View the Lenten Resource Conversations of the Heart: The Journey Continues |
Bishop Tracy S. Malone traveled across the East Ohio Conference in January 2022 to engage in meaningful Conversations of the Heart with laity and clergy about mission, vision, ministry, and discipleship in the Conference and about the future of The United Methodist Church.
The Bishop met with clergy and laity in churches across the southern, central, and northern regions of the East Ohio Conference to share a message from her heart and to listen to and answer questions that were on the hearts of those in attendance. The six conversations with Bishop Malone were in-person gatherings to provide a more intimate opportunity for dialogue among the participants.
In this new video, Bishop Malone invites us into a Lenten journey of prayer, reflection, and conversations as she shares her message that was given at each of the Conversations of the Heart gatherings.
View the video, listen for the three practices that the Bishop is encouraging of all clergy and laity, reflect on the 11 questions we are asked to consider during our journeys this Lent, and then download the video to share with others.
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General Conference - Postponed to 2024 |
A significant advantage of further postponing the 2020 General Conference to 2024 is that the Commission has already secured a venue for what would have been the regularly scheduled quadrennial event. An announcement about the location will be forthcoming as soon as the required logistical planning is complete.
In response to the decision, Council of Bishops President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey said, “I give thanks for the Commission on the General Conference, a committed and faithful group of laity and clergy. The Commission continues to serve tirelessly, and their work is deeply appreciated and valued."
The General Conference is the only body of The United Methodist Church that can set official policy and speak for the denomination.
The General Conference is an international body of nearly 1,000 delegates – half clergy and half lay – who are elected by the members of their respective Annual Conferences. The General Conference meets every four years and can also meet between those years if a special session is called.
During General Conference, delegates discuss and vote on petitions and resolutions proposed by individuals, agencies, annual conferences, and other groups within the denomination. These actions could result in a revision of: The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church, the denomination's book of law; and The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church, the denomination’s policies on current social issues.
Bishops attend the General Conference but cannot vote. Some bishops serve as presiding officers during the conference with the remaining bishops present but unable to speak on the proceedings unless granted permission to do so by the delegates.
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A Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone |
Dear Laity and Clergy of the East Ohio Conference,
I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
The United Methodist Commission on the General Conference has announced that the 2020 General Conference is further postponed until May of 2024. The Commission on the General Conference provided the reasons for its decision to postpone the conference in its press release statement. It was noted that they will look to the Judicial Council for clarity regarding the processes for the General Conference in preparation for 2024. The Commission members made a difficult decision and I honor the work that they did.
There are various entities within The United Methodist Church that are working collaboratively on how best to provide leadership and to steward the mission, ministry, and witness of The United Methodist Church in light of the postponement. One of these entities is the Council of Bishops.
The Council of Bishops met today, and we addressed the implications of the postponement and we have identified and clarified some pathways forward; however, additional work needs to be done. We’re looking at provisions that already exist in The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 related to jurisdictions, assignment of bishops, disaffiliation, and separation. We are working together to provide leadership to help sustain the worldwide witness and mission of The United Methodist Church.
Where do we go from here?
Beloved, we breathe, and we don’t fret. We pray and fully rely on the Sovereignty of God, knowing that God holds us, our beloved United Methodist Church, and our future in God’s hands … trusting that God will make a way forward. I encourage us to keep our minds and efforts focused on our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and not being preoccupied with processes and postponements. We do this because what is not postponed or delayed is our calling to share the love and the Good News of Jesus Christ, our compassion for those who are hurting and grieving, our listening and responding to the needs of the poor and the marginalized, and our work for peace, hope and reconciliation. This is our ongoing work and witness!
Let me reassure you that there are no decisions or actions that need to be made or taken now … not for pastors, congregations, or faith communities. Over the next few weeks and months, I will be working with my Cabinet and the Conference Board of Trustees to explore the Disciplinary options related to matters of separation. And I will continue to be in conversation with lay and clergy across the Conference to listen and to provide guidance and encouragement.
Let me restate what I have said on many occasions: no one is being forced out of The United Methodist Church. There is plenty good room for a generous unity in our beautifully, diverse church. It is my hope that none of you will choose to leave The United Methodist Church.
