UMC. He is pursuing his degree at Sussex County Community College and is completing Local Pastor Licensing School this June. He is passionate about community outreach, worship, preaching, and teaching on God’s grace.

Will was born in Paterson, NJ, as the youngest of seven siblings. He was raised in West Milford, NJ he and his wife, Melissa moved to Dingmans Ferry, Pa in 2003. Will and Melissa have three incredible children together: Spencer, Benjamin and Faith.

David attended Carleton College in Minnesota for his B.A, Union Theological Seminary in NYC for his M.Div., and Luther Seminary in St. Paul for his D.Min. David worked in a law firm, as a fundraiser, as a hospital chaplain, and served churches in Minnesota, Texas, and New Jersey before being appointed to Westfield in 2011. He believes that our identity as Christians shapes how we live as neighbors. David is married to Nancy Duff, an ordained Presbyterian and professor of theological ethics at Princeton Theological Seminary. They have two adult children, McKinley and Adam.

John Redkoles has served as the pastor at the Newfield United Methodist Church since 2014. John is passionate about engaging others in the word of God through inspiring worship and teaching. He remains focused on learning and is currently attending Palmer Theological Seminary pursuing his MDiv. John and his wife Bonnie have two adult daughters, Kristen and Jennie along with the blessing of a two-year-old grandson. John enjoys Christian music and playing guitar. In his free time, you may find him on the golf course or in the woods photographing God’s creation.

Amanda Rohrs is a commissioned Provisional Elder and has served as pastor at the North Hunterdon UMC, Asbury UMC and as student assistant pastor in Madison. Amanda holds a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Shenandoah University, an M.Div from Drew Theological School, and an S.T.M from Drew Theological School in New Testament Studies. She is passionate about preaching and leading creative worship, children and family ministries, spiritual formation, and maternal health. Her husband, the Rev. Evan Dodge, currently serves the Belvidere UMC, where they live with their twin daughters Auden and Amelia, two cats, and dog Okie.

Pastor Lou Strugala has served United Methodist congregations throughout New Jersey since 2004. For the last five years, he has been a spiritual advisor and a construction director to A Future With Hope, the Sandy recovery arm of the United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey. He is chaplain to the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, Linwood Police Department, the 200 Club of Atlantic and Cape May Counties and the Law Enforcement United Bicycle Tour. Lou has served on various Conference Committees, most recently as Chair of the Board of Trustees.  He enjoys woodworking and riding his Harley as often as possible.

Denise Tiedemann has been serving United Methodist Churches for over 20 years. She has been the lead pastor at Centenary UMC in Lambertville and Linvale UMC in Ringoes. She has been an intricate part of a church-plant and a church revitalization. She loves working with children, and serves as the Annual Conference’s Childcare Coordinator. Denise and her husband, Joe have four children and are foster parents. She has a background in dramatic arts and music and has ministered to all ages by teaching and performing. Her heart for mission has led her to serve with A Future with Hope and the Skainos Project in Belfast.

Marissa Van der Valk has served on the staff at Bishop Janes UMC for the last 4 years in the capacity of youth director, office manager, and communications director. Marissa was born and raised in California moving to New Jersey 5 years ago. She holds degrees in Biological Sciences and Computer Information System from California Lutheran University. She is currently completing her master of divinity at Drew Theological School with an anticipated completion date of May 2019. Marissa is passionate about mission and helping congregations connect with their communities.

Taylor Claire Bean, from the Alabama-West Florida Conference has a wide variety of ministry experience including music and missions intern at FUMC Montgomery, pastoral intern at Oak Grove UMC and Peachtree Road UMC, chaplain at the City of Refuge women’s shelter in Atlanta, GA and at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, FL. She received her B.A. in Music and Worship Leadership and her MDiv. at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Rev. Bean is a lover of people, her dog—Luna, and adventurous new experiences. She looks forward to colder weather, snow, diversity in culture, and the best pizza the country has to offer.

