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 |
| Carolyn Baker | New Philadelphia Otterbein UMC | TW | |
| Paige Boyer | Lodi UMC | FL | |
| Floyd Costello | Brunswick Mount Pleasant UMC | NC | |
| Joshua Elliott | Macedonia UMC | CN | |
| James Ellis | Scioto & Plankton UMCs | MO | |
| Monique Greenfield | Oberlin First & Oberlin Rust UMCs | FL | |
| Thurmon Harmon | Quaker City & Winterset UMCs | SH | |
| Darlene Robinson | Crestline First UMC | MO | |
| Devani Roe | Antrim & Salesville UMCs | SH | |
| JP Snyder | Utica, Brandon & Lock Federated UMCs | TR | |
| Jennifer Whitmore | Ashland First UMC – Associate Pastor | MO | |
| David Whitt | New London & Clarksfield UMCs | FL | |
#BeUMC
“I love the polity of The United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan spirit which also honored God by allowing for a gorgeous multiplicity of voices and visions. The folks who befriended me, the pastors and mentors who guided me, and the congregations who have welcomed me are why I will be UMC,” said Rev. Pamela Buzalka of Mogadore UMC.
She is one of many East Ohio Conference laity and clergy sharing the ways our denomination is making a daily difference in their lives and in their ministries. E-mail Brett Hetherington to arrange a time to share your #BeUMC story of the ways your life is being transformed through The United Methodist Church.
View #BeUMC stories & the EOC #BeUMC website.
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Each episode of our East Ohio Conference podcast, Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation, explores what it means to #BeUMC.
Episode Nine is titled “Influence, Connection & Impact: Clergy Wholeness”. This episode features a roundtable discussion with members of a task group formed to aid clergy in discerning ways to care for their whole person, and not just focus on body, mind, and soul. Featured in the discussion is conversation about the importance of clergy wholeness to individual clergy, the mission fields they serve, and the laity of their respective congregations.
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
You Are Invited to Sing in the AC 2023 Choir
Annual Conference choir director Joe Leaman of Montrose Zion UMC invites you to be part of the ensemble of laity and clergy who add beautiful music to the worship services of Annual Conference. You do not need to be registered for Annual Conference to sing in the choir. If you have questions about the choir, please e-mail Joe Leaman or call him at (330) 665-9817 ext. 207.
Learn more and register to sing in the AC choir.
Registration for AC 2023 is Closed
Registration for Annual Conference 2023 opened on Monday, April 3 and closed on Friday, May 12. Clergy and laity who registered for Annual Conference by the deadline will be able to modify their registration by Friday, May 26 to purchase special event lunches and/or to purchase an Annual Conference 2023 t-shirt.
To modify an existing registration members will need the e-mail address they used to register for this year’s conference and the reference number shown on the confirmation e-mail they received after registering.
Modify an existing registration for Annual Conference 2023.
Rooms Still Available in Akron Area Hotels for AC 2023
The following hotels still have rooms available at EOC-negotiated discounted rates for Annual Conference 2023 – but you need to book your room by Wednesday, May 17:
- BLU-Tique in downtown Akron ($154-$229/night)
- Cambria Hotel Akron-Canton Airport in South Akron ($121.00/night). The hotel is now offering a free shuttle to and from John S. Knight.
- Comfort Inn & Suites in South Akron ($119-$129/night)
- Home2 Suites by Hilton in Stow ($145-$149/night)
- Country Inn & Suites in Cuyahoga Falls ($135-$140/night)
Mention “East Ohio Conference” when booking your room to receive the discount. Book your room today.
Young Adult Housing at Annual Conference
Housing is available for young adults (ages 18-35) who will be attending Annual Conference June 8-10. This will be shared housing with a variety of bed sizes and room options at an Air BnB in Cuyahoga Falls. The cost is $100 per person for housing Thursday evening through Saturday morning. E-mail Chasity Opphile to learn more.
