Help Us Welcome New Susquehanna Conference Staff

We’re excited to welcome two new staff members to the Susquehanna Conference team! Each brings unique gifts to help us love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Please join us in celebrating and praying for them as they begin their work among us.

Sunshine Sassano - Administrative Assistant Freedom Trail District

Sunshine is excited to work alongside those who are making a difference in God’s Kingdom. She finds inspiration in Christ’s endurance to the end, which gives her hope and strength to persevere through challenges. A fun fact about Sunshine - she loves making voices for stuffed animals!

Kelly Stoner - Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees

Kelly is eager to put her administrative skills to work in meaningful ways for an organization that has been part of her life for many years. She’s inspired by faith-filled conversations with people she respects, which deepens her understanding and commitment.

Communications: Jumpstarting Ministry: The Power and Promise of Pastoral Onboarding

By Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

Every year, the Appointive Cabinet of the Susquehanna Conference undertakes the sacred and strategic work of matching pastoral leaders with congregations. Whether due to retirement, a requested change, or a desire to better align gifts with needs, each pastoral transition represents both a risk and an opportunity. It’s not enough to simply make a good appointment on paper - the success of a new pastoral relationship depends on how that transition begins. And that’s where the Onboarding Process makes all the difference. 

The Birth of a Vision

The Susquehanna Conference’s Onboarding Process was born from the insight of lifelong United Methodist and seasoned HR professional Claire Bowen of Atlanta. Since 2013, Bowen has refined this process to address the specific needs and dynamics of the United Methodist Church’s appointment system. Encouraged by a pastor to imagine what intentional onboarding would look like in the church, she designed a structured, relationally focused model that is now helping transform how pastors and congregations begin their ministry together.

“This is one of the best gifts we can offer to a pastor and a congregation moving into a new appointment,” says Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kind. And it’s easy to see why.

A Process Rooted in Intentionality

The Onboarding Process is far more than a checklist. It’s a spiritual and relational investment. It brings together key lay leaders, staff members, and the incoming pastor to share hopes, challenges, stories, and expectations - all in one room, at one time.

Here’s how it works:

• After a pastor is notified of a new appointment, they are connected with a trained onboarding facilitator.
• The facilitator spends time with the pastor to understand their gifts, styles, and needs, and then coordinates a gathering with the church’s leadership.
• During this gathering, the laity engage deeply with guided questions - while the pastor steps out, allowing honest reflection without fear or flattery.
• The facilitator collects responses in real time, sharing them with the pastor to help them prepare for what lies ahead.
• Then, the pastor returns to the room to reflect on what was shared, seek clarification, and begin building relationships rooted in transparency and trust.
• The session ends in prayer, laying a foundation not just for ministry, but for a holy partnership.

It’s structured. It’s spiritual. And it works.

A Model for This Moment in the Church

There was a time when pastors could spend a year simply “getting to know” a church before making changes. But in today’s church - amid cultural shifts, shrinking budgets, and urgent spiritual needs - we no longer have the luxury of waiting.

“The process reflects the urgency of our time,” says Rev. Rachel Wong, who experienced onboarding at Linglestown Life. “It was great. I wish they would do it in every church with a new appointment.”

Indeed, onboarding accelerates connection. It opens the door to healing and clarity. It surfaces unspoken assumptions and old wounds, names golden calves, and points to influential leaders - sometimes before the first sermon is preached.

Pastor Randy Zeiler, who went through onboarding at Fishing Creek Salem UMC, agrees: “It’s incredibly worthwhile. Yes, it’s a time commitment, but it opens up important conversations so much quicker and focuses on trust building… I would highly recommend it for any and all moves.”

Broad Benefits - and a Big Vision

While the program created by Claire Bowenhas already trained more than 230 facilitators across the U.S., we’ve only just begun to tap into its full potential in the Susquehanna Conference. Facilitators - both clergy and laity - undergo rigorous hands-on training. Each onboarding session is tailored to the size and context of the church, whether it’s a single congregation or a multi-point charge. And while costs vary, the Conference currently covers the entire expense as an investment in healthy, thriving pastoral transitions.

