Hinsdale Church Getting New Pastor

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale United Methodist Church's pastor is retiring, and a new one has been appointed.

The Rev. Grace Oh is set to take the helm July 1, following the retirement of the Rev. Young-Mee Park.

According to a church news release, Oh, who has her doctorate, is a Korean American who immigrated to Chicago with her family in the early 1970s.

Oh has been involved in various ministries at Korean American churches. She is a full elder in the Northern Illinois Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. She served Evangelical UMC in Ottawa, Englewood-Rust UMC in Chicago and Thornton UMC in Thornton, the release said.

"I believe God is behind this advancement in every aspect of my faith and lifestyle," Oh said in a statement. "I also feel blessed to follow Rev. Young-Mee since she holds a special place in my heart. I pray that God’s abundance always follows her wherever she goes. As I begin my journey at Hinsdale United Methodist Church, I humbly invite everyone to walk alongside me, to join me in discovering the incredible work God has prepared for all of us."

Young-Mee Park served the congregation for five years. She has been a United Methodist pastor for 21 years, including serving six years as DeKalb District superintendent.

"It's been a tremendous honor and privilege for me to serve among the faithful and committed people of Hinsdale United Methodist Church during the past five years," she said in a statement. "I am deeply grateful for the ways God has blessed our ministry together and so excited for the new chapter in your ministry with Pastor Grace. I am certain that she will be a blessing to the church and community."

The church plans to celebrate Young-Mee Parks' retirement at its 10 a.m. service Sunday. Oh's arrival will be celebrated at the 10 a.m. service July 7, the news release said.