As your bishop, I will continue to shepherd and guide us through these uncertain times and humbly ask that you commit to trusting where the Spirit of God will take us.
I will continue to lead in ways that will enable as many lay and clergy who feel called to remain in The United Methodist Church to continue our shared mission and work of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
I, again, remind you of the words from the Apostle Paul: “ I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4: 1 NRSV).
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Tracy S. Malone
Resident Bishop, East Ohio Conference
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District Appointments effective July 1, 2022 |
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P. Wes George (FL) - First (Dover) UMC
Linda Slutz (PL) - Epworth (Massillon) UMC
To view the entire list of 2022 Appointments please visit the EOC website here
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Heart 2 Heart Conversations with DS Cara Stultz Costello |
The second session of Heart 2 Heart Conversations will be held on Friday, March 18 at 10:00 a.m.
Join the Zoom meeting by clicking this link. |
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The District Office is working primarily remotely. If you have something to drop off, there is a mailbox outside of Megan's door in the Conference Office. Mail is checked on a regular basis. |
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Cara's Weekly Calendar
March 14: Sabbath
March 15: Cabinet
March 16: Cabinet
March 17: Cabinet
March 18: Heart 2 Heart Conversation & District Strategizing
March 19: Closing Service for Canton Calvary Mission (please see flyer below for more information)
March 20: Guest Preaching - Union Hill
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March:
March 15: Dan Edwards (Epworth Waco)
March 17: Steve Stultz Costello (Faith North Canton)
March 22: Mike Grant (Christ Louisville)
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Mayberry Man - First (New Philadelphia) UMC |
A Family Movie for the Generations : Grandparents, Parents and Grandchildren
MAYBERRY MAN will be showing at
First (New Philadelphia) UMC
Sat. March 19, 4pm
*Free Will Donation
** A $500 matching donation will be made to local missions
Refreshments will be served
Please RSVP by March 16th to:
Pastor Jon Campbell
Phone or text: 330-704-8198 or email
MAYBERRY MAN the movie is the brain child of 2 Brothers, Cort and Stark Howell, their father, Hoke Howell, played the part of Charlene Darlin's husband, "Dud" and wrote for some of the early episodes. These two men wanted to capture the spirit of Mayberry and did it in a way for the whole family to enjoy. The movie received a White Dove award which is a rating for all audiences. Approximately 1/2 of the movie was shot at Andy Griffiths hometown in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Pastor Jon Campbell and his wife Connie can also be seen as extras in the movie. Please RSVP and enjoy the movie. You can click on the flyer to open a larger flyer to print & post for your congregations.
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Hello Lay Servants and future Lay Servants!
The Spring course are posted in Eventbrite. Don Gibson has agreed to instruct the Advanced course entitled: Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies. It just became available a few weeks ago. Since the District has scheduled Spring Conference on April 23, the new date for training is May 21, 2022, at Bolivar UMC. We have 21 Certified Lay Servants who need to renew in 2022, (that’s this year). To register, please click here.
We will also be offering Basic, April 29 & 30, at Bolivar UMC. Basic is offered on Friday evening and all-day Saturday. Gary and Ann Kreider will teach that unless someone else would like the opportunity to be the instructor. Instructions on registration will be sent very soon. It will be posted on our Tusc. District site and the eocumc.com site. We will again use Eventbrite for our registration. More information is below...
Our Tuscarawas District Lay Servant Ministries Committee has dwindled in number so if you know of someone who would be interested in serving on the team please forward their name to us and we will notify the District Nominating Committee.
Gary and I will be meeting with our District Superintendent, Rev. Cara Stultz Costello, on February 22, so if you have any concerns or good ideas for our Lay Servant Ministries, we will pass them on at our meeting.
Because there is such a large number of Certified Lay Servants who need to renew this year it is our thought that Tusc. District LSM should offer many courses this year.
Tusc. District has four Certified Lay Speakers; and two Certified Lay Servants who need two more required Advanced courses to qualify to be Certified Lay Speakers.
