A Budget Message from Conference Council on Finance & Administration:

Hope in the Seasons of Change: God’s Grace and Steadfast Love Abound!

To: East Ohio Pastors, Congregations, and Faith Communities,

Seasons of change are all around us as we journey in 2023. Change is happening and we find ourselves both excited and apprehensive about what tomorrow holds. And yet, in the seasons of change are moments of transformation, rebirth and renewal. We marvel at the faithfulness of a loving God who guides us always, amidst both prosperity and challenges.

Changing seasons bring both excitement and apprehension. Being United Methodist allows our local churches to touch lives both within our local communities and across the world. Friends, though the journey may seem difficult and uncertain, we see so much for which to be thankful. God’s grace and steadfast love abound!

We give thanks for the gift of 665 local churches serving the mission fields across the East Ohio Conference in 2022. A total of 436 local churches paid 100% apportionments which included 11 churches that disaffiliated in June 2022. Of our current United Methodist Churches in East Ohio, 425 paid 100% of apportionments in 2022. The percentage of churches that paid 100% or more was 64%. We also give thanks for the 140 local church congregations that increased their giving to apportionment in 2022.

The seasons of change continue to challenge us as we assess the reality of some churches having not made any apportionment payments in 2022 and others that paid a smaller percentage of their apportionment payments than they did in 2021. As the seasons of change cause local churches and pastors to ask the hard questions, we give thanks that the desire to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world continues to echo forth from our East Ohio Conference. We know with absolute certainty that God’s grace and steadfast love abound!

The pay-in rate from local churches to our East Ohio Conference budget was 78.4% in 2022 compared to 79% in 2021. The $8 million contributed towards the mission and ministry of East Ohio in 2022 was 6.5% less than in 2021. Every dollar contributed is a gift enabling the good news of Jesus Christ to be shared. God’s grace and steadfast love abound!

The 2022 Conference budget was reduced by 5.3% so that local churches would have more available funds for their respective mission fields. Our Conference Council on Finance & Administration (CCF&A) continues to monitor trends and examine budgetary needs as we begin this quadrennium. The postponement of General Conference until 2024 continues the challenges of navigating the financial implications of denominational changes that may come our way. We realize the coming years will bring both challenges and opportunities for the Conference to maintain the mission of making disciples amidst uncertainties of what the future holds.

Yes, change is inevitable, but in the seasons of change we find opportunity for transformation. We will continue to strive for transformation as we review financial trends, monitor our giving patterns, and adjust our Conference budget as necessary in the coming years. But we rest assured that God’s grace and steadfast love abound!

For the 18^th year, our East Ohio Conference paid 100% of our General Church apportionments. The General Church funds support global efforts of the Church through seven general funds: World Service, Ministerial Education, Episcopal, Black College, Interdenominational Cooperation, Africa University, and the General Administration Fund. As United Methodists we believe and support the saying, “the world is our parish”. God’s grace and steadfast love abound!



The faithfulness of our local churches continues to be the focal point of transformative ministry. As we journey together in 2023, we pray that you will be encouraged by the continued movement of God’s Spirit guiding us in the uncertainties, decisions, and mission opportunities enabling all of us to share God’s love and witness to a world hungering for justice, peace, and compassion. God’s grace and steadfast love abound!

Be encouraged always,

Rev. Dan Bryant, Chairperson, CCF&A

Vera Rebrovich, CPA, Executive Director, Financial & Administrative Services

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023: The 54th session of Annual Conference is June 8-10 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron.

Canal District Spring Conference 2023: The Canal District will meet on Saturday, May 13 at Centenary UMC in Akron, OH.

Christmas in July Craft Fair

July 22, 2023

9:00 to 3:00

Akron: First UMC (263 E. Mill Street Akron, OH 44308)

Join us for our Christmas in July craft fair that will showcase a variety of vendors. We will also have a snack bar with an array of goodies for purchase.

Please call Terri Emmendorfer in the church office at 330-376-8143 for more information. We are still looking for vendors too!

