The weekend of September 14-15 was one of celebration as Greater New Jersey installed three new district superintendents to lead in the central and northern regions.
“Breaking Down Walls” was the theme of Rev. Dr. Eunice Vega Perez’s installation as the Skylands District Superintendent, which was hosted by Trinity UMC in Hackettstown on Saturday. The service featured clergy and lay leaders from Skylands who shared their wisdom and vision for Vega Perez’s leadership. Her family celebrated this moment by participating in the service. Her daughter, Elisabet performed a liturgical dance; her daughter, Kiana sang and her daughter, Keila expressed her sentiments through video. At the end of the service, each worshiper was handed a piece of brick to represent the walls coming down.
Rev. Sang-Won Doh used Romans 11:2-6 to anchor his message and cast his vision for Raritan Valley at his installation as the superintendent on Sunday at Calvary Korean UMC in East Brunswick. He looked out into the congregation and called Raritan Valley leaders to be the remnants chosen by grace. The service was hosted at the church where he served for nine years and was celebrated by the congregation and Bishop Young Jin Cho, who was appointed to the church earlier this year. Music was lifted in Korean and English by the Calvary Korean UMC Young Adult Praise Team, the Calvary Korean UMC Choir and the Calvary Yebit Women’s Choir.
As the installation service of Rev. Hector A. Burgos at Trinity UMC in Ewing began later on Sunday, the Rev. Richard Romero of Trinity UMC in Bordentown quietly set up an easel, canvas and drop cloth directly in front of the altar. While the service unfolded, Romero painted. In his sermon, Burgos set out a vision for the church, challenging leaders to listen to God’s call, trust in the message and dare to do what is needed. Burgos’ daughter, Valeria charmed the celebration with a liturgical dance; his son, Fabian played drums in the praise band and his sister, Nilda read scripture. At the end of the service, the painting that Romero called “God’s Vision” was gifted to Burgos.
The services each reflected the ministry of the superintendents and their commitments to lead. Several GNJ leaders were able to attend all three and came away moved by the strength and courage of each of the messages.
“This weekend will sit with me for a long time. I am grateful for the leadership, wisdom and vision of our three newest district superintendents and what they bring to our existing awesome cabinet. I am excited where God is taking GNJ and how my leadership will be impacted.” said Rev. Catherine Jordan-Latham, pastor of Simply Grace UMC.