Susan Nesti, a ruling elder from the Presbytery of Redstone, and Mark Juengel, a teaching elder from Mountain Laurel Presbytery, are serving as the co-moderators for the Synod of the Trinity in 2026. Get to know Susan and Mark through several questions that were asked of them.
SUSAN C. NESTI
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Outgoing co-moderator Meg Steele installs 2026 Synod of the Trinity Co-Moderators Susan Nesti, center, and Mark Juengel at the Synod’s Assembly in Bedford, PA, in late October.
Family (spouse, children, grandchildren, pets): A husband, my bodyguard, Rick. Three beautiful daughters, two who live in Pennsylvania and one’s in Oklahoma. Due to a blended family, Rick and I are blessed with seven grandchildren plus one special great-niece. Three of my grandchildren share the same birthday. No pets, for we travel too much.
- In what capacity do you serve (church name and leadership position, presbytery board, synod committee, etc.)? I am a member of the Harmony Presbyterian Church in Belle Vernon, PA, currently serving as an elder and also serve on the Christian Education Committee. I’m active in Presbyterian Women at the local, presbytery and Synod levels. Also serve on the Synod’s Governing Commission and CoRN (Committee Representation and Nomination) committee.
- In what other capacity have you served in the past (former churches, committees, etc.)? I served as an elder and deacon at Redstone PC and as elder for Fort Burd PC. I’m active in the Christian Education committees at both churches. I’ve attended Big Tent and several PW church-wide conferences.
- When you’re not serving your church, what can you be found doing? Crocheting, sewing, knitting or quilting are my greatest hobbies.
- Describe yourself in one word: Hospitality.
- What was your childhood dream job? Personal secretary to a CEO.
- What steered you into this ministry field? My upbringing in Oklahoma and the love for children.
- What goals do you have while serving as co-moderator? To be mindful of my duties and of other’s opinions.
- Why do you feel God has called you into this position of co-moderator? I am anxious but I must rely on the fact that this is the plan that God has for me and he will see me through it.
- Any closing remarks? I am very pleased that the Synod Search Committee gave thought to the fact that I have the capabilities to serve as a co-moderator, and with that thought in mind, let the festivities begin.
MARK JUENGEL
- Family (spouse, children, grandchildren, pets): Jill is my wife of 41 years. She is a retired Day Care Director and elder. We have three children, four grandchildren and no pets at the moment.
- In what capacity do you serve (church name and leadership position, presbytery board, synod committee, etc.)? For the past four years I have served as the Pastor of FPC in Hawley, PA. In presbytery, I have served on the former Empowerment Team, Administrative Committees and presently sit on the new Incarnational and Empowerment Committee.
- In what other capacity have you served in the past (former churches, committees, etc.)? In my almost 39 years of ordained ministry, it is difficult to recall all the ways I have served the church. I have had four other calls split between Ohio and Western PA. Except for the church in Cleveland, I have served mostly small congregations. I have been president on the board of a Presbyterian camp, served on COM, finance, Christian education, Hunger Team, Mission and Social Justice Committee. I have been active with Bread for the World and traveled on mission trips to Hungary, India, Budapest and the Mexican Border ministry.
- When you’re not serving your church, what can you be found doing? Woodworking – I’m currently building a kitchen island for my daughter. I also enjoy golf, reading, hiking, kayaking, traveling, exercising, playing with the grandchildren and going to the beach.
- Describe yourself in one word: Build
- What was your childhood dream job? Teacher
- What steered you into this ministry field? Regarding being a Synod commissioner, I was asked and elected to represent the presbytery.
- What goals do you have while serving as co-moderator? My primary goal is to listen and learn from the various Synod representatives. There is a wealth of experience, knowledge and practice to soak in. Secondly, I want to get a clearer picture on how God is working in these changing times. My last goal is to challenge us to live into compassionate justice.
- Why do you feel God has called you into this position of co-moderator? I don’t have a “why answer,” but hopefully to facilitate the coordination and cooperation of shared mission between the presbyteries.