2022 Appointments
Bishop Tracy S. Malone announces the following 2022 clergy appointments and/or changes of status. Each is effective 7/1/22 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 |
| Jeff Conley | Crossroads: Harmont UMC | TW | 3/1/2022 |
| Michael Farmer | Crossroads UMC & Canton for All People Extension Ministry | TW | 3/1/2022 |
| Katherine Osier | Delaware Asbury UMC | MO | |
| Jonathan Williams | Cortland & Fowler UMCs | MV | |
| Paul Wilson | Middlefield UMC | WR |
Visit the 2022 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.
Bishop’s Office
To view or download this video, first click the image above.
Then, on the Vimeo page, click the download link underneath the video window.
View the Lenten Resource Conversations of the Heart: The Journey Continues
Bishop Tracy S. Malone traveled across the East Ohio Conference in January 2022 to engage in meaningful Conversations of the Heart with laity and clergy about mission, vision, ministry, and discipleship in the Conference and about the future of The United Methodist Church.
The Bishop met with clergy and laity in churches across the southern, central, and northern regions of the East Ohio Conference to share a message from her heart and to listen to and answer questions that were on the hearts of those in attendance. The six conversations with Bishop Malone were in-person gatherings to provide a more intimate opportunity for dialogue among the participants.
In this new video, Bishop Malone invites us into a Lenten journey of prayer, reflection, and conversations as she shares her message that was given at each of the Conversations of the Heart gatherings. View the video, listen for the three practices that the Bishop is encouraging of all clergy and laity, reflect on the 11 questions we are asked to consider during our journeys this Lent, and then download the video to share with others.
General Conference
General Conference Further Postponed to 2024
The Commission on the General Conference announced on March 3, 2022, that the 2020 General Conference cannot be held in 2022 due to COVID-related and governmental policies/constraints.
A significant advantage of further postponing the 2020 General Conference to 2024 is that the Commission has already secured a venue for what would have been the regularly scheduled quadrennial event. An announcement about the location will be forthcoming as soon as the required logistical planning is complete.
Read the press release from the Commission on the General Conference.
Council of Bishops Responds to Further Postponement of General Conference
In response to the decision by the Commission on the General Conference to further postpone General Conference 2020 to 2024, Council of Bishops President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey said, “I give thanks for the Commission on the General Conference, a committed and faithful group of laity and clergy. The Commission continues to serve tirelessly, and their work is deeply appreciated and valued.”
Read the response from the Council of Bishops.
Prayers for Ukraine
Bishops, Agencies of The UMC Call for Prayers for the People of Ukraine
In the wake of Russia invading Ukraine, Bishop Tracy S. Malone issued the following call to prayer:
“Let us join our hearts as we continue to pray for peace in Ukraine. We pray for an end to war and violence! We pray for the women, men, boys, and girls whose lives are threatened and well-being are at risk. We pray for the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, for their countries and their leaders. We pray that the waging of war will be transformed into waging for peace. We pray for a change of hearts and minds of leaders, and we pray for peaceful dialogue instead of violence and war.
‘God shall judge between the nations, and shall decide for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war anymore.’ (Isaiah 2:4)
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers!”
UMC Bishops: Call for Peace in Ukraine
Church & Society: Cease the War, Wage Peace
Global Ministries: Support the Humanitarian Response
Support Ukraine through EOC Fund 1301
Communications
Promote the #BeUMC Campaign
The #BeUMC campaign honors the core values that connect the people of The United Methodist Church. No matter the challenges we face, God is with us, and we continue to have opportunities to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The campaign calls us to embrace our Wesleyan heritage and envision a promising future. Every day offers a chance to live into our mission and to strive to #BeUMC — to be the church our communities so desperately need.
The four key themes of #BeUMC are intended to highlight what unites us as United Methodists and what we are working towards, together:
- Disciple making
- Belonging & inclusion
- Influence, connection, impact
- Experience of God through The UMC
The campaign information and resources can be accessed from the homepage of the East Ohio Conference website.
