Women Who Served or Received Their Calls to Ministry at UMC Berea Celebrate 70 Years of the Ordination of Women

EOC News

By Rick Wolcott*

On Sunday, August 2, women who have served or received their calls to credentialed ministry from the United Methodist Church of Berea gathered to share their stories and experiences, and to invite others to answer their calls to ministry.

To download the video above, first click the share button in the upper right corner of the video window, then click the Vimeo link. Then, on the Vimeo page click the download link underneath the video window.

Rev. Carrie Antczak, UMC Berea pastor of Christian Formation & Outreach, said she was inspired during June’s Annual Conference when the Conference celebrated the 70th anniversary of women’s ordination.

“During that service, I realized we have so much to celebrate as a church, as so many women have served and led among us, and many have responded to their calls to ministry while living their lives of faith among us at UMC Berea,” Antczak shared. “I wanted to open the celebration beyond ordination, and included Deaconesses, local pastors, and clergy who serve with us in retirement. Together, we have shared the gospel message, echoing the story of Mary returning from meeting the risen Christ at the tomb. That’s how we chose the John 20:1-18 scripture passage for the day.” 

The August 2 service included a historical statement read by a seminary student, the sermon featuring several of the women sharing the joys and challenges of their ministries, and prior to the benediction a challenge to attendees to listen to God’s call in their own lives. Flowers on the altar celebrated the ministry of the late Rev. Dr. Valerie Stultz, who was the first female lead pastor of the church.

Worship participants, listed alphabetically:

Deacon the Rev. Carrie Antczak
Deaconess Sherri Buehl
Local Pastor Megan Buehler
Deaconess Karen Caldwell
Retired Elder the Rev. Sharon Carson
Local Pastor Jennifer Darling-Mellott
United Theological School student Lori Hansen
Retired Deacon the Rev. Linda McCowen
Retired Deacon the Rev. Linda Short
Elder the Rev. Karen Wolcott
Retired Elder the Rev. Dr. Jan Yandell 

If you are interested in hosting a similar celebration in your church, consider using the downloadable resource that provided the liturgy for the service at UMC Berea, GCSRW Celebrates 70 Years of Women’s Ordination in The UMC. 

*Rick Wolcott is executive director of Communications for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.