Melanie Thomas, at the Conference Office, will post the courses being offered in all the EOUMC Districts. Courses can be taken in any district or online. She has posted the new 2022 catalog for Lay Servant Ministries which shows all the approved courses that can be offered and also those courses that are on the way.
Hopefully the Nominating Committee for Tusc. District will find our replacement since we are interim at this time.
Stay safely under His Wings,
Gary & Ann Kreider, Interim Directors for Tuscarawas District Lay Servant Ministries
Cell – Gary – 330-806-4648 Ann – 330-806-5247
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Basic Course Offering April 29-30, 2022 - Bolivar UMC |
This course is foundational for all courses in lay servant ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship. The Basic course is the first step required for becoming a certified lay servant. Step 2 requires taking an advanced course.
The Basic course is:
Friday evening, April 29th, 6pm-9pm, AND Saturday April 30th 8am-4:30pm
- Required book: "Lay Servant Ministries - Basic Course Participant's Book" by Sandy Jackson with Brian Jackson.
The course is available to anyone who would like to be a Lay Servant, or to be renewed as a Lay Servant if they haven’t taken a course for three years or anyone just interested on learning about The UMC, not necessarily wanting to be a Lay Servant.
To register please click here.
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Spring District Conference |
Mark Your Calendars! The Tuscarawas District Spring Conference and Leadership Training will be held on Saturday, April 23 at Crossroads UMC.
More information will be announced soon.
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Annual Conference 2022 ~ June 9-11 ~ Akron OH |
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Annual Conference 2022 is June 9-11 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. This year’s theme is Let Us Live Love and the theme scripture is 1 John 4:7-13 (NIV). In preparing for this year’s sessions and services, the Annual Conference Program Committee is planning ways it will serve attendees in love while also creating opportunities for East Ohio clergy and laity to serve others in love.
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An Apportionment Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone |
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A Budget Message from Conference Council on Finance & Administration:
Faithfulness Amidst the Changing Season: God’s love remains steadfast!
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To: East Ohio Pastors, Congregations, and Faith Communities,
Someone once said, “change is inevitable, but transformation is optional!” Change is everywhere around us and, as a church, we understand that challenges are opportunities for renewal, rebirth and even transformation. Given the pandemic challenges, we continue to be awakened to God’s steadfast love. Being United Methodist offers an opportunity to touch lives both within our local communities and across the world. Friends, we are not alone in the struggle and looking back at 2021, we see so much for which to be thankful. God’s love remains steadfast!
We give thanks for the gift of 679 churches serving the mission field in East Ohio in 2021. We celebrate the faithful commitment of our local churches that paid 100% of their apportionments. We saw a 6% increase in local churches paying full apportionments. The changing seasons present many challenges for us as a Conference and, as many local churches step up in their giving, we acknowledge the reality that nearly 50 churches did not pay any apportionments – an amount equaling 5% of our budget. In 2021, 300 of our churches contributed toward the shared ministry challenge (Fund 7) which represented slightly more than 10% from the previous year. Many of our churches are bearing fruit even amid the changing landscape of hybrid worship and the continued challenge of reaching newer and younger people with the transforming message of God’s love. God’s love remains steadfast!
The pay-in rate from local churches to our East Ohio Conference budget was 79% in 2021 compared to 77% in 2020. Over $8.6 million was contributed to the mission and ministry of East Ohio. The increase in pay-in rate stops the decline we have seen over the past seven years. Every dollar contributed is a gift enabling the good news of Jesus Christ to be shared. God’s love remains steadfast!
The 2021 Conference budget was reduced by 5% so that local churches would have more available funds for their respective mission fields. CCF&A continues to monitor trends and examine budgetary needs as we head into 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 transformation is optional. 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 love remains steadfast!
The faithfulness of our local churches continues to be the focal point of transformative ministry and as we journey together in 2022, 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 love remains steadfast!
Be encouraged always,
Rev. Dan Bryant
Chairperson, CCF&A
Vera Rebrovich, CPA
Director, Financial & Administrative Services
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Who sets the apportioned Shared Ministry amounts?
- Local church lay and clergy members of the East Ohio Conference must approve all budget items at Annual Conference. The amount we vote to support at Annual Conference is then “apportioned,” with each church in East Ohio asked to pay its fair share of what the conference voted to fund.
