

So, as we seek the direction of the God who makes all things new, we are trying new things,” Auman said. “We believe that the God who has preserved the church for 2,000 years did not lead us this far to leave us now! But we also know that this church doesn’t look like it did 2,000 years ago, or 50 years ago, or even 10 years ago. Abby Auman, dean of the Cabinet and superintendent of the Mahoning Valley District, shared about cooperative parishes, new ministries, and creative ways that congregations are using their buildings in new ways partnering with community groups to reach people in an ever-changing world. In her report on behalf of the Cabinet, Rev.

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View and download the Service of Commissioning and Ordination. We need you to pick up a mantle, and we pray that you will be blessed as you are, and, in who you become.” We need you, friends, to pick up your mantle. We need you to forge new paths, and we need you to build bridges that will allow people to actually follow you. The history of the church, what we impart to you now, it’s important, but history books are not blueprints or road maps. You’re stepping into a tradition, and that’s important but that doesn’t mean your steps are directed for you. We’re here to get you on that way, but you’re going to have to find your way. Jay Rundell, president of Methodist Theological School in Ohio offered advice and a challenge to the Class of 2023 during his sermon titled “Receiving the Mantle”.
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Service of Commissioning and Ordinationĭay 2 of Annual Conference concluded with the ordination of nine clergy as full members and the commissioning of five clergy as provisional members. View and download the Celebration of Retirement. “You have held the hands of people, God’s people, in your sacred hands and hearts,” the bishop said. Malone thanked the clergy for their dedicated ministry and for the care they gave to those they served and served with. In her message to the retirees, Bishop Tracy S. The Annual Conference celebrated the ministries of the 40 clergy who are retiring this year after having served a combined 1,084 years in local church and extension ministry. So let us pull together and let us seize this kairotic moment to seek and live into the new thing that God is doing among us,” Malone said. And our lives, and the future of this beloved United Methodist Church, is in God’s hands. God is always making things new! And while we don’t know what the future holds, what we do know is that God holds the future. Let us trust where the spirit of God is leading us.


Let us no longer look back in the rear-view mirror dwelling on our past but let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus on the road that God has paved and is paving ahead of us. We must focus our attention on who is staying in The United Methodist Church and keep our eye ever vigilant on our mission and on our vision,” Malone said. We pray for them, and we bless them on their journey. “We can no longer focus our attention and give energy to those who have chosen to withdraw or disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. This is a time of remarkable opportunity in the life of The United Methodist Church,” declared Malone. “Now is the time for us to focus forward. The bishop also shared a video provided by Africa University showing the construction progress of the new dormitory for female students that is made possible by the $1.5 million raised and collected through the East Ohio Conference Teach Knight Center and those viewing online, that “our mission is yet alive!” She emphasized that point by highlighting creative new ministries and innovative ways that local church congregations in the East Ohio Conference are engaging in discipleship in their communities. Malone reminded those in attendance at the John S. Throughout the Episcopal Address on the first day of Annual Conference 2023 Bishop Tracy S. View and download the Service of Commemoration and Holy Communion. The service recognized 48 clergy, spouses, and laity who entered the Church Triumphant since last year’s Annual Conference. “God’s love never stops working and God’s call never disappoints,” Bishop Malone shared during her sermon in the Service of Commemoration and Holy Communion.
