2022 Appointments

About Joel S. Garrett

Joel Garrett grew up in New Castle, PA and is a graduate of Shenango High School. After receiving a BA from John Wesley College in Greensboro, NC, he completed work on an M.Div from Asbury Theological Seminary.
Joel has served churches in Johnstown, Sharon, Beaver Falls, McMurray, and Holiday Park in Plum Boro, Allegheny County. In 2013 Joel was named Superintendent of the Butler District, where he served until he retired in 2018.
 
Even though his days of receiving an annual appointment came to an end when he retired, Joel believes firmly that God still calls. Since retiring he has served three interim assignments at Greensburg First, Community United Methodist in Harrison City, and Leechburg. Joel looks forward to working with the good people of Christ Church North Huntington as they continue to emerge from a Covid culture, finding fresh ways to make God’s love real and invite others to believe.
 

About North Huntingdon: Christ United Methodist Church

Christ United Methodist Church of North Huntingdon is a faith community in Westmoreland County, serving North Huntingdon, McKeesport, White Oak, Coulter and Penns Woods. It grew out of the former Coulter United Methodist Church, whose pastor became the first pastor of the new congregation. Since then, Penns Woods church has joined with Christ to continue their mission of “Knowing Christ and making Him known.”

The congregation is active in its community, supporting a local Food Pantry, Blackburn Center Women’s Shelter, and Bountiful Blessings, among others. A community preschool, Sonbeam Preschool, meets in the building three mornings a week. They host “Happy Hearts,” a monthly senior citizens’ luncheon and program, and a weekly AA meeting.

Worship and Education activities include Sunday School, VBS, Vocal Choir, Bell Choir and Bible Studies. They  also enjoy getting together for roast beef dinners and peach and strawberry festivals throughout the year.

About Adam C. Sweigart

Adam C. Sweigart was born in Lancaster PA, but as a pastor's son, he grew up in many different towns and now resides in Latrobe Pa.  He has attended Latrobe United Methodist Church for the past 12 years and currently is the Lay Leader.  He is also the liturgist for the church, and at times, delivers the Sunday message. Adam has been a part of nursing home ministries for seven years, leads bible studies and small home groups, and for 10 years has cooked dinner with a team for family nights for the community. 

Adam says he is beyond blessed to have three great children. He is close with his family, including his two sisters and brothers-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and his wonderful mother and father.

Adam's calling has been a long one, but he says, "I do know that God works in not only my life, but all of our lives, and I try each and every day to live for him and others.  I am excited to see where God is going to take me in life."
 

About United 4 Christ Charge

The United 4 Christ Charge in the Greensburg District was established on July 1, 2021 after an agreement between four Christ-loving churches that united to spread the good news of God in Jesus Christ.  The churches are Derry First, Hillside, Pleasant Unity and Calvary-Lycippus United Methodist churches.  The United 4 Christ charge has two appointed pastors.  The emphasis of the churches has been to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Since July 1, 2021, the churches have been successful in building ministries in the local communities, reaching out to new members, loving current members, and unifying the body of Christ within the charge. 

About Clint Phillips

Clint served as a youth pastor for three years and an associate pastor at Bethany United Methodist for two of those years. Since then he has served at Greensburg Trinity and Jeannette First Charge and Punxsutawney Cross Town Ministries. Clint is currently serving as the pastor at Mt Zion in DuBois, PA. Clint has also served on the Conference Young Adult Committee as well as Trustees, Building and Locations and Youth Committee Chair in the Indiana District. Clint is also a member of the Order of the Flame, in connection with World Methodist Evangelism. 

About Lower Burrell: Bethel UMC

Bethel UMC  is an active Christian community of faith that is joyful in praise, loving in relationships, and caring in service with a strong emphasis on building relationships with God and with one another. The congregation is committed to  responding to God’s grace and generosity in Jesus Christ by passing it on during worship and through a wide variety of ministries, missions, small group settings and fellowship opportunities that reach out to touch and make a difference in the lives of people of all ages.

The church offers programs that focus on children, youth, young adults, families, men’s and women’s fellowship, Bible study and service. They are proud of their unique ministries, including the “Let It Shine” blacklight puppet ministry, vouchers for shoes provided to local schools to support families in need, support to an orphanage in Zimbabwe, rummage sales, various music ministries, camperships to help with the cost of attending United Methodist summer camps, an annual Christmas party for individuals with special challenges from our community and beyond, and handmade nativity sets provided to all children of the church over the course of their elementary years.

About Beth Meier

Beth Meier grew up in North Huntingdon, PA, attending Christ United Methodist Church with her family.  Her church family played a large part in the growth of her faith.  In high school, she began to experience a call to ministry. While attending Grove City College, she majored in Biblical studies, preparing to further her education in seminary.  Shortly after graduation, some major hurdles prevented her from continuing to pursue her call. 

Many years later, God continued to persist in calling her to ministry. She attended Licensing School, and began her first appointment at Saltsburg United Methodist Church in 2015, adding New Alexandria United Methodist Church 18 months later while attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.  In 2019, Beth was appointed to The United Charge for Christ, a three-point charge in Elderton, in the Indiana District, where she presently serves. 

The mother of three grown children and grandmother of three boys, Beth enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, biking, playing tennis, and being outdoors.  She also enjoys leading worship, sharing in ministry inside and outside the walls of the church, and interacting with and welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds, and places.  Together, we are the Church!
 