Learn more about #BeUMC and download the tool kit.
For questions about Communications ministries such as live-streaming, licensing, social media and more, please e-mail Rick Wolcott, director of Communications, or visit the Communications pages of the Conference website.
Clergy & Laity Well-Being
Wespath Offers Live Virtual First Aid for Mental Health Events (NEW DATES ADDED)
One in every five Americans (52.9 million people) experience mental illness each year. The signs of someone struggling with mental health are often subtle, leaving many conditions undetected and therefore undiagnosed and untreated. It’s important to not only recognize these signs in ourselves but in our family, friends, and colleagues so that we can give them the support they need when they need it.
Recognizing this gap in care and the results from the 2021 Clergy Well-Being Survey showing a steady decline in mental and emotional health, Wespath is offering two First Aid for Mental Health live webinars. Leading the two-part training is Chris White, an international UK government hostage and crisis negotiator and First Aid for Mental Health trainer. This training will teach you how to identify and understand mental health challenges with empathy, and without judgment.
Session One (March 10 or March 17) teaches the foundational concepts of mental health, the ability to identify when you or someone else may have mental health needs that require assistance, and the skills to start a conversation and get them the help they need.
Session Two (March 23 or March 24) dives deeper into external influences, stress, vulnerability, and ways in which our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are impacted every day. It provides practical methods for how to manage ourselves and others in crisis.
Learn more and register for First Aid for Mental Health.
Clergy Day Apart for EOC Clergy Actively Serving in Ministry – April 2
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSV)
Bishop Tracy S. Malone invites all East Ohio Conference clergy actively serving in ministry to come together for a day of rest and renewal on Saturday, April 2 from 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Faith UMC (300 9th St. NW, North Canton, 44720).
Clergy are serving and leading in stressful, exhausting, and difficult times. This Clergy Day Apart, designed by a team of active clergy, is an opportunity to feed your soul through reinvigorating worship, fellowship, self-care, and conversation. Clergy will hear a validating and empowering message from featured speaker the Rev. Twanda Prioleau and will participate in engaging breakout sessions designed to help you reflect, reconnect, re-center, and revel in your ministry. Rev. Prioleau is pastor of Christ UMC in East Baltimore, MD and author of the book Breathe: A Pastor’s Journey to Wholeness.
Clergy are asked to register online by Friday, March 18. During registration, clergy will choose the two breakout sessions they will attend.
Connectional Ministries
A Message from Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, Director of Connectional Ministries
East Ohio Conference it is with a JOYFUL heart that I announce I am back serving fully as the East Ohio director of Connectional Ministry. My wife, Amy, and I are so very thankful for your many prayers, cards, emails, texts, good thoughts, and visits! It lifted our spirits to know of how often you asked about us during this time, and we are deeply grateful.
I am still healing so please keep the prayers coming as I continue to work through residual issues related to my illness, but everything is going in the right direction! There is no doubt this been a long journey, it’s been a hard journey, and through it all God has been with us every step of the way teaching us many critical lessons about life, love, and the importance of community. I give God all the glory, but I know this healing comes with responsibility to be a witness for what God has taught us and we will share with anyone, everyone, to the best of our ability. Praise be to God!
Join the Connectional Ministries Team on Social Media for Lent Discipleship
The Connectional Ministries team invites clergy and laity to participate this Lent in weekly opportunities to learn, grow, and engage. These resources could be used again in small group discussions, social media posts, and more.
Mondays on the Spiritual Formation Facebook page and the Strategic Ministries Facebook page hear interviews with various leaders around the East Ohio Conference to find out more about their respective spiritual practices.
Wednesdays at noon join in the mid-week prayer on the Multicultural Vitality Facebook page.
