Announcement from the Staff Parish Relations Committee of Channahon United Methodist Church
Hello, Channahon United Methodist Church Families and friends!
My name is Amanda Francisco, and I am the chairperson of our CUMC Staff Parish Relations Committee.
As we know, the United Methodist Church appoints pastors through an itinerant system that is based on a yearly appointment system (July 1-June 30). Bishop Dan Schwerin and the Northern Illinois Conference Cabinet, with the assistance of our District Superintendent, Brian Gilbert have appointed Reverend Ayla Samson to begin serving Channahon United Methodist Church full time as of July 1, 2025.
Pastor Ayla has a collaborative leadership style and is committed to building healthy and enriching relationships that bring growth and vitality to the life of the church. She is described as a creative, out-of-the-box thinker that provides excellent Pastoral support, amongst many other wonderful attributes. She is committed to work with the congregation to reach out and service the larger community in effective and innovative ways. Pastor Ayla has a personal passion for fine arts, is committed to sharing this passion with children and adults. She is active at the Annual Conference Level, serving in a multitude of capacities including the Chairperson of the Annual Conference Board of Global Ministries. She also holds three additional positions including board member of the National Asian American and Pacific Islander Clergy Women Association, Member of the Executive Committee and Board member of the Asian American Language Ministries of the General Board of Global Ministries, and President of the National United Methodist Pakistani Caucus of the National Federation of Asian American United Methodists.
Pastor Ayla received her B.A. Degree from University of Punjab, Pakistan, her Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, and completed post graduate work at Maryknoll School of Theology in New York and Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. She has also graduated from Northern Illinois Institute of Congregational Development offered by Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church.
Personally, Pastor Ayla is married to Rev. Dr. Zaki Labib Zaki who currently serves as Senior Pastor of Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church. They will reside at our parsonage located in Channahon. They are the proud parents of 5 young adult children whom we are looking forward to meeting!
We will be forever thankful for the time we have had with Pastor Eunbae Doh, Sunghee and their beautiful children. They have served us faithfully and in wonderful ministry partnership with us since 2021. We have grown and changed in ways we could not have expected, including participation in global mission. To say the least, we have been the recipients of countless inspirational sermons, meaningful pastoral support and visits, talented music ministry, and insight into Korean culture. We wish them the very best on their new appointment at Wesley United Methodist in Naperville which will begin July 1.
Help us wish Pastor Doh and family a fond farewell with a cake reception June 22, his last Sunday preaching at our church. He will be worshiping with us June 29 at our Ecumenical Service at Moose Island. We are sensitive to the challenges that come with a last minute transition, please help us support both Pastor Doh and Pastor Ayla during this time of change.
We are thrilled to welcome Pastor Ayla and her family as they begin their ministry at CUMC. Pastor Ayla’s first Sunday in worship will be July 6 at our 9:00 am worship time. We will have a formal welcoming Sunday July 13, followed by a welcoming reception.
Join us as we begin a new and exciting chapter for Channahon United Methodist Church!
Yours in Christ,
Amanda Francisco
SPRC Chairperson Channahon United Methodist Church
June 12, 2025
Pastor Doh, pastor@channahonumc.org
815-467-5275 ext18
Kris Hayden, Church Admin, office@channahonumc.org, 815-467-5275, ext 10
Brittany Alcantar, Music Director director@channahonumc.org
Meghan Sweet, Treasurer sweetswim247@comcast.net
Timothy Scates, Pianist