Appointments
Bishop Tracy S. Malone announces the following clergy appointments and/or changes of status which, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2023.
| 2023 Appointments | |||
| Pastor | Appointment | District | Effective |
| Claudia Britton | East Liverpool First UMC | MV | |
| Kristen Buchs | Rittman & Orrville Trinity UMCs | CN | |
| Mikayla Doepker | Vermilion Grace UMC | FL | |
| John Finn | Oak Chapel & New Pittsburg UMCs | CN | |
| Tennille Power | Elyria First UMC | NC | |
| Shane Russo | Niles First UMC & Niles First UMC Digital Church Plant | MV | |
#BeUMC
“I’m United Methodist because I am called into ministry in the Church and I truly love the Church,” said Jonah Mitchell, a student at Baldwin Wallace University and a certified candidate for ministry. “United Methodism and the Church is my purpose, and my goal in life is to serve the Church and be able to help the people in it and love the people in the Church.”
Mitchell is one of many East Ohio Conference laity and clergy who are sharing the ways our denomination is making a daily difference in their lives and ministries. To share your #BeUMC story, telling how your life is being transformed through The United Methodist Church, e-mail Brett Hetherington. View #BeUMC stories & the EOC #BeUMC website.
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Our podcast Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation explores what is means to #BeUMC.
Episode Six is titled “Experiencing God Through The UMC: Living in and Inviting Others to Beloved Community”. The episode features conversation with a certified lay minister and with a college student on the path to ordained ministry who each share the many ways they experience God and beloved community through the ministries and people of The United Methodist Church.
Listen to Episode Five and access the archive of all Storyboard episodes.
For questions about Communications ministries such as the #BeUMC campaign, live-streaming, licensing, social media and more, please e-mail Rick Wolcott, executive director of Communications, or visit the Communications pages of the Conference website.
Annual Conference
Registration is Now Open for Annual Conference 2023
The 54th session of Annual Conference is June 8-10 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron and registration for this year’s conference is now open. Registration closes end of day Friday, May 12.
New this year:
- AC 2023 t-shirt for purchase with proceeds benefitting Youth Service Fund (YSF).
- Purchase the t-shirt and register for all EOC special event luncheons on the same link at which you register for Annual Conference and Clergy Session.
- A Modify Registration button to purchase a shirt and/or meals at a later time after you’ve registered for Annual Conference and Clergy Session.
- A courtesy shuttle to and from the John S. Knight Center and Akron First UMC.
- Childcare provided at Kozmic Korner Pre-School and Child Care Center.
- Housing and day camp opportunities during AC at Camp Wanake.
Learn more and register on the Annual Conference 2023 website.
Services and Celebrations
- Thursday, June 8 @ 9:00 a.m.
Service of Commemoration and Holy Communion
Speaker: Bishop Tracy S. Malone – East Ohio Conference, UMC - Friday, June 9 @ 9:00 a.m.
Morning Worship
Speaker: Rev. Angela Lewis – Superintendent of the Canal District - Friday, June 9 @ 12:00 p.m.
Board of Ministry Celebration of Retirement
Reflections: Bishop Tracy S. Malone – East Ohio Conference, UMC - Friday, June 9 @ 4:30 p.m.
Service of Commissioning and Ordination
Speaker: Rev. Jay Rundell – President of Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO) - Saturday, June 10 @ 9:00 a.m.
Morning Worship
Speaker: Rev. Dr. David Palmer – Senior Pastor of Kent First UMC
Video Teaching Session – Friday, June 9
Dr. David Field, the Ecumenical staff officer for Faith & Order and Theological Dialogue for the Council of Bishops of The UMC will offer a video teaching segment at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, June 9. We will explore together the teachings and practices of our Christian faith that underscore our core theological convictions as United Methodists.
Annual Conference Offering
The Annual Conference 2023 offering (Fund 9214) will be received during the afternoon business session on Thursday, June 8. This year’s offering will support:
- EOC Volunteers in Mission teams
- Heart 4 the City in Akron
- Bishop’s Discretionary Fund
Midwest Mission Collection Truck at AC 2023 – June 8-10
The Midwest Mission truck will be at Annual Conference collecting donations. The truck will be staffed and located outside the John S. Knight Center in the parking lot on South Broadway Avenue in Akron. For times plus a list of the kits and items they have requested, see the link below.
Learn about times and items to be collected.
