2021 Appointments
Bishop Tracy S. Malone announces the following 2021 clergy appointments and/or changes of status. Appointments are effective July 1, 2021 unless otherwise noted.
Districts: (CN) Canal · (FL) Firelands · (MO) Mid-Ohio · (MV) Mahoning Valley · (NC) North Coast · (OV) Ohio Valley · (SH) Southern Hills · (TR) Three Rivers · (TW) Tuscarawas · (WR) Western Reserve
| Pastor | Appointment | District | Effective |
| Carolyn Berry | Doylestown UMC | CN | |
| Megan Buehler | Leroy & Chippewa Church at the Lake UMCs | FL | |
| Kyle Gould | Ashland Christ UMC | MO | |
| Joyce Hoile | Henrietta UMC | FL | |
| Donald Kuntz | Seville UMC | CN | |
| Lorrin Radzik | Macedonia UMC | CN | |
| Becky Weamer | Union Avenue | TW | |
| Stanley Wertz | Extension Ministry: TFC Global | MO |
Visit the 2021 Appointments and Changes of Status page of the Conference website to read the Cabinet’s Core Values for Making Appointments and to see the lists of appointments, retirements, and those who are concluding their ministry.
Teach • Reach • Bless
$666,754.38 Collected – 44% of Needed $1.5 Million
The Teach • Reach • Bless campaign to build a residence hall for female students at Africa University has moved from commitments to collecting donations. Ground cannot be broken for construction until the entire $1.5 million needed to build and furnish the residence hall is sent to Africa University. If you’ve made a financial commitment to the campaign, you are asked to prayerfully consider paying the commitment in full by the end of 2021, if possible. If you have not yet made a financial commitment to the campaign, you are invited to make a financial donation during 2021.
Make a financial donation to the Teach • Reach • Bless campaign.
Individual & Local Church Donors
The list of individual donors and a list of local churches by district that have donated money to the Teach • Reach • Bless campaign can be found on the Conference website. The names of new donors are added at the end of each month when the pie chart of collected donations is updated.
View the lists of campaign donors.
Lent
Monday, February 22 is the fifth day of Lent
Bishop Tracy S. Malone invites you to join with her and with clergy and laity of the East Ohio Conference and The United Methodist Church in Journeying Toward Wholeness during these 40 days of Lent. The Bishop has created a Lenten devotion of scripture and reflection built around the themes of Surrender, Rest, Pray, Love, Give, Serve, and Heal.
Today’s theme is Serve. How are you bearing the image of Christ and practicing hospitality? Read Romans 12:9-13.
View the Journeying Toward Wholeness Lenten devotional calendar then use the tools in the top right corner of the pdf window to print or download.
Council of Bishops Lent Devotions
The Council of Bishops invites the people of The United Methodist Church to a season of introspection and self-examination during Lent as we confess and fast from the sin of racism, discrimination, oppression, and exclusion, and feast on the beauty and blessing of the diversity of God’s Church.
Each week of Lent and every day of Holy Week, a United Methodist bishop will offer a short video devotion. Bishop Malone’s devotion will be posted on Monday, March 29.
View the Council of Bishops Lent devotions.
Multicultural Vitality
Critical Conversations: Next Steps – Multiethnic Conversations
In our covenant together to Stand Against Racism, EOC clergy and laity are invited to participate in a weekly training designed to help participants break down the earthly barriers to becoming the church described in Revelation 7:9. Guest presenter Kimberly Chapmon-Wynne, founder and principal consultant at Mosaic Insights Consulting, LLC, will lead the 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday sessions that begin March 18 and conclude May 20. Note: there is no session scheduled on Maundy Thursday, April 2.
The training will utilize the book Multiethnic Conversations: An Eight-Week Journey Toward Unity in Your Church by Mark DeYmaz along with other resources to assist participants in gaining skills to be “ambassadors of reconciliation” within our church and beyond.
Clergy Share Experiences of Race and Ministry
Be sure to view the videos and reflection questions posted today, the last in a series produced by the East Ohio Conference Black Pastors Fellowship and the Multicultural Vitality office. “We need to intentionally work on things that have kept us away from each other and have led to a lack of understanding between the races,” said the Rev. Angela Lewis, pastor of Doylestown UMC and vice-president of the Black Pastors Fellowship.
