news article
Rev. Yohang Chun installed as District Superintendent of the Northern Flow & Mohawk Districts
October 14, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On Sunday, October 12, Asbury United Methodist Church in Watertown hosted a spirit-filled service celebrating the installation of the Rev. Yohang Chun as Superintendent of the Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts of the Upper New York Conference of The United Methodist Church. Friends, clergy, and laity from across the districts gathered to worship, pray, and affirm Rev. Chun’s leadership.
The service opened with gathering music by the Asbury UMC Choir, followed by the processional hymn, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” Music throughout the afternoon was led by the Asbury Choir under the direction of Catherine Mowers. Greetings were offered by Brenda Shelmidine, representing the Northern Flow District Committee on Superintendency. Asbury UMC Pastor Michael Terrell led the opening prayer.
The service offered a profound reflection on living a Christ-centered life. The Rev. Abel Roy and the Rev. Yohan Moon shared readings from Micah 6:6-8 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which beautifully define true, Christ-like love—a love that is humble, forgiving, and enduring. These passages remind believers that love is the foundation of all faithful living: “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Building on this message, the Rev. Dr. Sung Ho Lee focused on John 21:11-17, where Jesus commissions Peter to care for his followers, grounding the service in faithful discipleship. Together, the readings highlighted a life guided by justice, love, and steadfast service to God and neighbor.
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez celebrated the installation of Rev. Chun as a district superintendent, praising him as a prayerful, disciplined, and grace-filled leader who embodies the heart of servant ministry. He emphasized the vital role of superintendents as partners in mission, guiding congregations and clergy with wisdom and unity. Bishop Héctor said, “When looking for superintendents, I’m looking for people who can hold others together, bring them into unity, and keep moving the mission forward—and Rev. Yohang embodies those qualities.”
He added, “Yohan is a man of prayer… he prays with passion and conviction, and I believe that prayer has the power to move the heart of God.”
Symbols of district superintendency were presented by clergy and lay leaders, each representing a vital aspect of ministry. Each gift was accompanied by a charge to live out ministry faithfully in Christ’s name.
- The Rev. David McKinney presented Rev. Chun with a Bible, charging him to be among the people as one who proclaims the Word—for the edification of believers and the enlightenment of the world.
- The Rev. Melissa McCarthy offered water, calling him to be renewed in his baptism and to renew the congregation in theirs.
- The Rev. Becky Guthrie presented the bread and cup, symbols of communion, urging him to keep the church in fellowship with Christ and His body.
- Pastor Earl Lalone gave Rev. Chun a hymnal and the Book of Worship, to guide the people in prayer and praise.
- Pastor Wendy Morrison presented the towel and basin, symbols of servant leadership, calling him to be among the people as one who serves.
- Pastor Donna Fitchette presented a stole, signifying his call to shepherd the people of God.
- The Rev. Yohan Moon presented the Book of Discipline, a reminder to strengthen and uphold the church’s connection as United Methodists.
- Brenda Shelmidine, Northern Flow District Lay Leader, offered a globe, symbolizing the church’s mission to the world and the call to lead with a vision for global discipleship.
Rev. Chun offered words of thanksgiving and hope, expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him and sharing his vision for the districts. He reflected on his faith journey, sharing how the love, support, and patience of disciples he encountered throughout his ministry shaped him as a leader. From navigating cultural and language differences in his early pastoral work to learning the transformative power of grace through Jesus’ patient restoration of Peter, Rev. Chun emphasized that ministry is as much about receiving as it is about giving. He encouraged all to freely share the blessings they have received with others.
“I couldn’t be here today without those good disciples of Jesus Christ—their love, support, their care, and especially their patience,” he shared. “Now it is my time. It is my turn to give back the love and patience I have received from them to the people I will meet and serve in this new position.”
The Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, Dean of the Upper New York Cabinet, led a prayer of blessing where the congregation lifted up a request for God’s blessing on the ministries of The United Methodist Church, asking that all members use their diverse gifts in unity, faithfully proclaim God’s Word, and put it into action through service to others. It emphasized living out the baptismal call to follow Christ and work together as one body in the world. “May your word be proclaimed with faithfulness, and may we be doers of your word and not hearers only,” said Rev. Dr. Rood.
The service also included an offering to support the work of Watertown Urban Mission, an agency housed within Asbury UMC. Pastor Michael Terrell highlighted the mission’s growth from a small office with a $13,000 budget into a vital resource for families facing poverty, food insecurity, homelessness, and mental health challenges across Jefferson County and beyond. “With a focus on advocacy and community partnerships, the Urban Mission continues to help individuals build resources and achieve a higher quality of life,” he said.
Through consistent generosity—such as providing hundreds of loaves of bread each month—the church helps ensure the mission can continue offering essential services. “After 19 years, the people that do this still do it faithfully, week after week, providing bread and other necessities to those who need it most,” Pastor Terrell added, underscoring the enduring commitment that sustains the mission’s impact in the community.
Before Communion, Rev. Chun shared a deeply personal story of presiding over his father’s final communion during a hospital visit in South Korea, reflecting on the profound peace and presence of the Holy Spirit in that moment. “I strongly believe that the Holy Spirit was present… it was one of the most needful and unforgettable communions in my entire life,” he said. He described how this intimate experience affirmed the power of Christ’s presence in the sacrament, making it a deeply memorable and transformative moment.
The congregation closed in song with “God of Grace and God of Glory” before receiving the dismissal and blessing.
Rev. Chun expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family; his wife, Joyce, son, Josh, and daughter, Melissa; church members; music and hospitality team; pastors; and administrative staff for their support in preparing and participating in the installation service and reception. He closed with a favorite blessing from Numbers 6:24–26, sending the congregation into the world with God’s love, grace, and peace. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you… the love of God and communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and ever.”
The installation of Rev. Chun marked not only the beginning of his ministry in the Northern Flow and Mohawk Districts, but also a renewed call for the church to live out its mission with faith, unity, and service.
Watch a recording of the livestream from the installation service here.