Moses Flomo, current pastor of Saint Mary Street UMC, hails from the Republic of Liberia, West Africa, where he served several congregations in the Liberia Annual Conference for ten years. He has also served several congregations in GNJ including Irvington UMC, Franklin-St. John’s in Newark, Park Avenue-St. John in East Orange and Bethany Browne in Jersey City. He studied at the Gbarnga School of Theology in Liberia and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D. C. He and his wife Saba have four children.

Pastor Brendan received his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2017.  He was born and raised in Los Angeles and received a degree in Religious Studies (world religions) at California State University Northridge. After living in a community ministry house, Brendan decided to go to seminary and become a pastor. He is passionate about innovative ministry, theology, and social and racial reconciliation. These passions have taken him to the streets of Chicago, rural fields of North Carolina and small coastal towns. When he’s not talking about theology or history he’s probably cooking up new foods or at a coffee shop reading a book.

Jaeyoun Kim has served as an associate pastor at Eunpyung Methodist Church in Seoul, as a children’s pastor at Francis Asbury-National Korean UMC, in Rockville, MD and as a senior pastor at Union Grove & Willow Grove UMC in Pittsgrove, NJ. She has B.Th. and Th. M. from Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul, Korea, an M. Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC. And was ordained as an elder at the Seoul Annual Conference. She is passionate about inspiring worship and children’s ministries. Jaeyoun is married to Yongsang Kwon, and they have three young children Rachel, Irene, and Brandon.

Gabrielle Martone is a commissioned Provisional Elder in the GNJAC and currently serves the congregations of Broadway and Port Colden UMC’s. Prior to her current appointment, Gabrielle served the congregation of Frankford Plains UMC. Gabrielle holds her M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a B.A. in Religion from Smith College. She has been an intern at Red Bird Mission, sits on Wespath’s Young Leaders Advisory Board and is the Community Trainer for the Skylands Walk to Emmaus. Gabrielle is deeply passionate about mission, outreach and community development.

Jessica has served at Sergeantsville UMC, Denville Community Church UMC and Monmouth Grace UMC. She has her M.Div from Drew Theological School. Jessica is passionate about developing creative, participatory worship services that encourage faith formation and practical life application. She also loves working with children, youth and young adults helping them discover their belovedness as children of God, growing in God’s love and grace, using their gifts to make a difference in the world. In her downtime, she loves to run, write, read and spend time with her family, including her fiancé John and their three children: Micah, Jasmine and John.

Guillermo Javier Barroso-Rodríguez has served as pastor for seven years in the Puerto Rico Conference. He has a B.A. in Graphic Design-Illustration and a M.Div. from Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico. His preparation is based on communications, visual arts and music, and his passion lies in applying these three to the pastoral ministry. He has previously served as the Communications Team Leader for the PR Conference, District Spiritual Leader for Walk to Emmaus in PR and camp and retreat leader for more than 15 years. Born and raised Methodist. Guillermo and his wife Diana del Rio have two beloved children, Abnel and Gabriela.

Hyekyung Pauline Kang has served at Korean Community Church, Mt. Horeb & Springdale UMC in Warren and Asbury UMC in Woodstown. Most recently, she served in extension ministry as the Director of Advancement and Assistant Dean for External Relations for Drew Theological School. She has a B.A. in English Literature and a M.A. in Christian Education from Ewha Women’s University in Korea. She received a M. Div. from Drew, Th. M. in Pastoral Counseling from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph. D. from Fordham University. She believes in the importance of nurturing people to grow until they reach the fullness of Christ.

Donald Kirschner has served as pastor at the First UMC of Mt. Holly for the past three years. He received his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary and his B.A. in both Psychology and Christian Ministries from Azusa Pacific University. Donald is passionate about exploring new avenues to reach out to those who are marginalized, discovering creative ways to do church, and forming meaningful spaces of encounter whereby people can experience the transforming love and grace of God. He enjoys running long distances, singing and playing guitar, writing reflective journal entries, and spending time with his wife Katherine.

