Special Announcement from Bishop Burgos-Núñez: Cabinet Appointments

December 15, 2024

“...Christ gave gifts to some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to have the work of caring for and teaching God’s people. Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for serving. God gave those gifts to make the body of Christ stronger.” - Ephesians 4:11-12 (ICB)

Dear siblings in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ as we journey through this blessed Advent season!

Earlier this fall, I announced the upcoming Cabinet openings as Rev. Judy Walker and Rev. Brenda Leigey prepare to conclude their faithful service in pastoral ministry.

Superintendents serve as spiritual leaders, chief missional strategists, and overseers for their assigned districts. Alongside the Cabinet and the Resident Bishop, Superintendents develop strategies and guide clergy and laity in their districts to nurture passionate disciples of Jesus Christ and servant leaders.

Through a process of gathering input from Susquehanna clergy, consulting with the Appointive Cabinet, and engaging in deep prayerful discernment, I am pleased to announce the appointments of two exceptional, Christ-like transformational leaders: Rev. Dr. Michelle Bodle and Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez. They will serve as Conference Superintendents in the Susquehanna Conference, effective July 1, 2025. Rev. Dr. Bodle and Rev. Pérez bring extensive experience, passion, and vision to their new roles, ensuring dynamic and faithful leadership for our conference.

Rev. Dr. Michelle Bodle

The Rev. Dr. Michelle Bodle will serve in the Mountain Valley District. She is currently the pastor of Juniata UMC and has served several congregations within the Conference. Throughout her career, Rev. Dr. Bodle has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering spiritual growth and engaging with the community. She has also contributed to the wider mission of the church as the Chair of the Board of Health and Pensions, the Peace with Justice Coordinator, and as a member of various teams, including Education and Inclusion, the Order of Elders, and Mission and Outreach.

Rev. Dr. Bodle holds a bachelor’s degree from Houghton College, a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary. Her credentials also include professional certifications in Spiritual Formation (Drew Theological School) and the Supervision of Spiritual Directors (Fordham University).

Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez

Rev. Lyssette N. Pérez will serve the North Central Rivers District. She is an innovative and passionate leader with decades of experience in various ministry settings. Ordained in the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference, Rev. Pérez has led congregations in both urban and suburban areas, developing impactful programs focused on youth empowerment, food security, and immigration advocacy. Previously, she served as the Director of Connectional Ministries for the Greater New Jersey Annual Conference and as Executive Secretary for Missions Contexts and Relationships with the General Board of Global Ministries. In this role, she oversaw partnerships throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Rev. Pérez also served as president of MARCHA, the national Hispanic caucus in the United Methodist Church.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Rev. Pérez holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Divinity from Drew Theological School. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree focusing on 21st-century ministerial leadership. Rev. Troy Howell will continue serving as interim Superintendent until June 30, 2025.

These appointments embody our shared commitment to fostering vibrant, strategic, and diverse leadership at all levels within the conference and to celebrating and leveraging our United Methodist connection. Rev. Dr. Bodle and Rev. Pérez both demonstrate a deep passion for serving diverse communities, fostering connections, promoting innovation, and inspiring faith-filled action.

Please join me in celebrating and welcoming these exceptional leaders as they begin their new roles as Conference Superintendents. Their unique talents and dedication will surely enhance and strengthen the mission of the Susquehanna Conference. Let us keep them, their families, and their congregations in our prayers as they enter this season of transition.

May the love of the Prince of Peace fill your hearts this Christmas and guide us all into a future brimming with God’s hope and new possibilities as we seek to be agents of transformation through the healing and liberating love of Jesus Christ.

Together in Mission,