Our Mission

Everything we do at Paoli United Methodist Church—whether within or outside the confines of our church building—is rooted in our six-word mission statement: “Love God. Follow Christ. Serve Others.” These three directives are inseparable from one another. Loving God leads naturally to following Christ. And a major part of following Christ— abiding by his teachings and learning from his example—is to joyfully serve others, especially those who most need to experience God’s grace and compassion.

Our values and mission priorities reflect those of Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, whose ministry was rooted in the doctrine of personal salvation by faith and who preached that God’s grace was “free in all, and free for all.” Wesley had a special concern for the needy, was an ardent abolitionist, and gave his full support to women in ministry.

We at PUMC know that we are far from perfect as individuals or as a congregation. We have our share of disagreements on issues related to theology, public policy, and more. But we understand that loving God requires that we love another and that we allow this love to permeate our relationships and help us rise above our differences.

Our Pastor & Ministry Staff

Reverend YoungHak Lee (“Pastor Lee”) began at Paoli United Methodist Church in July of 2023 after serving for three years as pastor at Trinity UMC in South Amboy, NJ. Having witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the gospel, he strives to create a Christ-centered, spirit-led faith community, one that embraces all people.

Pastor Lee aspires to spread the love of Jesus Christ and to bring hope, healing, and transformation to people’s lives. He has spent 12 years in various ministries, including Army chaplaincy, campus ministry, youth and children’s ministry, and hospice chaplaincy. He’s lived in South Korea, India, the Philippines, and the US, and holds degrees from Drew Theological School and Yale Divinity School.

Pastor Lee is happily married to Grace Park, “the most beautiful person in the world.” His hobbies include spending time with Grace, including watching movies together. At the top of his list of hobbies is studying the Bible, especially the New Testament, his area of expertise: “I genuinely find fulfillment in exploring the Bible’s profound teachings, and engaging in thought-provoking discussions within the realm of biblical studies brings me immense joy.”

Nathan Kendrick has since 2019 blessed our church as Organist and Choir Director, in addition to being a frequent soloist. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Susquehanna University. He’s appeared with The Brandywine Singers and has performed in community theater. Beyond his skills as a musical artist, Nathan thoughtfully selects music that complements the sermon and worship theme. 

Testimonies

“We attend PUMC because worshiping God is a beautiful thing to do. The church is part of our family, and to be a part of it is special. It’s so much more than showing up on Sunday mornings for an hour. The opportunity to serve others is the best part of our week.”
Steve Gothard 
Member since 1994

“I came to this church with a strong faith that continued to grow through the discipleship of so many in the leadership and congregation. Paoli UMC nurtured my children as they found their faith through mission and fellowship. During my time at Paoli UMC, I answered my own calling into ministry. I was met with encouragement, love, and grace from Pastor Alice, the women in my Bible study, and my entire church family when I shared about my calling and the discernment process to understand my journey. I don’t believe I would be on the path I’m on now—in seminary and directing one of the denomination’s Eastern PA Camp and Retreat Centers—without the love and support of this wonderful church.”
Carmen O’Shea
Member since 2016

“I joined PUMC because I wanted a Church with strong Christian values for my future children. I found so much more. I discovered wonderful Bible studies that helped me grow stronger in the faith; a church family who embraced me as well as my family; and lifelong friends who are there to help, support and offer wise advice. Here at PUMC, I learned that I have spiritual gifts that enable me to teach, assist, and do meaningful mission work. This church has shaped my faith walk in ways I’d never dreamed of, and I look forward to future God-filled journeys and adventures here.” 
Cheryl Merrill
Member since 1987




“I like this church because it doesn’t have a Crying Room. So when I get fussy, they don’t give me the boot, and I can critique the sermon.”
Gwynevere Fad
Baptized at PUMC in 2021