Thursdays at noon on the Missions & Community Engagement Facebook page be part of the virtual mission journey in Liberia with various leaders and friends as you visit Monrovia, Harrisburg, Ganta, Camphor Mission, Farmer to Farmer, and discuss health care, schools, agriculture, and The United Methodist Church.
All week on the Young People’s Ministries Instagram page or Young People’s Ministries Facebook page check out the youth and adult Lent devotionals and picture challenge.
Missions & Community Engagement
Building the Beloved Community Webinar starts March 17
Building the Beloved Community: Taking Action Toward Social Transformation is a webinar series where you can talk with leaders who are seeking to live out the vision of the beloved community as they work to engage and transform the world. The one-hour Zoom webinars from Discipleship Ministries are scheduled for the third Thursday of each month in 2022, beginning March 17. Topics include homelessness, health care, economic poverty, political order, and more. Rev. Kathy Dickriede, director of Missions & Community Engagement will take part in the webinar series. E-mail her with any questions.
Global Ministries EarthKeepers Virtual Training – March 18
East Ohio has three laypersons going to Global Ministries EarthKeepers virtual training beginning March 18. Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips US-based United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. Topics include eco-theology, anti-racism, community organizing, and project planning. All participants plan a project during the training.
Learn more about EarthKeepers.
Learn more about the Creation Justice Movement of The UMC.
UMVIM In-Person Team Leader Training – March 20
At United Methodist Volunteers in Missions (UMVIM) Team Leader training, you will learn best practices for leading a mission team locally, nationally, and internationally. Director of Missions & Community Engagement the Rev. Kathy Dickriede will lead the training from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. at The Bridge (170 Kensington Rd, Carrollton, 44615), a satellite campus of Carrollton First UMC.
Support Love Beyond Borders This Lent and Easter
During Lent, we welcome the opportunity to hear UMC Global Ministries missionaries reflect upon our Annual Conference theme Let Us Live Love and the theme scripture 1 John 4:7-12 (NIV). You are invited to view, download, and share the video messages linked below during worship and/or include them in children, youth, and small group ministries. Click the links to view the missionaries’ messages:
- Helen Roberts-Evans – Serving in Liberia
- Andrew Lee – Serving in Cambodia
- Larry & Jane Kies – Serving in Zimbabwe
United Methodist churches throughout East Ohio are invited to partner with missionaries by designating their Lent and Easter offerings to the new United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Advance #3022671 that supports the equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Read this story to learn more about the UMCOR Advance fund. E-mail Global Missions Secretary Kevin Schaner with questions.
Learn more and support the Love Beyond Borders Advance.
Youth Leader from East Ohio Named NCJ Team Leader to YOUTH 2023
The North Central Jurisdiction Board of Directors of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM-NCJ) announced that Stefanie Williams has been selected UMVIM-NCJ team leader to YOUTH 2023, the every-four-years national gathering for United Methodist youth groups and their leaders. Thousands of young people will attend YOUTH 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida, July 25-28, 2023, gathering for worship, fellowship, workshops, and the chance to learn more about the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church.
“I look forward to partnering with youth leadership across the North Central Jurisdiction and building relationships. Helping youth and leaders be the hands and feet of Jesus outside the church walls is something that I am passionate about and I look forward to walking alongside others in their mission journey,” said Williams, who is Youth Ministries coordinator at Canfield UMC (Mahoning Valley District).
As Youth 2023 team leader, Williams will primarily relate to the conference youth leaders of the North Central Jurisdiction and support UMVIM-NCJ Coordinator the Rev. Dr. Tammy Kuntz with communication, planning, and resourcing for mission journeys for youth and adults from the Jurisdiction traveling to Youth 2023. She will organize all aspects of the mission journey except travel. You can e-mail Stefanie Williams at y2023@umvim.org.
For questions about Missions & Community Engagement ministries and opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Kathy Dickriede, director of Missions & Community Engagement, or visit the Missions & Community Engagement pages of the Conference website.
