Vernon United Methodist Church: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

Rev. Alec C. Park (Pastor Alec) was appointed to Vernon in July of 2004. He is an ordained elder in the Greater NJ Annual Conference (GNJAC) of the United Methodist Church. Before coming to Vernon UMC, he served as the associate pastor of Pitman UMC in southern NJ and as the founding pastor of Harvest Ministries in Bergenfield, NJ. He received his undergraduate degree (B.A) in Sociology and Philosophy at The King's College in Briarcliff Manor, NY, and his graduate degree (M. Div) from The Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

While in Dallas, he served as youth pastor at The First Korean UMC in Richardson, TX and at The Central UMC in Irving, TX. During that time he also served as the Coordinator of Asian American Student Services at SMU where he awarded the prestigious "Outstanding Advisor Award" in 1996 for his accomplishments in building leadership in student organizations. The impact of his work is still remembered in the Asian-American Leadership Educational Conference (AALEC), a conference dedicated to identifying and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

Pastor Alec and his wife Lisa have three boys, Evan, Jeffrey and Vincent. He can be contacted by clicking here.

Vernon United Methodist Church is in the Skylands District of the Greater NJ Annual Conference. The church was established in 1837 on its present site as the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our rich history and tradition of faithfulness is visible in the Spirit of God alive in the people who embody the congregation today. Presently the church has an average attendance of about 175 - 200 between four worship services and a membership of 220.

VUMC is a vibrant congregation that genuinely cares for each other and our community. We are committed to learning and growing in discipleship together so that others will see the love of God in and thru us. We value Jesus' message of grace and mercy, the importance of a right relationship with God and with others. And we seek to become a relevant presence in the community of Vernon for Jesus Christ.

We are a church of "Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors." There is always room at the Lord's table. All are welcome.