2019 Appointments

Originally from Los Angeles, Brendan received his Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in 2017. After moving to New Jersey Brendan began church revitalization in Passaic. Today Brendan is church planting and continuing revitalization efforts. When he’s not roasting coffee or hosting a community event, he’s probably riding bikes with his wife Bridget. Brendan will continue his appointment at Passaic First UMC in addition to Simple Church.

Dawrell Rich is a pastor-scholar, public speaker and community builder. He is the director of Joshua’s House, Inc. – a community development corporation that empowers and equips low income communities through education, economic development and affordable housing. He is currently completing a Ph.D. in Religion and Society at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Most recently, he was awarded the 2019 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award from Drew University. He is charismatic, conversational, and relatable. He’s earned a reputation as a catalyst for change, innovative thinker and dynamic communicator.

Kermit Moss currently co-pastors Trinity UMC in Highland Park. He is also the Interim Director of the Center for Black Church Studies at Princeton Theological Seminary. Kermit is a PhD student at Princeton Theological Seminary in the 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 served as senior pastor of churches in the Bronx (NYC) and Manhattan (NYC). Kermit is married to Antoinette Gaboton-Moss. They have three children: Kermit Jr., Sebastian, and Chloe.

Jonah So was born in Korea, raised in New Jersey and resides in New York. He served as the lead pastor of the English Ministry, associate pastor, and Director of Christian Education at the Korean Presbyterian Church of Westchester from 2002-19. He received God’s call to ministry while attending New York University (1999). He completed a Master of Divinity at Princeton Theological Seminary (2002) and a Doctor of Ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (2016). Jonah was ordained in 2004, married his wife, Jennifer in 2009, welcomed his daughter, Avery in 2012, and his son, Harvey in 2014.

Teaira Parker is a native of Maryland where she prepared for ministry by teaching and preaching the Word of God. She served as an office administration, youth pastor and community organizer with emphasis on church and community relations. A graduate of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC, and current doctorate of ministry student at Drew University, Teaira is a great believer in bridging community and Christ’s ministry of justice by uniting everyone through human experiences and worshiping Christ through it all.

Raciel Quintana Fernández, is from Holguin, Cuba and has served for 23 years as a Methodist pastor. He leads with the support of his family, his wife Maribel Pupo and children Elizabeth, Elisarai and Jaciel. Together they serve as missionaries and ministers, music leaders, dancers and vocalists, Sunday school teachers and youth leaders.

Beth has served as a pastor at Sharptown North and North Hunterdon UMC. She also served as Director of Small Group Ministries where she championed the creation of Team Vital for Greater New Jersey. She is President of the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and an active trustee at Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. She earned her MDIV from Drew and BA from UPENN. She and husband Tom enjoy family life with their three children and cat Bella. Exercise, travel, good food, friends and solitude when possible are a few of her other favorite pursuits.

Dongkue was born and raised in South Korea. He has a M.Div from Methodist Theological School in South Korea. He holds a Master of Church Ministries from Perkins School of Theology. He is currently serving as an assistant pastor at Arcola Korean UMC. He is passionate about preaching, teaching, and nurturing ministries. He and his wife Jooree have two sons, Moses and Phillip. He enjoys playing tennis spending time with family and friends.

Pauline Wallace is a certified lay servant who has served on the local, district, and conference levels as a laity supply pastor, pulpit supply preacher, member at large of Annual Conference, as well as District Lay Leader. Her passion is in older adult ministry and she has headed a non-profit office in Whiting which united several congregations to provide volunteer services. She serves on the Board of Ocean County Meals on Wheels and is an avid cross stitcher and accomplished bowler. Pauline is a member of the Whiting UMC and lives in Barnegat with her husband Martin. They have two sons and have two grandsons.

Wayne earned a Bachelors from Temple University 1990 and a  Master of Divinity at Palmer Theological Seminary in 2011.  From 2012 to 2015, he served as a chaplain, delivering spiritual care in hospital, hospice and nursing home settings, and in 2014, he served as Interim Pastor at Temple of Prayer.   Wayne enjoys spending time at home with his wife Kisha, and his children, Gabrielle and Jonathan.  He is an ardent proponent of volunteerism. Currently, he works with After School Activities Partnerships (ASAP) to advance youth literacy.

Kris has been serving as a Certified Lay Servant, member of the Pastoral Care Team and other leadership roles at Morristown UMC.  Kris describes herself lovingly albeit lightheartedly but with respect to her roots as “A Simple Girl from Iowa”.   Kris looks forward to continuing sharing the message of God’s Grace through preaching and teaching.  She feels honored to walk with those journeying on life’s path from birth to those making their last trip home. She especially relates to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral feeling her first career in the telecommunication industry will be of help in this new chapter of life.

Sharon’s faith journey began over ten years ago and was mentored by the members and pastors of Trinity Hackettstown.  Sharon has served Free Union and Vienna churches in Great Meadows for the past two years. She is currently a student at TESU and is in CPE. She continues to hear God’s call to spread the love and hope of Jesus through worship, pastoral care, and journeying with those on hospice. Sharon is supported by her husband Brian and their three beautiful children; Jessica, Courtney, and Nicholas. As a family they enjoy: being together, boating, and flying.

