Gail F. Angel served Dellroy, Leavittsville, Perrysville, Pleasant Hill, Mt. Pleasant, Caledonia Memorial, Tiro, Tiffin St. Paul’s, Shelby First, Cardington First, and Fredericktown UMCs, was superintendent of the Southern Hills District, and served as a Deacon in the Virginia Annual Conference while attending school during 38 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry, among many, include coordinating the first CROP Walk in Carroll County, starting a contemporary worship service with video projection at Tiffin St. Paul’s, and expanding youth ministry and food distribution in Cardington.
In retirement, Gail and her husband Andrew will live in Mt. Gilead where they will spend time together, get a dog, and “consider the lilies" (Matthew 6:28).
Max R. Beery served Thoburn, Green Springs, Rocky River, Firestone Park, Cambridge First, and Willoughby Hills UMCs during 34 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include his first full-time appointment, pastoring through a derecho in Cambridge, and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in Willoughby Hills.
In retirement, Max will golf, and he and his wife Carroll will enjoy seeing family more often.
Mollie G. Brown served Sharon Center and Westlake UMCs during 12 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include equipping and empowering laity to establish and live into the strategic vision for the congregation and being invited into the sacred moments of peoples’ lives.
In retirement, Mollie will continue to serve God as the Spirit reveals. She and her husband Douglas will live in Delaware, Ohio where they will spend time with family and friends.
Sue E. Chidley served Center, Cherry Valley, Williamsfield, Mansfield First, Bucyrus Epworth, West Lafayette, Flat Rock, Bellevue Seybert, and Jeromesville UMCs during 35 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include leading confirmation classes, building relationships with congregations, attending events in which church youth participated, and serving on district committees on Ordained Ministry.
In retirement, Sue plans to go home to Clyde, Ohio to relax and have fun.
Kevin L. Coleman served Steubenville Simpson, Oberlin Rust, Lorain Wesley, and Elyria Community UMCs during 33 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include his first appointment being to his mother’s childhood church, the church at which he was saved on Easter Sunday 1980 and serving a cross-racial appointment at Elyria Community that has helped his heart immensely even through the difficulties of cultural differences.
In retirement, Kevin and his wife Theresa will continue to live in Elyria, travel, and spread the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Rickey Dawson served Bloomingdale, Unionport, Barton, Pleasant Grove, Nevada, Union-Salem, Eden Chapel, Bridgeport First, Lansing, Pennsylvania Avenue, Boyce, Sycamore, Finley, and Mount Pleasant UMCs during 27 years of ministry.
Kenneth A. Gifford served New Garden, Mineral Ridge, Mt. Zion, Apple Creek, Willard First, Johnson, St. Clairsville, Poland, and Youngstown Trinity UMCs during 43 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include helping launch a Hispanic ministry in Willard, being part of a free Thanksgiving meal that fed more than 800 people, and a combined community VBS that reached over 325 children.
In retirement, Ken will work to make sure that all people experience the love of Christ. He and his wife Becky will live in the Columbus area where they will bike, hike, run, travel, and spend time with their three children.
Karen Hollingsworth served Lorain Faith and Mentor Plains UMC during 13 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include serving an inner-city church, getting books in the hands of children by hosting book fairs, hosting a neighborhood town hall meeting to address the opioid crisis, and the congregation at Mentor Plains UMC taking extraordinary care of her during her lengthy recovery from an auto accident.
In retirement, Karen plans to continue to serve in pastoral ministry part-time and as a spiritual director.
Teresa C. Krueger served Leetonia, Robbins, Ohltown, and New Hope UMCs during 14 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include caring for God’s people and walking alongside them in their Christian formation, food pantries, laundromat ministries, interdenominational services, baptisms, serving communion, and making relationships with fellow pastors.
David Nikkel served Lisbon UMC in the East Ohio Conference and served in several positions in extension ministry at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke during 24 years of ministry.
Carl H. Orphanides served East Greenville, Warren Grace, Barnesville Main Street, Beverly, Mount Pleasant, and Magnolia UMCs during 40 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include reuniting and stabilizing a church after a split while building a new sanctuary and parsonage at the same time, leading groups to the Holy Land, and bringing the love of Jesus to people.
In retirement Carl and his wife Debra will attend car shows, travel, and spend time with their grandsons.
David J. Scavuzzo served Norwalk First, Northampton, and Strongsville UMCs and served as superintendent of the Western Reserve District during 37 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include blessing people in the name of Jesus Christ, serving on the Board of Ministry, being a General/Jurisdictional Conference delegate in 1996 and 2000, attending two Word Methodist Conferences, serving on a Walk to Emmaus, and participating in over 30 mission trips.
In retirement, Dave and his wife Angie will live in Akron where he will continue to love Christ and serve God’s church, be more available to family, spend time with grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and visit the Grand Canyon.
