Staff

Rev. Dr. Jenn Parks-Snyder began her appointment as pastor for First United Methodist Church of Hershey on July 1, 2021. Previously, she was the pastor at Lightstreet United Methodist Church in the Lewisburg district for eleven years. She also served as an Assisting Elder for the Lewisburg District for two years. Prior to that she was the Associate Pastor at First Hollidaysburg UMC for three years; served as the pastor to Caledonia Charge in the Chambersburg area for three years, and Powell's Valley Charge in the Harrisburg area for four years. 

Prior to entering pastoral ministry, she was a Children and Youth Caseworker for Berks County. She received her Master's of Divinity in May 2006, and her Doctorate of Ministry in Church Leadership in May 2018 from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.

Pastor Jenn is married to Scott Snyder who works at Duryea Technologies in Reading, PA. Together they have three children: Lucas, who is studying Political Science at Washington College, when he isn't working at Funland in Rehoboth Beach during the summers; Alex, who is studying Food Science and Art through various programs, and Davi, a transgender female, who is an aspiring artist.

Rev. Dr. Lewis A. Parks comes to us with extensive experience. He is an ordained elder of the Susquehanna Conference who has pastored congregations of all sizes throughout the conference. He is also professor emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC for which he continues to teach online courses in church leadership and United Methodist governance. He is the author of three books published by Abingdon Press. 

Dr. Parks is married to Peggy Parks, who has been a member of Hershey First these past two years while he was on interim assignments. The Parks have two grown children, one of them our own Pastor Jenn, and six grandchildren. They live in Lebanon. 

Shawn is Director of Music Ministry leading the choirs and praise teams and serving as organist. He holds undergraduate degrees from Lebanon Valley College, a Master of Music from Westminster Choir College, and the Doctor of Worship Studies at the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies. In addition to his church work Shawn is an adjunct music instructor at Messiah University in Grantham, is Artistic Director of Hershey Handbell Ensemble, and volunteers on numerous boards, including The American Guild of Organists, The Handbell Musicians of America, and the Mt. Gretna Bible Festival. Shawn and his wife Laura have four adult children: Peter, Sarah, Christian and Aaron and they reside in Elizabethtown.

Cassie graduated from Millersville University with a BS in Elementary Education in 2010.  She spent two years teaching in the School District of Lancaster before joining the staff at First Church in August of 2012.  She resides in Elizabethtown with her husband, Peter; son, Crosby; and daughter, Grace.  Cassie is passionate about serving and missions.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with family and friends.