Staff

Rev. Dr. Sung Ah Choi

Pastor- Rev. Dr. Choi was born and raised in a Methodist family in South Korea. She has a husband, Jun Ho and a 5-year-old daughter named Eden. She served at Champion and Carthage UMCs since July 2015. Rev. Choi came to the United States in 2001 to study church social work and theology.  She completed her Master of Social Work studies at Roberts Wesleyan College in 2003 and her Master’s in Divinity from Drew Theological School in 2008. Rev. Choi obtained her doctorate in social welfare from SUNY Albany in 2018. Her research interests include religion and spirituality in social work practice, community development, faith-based organization, international social work, and health equity.  She is a passionate worshipper and intercessor prayer and loves Jesus, her Savior, and His church.

Sally Bailey has given her gifts of music to the Lord for years and we at Marcellus UMC are grateful for this blessing!  She has a career in music education through public schools, Community College and private piano studio as well as a specialization in church music leadership. Sally leads the Sanctuary choir, plays piano in the praise band, and accompanies soloists.

Karen Lewien, Organist

Karen Lewien is a steadfast and faithful musician who plays the organ each Sunday in our 9:30 AM worship service – come early to worship to hear the beautiful selections she shares as gathering music for the prelude to worship.  She has enjoyed a career in education and serving the most vulnerable among us, as well as her giftedness at the organ with sacred music.

 Nairobi Smith, Praise Band Leader:     Nairobi will work with our music director and team of loving folks who gift the Lord with music!

Susan Ranous, CPA, is our MUMC Book keeper and additionally, a candidate for Deacon’s Orders as ordained in the UMC.  We are delighted to have Susan on our staff, helping us in our mission and ministry of finance and stewardship; we are equally delighted to support Susan in her ordination journey as she helps us, and other local church communities, pray into their relationship with steward ministry.  Praise be to God!

Darlene Hyde, Sexton: In this staff position at our faith community Darlene sees to it that tables and chairs are where they need to be when they are needed. She makes sure the immediate needs of the building are tended to, and works with the trustees to see that we are kept in top shape for the work of the Lord in our community!  You may also know Darlene from her work as the host and organizer of the senior lunch program, Peace lunches.

Jason King, Custodian: Jason is the owner of King of the Mountain, custodial services and he and his team keep our beautiful building clean, and sometimes even sparkling!  We know that Jason cares about the work he does and we are appreciative of his efforts.  You may recognize Jason’s art work for he has a degree in studio art from Syracuse University.  His paintings are glorious. Here is a picture of our church he painted for our bicentennial.