Meet Our Pastor

Born and raised in South Korea, Rev. JD (Jongdeok) Park graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, IL, with a Master of Divinity Degree in 2017. He moved to Upper New York in 2017 and began serving at Esperance-Sloansville & Gallupville (2017-Present), Delanson (2021-Present), and Cobleskill (2017-2021) UMCs. He was ordained as an elder in 2021. Since July 1st, 2023, he has been appointed to the First United Methodist Church of Oswego.

Pastor JD has a passion for preaching biblically and contextually, teaching the Bible, and discipleship-making to help his congregation discern God’s love and grace more for the transformation of the world. He loves to create community events and programs from kids and youth to all ages!

JD is married to Sunyoung, and together they celebrate the gift of two amazing children, Luha (daughter, 9) & Doha (son, 2). 

He enjoys weightlifting, CrossFit, Tae Kwon Do, and running. 

Sisters and brothers in Christ, it has been my honor and privilege to do my ministry at the First UMC of Oswego and worship God with its congregation and work together for God’s glory. One of my favorite Bible verses is Genesis 12:1, saying “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Then, what’s interesting to me is that Abram (Abraham later) immediately began his faith journey without any hesitation or doubt. 

No matter who you are, no matter where you are, our church is here to help you understand that you are also called to begin your faith journey in Christ. And, probably, our church could be a part of your spiritual journey as we walk together in Christ and worship God together. So, you are more than welcome to join us for worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday with Sunday School for kids. Let’s begin our new journey together in Christ!