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 |
| Ryan Cockrill | New Philadelphia First UMC | South Forest | |
| William Eckert | Navarre Otterbein UMC | Central Valley | |
| Jacob Heskett | Sunbury UMC | West Plains | |
| Richard Thewlis | Lakeside UMC | West Plains | |
| Preston Watkins | Vermilion Grace UMC | West Plains | |
#BeUMC
“To me, being part of The United Methodist Church is being part of a family, an intergenerational family,” said Rev. Rebecca Weamer, the pastor of Union Avenue United Methodist Church in Alliance. “I love the global connection of The United Methodist Church, how we’re able to do so much more when we work together and pool our resources. I am so grateful to be part of this amazing church and am hopeful to see what the future of this Church looks like.”
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 26 is titled “Disciple Making: Exploring World Religions in Our East Ohio Communities”. The episode features conversation with Rev. David Hull-Frye and Kathie Crabtree from Grandview UMC about how the church is embracing the shifting demographics of Cuyahoga Falls and offering church and community members safe space to listen to one another and learn about their different religious practices and beliefs.
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.
Bishop’s Office
Bishop Invites Us to Join in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25
Beloved, I encourage us to join other Christians all over the world in prayer during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25. In the Gospel of John (17:21), Jesus prayed for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe.” As Christians we are called to pray and work together for peace, reconciliation, and healing, even more especially in these turbulent times of racial, cultural, and political violence, and unending wars.
The World Council of Churches has named the theme for the Week of Prayer from Luke 10:27: “You shall love the Lord your God … and your neighbour as yourself.” I encourage us to read Luke 10:25-37 as we reflect on how God is calling us to pray, to love and serve our neighbors, and to do the work of peace and unity.
To focus our prayers, I share the following prayers I excerpted from the Ecumenical Order of Worship that was designed by the international team appointed jointly by the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity and the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. You can find the entire order of worship on The World Council of Churches website, www.oikoumene.org.
I invite us to pray these prayers throughout the week and utilize them in our worship and bible studies. I also encourage you to connect with your ecumenical faith partners in your community and invite them to a time of prayer and conversation as you discern how you can work together, now and in the future, for peace, reconciliation, and unity.
At the link below you will find Prayers for Intercession, to be read as one voice or responsively, the Lord’s Prayer, a Closing Prayer, and a Sending Prayer.
Read and share the Week of Christian Unity Prayers.
Jurisdictional Conference
Special-Called NCJ Jurisdictional Conference – January 23
From a press release from Bishop Frank Beard, president of the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops:
“In accordance with ¶521.1 and ¶521.3 of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, the North Central Jurisdiction College of Bishops will convene a special session of the North Central Jurisdictional Conference on Tuesday January 23 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and the session will be convened virtually. This special session of the jurisdictional conference is for the sole purpose of approving new episcopal areas for episcopal assignments to be effective September 1, 2024.
“Specifically, we will consider forming two new episcopal areas: (1) Northern Illinois and Wisconsin; and (2) East Ohio and West Ohio. If approved, there would be seven episcopal areas in the North Central Jurisdiction to which bishops would be assigned at the regular session of the jurisdictional conference meeting on July 10-13, 2024, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. ¶40 of The Book of Discipline authorizes the jurisdictional conference to determine the ‘number, names and boundaries of the annual conferences and episcopal areas.’”
View the livestream of the special session on the EOC website.
Districts
First Gatherings in Each New District – January 27-28
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.
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.
Financial & Administrative Services
“Journey of a Dollar” Video Explains Apportionments
The General Council on Finance & Administration (GCFA) has recently produced and released a new video titled “Journey of a Dollar” that explains the financial journey of contributions made to support the ministries of The United Methodist Church. This resource is a vital component of GCFA’s broader initiative to explain and promote financial stewardship to pastors, congregations, and faith communities of The United Methodist Church.
“We recognize the importance of fostering financial understanding within our United Methodist community. ‘Journey of a Dollar’ takes our members on a visual exploration, unraveling the mysteries of how their contributions make a meaningful impact on the ministries we hold dear,” stated Rev. Moses Kumar, general secretary of GCFA. “This video is a crucial step in equipping our delegates and members with the knowledge they need for informed decision-making.”
View and download the “Journey of a Dollar” video on the EOC website.
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
Board of Missions Offers Serving Others, Inviting Others Grant
Serving Others, Inviting Others is a ministry grant and mission journey scholarship awarded by the East Ohio Conference Board of Missions from Undesignated Missions Giving Fund 9001. The deadline to apply for the grant is April 1. If you have questions about the grant, e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office, or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 102.
Apply for this and other Missions grants and scholarships.
Support EOC Fund 9001.
Brotherhood Mutual Offers a Kingdom Advancing Grant
The Brotherhood Mutual Foundation awards $150,000 annually in grants, with the average individual grant ranging from $20,000 to $50,000. Consider applying for a Kingdom Advancing Grant if you have a creative idea for a church program that solves a problem in your community, connects people to Jesus in a sustainable and replicable way, and just needs funds and guidance to bring it to life. The deadline to apply for the grant is March 27.
Learn more and apply for the Kingdom Advancing Grant.
Bridges Out of Poverty Training – March 9
Clergy and laity are invited to a Bridges Out of Poverty training workshop offering a comprehensive approach to understanding poverty. The next training opportunity is 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 at Westlake UMC (27650 Center Ridge Road). Bridges Out of Poverty offers a new way to view the issue of poverty through the comprehensive triple lens perspective on how we as individuals, organizations, and communities can eliminate poverty.