- How is a church’s apportioned Shared Ministry fund amount calculated?
- Apportionments are figured only on the amount of money a church spends on itself for programming, operations, and salaries. Church membership is no longer part of the formula.
- What happens if we do not pay our Shared Ministry funds?
- Some mission or ministry of our church that is being done in Christ’s name is either cut back or eliminated.
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Bishop Tracy S. Malone invites all East Ohio Conference clergy actively serving in ministry to come together for a day of rest and renewal on Saturday, April 2 from 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Faith UMC in North Canton.
Clergy are serving and leading in stressful, exhausting, and difficult times. This Clergy Day Apart, designed by a team of active clergy, is an opportunity to feed your soul through reinvigorating worship, fellowship, self-care, and conversation. Clergy will hear a validating and empowering message from featured speaker the Rev. Twanda Prioleau and will participate in engaging breakout sessions designed to help you reflect, reconnect, re-center, and revel in your ministry. Rev. Prioleau is pastor of Christ UMC in East Baltimore, MD and author of the book Breathe: A Pastor’s Journey to Wholeness.
For more information click here! |
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EOC Office of Finance and Administration |
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Local Church Audits due March 31 |
All local church audits are due to the District Office no later than March 31.
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Each January, new lay servants enter into ministry with the church through our committees and teams. Providing training for persons who generously serve in this way honors their gift of time, energy and resources.
In this link you will find some helpful guides for training.
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East Ohio Conference E-News |
Find the information about what is happening throughout the East Ohio Conference through the biweekly newsletter. From appointments to mission opportunities to events....
See the latest E-News from HERE.
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Spiritual Formation Trainings |
Trainings Available for Your Local Congregation
The purpose of the East Ohio Conference Spiritual Formation and Christian Education Committee is to support the discipleship ministries of East Ohio congregations in the areas of Christian Education and Spiritual formation for all age groups. We currently have the following topics available for training in your local congregation:
1. Safe Sanctuaries for the Local Church
2. Getting Messy Church Started in Your Setting
3. Offering Worship Engagement Manipulatives in Your Congregation
4. How Can Your Congregation Offer Sensory Sensitive Inclusiveness?
5. Creating a Race and Religion Forum in Your Congregation
6. Offering Outdoor Discipleship as a Way to Reach More People in Your Community
7. Hitting the Milestones with Children and Youth in Your Congregation
8. What Every Child and What Every Youth Should Experience
9. Training Effective Teachers
10. Developing a Discipleship Pathway for Your Congregation
A few other topics are in the works and will be available in the future:
1. Spiritual Formation and Christian Education in the Small Membership Church
2. Digital Discipleship
If you are interested in any of the above topics/training opportunities, please reach out to Rev. Gary Jones, Director of Spiritual Formation in the Connectional Ministries Office - [email protected] or 330-499-3972 ext. 120. |
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Around East Ohio & the Tuscarawas District |
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Lenten Season Services around the Tuscarawas District
if your congregation is holding special services, please let the district office know.
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Labyrinth & Prayer Stations - Faith (North Canton) |
Faith United’s Labyrinth and Prayer Stations will be available to the community March 2 – March 9 in the chapel during church office and activity hours. Faith United is located at 300 9th ST NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720.
‘Twas the Morning of Easter Outdoor Story Walk April 10 – 17
Walk through the story of Easter. Exercise body, mind, and spirit as you explore the meaning of Easter. Perfect for kids and kids at heart!
Holy Week Prayer Stations in Faith United’s Chapel April 10 - 17
Experience Jesus’ journey to the cross through scripture, prayer, reflection Stations of the Cross is a prayer experience for all ages.
The Easter Story, an interactive sensory worship experience for all ages.
Wednesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Take Off Your Shoes Maundy Thursday Service
Thursday, April 14 at 7:00 pm.
Two Faces: A Dramatic Dialogue (Good Friday)
Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm.
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Otterbein (New Philadelphia) |
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The Conversation Book Study - Faith (North Canton) |
The Conversation Book Study, Wednesdays at 6:30 pm, March 9 – April 27, by Zoom and in person at North Canton Faith United Methodist Church.
