Bealla appointed to Elm Park UMC

Bishop Jeremiah J. Park has announced the appointment of the Rev. Michael A. Bealla as the new pastor of Elm Park United Methodist Church, Scranton.

Rev. Bealla has served for the past eight years as the Director of Connectional Ministries for the former Central Pennsylvania Conference and now the newly created Susquehanna Conference. Mike played a key leadership role in helping to bring together the former Central Pennsylvania and Wyoming Conferences to create the Susquehanna Conference. “He has served us well during this time of much transition,” said Bishop Jeremiah Park.

“It was an unfrozen time when as a new conference many decisions had to be made; and it required a lot of time spent listening and reflecting upon where God was leading us in the future. Mike has been a vital part of that vision casting. We have come to respect his keen insights and thoughts that enlighten what it means to be a church alive in Christ together raising up transformational leaders and equipping vital congregations on a journey of faith. His ministry and leadership among us as the Director of Connectional Ministries has made many significant contributions to the churches and people of the Susquehanna Conference and is greatly appreciated and celebrated.” reflected Bishop Park.

Mike began his ministry as a member of the Wyoming Conference before assuming the position of Director of Connectional Ministries. He has served pastorates at Alderson/Kunkle, Skinner’s Eddy, Factoryville-Nicholson, Endwell (New York), and Trucksville United Methodist Churches. Over the past eight years he has been a vital part of the Extended Cabinet and has provided many opportunities for our congregations to learn more about their faith, ministries, and the connectional system through diverse programs including E-Tours (which is being modeled in other conferences).

He will serve at Elm Park United Methodist Church in Scranton as of July 1, 2016. Elm Park has a rich history, including being the site for many of the worship services for the former Wyoming Conference. Elm Park is located at the edge of the University of Scranton.

 “I am sure that you join me in praying for Mike, his wife Bonnie, and their family, including their youngest son Wesley, as they enter this new journey with God and with the congregation of Elm Park United Methodist Church,” said Bishop Park.