Bishop Hee-Soo Jung brought a God-sized dream to the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences: to cross conference boundaries to have a greater impact on Ohio United Methodists and reach new, younger, and more diverse people for Christ.
In January, it was announced that Will Fenton-Jones would serve both conferences as director of Multicultural Ministries. This laid the groundwork for more creative thinking. In March, the Connectional Ministries staffs of each conference gathered for a retreat. After spending time worshiping, praying, and getting to know one another, they got to work.
The question was asked, “Are there other ways Connectional Ministries staff could envision their work differently?” By the end of the retreat, a new vision for Connectional Ministries had begun to take shape.
“This new alignment of the Ohio Episcopal Area Connectional Ministry Team will strengthen our ability to build systems and networks of support for local churches throughout Ohio,” said Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, East Ohio’s executive director of Connectional Ministries.
Beginning July 1, the Ohio Connectional Ministries team will serve the entire state of Ohio – no matter where the need is, and no matter which conference. The new assignments include:
- Rev. Gary Jones, Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries
- Julie Carter, Director of Faith Formation and Lay Ministries
- Will Fenton-Jones, Director of Multicultural Ministries
- Rev. Ann Marie Carley, Director of Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults
- Tim Beck, Associate Director of Engagement with Youth
Beginning August 1, Mariellyn Grace will become director of Mission Engagement when Rev. Kathy Dickriede concludes her work to pursue other opportunities.
Rev. Karen Cook, executive director of Connectional Ministries in West Ohio, sees strength and possibility in these changes.
“With this realignment of the Ohio Connectional Ministries team for greater impact in making disciples, we are reminded that even a two-stranded cord holds strength. When woven together with vision and purpose, it becomes unbreakable. With God's guidance, we step forward, united in hope and ready for what lies ahead,” she said.
More Changes Ahead
Bishop Jung remains committed to ensuring that local churches have the resources they need to fulfill the mission of The United Methodist Church. One way he plans to do this is through new roles for two members of the Appointive Cabinet. In July, Brad Aycock and Rev. Beth Ortiz will begin serving all of Ohio as the executive director of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings and the executive director of Discipleship Ministries, respectively.
As executive director of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings for the Ohio Episcopal Area, Brad will be responsible for supporting congregational development through training, coaching, and grant-making. He will also work with district superintendents and strategy teams to identify areas and leaders for new faith communities – such as plants, campuses, mergers, adoptions, and fresh expressions.
As executive director of Discipleship Ministries, Beth will guide laity and clergy in building discipleship groups and systems that deepen faith and inspire action. She will assist congregations in reigniting their passion for the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
“This Holy Spirit nudge has blessed us with a new way of thinking, to refocus on turn around growth.” said Bishop Jung. “This interweaving of gifted staffs, resources, and the continuing work of the Ohio Episcopal Area – East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences – will make us stronger with impactful collaborative leadership. Let us prayerfully lead into God’s future.”