Anthony graduated with his Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological School and has been a regular worship leader and preacher at Trinity for over 10 years, He has served as the Middle School Student Ministry Director, led Trinity’s confirmation process and served as Congregational Care Pastor. Anthony co-pastored Waterloo United Methodist church in the midst of a transition period for their congregation.  Anthony has a passion for creative worship and sharing the amazing unconditional love and grace of God. Anthony lives in Port Murray, NJ with his wife Cheryl and three children.

Yeika Anahomy Huertas-Román was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. She is an elder in full connection with Puerto Rico Methodist Conference and received her M. Div. from Puerto Rico Evangelical Seminary in 2011. She has served youth ministries, Walks to Emmaus, Chrysalis from the Upper Room, as a missionary within and outside of Puerto Rico and as Superintendent of Northwest Region. Yeika is passionate about Christian education, Wesleyan traditions and teachings, social justice, children, and pastoral care. She is a pet lover and Star Wars’ fan.

Kaleigh Tomich Corbett currently serves as the pastor at Frankford Plains UMC in Augusta. Previously, she was the associate pastor at Princeton UMC and Bishop Janes UMC. She received her M. Div from Drew Theological School in 2014 and her B.S. from Birmingham-Southern College in 2009. Kaleigh is passionate about social justice, young people’s ministries, creative worship, and helping people discover how God is at work in their lives. When not keeping up with or discovering the best playgrounds with her 3-year old son Jesse, Kaleigh enjoys figure skating, yoga, Broadway musicals, and crafting.

Peggy’s passionate love for God and care for people are her motivators in ministry. As a Basic Lay Servants’ instructor in the Gateway North District, she encourages others to be creative and faithful workers for Christ. Since July 2017, she has served Calvary UMC in Kearny. Born in Barbados, Peggy earned a B.B.A. in Business Administration at Baruch College of the City University of NY and received her M.Div. from Drew Theological School. Peggy is the Director of Administration and Accounting for a non-for-profit in NYC. Two of the greatest joys in her life are her daughter Alexis and great-nephew Zachary.

Jung Ae Lee was born, raised, educated in South Korea. She has cross-cultural missionary experience in the Philippines and has served as chaplain in a Kentucky hospital. She taught “Christian Counseling”, “Christian Homes”, and “Christian Education” at Georgia Christian University of NY Campus.. She completed her B.Th at Methodist Theological Seminary (Seoul, Korea), M.A. in Intercultural Studies, M. Div at Asian Theological Seminary (Quezon City, Philippines) and Doctor of Ministry in Family Ministry Counseling at New York Theological Seminary (NY, NY). She is married to Rev. Sung-Il Lee and together they have two children, Peace & Wooju Lee.

Daniel Lee was born in Seoul, Korea and spent his teenager years in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He received his M. Div from Alliance Theological Seminary in 2007 and has been serving the Latino Community for 16 years. He has a passion for preaching and teaching the word of God and weekly outreaches the Hispanic immigrants in his town and annually visits some Spanish speaking countries to spread the gospel.

Merlene holds an MDiv from Princeton Seminary, a master’s from the New School for Social Research in NYC, a Masters from the College of New Jersey in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor’s in Education. She is a Certified Spiritual Director and recently received her credentials as a Board-Certified Clinical Chaplain and a Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor. Merlene currently works as a Clinical Chaplain for Robert Wood Johnson Cancer Institute in Hamilton NJ. Merlene has one adult daughter and a grandson in college. She enjoys good food and international travel.

Wade Jackson will continue to serve as pastor at Wayside UMC in addition to his new appointment. He is currently studying at United Theological Seminary. Wade drives Uber, loving the opportunities he has every day meeting new people, talking about their lives, and talking about what God does in and through him. Wade and his family are excited for the opportunity to see what God has in store for Cedar Grove and Wayside. He and his wife Meg will celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary this year and their only daughter will turn 21.

Kelly has been teaching elementary school for over 20 years and will earn her MA in education this May. She currently serves First UMC Bridgeton as Outreach Chair, Team Vital Team Leader, secretary, and Audio/Visual Coordinator. She is a certified Lay Servant who wants to share the love of God with ALL of God’s children through energetic worship and outreach to the community. She is happily married to her husband, Carlos, and the proud mother of two grown children, Josh and Annie. She and her husband enjoy kayaking and spending time with family and friends.

Andrew Paek is a native of Korea and has been serving in full time ministry over twenty years. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nyack College and a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University. Andrew strives to live by his favorite passage, Matthew 6:33 that says, “walk by faith, not by sight.” He seeks wisdom, knowledge and understanding from God to fulfill the calling that has been placed upon his heart. He and Jeanne, his wife of 34 years, are proud parents of two adult children and a grandson.

Luana earned an M.Div from Drew and has served Short Creek, Central and Milford UMCs and as a hospital chaplain. Her greatest joy is telling the story of God’s love for all people as known through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Having seen God’s inspired word used as a tool of division and discrimination, she endeavors to honor God with its use and to always err on the side of Grace. She enjoys roller derby, the Oxford comma, and falafals. She considers recycling a spiritual discipline. She has a teenage daughter with whom she enjoys watching Marvel movies and singing to Hamilton.

Mary Kathryn Allen was born and raised on the Emerald Coast of 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 & Interpretation’ and ‘Formation & Witness.’ Mary Kathryn has served as the Senior Pastor of Marlow UMC in Summerdale, AL and as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults at Bridgewater UMC. She enjoys reading, working on creative projects, and taking long naps with her dog, Moses.

