Bishop Tracy S. Malone announces the following clergy appointments and/or changes of status which, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2024.
| 2024 Appointments | |||
| Pastor | Appointment | District | Effective |
| Allan Bevere | Crestline First UMC | West Plains | 11/1/23 |
| Lee Cubie | Mt. Vernon Hopewell UMC | West Plains | 10/15/23 |
| Richard Darr | New Philadelphia First UMC | South Forest | 1/1/24 |
| Mikayla Doepker | Personal Leave | 11/30/23 | |
| John Fitch | Sugar Grove UMC | South Forest | 9/24/23 |
| William Graham | Portage Faith UMC | Northern Waters | 7/2/23 |
| Tony Jones | North Canton Werner UMC | Central Valley | 11/1/23 |
| Brandon Keck | Medical Leave | 11/1/23 | |
| James Lewis | Charlestown, Ravenna & Twin Falls UMCs | Northern Waters | 9/17/23 |
| Karol Lewis | Charlestown, Ravenna & Twin Falls UMCs | Northern Waters | 9/17/23 |
| Robert Ludwig | Lafayette & Spencer UMCs | West Plains | 1/1/24 |
| David MacDonald | Extension Ministry: Director at Osage Forest of Peace | 1/1/24 | |
| Jeremy Roseberry | Jefferson UMC | Northern Waters | 1/1/24 |
| Ryan Skelton | Galena & Kilbourne UMCs | West Plains | 1/1/24 |
| Jeffrey Stoll | Mentor Plains UMC | Northern Waters | 9/10/23 |
| Elizabeth Weed | Extension Ministry: Spiritual Care Facilitator at IBH Addiction Recovery | 12/1/23 | |
| Ashwin Welch | Navarre Otterbein UMC | Central Valley | 1/1/24 |
| Doug Winner | Vermilion Grace UMC | West Plains | 1/1/24 |
#BeUMC
“Throughout my entire life The United Methodist Church has been there to love me, to support me, to encourage me, and to help me grow in my faith,” said Rev. David Hull-Frye. “I’m United Methodist because of the social justice emphasis of United Methodists throughout the world. I’m United Methodist because The United Methodist Church is indeed a global church that seeks to transform lives of people of every race around the world making life better for everyone.”
You are invited to tell your #BeUMC story of transformation in The United Methodist Church. To do so, please e-mail Brett Hetherington, EOC Communications specialist.
View #BeUMC stories & the EOC #BeUMC website.
Each episode of our East Ohio Conference podcast, Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation, explores what it means to #BeUMC.
Episode 25 is titled “Influence, Connection & Impact: Building Connections in Guatemala and East Ohio”. The episode features conversation with clergy and laity from Carrollton First UMC, from Mayfield UMC, and from United Methodist Volunteers in Mission sharing how their respective ministry relationships in Guatemala are fostering partnerships both in the Central American country and here in the East Ohio Conference.
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.
Re-Districting for 2024
On January 1 the East Ohio Conference transitioned from 10 to four districts. Clergy and laity are invited to participate in the first gathering in each new district the weekend of January 27-28 for a time of worshipping, connecting, and celebrating together with Bishop Tracy S. Malone, the superintendent teams and leadership in each district, and Conference staff.
Make plans now to attend the gathering in your district:
West Plains District
10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 27 @ Ashland First UMC
(220 Sandusky Street in Ashland, 44805)
Northern Waters District
1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 27 @ Mayfield UMC
(7747 Mayfield Road in Chesterland, 44026)
Central Valley District
3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 27 @ North Canton Faith UMC
(300 9th Street NW in North Canton, 44720)
South Forest District
2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 28 @ Cambridge First UMC
(641 Steubenville Avenue in Cambridge, 43725)
View the map of the new districts and visit the new district web pages.
Communications
Conference Dates in 2024
January 23
In accordance with ¶521.1 and ¶521.3 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016, the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops will convene a special online session of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference at 8:00 p.m. for the sole purpose of approving new episcopal areas for episcopal assignments to be effective September 1, 2024.
