Sumgmu’s Monthly Message, June 2026

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your support during the past four years of my ministry. As previously announced, I will be appointed as the pastor of Trinity-Boscobel United Methodist Church in Buchanan and Asbury United Methodist Church in Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Once my new appointment becomes effective on July 1st, I will conclude my time as your pastor. Yet, I will remain your friend forever.

As I prepare to leave, I realize more than ever how much I have loved this congregation and how much of myself I have poured into our church ministry. When I saw some of you shedding tears, I was able to know how much I have been loved by you. I knew saying goodbye would be difficult, but I did not realize it would be this heart-wrenching. While it is painful, I know it is time to move forward. “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

My wife, Hyeonjin, and I have truly cherished our time with you. Though we come from different cultural backgrounds, we have become one in Jesus Christ. This is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit. We have been more than just like a family; we have been a true church family. Thanks to our mutual openness and understanding, we have served harmoniously and shared so many valuable experiences.

I pray that you will continue to mature and grow on your spiritual journey with your new pastor, Rev. Daehyun Daniel Park. I have heard wonderful things about him—that he is humble, sincere, and bright. Although we will be physically separated, we will remain connected through the Holy Spirit, in prayer, and through the modern gifts of email and text. There is indeed a season for everything; a time to say goodbye and a time to meet again.

Thank you for your love and friendship as we have served together these past four years. May God richly bless you, your family, and your future ministry.

Sincerely,

Sungmu Lee