Catherine Jordan-Latham has served as the Associate Pastor of Multicultural Ministry at Monmouth Grace UMC since 2016. She is passionate about creating multicultural and intergenerational spaces through worship and fellowship. Catherine has a B.A from Drew University (2011) in Pan African Studies and Religion, and a M.Div. from New York Theological School. She is married to Adam, a public school teacher.

Dr. Tiffany S. Murphy from St. Louis, graduated with a dual degree in music from Berklee College of Music. When she felt a call to ministry she attended Palmer Seminary earning her M. Div. and D.Min. She has been serving in ministry for over 20 years. Currently, she is pastoring a 2-point charge at MT Zion and Barnsboro UMC. She believes, God desires us to be like the Good Samaritan, who was willing to move beyond culture, class, and education to help someone in need. With a mandate from Jesus, “To go and do likewise.”

Laura has served at Bridgewater UMC, East Millstone UMC and Mt. Zion UMC’s in New Jersey and Del Ray United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA.  She has a B.A. in theater from Centenary University in Hackettstown and is currently finishing her M.Div. at Drew Theological Seminary.  Laura has a passion for ministry with children, families, and young adults as well as a drive for participating in God’s transformational mission in the world through the love of Jesus Christ.  Her family consists of her husband Louis, their wonderful children Juliet and Lucas, and their two, overfed cats Ruffino and Gizmo.

Jevon Caldwell Gross, currently the pastor of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Montclair (“The Mark”) will be the Teaching Pastor and Nicole Caldwell Gross, currently the Director of Mission and Community Development will be Pastor of Missions in the Indianapolis Church beginning July 1, 2018.  The Caldwell Grosses have always dreamed of being in ministry together and this appointment provides them with that opportunity.  We are grateful for their ministry in GNJ and pray that God will bless them in their new ministry.

John (JD) DiGiamberardino has served at Friendship in Monroeville, Port Republic, Brick, and Ocean Grove. Most recently he served in extension ministry as the Executive Director of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. He received a B.S. in Mathematics Education from Asbury College and M. Div. from Eastern Theological Seminary. John currently serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry. John is passionate about helping people come to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. He also has a heart for missions both local and internationally. John is married to Paula and they have two children Jayson and Abigale.

Hyun Hui Kim was born, raised, and educated in South Korea. Her cross-cultural experience has been formative in ministry, embodying beauty in diversity and harmony in difference. She has served in various ministries from Pre-K to adult groups, most recently with Embury UMC in Little Silver. Hyun Hui completed her Master of Divinity Degree at Drew Theological School and currently is a candidate for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Theological and Philosophical Studies at Drew University. She is passionate about making the Scriptures come alive and have meaning for the daily lives of her congregation.

Sung Woo Lee has served on staff at Yulrim Methodist Church, Seoul, Korea, as associate pastor of Leonia UMC, and pastor of Waldwick UMC. He holds the B.Th. from Methodist Theological University and the M.Div. from Drew Theological School. He is passionate about creating a vibrant community of believers deeply experiencing the love and presence of God in inspiring worship, finding personal revival in their relationship with Jesus, and extending this community beyond the church building to the world in humble service with the help of Holy Spirit. He has been married to his wife Ji Sun Yang (pastor of Congers UMC) for nine years.

Latasha Milton has served as the lead pastor of St. Paul (Mount Holly) and Cadwalader-Asbury UMCs. She is a 2018 M. Div. candidate at Princeton Theological Seminary and pursing a certificate in Black Church Studies. She has a B.S. in Biology/minor in Chemistry and a M.S. in Family Relations/Counseling/minor in Early Childhood from the University of Southern Mississippi. She is passionate about serving and teaching God’s Word in marginalized communities and equipping children/youth with a theological foundation to navigate spaces of injustice and oppression. She believes in the power, hope, and liberation in the love of Jesus.

