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2015-2016 Clergy Appointments

Clergy in The United Methodist Church are individuals who serve as elders, deacons, commissioned ministers, and local pastors under appointment of a bishop (full and part-time), who hold membership in an annual conference, and who are commissioned, ordained or licensed. 

Wondering how clergy appointments are made? Click here to read about the process!

May 25, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Albany

• Judith Humphrey-Fox is appointed as a full elder to Amsterdam UMC and Broadalbin UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Kathy L. Reese is appointed as a part time local pastor at First UMC of Northville only effective July 1, 2016.

Cornerstone

• Peter J. Pasieka is appointed as a full time local pastor to Frewsburg: Trinity UMC effective July 1, 2016

Crossroads

• Olga Gonzalez is appointed as a part time local pastor to Cicero UMC in addition to her appointment at Casa De Dios effective July 1, 2016.

Finger Lakes

• Eunice S. Kim is appointed as a part time local pastor to Wolcott: Faith UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Genesee Valley

• Linda Glantz is appointed as a part time local pastor to Albion UMC and Holley: Disciples UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Ronald Palmer is appointed as a part time local pastor to Canadice UMC in addition to his current appointment at Allen’s Hill UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Mary Rublee is appointed as a full elder to Ionia UMC in addition to her current appointment at Honeoye Falls UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Mohawk

• Carol Jubenville is appointed as a part time local pastor to extension ministry as Executive Director at Community at Sunset Woods effective May 16, 2016.

Oneonta

• Anna Blinn Cole is appointed as a full time local pastor as associate pastor to Cobleskill UMC, Warnerville UMC, and Schoharie Regional Ministry effective July 1, 2016.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of The Board of Ordained Ministry and clergy session:

• Carl “Phil” Phillip Young
• Henry Frueh

May 11, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Adirondack

• Lynette Cole is appointed as a part time local pastor to Schroon Lake Community Church effective July 1, 2016.

Albany

• Albert Johnson is appointed as a part time local pastor to Pine Grove UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Youngjae Jee is appointed as a full elder to Jonesville UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Binghamton

• Beth O. Benham is appointed as a full elder to Tabernacle & Centenary-Chenango Street UMC’s effective July 1, 2016.

Cornerstone

• Raymond C. Gilman IV is appointed as a full time local pastor to Ashville and Lakewood UMC’s effective July 1, 2016.

Crossroads

• Judy Alderman is appointed as a retired elder to Warners UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Colleen Preuninger is appointed as a full elder to extension ministry as the Director of Shenandoah University Youth Institute, Winchester, VA effective July 1, 2016.
• Justin Hood is appointed as a full time local pastor to Brewerton and Phoenix UMC’s effective July 1, 2016.

Genesee Valley

• John Laskowski is appointed as a part time local pastor to Adams Basin & Spencerport UMC’s effective July 1, 2016.
• Nadine Graham is appointed as a full elder to extension ministry as Director of the One Project at the Prayer Institute, Houston, TX effective January 1, 2016.

Niagara Frontier

• Janet Hubbard is appointed as a full elder to Hamburg UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Northern Flow

• Carl Chamberlain is appointed as a retired elder to Norfolk and Brasher Falls UMC’s effective July 1, 2016.
• Heidi R. Chamberlain is appointed as a part time local pastor to Malone: Centenary UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of The Board of Ordained Ministry and clergy session:

• Margaret “Peg” Hutchins
• Penelope Hart

April 27, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Binghamton

• Thomas B. Hester is appointed as a part time local pastor to Choconut Center UMC effective April 19, 2016.
• Jennifer K. Piatt is appointed as a part time local pastor to Nimmonsburg UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Genesee Valley

• Ann Robinson is appointed as a full elder less than full time to Nunda UMC effective May 1, 2016.

Mohawk

• Michaela St. Marie is appointed as a full elder to Earlville/Poolville UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Thomas VanHatten is appointed as a part time local pastor to East Hamilton UMC effective April 19, 2016.
• Cory Jones is appointed as a part time local pastor to Van Hornesville/St. Johnsville UMC’s effective April 19, 2016.

Mountain View

• Jeffery A. Seeley is appointed as a full deacon to Associate Professor of Church Music at Mercer University in Macon, GA effective July 1, 2016.