April 23 – May 3
General Conference of The United Methodist Church will convene in Charlotte, North Carolina with the theme … And Know That I Am God.
June 13-15
Annual Conference 2024 will convene at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. The conference will again use the quadrennial theme Faith Hope Love.
July 10-13
North Central Jurisdictional Conference will convene in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
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.
Teach • Reach • Bless
Lift Her Up Ministry Empowers Female AU Students
After supporting the effort to build a new residence hall for female students on the campus of Africa University in Zimbabwe, clergy and laity in the East Ohio Conference now have another opportunity to empower female students at the University. The Lift Her Up ministry raises money for scholarships so that females in the Tongogara refugee camp in Zimbabwe who have been accepted at AU will have the funds to enroll at the Pan-African United Methodist institution of higher learning.
The cost of one year of education at Africa University is $6,500. One donor has already made a financial commitment of that amount. Lift Her Up in East Ohio seeks to find resources to fully fund four years at Africa University for four females from the Tongogara camp. Individuals, churches, or groups of churches wishing to learn more about sponsoring a student should e-mail Rev. Bill McFadden.
Support the Lift Her Up ministry (EOC Fund 9168).
Financial & Administrative Services
New HealthFlex ID Cards
All HealthFlex participants will soon receive new HealthFlex ID cards. Participants should have recently received an e-mail notifying them to keep an eye out for the new cards to arrive in the mail. The e-mail included some of the features of the cards, as well as the number for the new Care Coordination service.
Each person covered under your HealthFlex plan will receive an individual card, including children. While adult cards can also be used for covered children, the individual card may be helpful for children who are old enough to see a doctor on their own, or for children with a parent who is not enrolled in HealthFlex.
Additionally, electronic versions of the cards will be available on the Care Coordination site at mywespathhealth.com where primary participants and adult dependents can register now for their Care Coordination account and access their new ID card online.
Care Coordination Phone Lines are Now Open
The wait is over! Wespath care coordinators are ready and waiting to help HealthFlex participants navigate their health care journey for 2024. Care coordinators are available at (833) 762-0876 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Eastern. Primary participants and adult dependents can access their Care Coordination account now at mywespathhealth.com and message or chat with a care coordinator.
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.
UMC Special Sundays
Impact Communities by Supporting the Human Relations Day Offering January 14
Human Relations Day is a denomination-wide Special Sunday in The United Methodist Church that recognizes and celebrates what Jesus taught during his ministry: all of God’s children are important.
Human Relations Day is one of six Sundays in The United Methodist Church on which special offerings are received to benefit ministries of the Church. The special offering taken on this Sunday before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday is used to help build King’s vision of “the beloved community.”
Through the first 11 months of 2023 United Methodist generously donated $273,514 for ministries that are changing lives through social justice ministries and outreach through community developers, volunteer service, and youth offender rehabilitation programs.
- 57% of the funds received in the Human Relations Day special offering support community developer programs that strive to build, maintain, promote, and strengthen racial-ethnic minority congregations through local UMC congregations.
- 33% of the funds received support the United Methodist Voluntary Services (UMVS) that serves as a resource to congregations, volunteer-based groups, and programs that challenge unjust political, social, and economic systems which threaten the livelihoods of people.
- 10% of the funds received support rehabilitation programs. These programs work to strengthen youth empowerment programs that provide positive avenues for youth participation in their communities through churches, mentoring programs, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Learn about and support Human Relations Sunday.
Download the Special Sundays planning calendar.
Strategic Ministries
Simplified Accountable Structure (SAS)
Committees are crucial to ministries in our local churches, in our districts, and in our East Ohio Conference. However, often the existing structure does not work well for this time due to lack of people, too little time, or unclear mechanisms for adaptation and change. SAS offers an alternative governance/committee structure to help refocus the church on mission and vision as well as frees up people for meaningful ministry.
