The Marple Newtown community is proud to welcome a new chapter of spiritual leadership with the introduction of recently appointed clergy. These dedicated individuals bring with them a rich diversity of experiences, fresh perspectives and a shared commitment to fostering faith, compassion, and
connection throughout our neighborhoods. We invite you to get to know each of them as they begin their journey — bringing new energy and heartfelt dedication to our shared spiritual life.
Newtown Square Presbyterian Church (NSPC)
The first cornerstone for Newtown Square Presbyterian Church (NSPC) was laid in 1957, and now, over 68 years later, it is thrilling to see the church healthy, vibrant and excited for the future. On Sunday, March 23rd, the NSPC congregation voted unanimously to call Rev. Bill Searight to be the next Minister of Word and Sacrament.
Bill is originally from a suburb of Dallas, TX where he said he found a sense of belonging in the faithful community of First Presbyterian Church of Richardson. He graduated from Austin College, where he majored in Religion and Philosophy, and received his Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. Columbia is also where Bill met his wife, the Rev. Sarah Cooper Searight.
Bill and Sarah then moved from Georgia to Philadelphia, then to Shreveport, LA, before coming back to the Philadelphia area in 2015. By this time, they had two daughters, Margaret and Eleanor, with Sarah serving and continuing to serve as Associate Pastor at Swarthmore Presbyterian Church and Bill at the Presbyterian Church of Llanerch.
When asked how his journey to NSPC began, Bill said that it all started when one of his friends and colleagues called to tell him about the opportunity. “My friend had been brought in as a consultant on NSPC’s Pastor Nominating Committee,” Bill explained. “I must admit that initially I was a bit reluctant, but after spending time in prayer and time on a retreat with other pastors, I felt as though God was calling me to go in a new and different direction.”
NSPC long-time member and Newtown Square resident Lynne Corle was given the task of heading the seven-member Pastoral Search Committee to replace Rev. Dr. Jeanne Thomas, who faith- fully served the NSPC community since 2016. She said that after nearly a year of searching and numerous interviews, the committee began interviewing and ultimately unanimously hired Pastor Bill.
“Warmth, faith and compassion struck us the moment he walked into our first interview,” Lynne said. “As a Bible scholar, Pastor Bill is intent on engaging and enlightening our members in our faith. However, he is equally passionate about pastoral care and the nurturing of children in our church community.” Lynne added that Pastor Bill’s goal to engage the church in its mission and have an impact on the local community was most attractive to them.
Bill said he felt such incredible excitement and energy from the committee from the very beginning. “It was infectious and I could tell this congregation was innovative and hopeful, with big plans for the future,” Bill remarked. “It didn’t take long for me to realize this was God’s plan for me and my family.”
Jim Shea is also a long-time member of the church and served on the Pastoral Search Committee. “Bill approaches the scriptures with profound curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, pulling from multiple sources,” Jim said. “We very much enjoy the depth of color commentary his biblical understanding brings to his sermons and bible studies.”
Members of NSPC not only attend weekly services, but they are also very active in the community. Their primary outreach program is Rise Against Hunger, an international hunger relief organization that coordinates the distribution of food and other life-saving aid worldwide. Locally, they support community programs at Garrett Williamson, St. Mark’s Community Cupboard and our volunteer Newtown Square Fire Company.
Newtown Square Presbyterian Church invites the local community to join them on Sunday at 10am. All are welcome! The church is located at 3600 Goshen Road. Visit their website, NewtownSquarePres.org, or call 610-356-8063 for information about worship services, ministries and programs offered.
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church
St. Alban’s Episcopal Church has also recently welcomed a new leader of their church this past October. Fr. Kenn Katona is a native of Pittsburgh, PA, but over the years, has lived in just about every corner of the country. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from PennWest California University, then his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. “I joined the Episcopal Church when I was 19 years old, became a missionary at 20, then went on to become an ordained priest,” Kenn explained.
