Reverend Jane M. Pykus
Appointment History:
2012-Present: First UMC, New Milford/South Montrose Community Church (Yoked)
2010- 2012: Montrose UMC/South Montrose Community Church (Yoked)
2009-2010: Montrose UMC
2001-2009: Worcester United Methodist Church, Worcester, NY
1996-2001: Scott Valley Charge: Montdale and East Benton Churches.
1992-1996: Camptown Charge: Standing Stone, Herrickville, and Camptown Churches.
1990-1992: Jermyn United Methodist Church, Jermyn, PA
Educational History:
Continuing Education is an important part of my ministry and my life.
Ordained Elder: June 1993
Ordained Deacon: June 1991
One Unit of Clinical Pastoral Education: May 1991
Master of Divinity: Asbury Theological Seminary: June 1990
Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Psychology: Asbury College: June 1987
High School Diploma: Honesdale High School: June 1983
Recent Recognition:
Denman Evangelism Award: June 2007
(Begun in 1981 to honor United Methodist clergy and lay persons in each annual
conference who exhibit gifts in the work of Christian evangelism.)
Worship:
I enjoy a blended worship experience with our traditional United Methodist Hymnal, The
Faith We Sing, and The Worship and Song Book. The adult choir, as well as the youth
and children’s choirs, enhances our worship experience. Having our faithful laity take
part in scripture reading, ushering, children’s messages and the like, adds vitality and
ownership to our time of worship. I also enjoy special music, monologues, skits, youth
Sunday, women’s Sunday, men’s Sunday, just to name a few, to hear the Word of God
from a different perspective. Worship is at the center of our life together as the body of
Christ. Let’s do it well!
Nurture Ministries:
I believe various forms of Bible study are crucial to nourishing our souls for spiritual
growth. Small group studies promote fellowship, trust, and the get-to-know-one another
time while studying a specific topic. Sunday school, mid-week children’s groups, youth
ministries, not only bring young people together for faith sharing and fellowship, but the
parents and grandparents are also drawn into the church in various ways through the
children.
Outreach Ministries:
As we experience God’s power, grace, and love in our lives we can’t help but share it. I
have always been a part of ecumenical services and projects for the common good of all
the people in the community. I have been a leader in the past for the Henderson
Settlement and Red Bird Mission Christmas Shoeboxes. I have always been involved in
working with the poor ever since I can remember. My parents gave of their time and
resources to help many people over the years. I have been a part of food pantries,
clothing closets and next step programs in all the communities in which I have served.
Vacation Bible School is a vital outreach in any community. No community should be
without VBS! Ministries with young adults and families with children are important for
church growth.
Vision:
I believe we need to provide new places within our church community for new people.
This isn’t an easy endeavor. I believe we will be working on it in the church forever.
Change doesn’t come easy for anyone of us, but we must change if we are to make
disciples for Jesus Christ today and in the future. I give thanks for past ministries of
many clergy and laity in our conference who worked vigorously to make disciples of
Jesus Christ in my time and place. If it wasn’t for the forward thinking of pastors and
friends in my life, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. I think it is important to
acknowledge the fruit of our past ministries and take note of the not so fruitful ministries
as well and learn from them. We can’t live in the comfort of the past. We must forge
ahead with faith, trust and hope. It is a big step of faith, but we know we don’t do it
alone, God is with us.
Conference, District, and Local Service, 2020
SWB District Committee on Ordained Ministry
Susquehanna Conference Episcopacy Committee
Susquehanna County Long Term Recovery Committee
Route 11 Ministerium
Co-Coordinator of the Montrose Area Cluster
Susquehanna County Emergency Preparedness Task Force
E-mail: jpykus65@gmail.com