About Oakmont United Methodist Church

Oakmont United Methodist Church is a vital congregation in a quaint community on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. Easy access to downtown and the Pennsylvania Turnpike make it an ideal place to live. Two notable landmarks are the Oakmont Bakery and Oakmont Country Club, home of numerous U.S. Open golf tournaments. The stated purpose of this church is: to grow in our dedication to the worship of God, the teaching of God’s word and the caring ministry of Christ.  We do this through Jesus’ grace, mercy, and love which we share with the world through our daily living. 

Oakmont UMC has a very active outreach in the area through local missions and the United Methodist Women.  Three church-wide events that generate funds for these ministries are the annual church Christmas Bazaar, caramel-making, and the notorious in-house Mystery Dinner Theatre.

Worship is provided in both traditional and contemporary praise and chorus styles.  Preaching and teaching are presented in classical Biblical based formats where the inspired inerrant word of God is proclaimed.  The emphasis is on living in a vital relationship with Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. A strong effort is made to minister to children, youth and families.  The care of seniors, the grieving and the sick is also a priority.  All in all, the Oakmont United Methodist Church people strive to be ambassadors of Jesus Christ to all people with a sincere heart for the least, the lost and the lonely.

About Kelly J. Smith

About Monroeville United Methodist Church

Monroeville United Methodist Church (MUM) strives to be a community of faith where all of God’s children are welcomed. They pray the peace of Christ will flow through them to make a loving difference in their lives, their community, and the world around us.

For more than 50 years MUM Preschool has provided the youngest members of Pittsburgh's eastern suburban families with exceptional opportunities for learning and social development.  The church also supports the Sunrise School, a local school for children with special needs.  MUM has been a long-term partner with East End Cooperative Ministries, including preparing meals to the men’s homeless shelter in East Liberty.  Regular support is also provided to the Garden City UMC Food Pantry.

Worship at MUM includes a variety of music ministries as well as a monthly Taize service.  Abundant opportunities for life-long learning include the Adult Seekers class (a Reconciling Ministry). The Holy Hands quilters group supplies lovingly made quilts to those in the community requiring long-term care. In these ministries, and in many others, MUM is committed to the full participation of all people.
 

About Sang Kong Choi

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has announced that she will appoint the Rev. Dr. Sang Choi as Superintendent for the Kane District, effective July 1. 
 
Rev Choi will bring a number of gifts to the Kane District including effective leadership experience in rural and suburban churches and in starting a new congregation.  Rev. Choi earned a Doctor of Ministry in Church Servant Leadership from Wesley Theological Seminary and a Master’s level degree in Pastoral Care and Pastoral Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a graduate of Seoul Methodist Theological University in South Korea and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological School. University in New Jersey.  He has completed the United Methodist Foundation's Pastors Academy for Stewardship and completed Clinical Pastoral Education at Overlook Hospital in Chatham, New Jersey.
 
Rev.Choi has an evangelical spirit.  He first experienced a call to ministry during his childhood living in a parsonage, but after immigrating to the U.S., he was "struck by grace" during a retreat similar to the Walk to Emmaus. He experienced what John Wesley called  “enlightening of divine grace.”  He has a deep commitment to the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, and discernment. 
 
Rev. Choi is deeply relational.  He is clear about his personal convictions and has demonstrated an ability to work with people with many different perspectives and from many different cultures. He served a brief time in overseas mission experiences with indigenous tribes in Canada and Peru. 

In 2001, Rev. Choi was commissioned by the General Board of Global Ministries and appointed to the Pittsburgh District to launch new Korean congregation, which met at Mt. Lebanon UMC. He served there for five years before being appointed to serve Houston and Bentleyville UMCs.He then served at Erie First UMC from 2013-2015, when he began serving in his current appointment at Christ UMC in North Huntingdon. 
 
Before coming to Western Pennsylvania, Rev. Choi served churches in the New York and the Detroit conferences, so he will bring to Kane experience with cold weather and snow.  He will also bring with him a spirit of joy. One of his favorite Bible verses is 1 Thessalonians 5:16 which reads, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
 
Rev. Sang Choi is joined in ministry by his wife Grace Choi.  They have two grown children. Jeannie is a graduate student atCarnegie Mellon University and Tiffany is a Laboratory Technologist at Allegheny General Hospital. 
 

About Kane District Superintendent

From the rolling farmlands of western Warren County, to the scenic beauty of the Allegheny National Forest, to the ancient wonder of the Appalachian foothills in Elk, Cameron, and Potter counties, the Kane District is a place where the glory of God’s Creation is on full display. The largest of our 10 districts by land area, the Kane District is comprised of all or part of seven Pennsylvania counties – Cameron, Clarion, Elk, Forest, McKean, Potter, and Warren.

The phrase “town and country ministry” is an excellent way to describe the ministry settings in the district. Many faithful and creative lay and clergy leaders are reaching out to their communities in rural areas, towns, and a few small cities.

This district supports the work of three historic United Methodist ministries that are located within its bounds – Wesley Woods Camp, Olmsted Manor Retreat Center, and the Ruth M. Smith Center. To equip and deploy its people for the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, the district has organized into cluster groups, expanding efforts in cooperative ministry and bringing the words of Ephesians 4:16 to life – “From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
 

About Kyle Eisenhuth

Kyle Eisenhuth was raised in Harrison City, PA, where he graduated from Penn-Trafford High School. He earned a BS in Business Administration from Liberty University and anticipates graduating this spring with an MDiv from Asbury Seminary.  During his time at Liberty, Kyle was active in the pro-life movement. He is proud of his advocacy for pregnant and parenting students on Liberty’s campus.