His journey to St. Alban’s began when his good friend learned that the church was looking for a Rector. “At the time, I was serving at a church in Delaware,” Kenn said. “My friend told me about the opportunity and asked me to at least check it out.” Kenn said he would, but put it on the back burner for a bit. Then, just a short while later, Kenn said that one of his parishioners told him she wouldn’t be attending his Christmas services because she was going to visit her daughter and attend Mass with her family in Pennsylvania. “I asked her where, and she said St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Newtown Square,” he recalled. “She then proceeded to tell me about how wonderful the church and the community were.”
That was the nudge that Kenn needed to do some research to determine if the position would be a good fit. “As I read about the church and the qualities and experience they were seeking in a Rector, I realized that they were looking for me!” Kenn laughed as he recalled his first interaction with the selection committee. “I was happy at my church in Delaware, but figured I had nothing to lose, so I reached out and was asked to interview.” He said he met with the selection committee, and when asked why St. Alban’s, Kenn said, “You know, I really don’t know!” That unexpected answer broke the ice, and Kenn proceeded to have a fantastic conversation that led to his invitation to interview with the vestry, the parish’s lay leadership body, which ultimately called Kenn to be their 6th Rector of the church.
It has been 11 months since, and Kenn has no doubt that he and his family are exactly where they are meant to be. “My wife, Theresa is my biggest supporter,” Kenn said. “We were welcomed immediately by the community and church family, and have settled in nicely with our six-year-old son Leonardo and our three-month-old daughter Evangeline.” Kenn said that they particularly enjoy shopping locally in St. Albans Circle and also visiting the new shops and restaurants on Ellis Preserve.
If you’re curious about St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, Fr. Kenn welcomes you. It is a vibrant Episcopal community where you will find biblically inspired sermons, beautiful music, a strong commitment to outreach and a close-knit fellowship of people who genuinely care for one another.
Whether you’re new to the area, searching for a spiritual home or just exploring, all are invited to join in worship, service and fellowship. The church is located at 3625 Chapel Rd, Newtown Square. For more information, visit their website at StAlbans.org or call 610-356-0459.
Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid
Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid (CBENT), located on Paxon Hollow Rd in Broomall, welcomed a new Rabbi, Michal Morris Kamil, last fall. You may recall reading about Rabbi Michal in the September 2024 issue of Marple Friends & Neighbors, which can be found online at at MarpleMag.com.
Founded in the 1950s, Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid has gone through many changes over the years including the merging of two synagogues. CBENT’s core values are Community and Inclusivity, Religious Connection and Spirituality, Lifelong Learning and Inspiration, Traditional and Modern Values and Social Action (Tikkun Olam). Synagogue president Dr. Marc Belitsky said that Rabbi Michal’s rich, educational background along with her warm demeanor made her a perfect fit. “She has extensive experience in Jewish education and pastoral counseling,” he explained. “Most importantly she is a caring person and a good listener. She’s very down to earth.”
After graduating with a BA in Education from Te Hergana Waka, Victoria University, New Zealand, Rabbi Michal earned an MBA in International Education Leadership, with an emphasis in Jewish education, from the University of Hull, United Kingdom and the UJIA Ashdown fellowship. She dedicated many years to leading Jewish and Israel education programs worldwide. “I’m proud to have worked in environments with families with Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds,” she said. “I was able to be part of many beautiful educational initiatives and events in the communities I worked in.”
Rabbi Michal completed her rabbinic studies at the Academy of Jewish Religion California. Following her ordination, she became the rabbi of Ahavat Torah in Los Angeles, where she served 85 members and continued her social justice work with her congregation.
Moving across the country from California to Broomall to become CBENT’s Rabbi was not only a big change professionally, but also personally. “There are many cultural differences between California and the Philadelphia region,” said Rabbi Michal. “I love how deep rooted the community is here. I’m also becoming well versed in Delco-isms!” Rabbi Michal said she has also become a Philadelphia sports fan! “I went to my first Eagles party last year,” she said. “I’d never seen anything like it before!”
