STAFF

Pastor - Rev. Rebecca Konegen

Rebecca was born in Rome, N.Y., lived in Massachusetts, North Dakota and New York (again) while her father served in the Air Force, before settling in Santa Clara, California her senior year of high school.  Her undergraduate degree is from DePauw University, in Greencastle, Indiana, in English Literature.  Afterwards, at the University of California, Riverside, she completed an M.A and two years of Ph.D. coursework, also in English Literature, with a focus in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. 

During the years she was at home raising her four children, she became an accredited La Leche League leader, and took calls and led meetings for 17 years, helping new parents with breastfeeding and parenting concerns.  Rebecca taught several years of English writing classes to first-year college students, including to many who spoke English as a second (or third) language.  Her passions in ministry include Scripture study, writing, and working one-on-one with people.

Rebecca completed her M. Div. degree and graduated from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary on May 27, 2022, and was appointed that July to McKnight United Methodist Church, where she continues to serve as senior pastor, and now she adds Epworth to her charge. 

Her family includes her husband of 30 years, Wayne Speir, and four children: Emma, 25, Margaret, 22, Matthew, 19, and Lucy, 12. Personal interests include reading in a wide range of genres, knitting, and gardening, and sometimes cooking.

Pastor Konegen can be reached at:

Email: pastorrebecca@mcknightumc.org

Church Phone: (412) 364-7132

Cell Phone: (951) 897-6574  

Secretary - Jennifer Weckley 

Jennifer has been serving as the church secretary since November 2012. Shortly after high school, she served in the United States Air Force for four years in South Carolina. She stayed in SC for an additional three years, becoming very involved in a local church where she took courses in leadership training, was re-baptised, led small groups, and served on her first mission trip to Kenya, Africa. Afterward, she attended Youth With A Mission (YWAM) College in Hawaii with a three month outreach in Battambong, Cambodia. When she returned, she felt God telling her it was time move back to Pittsburgh to continue her education and start a family.

Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two children. Her favorite activities include outdoor hobbies such as swimming, tubing, camping, hiking, and hunting with her husband.  She feels the Secretary position has been an answer to prayer and is thankful to be a part God’s plan.

Jennifer may be reached at:

Email: secretary@mcknightumc.org

Phone: (412) 364-7132

youth director - Gerri czado

Gerri and her husband, Rich co-lead the Youth Group, and have for many years.  The PBJ (Powered By Jesus) youth try to meet on Sunday evenings at 7 PM at the church, but their busy schedules (various school bands, work) make that a challenge.  It is best to check in with Gerri to see about their meeting time (her cell number is 412-901-9798). In addition to their regular meetings, the PBJ Youth lead worship at times during the year, and most often go on a Mission Trip for a week during the summer.