Register to Sing in the Annual Conference Choir
You are invited to sing in the Conference choir during this year’s Annual Conference, June 8-10 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. Choir members are asked to register in advance so that Joe Leaman, this year’s director, can order music. Those who register will receive a rehearsal schedule closer to Annual Conference. If you have questions about the Annual Conference choir, please e-mail Melanie Glazer.
Learn more and register to sing in the AC choir.
Strategic Ministries
Creative Worship and Resource Design Retreat – May 10
Clergy are invited to this amazing opportunity to gather, to reconnect with creative energy and to design an Advent worship resource that can be used throughout our conference. This is a great chance to make space within busy ministry to hone and practice these skills. Jason Moore will lead this day-long retreat at Ashland Christ UMC from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 10.
Learn more about and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Secret Shopper Training – May 11
A secret shopper can help congregations see themselves as a guest might and to grow in their hospitality, worship, and connection. Learn some of the skills to provide insight to churches around the East Ohio Conference or even your own. Jason Moore will lead this training from 9:00 a.m. – noon on Thursday, May 11 at the Conference office in North Canton.
Learn more about and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Clergy on the Move
For clergy, a time of new appointments can be one of excitement and stress. The Clergy on the Move series aims to provide support and conversation for clergy with particular life circumstances during a move season. Offered via Zoom this series addresses clergy moving with children, female clergy, clergy spouses, and more.
Learn more about and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
For questions about Strategic Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Beth Ortiz, Connectional Ministries office Strategic Ministries director, or visit the Strategic Ministries pages on the Conference website.
Missions & Community Engagement
Blue Rose Mission is Now Scheduling Summer Mission Teams
Blue Rose Mission (EOC Advance 9940) in Mansfield is scheduling mission teams for the summer. The mission constructs ramps, completes small home repairs, and does painting projects in Richland County. You can come for one day or stay up to one week in our camp facility.
Learn more about Blue Rose Mission and schedule your summer mission team.
Board of Missions Grant Applications Deadline – April 10
Last chance to submit applications for grants and scholarships from the Board of Missions.
Learn more and apply by the April 10 deadline.
Grant Writing Webinar – April 19 & May 3
East Ohio Mission Advances asked for it, so the Health & Well-Being Committee is making it happen! Mission partners who need skills in grant writing are invited to this two-part online webinar. Discover pathways to funding sources, tips and tricks to effective searches, and the art of storytelling and painting a picture of your mission or ministry. Suggested donation is only $5 and space is limited.
Learn more about and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
UMVIM Trip to Kentucky – May 6-13
A United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) team is forming to travel to eastern Kentucky to repair homes damaged by severe floods in 2022. The team will be hosted in a local church with work assigned by the local United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) disaster recovery director. Construction experience is helpful but not necessary. Cost is approximately $100. E-mail Tom King, the trip team leader, if interested.
NCJ UMVIM Mission Academy – August 9-12
Join the learning and fun at Epworth Forest Camp and Conference Center in North Webster, Indiana August 9-12 for the North Central Jurisdiction United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM-NCJ) Mission Academy. We will have a group from East Ohio at this event and the Board of Missions has funds to help get you there. Reach out to Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Connectional Ministries Director of Missions and Community Engagement by Email with questions.
Learn more about and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
For questions about Missions & Community Engagement ministries and opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Connectional Ministries office Missions & Community Engagement director, or visit the Missions & Community Engagement pages of the Conference website.
Disaster Response
The United Methodist Church Responds When Disasters Strike
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working with disaster coordinators and Early Response Teams (ERT) in annual conferences across the denomination to assist local churches in areas that have been impacted by the recent rash of storms and disasters across the United States.
Learn how you can do good and do no harm in responding to disasters.
Multicultural Ministries
Perspectives: Caring for God’s Creation – April 22
On Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 you are invited to learn further ways we can all take responsibility for caring for God’s creation. Perspectives: Caring for God’s Creation is an event designed to inform you, your church, and your community how to respond to our current climate realities. Experts and local organizers will share their perspectives offering insight on how we can live into a more ecologically equitable and sustainable world for all.