New Faith Communities

• Jose Rodriguez is appointed as a full time local pastor to Casa de Dios, Utica: New Faith Community, and Co-Director of Hispanic/Latino planting.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of The Board of Ordained Ministry and clergy session:

• Jay Roberts
• Steven Ingerson
• Nancy Araujo
• Mariana A. Rodriguez

April 13, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Adirondack

• Robert DeFelice is appointed as a part time local pastor to Ballston Spa UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Cornerstone

• Nicholas Perry is appointed as a full elder to Westfield First UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Genesee Valley

• Hoyt Brown is appointed as a full elder to Rochester: New Horizons UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Niagara Frontier

• Marilyn Kasperek is appointed as a part time local pastor to Medina: The UMC of Abundance Harvest as Associate effective March 28, 2016 – April 30, 2016.
• Heather Stierheim is appointed as a full elder to Williamsville UMC and a Buffalo New Faith Community effective July 1, 2016.
• Gregory Stierheim is appointed as a full elder less than full time to Williamsville UMC & a Buffalo New Faith Community effective July 1, 2016.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of The Board of Ordained Ministry and Clergy Session:

• Viki S. Andrews
• Carl D. Chamberlain
• Edward Bennett

March 23, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Binghamton

• Benjamin O’Connor is appointed as a full time local pastor to Binghamton: High Street UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Amy Gregory is appointed as a full elder to North Fenton UMC in addition to her appointment at Greene UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Crossroads

• Russell Hall is appointed as a retired elder interim to Camillus: Immanuel UMC effective March 15, 2016- June 30, 2016.
• Penelope Hart is appointed as a part time local pastor to Extension Ministry as Chaplain at Elderwood Health Care in Liverpool effective February 27, 2016.
• John H. Keating, III is appointed as a full time local pastor to Camillus: Immanuel UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Finger Lakes

• Alison Schmied is appointed as a provisional elder to Lansing UMC effective July 1, 2016.
• Richard W. Neal is appointed as a full elder to North Rose UMC effective July 1, 2016.

New Faith Communities

• John Martin is appointed as a full elder to a new faith community Vestal-Cornerstone effective July 1, 2016.

Niagara Frontier

• Matthew Golibersuch is appointed as a full elder to East Aurora: Baker Memorial UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Northern Flow

• Melissa McCarthy is appointed as a full time local pastor to Adams and Sulphur Springs UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval at clergy session:

• Dean Fleming to Honorable Location Retired
• Nancy Dulkis

March 9, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Adirondack

• Peggi Eller is appointed as a full elder to Peru Community Federated Church effective July 1, 2016.
• Patricia Molik is appointed as a full elder to Adirondack Community UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Finger Lakes

• Rebecca Laird is appointed as a full elder to Moravia: Christ UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Niagara Frontier

• Darryl R. Barrow is appointed as a full elder to Lockport: Emmanuel UMC effective July 1, 2016.

February 24, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Adirondack

• Meredith Vanderminden is appointed as a full elder as lead pastor at Glens Falls Christ Church in addition to her Extension Ministry effective January 24, 2016.

Albany

• Gary Kubitz is appointed as a provisional elder to Voorheesville: First UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Binghamton

• David C. Piatt is appointed as a full elder to Hawleyton/Conklin Forks UMC’s effective July 1, 2016.
• Kelly Carner is appointed as a full time local pastor to Candor: McKendree/Germany Hill UMC’s effective July 1, 2016.

Crossroads

• David C. Derk is appointed as a full elder to Cicero UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Genesee Valley

• Ted Anderson is appointed as a full elder to Fairport UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Mountain View

• Fred Kelsey is appointed as a retired elder interim to Chemung/Wilawana UMC’s effective March 1, 2016- June 30, 2016.

Niagara Frontier

• Marilyn Kasperek is appointed as a part time local pastor as Associate to Oakfield/West Barre UMC’s effective February 14, 2016.

Oneonta

• Thomas LeBeau is appointed as a full elder to Cooperstown UMC effective July 1, 2016.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval of The Board of Ordained Ministry and Clergy Session:

• Dale Schneeberger to honorable location retired 7/1/2016

February 10, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Cornerstone

• Chris Klimecko is appointed as a part time local pastor to Perrysburg-Dayton UMC in addition to his appointment at Gowanda UMC effective 1/24/2016.

Genesee Valley

• Ron Palmer is appointed as a part time local pastor to Allen’s Hill UMC effective 2/4/2016.