Special Sunday Offering
UMCOR Sunday – March 27
On UMCOR Sunday we partner with other United Methodist congregations in a special offering to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), an organization that acts on our behalf when there is a crisis. When we give to specific Advance projects, 100% of our gifts are directed to the designated response. UMCOR can do this because the funds they receive today join with those of millions of other United Methodists to help cover the costs of doing business. From training volunteers to keeping the office lights on, the UMCOR Sunday special offering equips the organization to respond quickly when disaster strikes. UMCOR doesn’t just respond to emergencies for the short term. Working with local organizations, churches in the communities, and United Methodist Volunteers, UMCOR cultivates relationships and helps communities rebuild, often for years after a disaster.
Learn more and download UMCOR Sunday resources.
Higher Education and Campus Ministry
UMHEF Extends Scholarship Application Deadline to March 15
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) extended its scholarship application deadline for the 2022-2023 academic year to March 15 after receiving several requests for more time to complete requirements during this challenging time. Students who are members of The United Methodist Church and are planning to attend a United Methodist-related school, college, university, or seminary full-time are eligible to apply. UMHEF awards more than $2 million in financial aid annually.
As part of its extensive library of scholarships, select awards are available for ethnically diverse students, including those who plan to attend UM-related HBCUs. In rare cases, students attending schools not UM-related may also qualify for awards and are invited to apply for the General Named Endowed program. Please note that UMHEF is a private non-profit organization and is not affiliated with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of The United Methodist Church.
Learn more and apply for UMHEF scholarships.
March 24 is Deadline to Apply for EOC and GBHEM Scholarships
Please encourage students you know to apply for scholarships for next school year. March 24 is the deadline to apply. Whether you know a high school senior, or a current college student, be sure to tell them to apply today for scholarships from the East Ohio Conference and/or to apply for scholarships from the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry.
The East Ohio Conference offers the Merit Scholarship, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Merit Scholarship, Racial-Ethnic Minority Scholarship, the Conference Council on Youth Ministry Scholarship, and more. If you have questions about GBHEM or EOC scholarships, please e-mail Rev. David MacDonald, chair of the Board of Higher Education and Collegiate and Christian Ministry.
Learn more about and apply for GBHEM scholarships.
Learn more about and apply for East Ohio Conference scholarships.
For questions about Higher Education ministries and opportunities, please e-mail Kaye Wolfinger, director of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, or visit the Higher Education pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Every Summer Has A Story
What do you need this summer?
- Friendship and Laughter
- Challenge and Skills
- Praise and Worship
- Fun and Adventure
- Exploring and Relaxing
- Campfire and Prayer
- Nature and Creation
- Swimming and Canoeing
- Faith Development
- Leadership Development
Let summer camp be a part of your child’s story this summer. There is something special for you and your family at Camp. For information on Summer Camps, contact your local church or call the East Ohio Conference Camps office at (330) 499-3972 ext. 108.
Learn more about EOC Summer Camps.
For questions about Camps & Retreat Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, director of Camps & Retreat Ministries, or visit the Camps & Retreat Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Laity
United Methodist Women Change Name to United Women in Faith
March is Women’s History Month and the month that United Methodist Women was founded in 1869. So, March was the perfect time to honor history by stepping boldly into the future with a name change. Moving forward United Methodist Women will be known as United Women in Faith.
“This is an exciting time for our organization!” said Harriett Jane Olson, CEO of United Women in Faith. “Looking back, we see the through lines for our organization – faith in God and commitment to women, children and youth – and how this has been expressed in different ways at different times, always calling women into action that changed the world. Now we are again opening up new opportunities to continue to make that happen.”
United Women in Faith remains the official women’s organization of The United Methodist Church.
“’Methodist’ is no longer part of our public name, but it is a part of how we understand God and the work of faith. We are United Methodist,” said Tara Barnes, editor of response magazine. “We are also inclusive. The new name invites even more women into our work. That’s a good thing for us and the church!”