Kyle has served the United 4 Christ Charge since July. This charge consists of four churches in and near Pleasant Unity and Derry. Kyle’s gifts in ministry include preaching and casting a vision. He has a heart for discipleship and spiritual growth.

Kyle enjoys spending time with friends and family. He also enjoys walking his dog, Bridget.  Kyle is close with his family. His parents reside in Harrison City. He has two sisters: Lauren is a senior at James Madison University, and Sarah is a freshman at Westminster College. Kyle’s grandparents and extended family live in and near Knox and Clarion.
 

About Marion Center First United Methodist Church

Marion Center First United Methodist Church is located in northern Indiana County, close to the Marion Center School District, home of the Stingers. This small, family-oriented church prides itself in working alongside the community. For many years the church has partnered with the local Presbyterian and Lutheran congregations to host a community Vacation Bible School each July. They also open their doors twice a week for a free community clothing cupboard.

Each Memorial Day the church hosts an ice cream social to raise funds for youth camperships and missions. And for the past few years they have been hosting Red Cross Blood Drives twice a year. The church does it’s best to live up to its mission statement, “A church with the heart of Christ, working with the community.”
 

About Edward Schoeneck

The Rev. Edward Schoeneck will be appointed to Edinboro UMC beginning July 1, 2022, following the retirement of the Rev. Lisa Grant.

Ed was born in raised in Syracuse, New York and felt a call towards ministry while in high school. He attended St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY and was blessed to have opportunity to study in Kenya, where he worked with the National Christian Council of Kenya in a mission outside Nairobi. After graduation, he worked in business for seven years, first with Gillette Safety Razor Co., which brought him to Pittsburgh in 1982.

Ed reclaimed the call he felt years earlier, enrolled at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1987, and began his first appointment at West Side UMC in McKeesport the following year.  

During those seminary years, Ed met his wife Kathleen, who was studying to be an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA. They were married after graduation and were an Interdenominational clergy couple for 17 years until Kathleen joined the United Methodist Church, WPA Conference in 2010. 

One of their greatest blessings came in 2003 when they traveled to China to welcome their daughter Elisha to the family.  Elisha has been very active with the Western PA Conference, serving on the Youth Ministry Team, attending Conference Camps and traveling to Zimbabwe for Zim Camp in 2019. She is now in her freshman year at Duquesne University studying for a career in Physical Therapy.  The Schoeneck’s recently added a new member to the family from Animal Rescue in Greensburg -- a little Australian Cattle Dog named Indigo. 

After his student appointment, Ed served:  St. John’s and Forestville UMC, Slippery Rock Area (1992-1997); College Hill UMC, Beaver Falls (1997-2006); Grove Ave UMC, Johnstown (2006-2014); and has been serving at Monroeville UMC since 2014.  Ed is a relational collaborative pastor who seeks to help churches hear, respond and grow in their discipleship together as the Body of Christ in their ministry contexts.   He just finished Transitional Ministry training at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary this past fall and hopes to help churches discover the new life God may bring through the adversity and change of our current times. 

Ed loves to play guitar and has played in several praise bands in the churches he’s served and at Coffee houses/open mics when gets a chance. He and Kathleen own a trailer and love to spend time camping and traveling on vacation. He also has a love for sailing.
 

About Edinboro United Methodist Church

The Edinboro United Methodist Church defines itself as a 3D Church - a dynamic community of doubters, dreamers, and disciples on a lifelong journey of faith and action with Christ.  By embracing grace, they seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ as they engage heads, hands, and hearts in the way of Christ to ignite a profound love of God. They are building a welcoming community that embraces all individuals as persons of sacred worth who are God’s beloved children.

The congregation is a vital presence in the Edinboro Community that engages its members in community outreach, global mission, and justice ministries.  With their proximity to the Edinboro University campus, they have established a long and respected ministry to the student community. They value engaging worship and biblical preaching that helps persons experience God’s radical grace.  Spiritual formation, biblical study and small group discipleship round out their holistic approach to making disciples for the transformation of the world.

Rev. Schoeneck’s passion for community engagement, his gifts in helping congregations develop new worship expressions, and his experience in leading congregations in community outreach will build on the excellent vision and discipleship plan already established in Edinboro UMC.
 

About Kathleen A. Schoeneck

The Rev. Kathleen A. Schoeneck will begin serving Lakewood United Methodist Church in Erie on July 1, 2022, following the June 30 retirement of the Rev. Robert Lewis.

Kathleen Schoeneck came to the United Methodist Church in 2010 from the Presbyterian Church USA. She was ordained to Word and Sacrament to Frankfort UP Church of Frankfort Springs in January of 1996. Over the next 10 years, she found herself understanding concepts of theology and scriptural interpretation in a more Wesleyan way. In 2006, she attended annual conference as a guest, and upon hearing the preaching of Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, she decided she was “all in” and petitioned to be considered as a licensed local pastor. She then pursued full Elders Orders in the UMC.  Her other pastoral experiences include serving as the Director of Pastoral Care at Friendship Ridge Rehab and Skilled Nursing and Spiritual Care Coordinator at Aseracare Hospice of Johnstown.
 
Kathleen has served the following United Methodist churches: Park Ave.& Christ UMC in Johnstown (2012-14); Grace of Natrona Heights, Janes of Creighton and Walter Chapel (2014-15); East McKeesport First, Center Ave. of Pitcairn, and Penn’s Woods of N. Huntington (2015-2017); McMasters of Turtle Creek and Center Ave. (2017-2020), and, since 2020, Oakmont UMC in the Greensburg District.

