New minister at United Methodist Church in Newfoundland

Loving nature and gaining energy from being in nature, the Rev. Eunkyong Kim feels at home with people who are filled with the love of God and demonstrate that love by putting it into everyday practice.

Matthew 22:34-40

Passionate about Christian education, social justice and community outreach ministry, her goal as pastor of the Newfoundland United Methodist Church is to build a faith community that embodies Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 22:34-40.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. And, Love your neighbors as yourselves,” she said.

Born on Feb. 27, 1978, in the Gyeonggi-do Province region of the Korean Peninsula, she comes from a region in South Korea where there are many Christians of the Methodist faith. Symbols of the city include the White Dove which symbolizes world peace and unity and the tree that symbolizes long life with great prosperity. Gyeonggi means “area surrounding the capital.” The province surrounds Seoul, largest city and national capitol.

“When we love others, we communicate God’s love to them,” Rev. Eunkyong shared. “This might sound inexplicit, but this is the most important commandment that Jesus gave us, and the reason that God calls us as the church.”

‘Children and youth are the future of the church and the world’

Another of her goals and hopes for her church is to build a faith community for young generations.

“Children and youth are the future of the church and the world,” she said. The church is called to raise and educate them with God’s word and love. I hope that the Newfoundland United Methodist Church will carry out the mission to lead many children and young people to be disciples of Jesus.”

Rev. Eunkyong is married to Rev. Jongin Lee, serving as Franklin Lakes United Methodist Church pastor. They have a daughter Sophia Lee, age 9 and going into fourth grade. The family dog is “Cherry,” a Silky Terrier.

After graduating at Hwasecong Girls’ High School, Gyeinggi-do, Korea, Rev. Eunkyong majored in English Language and Literature at Hyupsung University, graduating with a Bachelor Degree in 2002. Next she majored in Liturgical Studies at the University and received her Th.M degree in 2005. In 2008 she received her M. Div. in the United States at Drew University and was awarded her S.T.M. in Liturgical Studies in May2010.

Early in her church service in 2004-05 she was Music Director of the Choir and In the Praise Team at Hu-An Methodist Church in Icheon-Si Korea. She was also involved with the Sunday School there.

In the United States Between 2006 up to the time of taking her new position in Newfoundland she served in Sunday School ministries in many churches. Most recently she served for four years at Cedar Cliff United Methodist Church in Haledon.

Hiking, sometimes in trails near their home, is a favorite way for the family to spend their recreation time. Rev. Eunkyong also enjoys soap-making, playing the piano and watching movies. She looks forward to her work in the Newfoundland community and meeting people from there and throughout the rest of the Township of West Milford.