We give thanks to Rev. Myron McCoy for serving more than four years and beyond his term as the first clergy Co-Chair of the Annual Conference Shepherding Team (ACST).

Bishop Sally Dyck named Rev. McCoy and layperson Elizabeth "Liz" Gracie as the first ACST co-chairs in 2017. They've led the team from its first meeting through the development of the Conference's three strategic goals.

As Rev. McCoy rotates off, Bishop Hopkins named Rev. Hannah Hwa-Young Chong as the new Co-Chair to serve alongside Gracie. Rev. Chong serves Community UMC in Naperville and is the Board of Ordained Ministry rep on ACST. At Annual Conference Bishop Hopkins gave thanks to Rev. McCoy for his calm and steady leadership and introduced Rev. Chong.

"We are going to miss Myron but I think I'm replacing him with someone as equally spiritual and gifted," said Hopkins.

Rev. Chong said while she was surprised when the Bishop called and asked her to take on this role, she's humbled and grateful for the opportunity.

"I have the highest admiration and respect for Myron and I don't know how I can follow in his footsteps," she said. "I look forward to working with Liz and I think we can all trust that the spirit will guide us with wisdom and empowerment as we work together and support one another."

The next ACST meeting is scheduled for September 10. Learn more about the team at umcnic.org/shepherdingteam.