Brian Choi, right, and Meg Steele, second from right, are installed as co-moderators by Synod Stated Clerk Michael Wilson, left, and outgoing co-moderator Bernice Adams at the 2023 Synod Assembly in Bedford.
Brian Choi, a teaching elder from Huntingdon Presbytery, and Meg Steele, a ruling elder from Washington Presbytery, are serving as the co-moderators for the Synod of the Trinity in 2024. Get to know Brian and Meg through several questions that were asked of them.
BRIAN CHOI
- Family (spouse, children, grandchildren, pets): Married to Eunkyung Kim and I have two kids: a 9-year-old named Norah and a 5-year-old named Ben.
- In what capacity do you serve (church name and leadership position, presbytery board, synod committee, etc.)? I am currently serving Ward Ave Presbyterian Church as their called and install Minister of the Word and Sacrament that is in Huntingdon Presbytery which I am a committee member of the Committee on Presbytery Life. I am also serving as moderator of Juniata Presbyterian Church as well. And also serving as a Governing Commissioner in the Synod of the Trinity and also excited to continue my role and support as co-moderator!
- In what other capacity have you served in the past (former churches, committees, etc.)? Before coming to Central PA I was serving as an associate pastor at Faith Korean Presbyterian Church in Long Island, NY, and served in many committees in the Long Island Presbytery.
- When you’re not serving your church, what can you be found doing? I spend a lot of time fishing. You can find me catching largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike, musky and trout on the banks of any creek, river, lake or spillway in any type of weather or season. If I am not fishing, I am usually watching Korean drama with my wife.
- Describe yourself in one word: Hopeful.
- What was your childhood dream job? I wanted to be a police officer.
- What steered you into this ministry field? When I was in college God steered me to be interested in theological studies. Through reading about Christian history and getting my feet wet with various theologians, I felt the passion to go into the ministry field and later my calling was affirmed through good conversations with professors and pastors.
- What goals do you have while serving as co-moderator? I hope I can continue the stability and guidance to the Synod as it has been done with past moderators. I hope I can give voice to people who may need a voice in our region. Furthermore, I want to do my part in guiding this region to meet its goals and purpose, that is with God’s help.
- Why do you feel God has called you into this position of co-moderator? I always wondered about this! I honestly do not know why God has called me to do anything to be honest! I do not think I have anything more special than anyone else when it comes to being a pastor or a moderator, but I am willing. When I am asked and I believe that it is God’s will, I am going for it. Maybe that is it. God called me because God knows that I am eager to serve in any capacity.
- Any closing remarks? I love working and being a part of the Synod of the Trinity. We are lucky to have incredible staff and a passionate executive leader and helpful called leadership. I am excited about what we can do as governing commissioners for this upcoming year. We are all called by God in some ways to be with each other. So, let’s work together, make our voices heard and work towards a better tomorrow.
MARGARET “MEG” STEELE
- Family (spouse, children, grandchildren, pets): My husband Harry and I have been married 45 years. I have two grown children and one grandchild. No pets, although I have recently gotten a grand-dog!
- In what capacity do you serve (church name and leadership position, presbytery board, synod committee, etc.)? I have been a member of Faith U.P. Church for over 40 years. I have served as a deacon, elder and church treasurer. I currently serve as clerk of session. I have served Washington Presbytery as moderator, vice-moderator, Synod representative and on the Nominating Team.
- In what other capacity have you served in the past (former churches, committees, etc.)? In the distant past I have served as a youth group leader, gone on mission trips and taught Sunday School.
- When you’re not serving your church, what can you be found doing? I am a volunteer at The Washington Hospital Gift Shop where I spend many hours. I enjoy spending time with my family. My favorite solo activity is reading.
- Describe yourself in one word: Busy.
- What was your childhood dream job? Teacher
- What steered you into this ministry field? I am an organized person and happy to share those skills. I enjoy running meetings and making sure that things go smoothly and in proper order.
- What goals do you have while serving as co-moderator? Since I am new to the job, I don’t have any particular goals. My hope is that I can keep the things I am responsible for in good order and running well.
- Why do you feel God has called you into this position of co-moderator? I felt that this was something that I could do well and it would give me an opportunity to serve in a way I never had before.