“I’m a long-term Christian but I am not a long-term pastor so I’m growing as I learn about the issues that pastors have to deal with and this issue with race is a huge one. I came out of corporate America and I learned very quickly that if you were a person of color you had no standing,” Pastor Stanley Miller of Oberlin Rust UMC and Lorain Wesley UMC said in one of the videos posted today.
“I hope the stories and experiences that some of us are sharing will help to bring about understanding, healing, recognition, resolution, and togetherness regarding the issue of racism in the church and the world,” said the Rev. Darlene Robinson of Willard First UMC.
View and download the videos and reflection questions.
“Learnings from the Pandemic: Health Care & Racial Inequities” Webinar
Will Fenton-Jones, EOC director of Multicultural Vitality is one of the keynote speakers for this year’s Mary Anne and Richard H. Cavicchi Christian Education Seminar held annually at Rocky River UMC. This year’s event will be virtual via Zoom from 2:00 – 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, March 7.
Fenton-Jones will be joined as a keynote speaker by Dr. Nazleen Bharmal, medical director of Community Health & Partnership with Cleveland Clinic Community Care.
Commission On the Status and Role of Women (COSROW)
March is National Women’s History Month
The theme for National Women’s History Month 2021 is a carryover from 2020 since the pandemic caused the postponement of most of the opportunities that would have celebrated the centennial of women’s suffrage. Thus, this year’s theme will be “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to Be Silenced.”
East Ohio Conference COSROW offers these ideas for celebrating women during the month of March: Designate a Sunday in March to celebrate Women’s history being intentional about using gender neutral language for God and asking people to wear white, the color of the suffragists; focus on famous women such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, Ida B. Wells, Alice Paul, and others; read in various voices the Declaration of Sentiments, signed at the 1848 women’s rights convention; host a book study of Breaking Through the Stained Glass Ceiling, or The Leading Women: Stories of the First Women Bishops of The United Methodist Church or Enduring Grace: Living Portraits of Seven Women Mystics; or create an event of your own. On behalf of COSROW of the EOC, the Rev. Lenore Robinson will be happy to help your church design a service or a resource. E-mail Rev. Lenore Robinson.
Learn more about Women’s History Month.
Learn more about women in UMC history.
Young People’s Ministries
Spanish-Speaking Children/Youth Ministry Webinar – March 13
Discipleship Ministries, a general agency of The United Methodist Church, will host a March 13 webinar for Spanish-speaking ministry contexts focused on fruitful ministry with children and youth in a digital age.
Youth Leaders Network Book Club
In the month of March, we will read and discuss May It Be So: Forty Days with the Lord’s Prayer by Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson. You do not have to be a youth leader to join the book club.
Learn more and receive the Zoom link to participate in discussions.
Youth Annual Conference 2021
Please keep June 12 reserved for a one-day Youth Annual Conference. Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) is excited to announce that it is working on three locations for this year’s event, trying to offer an in-person event while keeping numbers low. More information, including registration, will be available in March.
Congregational Vitality
Worshipping Online Webinar with Jason Moore – March 2
“Telling the Old Story in a New Time: Best Practices for Worshiping Online & Beyond in a Physically Distanced World” is a two-hour webinar scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 2.
The COVID-19 virus changed everything about our lives, including how we worship. With the social distancing practices preventing our physical gatherings, how do we connect and make our message resonate with a world in chaos? Join author, creative worship, and guest readiness coach Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions as he leads your church into a deep dive through the questions and answers that must be asked and addressed as we worship today. Cost is $50/person or $100/teams of three or more.
Learn more and register. If you attend both Worshipping Online and Hybrid Worship webinars, you and your team qualify for seven coaching sessions with Jason Moore.
Hybrid Worship Webinar with Jason Moore – March 18
“Both/And: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences for Online and In-Person Audiences is a two-and-one-half-hour workshop scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 18.
In March 2020, when congregations ended in‐person worship and went online the methodology for streaming worship completely shifted paradigms. As we move back into our buildings, we must not return to making people at home observers after talking directly to them for so long. If we fail to think about how to create a both/and scenario as we go back to in‐person worship, we will lose so much of what we’ve gained in these last months. Jason Moore of Midnight Oil Productions will delve into strategies for how to create powerful transformative worship where no one feels like they’re an afterthought. Cost is $50/person or $100/teams of three or more.