Steven M. Smith served Jacobsburg, Armstrong, Powhatan Point, Amity, Newport, Beech Grove, Magnolia, Carroll County Mt. Pleasant, Moreland, and Cambridge Christ UMCs during 36 years of ministry. The highlight of his ministry was striving to be a faithful servant of the Lord and the church, which he did by being pastor of local congregations and serving in leadership on district and East Ohio Conference committees.
In retirement, Steve and his wife Linda will live in Barnesville enjoying time with family and friends and participating in personal hobbies.
David G. “Josh” Arrington served Amsterdam, Jefferson, Smithfield, Collins, and West Hartland UMCs during 18 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include serving with district youth and Conference Council on Youth Ministries, starting Disciple Bible study at two churches and the Alpha program at one, serving God, and serving the churches to which he was appointed to the best of his abilities with God’s help and guidance.
In retirement, Josh and his wife Eileen will move to North Carolina to relax and discover the next adventure God has in store.
Diane M. Bell served Lodi First, Bell Chapel, Sandusky Trinity, and Edison Memorial UMCs in the East Ohio Conference, St. Andrews, Community and Mt. View UMCs in Colorado, and Community UMC in Utah during 29 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include the privilege of working with people, getting to know them and their stories, and walking through life with them.
In retirement, Diane plans to live in Strongsville. She plans to travel, volunteer, and looks forward to having different choices available for how she spends her time.
Stephen Browning served Pine Grove, Pleasant Hill, Scio Perrysville, Mingo First, Buena Vista, Unionport, Barton, Mt. Pleasant, Adena, and Smithfield UMCs during 20 years of ministry.
Hang-Baek Cho served Mansfield Korean UMC in the East Ohio Conference, Christ UMC in Hawaii, Kenosha Korean UMC in Wisconsin, and Quad Cities Korean UMC in Iowa during 31 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include ministering to first-generation immigrants from Korea and their children rejoicing, weeping, sharing hope and despair, serenity and fear, and decline and transformation.
In retirement, Hang-Baek and his wife Misung will live in Santa Ana, CA where he wants to walk the pilgrimage route to Santiago with his family.
Marilyn E. Coney served Church of the Saviour, North Mentor Centenary, South Euclid-Hillcrest, Fairview Grace, Cleveland Mt. Pleasant, St. Paul, Smith Corners, and Tiffin Faith UMCs during 25 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include witnessing “the lightbulb come on” for individuals regarding their faith journey, facilitating small group Bible studies, partnering with other churches, and developing and participating in ministries that reached beyond the walls of the church into the communities.
In retirement, Marilyn will spend more time with family and friends, read, travel, and write.
James C. Ellis served Bloomingdale, Unionport, Tippecanoe, Pleasant Grove, Flatrock Ebenezer, Willard Grace, Bucyrus Woodlawn, Brighton, Rochester, and Nova UMCs during 42 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include living out his calling and sharing about the love of Jesus and the authority of God, and working with the residents and staff of the Flat Rock Care Center.
In retirement, James and his wife Barbara will live in Upper Sandusky. They will travel and spend time with family, and he plans to collect South African plants, roast coffee, and consider pastoring a church.
Michael D. Grant served North Canton Faith, Conneaut Amboy, Damascus, Poland, Shreve, and Louisville Christ UMCs during 32 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include watching how God changes the lives of youth and adults as they serve together in mission, working with the Healthy Church Initiative, being a candidacy mentor, and serving on multiple General and Jurisdictional Conference delegations.
In retirement, Mike and his wife Holly will live in Louisville. He plans to continue in pastoral ministry, serve on mission trips, travel, and read.
Tom E. Joyce served Chesterland Trinity, Granger, and Fields UMCs in the East Ohio Conference and Asbury, Roanoke Rapids, and Weldon in the North Carolina Conference during 29 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include celebrating Jesus as Lord and Savior to the communities he has been privileged to serve, being a coach with Healthy Church Initiatives, participating on international mission trips, and initiating disaster response teams that have responded to hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
In retirement, Tom and his wife Laurie will live in North Ridgeville where he will continue to serve Jesus Christ and celebrate family and friends.
Renae Meggit served Scioto, Bucyrus Harmony, North Robinson, Crestline Leesville, North Lima, New Springfield Trinity, and Kinsman UMCs during 23 years of ministry.
Kenneth Ogg served Macksburg, Mary Reed Memorial, Dexter City, Sherrodsville Calvary, and Dellroy UMCs during 20 years of ministry.
David A. Palmer served Brunswick, Vermilion, Howland, and Kent UMCs during 44 years of ministry. The highlight of his ministry was meeting his wife while leading a church tour to the Holy Land. It has been his joy to share in the journey of faith with a great many incredible people.
In retirement, David and his wife Mavis will live in Kent and travel.
T. Mark Slay served the East Union and Kennonsburg UMC during 31 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include doubling attendance and tripling cash reserves at East Union, and guiding the Kennonsburg congregation as it purchased 30 acres of land, built a new church and paid off the building in four years.
In retirement, Mark will live in Cambridge where he will be open to God’s leading and organize trips to Israel.