Wedgewood Community Food Pantry

Date: 2nd Monday of the month

Times: 11 am - 3:30 pm

2350 Wedgewood Dr., Akron

Feed My Sheep - Redeemer

North Hill UMC

The "Feed My Sheep" program at Redeemer North Hill UMC is still going strong every Friday after 25+ years. We have a FREE LUNCH, FREE Clothing Room, as well as household items, such as dishes and comforters. The Free Clothing Room is open every Friday beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the Free Lunch is served every Friday beginning at 11:30 a.m.

We work hard as a congregation to allow our faith, hope, and love to spread to our local community and beyond.

If you are interested in experiencing worship from other cultures, please join us at 1:00 p.m. every Sunday for our Burmese worship service in our Sanctuary, and our Congolese "The Way Gospel Church" in the Educational building.

If you are interested or know someone who would benefit from more information on a 12-step program, we have a different group meeting every weeknight at the Church. Please call the church at 330-923-1191 & leave a message or call Pastor Fast at

330-414-5519. Donations are always welcome and accepted!

First United Methodist Church of Akron is a Community Partner with

One Warm Coat

We are accepting donations of new and gently used coats of all sizes for children and adults in need. All coats collected will be donated locally to our neighbors in need who attend our Free Lunch program or anyone who identifies they have a need for a coat. Coats should be clean, wearable, and free of holes or stains. We hope you will support our coat drive and help us warm our neighbors in need. One Warm Coat believes in each person’s right to shelter from the elements and is committed to sharing warmth, without discrimination, one coat at a time.

Donations may be dropped off at First United Methodist Church of Akron at 263 East Mill Street Akron, Ohio 44308 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10-3 pm. Please contact the Church at 330-376-8143 before dropping off coats or if you host a One Warm Coat Drive collection and need us to pick up coats, we will arrange to pick up your donation.

Churches are welcome to share our information in their newsletters and bulletins.

For more information, please Contact Gena at 330-376-8143 or by email. You can learn more about One Warm Coat by visiting their website. 

As leaders in our local congregations I know we are always looking for ways to lead our faith communities into connectional missions both locally and globally. We may also be discouraged because lack of resources (money, people, or time) can make us feel like we can’t make the impact we would like to for the kingdom of God. Friends this simply is not true, we are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12:12 that we are one body in many parts. Leaning into our connectional heritage we can do great things when we come together under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

We have several great local ministry opportunities right here in the Canal district, one specific one that the Holy Spirit has been putting on the hearts of those here in the Canal District is the work that is being done at South Street Ministries and their reentry ministry. They focus on reentry, redirection and restoration with those coming out of incarceration. Every Tuesday they host support meetings where the goal is to, “provide a community where short-term needs can be addressed quickly, while long-term aspirations are developed.” One of the biggest needs is for the dinner that is provided at these meetings. This is a great way to have a big impact on this

ministry and those they serve. If your church or community group would like to help meet this need by providing for or sponsoring a Tuesday night meal, please contact Rose Nall from South Street Ministries by email and she will coordinate with your group.

To learn more about South Street Ministries and how your church can partner with them please visit their website at https://southstreetministries.org/.

United Women in Faith Spring Gathering

We are looking forward to seeing you on April 15, 2023 from 9:30AM to noon for the UWF Canal District Spring Gathering!  A continental breakfast will be available at 8:30AM.  

Rose Darling will be the keynote speaker. She is the Church & Community Engagement Coordinator for Flat Rock Homes.  Flat Rock is a safe place for those with developmental disabilities to live.  The First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls has been involved in the Adopt-A-Home program for a year and a half.  

We will also share communion, a memorial service, and learn from the officer reports.  Please plan to attend in person, or log in and watch online.  

Details:

Location:  First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls; 245 Portage Trail; Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44221

Time:  Continental Breakfast at 8:30AM; Gathering from 9:30AM to noon

Cost:  $5 (please bring the $5 with you, and we will collect when you arrive)

A love offering will also be taken for Flat Rock Homes

Or watch online at:  https://www.facebook.com/firstchurchcf/live/ or the YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCohH2LDDOSUVDxjjBRvWWAg

Please complete the form via this link to register to attend in person.  You do not need to register to watch online.  You can also register at the Gathering, or print and mail this form to:  Mrs. Susan Boltz; 2391 10th Street; Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44221.