To learn more, register with a team from your church for one of our three Zoom workshops: Saturday, January 27; Tuesday, January 30; or Thursday, February 1. Whichever workshop you and your team attend will provide information for church members and clergy to consider if this is a good fit for your congregation. This workshop is also good for churches already in SAS to ensure you are using best practices and to learn new tips.
Learn more 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
Advance Special Applications Due – January 15
East Ohio Conference Advance Specials are missions and ministries with ties to The United Methodist Church that are reviewed by the Mission Awareness Committee and then promoted to EOC pastors, congregations, and faith communities for their support, either financially or through volunteering of their time and skills. Applications for renewing Advance Specials and applications for ministries seeking to be new Advance Specials are due no later than January 15.
Download and complete the application to be a 2024-25 EOC Advance Special.
View the list of 2023-2024 Advance Specials.
All In Community Events in January
Clery and laity are invited to make a difference in our mission field by participating in the All In Community (AIC) ministry, a modern-day, Biblical response to the impact and aftermath of mass incarceration in Ohio. For the past year our East Ohio Conference has been partnering in this ministry begun by the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. Together, we are making a difference in our state.
There are two All In Community ministry events in January in which you are invited to participate:
- Tuesday, January 9 – Tuesday Talks with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections at 10:00 a.m. during which the topic will be Crime, Incarceration, and Grief: Understanding Sefl-Care, and Caring for Others. Register for the Zoom link to participate.
- Monday, January 15 – All In Community Listening Circle, a Zoom online conversation from 7:00-8:30 p.m. which uses restorative practices for participants to experience braver and safer spaces for creating emotional connection and healing in the midst of justice-involved experiences. E-mail Jami Nathan to receive the Zoom link.
UMVIM Team Leader Trainings -January 13; March 17
If you’re interested in mission work or if you want to improve your mission ministry leadership skills, make plans now to register for either one of the free United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Team Leader trainings scheduled for Saturday, January 13 at Mentor UMC and Sunday, March 17 at Wedgewood UMC in Akron. Enjoy a day of fellowship and conversation to learn best practices for leading a mission team locally, nationally, or internationally.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Unnatural Disasters: Creation Care in the Age of Climate Change – January 21
The first in a series of three documentary viewings and online conversation, Unnatural Disasters: Creation Care in the Age of Climate Change takes you virtually to places around the country that are experiencing unnatural disasters in the age of climate change. As the planet warms around us causing disasters such as floods, hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires to become more common and more extreme, how can people of faith take better care of God’s creation? On Sunday, January 21 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. view and discuss on Zoom the first of the three documentaries. Plan to participate in the other two viewings and conversations from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 18 and Sunday, March 17. The events are free, but you will need to register in advance to get the link to join.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Farmer to Farmer Update from Pryde Bass
Thirteen years ago, I, a member of Celebration UMC, and Rev. Ray Ake, then the pastor of Henrietta UMC, had a Divine intervention during a New Church Start Ministry Training sponsored by East Ohio Connectional Ministries, and the Farmer-to-Farmer Ministry (EOC Fund 9026) in Harrisburg was born. The two of us had never met, it was a Holy Spirit moment! Many people and churches in East Ohio have joined the movement!
In addition to building relationships in Harrisburg, Liberia over the years, Farmer to Farmer has built a K-12 School System, a testament to God’s love to students who walked 2.5 hours one way each day to get a high school education.
The new high school pictured above is almost complete, but funds are still needed to equip the science lab and the computer lab.
Make a donation to Farmer to Farmer (EOC Fund 9026).
Thrive 10:10 Chili Cook-Off – January 27
An EOC Advance Special, Thrive 10:10 will have its 3rd-annual chili cook-off at Girard First UMC from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 27. Proceeds from the event will benefit programs of Thrive 10:10 such as Ruth’s Boutique, pop-up boutiques, Getting Ahead in a Just Gettin’ by World, and more. E-mail Thrive 10:10 to enter your chili or baked goods in the cook-off.
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.