Part of a clergy couple, Kathleen and her husband Ed enjoy life with daughter Elisha. Elisha is a freshman at Duquesne University. Kathleen’s mission statement is to empower laity "so we can do mission together for the glory of God."

Kathleen's spiritual gifts include preaching, teaching, mercy, listening, and interpreting our faith heritage for current ministry and mission. She enjoys listening and talking with people and being a healing presence in the midst of difficult situations. One specific skill she identifies is: “helping congregations work past 'the past' and envision where they feel called to be, while reminding them that “we are who we are because of whose we are.” Kathleen is thrilled to be appointed to the Lakewood congregation and work together with new friends to continue their mission and ministry in the Erie/Meadville District.
 
 

About Lakewood United Methodist Church

The Lakewood United Methodist Church is situated in a beautiful residential neighborhood next to a community park. It is a vibrant congregation that cares deeply about its own people and the community in which it finds itself. It is active in local missions as well as national and international mission efforts. LUMC is about to embark on a renovation of the sanctuary, the capstone of a five-year capital improvement campaign. Covid-19 forced the congregation to adapt by learning how to livestream its service, and recent upgrades to the Wi-Fi system have enabled Wi-Fi access in all rooms of the church. Lakewood continues to seek ways to engage with the community around it - a local music outreach program, an annual party in the park. The congregation’s leadership is currently involved in long-range planning with the assistance of our Conference staff.  Lakewood has a proud history and is planning for a long and fruitful future.
 
Rev. Schoeneck’s gifts of pastoral care and of mission and ministry development will serve the Lakewood congregation well as they continue to seek new ways to develop their mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ. 
 

About Paul E. Ritchey

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has appointed Rev. Paul Ritchey, who currently serves as the Washington District Superintendent, to serve as the Greensburg District Superintendent. Greensburg DS Pat Nelson, who has served in the post since 2014, will begin serving as pastor of the Holiday Park UMC, effective Jan. 1, 2022. A new superintendent will be named for the Washington District. 

Paul Ritchey has a heart for disciple making and helping people to develop and prioritize the spiritual disciplines in their lives.  He advocates for missional involvement through the church and works with people to help them see beyond the walls of the church to take the gospel to the community.  He continues to assist congregations in overcoming the barriers between church and community, and has built a strong level of trust in the areas in which he has served with local leaders and other churches.

Paul grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Westmont Hilltop High School.  He attended Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and graduated with an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology, and two FAA Aircraft Maintenance licenses.  He later graduated from Geneva College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management and entered seminary in 1999.  He graduated from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2002.

Paul married his wife Suzanne in the winter of 1984, before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked for several years at the Lockheed Georgia Company.  In the Spring of 1987, the Ritcheys moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to work for General Electric.  After seven years with GE, including four serving as the night manager for the GE/F110 engine test facility at Edwards Air Force Base, they relocated back to Pennsylvania where Paul worked as a general manager for MTS Technologies in Johnstown.  He went on to become the Production Manager for Kuchera Industries Electronics Manufacturing in Windber, PA. 

Paul and Suzanne have two children, Kate Almasy, a math professor at CCAC in Pittsburgh, and Austin, a business analyst for PPG in Cranberry Township.

During seminary, Paul pastored the Paradise Hill United Methodist Church in Ashland Ohio.  After seminary he served in the Pittsburgh-East and Greensburg districts at the Wesley/Versailles Charge and was ordained in 2005.  In 2008, the family moved to Commodore, PA, where he pastored the Purchase Line United Methodist Church.  In 2013 they were appointed to the First United Methodist Church of Punxsutawney, where Paul has served as the senior pastor.

In 2020, Paul was honored to join the cabinet as the District Superintendent for the Washington District, and now continues to celebrate that privilege as the new Superintendent for the Greensburg District.
 
 

About Greensburg District

About Patricia M. Nelson

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has appointed Rev. Pat Nelson to serve as senior pastor of the Holiday Park United Methodist Church, effective January 1, 2022.  Pat Nelson has been in ministry for more than 30 years, serving four local churches before being appointed in 2014 to serve with the people of the Greensburg District as their superintendent. In one of her appointments, she was on the pastoral team of a large church, with a specific emphasis on congregational care. In 2008, Pat obtained a GBHEM certification in Older Adult Ministry and has utilized that education in her pastoral ministry. She values the faith legacies that older adults bring to the church.

Pat has served in key leadership positions at both the Conference and District level and has a solid, practical appreciation for our connectional system in the United Methodist Church. Pat has a heart for congregational care, values partnering with laity, and enjoys preaching and administration. Her main focus in ministry is equipping and empowering people of all ages to grow and mature in their love and witness for Jesus.

Pat and her husband Paul operate as a team in their approach to ministry. For fun, they've been known to square dance and ride intense roller coasters. They have a soft place in their hearts for some dear friends in Zimbabwe. Their motto is: "Life is short. Try new things. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty."  
The Nelsons look forward to this next chapter in ministry with the folks at the Holiday Park UMC and trust God's continued direction in all of the aspects of their lives and ministry. 

