The 2:00 p.m. worship service was a time of renewal, prayer, and affirmation of the partnership between Rev. Song, the district’s clergy, laity, and churches. Bishop Kennetha J. Bigham-Tsai presided over the service, which included a presentation of the signs of District Superintendency.
“Rev. Kwang Song brings deep faith to his ministry as a Southwest District Superintendent. He brings a sharp and theological mind. He brings a pastor’s heart and a commitment to being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Kennetha. “As a bishop of Iowa, I was honored that he said yes to my invitation to be on my cabinet.”
The service began with a welcome from Pastor Jessica Jacobsen of the Griswold and Grant UMC, followed by a greeting and opening prayer led by Sam Harding, Southwest District Lay Leader.
Korean pastors serving in the Iowa Annual Conference contributed a special musical selection, offering a song that reflected the global nature of the church and the joy of shared ministry.
After Bishop Kennetha introduced the new District Superintendent, she led the Covenant Service, a moving moment of mutual affirmation between clergy, laity, and their new leader.
Rev. Song’s daughters, Hankyeol Song and Youngbin Song, participated in meaningful ways. Hankyeol read the Scripture lesson from Luke 5:1-11which formed the basis of her father’s sermon, while Youngbin offered a solo performance sung beautifully in Korean.
Woven by Grace: Many Nets, One Calling
Preaching from Luke’s account of Jesus calling the fishermen to follow him, Rev. Song spoke about the power of connection in the church and the grace that binds people together despite differences or imperfections.
“Jesus doesn’t want a perfect net,” he said. “He wants people who hold the net together, throw it together, and laugh together as fishers of people.”
Drawing from a childhood memory of repairing a worn cast net with friends, he compared their teamwork to the work of the church today—mending, casting, and rejoicing together in shared mission. He invited the congregation to see themselves as “woven together by grace,” like the interlaced roots of Iowa’s cornfields that keep the stalks upright in strong winds.
“As your District Superintendent, I want to be one of those threads—helping to connect, support, and strengthen this body of Christ among us,” he said. “Will you join hands again? Will you mend the net with me? Will you cast it wide—together—so that God’s kingdom may flourish in our midst?”
The installation concluded with a time of fellowship, as those present offered congratulations and words of encouragement to Rev. Song’s ministry in the Southwest District.
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