Bishop Jung announces cabinet appointments

Siblings in Christ,
 
The scriptures we read in Epiphany speak of callings, a natural movement from one town to the next for God’s good in the world. In each call story, God’s newness is discovered in Christian community. I write today to share the news of calling and transition for the Wisconsin Conference cabinet.
 
Today I am grateful to announce two appointments to our Cabinet. Rev. Barbara Certa-Werner will begin her appointment as the new Assistant to the Bishop and Rev. PyungAhn “Peace” Kim as the new North West District Superintendent, both beginning July 1, 2023.
 
Barbara has been an excellent district superintendent in the North West district and has made such an impact in her district and on the conference. I appreciate the gifts she brings and her proficient leadership for the Wisconsin Conference. I commend her for her heart for vision and ministry, and her committed passion to serve as the new Assistant to the Bishop.

“When I became the North West District Superintendent in 2019, I found a plaque that had a map of the northern part of Wisconsin and this scripture verse, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7. This has been my verse every step of the way through my role as superintendent. It has reminded me of who we are as God’s beloved, called to be bold in our faith and actions. As I step into a new role as the Assistant to the Bishop, this Scripture verse continues to center my/our ministry. Calling us to be a people filled with God’s power, God’s love, and to keep our sense about us (I use humor!). My prayer is that in my yes, it is our communal yes to answer God’s call towards faithfulness, justice and everlasting love.”

Rev. PyungAhn “Peace” Kim has been a humble and innovative leader. His involvement in justice and mercy ministries beyond the Conference will bring a strong addition to the Cabinet. Peace Kim brings multiple gifts to us through his glo-cal leadership.

Rev. Peace Kim has served Elroy/Wonewoc UMC, Whitefish Bay UMC, and most recently Lodi UMC since July 2019. Prior to coming to Wisconsin, Peace served in Maryland and South Korea. He currently serves on the General Board of Church and Society and the Peace Committee of Korean American United Methodist Church. Peace is married to wife Jongjin and they have two children, daughter Claire and son Clay.   “This is an indescribable honor to be appointed by Bishop Jung as District Superintendent of the North West District. I’m truly humbled by the call.

I enter this season of transition, still with “fear and trembling”, but holding on to my faith in God who “enables God’s people both to want and to actually live out God’s good purposes.” (Philippians 2:12-13) I want to be a good team member to the Bishop and his Cabinet and to the clergy colleagues and congregations of the North West District. Please pray for me, my family, and my Lodi UMC family and
friends who have built up a vital church with me for the last four years."

Please be in prayer for these persons and their families. Do all in your power to confirm their value in our connection and affirm God’s presence available to them in transition. Thank you for your presence in our connection as we continue to follow the light of the world toward days of love and justice.
 
In the hope that is ours in Christ,
Hee-Soo Jung, PhD
Bishop, Wisconsin Conference