Mark has been serving the Barryville UMC for the past eight years as a certified lay servant, lay leader, lay representative to the GNJ Annual Conference and since 2018 as an interim supply pastor. Mark is working on his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at SUNY New Paltz and is set to graduate in December of this year. Mark plans to go on to seminary in the spring and is always working to improve his guitar skills. Mark and his wife Dawn have an 11 year old daughter and the family is excited about serving the church, the community and doing their best to transform the world.

Gene will continue to serve as pastor at Calvary UMC in Keyport along with his appointment to Grace UMC. Previously, he has served FUMC of Bradley Beach and First UMC of Belmar. He is currently enrolled in Course of Study classes through Wesley Theological Seminary. He is humbled to be of service to God and is passionate about communicating the love, grace, forgiveness, peace, hope, healing and salvation, that can be only be found in Christ Jesus, to the marginalized and anyone else that will listen! Gene wife Ellen is a Palliative Care Chaplain and together they have 4 children.

Joseph is currently serving as the director of campus ministry at Rutgers University, where he is relaunching the Wesley Foundation. Over the past year, he also served as the campus pastor at Greenhouse Church in Palisades Park. He will be graduating from Wesley Theological Seminary this May with his M.Div. Joseph has a passion for community outreach and engagement. As a transplant from Chicago, he is slowly accepting the fact that New Jersey might have better pizza. Joseph and his wife, Sam will be celebrating their 3rd wedding anniversary this June and have a 13 year-old Pomeranian named Tagu.

Rev. John T. Wright retired from the Eastern PA Conference in 2012 after serving six churches over a period of 40 years. He and Alette, his wife of over 50 years, live in West Cape May. John received his M.Div degree from Duke Divinity School in 1973. He loves planning worship, preaching, and teaching. John grew up in Trainer, PA (Delaware County). His love of the Jersey shore began at the age of two when his parents built a house in the Villas.

Originally from SC, Jessica graduated with her M.Div from Nyack College’s Alliance Theological Seminary in 2017. While at Nyack, her degree focus was on Bible and Theology, with a concentration on Biblical Hebrew. She is a recent graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, where she earned her ThM in Church History, focusing on black church studies, her research centered on the shaping of antebellum southern black evangelicalism. She is also a proud graduate of Howard University, where she first became a disciple of Jesus. She looks forward to pursuing PhD studies and living out her mission to “expound the gospel, engage the culture”.

Bill and his wife Pat have four grown children and five grandchildren. He retired from teaching physical education in the local elementary school after 38 years and has had the privilege of serving UMC churches in Dennisville, South Dennis, Deerfield,  Woodruff  and Trinity Marmora. He currently serves the Newport UMC. He and his wife raise and train puppies for the Seeing Eye and visit schools and nursing homes with our therapy dog Denton.

Tom heard his calling and entered ministry after twenty-four years in middle management with the Prudential Insurance Company. His first appointment was to the Wesley UMC in Petersburg, Cape May County where he served for seventeen years.  After a brief retirement, he was appointed to Wildwood Crest UMC and served there for three years where he helped lead its merger with the North Wildwood UMC. After co-pastoring North Wildwood UMC for a year, Tom retired again until the current appointment. Tom believes there is no retirement in ministry.

Bishop Young Jin Cho, who served the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church from 2012 to 2016, is a deeply spiritual and humble servant who has been a leader of the denomination for 42 years. He graduated from Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul Korean and earned an M. Div. and D. Min from Wesley Theological Seminary. For 22 years, he served as senior pastor of Korean United Methodist Church of Greater Washington in McLean, one of the largest Korean congregations in the country.

Bishop Cho was appointed District Superintendent in Arlington in 2005 and started 10 new faith communities in seven years. He was elected to the episcopacy in 2012 and served the Virginia Conference for four years. He was the first Korean-American to serve as Bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction.

Bishop Cho has served the church and the community in various capacities, including president of the Korean Wesley Foundation, president of Partner’s Church Association for the renewal of the Korean United Methodist Church, Board of Ordained Ministry, Board of Discipleship and Commission on Ethnic Minority Local Church Concerns. He was elected delegate to the 2008 and 2012 General Conferences.

Bishop Cho leads with the message that vital congregations must start with spiritual vitality. His wife Kiok is a retired Deacon, and they have three children, Grace, Sophia and Chris and two grandchildren, Luke and Lily.

Bishop John Schol of Greater New Jersey said of this appointment, “We the people of GNJ are honored to have Bishop Cho serve with us. He and Kiok have been a friend and colleague to me and Beverly and we look forward to serving with them in GNJ.”

Brandon is passionate about making disciples of Jesus Christ and developing vital congregations for all people to transform communities and the world. He has served churches in Morristown, Blairstown and Lake Hopatcong in NJ, and churches in the Santa Barbara District in California. He holds a D. Min. and a M. Div. from Claremont School of Theology, and a S.T.M. from Drew Theological School. He is married to Rev. Dr. Jennifer Cho, who is serving as the senior pastor of Bridgewater UMC. They enjoy traveling, nature walks and dining with good friends. They have two grown up children.