Michael Reed has served as a pastor at Pearson Memorial United Methodist Church for the past two years. Michael was born in California, but grew up in Ottawa, Canada. Michael has a MTh in Biblical Studies from the University of Edinburgh, and is completing his MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is passionate about asset based community development, and new expressions of ministry with poor and marginalized people. Michael has a heart for joyful, forward-looking spirituality and the pursuit of the common good, as means of renewal for the church and the world.

Jason David Ríos Ramos comes from Puerto Rico. A graduate from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, Jason enjoys preaching, guiding people to grow a strong relationship with Jesus Christ and serving the community. Besides being a pastor for the last 12 years, he also served as Spiritual Director of Chrysalis in Puerto Rico and Vice-President of the Board of Ordained Ministry. His family consists of his wife Yareliz (Yaya) and their pets Michonne and Grey. His hobbies include technology, social media, and traveling. Jason has a passionate heart and is excited to serve in this new community and see God’s miracles.

Wil Wilson has served as Associate Pastor at Central United Methodist Church in Linwood for two years. Wil received his B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Eastern University and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology. Wil’s ministry began in Fargo, ND, serving as a US-2 missionary with Global Ministries from 2011-13. As a US-2, Wil felt the call to ordained ministry. Wil is married to Ashley Wilson, a US-2 alum and Candler graduate. Wil enjoys traveling to new places and is a fan of the World Champion Philadelphia Eagles!

Kate Hillis has served as the lead pastor of Hopewell UMC and Lumberton UMC, and as the Children and Youth Director at Kingston UMC. She is a chaplain at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital and a consultant for Ministry Architects. Kate has a M.Div. and a M.A. from Princeton, as well as a B.A. in Religion and Youth Ministry from Houghton College. She is passionate about ministry with youth, young adults, and families, creative and meaningful worship experiences, and the church radically transforming lives by the love of Christ in the world. Kate is married to Wren, also a pastor in GNJ.

Jin Kook Kim grew up in Incheon, South Korea. He has served as pastor for pre-k to young adult ministry at Methodist churches in Korea and U.S., and senior pastor at Cedar Cliff UMC in Haledon, before serving in the current appointment, associate pastor at Grace UMC in Wyckoff. He is a graduate of Methodist Theological Seminary (B.Th. and Th.M.) and Drew University (M.Div.). His key words for his life and ministry are Love and Grace. He and his wife, Jung Ae have two children and their third child will be born in March, 2018.

James Lee currently serves as the Manager of Visual Arts for the United Methodists of Greater New Jersey and as senior pastor of Conklin UMC in South River. He has previously served as the associate pastor of Calvary Korean UMC for four years. He received his M. Div from Drew Theological School in 2014 and his B.A. from Rutgers University. James is passionate about creative worship, student ministries and the discipleship of new believers. He has been married to his wife Julie since 2012, and they have two young children, Amy and Adam.

Thomas Perry has served several churches in New Jersey, the most recent being South Seaville, for 16 years. He is a graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary (MA) and Palmer Seminary (D.Min) He also attended the University of Pennsylvania Marriage Council and is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists. Tom was ordained, married, and received his doctorate all in the same week. He is married to Pat and they have two daughters, Casey and Albina. They have two grandchildren with one more on the way.

Robb W. Shoaf has served five churches during the last four decades. After seminary, he returned to school for a Ph.D. at Drew University and later a Master’s degree at NYU. Over the last twenty years Robb’s work has expanded to include bridging the boundary between the secular world outside and the spiritual world within recognizing the church is only one part of parishioners’ lives in a culture that finds needs met through other organizations. Robb and his wife Kathy have four grown children and six grandchildren. Robb enjoys playing the piano, running and building furniture.

Ronell J. Howard, a native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, was raised in New York City and is a graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature. Upon graduation from Princeton Theological Seminary, she was awarded the Jagow Award for Excellence in Speech and Homiletics and selected to serve as a Pastoral Resident at Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn in the Transition into Ministry Program (TiM). Ronnell served as pastor of the newly merged Cornerstone Community Church-UMC in Norwalk, CT. She is excited to serve this new community.

