Lighthouse Churches

A pilgrimage is a holy journey that leads one to a deeper understanding of self and a closer relationship with God. The concept of pilgrimage deeply aligns with us as United Methodists as we move towards God in our process of transformation. 

We know that some local church members here in the East Ohio Conference are on a pilgrimage searching for new church homes, a place to heal and reconnect with God, or both. In this time of pilgrimage, we do not want any member to feel abandoned, lost, or disconnected. For those on a pilgrimage, the Lighthouse church and Oasis group resources found here are designed to help you connect to a United Methodist church in or around your area and across our Conference. Lighthouse churches are dedicated to The United Methodist Church and are welcoming for those seeking a new church home. Oasis groups are intentional spaces for connecting, healing, and growing spiritually. 

Bookmark this page because you will want to visit it often to receive the latest information about district gatherings, events, connecting points, and other ministries in your area.

https://www.eocumc.com/lighthousechurches/index.html

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 on Monday, May 22 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. 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 webinar at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 22: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82553167898?pwd=ajFoVkwvSVRsTkRoVElkMHhPR0dXUT09

Letter to "United Methodists on a Pilgrimage" & Upcoming Conversations

There have been some churches in the Canal District that have held a Church Conference in order to vote on the matter of affiliation with the United Methodist Church. These vote results are rarely unanimous. Therefore, some members of these congregations likely will be finding themselves on a pilgrimage to find a new worshipping and discipling community of faith. A letter has been sent to these persons (click here to view the letter). This letter acknowledges their journey and invites them to gather with other pilgrims to explore new United Methodist possibilities.

We invite those on this pilgrimage to join one or both of the conversations happening this week, with more gatherings planned in the weeks to come. The agendas at each of the meetings are the same:

• Wednesday, May 17 @ 6:00 p.m. via Zoom

• Saturday, May 20 @ 11:30 a.m. at Kent Free Library

• Thursday, May 25 @ 6:30 p.m. via Zoom

• Saturday, May 27 @ 11:30 a.m. at Doylestown-Wayne County Library

Please email the district office for the Zoom links if you wish to attend virtually.

Be blessed on your journey.

Rev. Angela Lewis

Join ASIA in JOURNEY: From Dusk to Dawn and listen to the life stories of three speakers from Akron’s refugee communities! 

On Thursday, May 18th, we are partnering with Fair Housing Contact Service to host a panel for members of the Ka’Ren, Nepali-speaking, and Afghan communities to share their journey from their homeland to the US. 

The event is free and light refreshments are provided

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

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/.

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

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.