Participants will review poverty research, examine a theory of change, and analyze poverty through the prism of the hidden rules of class, resources, family structure, and language. Registration is $15 and includes the required book and lunch. The last day to register is March 3.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
All In Community Four Friends Speakers Bureau
The Four Friends Speakers Bureau is an outreach of All In Community ministry that restores hope and provides healing in lives affected by the criminal justice system. The ministry was begun by the West Ohio Conference and is now a partnership with the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. You can learn more about the ministry by inviting a Four Friends Speakers Bureau representative to your church. To do so, please e-mail Rae Lynn Schleif.
“We, everyone, cannot grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally alone. Everyone needs someone to walk with them. All of us have a need to belong. We [returning citizens] come to tell our story what it is like to walk out of prison and have friends like those who carried the paralytic to Jesus,” says James Clay, a restored citizen and a member of All In Community.
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
Celebrating Black History Month in February
February marks the annual observance of Black History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the rich cultural heritage and significant contributions of African Americans. In the East Ohio Conference, this month presents a unique and important opportunity for all congregations, particularly predominantly white churches, to engage in meaningful reflection, celebration, and action. Observing Black History Month is not just about acknowledging the past; it’s a commitment to a future of inclusivity, understanding, and unity in Christ.
Here are some things you can do to center the voices and stories of Black Americans:
- Commit to reading or listening to Black authors, such as Fishing Differently: Ministry Formation in the Marketplace by Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams, Jr. See Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director, for a copy of this book by Rev. Dr. Williams, who was the 2023 Black Theologian Day speaker.
- Commit to hearing stories like those told in the video EOC Black Clergy Share Their Experiences of Race and Ministry.
- Read and use the Black History Month resources offered by the General Commission on Religion and Race.
- Read and use the Resources for Celebrating Black History Month offered by Discipleship Ministries.
- Download and use the All In God’s Image: A Celebration of Black History and Diversity curriculum and family study guide.
There are many ways you can celebrate personally and in your faith community. The above are unique and specific to how the East Ohio Conference and The United Methodist Church have been Standing Against Racism, but you can also attend educational programs and discussions, partner with African American churches, attend cultural celebrations, read, and pray and reflect.
Observing Black History Month in the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church is more than a symbolic gesture. It’s an act of faith, a commitment to justice, and a step towards a more inclusive and understanding church community. By celebrating this month, we not only honor the contributions of African Americans but also reaffirm our dedication to the principles of love, unity, and equality that are at the heart of our Christian faith. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and minds, forging a path towards a more united and diverse church.
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.
Higher Education
Scholarships Available for Students Attending United Methodist-Related Schools
Applications are now open for scholarships from the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Every year, the foundation awards $2+ million in scholarships to qualifying students attending 100+ United Methodist-related colleges, universities, and seminaries. The deadline to apply is March 1.
Learn more and apply on the Scholarships, Grants & Aid page of the EOC website.
For questions about Higher Education ministry opportunities, please e-mail Pastor Christy Suffecool, Connectional Ministries office Young People’s Ministries co-director, or visit the Higher Education pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Summer Camp 2024 Registration is Open
We can’t wait to see the kids from your congregation at Summer Camp 2024! Get them registered now – and invite them to bring a friend. Make plans now so that Camp can be a part of their summer this year. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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 at (330) 627-4369 or via e-mail; Camp Asbury at (330) 569-3171 or via e-mail; and Camp Wanake at (330) 756-2333 or via e-mail.
Apply to be a Summer Camp 2024 staff member.
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.
Clergy
Lakeside Chautauqua Offers Clergy Renewal Scholarships
As people of faith, keeping “Sabbath” is essential to maintaining one’s relationship with God. For clergy to truly have a Sabbath, it is oftentimes necessary to get away from home! Lakeside Chautauqua provides a place and assists with the cost. United Methodist clergy may apply for a Renewal Scholarship that will provide two nights of hotel lodging in the Fountain Inn. You are invited to take time with God along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie for rest and renewal, using the unstructured time for prayer, planning, and mediation. The time is yours. As the result of an endowment established by Mauren Moody, Lakeside Chautauqua is able provide the hotel room free of charge. Preference will be given to those who have not received the scholarship in the past, and to those in active ministry. The deadline to apply for the Renewal Scholarship is February 22.
Learn more and apply for the Renewal Scholarship.
Toward Healing the Harm #2 – March 18
Clergy are encouraged to participate in Toward Healing the Harm 2: How to Lead with Courage Even When Your Voice Shakes! on Monday, March 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at North Canton Faith UMC.
Clergy often struggle to lead in situations when their voice shakes or their bodies otherwise display their intense emotions; or to recover from the shame afterwards. Clergywomen often experience this in gender-based situations or experience a larger negative effect on their subsequent leadership. This event will use the Book of Esther as well as contemporary resources to understand why it happens, how we can deal with it in the moment, and how we can recover. People will heal through both sharing stories and individual processing. This event is jointly sponsored by the East Ohio Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW), the Board of Ministry, and Cabinet. The program will run from 9:30am-3pm at North Canton Faith UMC. Registration information will be released in the Monday, February 5 E-News.
Events: January 22 – February 4
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Saturday, January 27
Free Community Meal in Lakewood - Sunday, January 28
Royal Family Kids Camp Training: Gang Behavior
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.)
Celebrations of Life
Please pray for the families of:
- Richard Ferrell, retired Elder, died January 17.
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
- Director of Children’s Ministry – Wadsworth UMC
- Office Administrator – Asbury UMC in Delaware, OH
- Pianist/Accompanist – Mogadore UMC
Items Available/Wanted
- Four file cabinets of sheet music, choir books, and Christmas cantanas – Utica UMC
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
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Deadline for submission is Thursday, February 1, 2024. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
East Ohio News 