In the above video message Bishop Tracy S. Malone welcomes you to Annual Conference 2023 and shares information about this year's session. Annual Conference 2023 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron, OH begins on Thursday, June 8.

Faith Hope Love is the theme for this year’s three-day session which will be guided by the words of 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (CEB): “We always thank God for all of you when we mention you constantly in our prayers. This is because we remember your work that comes from faith, your effort that comes from love, and your perseverance that comes from hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father.”

Bishop Tracy S. Malone will preach the Service of Commemoration and Holy Communion and deliver the Episcopal Address on Thursday, June 8; Rev. Jay Rundell, president of Methodist Theological School in Ohio, will preach the Service of Commissioning and Ordination on Friday June 9; Rev. Angela Lewis, Canal District superintendent will preach the Friday morning service; and Rev. Dr. David Palmer, Kent First UMC senior pastor, will preach the Saturday morning service.

Dr. David Field, the Ecumenical staff officer for Faith & Order and Theological Dialogue for the Council of Bishops of The UMC, will lead a teaching component exploring the teachings and practices of our Christian faith that underscore our core theological convictions as United Methodists. 

This year’s conference offering will benefit EOC Volunteers in Mission (Fund 9643), Heart 4 the City in Akron (Fund 9941), and the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund.

View each session and service on the AC 2023 website.

Visit the Annual Conference 2023 website.

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

Cara's Weekly Calendar

DS Cara will be out of the office this week in preparation for Annual Conference.

Lay Servant Ministry

John Wesley valued the role of laity in the early days of his ministry. He describes what he considered to be essential qualities of a Lay Person. While it is God that calls us into ministry, both clergy and laity, it is the responsibility of the church to equip those called and provide them with opportunities for Spiritual Formation. Through time, the UMC has created a program of training to help individuals answer God’s call.



The Tuscarawas District Board of the Lay Servant Ministries program is pleased to announce our schedule of upcoming classes and opportunities for Spiritual Enrichment. Classes are open to anyone, whether or not you are considering a call to participate further in the Lay Servant Ministry Program.

All classes will be at Bolivar United Methodist Church, 248 Poplar St, Bolivar 44612.

Saturday, Jun 24^th, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

Lay Servant Advanced Class – Embracing Personal Prayer. 

Course cost is $15.00. Lunch is available on this day for $10.00.

The participant’s book for this class, “Lord, Teach us to Pray” is available from the UpperRoom.org/store for $10.00 and must be purchased and read in advance.

Registration Form

Saturday, Oct 14, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Lay Servant Advanced Class – Lay Servants Lead in Conflict Resolution. 

Course cost is $15.00. Lunch is available on this day for $10.00.

The participant’s book for this class “The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation” is available from the UpperRoom.org/store for $25.00 and must be purchased and read in advance.

Registration Form

Please check with your pastor to see if your church has tuition assistance money available for continuing education or spiritual enrichment opportunities.



If you would like more information on the Lay Servant Ministry Program for our district, please email any of the following:

• Eddie Courtney (District Lay Servant Ministry Director) [email protected]
• Nancymae Scheurer: [email protected]
• Laurie Peach: [email protected]

Dover First United Methodist Church is seeking qualified applicants for the part-time position of church financial secretary. Click here for the job description. Resumes or questions can be sent to Pastor Wesley George via email.

Fairhope UMC in Louisville is seeking an Accompanist for piano &/or organ. The beginning salary is $6,500 and send resumes to Fairhope UMC (5660 Louisville St NE, Louisville OH 44641)

Otterbein (Navarre) UMC is seeking applicants for Youth Director Position (grades 9 - 12) and Assistant Youth Leader Position (grades 6 – 8). If you are interested in either of these or have questions, please contact the church at 330-484-2776.

Rev. Carl Orphanides has many books available at Magnolia UMC. Please call the church 330-866-3315 and leave a message for him.

Otterbein (Navarre) UMC has a variety of Sunday School & Bible Study books available. Click here to access the entire list. If interested, please contact Doris Brown by email.