Tom Korkuch is in his twenty-third year of ordained ministry. He has served as student assistant pastor at Sparta UMC, associate pastor at Grace UMC in Wyckoff, and senior pastor at Westwood UMC before serving in his current appointment at Archer UMC in Allendale. He is a graduate of Rutgers University (BA in History and Religion) and Drew University (MA in Biblical Studies and MDIV). He has a strong mission focus and enjoys facilitating learning and spiritual growth. He has been married for 26 years to his wife, Lisa, and has two children – Patrick, 22, and Michael, 19.

Jenny transferred to GNJ in 2016 after serving churches in the Desert Southwest Conference for 12 years. She has served on the pastoral team at Trinity UMC, Hackettstown, for the last four years. She is a graduate of Duke Divinity School, a Lewis Fellow, a trained coach and spiritual director. She’s been called to help people come more fully alive as deeply committed disciples of Jesus Christ, particularly through practices of spiritual formation, liturgy, and community-building justice and service. She and her husband Robert, an engineer, have a three year old son, Elliot, and together they love adventures and discovering more about our wondrous world.

Brian Rhea grew up in Newark, Delaware. After graduating from the University of Delaware, he studied Scripture at Asbury Seminary, Princeton Seminary, and Boston College.  He served as a student pastor at Wesley Chapel UMC near Nicholasville, Kentucky, as an associate at Haddonfield UMC and as solo pastor at Fourth and Newcombtown UMCs in Millville. Ordained in 2016, Brian is married to Jan, currently a high school math teacher at Cumberland Christian School. They have three children and a cat. Brian enjoys helping people encounter God through worship, spiritual formation, small groups, and prayer.

Dianna Stone received a Masters of Divinity from Drew University Theological School in 2017. She is passionate about encouraging multi-generational relationships in a congregation, as well as creating strong bonds between the church and its community. Dianna has been the pastor of the Boonton UMC since 2012. In addition, she is currently the lead Chaplain with the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice Organization. Dianna has always had a special connection to, and a love for, children, youth and young adult ministries. Dianna is married to her husband Tim and together they have 6 adult children.

Heather Valosin currently serves Montville and Mt. Fern United Methodist Churches. A graduate of Drew Theological School, she has been the Director of Pastoral Care at Trinity United Church in Warren and a youth leader in Summit and Madison, as well as in Grenoble, France. Before entering parish ministry, Heather worked with the Lakota tribe on the Rosebud Reservation in SD through Communities of Shalom. She also taught exceptional children in Henderson, NC and spent five summers working at Jumonville, a United Methodist camp in western PA. Heather and her husband, Eric, have two sons and together they enjoy hiking, making music and playing board games.

William M. Williams, III is the husband of Joyce and father to Julia (6), William, IV (3), and James (3). He has served UM congregations as youth, student, and senior pastor at Clonmell-Gibbstown, Billingsport-Paulsboro, and Asbury-Atlantic City, respectively. He is recording secretary of the GNJ Board of Pension and Health Benefits and a Lewis Center for Church Leadership Fellow. He has a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Swarthmore College, a post-baccalaureate certification in pre-medicine from Drexel College of Medicine, and a Masters of Divinity from Drew University. His ordained ministry call is based on the Good Samaritan scripture.

David Yun has been serving cross-cultural ministry since 2001 and has served Lyndhurst UMC, Beverly UMC, and Tuckerton UMC. He has been blessed with wonderful congregations that helped him grow as a pastor and a person. He currently serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry and chairs the continuance sub-committee. He is passionate about the Lordship of Jesus Christ and its implications for discipleship and relationship with God. He enjoys learning new things. Pastor David and Jennifer, his wife, have a son named Jonah. He received his M.Div from Drew Theological School.