Ricardo Ramos Diaz is native to Puerto Rico and has been in pastoral ministry for over 35 years, with 22 years serving the UMC. Ricardo has served in Puerto Rico, Bolivia and NJ and currently serves as a missionary (GBGM) in Bolivia. In GNJ, he served the Hispanic Mission in Perth Amboy; Grace UMC, Kearny; Linden UMC and “ El Redentor”, Elizabeth. He earned a degrees from Auburn University, the University of Puerto Rico, and received a M. Div. and D. Min. from Drew Theological School. Ricardo and his wife has two grown children Alejandra and Gina. He enjoys strolling with his Basenji, Fiona.

Minho Cho was born and raised in South Korea where he majored in pedagogy at both undergraduate and graduate school. He completed his Mdiv at Drew Theological School. He is currently serving as an assistant pastor at Arcola Korean UMC. He has a passion for preaching, teaching and nurturing God’s people. Minho enjoys reading spiritual books, playing tennis and spending time with his family. He and his wife Sooheui Kim have a four and half-year-old son Andrew and a 20 month old daughter Hana.

Esther D. Morales was born and raised in the Methodist Church in Guayama, Puerto Rico. She has been an educator for 35 years and has served as a Certified Lay Speaker, Supply Pastor, and Certified Local Pastor. Currently, she serves Park United Methodist Church in Weehawken and will continue in that role as she takes on her new appointment. She is pursuing a M.Div at Drew University Theological School. Esther is the mother of two sons: Luis Enrique and Luis Jose, and the grandmother of Alejandro, Lucas and Nicholas.

Glenn is a certified Lay Servant who serves at Vernon UMC as Ad Council Chair, a member of SPRC, on Team Vital, and as a delegate to GNJ Annual Conference. He has owned and operated an auto repair shop in Vernon for almost 30 years. He prays to be a welcoming, visible and energetic presence in both church and community. He and his wife, Pastor Jo-Anne have a daughter, Sarah.

Amarilys Gonzalez-Lopez has served in cross-cultural/cross-racial ministries locally and nationally. She is passionate about her family and a ministry that includes but is not limited to: evangelism, communications, nurturing, social justice, collaborative efforts, community organizing and outreach, fruitful discipleship and leadership development. She worked with several organizations in the private sector and the federal government specializing in human resources, planning, information management and corporate compliance. She earned a BA in Criminal Justice, a MA in Labor Relations and a MBA in Technology Project Management. In 2012, she earned an MDiv from Drew University.

Waleska Trinidad was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She moved to NJ with her daughter 16 years ago. She is currently the pastor of Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida Wesley in Trenton and will continue that appointment in addition to Chambers UMC. She is enrolled in the Course of Studies at Wesley Theological Seminary in DC. One of her passions is working in mission while creating authentic relationships with the community and she is currently the chair of the National Plan for Hispanic-Latino Ministries in GNJ.

Rene Yon Pak is a bi-cultural and bi-lingual Korean-American. She has been serving cross-cultural appointments throughout her ministry. She will serve Lakehurst UMC in Lakehurst and continue to serve her current appointment at Faith Community UMC. She previously served in both suburban and rural churches in northern New Jersey. She has a M.Div. from Drew Theological School. She enjoys hiking, bicycling and yoga. She has been a long distance walker. She walked the pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) both in Spain and Portugal.

Mark Tarmann is a member and lay servant for Hammonton UMC and is proud to be following in his grandfather’s footsteps to use the Lord’s gifts as a Methodist pastor. Mark is a dynamic speaker, researcher, and author dedicated to millennial employee development, retention and leadership succession. He earned a Doctorate in Business Administration with an emphasis on project management from Walden University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix and Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of California at Davis. He is a devoted husband and father.

Kellie is a local pastor and in the candidacy process. She was raised with a very strong Christian foundation and lives a God-fearing life. She was baptized at fourteen. Then came into a personal relationship with Christ at twenty-one. She has always been very active in the church through helping in church ministries, teaching, youth ministry, community outreach and preaching when given the opportunity. She brings an unshaken faith and unconditional love to her new appointment. Kellie’s heart’s joy is her family. She is a loving wife, mother of three adult children and Nana to a beautiful granddaughter.

Karen Murray has been employed by First United Methodist Church of Moorestown, for over 20 years; first as Director of Youth Ministries and presently as Director of Christian Education and Community Life. Karen first heard God’s call when she was a teenager while on a youth retreat. After many years serving as a special education teacher, Karen entered into full-time ministry. Karen is passionate about leading all people into a deeper relationship with God through sharing God’s unconditional love. Karen gives her all to the community she is serving and is looking forward to serving as a local pastor.

Ronald Wilkinson has served as pastor at Squankum UMC for the last year and is currently studying at Wesley Theological Seminary. He has been married for 29 years and works in the IT field. During his free time, he enjoys reading, music, playing the trumpet, watching comedies and sci-fi movies and star gazing with his telescope. He has a passion for Christ and sharing the changes in his life, and is looking forward to seeing what God will continue to do in his life and that of the congregation’s lives.

Namjo Jin is currently serving as Associate Pastor at Trinity UMC and Wesley UMC. He received his M.Div from Drew Theological School in 2012. His background includes seven years serving in local churches in various departments- administration, youth, young adults, and special needs ministry. He feels called to preaching and teaching the Word and is most passionate about serving “the least of these.” He loves listening to music, following NBA & UFC, and trying out new cuisines and restaurants. He got married last summer and hopes to own a Samoyed one day.