 

About Holiday Park United Methodist Church

Holiday Park United Methodist Church was created in 1967 in Plum Borough, combining Sardis Methodist Church and Holiday Park Evangelical United Brethren Church. The church has many ministries to serve the local community and help to create disciples of Christ. The church has an active music ministry with very talented musicians and singers at each of its three weekly worship services. There is a Cherub Choir, a bell choir and a band on special occasions. Holiday Park also has a large well-respected preschool and Sunday School program, as well as an active youth group. Discipleship and small groups are the foundation of their life together, and a large percentage of the congregation is involved in intentional discipleship opportunities.

The church has an excellent media ministry which allows them to live stream services on YouTube and Facebook Live. They are also blessed to have services televised on Cornerstone Network.   
 
Holiday Park United Methodist Church has an active Outreach Ministry as well. Included in that is a Caring Ministry whose members visit individuals confined to their homes or health care facilities. The ABC Quilters  have made hundreds of quilts given to at-risk babies. The church has sent a mission team to Philippi, WV each year since 1988, except during the pandemic in 2020, to work on homes in the area. They also are currently involved in an effort to provide water to the West Harare District in Zimbabwe as part of a long relationship in which church members have traveled to witness the need first hand.  The Holiday Park church is honored to house the Plum Food Pantry and many in the congregation actively assist with this vital service to the community.
 
 

About Barry Henck

Raised in the Church of the Nazarene in upstate New York, Barry Henck attended Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts. He returned to New York for an MA in English Literature from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Barry appreciates the multi-cultural aspect of the body of Jesus Christ.  He developed a passion for teaching and pastoral care while volunteering at a Korean-American congregation in Highland, NY.

Barry left a career in marketing and communications in 2016 when he and his wife Nikki followed the Lord’s lead to relocate to Pittsburgh. Within a few weeks, Barry began serving at Roots of Faith, a ministry of Faith United Methodist Church (Fox Chapel).  During 2018, he answered the call of God to serve as a licensed local pastor.  He completed Licensing School in 2019 and was appointed Associate Pastor at Faith UMC/Roots of Faith in 2020.

Barry is dedicated to his wife and two fast-growing teenage sons. He is passionate about worshipping the Lord through music, teaching people from the Bible, and encouraging people’s faith. He loves to tell stories and play sports.
 

About Herminie/West Newton First Charge

Herminie United Methodist Church was originally an Evangelical United Brethren Church and became a United Methodist congregation in 1969 because of the merger of the EUB and the Methodist Church. The current building, constructed after a Feb. 11, 1945 fire destroyed the original building, was dedicated on May 19, 1946.  An educational wing was dedicated in 1970. Since that time, many improvements have been made to the structure, including new furnaces (complete with central air), an elevator to make the fellowship hall accessible for all, and new glass doors installed in 2020. Prior to COVID, the church was engaged in many community events. The congregation is beginning to plan events once again.
 
WEST NEWTON: FIRST UMC was established on February 28, 1839. The present church (Snyder Chapel) was built in 1880. West Newton UMC has a vital music ministry supported by an accomplished organist who plays a pipe organ installed on October 29, 1905 and registered by the Organ Historical Society. The original price of the organ was $3000 with $1250 donated by Andrew Carnegie. The church has a talented praise team and an active bell choir with members from both the Herminie and the West Newton churches.

The congregation reaches out to the community through a Christmas Angel Tree project with the local elementary school, Meals on Wheels, and mission involvement through its UMW unit.  A quilters group meets every Tuesday morning and the proceeds from quilt sales goes to mission support. The West Newton church enjoys worshipping with its sister congregation at Herminie at various times of the year such as Lent and Holy Week and an annual summer worship and picnic celebration.

Both congregations are anticipating a new chapter in their ministries together under the leadership of Pastor Barry Henck.
 

About Olivia Graham

Although retired for a number of years, Olivia Graham has kept her hand in the life of the local church by serving in retirement in a number of locations. Visitation, pastoral care, and compassion are all strengths that Olivia identifies as being key to her work in pastoral ministry. Those strengths have served her well in the various appointments she has held, and in her affiliation with Bradenville.

Olivia has been involved with the life and ministry of the Bradenville UMC in recent years, and has provided leadership and pulpit supply when Pastor Paul Wilson was ill. The Bishop’s appointment of Rev. Graham to Bradenville is a natural fit with a congregation with whom she already relates and provides leadership and support.
 

About Bradenville United Methodist Church

Formed in 1891, Bradenville is a small church dedicated to worship, learning and reaching out to the community.  Their traditional service starts at 10 AM Sunday.  The congregation especially enjoys summer services, June thru September, where they are held out of doors at their pavilion and picnic grounds.

In conjunction with the volunteer fire department, they organize a community memorial service held Memorial Day weekend.  At Christmas, they provide a service of songs, scriptures and readings to a local senior facility.  They provide winter coats, hat and gloves to Maranatha, along with cash assistance to sponsor one Friday evening meal for homeless Pittsburghers.  The ladies of the church prepare lunches twice a year for the local Meals on Wheels.  Three or four other rotating local needs are also addressed each year. 
 

About Randy Landman

Rev. Randy Landman was born and raised just outside of Uniontown, PA.  Pastor Randy gave his heart to Jesus when he was 13 years old.  He graduated from Laurel Highlands High School, then attended the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a BS in Chemistry.  Near the end of his junior year of college, Pastor Randy sensed a call to full-time Christian ministry.  After graduating from Pitt, he attended and graduated from Asbury Theological Seminary with a M.Div. degree. 

