Dear Church,
I bring you greetings from the Board of Directors of the Ohio Conference. We are working hard to listen to the visioning voice of God to be the wider church in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Change is never easy, and we are working and listening to God, to be the change that God is calling us to. This takes time, and doesn’t happen overnight, so please trust us as we work together with God.
The Rev. Phil Hart, our Designated Conference Minister, will finish his three-year contract with us at the end of July. The Board has set up a search committee, with a job description for an interim conference minister. We are working with the National church to call the right person for us. We believe that Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky need someone to help build community and help us to continue to vision what God is calling us to be. We will soon begin looking at profiles and interviewing.
At our April 22 board meeting, we were grateful to meet with Rev. Tina Heck, Marketing Director from United Camps, Conferences and Retreats, the nonprofit company that manages our Pilgrim Hills camping site. She shared a tremendous vision for where our partnership can take us as well as her enthusiasm for her work with UCCR. Conference staff also reported that camp registration numbers have shown an increase over last year at the same time. A few of the camps are close to full, but there are still many that have openings. I hope you will check out the website and register. I know first-hand what an awesome and faith-filled experience this can be.
The Annual Gathering of the Ohio Conference — Inspiring Stories — will take place June 10 and 11, 2016 at Otterbein University. We will feature three of your Inspiring Stories — presented TedTalk Style — to help us better connect to the creative ministries happening in our churches. Please register by May 6 to take advantage of the regular registration discount rate. I am looking forward to being together for this wonderful gathering.
Blessings and Peace,
Mindy
Rev. Melinda Quellhorst
Moderator of the Ohio Conference
Pastor, Grace UCC, Lancaster