View the new website for United Women in Faith.
Credit Union
Last Chance for Auto Loans as Low as 1.99%
Warm up with a great rate! The Christian Family Credit Union is offering auto loans for new and used cars as low as 1.99% until March 31. This rate is good for new purchases or refinances from another lender. Save some money on your monthly payments or just pay off your car loan faster with this great rate opportunity. For more information, e-mail the Credit Union or call the office.
Kingdom Work
Remember that when you do business with Christian Family Credit Union, you participate in the Kingdom building work and ministry of the Credit Union. We invite you to align your finances with your faith when you bank with Christian Family Credit Union.
Visit the Christian Family Credit Union online.
Spiritual Formation & Christian Education
Spiritual Formation Network Gatherings on Zoom
If you are involved in Spiritual Formation and Christian Education, join your friends and colleagues for devotions, support, question-asking and -answering, and sharing ideas. The next Zoom gathering of our network is 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8. Invite any of your friends and colleagues involved in Spiritual Formation and Christian Education. We gather every 3 weeks – alternating between 9:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays. E-mail the Rev. Gary Jones to receive the Zoom link invitation.
For questions about Spiritual Formation & Christian Education ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, director of Spiritual Formation, or visit the Spiritual Formation & Christian Education pages of the Conference website.
Media Center
The Media Center highlights these resources on the Holy Spirit:
- Jesus In Me; Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion teaches us that the Holy Spirit is not an optional extra in the Christian life, how we can better love and rely on the Holy Spirit and embrace how much He loves us.
- When God’s Spirit Moves; The Life-Changing Power of the Holy Spirit shows us how to welcome God’s Spirit in a way that can invigorate our church and infuse a fresh sense of his power in our lives.
- Encounter the Spirit helps us discover the treasure of a deep relationship with God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Fresh Air: The Holy Spirit for an Inspired Life clarifies 2,000 years of confusion on the topic of who the Holy Spirit is, what the Holy Spirit does, and why it all matters.
To reserve these or other resources, call the Media Center at (800) 831-3972 x139 or send an e-mail to ageorge@eocumc.com. Browse the resource catalog at www.rqmweb.com/eocumc.
Message in the Movies
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
The enjoyment of Lunana comes from its journey of discovery. While the movie would be fine for children to watch – and has a lot of children in its cast (most of them actual highlanders who live in Lunana) – it is too slowly paced for kids to enjoy.
For an anxiety-ridden time such as this (or any time, actually), Lunana offers us an alternative world in which nice people do good things for one another in beautiful ways. The movie invites us to think about how we might choose to make our way through life. Lunana is one of the most inspirational films of this year and highly recommended.
Celebrations of Life
Please pray for the families of:
- Mitchell Ladich, retired Elder, died March 3.
- Myrl Gephart, Jr., retired Elder, died February 24.
- Francis E. Stultz, surviving spouse of the Rev. Valerie Stultz, died January 16, 2021.
Update: A memorial service will be held Saturday April 9, 2022, at Asbury UMC, 55 W Lincoln Ave., Delaware, OH 43015. Calling hours will be from 10:30-11:00 a.m., the memorial service will take place 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and a reception will follow from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
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
- Praise and Worship Team Leader – North Canton Faith UMC
- Two PRN Chaplains – Lutheran Hospital
- Music Director – LaPorte UMC in Elyria
- Site Coordinator – Blue Rose Mission
- Administrative Office Assistant – Shreve UMC
- Choir and Music Director – Macedonia UMC
- Sports Ministry Director – Johnson UMC in Norton
- Hospitality Director – Johnson UMC in Norton
- Director of Music Ministry – Louisville Christ UMC
- Organist – Louisville Christ UMC
Items Available/Wanted
- Painesville UMC is seeking good used hymnals for a homebound care ministry project.
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 21, 2022.
Deadline for submission is Thursday, March 17, 2022. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
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