Pastor Randy has pastored churches in both Los Angeles, CA, and in Western Pennsylvania, and is currently the pastor at both the Herminie UMC and First UMC of West Newton, in the Greensburg District.  He stresses preaching and teaching the Bible.  Additionally, Pastor Randy believes that the Gospel is spread not only from the pulpit, but through the development of relationships. 

Pastor Randy loves reading, traveling, sports (he is a big-time Pirate and Steeler fan), and anything historical…not to mention virtually any kind of donut. 

Pastor Randy is married to Dawn, who is the ideal ministry spouse.  Over the past 23+ years of marriage, Randy and Dawn have had three wonderful girls.  Mollie, a widow who was married to Brady Hunker who is now in Heaven, is a student at Grove City College.  Malorie is in 8th grade and Mylie is in 5th grade.  Additionally, no mention of the Landman family would be complete without Muffie and Maui, two Ragdoll cats who are most certainly a part of the family.  While the pastor is the one appointed to a church, the Landman family see themselves as a ministry family, realizing the great honor and responsibility of being able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
 

About South Fork First UMC

South Fork First United Methodist Church is located along PA Route 219 in Cambria County. The congregation traces its roots to the early 1800's. Attendance remains strong with a vibrant worship experience.

The church supports a robust Christian Education program. Youth and children's ministry continues to be a strong emphasis at the church, with a large youth group and two children's groups -- the Lil Frogs (ages 3-3rd grade) and the God Squad (4th-6th Grade). Outreach to children includes a large VBS program and a Bunny Breakfast. The Church supports and assists sending its children and youth to camp each summer. There are also several adult Sunday School classes and other classes for all age levels.

South Fork First UMC congregation has several talented musicians and has several choirs: an adult choir, a men's choir, youth choir, children's choir and a children's bell choir. The church also supports various ministries in the community, such as food pantries and a Helping Hands Ministry, and is heavily involved with the Forest Hills Ministerium. South Fork has always been faithful in its worship, witness, and generosity.

About Kyle Eisenhuth

Kyle M. Eisenhuth grew up in Harrison City, PA and has attended the Community UM Church since the age of 2. In 2019, he graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While attending Liberty, he led the school’s pro-life ministry. Kyle was integral in several changes to campus policy which provide support for pregnant and parenting students. Kyle is currently finishing his second year at Asbury Seminary, pursuing his Master of Divinity degree.

Kyle has close ties with his family. In addition to his parents, he has two younger sisters. Kyle also has many extended family who reside in and around Knox, PA.

Kyle felt called into ministry from an early age. He likes to joke that his options were to become a pastor or get swallowed by a whale. Having been approved by the Greensburg DCOM as a certified candidate for ministry and completing Licensing School in August of 2020, this will be Kyle’s first appointment. He will serve part-time while finishing his Master of Divinity degree online. He is looking forward to coming home to western Pennsylvania after several years of attending school out of the state. Kyle feels especially called to preaching and helping churches form a strategy/vision. Although too young to rent a car, Kyle is enthusiastic to serve the Church as a part-time local pastor.
 

About United 4 Christ Charge

Four Greensburg District churches -- Derry: First; Hillside; Lycippus: Calvary, and Pleasant Unity -- will become a new charge in 2021. They unanimously agreed to call themselves “United 4 Christ” and intend to work together living into that new identity. Both the pastors and the churches look forward to a new chapter in ministry together.

Derry First United Methodist Church
It was 1867 when this congregation met in an old log schoolhouse.  Their current church building was built in 1876 with the addition of an educational wing in 1977.  In 2014, a new parsonage was built and they became a two-point charge with Hillside Methodist Church. Times have changed for the Derry community and the church.  With the decline of the railroad and the closing of the Westinghouse plant, the population of Derry declined, as did church membership. Although the community of Derry has many families and school-aged children, the average age in our congregation is 50 years and older, with very few children. Their hope is to bring families with children back to church with a vital children’s ministry.  The church is known for community involvement (Derry Railroad Days, Derry Great Garage Sale, Souper Bowl of Caring, etc.), VBS, and delicious fundraising dinners. It also houses the Derry Food Bank. The church and congregation have been and remain a stronghold for the Derry community. 

Hillside United Methodist Church is a small rural church located in Hillside PA (between Derry and Blairsville). Founded June 10, 1854, the church has a traditional worship service. They became a sister church with Derry First UMC in 2014. The church the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, collects “G” Bills to be used towards UMW and UMCOR Hygiene kits. They participate in the community yard sale, fill shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse, collect hats and gloves for local school children and non-perishable food for the local food bank. They also contribute for Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets for families in need. 
 
The Lycippus Calvary United Methodist Church is a small congregation that attempts to make a big impact on the world around them.  They search for ways to reach out and help others.  They love to come together as a community with regular dinners and events to gather as a church. Through these and regular worship services they are constantly deepening their relationships with each other, in addition to their relationship with their Lord and Savior.
 
The Pleasant Unity United Methodist Church is a family-oriented congregation, consisting of generations of faithful people coming together to lift up each other and their community in service to our Lord.  Missions have always been an area of great focus for this church, highlighted through the education of their youngest members on the importance of giving.  This is done financially through collections taken by the children and given to organizations which support not just local, but regional and national missions.  It is also done through the hosting and supporting of the local food bank.  While the church respects its foundations and traditions, it has shown a great strength in the face of changes in the past year and continually adapts to its environment, encouraging connection in the time of isolation though different forms of communication, including online services, monthly newsletters, and regular mailings

About Jason E. Schweinberg

Rev. Jason E. Schweinberg, an ordained elder in the Western Pennsylvania Conference, has been serving as a pastor since 2006. He also served for three years in the North Carolina Conference. In addition to doing pastoral work in two different conferences, he had the opportunity to serve as a hospice chaplain/medical social worker for over three years in the Greensburg, PA area.
 