Learn more and register for young adult housing for AC 2023.
Childcare During Annual Conference
Annual Conference attendees in need of childcare are asked to contact the Kozmic Korner Pre-School and Childcare Center in downtown Akron or the Wanake Camp and Retreat Center in Beach City. Those needing assistance with this childcare cost can apply for $100/child scholarships offered through the Connectional Ministries office by calling Melanie Thomas at (800) 831-3972 ext. 102 or sending her an e-mail by June 1.
Kozmic Korner provides childcare for children six weeks to 10 years of age. Parents wishing to enroll their child(ren) in Kozmic Korner those days must visit the Child Care Center’s website to complete paperwork before June 1 so that the Kozmic Korner team will know how many children to expect those days.
Wanake is pleased to open its retreat centers and cabins for clergy, laity, and their families to stay during Annual Conference. The Camp has a shuttle to transport to and from the John S. Knight Center Annual Conference members who stay at Wanake. Children of those members ages 5-17 years of age can participate in day camp programming at Camp Wanake while their parents are at conference. Learn more and reserve your place at Camp Wanake during AC 2023.
Midwest Mission Collection at Annual Conference
The Midwest Mission (EOC Advance Fund 9944) truck will be outside the John S. Knight Center during Annual Conference. It will be located in the parking lot on South Broadway Avenue and staffed to receive items on the days and times listed below:
- Thursday, June 8 between 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 9 between 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, June 10 between 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Learn more about items to be collected.
Re-Districting Proposal
Re-Districting Proposal Webinar – May 22
East Ohio Conference laity and clergy are invited to participate in an informational webinar about the re-districting proposal that will be presented to Annual Conference 2023. The webinar will take place from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22.
Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the webinar and are encouraged to submit those questions in advance by e-mailing Rev. Ed Peterson, executive assistant to the bishop. The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing on the East Ohio Conference website.
Save this link to participate in the May 22 webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82553167898pwd=ajFoVkwvSVRsTkRoVElkMHhPR0dXUT09.
Read the Re-Districting Proposal.
Lighthouse Churches & Oasis Groups
Bishop Tracy S. Malone, the Cabinet, and the Connectional Ministries team are shepherding an exciting ministry initiative in the East Ohio Conference – identifying Lighthouse churches and Oasis groups – so that clergy and laity can live into our shared vision and mission in a new way as we continue our journey of discipleship.
Lighthouse churches are established congregations that are dedicated to the mission and the connection of The United Methodist Church. The clergy and laity of Lighthouse churches have accepted the call placed upon them to welcome with enthusiasm and grace United Methodists who may be feeling dismayed and disoriented as they search for a new church home.
Oasis groups are intentional spaces where those on a pilgrimage searching for a new church home can connect, heal, and grow spiritually. The concept of pilgrimage deeply aligns to us as United Methodists as we move towards God in our process of transformation.
Visit the East Ohio Conference website to view the first class of East Ohio Lighthouse churches and Oasis groups. The site will be updated with the names and service times of the next class of Lighthouse churches in the coming weeks.
Financial & Administrative Services
Renewals for CCLI License & for CVLI License
The East Ohio Conference has agreed to new agreements through the end of June 2023 with Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) and with Christian Video Licensing International (CVLI). The Conference pays for the group-discounted licensing and then bills local churches their respective share through apportionments.
New 12-month agreements will then begin in July and will include all EOC churches that are continuing with The United Methodist Church. July will then become the new expiration/renewal date for our EOC group CCLI and CVLI contracts.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Your mental health matters. That’s why HealthFlex offers a range of programs that empower you to take control of your mental and emotional well-being. During Mental Health Awareness Month, take time to prioritize your mental health and explore the resources that HealthFlex has to offer.
You can earn Wellness Credits by completing activities that support your mental health like working with a Virgin Pulse health coach, contacting the EAP, or completing a Virgin Pulse Journey or Journey step.
