Sulkiro Song, Pastor

E-mail: Sulkiro@Han-umc.org

송슬기로 Sulkiro Song (she/they) is HA:N’s homegrown, free-range, cruelty-free, locally-licensed pastor—wild-caught from Union Theological Seminary in NYC, where Sulkiro received their M.Div in biblical studies. Before pastor and seminary life, Sulkiro was often found enjoying table ministries in a small mountain town in North Carolina, imbibing good tea and good spirits, and sharing parables (some call it gossip, but whatever). Sulkiro also enjoys taking long walks—either through city streets or taking prayerful night walks in the mountains. They hope that one of these days, one of those long walks can be up to the holy Bækdu Mountain in northern Korea when the severed peninsula can heal, free from foreign imperial powers.

Sulkiro is also a co-contributor of an award-winning anthology, Beyond Worship: Meditations on Queer Worship, Liturgy, & Theology (2022).

Amanda Samuel, Music Minister

Amanda Samuel (she/her) is an M.Div student at Princeton Theological Seminary, with an interest in pursuing university chaplaincy to serve queer youth and people of color. She also loves exploring how theological beliefs inform actions, particularly how to practice a life-giving theology that works towards a vision of human flourishing and the common good. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, playing basketball, and watching queer movies and shows (let her know if you have any recs!). Amanda considers Wisconsin and San Francisco home, but she's excited to explore what life on the East Coast looks like for the foreseeable future!

Aya Tiffany Sato, Church Administrator

E-mail: AYA@Han-umc.org

Aya Tiffany Sato (she/her) is a queer second-generation Japanese American raised in the midwest. She moved to Sunset Park, Brooklyn with her partner in 2021 after living in Seattle for the past 20 years. In addition to being our administrative assistant, she runs a photography and illustration business. She is actively involved in Progressive Asian American Christians (PAAC) and has been organizing for Seattle PAAC (or SPAAC) since 2017. Aya enjoys following the Colorado Avalanche, live music, craft beer, and exploring her parents' home prefectures of Miyagi and Iwate Japan.

Michelle Stanley, Sunday School Teacher

E-mail: ChildrensMinistry@Han-umc.org

Michelle Stanley is a member of Grace United Methodist Church in the Greater Harlem Cooperative Parish of the Metropolitan District. She is a teacher and counselor in her professional work with a state agency. She works with children and youth in the church and conference. Michelle holds a Diploma of Practical Theology from International Seminary in Plymouth, FL and a Certificate in Christian Ministry from New York Theological Seminary in New York City. Michelle is a trained Lay servant and Lay member to the New York Annual Conference. She believes in Proverbs 22:6 “Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.” Michelle enjoys walking, reading, and gardening.