Multicultural Ministries
Pro-Racial Equity Network Launch – January 11
The East Ohio Conference Multicultural Ministries office invites clergy and laity to join in a monthly Zoom network meeting of a new pro-racial equity network designed to move our anti-racism work into action. The first Zoom meeting of the network will be at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11. The pro-racial equity network will then meet the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. with meetings following a format of learning opportunities, collaborative work and sharing, and opportunities to engage in action: come and learn, come and do, come and change.
The pro racial equity network is a collaboration between the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church and the Ohio Heartland Conference of the United Church of Christ. Ecumenical spaces and partnerships allow for cross-pollination and the opportunity to create new relationships in our communities. The goal of this network is to connect individuals or groups to others who are journeying on the path toward racial reconciliation.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Read about the pro-racial equity network.
I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist. Book Discussion – January 20
Join the East Ohio Caucus of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) for a panel discussion on the book I’m Black. I’m Christian. I’m Methodist. edited by Rev. Rudy Rasmus. The panel discussion will take place at St. Paul UMC (4749 Lee Road, Cleveland) from 2:00-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20.
Discussing and exploring the experience of being Black in The United Methodist Church are panelists:
Dr. Martha Banks (General Conference delegate), Dr. Gloria Brown (Commission on Equitable Compensation chair), Rev. Dawan Buie (Aldersgate UMC), Pastor Monique Greenfield (Rust & Oberlin First UMCs), Tina Johnson (East Ohio BMCR chair), District Superintendent Rev. Angela Lewis (Northern Waters), and Brian Smart (Ministerial Recruitment Institute dean). The panel will be moderated by Pastor Marc Tibbs of Akron Centenary UMC.
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15 is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day set aside for us to remember his life and legacy now 95 years after his birth. Dr. King is memorialized in stone at our nation’s capital near the steps where he gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and we can memorialize his legacy in communities right here in East Ohio as part of our work to Stand Against Racism. The vision of “beloved community” is not a vision for the past or something we have already accomplished but is a vision and hope for our future.
King named the “triple evils” of poverty, racism, and militarism as forms of violence that exist in an interrelated and vicious cycle that must be met through nonviolence and a love-centered way. He saw these evils as interconnected forces undermining societal justice and equality and he advocated for a transformative approach that went beyond policy change, emphasizing nonviolent resistance and a love-centered methodology to confront these issues. King’s enduring legacy, deeply resonant with The United Methodist Church’s values, challenges us to create a more equitable and compassionate world through understanding and addressing these interlinked societal challenges.
It may feel discouraging to acknowledge that there is much work to be done, but the purpose of the day is to remind us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Resolution 3065 of The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church calls for us to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We also honor the legacy of Dr. King through Human Relations Day, which takes place this year on Sunday, January 14.
Every day we make choices to Stand Against Racism and to remember the life and legacy of Dr. King. How will you choose to remember this year?
View the Stand Against Racism resource for ideas on observing Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
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.
Young People’s Ministries
Project Feed – January 14
East Ohio Conference United Methodist youth are invited to a meal-packing event at The UMC of Berea from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 14. Together, we can make a difference in our world, while having the chance to come and serve with your friends. Space is limited, so register early. A limited number of T-shirts will be available for purchase the day of the event. The $10 cost of each shirt will help offset the cost of materials from Midwest Mission. The UMC of Berea is also hosting a lock-in that evening! See registration link for details. Come and be the hands and feet of Christ!
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
For questions about Young People’s Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Pastor Christy Suffecool or e-mail Tim Beck, Connectional Ministries office Young People’s Ministries co-directors, or visit the Young People’s Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Summer Camp 2024 Registration is Open
The Camps & Retreat Ministries office looks forward to partnering with your congregation to include Summer Camp as part of the spiritual formation of your children and youth. If you would like a Summer Camps brochure, please call the Camps office at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139 or send us an e-mail.
Learn more about and register for Summer Camp 2024.
