Listed here are congregations in various stages of the transition process. Any questions about this list can be directed to Pastor Mitch Phillips, Assistant to the Bishop for Leadership (mphillips@neos-elca.org).
Congregational Vacancies:
Updated June 30, 2022-Thesecongregations areinthe following phases of the transition processfor the call of a rostered leader:
Phase 1: Saying Farewell:
Messiah, Fairview Park–Thank you,Pastor Burce,for your years of ministry and congratulations on your retirement!(last SundayisJuly 31) First, Lorain–Thankyou,PastorRivera,for your ministryand wewish you well at your new call in Georgia!(last SundayisAugust 7)
Phase 2: Exploring God’s Call:
Abiding Savior, Alliance–Interim Deacon Patti Jabre Christ the King, Twinsburg–Interim Pastor Jeff Goggins Faith, Massillon First, Strongsville–workingwith a consultanton mission, vision, and staffing discernment Grace, Hubbard Holy Trinity, Akron–InterimPastor Becki Verbridge Israel’s, Paris–BridgeInterimPastor Phil Kunder Messiah, Ashtabula–Interim Pastor Steve Fisher New Covenant, East Cleveland–Interim Pastor Bill Diehm Zion, Loudonville–Interim Pastor Dan Cammarn
Phase 3a:Entering the Call Process:
Divinity, Parma Heights–seeking associate pastor St Jacob, Massillon–Interim Pastor Angela Storer St John, Canal Fulton–Interim Pastor Ann Cammarn St. Michael, Marshallville–Interim Pastor Ann Cammarn
Phase 3b:Interviewing:
Bethel, Middleburg Heights–Interim Pastor Laura Kuntz First/St. James, Strasburg/Tuscarawas Good Shepherd, Canton[seeking part-time] Grace, Wadsworth–Interim Pastor Barbara Bartholomew Living Lord, Warren (Howland)[seeking part-time]–InterimPastorMichael Meranda Rejoice!, Hudson[seeking part-time]–InterimDeacon Erin Bodenstab St John, Lakeville (McZena)[seeking part-time]–Interim PastorEmilie Theobald-Rowlands St John/Zion, Petersburg/New Middletown St Paul's, Warren–Interim Pastor Gail ZackrisonPrince of Peace, Cortland[seeking part-time] St John, Warren (Champion)[seeking part-time]–Interim Pastor Gail Zackrison
Phase 4: Primary Candidate:
Due to the confidential nature of call processes for bothpastor and congregation, we will not publicize congregations who are in this phase.
Phase 5: Welcoming& Celebrating:
Trinity, Kent–Pastor Eric Bodenstab (from Sandusky, OH) will begin in July The following congregations are not actively in the callprocess and are being served by long- term supply or contract pastors: Augsburg, Orrville Bethany, Ashtabula Christ,Struthers Emmanuel, North Georgetown Faith, Ashtabula First, Beach City Grace, Steubenville Jerusalem, Columbiana Living Word, Medina Lordstown, Warren Luth Ch of the Good Shepherd, Cleveland Messiah, Newton Falls Mt Moriah, Berlin Center Pleasant Valley,Ashland Rowsburg, Polk Salem, Wooster St James, Jewett St John's, Minerva St John, Perrysville St John's, Highland Heights St Mark, Mansfield St Mark, Warren St Paul, Minerva St Paul, Newcomerstown St Peter, New Philadelphia Trinity, Niles Trinity, Norton Trinity, Sebring Zion, Waterford