Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, has selected Kayli Freeman of New Smithville as associate pastor.

She fills the position vacated by the Rev. Kris Snyder-Samuelson who advanced to senior pastor one year ago.

A 2006 graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School, Freeman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Shippensburg University in 2010.

She graduated from Moravian Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree in 2013.

Freeman’s ordination took place Dec. 10 at her home church, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Emmaus.

She has been supply preaching at local congregations, most recently at Bethel United Church of Christ, Slatington.

Freeman’s responsibilities will embrace the whole realm of ministry, especially focusing on spiritual development of the younger people in the congregation, including the confirmation class and youth group.

She will have interaction with the church community as a whole through worship leadership, preaching, and visits to members who cannot get to church.

Freeman said she was attracted to Union UCC because of the variety of things going on there and its mission activities.

She was impressed by the people on the search committee who interviewed her.

“They are people who truly care about the church and its members,” Freeman said.

“They are proud of what the church has done and how they work together. It’s empowering to see that amount of dedication. It’s inspiring to see that.”

She said it was exciting to have her first official call and to have a settled place to develop her skills.

Freeman expressed thoughts on her forthcoming ministry at Union UCC.

“I’m honored to have been chosen to be a part of the community at Neffs,” Freeman said. “I now get to be a part of this strong, female-led staff. That’s cool, too.

“I’m excited to get to work with all the people there.”