Geralda Aldajuste is currently serving at Masonville-Rancocas UMC in Mount Laurel, NJ. Previously she pastored at Trinity UMC in Newark, NJ. She has worked as a funeral director and death investigator. Geralda obtained a B. A. in Psychology from the College of St. Elizabeth and a M.Div from Drew Theological School. While at Drew she completed the CPE program at JFK Medical Center in Edison, NJ. Although she is a grief, and end of life specialist, she has a passion for pastoral care, teaching, and outreach ministries. Geralda enjoys good food, vacationing with family and hanging out with friends.

Tanya Linn Bennett serves as Associate Dean for Vocation and Formation, Associate Professor in the Practice of Public Theology and Vocation, at the Theological School at Drew University. She frequently serves on the writing and design teams for jurisdictional and general conference worship events. Tanya has served several churches and joyfully returns to Covenant UMC Plainfield where she was appointed as a student pastor in 1999! Tanya and her husband Ken has four grown children, Caty, Avery, Teddy and Liza. She graduated from Allegheny College with a BA in Communications, and from the Theological School at Drew with her M.Div. and Ph.D.

In 2017, Nicholas graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Religion. During undergrad, Nicholas led a campus ministry, became ordained in a non-denominational church, and served as a chaplain at the juvenile justice center. In 2018, Nicholas provided spiritual care as a chaplain in the Trauma Ward at Capital Health Regional Medical Center. During that summer, Nicholas was also appointed as the associate pastor of the United Methodist Church at New Brunswick. Nicholas is currently a dual masters candidate in Divinity and Social Work at Princeton Theological Seminary and Rutgers University.

Born and raised in a Hindu family, Rajkumar through a missionary who came to his tiny village in India. He began ministry in Bangalore on an Evangelistic Team. Rajkumar earned B.Th in 1997, M.Div in 2011, one unit of clinical pastoral education in 2015 and is pursuing a D.Min at Palmer Theological Seminary. He started ministry as a church planter in diverse communities. His heart’s desire is to reach the Indian diaspora and diverse communities out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is married to Sarojini and together they have two children, Ricky and Jessie.

Pedro was born in Cuba, where he complete a degree in Theology at the Evangelical Seminary of Theology (SET) of Matanzas and served as a pastor for 20 years. He served as Church Historian and Secretary of the Annual and general Conference and as Academic Dean of the Methodist Evangelical Seminary. In 2013, He came to the United States with his wife and three children. Most recently he has served as pastor of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Union city and as a part of the Hispanic Ministry team in GNJ.

In over 30 years in ministry, John has served in diverse settings including suburban, urban and rural churches, hospice and hospital chaplaincy, clinical pastoral education and as a corporate director. Currently, he is chaplain at Meadow Lakes, a Springpoint Senior Living community in East Windsor, where he combines his passions for pastoral care and working with older adults. He also serves as GNJ Conference Historian and Chairperson of the Commission on Archives and History, and UMC’s Committee on Older Adult Ministry through Discipleship Resources. He and his wife Ellen live in Rockaway with their cat Mara, who has them well-trained.

Nick was ordained in 1972 and served ministries in Buffalo, NY, Puerto Rico, and on the Bowery in Manhattan. As a Jesuit priest in solidarity with marginalized persons, he lived for several months in anonymity on Skid Row in Portland, OR. Nick was welcomed as an elder in the UMC in 1987 and has served six United Methodist Churches. He and his wife have ministered to orphans and vulnerable children in Uganda. Nick is the author of The Bible Through the Seasons, a Three-Year Journey with the Bible. He is a counselor, spiritual director, retreat leader, musician and ventriloquist.

Federico Quezada was born in the Dominican Republic. He graduated from Drew University with a Master’s Degree in Divinity and has been serving in Greater New jersey for over 18 years. He has a passion for urban ministry. Frederico is very relational and he has much experience working with cross cultural and multicultural communities. He is happily married to Rev. Isabel Quezada and are the proud parents of four children.

Larry Durfee will serve Asbury UMC and continue to serve his current appointment at Montana UMC. Previously, he served in lay leadership positions at Changewater UMC resulting in establishing ministries including Blue Christmas service, Blessing of the Animals, and Spiritual Thursday. Larry was a practicing Electronics Engineer for over 45 years and now, in retirement, he looks forward to a life of pastoral ministry. Larry and his wife Barbara have five grown children and nine grandchildren. They enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Keith has served as Pastor at Leesburg and Delmont United Methodist Churches for the last three years. Prior to that, he served as Pastoral Assistant at Lifegate Church in Somers Point and as a Lay Minister at Trinity in Marmora. He is an exhorter- passionately encouraging people to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves teaching through preaching and Bible study and serving the less fortunate. He and his wife, Bonnie, established “Sock Rock” a ministry which collects and distributes socks to the less fortunate. Keith and his wife have two wonderful children, a dog and two cats.

Michael Denelsbeck has been serving in the pulpit since 2013. He started his pastorate at Rosenhayn UMC and later assigned to Zion UMC in Dividing Creek, as a two-point charge. Mike is very active in several ministries in the surrounding communities, on a state level, and even globally. Mike will be receiving his BS in Religious studies this May and will be starting seminary in the fall. He has been married to the love of his life, Rhonda, for more than 30 years, and is the proud father of four adult children.

Gerri Ridings has served Green Creek UMC, Dias Creek UMC and Goshen UMC. She has been a licensed local pastor since 2009 and anticipates graduating from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2020. Prior to entering pastoral ministry, Gerri spent over two decades in ministry with families, youth and children. She has a passion for finding creative, new ways to share the Gospel and helping young people discover their place in the Body of Christ. She and her husband Chris enjoy time with their five children, seven grandchildren and one small dog.