When Rabbi Michal began her new role at CBENT last fall, her hope was to create a community that welcomes all people with respect, openness, involvement and engagement in the community. Nearly a year later, Rabbi Michal is fulfilling her promise and embracing her role as a new faith leader in the Marple community. “CBENT has a great awareness of wanting to respond to the challenge of being a religious, spiritual and cultural community in the 21st century,” she added. “I appreciate that as a Jewish community, proud in how it meets folks on their Jewish journeys wherever they are, we are proud of how we provide for the mosaic of Jewish people and their diverse needs.”
CBENT member Ellen Glassman said that Rabbi Michal is a leader and a listener. “Moving from California, she immersed herself in our community from day one, meeting with our congregants and based on what people wanted and needed, created programs, educational and spiritual initiative.” Ellen said. “She is also creative, spirited and fun. ”
This past year, Rabbi Michal also had the opportunity to connect with other members of local faith groups in the Marple community. “I have enjoyed my discussions with colleagues in Marple and throughout Delco. It really helps to build community,” she said. “There is such a need today to provide both the personal and collective support in times of change, transition, threat and sorrow.”
Rabbi Michal is looking forward to interfaith events this fall including a dedication of CBENT’s Paper Clip Sculpture to be held the week of Thanksgiving. For more information about CBENT, visit their website at CBENT.org or call 610-356-8700.
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
Just down the road from CBENT is St. Mark’s United Methodist Church located at 2220 Sproul Rd in Broomall. St Mark’s is a warm and inclusive worship community rooted in United Methodist tradition. This past June, St. Mark’s celebrated a big milestone, the 75th Anniversary of its service to Broomall. This summer also marked one year since they welcomed Kunwoo Park as their new pastor.
Born and raised in the Bay Area of California, Pastor Park likes to refer to himself as “West Coast boy” or “California Boy.” He originally earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley, but after graduation, he felt a deeper calling to ministry. Inspired in part by his father, who was a Korean Methodist minister, Kunwoo pursued seminary studies in Korea. “I really wanted a career where I could make a long-term impact,” he explained. “In clergy circles we refer to it as a calling.”
While in Korea, Kunwoo met his wife Mia and they decided to return to the United States to raise their two young daughters in the United States. “Mia and I both felt it would offer them greater opportunities,” he added. After completing his theological training, Kunwoo was led to St. Mark’s United Methodist by contacting the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference.
The Parks settled into Broomall and appreciate the open space and natural beauty of the suburbs. “We love how relaxed it is around here,” said Pastor Park. “Back in Seoul, Korea it was very dense, so we love all the greenery and animals that we see here.”
A proud supporter of his West Coast roots, Kunwoo still cheers for the Golden State Warriors and San Francisco Giants—but since moving to the area, he’s become a Philadelphia Eagles fan. “We’ve even incorporated some Eagle’s chants into our weekly sermons!” he said proudly.
Sharon Molino, who has been a member of St Mark’s for over 40 years, remarked that members of St. Mark’s have embraced their new Pastor. “We are so blessed to have Pastor Park and his family here,” she said. “He’s a wonderful preacher and storyteller. He’s able to align scripture with his own personal stories.”
As they celebrate their 75th Anniversary, Pastor Park said that he is looking forward to ways they can mark the milestone. “We’re hoping to host monthly events that incorporate learning about our church’s history,” he said. They would like to participate in fundraisers with local restaurants as well as organize a trip to Sight and Sound in Lancaster. “We really want to engage with the community.”
For more information about St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, visit their Facebook or YouTube page. To learn more about worship services, ministries and programs offered call 610-356-1199.
On behalf of Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors, we welcome our new spiritual leaders to the Marple Newtown community and look forward to hearing about your contributions to our churches and synagogue. Thank you for fulfilling our mission of Bringing People Together!