Congregation Vacancies

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 - These congregations are in the following phases of the transition process for 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 Sunday is July 31)
First, Lorain – Thank you, Pastor Rivera, for your ministry and we wish you well at your new
call in Georgia! (last Sunday is August 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 – working with a consultant on mission, vision, and staffing discernment
Grace, Hubbard
Holy Trinity, Akron – Interim Pastor Becki Verbridge
Israel’s, Paris – Bridge Interim Pastor 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] – Interim Pastor Michael Meranda
Rejoice!, Hudson [seeking part-time] – Interim Deacon Erin Bodenstab
St John, Lakeville (McZena) [seeking part-time] – Interim Pastor Emilie 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 both pastor 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 call process 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