Already, Conference staff including Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and Director of Communications Matthew Shineman have participated in the process. Upcoming sessions are planned for incoming Superintendents Rev. Dr. Lyssette Perez and Rev. Dr. Michelle Bodle - a testament to how valuable this model is not just in the local church, but throughout our entire connection.

Administrative leaders like Shari Bellish, from Middlesex UMC, report that onboarding helped spark honest and hopeful conversations among staff and lay leaders alike. It’s not just about a new pastor; it’s about the whole community getting clear on its vision and values.

What’s Next - and How You Can Help

Today, the Appointive Cabinet identifies a handful of congregations each year for onboarding. But the dream is to grow our capacity so that even more churches and pastors are able to experience onboarding as a part of their transition.

Why? Because onboarding doesn’t just help pastors start well. It helps congregations trust sooner, share openly, and embrace the future together.

It’s a model of effective communication where all voices are heard and respected. It’s an antidote to speculation, triangulation, and slow-burning conflict. It’s efficient, spiritually grounded, and transformational.

To build that future, we need your support. Help us grow awareness, and in times of pastoral transition, support this process in your local church and district. Together we can ensure that every new pastoral appointment begins not with uncertainty, but with clarity, courage, and connection.

Because the way we begin shapes everything that follows. And onboarding ensures we begin with grace, trust, and shared purpose.

Staff Update

Our Susquehanna Conference Volunteer in Missions Coordinator Michelle Schwartzman, has accepted a position with the General Board of Global Ministries as the Northeast Jurisdiction Mission Engagement Liaison. Her last day as the Volunteers in Mission Coordinator was March 13.

Michelle has been a trained Volunteer in Mission for 8 years. As SUSUMC VIM Coordinator for the past 6 years, Michelle has passionately promoted and coordinated VIM efforts, including training leaders and participants, throughout SUSUMC and beyond and participated in more than 10 Mission Journeys (in addition to the many before she was trained.)

“I’m grateful for my time here, as I’ve received a lot of support and encouragement,” said Schwartzman. “With the experience here I’ve grown personally and professionally. I will miss my time working within the Susquehanna Conference.”

Thank you Michelle! We wish you all the best and pray for God’s continued work in and through you as you serve through mission engagement.

SUSUMC Staff Updates

Christine Sims, Conference Benefits Administrator

Please join us in welcoming Jarrett Eyer as the new Administrative Assistant to the Northern Wilds District. He began on December 31, 2024. Jill Johnston retired as AA after 24 years. “I’ve been so blessed to have great Superintendents, Assisting Elders and Administrative Assistant  sisters. And everyone at the Conference Office & IT have always been so helpful.”

Please also join us in welcoming Ashlyn Miller as the new Camping & Retreat Ministry Executive Assistant.  She will begin on January 13.

Camp and Retreat Ministry: New Vision Forward Director for CRM

By Kevin Witt Director of Age Level Ministry / Beloved Community Ministry / Camp & Retreat Ministry

Beginning in January of 2025, Charlie Renner will be transitioning from his role as Center Director at Greene Hills Camp and Retreat Center to a new team role as the Vision Forward Director within Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM). This new position reflects major steps underway to reach new young people and families in collaboration with local churches, enhance facilities and expand programming, enrich volunteer and staff training and preparation, build new relationships and partnerships with growing communities of color, and deepen the Christian missional focus and effectiveness of these important ministries. The Vision Forward Director will specifically facilitate follow through to keep the ministry staff and volunteer leaders moving forward on the vision, new directions, and master plan for CRM. 

Charlie brings many strengths to this new role. His long leadership experience and calling to Camp Retreat Ministry has its roots in childhood church and camp experiences. Grace UMC in Carlisle (Now Carlisle UMC) provided the love and pathways of discipleship that nurtured a heart for service and leadership. During his formative years through college, Charlie was deeply impacted by camp experiences. He went to Mount Asbury with his youth group, achieved Eagle Scout recognition, and worked at Greene Hills, Mount Asbury and Appalachia Service Project during his college years at Penn State. This was when his call to Camp and Retreat Ministry became clear. After first serving as the Program Director for the Keystone Area Council of the Boy Scouts, a deep desire to be involved in Christian leadership and ministry prepared the way for a long and meaningful 14-year tenure as the Center Director for Greene Hills Camp and Retreat Center. All along, Charlie has continued to grow in knowledge and experience through intentional continuing education in this specialized ministry.