Diane will continue to serve her current appointment of Rhoades Temple UMC as she takes on her new appointment. She started her ministry at St. Matthews UM Church in Delair. She previously served John Wesley UMC and Fairview Village UMC. Diane was licensed at Drew University, graduated with a certificate in Pastoral Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University and graduated in 2017 from Wesley Theological Seminary. She has been married to Walter Arthur Jr. for 26 years. Diane has 2 sons, Bernard and James and 3 stepchildren, Donna, Walter, and Melanie. They are the proud grandparents of 20 grandchildren and five great, grandchildren.

Rosemary Rentas holds degrees from Drew University Theological School (M.Div.) and Thomas Edison State University (B.A. in Business Administration) and trained with the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry. Currently she is doing Clinical Pastoral Education Residency at Capital Health Trauma Center. As part of her training she works with a facilitating group in the mental unit. She serves in leadership in Youth Council of GNJ, Hispanic Emmaus, El Comite Hispano and the Maker’s Place. She is passionate in connecting with people and sharing the light and love of Christ. Rosemary is married to Jesus and they have two children, Jesus and Selena

Heasun Kim has been retired since 2017. Prior to her retirement, she most recently served Simpson UMC in Old Bridge for 17 years. She also served Korean Community Church, Englewood, Morristown UMC and Linden UMC. She holds M.T.S., M.Div., and D.Min. from Drew Theological School. During her ministry at Simpson UMC, she led the congregation to build a multi-purpose hall through two three-year capital campaigns. Heasun has a passion for preaching, teaching, and community building. She is married to Dr. Hongkyu Kim. They have two grown daughters (and their husbands) and four grandchildren.

Helen Hunter has been a Certified Lay Minister since 2011 serving at Wesley UMC in South Plainfield, Trinity UMC in Spotswood and Diamond Hill UMC in Berkeley Heights. She is currently at Springdale UMC in Warren and New Providence UMC. She has worked as a geriatric social worker and a spiritual director and counselor. Helen has a B.A. and MSW from Rutgers and a Diploma in Pastoral Theology and Spiritual Direction from the Blessed Edmund Rice School for Pastoral Ministry in Arcadia, Florida. She is currently in the process of becoming a Licensed Local Pastor. Helen is married with two adult children.

Enger Muteteke serves Grace Union UMC and Winslow UMC. She is a provisional member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference commissioned in 2015. Enger has a passion for preaching, teaching, justice ministries, and community outreach ministries having served in pastoral ministry in Severna Park and Glen Burnie, MD. She also 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.

Donna has served as a diaconal minister and a certified Minister of Music for many years at Oceanport UMC. She has served as organist/director at Old First UMC (Long Branch) while they looked for a new musician. She has also served as liturgist for worship services. She has a MTS from Drew Theological School and has been leading a Bible study at Oceanport Gardens, a senior citizen housing complex in Oceanport, since 1990. Before that she taught in the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School System for 25 years.

Lyssette N. Pérez has been in ministry for over 25 years. She has served in diverse settings including ethnic, multicultural, reconciling, suburban and urban churches at the UMC of the Rockaways, Asbury UMC in Camden, Christ UMC in Lakewood and Lafayette UMC in Jersey City. She served for three years in leadership at the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference and served for six years on the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM), in the Latin American and the Caribbean office and Manager of the Honduras Mission.

Jacqueline “Jacki” Pillot is currently the pastor at Wenonah and New Sharon UMCs. Jacki received her MDiv from Drew University Theological School. While at Drew, Jacki was a student intern with Northern Shore Mosaic Ministries. Jacki met her husband Pedro while at Drew, and has been married since October 2017. Jacki and Pedro are raising Elba, who is the light of their lives! Jacki is excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what God does through her!

John accepted the call to ministry at the Mt. Zion Wesley Church (1976). John’s educational experiences include: Wilmington University (Ed. D. Ed. Leadership, 2005) Rowan University (M. A. Leadership, 1997), Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.A.R. 1986), Glassboro State College (B.A. 1975) and Deptford High School (1972). He served: First Church, Bridgeton (2014-), Saint Matthews Church, Delair (1987-2014), and State Street Church, Camden (1982-1987). Previously, he worked in Camden City as: Special Assignment to the Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Principal, Director and Teacher. John has two sons: Robert and John, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. To God be the Glory!

Chris has spent the last year serving as youth/young adult pastor at New Dover UMC, has served GNJ churches through Mosaic Ministries and served camping and homeless ministries before seminary. He will be receiving his M. Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary this spring. Chris is passionate about teaching, finding ways of growing in discipleship together and learning what effective evangelism looks like in our own day and age. He enjoys reading, good movies and spending time with close friends. He has the awesome privilege and honor of being married to his best friend, Rachel.

Joshua attended Wesley Theological Seminary, interned at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, worked for The National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Services (NCMAF), and was commissioned as a Chaplain Candidate in the US Navy.  He graduated from West Chester University, PA (2012). Prior to seminary, Joshua taught middle school for two years.He is currently serving both Everittstown United Methodist Church and Pattenburg United Methodist Church. Additionally, he completed two units of CPE at two different locations: Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey and St. Luke’s University Hospital in Bethlehem, PA. He recently became engaged and plans on getting married in November 2019.