Jason earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Science from the School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, and a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. His home church, where he received his call into ministry, is Homestead Park United Methodist Church in the Pittsburgh district. Jason identifies preaching, building relationships and visitation as some of his gifts for ministry.
 

About United 4 Christ Charge

The churches of: Derry: First, Hillside, Lycippus: Calvary, and Pleasant Unity will become a new charge in 2021. They unanimously agreed to call themselves: “United 4 Christ” and intend to work together living into that new identity. Both the pastors and the churches are looking forward to a new chapter in ministry together.

Derry First United Methodist Church
It was 1867 when this congregation met in an old log schoolhouse.  Their current church building was built in 1876 with the addition of an educational wing in 1977.  In 2014, a new parsonage was built and they became a two-point charge with Hillside Methodist Church. Times have changed for the Derry community and the church.  With the decline of the railroad and the closing of the Westinghouse plant, the population of Derry declined, as did church membership. Although the community of Derry has many families and school-aged children, the average age in our congregation is 50 years and older, with very few children. Their hope is to bring families with children back to church with a vital children’s ministry.  The church is known for community involvement (Derry Railroad Days, Derry Great Garage Sale, Souper Bowl of Caring, etc.), VBS, and delicious fundraising dinners. It also houses the Derry Food Bank. The church and congregation have been and remain a stronghold for the Derry community. 

Hillside United Methodist Church is a small rural church located in Hillside PA (between Derry and Blairsville). Founded June 10, 1854, the church has a traditional worship service. They became a sister church with Derry First UMC in 2014. The church the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, collects “G” Bills to be used towards UMW and UMCOR Hygiene kits. They participate in the community yard sale, fill shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse, collect hats and gloves for local school children and non-perishable food for the local food bank. They also contribute for Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets for families in need. 
 
The Lycippus Calvary United Methodist Church is a small congregation that attempts to make a big impact on the world around them.  They search for ways to reach out and help others.  They love to come together as a community with regular dinners and events to gather as a church. Through these and regular worship services they are constantly deepening their relationships with each other, in addition to their relationship with their Lord and Savior.
 
The Pleasant Unity United Methodist Church is a family-oriented congregation, consisting of generations of faithful people coming together to lift up each other and their community in service to our Lord.  Missions have always been an area of great focus for this church, highlighted through the education of their youngest members on the importance of giving.  This is done financially through collections taken by the children and given to organizations which support not just local, but regional and national missions.  It is also done through the hosting and supporting of the local food bank.  While the church respects its foundations and traditions, it has shown a great strength in the face of changes in the past year and continually adapts to its environment, encouraging connection in the time of isolation though different forms of communication, including online services, monthly newsletters, and regular mailings
 

About Sara J. Wrona

Rev. Sara J. Wrona is a native of Western North Carolina, but grew up in New Kensington, PA. Before entering ministry, Sara worked in the human resource field and in church administration for a Presbyterian Church.  After discerning her call to ministry, Sara first served as an associate pastor for the Allegheny River Charge, then moved to the then three-point Kiski Charge to serve as a co-pastor.  Since 2014, Sara has served as solo pastor of the now two-point Kiski Charge.  Sara completed the Course of Study at the West Virginia Extension of the Course of Study School of Ohio in 2013.

Sara serves on the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry as the Licensing School Director and the Local Pastor Registrar.  She is currently the Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Olmsted Manor Retreat Ceenter.  In the denomination, she has served with the UM Rural Advocates, the UM Appalachian Ministry Network, and the Rural Chaplains Association. Sara has a passion for justice and outreach ministries and has a heart for being in ministry with all of God's children.

Sara and her husband, Paul, have been married for 33+ years and have three grown children: Rachel, who is married to Jimmy, and twins Katy and Sean. Sara loves her new role as Nanna to her grandson Cannon.
 

About Leechburg: First UMC

LFUMC, where the “Welcome is Warm,” is the most northern church in the Greensburg District.  The church's mission is “Growing, Loving and Serving in Christ’s Name.” Considered a “Praying Church,” it is known for joyful worship music, singing  God’s praises in and out of the church building.  The Sunday morning worship service is one where all people can discover their faith, experience the joy of Christ’s love, and grow in their Christian beliefs. During the pandemic, the service has been  available online as well as on radio in parking areas.

The church offers Sunday school for all ages, and a weekly prayer group meeting. They gather to grow in faith, love, and service. They nurture the spiritual growth of the congregation and serve as Christ would in meeting the spiritual and physical needs of their community and world.  The congregation passionately engages in missions; both on a local and global scale, and seeks to do so with prayer, one-to-one support, and outreach activities. They strive to meet people where they are to share the love of Christ through outreach and involvement in community activities.  The building hosts Scouts, the Local Food Bank, Lions and an Al-Anon group. The social hall, kitchen and other spaces are made available for use by community members, other churches and organizations for funeral dinners, family events, and educational activities.  The congregation is blessed by having two high-rise communities within a block of the church and the Leechburg Area School District in their “backyard,” as well as three other churches on their street, which is one block from the downtown area.  This enriches opportunities for outreach and involvement with all age groups as well as partnership with local businesses, the school, and the Ministerium.  The congregation remains passionate in using their spiritual gifts to be Christ’s hands and heart in our church, community and world.  We are ever mindful of: “What would Jesus do?”
 

