PROPOSED SYNOD CONSTITUTION CHANGES
The Northeastern Ohio Synod Council submits these proposed constitutional changes to the Assembly, with the endorsement of the Constitution Committee and a recommendation for approval.
NOTICE OF VOTING MEMBERSHIP AT THE CONFERENCE MEETINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUGGESTING POTENTIAL NOMINEES FOR THE OFFICE OF THE BISHOP OF THE NORTHEASTERN OHIO SYNOD
In accordance with the provisions of NEOS bylaw S9.04.01, the members of the Bishop Election Committee have set March 8, 2026 as the date for the conference meetings to be held for the above stated purpose.
The Bishop Election Committee members, in accordance with the same provision, are convening meetings for their respective conferences:
Southwest Peace, Ashland, 2:00 pm; Dr. Rowland Blackley
South-Central St. Jacob, Massillon, 3:00 pm; The Reverend Tina Crog
Southeast Emmanuel, Salem, 3:00 pm; Mrs. Julie Bell
Northeast Messiah, Lyndhurst, 3:00 pm; The Reverend Don King
Northwest Christ, Avon Lake, 3:00 pm; Mr. Ryan Smarsh
I hereby provide notice of the voting membership at such conferences, as provided by the above bylaw reference, the provisions of Synod Constitution †S7.21, and guidelines adopted by the Synod Council on October 18, 2025 for a third voting lay member from each congregation.
The Bishop Election Committee members, in accordance with the same provision, are convening meetings for their respective conferences:
Southwest Peace, Ashland, 2:00 pm; Dr. Rowland Blackley
South-Central St. Jacob, Massillon, 3:00 pm; The Reverend Tina Crog
Southeast Emmanuel, Salem, 3:00 pm; Mrs. Julie Bell
Northeast Messiah, Lyndhurst, 3:00 pm; The Reverend Don King
Northwest Christ, Avon Lake, 3:00 pm; Mr. Ryan Smarsh
I hereby provide notice of the voting membership at such conferences, as provided by the above bylaw reference, the provisions of Synod Constitution †S7.21, and guidelines adopted by the Synod Council on October 18, 2025 for a third voting lay member from each congregation.
The Reverend Jeremy Hollingshead
Northeastern Ohio Synod Secretary |
VOTING MEMBERS
- Ministers of Word and Sacrament (Pastors) on the roster of the Northeastern Ohio Synod and ordained ministers from a church body with which a relationship of full communion exits and are under service in a congregation of this synod in accordance with S7.27.A16
- Ministers of Word and Service (Deacons) on the roster of Northeastern Ohio Synod in accordance with S7.24.
- Individuals who are in good standing on any of the rosters of this synod and who are retired, granted disability status, or on leave from call in accordance with S7.22.01.
- Synod officers and voting members of Synod Council.
- 2026 Synod Assembly Committee Members appointed by Synod Council who are not otherwise voting members of the assembly, provided they are voting members of congregations of this synod.
- Two lay voting members (preferably one female and one male) from each congregation, congregation under development, or synod authorized worshiping community.
- One additional lay voting member from each congregation, congregation under development, or synod authorized worshiping community provided that such additional member qualifies as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color), or whose primary language is other than English, or LGBTQIA+, or under the age of 31 at the time of election or appointment.