Pastor Brandon Cho will worship as the new pastor of the Beacon United Methodist Church, 96 Third Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, at 10 a.m. Sunday,, and invites all to come meet him and hear his plans for what he terms his “new journey with you…trusting God’s guidance as we grow in faith, hope and love together.”
Pastor Cho will be formally installed during a special service on Sunday, July 13 when his wife, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Cho, will also be on hand to meet churchgoers. Pastor Dr. Cho is lead pastor at the Bridgewater United Methodist Church and the couple will live in the parsonage in Atlantic Highlands. A reception is planned following the service.
In a letter to the Beacon family and friends this week, Pastor Cho gave a brief history of his own background, saying he feels honored to be the new pastor.
Raised in Honolulu, Hawaii with the dream of becoming a medical missionary, Cho said he was 15 years old when he felt a calling to be a “soul doc” instead. He earned his Masters degree in Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology and a Masters of Sacred Theology from Drew Theological School. But, he added, “I remain a lifelong learner, continually shaped by God’s grace.”
During his ministry, Pastor Cho served as a local pastor, and district superintendent as well as a national director for congregational development and has served from California to New Jersey in his ministries. “My passion lies in nurturing vital congregations and equipping disciples to transform lives and communities through Christ,” he told his new congregation in the latter.
He and his wife,, Rev. Dr. Cho, have two adult children “and two lively grand dogs.” Their hobbies are traveling, music, movies, reading, dining with friends and walks on the beach.
Pastor Cho is replacing Pastor Nicole Maggs who will now be serving at the United Methodist Church in Swedesboro, NJ.
In accepting the position, Pastor Cho expressed thanks to the Transition Team and staff as well as all those who have already welcomed him to the community and noted “I believe with all my heart that God has great things in store for use. This is a season of new possibilities, a time to dream, to grow, and to live more fully into the mission of Christ. God is calling us into a future filled with light, love and purpose. Together, with open hears and willing hands, we will build a vibrant community where faith is deepened, lives are changed, and hope shines bright.”
Thursday, July 3, the Church is conducting a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. with walk- ins invited to participate. For more information on the blood drive, or to sign up, visit www.NYBC.org/drive and us sponsor code 72294.
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