Charlie shares the following thoughts and hopes as he enters this new role: 

“First, I am thrilled to be continuing my involvement with Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries. I have personally witnessed the tremendous benefits these experiences provide to campers and guests both related to their journey and their inspiration to share Christ’s love and grace with others in their daily lives. It is vital that we extend these opportunities to new people in new places and steward this ministry forward to fulfill its mission in fresh ways for long-term connection, relevance, and vitality. I feel blessed to be serving as part of our core team as we prayerfully discern and carry out the next steps in strategic planning as we launch a new chapter for Camp and Retreat Ministry.

There have been so many dedicated volunteers over the years who have been integral to the power of this ministry. Community and service are such vital parts of what Camp and Retreat Ministry offers. I cherish the opportunity to celebrate, nurture and create fresh avenues for even more people to find joy and purpose through serving in ways that help them use their own passions and gifts to transform lives. What a blessing it has been to serve at Greene Hills and to bring the heart of those experiences forward in the ongoing impact of Camp and Retreat Ministry here in our Conference. Thanks to all who have and continue to support me in life and ministry.”

Thank You Liz Lennox

Our shared SUSUMC/WPAUMC Director of Communications, Liz Lennox, accepted a new employment opportunity which began on August 26.

Her new position with an early childhood education advocacy organization will draw from and be enhanced by her previous experience as a preschool teacher.

Liz was in the communications team for the Western Pennsylvania Conference for seven years and her leadership was extended to the Susquehanna Conference for the past two years, as we worked cooperatively with Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Conferences and shared their respective bishops, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball. 

Stacy Eckert and I would like to express our sincerest and heartfelt thanks to Liz for her leadership of our Susquehanna Conference communications team these past two years.

“My departure feels bittersweet,” Liz said. “While I am excited about beginning this new chapter, I will deeply miss the people of the Susquehanna Conference.”

We wish Liz all the best in her new job and ask that you pray for the Conference leaders as they discern the future leadership of the communications team.

Welcome Our New Disaster Response Coordinator

Deb Currinder (pictured at left) will serve as the new Disaster Response Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference. 

She has a background in law enforcement, teaching, and Emergency Medical Services. 

Deb has been married to her husband Glenn for almost 35 years, and they have a daughter and two grandkids that live in the Roanoke, Virginia area. She has been a United Methodist for over 30 years and currently attends Clarkstown United Methodist Church in Muncy, PA. 

“When I saw the posting for this position, I was sure that the Lord was calling me to use my skills in the ministry for His purpose,” she shared. “I am looking forward to working with you all!”

Contact Deb at drc@susumc.org.

Conference Staff Changes

The Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Douglas Hoy, has taken a job with the PA Emergency Management Agency and has had to step away from his role with the Conference. We’re sorry to see him go, but glad that we will probably still work with him through various disaster response needs.

Helen Meyers, the State College Area Administrative Assistant will be retiring on May 1. Congratulations Helen! Alexis Perry will be the new State College Area AA and began training with Helen on April 22! Welcome Alexis!

Elsa Rodriguez, the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Area Administrative Assistant relocated to the Lebanon area and stepped away from her position effective April 18. Valerie Simmons is the new Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area AA and began April 15. Welcome Valerie!

Jill Johnston, the Williamsport Area Administrative Assistant, was recently promoted to Senior Supervisory Area Administrative Assistant. Her wealth of experience makes her a knowledgeable training resource for all of our Area AAs. Congratulations Jill!

Rev. Jason Mackey will be leaving the Conference Benefits Administrator role and heading to Camp Hill UMC as a part-time associate pastor effective July 1. Thank you for your ministry among us at the conference office Jason! Chris Sims, Director of Seedling Ministry, will replace Jason.

Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, Altoona Area Superintendent, will be heading to First UMC, Hollidaysburg. She will be replaced by Rev. Lillian Smith, who comes to us from the Baltimore Washington Conference.

Rev. Dr. Paul Amara, Williamsport Area Superintendent, will be heading to Trucksville UMC. He will be replaced by Rev. Daniel Wilt, who is leaving St. Paul’s UMC, Lewisburg.

God is Doing a New Thing Through Staff Transitions

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball have appointed Rev. Dr. Paul  Amara to the Trucksville United Methodist Church in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Supervisory Area, effective July 1, 2024. Paul has many gifts for ministry. The cabinet and the Williamsport Supervisory area have been blessed by those gifts for four years. The bishops believe that Paul’s gifts are particularly needed during this new season to help the community of Trucksville UMC take its next faithful steps in ministry. Paul will be replacing Rev. Jay Jones who will retire after having faithfully served Trucksville for the past 6 years.

Paul has a heart and love for the local church. In addition, he is passionate about bringing people of all ages into the church. He is able to connect with a large population of individuals, especially those who are not currently relating to any local church or faith community. His commitment to an inclusive church, we believe, will help expand the mission and ministry of Trucksville UMC. In addition, he will be able to make important connections and develop relationships with those who are not yet in the church, especially those in the surrounding community. Paul is a charismatic preacher, talented teacher, and he has a heart for mission. These are all gifts that the Trucksville UMC leadership identified as critical gifts for their next pastor.

We give thanks for Paul’s commitment to the United Methodist Church, for his service to the Susquehanna Conference as a Superintendent, and to his passion for ministry. He will be greatly missed around the cabinet table. And we know that the people of the Trucksville community will be just as blessed as the cabinet has been through his ministry. We invite you to be in prayer with us as Paul begins his transition and enters this new chapter in ministry.

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Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball have appointed Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis to First United Methodist Church, Hollidaysburg effective July 1, 2024. First Hollidaysburg is in the Altoona Supervisory Area.

Joleen has many gifts for ministry. Her gifts have been so appreciated both by the Cabinet and also by the Altoona Supervisory Area. The Bishops believe that the gifts for ministry that Joleen has will be a blessing and a gift to First Church, Hollidaysburg. 

Joleen has a heart and a passion for ministry. Her passion has been shown throughout the Altoona Supervisory Area. Her care and commitment to the churches and the people of her supervisory area will be of great benefit and importance to First Church Hollidaysburg as they look forward to God’s preferred future. Rev. Dr. Wesley Jacob, current pastor at First Church will return to ministry in the Wisconsin Annual Conference. Pastor Elizabeth Jacob, spouse of Dr. Jacob will also return to Wisconsin Annual Conference.

Joleen’s passion for ministry in the local church and throughout the community has been exhibited not only in her ministry with the Altoona Supervisory Area, but also in the churches she has served. Joleen’s enthusiasm as well as her commitment to evangelism and reaching the least, the lost, and the lonely have been clearly exhibited in her former local church appointments both at Manor Hill and also at West Side UMC, Clearfield. 

Joleen’s passion for music is integral to her faith. Her gift of singing, playing piano, and in the past directing the Chi Rho Singers is one tangible example of how she uses God’s gifts for ministry.

We give thanks for Joleen’s commitment to the United Methodist Church and her commitment to being part of the Appointive Cabinet. Her enthusiasm, her commitment to our denomination and her understanding of ministry in the Altoona Supervisory Area will be missed around the Cabinet table. However, we know that First Church, Hollidaysburg and the people surrounding First Church will be blessed and energized by Joleen’s ministry among them. We know that you join us in prayer for Joleen as she begins this transition and her new ministry in Hollidaysburg.

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Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball have appointed two new Conference Superintendents effective July 1, 2024. The two new Superintendents bring a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to effective ministry in the United Methodist Church with clergy, laity, and local churches.

Rev. Dr. Lillian Smith has been appointed to the Altoona Supervisory Area. Dr. Smith has held positions throughout the General Church and in local churches. Since 2016, Lillian has been serving as pastor of Cheverly United Methodist Church, Cheverly, MD. Lillian has also served as Pastor at St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge, PA and as Lead Pastor at the historic Tindley Temple in Philadelphia, PA.