David has faithfully served Zion UMC in Egg Harbor Township since 2008. Previously he pastored Ewan and was on the pastoral staff at Elmer. He has a M.Div. from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio and a M.A. in Hebrew Scriptures from Temple University. Prior to coming into full time ministry he worked as a case worker and program manager in community mental health. He has a passion for helping people discover their place in God’s mission. David is married to Pamela, a special education teacher, and they have two adult children, Ryan and Erin.

Beth has served as a pastor at Sharptown North and North Hunterdon UMC. She also served as Director of Small Group Ministries where she championed the creation of Team Vital for Greater New Jersey. She is President of the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Wesleyan Covenant Association and an active trustee at Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. She earned her MDIV from Drew and BA from UPENN. She and husband Tom enjoy family life with their three children and cat Bella. Exercise, travel, good food, friends and solitude when possible are a few of her other favorite pursuits.

Robyne is currently on loan to the Desert Southwest Conference serving Journey UMC in Las Vegas Nevada. Previously, she served Branchville and Frankford Plains. She has an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from Penn State, a Bachelor of Science with a focus on psychology from Thomas Edison State University, and a M.Div from Drew Theological School. Robyne was trained as a coach through the International Coach Federation. She and her husband Robert have four children: Jessica, Shawn, Ryan and Katie. She is passionate about spiritual formation, development of lay leadership, preaching with life application and teaching.

Samuel Park was born and raised in the New York City area. He comes from a family of pastors, and felt called to enter pastoral ministry during a college mission trip. He previously served churches in New York and Maryland, and is currently at Arcola Covenant Community of Arcola KUMC in Paramus. Sam has a passion for preaching and teaching, the local church and missions. He has a M.Div from Drew Theological School and is finishing his D.Min at Wesley Seminary. He and his wife Grace have two wonderful children, Joshua and Johannah.

Ji Sun Yang is currently serving Repaupo United Methodist Church and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Bridgeport. Ji Sun was born and raised in South Korea, graduated college with a computer science degree and worked as a programmer and project manager in Korea. She completed a Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School, and her first ministry with children affirmed her calling. She is passionate about sharing the story of God and people in Scripture and today, is gifted in music, and loves to learn and try new things. Her husband, Sungwoo Aiden Lee, is her best friend and supporter.

Rev. Dr. Jisun Kwak is currently serving Christ Church United Methodist in Fair Haven and Embury United Methodist Church in Little Silver. 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 taught and led various seminars on the subject.

Keeyoung (Kee) Yang has been serving at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Bay Head for five years. Previously, he served at Pitman UMC, Appenzeller Nari KUMC, NJ, Long Island KUMC, NY and Hartford KUMC, CT. He received his Master of Divinity from New York Theological Seminary while studying at the Pastor Care and Counseling program at Blanton-Peale Institute & Counseling Center, NY. He is an ordained elder in full connection. He loves to play tennis, ping-pong, and golf as well as watch movies with his family. Kee is married to Grace (Kyungsuk) and they have two children, Daniel and Jenny.

Richard Romero, who currently serves St. Luke’s UMC in Long Branch, has successfully served in cross-cultural/cross-racial appointments including Asbury UMC in Camden and Aura UMC in Monroeville. He served as a community organizer for the Shalom Center at Drew University. Richard holds degrees from Montclair State University in Religious Studies (B.A.) and Drew University Theological School (M.Div.) and trained with the National Plan for Hispanic Ministry and Community Development/Church for All People. He is passionate about worship and multicultural and justice ministries. He is an artist that loves to spend time with his wife, Rev. Amarilys Gonzalez, and son, Nathan.

Tom is completing his tenth year as pastor of Good Shepherd, Northfield and fourth year as pastor of Lifegate Church, Somers Point. He has served as a Circuit Leader for the Cape Atlantic District, completed Coach Approach Skill Training and has coached clergy on his district. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Finance from Pennsylvania State University, a Non-Profit Board Leadership Certificate from LaSalle University, and a Masters of Divinity degree from Palmer Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Gwen have three awesome children and a beautiful daughter-in-law.

Steve is completing his eighth year as Skylands District Superintendent. Previously, he served in the United Methodist Star Parish in Warren County, Associate Conference Council Director for Camping and Retreats/Resident Director at Aldersgate, as well as pastor in Branchville and Butler. He is a graduate of Albright College, Drew University, holds a certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Guild for Spiritual Guidance and is a Minister of Christian Education. Steve has a passion for preaching, teaching, mission engagement, coaching and community building. He is married to the Rev. Ellen Mearns Bechtold. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.

Christina Lelache is currently serving as the Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation at Haddonfield UMC. She received her M.Div from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, where she also served as the Student Associate Pastor at William Street UMC. At the conference level, Christina serves on the Board of Ordained Ministry. She has a heart for learning, engaging spirituality through creativity and helping people deepen their love of God. Christina enjoys reading, exploring the wonder of God’s creation through photography and spending time with her husband and daughter.

During college, Matt clarified his call to ministry while working at Tennessee, Mountain. T.O.P., He interned at the Wesley Foundation at the University of Montana, and participated in the Christian ministry (ACMNP) of Yellowstone National Park.  Prior to coming to NJ to obtain his M.Div, he worked as a prosecutor and in a soup kitchen at Audubon Park UMC in Spokane WA.  Since July 2017, he has served as pastor of Titusville UMC, through Mosaic Ministries.  His work as a prosecutor informs his faith with grace and forgiveness and his ministry works with all people to lead them to know Jesus Christ.

