BY LIANA BAYNE

Fredericksburg United Methodist Church will welcome a new member to its staff on Sunday.

At all four Sunday services, a liturgy will be held to recognize new associate pastor Won Lee, who was appointed to the church on June 24, said pastor Larry Lenow.

Lee's appointment follows the retirement of FUMC's former associate pastor, Nancy Compher, who served the Hanover Street church for six years.

Lee is from Korea and received his undergraduate degree at the Methodist Theological Seminary in Seoul, Korea. He got his masters of divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Lee previously served as the assistant pastor at First Korean United Methodist Church in Herndon, Lenow said. He also served as the main pastor at the Cumberland United Methodist Charge, a group of four small Methodist churches in Cumberland County.

FUMC has few Korean members, but Lenow said he's delighted to have the option of serving people in a different language.

"It is a cross-cultural appointment," he said.

Earlier this week, Lee was moving to Fredericksburg with his wife, Young Lee, and their 1-year-old son, Elliot. Lenow said Young Lee holds a degree in Western dance and studied ballet.

"I find them just a compelling couple," Lenow said.

Lenow said he thinks the community will enjoy getting to know Lee.

"He has a fascinating story," Lenow said. "He came here not knowing anyone at first."

All four Sunday services at FUMC will feature a recognition for Lee, who will work mainly with evangelism, mission outreach and small groups.

"We are very excited to welcome him," Lenow said.

Liana Bayne: 540/374-5444
Email: lbayne@freelancestar.com