Please e-mail Robin Whitacre, Benefits manager, if you have any questions about HealthFlex offerings or call her at (800) 831-3972 ext. 151.
Visit the HealthFlex Wellness pages of the Conference website to learn more.
For questions about Financial & Administrative Services ministries and opportunities, please e-mail Vera Rebrovich, executive director of Financial & Administrative Services, or visit the Financial & Administrative Services pages of the Conference website.
Missions & Community Engagement
Meet Missionary Patrick Booth on June 29
Global Ministry Missionary Patrick Booth will be itinerating in East Ohio June 27-July 2 before returning to Cambodia. A native of Painesville, Booth will participate in a lunch mission presentation at the East Ohio Conference Area Center from 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 29.
Clergy and laity are invited to attend the lunch to learn more about Booth’s ministry in Cambodia and ways that you, your family, and your church can partner in it. The lunch is free but space is limited, so please RSVP by June 26.
Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
Learn about and support the ministry of missionary Patrick Booth.
Summer Mission Trip Project at Christian Children’s Home of Ohio – July 19-22
The Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) in Wooster, EOC Advance Fund 9977, received a Board of Missions grant to host a “Building Bridges” mission project for youth and adults 19-22. The project will build a bridge over a large ravine and stream to make accessing the 80 acres of the treatment facility more accessible to the children aged 6-18 years of age who reside there.
This will be a “daytime project” meaning mission teams will come during the day and then return home at night. Teams can participate on any one day of the project, or on all four. There is no cost to attend but groups will need to bring their own lunch each day. CCHO will have plenty of cold beverages and snacks. If you are interested in attending or need more information, please e-mail David Walker or call him at (330) 345-794 ext. 2617.
Urban Mission Looking for Ministry Partners – Update from Rev. Ashley Steele
Greetings from the Urban Mission in Steubenville, Ohio, an extension ministry of the East Ohio Conference and a Health & Well-Being Agency (Fund 9107). Connecting families to food, shelter, and life’s most basic needs is something the Urban Mission has been doing for more than 60 years. Right now, Urban Mission is seeing an extraordinary number of families coming through our doors – more now than during the height of the pandemic! At the same time, we face higher food prices, increased shelter expenses, and continual staffing needs. Most of our ministries operate 24 hours a day, which takes a significant investment of time, effort, and funding. We estimate that our costs have increased by $400,000 this year alone. While we operate on a modest budget, any small (or big) change can impact our work tremendously.
We are reaching out to you as this is a critical time for our ministry. And while we will continue to dream dreams, and plan for the future, we are in need of individuals and churches to partner with us to provide for our community’s needs now. The next week and a half offer the following opportunities to participate in ministry with Urban Mission at 311 North 6th Street in Steubenville:
- State of Hunger & Homelessness in the Ohio Valley: Tuesday, May 16 @ 10:00 a.m. Click the link below for a virtual option to attend.
- Volunteer Orientation: Friday, May 19 @ 1:00 p.m.
- Weekend Tour: Saturday, May 20 @ 10:00 a.m.
- Meet & Greet with Board of Directors: Thursday, May 25 @ 5:00 p.m.
Please e-mail me, Rev. Ashley Steele, with any questions you may have about Urban Mission in Steubenville. Thank you for your time, in addition to your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness!
View the State of Hunger & Homelessness in the Ohio Valley Address.
Learn about and support Urban Mission in Steubenville.
Guns to Gardens
There are many ways that local church congregations can respond to gun violence in their communities. One way is to learn how to turn guns into garden tools.
Learn more about the guns to gardens ministry.
Resources to Connect Your Church to Your Community
Be a church that prays, listens, discerns, and responds to the community! Use these amazing tools and resources together as clergy and laity to build connections and create impact in the world.
How One-to-One Conversations Reintroduced a Church to its Neighbors.