About Beverly Spore

Rev. Beverly A. Spore was born and raised in Somerset County, PA.  She earned a BS in Biology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1996, after which she worked as an environmental and industrial health and safety analyst for a defense contractor in Johnstown.  After discerning a call to pastoral ministry, Rev. Spore enrolled in Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY, and she graduated with a Master’s of Divinity in 2008.

Rev. Spore has served churches in the Erie-Meadville, Connellsville, and Greensburg districts and devotes her ministry to making disciples of all ages through a variety of methods. She sees one of her most important responsibilities as helping others to grow spiritually, while continuing to strive for growth herself.  She focuses her gifts of preaching and teaching through a particularly Wesleyan lens.

Rev. Spore firmly believes in the importance of meeting people where they are to share the love of Christ instead of waiting for them to come to church. Since pastors are appointed to a community, Rev. Beverly actively seeks to participate in local organizations and events outside the church walls. She sees Christ’s command to love one another as the basis for ministries of mercy and social justice and as the core of United Methodist tradition.

Even though Rev. Spore is mostly traditional in worship, she has a creative gift which shines through in many aspects of her ministry. She always looks for new ideas for special worship services and has been known to have a live sheep for Sheep Day, plant a tree to celebrate Creation Day, a cowboy theme for summer, a Christmas talk show, and tongues of fire on Pentecost.
 
 

About Potato Creek Charge

The Potato Creek Charge, which includes the UMC of Smethport and Crosby UMC, was formed in the last decade to enhance both churches' ministry and mission in and around the McKean County seat.

The United Methodist Church of Smethport is located in the heart of Smethport, directly across the street from the county courthouse.  Formed in 1820, UMCS has is dedicated to worship, learning, nurturing disciple, and reaching out to the community.  The church has close ties with Christian Community Services food bank and is known for providing hospitality for community events held at the courthouse.  Currently the church serves as a holding depot for the conference Mission Barn.
 
Crosby UMC is located in the village of Crosby, seven miles from Smethport.  The church, established in 1887, has a rustic aesthetic and a family atmosphere, with deep ties to the community.  In addition, the Crosby congregation is noted for providing generously to immediate-need missions, such as disaster-relief. 
 

About Kimberly L Foos

About Acme/Barren Run Charge

The Acme/Barren Run Charge is comprised of Acme and Barren Run United Methodist churches.  The Charge was established in 2000. Each congregation has been shaped by the history and traditions of their rural setting.  They are committed to share the Gospel of Jesus to the world.

Acme UMC is known for its “Christmas in the Barn” service and their Community Day outreach.  The church has a beautiful new physical plant, built by members of the of congregation.  Because of its central location in the Connellsville District, it hosts many district events and meetings.

Barren Run UMC is known for its children and youth programs and is a center for gathering of the surrounding community.  The church is a vital congregation that has overcome its church being destroyed by fire and has rebuilt with a beautiful new physical plant.     
 

About Jack Tickle

Pastor Jack Tickle (a/k/a PJ) is a lifelong United Methodist who attending Holiday Park UMC while growing up. PJ has a BS from Slippery Rock University in Communications: Emerging Tech and Multimedia with a focus on AV. He graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 2013 with a Master of Divinity.

While in seminary, PJ interned at Holiday Park UMC as a children’s and young adult minister. He later served as the youth minister of Irwin First UMC, then as a Provisional Elder at South Greensburg UMC before moving north to serve the Fairview/Lake City Charge, where he currently is appointed.

Pastor Jack has been married for 11 years to his partner in ministry, Carolyn Tickle. Carolyn has a career as a physical therapist. She always finds ways to grow new ministry areas and help either start new small groups or to assist established groups to thrive.

PJ and Carolyn have two daughters, Chelsea, 6, and Bianca, 4, who both love Jesus and being part of a church community. Their favorite thing in the world is when they get “Jesus Bread” or as most know it, Holy Communion.

PJ is very passionate about finding creative ways to reach people where they are, encouraging others to answer their unique callings to serve in Christ, and working with people of all ages. He is a strong believer in living an active faith as part of a community of faith. It brings him great joy to work with a congregation to discern its calling and find ways to keep the mission of making disciples central to all aspects of church ministry.
 

About Murrysville First United Methodist Church

First UMC in Murrysville was founded in 1832. Like their church building, the congregation has changed over the years. What started as a small community church servicing a rural location has grown over the years to become a large church in a suburban neighborhood. During that time, the congregation was known as a large church with the feel of a small church due to its friendliness, as well as a common root: Many members worked for the same employer, Westinghouse.

As the culture and employment profile of the area changed, First UMC Murrysville morphed as well. Now a small-to-mid-sized church within the Conference, they have become a praying church focused on outreach. With a solid core of small groups, the congregation is dedicated to reaching out to the neighborhood, as well as U.S. and international causes. The highly educated congregation has encouraged leadership growth both spiritually and managerially. First UMC Murrysville is a friendly, inviting congregation that is fiscally conservative, and socially more centrist. Their goal is making disciples, and their theology is based on biblical foundations.

First UMC Murrysville has a strong preschool that has enabled them to nurture young families, as they teach biblical truths.  Geographically in the center of town, the church takes part in community events such as the harvest parade, food drives, community days, Christmas tree lighting, Stop Hunger Now, and the community library day of reading.