Creation Care Event

The East Ohio Conference and Multicultural Ministries invites you to join us on Earth Day April 22, 2023 for a day of learning about how we can care for God’s Creation.

Register at: https://caring_for_gods_creation.eventbrite.com 

East Ohio Ministry Micro Grants Application

East Ohio Ministry Micro Grants are sponsored by the Board of Congregational Development and Connectional Ministries Office: Strategic Ministries. The grants are for Fresh Expressions, small groups, and/or new ministry that seek to reach those not within the current church community. The deadline to apply is April 3^rd by the end of the day and awardees will be announced by April 21. These micro grants, which may be awarded to $2000 as determined by Board of Congregational Development, must be spent in totality by Dec 31^st, 2023.  

Contact Rev Beth Ortiz, Connectional Ministries Office Director of Strategic Ministries, at [email protected], to submit your application or with questions. 

Requirements: Must be a ministry of a local United Methodist Church in East Ohio.

Must be a new ministry (either under 2 months old or not yet begun) that seeks to reach those not yet in the church. Church/charge cannot be currently receiving any other conference level grant funding (this does not refer to coaching, trainings or other such support). Church/charge cannot receive more than one microgrant per 12 months and cannot receive a microgrant for the same ministry more than once.

Must have at least one lay involved in the planning/implementation. Funds must be spent for this ministry within 6 months or returned. A report must be submitted within 6 months (details about reporting will be supplied to awardees with the payment dispersal in early Dec 2022). 

Please note: Application for funds does not guarantee funds.  

Global Ministries

How does your congregation care for God’s creation? Do you regularly conduct an energy audit to minimize wasted electricity and water in your church building, reuse resources that would otherwise be tossed in a landfill, encourage biking to church by installing a bike rack in the parking lot or teach sustainable gardening practices through community gardening? Have you found a creative new way to be good stewards of our natural resources? We want to hear your story and celebrate the impact your ministry has on God’s world. Contact Kate Colbow, Conference Secretary to Global Ministries via email to share how your congregation cares for creation. 

Safe Sanctuaries

Join in on this online course that covers the basics of Safe Sanctuaries. Rev Gary Jones walks participants through the what is it, the why we do it, and common elements. This is a great course for churches reviewing or creating their policies, for ministry team leads, and for anyone working with vulnerable persons in your faith community.    

Enroll anytime at https://eocumc.myabsorb.com/#/online-courses/409157e8-86de-49c2-b36a-306010758353

GREEN VALLEY UMC in Green has an opening for a 10 hour per week ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT. Responsibilities include communication, supply management, scheduling, and deployment of volunteers. At least 3 hours on two different days of the week in the office are required. The remainder of work hours may be done off-site. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Calendar, and Facebook. Organization, proofreading, and a willingness to learn are also required. Contact the pastor at 216-978-2132 or [email protected] with questions or to submit a resume. 

Johnson UMC in Norton is looking for a Part-Time Youth Leader. The position would be 15 hours per week, $17.00/hr. They are looking for a savvy and energetic person to lead our youth in the ministry and belief of the Christian faith with a Wesleyan emphasis. If you are looking for a great part time job and enjoy working with youth, please send your resume to Sandy Guy via email.

Macedonia UMC is looking for a Maintenance Manager. Click this link to access the job description. If interested, please email the church.

NORTHAMPTON UMC in Cuyahoga Falls is seeking a part-time ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT to handle communications, general office duties, and daily interfacing with the congregation and our guests. This is an onsite, 15 hour, position, weekdays between 9 am and 12 pm. Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office, Facebook, and graphic design. Excellent organization, proofreading, and written and verbal communication skills are required. Contact the church office at 330-929-0015 or the SPRC Chair at [email protected] with questions or to submit a resume.

First UMC in Cuyahoga Falls has over 100 chairs they would like to give to any church(s) that can use them. First come, first serve - pickup only. If interested please email Carolyn Stroud, [email protected].

Uniontown UMC has choir robes available to whomever needs some. If interested, please email the church.