Kim’s work included decades developing Korean-language curriculum and resources
Special to Presbyterian News Service
During the 222nd General Assembly held in 2016 in Portland, Oregon, friends and family celebrated the long career of the Rev. Grace Choon Kim with the laying on of hands. Kim died March 18 at her home in Walnut Creek, California. (Photo by Emily Enders Odom)
The Rev. Grace Choon Kim, who served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for 34 years, died March 18 at her home in Walnut Creek, California, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Her service to the PC(USA) included 25 years as the associate for Korean curriculum and resource development. She also had served in the publishing division of the Presbyterian Church of Korea. She retired from the PC(USA) in 2016 and was honored at a retirement party during the 222nd General Assembly (2016) in Portland, Oregon.
Kim received a master’s degree in Christian education from Columbia Theological Seminary and an M.Div. degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. In her service to the PC(USA) she worked closely with the National Council of Korean Presbyterian Churches and the Coordinating Committee for Korean American Presbyteries. She did pioneering ministry for the development of Bible study and discipleship training resources for Korean immigrant congregations, including Korean Present Word and To Be a Faithful Servant.
Her retirement coincided with that of her husband, the Rev. Sun Bai Kim, who served as a pastor in Columbia, South Carolina, and Atlanta before serving as the associate for Korean congregational enhancement in the PC(USA). Grace and Sun Bai were married for 55 years.
Grace is survived by her husband; their two children, John Kim, of Louisville, and Jenny Kim, of Oakland, California; and three grandchildren, Beckett, Sophia, and Natalie.
A memorial service will take place March 22 at Oakmont Memorial Park in Lafayette, California. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the educational ministry of the National Council of Korean Presbyterian Churches.
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Categories: Christian Formation
Tags: national council of korean presbyterian churches, rev. grace choon kim, rev. sun bai kim
Ministries: Communications