The event will feature six breakout presentations and keynote speaker Tim Van Meter, associate professor and coordinator of Ecological Initiatives at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He is a leading expert and theologian in how Christians can work towards living in harmony with all of God’s creation. The breakout sessions are titled Climate and Hunger, Climate and Racism, Climate and Refugees, Ecotheology 101, Intergenerational Climate Care, and United Methodist EarthKeepers.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Climate and Hunger Breakout Session @ Perspectives: Caring for God’s Creation – April 22
Rev. Nick Bates, executive director of Hunger Network in Ohio will lead the Climate and Hunger breakout session during the April 22 Perspectives: Caring for God’s Creation event at UMC Berea.
“Climate shifts and weather pattern changes continue to put pressure on our food systems. Through smart, targeted public policies we can build up resiliency and sustainability in our food supply chain as well as improve food security domestically and internationally,” Bates said in previewing his session.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Native American Ministry Sunday – April 23
Native American Ministry Sunday on April 23 is an annual Special Sunday in The United Methodist Church designed to remind the Church of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to our society. There are resources such as sermon starters, social media graphics, and pew cards to help you plan and celebrate Native American Ministry Sunday with your congregation.
View and download Native American Ministry Sunday resources.
For questions about Multicultural Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director, or visit the Multicultural Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Camp Asbury Open House – April 16
Here’s your chance to tour Camp Asbury, talk to the staff, and see what is being offered for Summer Camp 2023. Join us from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 16. If you are unable to visit that day but would like to do so before Summer Camp, please e-mail the Camp Asbury office or call it at (330) 569-3171.
Bring a Friend to Summer Camp 2023
If you are already registered for Summer Camp 2023, why not invite a friend to join you? If you aren’t registered yet, consider who you might want to bring along and then register together. If you bring a friend to camp, you will receive a special East Ohio Camps water bottle sticker, and your name will be entered in the Bring a Friend to Camp drawing for a Camp gear basket!
View the programs offered at each camp and register for Summer Camp 2023.
Camps Aldersgate, Asbury and Wanake Looking for Summer Staff
Our summer program requires a great number of qualified staff to be successful. We are looking for outstanding Christian women and men to serve as counselors, lifeguards, program staff, food service, administration, and maintenance this summer.
Learn more and apply to be on Summer Camp staff.
For questions about Camps & Retreat Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, Connectional Ministries office Camps & Retreat Ministries / Spiritual Formation & Christian Education director, or visit the Camps & Retreat Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Spiritual Formation & Christian Education
North Canton Faith UMC invites you to participate in the following Holy Week observances. The church is located at 300 9th Street, North Canton, 44720
Holy Week Prayer Stations in the Chapel – Through April 9
Experience Jesus’ journey to the cross through scripture, prayer, reflection. Stations of the Cross is a prayer experience for all ages. The Stations of the Cross prayer stations are available during church office and activity hours (Sundays 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; Mondays through Thursdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.; and Fridays 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.).
‘Twas the Morning of Easter Outdoor Story Walk – Through April 10
Walk through the story of Easter. Exercise body, mind, and spirit as you explore the meaning of Easter. Perfect for kids and kids at heart! Available dawn to dusk on the church lawn. Follow the signs.
For questions about Spiritual Formation & Christian Education ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, Connectional Ministries office Camps & Retreat Ministries / Spiritual Formation & Christian Education director, or visit the Spiritual Formation & Christian Education pages of the Conference website.
Message in the Movies
John Wick: Chapter 4
John Wick: Chapter 4 is the fourth entry in the John Wick franchise that began with 2014’s John Wick. The film is set in a number of locales including Japan, Germany and France (with recognizable landmarks) but it seems to be an alternative world in which only assassins and their prey reside. Violent gunplay can take place on a crowded dance floor or in the midst of heavy traffic without any involvement from bystanders or law enforcement. John Wick himself appears to be invulnerable and able to survive beatings, stabbings and falls. The movie includes scenes that duplicate earlier films (i.e., Lawrence of Arabia, The Warriors) but without any particular purpose other than a clumsy shout out. The capable stunt work is overwhelmed with CGI trickery.
Celebrations of Life
Please pray for the families of:
- Marilyn M. Waller, clergy spouse, died March 8.
- Irwin E. Jennings, retired Elder, died March 22.
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
- Children’s Ministry Area Coordinator – # RidgeKidz Leader – Hope Ridge UMC
- Nursery Coordinator/Caregiver – Hope Ridge UMC
- Treasurer – Mentor UMC
- Director of Modern Worship – Mentor UMC
- Youth Director – Mentor UMC
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
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Deadline for submission is Thursday, April 13, 2023. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
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