Learn more and register. If you attend both Worshipping Online and Hybrid Worship webinars, you and your team qualify for seven coaching sessions with Jason Moore.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Summer Camp 2021
East Ohio Camps have been making and maturing disciples of Jesus Christ for 50 plus years. Pioneers and visionaries saw the need for sites and programs in creation where people gather to experience spiritual birth, growth, and renewal. There are thousands of people, now scattered all over the world or living in the great beyond with their Savior, who would call East Ohio Camps their spiritual birthplace or home. Our hope is that you and your family will become a part of this rich history by participating in the 2021 Summer Camp program. Our prayer is that East Ohio Camps will become a spiritual home for your family.
Learn more about EOC Summer Camp. If you have additional questions, please e-mail the Camps & Retreat Ministries office or call (330) 499-3972 ext. 108.
Spiritual Formation Network Gathering – February 23
If you are involved in Spiritual formation and Christian education, then join your friends and colleagues for devotions, support, question-asking and -answering, and sharing ideas. The network will next gather by Zoom at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 23. Invite any of your friends and colleagues involved in Spiritual formation and Christian education. We gather every three weeks – alternating between Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 1:00 p.m., as indicated below:
- Thursday, March 18 @ 1:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 6 @ 9:00 a.m.
- Thursday, April 29 @ 1:00 p.m.
E-mail Rev. Gary Jones to receive the Zoom invitation.
Missions
February 24 is Application Deadline for U2 Global Mission Fellows
Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church is seeking young adults ages 20-30 who have a Bachelor’s degree, are called to address roots of injustice, and have a desire to serve with people for two years.
Virtual Mission Discovery Events – March 2 & March 4
The Mission Volunteers Office of Global Ministries is offering opportunities to learn more about ways to connect in mission. These are two-hour events that provide an overview to the many ways people might serve. Virtual Mission Discovery Events are also scheduled for June 3 and June 5.
Tools for Missions in Local Churches
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Mission Academy recorded its winter 2021 virtual session on the topic of “Local Missions Engagement.” The video contains good conversations and ideas about how to start a local outreach ministry in your church and it would be a great tool for a missions committee to view together.
Watch the UMVIM Mission Academy Winter Session, passcode is X&Ng&9Va.
View an UMVIM Movement video series for more mission tools.
UMVIM Journey Mondays in March: Works of Service as a Lenten Practice
Each Monday in March, Director of Missions & Community Engagement the Rev. Kathy Dickriede will lead UMVIM Journeys to mission sites around East Ohio. Sites include Steubenville Urban Mission, Epworth Center, Blue Rose Mission, Nehemiah Mission and Covered Bridge Mission. It’s free and you can register for all or just the sites you’re interested in. COVID-19 safety precautions will be observed, such as appropriate face coverings and social distancing.
Learn more and register.
View the EOC Mission News page for additional mission opportunities in East Ohio and beyond.
Disaster Response
UMCOR Sunday is March 14
“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.” Psalm 143:10
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Sunday on March 14 is a great opportunity to invite people to grow in faith by serving. Formerly called One Great Hour of Sharing, UMCOR Sunday is the perfect day to share a story of your faith growth: such as the time when Christ opened a heartfelt connection with a memorable homeowner while you were mucking out their flood damaged home; or when you saw Christ’s joy in the eyes of a teen who moved back into their room after you repaired the damaged roof on the teen’s home.
Highlight UMCOR Sunday by recruiting story tellers to share and then invite listeners to pair with a friend and join a mission team. Commit to taking part in a mission this summer or fall. There are mission opportunities to fit every level of skill or ability. You can help in an urban or rural setting; you can stay close to home or travel abroad.
Make a donation to UMCOR Sunday, EOC Fund 9206.
View and download UMCOR Sunday resources.
UMCOR Early Responses Teams
Consider becoming a part of an Early Response Team so you can assist others when disasters strike. Christ is calling us to commit our hearts and hands by joining a team. When you do so, you’ll feel your heart grow larger! E-mail Tom King, EOC Disaster Response Committee chair, with any questions.
Learn more about Early Response Teams.
Long-term Disaster Response
View the EOC Mission News page for an article on how we can help with recovery after winter weather in Texas and other long-term disaster recovery projects.