Janice has been serving as pastor of Sparta UMC. Previously, she served Highland Park and Wantage. She finds great spiritual depth in the liturgical calendar, centering prayer, contemplative worship and conversations of faith. She is a passionate preacher who considers leading worship an enormous privilege. Janice began preaching in 1997 at the Bowery Mission while an advertising account executive in NYC where she was a member at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church. Janice is a fully trained coach and has served the district and GNJ on conference committees including Communications, COSROW, CUIRC, DCOM and CF&A.

Shawn Callender Hogan is a fourth-generation Methodist clergyperson. She responded to a childhood call into ministry and has been in ordained ministry for 37 years. She received a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and has served churches in Neshanic Station, Ridgefield Park, Dumont, Whitehouse, and Summit. Among other conference responsibilities, she served as the Chair of the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry for five years and is completing a certification program for spiritual direction.

Lan Wilson is a Kentucky native who has been leading worship since he was ten. He comes from a family with four generations of pastors and has traveled the world doing ministry and music. He is a graduate of Sullivan University and Georgetown College. Lan most recently served as worship pastor for Cross Point Church, a multi-cultural, multi-site, multi-generational United Methodist Church in Harrisburg, PA. Lan loves food, music (especially karaoke), and new adventures. He is really looking forward to building new relationships in GNJ. Lan will be joining the GNJ staff team on February 14, 2019.

Drew A. Dyson has been a United Methodist pastor for 19 years, most recently serving as District Superintendent for the Raritan Valley District. He has served as a lead pastor, seminary professor, denominational executive for young people’s ministry, and an associate pastor. He has authored several books, primarily focused on ministry with young people and most recently Wesleyan missionaries theology. He holds both his M.Div. and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Rev. Diane Dyson (a GNJ Deacon) have four children: Timothy, Jeremy, William, and Allison.

Héctor A. Burgos currently serves as GNJ’s Director of Connectional Ministries. He has previously served as pastor of Oasis UMC in Pleasantville, associate pastor of FUMC of Tuckerton, assistant pastor of West Creek UMC and on MARCHA’s executive team. He has an M.Div from Drew University and a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Puerto Rico. He is a Lewis Community Leaders Fellow and a Certified ICA Coach. He is passionate about urban, multicultural and justice ministries. Hector is married to Jazelis Adorno, pastor at Simpson UMC in Perth Amboy, and they have four children Fabian, Joel, Marcos and Valeria.

Sang Won Doh is senior pastor at Calvary Korean UMC. He is currently serving Calvary Korean UMC in East Brunswick where his grew the congregation from 500 to 950 in worship. Previously, he served Monmouth Grace UMC in Eatontown where attendance grew from 110 to 300. As a result, he became the recipient of Denman Evangelism award in 2003. Sang Won Doh served as a member of Board of Ordain Ministry from 2000-2012 and Order of Elder Co-Chair from 2004-2008. He is currently serving the Chair of the Connectional Table Chair for GNJ. He is a turnaround spiritual leader.

Eunice Vega-Perez currently leads Bishop Janes UMC in Basking Ridge and on the Executive Committee of the GNJ Board of Ordained Ministry. She has effectively served in cross cultural/cross racial appointments since 2003. She has a D.Min. in Church Leadership Excellence from Wesley Theological Seminary, an M.Div from Drew University and a BS in Nursing from the University of Puerto Rico. Eunice has served a wide range of leadership positions including as a clergy delegate to the 2016 General Conference, on the executive team of MARCHA and as a board member of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.

A lifelong United Methodist, Scott Clifton has served Chambers UMC, Jackson UMC as assistant pastor and Saint Andrew UMC as youth leader. Scott believes that when we let God’s love work through us we can then share that love with others. The way we share God’s love with others may be the only time they see the love of Christ. He is working to complete a Masters of Divinity at Drew University Theological School. He is married with six children.

Hyun-Bo Shim was ordained 1998 and has served local churches including Harvey Memorial in Pt. Pleasant, Old First in Long Branch and Fairton and Dividing Creek. In 2016, he joined the Army National Guard to serve beyond the walls of the church. He represents and serves the church in a unique setting that cannot be ministered by a civilian clergy. He will be deployed overseas to serve soldiers beginning January 26, 2019. He will fulfill the army chaplain’s motto, “For God and Country” with a duty to “nurture the living, care for the wounded, and honor the fallen”.

Susan Victor found her faith home in the United Methodist Church after moving to the US from India. She completed her theological training at Union Biblical Seminary, India and Princeton Theological Seminary. She has an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and is a licensed clinical social worker. Susan is serving as Chaplain and Director of Counseling at Womanspace: a not for profit social service agency that serves individuals and families impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault and Princeton UMC where she particularly loves working with the confirmation class each year.

Eric Drew has served as the GNJ Director of Worship since 2014. In that role, he championed IGNITE youth conference, helped relaunch GNJ camps and initiated the annual IGNITE Youth Leaders Day resourcing program. In addition, he served as GNJ’s worship leader during Annual Conference and at all major events, released a CD of his own Weslyan-based music, led countless workshops, resourced innovative ministries in GNJ local churches and led the development of the new worship series initiative Breakthrough. Eric shares his life with his wife Dulce and their twin daughters.