Changsu Kim was born and raised in South Korea and settled in Kansas since 2009. He has been a lead pastor for United Methodist churches in Kansas City metro and surrounding area ever since. It is his first year serving Shawnee UMC and the community as a lead pastor in 2020. He is passionate about preaching, providing pastoral care and visioning/leading the church to be a more missional agency of God.

He loves to meet people and share stories of faithful life experiences to witness God’s love.  

He met his wife, Sue, in college, and they both graduated from Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul, South Korea, and he graduated from St. Paul School of Theology. They have a lovely daughter, Irene, 12 years old, and a son, Joshua, 7 years old who never stops running.

The family adopted a giant hermit crab, ‘Turtle’, four years ago whose living with them in a saltwater tank. He and his family like to go camping, fishing and traveling to different places. He really loves Kansas BBQ, homemade Ice-Cream and Pie. He loves John Deere tractor, running chain saw and power tools. They are actively learning to be a big fan of KC Chiefs!

Changsu said, “I am very blessed being part of this wonderful loving and caring family, Shawnee UMC and so much excited serving with my church family!”.

I serve Shawnee UMC as Associate Pastor and enjoy working with all members of the congregation. Previously, I served as Children’s Ministry Coordinator for several years and then was called to become a Licensed Local Pastor. I will continue my education at St. Paul’s School of Theology. Teaching adult Sunday School, (The Keystone Class) is a joy each week. Pastoral Care is also an important part of my role as Associate Pastor.

My husband Ray and I met in the Chancel Choir and enjoy the camaraderie we experience with the members. I have a grown son, Danny, and two grandsons, Snowden and Declan. When I am not at the church, I love spending time with my family, which also includes two cats. We enjoy watching sports on TV and in person.

I am blessed to have been appointed to Shawnee UMC!

It is truly a gift to be called in the ministry of finances, administration, and office management. I started with Shawnee United Methodist Church in May of 2013 as Office Administrator. I feel that it is an honor and privilege that I have been chosen by God as a servant over the Church’s business.

I bring many years of experience in church finances and administrative work. I have been in Financing and Accounting for over 25 years. I am truly grateful to GOD to stand alongside my husband, Pastor Rodney Perry in ministry. I believe that we have all been called to “Kingdom Building”, which is to help build the body of Christ, and that only what we do for Christ will last. I enjoy spending time with my family, our children, and grandchildren, teaching my grandchildren about Jesus, and being everything God has called me to be.

Christine (McCoy) Phillips has been a part of  SUMC her whole life. Daughter to Mary McCoy and Granddaughter to Phyllis and George Brown. She was a sponsor for Sunday School for many years, and is truly honored for being called into this ministry as the Children’s Coordinator. 

Christine was married here at SUMC to her husband Aaron Phillips last year. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and the dogs. She is also an avid Chiefs and Royals fan, and enjoys watching them play. She has also been a teacher for 12+ years at a local pre-school in the metro area. 

Christine has a true passion for helping kids at any age to learn more about their own faith journey. 

I am so thankful to serve as Shawnee UMC’s Music Director. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Beloit, KS, where I played viola in my both school and community orchestras, as well as singing in church and high school choir. After graduating, I attended Baker University, where I was a member of the orchestra, several chamber groups, and the Baker University Concert Choir. I received my Bachelor of Music Education from Baker in December 2010, and later earned my Master of Arts in Education degree from Baker in 2020.

I have led and been involved with choirs and praise groups at several United Methodist churches. I started attending Shawnee United Methodist Church in 2017 and became a member in 2018. During my time at Shawnee, I have been a member of the choir and praise groups, and was part of the Sunday Evening Praise Service, a ministry I hope to help rebuild.

I teach PreK-5 vocal music at T.A. Edison Elementary School in the KCKPS school district, where I have taught since moving to the Kansas City area in 2011. My students sing, play piano, play drums, and experience music through games and movement.

In my free time, I love to play piano, roller skate, take long walks with my dog, and go on hikes with my husband Art. I also am an avid knitter. I look forward to meeting and singing with everyone in the Shawnee UMC family!