Apply for a Summer Staff Position
Camp Aldersgate, Camps Asbury, and Camp Wanake are seeking summer camp staff age 18+ who are positive, flexible people who love God, love kids, and love the outdoors. Internships are available. Camp is a great place to gain valuable experience and build a resume. Share this information with someone you believe would be a great summer staff member. If you have questions, please call or e-mail the camp sites:
- Camp Aldersgate: (330) 627-4369; e-mail
- Camp Asbury: (330) 569-3171; e-mail
- Camp Wanake: (330) 756-2333; e-mail
Apply to be a Summer Camp 2024 staff member.
Confirmation Day Retreat at Camp Asbury – February 3
Spend a full day at Camp Asbury on Saturday, February 3 with your Confirmation class diving deep into United Methodist teachings and exploring your faith! The day’s curriculum will include introductory-level sessions on these topics: What United Methodists Believe; the Sacraments; the Layout of The United Methodist Church; Spiritual Disciplines; United Methodist History; and Worship. The retreat, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 6:30 p.m., costs $70 per youth and $60 per adult.
Camp Asbury makes the perfect backdrop to connect our faith to the beautiful property around us. Some of our sessions will take us outdoors, connecting us with God’s presence and sustaining love of creation. This one-day winter getaway will allow you to strengthen your friendships with other youth in the church and help you to start to understand the role YOU play in The United Methodist Church. If you have questions about the Confirmation Day retreat, please call Camp Asbury at (330) 569-3171 or e-mail the camp office.
Register on the Events Registration page of the East Ohio Conference website.
Drenched! Women’s Retreat – February 16-18
Women 18 years of age and older are invited to restore your Spirit as you connect with God and friends at the Drenched! Women’s Bible Study Retreat February 16-18 at Wanake Camp & Retreat Center. Retreat participants will spend time in nature, in fellowship, in worship, engaging in Bible study, making arts and crafts, playing games, praying, and focusing on their wellness. Cost of the retreat is $140/person, which includes lodging, meals, and activities.
Register on the Events Registration page of the East Ohio Conference website.
Confirmation Weekend at Camp Wanake – February 23-25
Spend the weekend of February 23-25 at Camp Wanake with your confirmation class exploring The United Methodist understanding of the sacraments, the ways we talk about and experience God, how we can connect with God in prayer, and United Methodist heritage and organization (aka history & polity). Our time for learning will be hands-on, engaging, and fun. One adult chaperone must be present for the weekend and is required for every six youth of the chaperone’s gender. Cost of the retreat is $145 per youth and $135 per adult. If you have question about the weekend retreat, please call the Camp Wanake office at (330) 756-2333 or e-mail the camp office.
Register on the Events Registration page of the East Ohio Conference website.
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.
Message in the Movies
Poor Things
It’s been over two centuries since Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein but the basic premise continues to evoke contemplation. If we were able to bring a dead person back to life – with another person’s brain – how would that new person learn about the human condition? Is it right for us to play God? What would happen when the new creation is freed from the control of its creator?
Poor Things (based on a 1992 novel by the late Scottish writer Alasdair Gray and adapted by Tony McNamara) is director Yorgos Lanthimos’ version of Frankenstein, set in a Victorian England relatively adjacent to Mary Shelley’s timeline but also a steampunk world with dirigibles, strange horseless carriages, and bizarre medical experiments conducted by Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). His latest literal brainchild is Bella Baxter (Stone), a fully grown woman brought back to life after suicide, and revived with a childlike brain that will quickly develop with the capacity to learn what it means to be fully human.
Events: January 8 – January 21
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Saturday, January 13
UMVIM Team Leader Training - Saturday, January 13
Free Community Meal in Lakewood - Sunday, January 14
Project Feed - Wednesday, January 17
Adam Hamilton Book Tour – Strongsville - January 19 & 20
Abide Youth Leaders Retreat - Sunday, January 21
Unnatural Disasters: Creation Care in the Age of Climate Change
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
- Pianist/Accompanist – Mogadore UMC
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
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Deadline for submission is Thursday, January 18, 2024. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
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