Warming shelters
Lakewood UMC served as a warming shelter during the Polar Vortex of 2019. Currently, United Methodist Churches in Texas are doing the same following the deadly storm that continues to impact the state. Consider having conversations with community leaders and the Red Cross about how your facility might be available as warming or cooling shelter, if needed. Please be sure to contact your district disaster response coordinator if/once your church is registered as a warming shelter.
Clergy
Last Day to Register for Toward Healing the Harm Event
Today is the last day to register for “Toward Healing the Harm: A One-Day Event to Address the Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response in Gender Discrimination and Harassment” sponsored by the Bishop’s office, Board of Ministry, and the Commission on the Status and Role of Women. The event will be held as a Zoom webinar from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Monday March 8. The leadership team is excited that over 60 clergy and church leaders have signed up for this event. We pray that this event will be a transformative experience as we all work toward healing the harm we have experienced.
Participants are encouraged to gather support for the day. The event is geared toward healing, and healing does not come without pain. Spiritual directors and counselors will be available for appointments during the day. If you can, attend along with some of your clergy siblings and take time to process during and after the event. Keep your friends close, and if you need additional help after the event, feel free to contact the team for resources or reach out to your own support network. E-mail Rev. Lenore Robinson, e-mail Rev. Heidi Welch, or e-mail Rev. Abby Auman with any questions.
Credit Union
Get Out Of Debt (GOOD) Loan
Gain peace of mind when you schedule a free, no obligation debt checkup. Christian Family Credit Union staff will review your current loans and credit cards to ensure you’re paying the lowest rates on your debt. Speak to a Member Service representative today to find out how our Get Out Of Debt loan can help you. Rates are as low as 5.99% APR*.
*Advertised Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is based on excellent credit history and discount. Membership and other qualifications apply. The interest rate you receive will be determined by your credit worthiness. Maximum term is 36 months, with a maximum amount of $10,000.
*Receive a .25% discount on an approved Get Out Of Debt loan when you set up or have an existing automatic deposit in your Christian Family Credit Union checking account of at least $500 per month with the automatic loan payment. If at any time the automatic loan payment deposit discontinues, the automatic deposit discount rate will no longer apply and the rate will adjust accordingly. Loan proceeds must be used to pay off an existing debt from another lender. Offer is for a limited time and may be withdrawn by the credit union without notice. Other terms and conditions may apply.
Media Center
The Media Center has been cleaning our shelves! Just e-mail Amy to let her know what you want. Pick up requested materials at the Area Center or we can mail to you for the cost of postage. Take a look at the bargains available to you.
To reserve these or other resources, call the Media Center at (800) 831-3972 x139 or send an e-mail to sarnold@eocumc.com. Browse the resource catalog at www.rqmweb.com/eocumc.
Message in the Movies 
Mayor
Musa Hadid is the mayor of Ramallah (pop. 40,000), an urban center located on the West Bank of Palestine about 6 miles north of Jerusalem. It is primarily an Orthodox Christian city, with tall buildings and recognizable franchises and neighborhood coffee shops.
Mayor follows Hadid around town during the month of December 2017. We see him chatting with the people in his neighborhood, going to a number of scheduled meetings that include plans for a big Christmas celebration downtown as well as a controversy about a new city promotional sign (that most people can’t read correctly). There are also ongoing and serious problems with utilities and trash collection that are regularly exacerbated by the Israeli government and the troops that intimidate the citizens in passive-aggressive and aggressive ways.
Obituaries
Please pray for the families of:
- Lola M. Milligan, surviving spouse of the Rev. Harry H. Milligan, died October 15, 2020.
View obituaries To submit the obituary of an EOC clergy, clergy spouse, or surviving spouse, family should contact Melissa McGee, Executive Secretary to the Bishop, by phone at (330) 499-3972 ext. 112 or via e-mail.
Classifieds
Details of listings may be found here.
Positions Available
- Custodian – Carrollton First UMC
- Administrative Assistant – Norwalk First UMC
Items Available
- 1940s Wurlitzer Console Piano available for free
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
To subscribe to E-News and all East Ohio Conference news updates, enter your email address in the “Follow News via Email” widget on the right sidebar. Information from this E-News may be copied and used in your local church. The next scheduled edition of the E-News is Monday, March 8, 2021.
Deadline for submission is Thursday, March 4, 2021. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
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