Introducing Our New Pastor

Our pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ann Kemper, is retiring as of June 30, 2026. In her place, Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez has appointed the Rev. Dr. Youngjae Jee to Covenant, effective July 1.

Pastor Youngjae, an Ordained Elder in The United Methodist Church, currently serves as pastor of Jonesville UMC in Clifton Park, NY, in the Albany district. During his career, he has served churches in the Buffalo and Albany areas, and has also served on the Board of Ordained Ministry with Pastor Ann. He is married to his wife Sungwon and they have three daughters, two in college and one in middle school.

Pastor Youngjae describes his ministry:

“My ministry is centered on Jesus’ commandment: 'Love one another as I have loved you.' I seek to embody His love as the core of my identity. I strive to introduce people to Jesus — helping them meet Him, know Him, and grow in Him — so that together we may become the love and grace of God to those around us. This is my calling and the heart of my ministry. I support full inclusion and stand firmly against all forms of discrimination or oppression — whether based on race, sex, gender, nationality, or any other identity. I love Jesus and deeply cherish the Wesleyan theology of grace.”

We look forward to meeting Pastor Youngjae and being in partnership with him as we continue to nurture disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and to create a spiritual home for as many people as we can.

The Jee family: Youngjae; daughters Somyong, Sojeung, Sowon; and wife Sungwon.