Pastoral Transition at Immanuel: Saying Goodbye to Pastor Jack, Welcoming Pastor Ben

The past two Sundays have brought significant news to our congregation. Below are the announcements shared by Julie Bills, chairperson of our Staff Parish Relations Committee, on May 17 and May 24.

On Sunday, May 17, Julie  read the following announcement:

"This past Tuesday night after our Administrative Council meeting here at church, I received an email from our District Superintendent, Sherri Rood asking for our SPRC Committee to meet with her on Thursday evening. At that meeting, we were informed that Pastor Jack will receive a new appointment on July 1st. We are part of an itinerant system and, from time to time, pastors are sent to a new appointment. We are grateful for the ten years we have had working with Pastor Jack here at Immanuel.
     
"A lot of emotions and questions come with this announcement. I know we all want to know where Pastor Jack is going, who will be the next pastor here at Immanuel and when we will find out. SPRC will remain in contact and conversation with the District Superintendent about “what’s next”. As soon as we have that information and can share it with you, we will. As the process moves forward, please keep the cabinet in your prayers as they discern the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout The Upper New York and Susquehanna Conferences and make all the necessary appointments."

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Julie  made the following announcement in church on Sunday, May 24, 2026:

"It is my joy to share with you this morning that Bishop Hector Burgos-Nunez has appointed Pastor Benjamin Lalka as the new pastor of Immanuel. Pastor Ben will begin his new responsibilities on July 1st . This past Thursday, our SPRC committee had the pleasure of meeting Pastor Ben and spending some time getting to know him.

"Pastor Ben describes himself as a nerd who loves Jesus. He grew up loving action-packed stories found in comics to great tales that speak on human condition, like “Lord of the Rings”. It was through the greatest story, the Good News of Jesus, that his life would change. While attending Ferrum College in Virginia, Ben would discern a call toward pastoral ministry and receive his first appointment at Morrisville UMC in Bealeton, Virginia. It was there he met his beloved wife, Alyssa. In 2016 Ben and
Alyssa followed a call to come to New York, where every day, they strive to
follow Jesus.

"Please pray that appropriate housing is found for Pastor Ben, Alyssa, their two dogs and three cats. If anyone has information of a rental property that might work for them, please let me or any member of SPRC know. Over the next several weeks, please keep Pastor Jack, Pastor Ben and our entire Immanuel congregation in prayer as we go through this time of transition and change."