Ruth Trigg served Blooming Grove, Greenwich, and Rittman UMCs during 12 years of ministry. Highlights of her ministry include watching eyes light up when someone connects with Christ, either for the first time or in a new way, and serving as spiritual director for the Heart of Ohio Chrysalis Community.
In retirement, Ruth and her husband Don will live in Doylestown where she plans to spend more time with their children and grandchildren and continue ministering wherever God leads her.
Dogba R. Bass served Mt. Zion, Werner, Celebration, and Aldersgate UMCs in the East Ohio Conference and Holbrook and St. Paul UMCs in the New England Conference during 29 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include mission trips to Cambodia and to Famer to Farmer in Liberia, visiting with those who are sick and shut-in, ministering to bereaved families, and preaching at Annual Conference in 2019.
In retirement, Dogba will slow down and catch his breath, figure out what God is calling him to do next, and spend time with his wife Marcia.
Layton D. Broome served Fairview, McZena Hope, Paradise Hill, Hayesville, and Lakefork UMCs during 29 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include serving God and meeting wonderful people.
In retirement, Layton and his wife Cathy will live in Jeromesville where they will enjoy family and friends and maybe travel.
David E. Cann served East Glenville, Seven Hills, Warren First, Oberlin First, and Oberlin Rust UMCs in the East Ohio Conference, Academy and St. Mark UMCs in the Northern Illinois Conference, served in extension ministry, and served in the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church during 43 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include seminary, which strengthened his passion for cross-cultural ministries and ministries of racial accountability and reconciliation, serving a five-point charge in the Bahamas and retiring while serving Oberlin Rust, which is where he first received his call to ministry.
In retirement, David and his wife Sherry plan to remain in Oberlin, where he will read, build computers, retro-computer gaming, and possibly teach as an adjunct professor.
Jeffrey W. Coggins served New Guilford, Holmesville, Green Valley Chapel, Empire, Beach City, East Shore, Johnston Federated, Pricetown, Massillon Epworth, Massillon First, Massillon Wesley, Ashland Emmanuel, Adario, and Caldwell UMCs during 42 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include touching peoples’ lives for Jesus, loving those who are hurting, helping those in need, and teaching a Gospel message related to life.
In retirement, Jeff will continue to serve God, take time to breathe, and spend time with his wife Darcy and their family and friends.
Lee M. Cubie served Brinkhaven, Howard, South Vernon, and Hopewell UMCs during 14 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include preaching the Gospel and ministering to the congregations he served.
In retirement, Lee and his wife Audra plan to live in Gambier.
Janet Fillmore served Mayfield UMC during 16 years of ministry.
Ricky Harvel served Utica, Richmond Dorset, Leon, Andover First, and Marion Salem UMCs during 24 years of ministry.
Jerry W. Krueger served Youngstown Trinity, Richard Brown, and Boardman First UMCs in the East Ohio Conference and Ackerly First, Midland First, Albany First, and Lubbock LakeRidge UMCs in the Northwest Texas Conference during 25 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include serving a cotton field church, a ranching community church, a suburban church, a downtown church, a mega church, and an inner-city church.
David R. Miller served State Line, Gageville, Conneaut Lakeview, Dorset, Rock Creek, Harpersfield, Orwell, North Bloomfield, and Madison Park UMCs during 27 years of ministry.
Brian Oglesbee served Charlestown and Norwalk First UMCs during 17 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include more than doubling attendance and nearly doubling giving during seven years at Charlestown UMC, inspiring members to begin a monthly free community meal at Norwalk First UMC that 10 years later serves an average of 145 people each meal, officiating baptisms, and welcoming new members.
In retirement, Brian will live in Norwalk where he will continue to volunteer in the community, write a book, and attend more of his grandchildren’s school and sports activities.
Vernon I. Palo served Colebrook, North Bloomfield, Andover, Damascus, Mt. Pleasant, Saybrook, and Plymouth UMCs during 31 years of ministry.
In retirement Vernon and his wife Karen plan to live in Conneaut, be involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren, travel as much as possible, and find and involve themselves in new ministry endeavors which share the love of Jesus Christ.
David J. Smith served Hendrysburg, Sewelsville, Oak Grove, Mt. Olivett, Adario, Powhatan, Amity, Blooming Grove, Ebenezer, Boundary, Denmark, Canaan, Steam Corners, and Johnsonville Grace UMCs during 49 years of ministry. Highlights of his ministry include knowing that the Lord was walking beside him through it all as he served.
In retirement, David and his wife Dee will live in Lexington and enjoy spending time with their 10 grandchildren.
Janice Walsh served Fairview, Londonberry, Conneaut New Leaf, and Shreve UMCs during 17 years of ministry.
In retirement, Janice and her husband Scott will live in Willoughby Hills where Scott begins serving as pastor on July 1. Janice looks forward to spending retirement playing with grandchildren.
William Westling served New Somerset, Jewett, Hopedale, Steubenville Simpson, Toronto Riverview, and Wintersville Brentwood UMCs during 26 years of ministry.
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