Mountain View

• Patrick Holder is appointed as a retired elder to Elmira: Riverside in addition to his current appointment at South Corning effective 2/1/16.

New Faith Communities

• Olga Gonzalez is appointed as a part time local pastor to New Faith Community: Casa de Dios effective 2/4/2016.

Northern Flow

• Mark Pierce is appointed as a retired elder interim to Adams/Sulphur Springs UMC’s effective 3/13/2016 – 6/30/16.

January 27, 2016 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Adirondack

• Keith Mann is appointed as a retired local pastor to Wilton: Trinity UMC effective January 3, 2016.
• Helen Beck is appointed as a full elder to Whiteface Community Church effective February 10, 2016.
• Douglas Meyerhoff is appointed as a part time local pastor to Glens Falls: Christ UMC effective January 3, 2016.
• David Svenson is appointed as a retired elder from the New England Conference to the Peru Community Church effective January 3, 2016 – June 30, 2016.

Binghamton

• Gary E. Doupe is appointed as a retired elder to Centenary-Chenango Street UMC effective January 1, 2016- June 30, 2016

Crossroads

• Elizabeth Morey is appointed as a retired elder to St. Paul’s UMC, Syracuse effective January 1, 2016 – June 30, 2016.

Finger Lakes

• Sandra Perl is appointed to Bluff Point UMC in addition to her appointment at the New Faith Community, “Living Well” effective January 1, 2016.

Genesee Valley

• Melanie Ollett is appointed as a part time local pastor to Carlton UMC effective December 7, 2015.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval at clergy session:

• Michael Breunig
• William Delia
• Jan McClary Rowell
• Margaret Scott
• Gail Wilson effective 11/9/2015
• Beth Bouwens
• Brian D. Gould
• Duane W. Priset
• Jacob Denny
• David Lockwood
• Robert Franke
• Debra Peacock
• Barbara Silk
• Jane Baker
• Bruce Fish effective January 1, 2016
• Thomas Mott

November 18, 2015 Appointment Announcement

Bishop Mark J. Webb announces the following appointments:

Adirondack

• Lynnette Cole is appointed as a part time local pastor to Shushan: Newman UMC effective August 26, 2015.
• Arnold Stevens is appointed as a part time local pastor to RW Johnsburg/Pottersville effective November 10, 2015.

Albany

• Kathy Reese is appointed as a part time local pastor to First UMC, Northville in addition to her appointment at Bleecker UMC effective October 25, 2015.

Cornerstone

• Westley Tessey is appointed as a part time local pastor to East Otto UMC effective July 15, 2015.
• LaMont Higginbottom is appointed as a full member of another denomination to Olean: Trinity UMC effective July 1, 2015.
• Burton L. Smith is appointed as a retired elder to Cuba UMC effective October 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016.

Crossroads

• Carol Keller is appointed as a  retired elder to Syracuse: St. Paul’s UMC effective November 1, 2015- January 31, 2016.

Finger Lakes

• Stephanie Brown is appointed as a part time local pastor to Harmony UMC effective August 1, 2015.
• Stephanie Brown is appointed as a part time local pastor to Varna UMC in addition to her appointment at Harmony UMC effective August 9, 2015.
• Jay Suh Yang is appointed as a retired elder to Rushville UMC effective July 26, 2015.
• Catherine Lee is appointed as a retired deacon to McGraw UMC effective October 18, 2015.

Genesee Valley

• Michael Mullin is appointed as a part time local pastor to Rochester: Asbury First UMC effective November 15, 2015.

Mountain View

• Sandra Campbell is appointed as a retired local pastor to Presho UMC effective October 8, 2015.

New Faith Communities

• Patricia Cardin is appointed as a full deacon to Urban Edge New Faith Community and to Peace of Heart New Faith Community effective September 1, 2015.

Northern Flow

• Frederica Webb is appointed as a part time local pastor to Redwood in addition to her appointments at Alexandria Bay and Wellesley Island effective October 18, 2015 – March 20, 2016.

Bishop Webb announces the following retirements pending approval at clergy session:

• Andrew Russ to Retired Honorable Location effective 7/27/2015, prior to his passing on September 29, 2015.
• Theodore Bleck-Doran effective 7/10/2015
• Daniel Corretorre effective July 1, 2016
• Jane Sautter effective July 1, 2016
• Mona Fargo effective 3/11/2016