The Listening Church resource from Discipleship Ministries.
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.
Young People’s Ministries
Youth Annual Conference Recharge Rally – June 17
This year’s Youth Annual Conference for students in grades 6-12 is a rally day of fellowship, fun, and worship at Camp Wanake on Saturday, June 17. The East Ohio Conference Council on Youth Ministries has an awesome day planned at Camp Wanake. This year’s theme is Recharge, and the focus scripture is Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Check your mail for the Recharge Rally postcard, scan the QR code and then share the flyer with your friends. The Recharge Rally kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 17. Worship will conclude at 8:00 p.m. and the day will end at 10:00 p.m. after a “barn riot” and campfire. Groups travelling a long distance can inquire with the Camp Wanake office about the availability of overnight accommodations. The cost to participate in the Recharge Rally is $20/person, which includes a t-shirt, lunch, and dinner.
Learn more and register for the YAC 2023 Recharge Rally.
For questions about Young People’s Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director, or visit the Young People’s Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Make Camp Part of Your Story in 2023
The average American youth spends:
- 270 minutes per day watching TV.
- 4 minutes per day playing outside.
- 7.5 hours per day on electronics.
A week at camp provides 10,080 minutes away from those distractions to consider, to dream, to believe that they are loved and created for a purpose. To request a brochure or ask questions about Summer Camp 2023, e-mail the Camps office, or call (800) 831-3972 ext. 108. Camperships are available to ensure that all people have an opportunity to attend camp.
Learn more and register for Summer Camp 2023.
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.
United Women in Faith
Mission u – July 21-22
The theme for Mission u July 21-22 at the University of Mount Union is Living the Kin-dom: Exploring the Lord’s Prayer as a Spiritual Practice for Social Transformation. For Jesus, the kin-dom was not simply something to talk about but something we could live and experience. From the Lord’s Prayer to the beatitudes to the parables, this good news is at the heart of Jesus’ preaching, teaching, and ministry. Come! Let’s explore together the heart of Jesus’ good news and what fresh vision it offers us as we seek to be in mission today. Attendees do not need to be from your church or even United Methodist.
All women, and girls K-12, are welcome to Mission u, which will begin with dinner on Friday, July 21 and conclude at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. All age groups will study the Lord’s Prayer and all age groups will come together for meals and worship. This is a wonderful time to encourage kids and youth to learn more about their faith and the importance of relationships in the church.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
Message in the Movies
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
To give writer/director James Gunn some well-deserved credit, I think that there is a decent movie somewhere in the midst of this melee of madness. But to tell this story well would require the length of a limited series (and Gunn did this sort of thing with last years Peacemaker on HBO Max). Trimmed down to 179 minutes, GotG3 squanders its comedy, pathos and world building by leaving scenes abruptly before the audience has a chance to laugh, gasp or cry. To keep up with this frantic pace, the Guardians spend most of the movie either yelling at each other (to show us conflict and urgency) or telling us how to interpret things (i.e.: “You are being hurtful.” “You really love them.”). Or both at once: “WE’RE GOING TO SAVE OUR FRIEND!”
Needless to say, hundreds of people die so that the Guardians of the Galaxy can stay together. That doesn’t seem like much “guarding” to me.
Events: May 15 – May 29
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Saturday, May 20
Bridges Out of Poverty Training - Saturday, May 20
Kate Campbell in Concert
To submit your event to the East Ohio calendar use this form. (The East Ohio Conference only accepts East Ohio United Methodist local church, conference and general UM events for listing on the Conference calendar.)
Classifieds
Details of listings may be found here.
Positions Available
- Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries – Bay UMC in Bay Village
- Children and Youth Coordinator – Galena UMC
- Director of Youth Ministries – Carrollton First UMC
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 E-News, Tuesday, May 30, 2023, is the Annual Conference 2023 edition.
Deadline for submission is Thursday, May 25, 2023. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
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