Rev. Jisun Yang
Pastor
Jisun Yang was born and raised in South Korea, where she studied computer science in college and worked as a programmer and project manager, developing strong organizational skills. She earned her Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School and was ordained as an elder in full connection in GNJ in 2021.
Jisun started her ministry at Middletown UMC in July 2025 with parental leave. With a heart for creating a welcoming and nurturing church community, she brings strengths in preaching, team-building, and enhancing hospitality and care ministries.
Beyond ministry, Jisun is blessed with the loving support of her husband, Sung Woo Lee, who is her best friend and greatest encourager, and their newborn son, Nathan.
Cindy Balme
Director of Music Ministry
Director of Children and Youth Ministries
Cindy Balme grew up in Lakewood, NJ, where she was a lifelong member of Christ United Methodist Church. She attained her Bachelor of Music Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music and her Master of Music degree from the Boyer College of Music at Temple University.
After many years of performing leading soprano operatic roles, she and her husband John, turned to choral conducting, specializing in children’s and youth choirs. Together, they founded the Concordia Youth Chorale, and shortly thereafter, founded the Concordia Chorale, an adult community chorus. Both groups have had the opportunity of performing in remarkable venues and sharing their music on tours around the world.
Cindy was the longtime choir director for St. Michael’s in Long Branch. In 2020, she happily returned to her Methodist roots, becoming Music Director for MUMC. She now also serves as Director of Youth and Family Ministry and is grateful for MUMC’s support and encouragement as she continues to explore her call to ministry. Cindy is especially thankful for the love and encouragement of her husband, John, and their dogs, Kokopelli and Nanook.
Anne Cullen
Office Manager
Anne Cullen is from Brooklyn, NY and graduated from St. John's University. She has been the Office Manager at Middletown UMC since 2019, where she enjoys having the opportunity to work on a little bit of everything. She lives in Middletown with her husband, two children, and their cat. Anne likes to pretend that she will actually have time to finish her craft projects, and believes this year really is the Bills' year.
Elizabeth Hill
Learning Path Preschool Director
Elizabeth Hill is from Setauket, NY, and graduated from the University of Hartford. She joined the preschool staff in 2008 and became Director in 2015. She lives in Colts Neck with her husband and three children.
Denise Sharkey
Church Nursery
Favorite Scripture: "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." Esther 4:14
Carolyn Hooper
Sexton
Favorite Scripture: "Don't worry about anything; pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
