Our 117th Annual Metro New York District Assembly was truly historic from start to finish. Nearly 600 pastors, delegates, and guests gathered together for a time of worship, conversation, and celebration as we said farewell to our fearless leader for the last 6 years, Rev. Dr. Samuel and Angela Vassel and voted to elect our 22nd District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Jeff and Dr. Stacey Barker.

Each year, we take time to celebrate the hard work put in by pastors and leaders on our district that have answered the call to become an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. We are proud to have welcomed 7 new ordinands and 1 recognition of credentials to our district (photographed below). We were also joined by Andrés Fernandez, Undergraduate Degree Administrator of SENDAS (Seminario Nazareno de las Americas), and his wife Viria Mena Arias, to recognize the 10 graduates of SENDAS who will undoubtedly serve their Spanish-speaking communities with excellence. Congratulations to all who have surpassed these significant achievements!

From left to right: Recognition of Credentials - Choon Keun Kim; Ordinands - Jean Gilbert Toussaint, Norberto (Tito) Rivera, Ermunda Quintero and Kennedy Hidalgo, Patricia Ghersi and Melvin Reyes, Jarnack Melse.

Rev. Dr. Sam Vassel, Rev. Dr. Ron Benefiel, and Rev. Dr. Richie Griffith led a lively panel discussion Thursday evening discussing our Nazarene identity, where we've come from and where we're going.

Our Metro NY District Worship Team provided an incredible experience for all to engage in worshipping the Lord throughout our time together. The Queens NY Central Korean Church Choir gave a stunning performance during the Ordination Service. This district is truly overflowing with talented individuals; thank you for using your gifts to bless us all.

Friday evening was a special celebration honoring our outgoing DS, Pastor Sam and Angela. We were lucky enough to have recording artist Brian Nhira (pictured with the Vassel's) perform alongside our worship team as the evenings entertainment.

Meet Your New District Superintendent

Most will recognize Rev. Dr. Jeffrey and Dr. Stacey Barker from their time spent on the MNY District up until August, 2023. Jeff served as Director of Clergy and Congregational Life, engaging with many pastors and their congregations for 4 years. We are excited to be welcoming them back in this new role!

Prior to joining the District Staff in 2019,

Jeff served in various roles both in ministry and non profit leadership. He served as Chaplain and Professor at Eastern Nazarene College, Senior Pastor at churches in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York City, and as Program Manager at a non-profit organization serving the unhoused and under/unemployed veterans.

Both Jeff and Stacey are passionate about education, holding multiple degrees between them as well as maintaining a strong presence in higher education throughout their careers. Before attending ENC, where they both received their undergraduate degrees, Jeff began his theological education and ministerial formation in Brazil, attending Seminário Teológico Nazareno do Brasil. Jeff went on to obtain his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary and Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University. Stacey received her Master of Social Work from University of Missouri and Doctorate of Social Welfare from Case Western Reserve University; she now serves as Professor of Social Work and Director of the Master of Social Work program at Messiah University.

In their spare time, Jeff and Stacey enjoying traveling around the world and spending time with their two daughters - Emily (and son-in-law Miguel) and Abigail. Jeff also enjoys competing in road races and triathlons, having completed 6 marathons and an Ironman triathlon.

We hope you will join us in welcoming back Jeff and Stacey to the Metro New York District, continuing to pray for them as they make the transition back to New York and take on the privilege of leading this district. Jeff will begin his tenure May 19th.

As we send Pastor Sam and Angela off into their next phase of life, the Metro New York District and Manhattan Initiative presented two ways for you or your congregants to support them and their family through the days, and years, to come.

If you'd like to give directly to the Vassel's, you can do so by clicking the "DS Love Offering" button to the left and choosing the DS Love Offering Fund.

In recognition of the Vassel's love for their grandchildren and (though surely not equally) Eastern Nazarene College, the Manhattan Initiative created the Vassel Family Scholarship at ENC, endowing it with an initial $10,000. If you would like to contribute to this gift in any amount, click the "Vassel Family Scholarship" button to the left and choose Vassel Family Scholarship under "Designation".

Thank you for showing your appreciation of Pastor Sam and Angela's service to this district!

The USA/Canada Region is prioritizing a new initiative called “Blessing Our Community” this year. Like previous years, they are providing resources for prayer, including a prayer journal available for purchase, and a sermon series spanning from Easter to Pentecost. You can preview day one of the journal at the link below. There will also be many other valuable resources centered around becoming the missional church. To ensure you stay informed and have access to all the important details, kindly ensure your connection to Regional Communication by following the links below:

• Monthly HUB Email: Sign up here
• USA/Canada Region Facebook Page
• USA/Canada Region Instagram Page
• Blessing Our Community Website

We celebrate with our own Rev. Althea Taylor in her appointment as District Superintendent of Hawaii Pacific District Church of the Nazarene! She has served our district faithfully, leading with grace, pursuing unity amongst our unique diversity. Although we will undoubtedly miss her presence on the East Coast, we know she will bring the same spirit we’ve been blessed to know in her new role and in the communities they serve in Hawaii.

Please join us in praying for Althea, and her family, as they make this transition!