Lillian served as the Director, Connectional Ministries and Executive Director of Congregation Transformation with the Eastern PA Conference. While on staff, part of her portfolio was working with “High Potential Churches”, “Large Church Initiative” and “Next Level Ministries.”

Lillian has served as Associate General Secretary, Division on Ministries with Young People with the General Board of Discipleship. She also held the position of Director, Ministries with Women and Persons of Color with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Lillian is the author of “Words to Live By: Wisdom Keys that Can Change Your Life.” She recently contributed a chapter to the book, “I’m Black, I’m Christian, I’m Methodist.” Her most recent book is “Rooted Again: Re-Establishing Forgotten or Abandoned connections with God and God’s Kingdom Mandate.”

She received her Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and her Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Lillian will be on loan to the Susquehanna Conference from the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

Rev. Daniel Wilt will be appointed to the Williamsport Supervisory Area effective July 1, 2024. Daniel is currently the pastor of St. Paul’s UMC, Lewisburg. He has been the pastor at St. Paul’s since 2017. Prior to that appointment, he was the pastor of Chambersburg, St. Johns.

Daniel has been and continues to be very active in the life of the Susquehanna Conference. Daniel has served on the Bishops’ Committee on Unity and Interreligious Concerns. 

Daniel has spent three years as a church camp counselor and an additional four years as Dean. For the past four years, he has been serving on the Camping & Retreat Ministries Board.

Daniel is currently serving on the Equipping Vital Congregations/Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders Committee. He has been serving on this team since 2018.

Daniel is also the Chair of the Lewisburg District Committee on Ministry. With the  realignment of Supervisory areas, this DCOM encompasses former Lewisburg District churches now in the State College, Williamsport, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Supervisory Areas.

Daniel is the co-chair of the Annual Conference Worship Team along with Mindy Gochnaur. Daniel is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College and earned his Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary.

While their appointments will officially begin July 1, 2024, as they are able, they will begin meeting with the Appointive and Coordinating Cabinet.

We know that you will be praying for these new Conference Superintendents as they prepare for their new ministry opportunity. We invite you to welcome them and their leadership when they officially begin serving among the people and churches of the Susquehanna Annual Conference.

New Episcopal Office Executive Administrative Assistant Announced

After years of faithful service to our Conference, our Executive Administrative Assistant to the Episcopal Office, Mollye Inners, retired effective September 1, 2023. Mollye has been an invaluable asset and while she will be greatly missed, we thank her and wish her many blessings on the journey ahead! 

Bishop Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Steiner Ball are excited to announce that Cindy Weaver has been chosen to succeed Mollye Inners as the Episcopal Executive Administrative Assistant. Cindy will take over the duties with the retirement of Mollye.

Cindy comes to this position with a vast knowledge of the Annual Conference as well as churches and pastors in our conference. She has worked within the Susquehanna Conference for the past 13 years. 

Cindy served as the Administrative Assistant for the Harrisburg District from 2010-2012. She then was hired from 2013-2018 to help in filling vacancies in the Administrative Assistant position in the Scranton Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Harrisburg, and Lewisburg Districts. At the same time, Cindy was also the Insurance Claim Processor and Receptionist for a Chiropractic Office.

Since 2018, Cindy has served as the Administrative Assistant for Equipping Vital Congregations, Age-Level Ministries, and the Beloved Community. Cindy will work with Rev. Dr. Kathleen E. Kind, Director of Connectional Ministries, during the transition from her current position to the Episcopal Office. This will ensure that ministry in both offices will continue as staffing structures for Cindy’s former position are re-evaluated.

In 2018, Cindy was also elected as the Susquehanna Conference Secretary, a position she continues to hold.

Along with Cindy’s knowledge of our Conference, she has a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the United Methodist Church. Her administrative gifts as well as her non-anxious presence will be an asset in her new position.

Cindy is married to the Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver, Conference Superintendent for the Harrisburg Supervisory Area.

Cindy’s new position began September 1, 2023.