Facilitators: Retired Judge Mike Howard and Krista L. Allison.
Loving your neighbor is action-oriented discipleship. Author Dr. Robert Livingston's approach to racial issues invites everyone to participate in a dialogue to bring about positive change for the entire community.
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Click here to view a video by Retired Judge Mike Howard to learn more about The Conversation Book Study.
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Click here to learn more about the study and the facilitators.
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The story of summer 2021 did indeed include some challenges and changes, but it was also a summer of great fun, faith formation, and renewal! Thank you for participating in and supporting Summer Camp 2021! At East Ohio Camps, we want every kid to have summer story full of fun, faith formation, adventure, and growth! Our hope is when your child tells the story of what they did this past summer they include a week of camp where, “I connected with great friends and great counselors, had fun adventures, learned new things, experienced God in nature, and now my faith is soaring!” And that is what we are planning for summer 2022! My hope is that you and your family will include East Ohio Camps as a chapter of the story of Summer 2022.
Blessings!
Rev. Gary W. Jones
Director of Spiritual Formation/Camps & Retreat Ministries
East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
Registration is now open and camperships are being accepted! Please follow the links below to register for camp and download a Tuscarawas District Campership application.
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Wanake Camp & Retreat Center (in Beach City, Ohio) is seeking positive, flexible staff who love God, love people and love the out-of-doors to help share the Good News of Jesus in maintenance, housekeeping, lawn care, and food service (kitchen assistants and dish washers). These are year-round, part-time (20 hours or less/week) positions with flexible hours. Wages are based on skills and experience. Wanake serves retreat guests year-round and runs an overnight summer camp program.
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Now Hiring for Summer Positions at Wanake – Full-Time – Must be 18 years old or older – May through Early-August – applicants must be positive, flexible people who love God, love children/teens, and love the out-of-doors to help share the Good News of Jesus as counselors, lifeguards, support staff, and food service workers.
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Christ (Louisville) UMC is actively seeking two positions:
Director of Music Ministry. Responsibilities include leading two vocal choirs, and three hand bell choirs both for weekly rehearsals and one Sunday morning Worship Service.
Organist. Responsibilities would be to provide worshipful music for Sunday morning services and as requested play for special services. The organist may be asked to play for weddings, funerals, or other occasions.
Please send resume and references to: Christ United Methodist Church, Attn: Nancy Russell, 600 East Gorgas Street, Louisville, Ohio 44641
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Crosspoint UMC seeks a part-time Director of Youth Ministries who will develop and lead our Youth Program. A qualified applicant will be a spiritually mature person who has a solid understanding of the foundations of the Christian faith. Strong communication, organizational, leadership skills and a desire to directly work with, relate to and nurture youth in Christian faith is essential. A college degree in education or background in Christian education is preferred. Please send a cover letter and resume via email or 9687 Portage St. NW Massillon, OH 44646. A job description may be found on our website.
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First (Massillon) UMC is seeking a Pianist that accompanies and rehearses with the Sanctuary Choir at weekly Thursday evening rehearsals. Accompanies the Sanctuary Choir at the 2nd service, three times each month. Does not play in June, July, or August (29 week schedule). If interested, please send your resume to: 301 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646 or send via e-mail.
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Simpson UMC in Canton is actively seeking an Organist. Please contact Simpson via email.
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Fairhope UMC has a free Black Toner Print Cartridge MP6054, for a Ricoh MP 4054 Copy Machine. Please email Fairhope for more information.
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Please submit your request for publication of an event, job ad, or announcement to Megan at [email protected] by Thursday at 12:00 noon to run in the following Monday
Tuscarawas Connexions. Please be aware that the less words the better and please note that flyers are not always easily readable in this format.
Please share this newsletter widely and encourage those that would like to receive it directly to share their contact email with the District Office.
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Tuscarawas Connexions
Official Publication of the Tuscarawas District East Ohio Conference —
The United Methodist Church
Tuscarawas District Office
8800 Cleveland Avenue NW, North Canton, OH 44720
Phone: (330) 499-3972 ext. 106
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