Commissioning Class of 2025

Nichole Fewell will be commissioned as a provisional Deacon. She served Independence UMC as a part-time local pastor in 2022.

Fewell earned a bachelor’s degree from Muskingum University and a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Ordination Class of 2025

Theresa Carter is a provisional Elder who is concluding her second year serving as pastor of Henrietta UMC. She previously served South Amherst First, Willard Grace, and Alliance Aldersgate UMCs.

Carter earned a bachelor’s degree from Phoenix University and a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary.

HI

Lindsey Funtik is a provisional Elder who is concluding her third year serving Mansfield Chapel Hill and Three Crosses UMCs. She previously served one year as pastor of Polk UMC. On July 1she will begin a new appointment as associate pastor of Strongsville UMC.

Funtik earned a bachelor’s degree in Theatre/Creative Writing from Otterbein University and a Master of Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary.

HI

James Lance is a provisional Elder who is concluding his third year as pastor of Wooster Church of the Cross UMC and his fourth year as pastor of Smithville UMC. He previously served as pastor of Edison Canaan, Martel and Sixteen UMCs. On July 1 he will begin a new appointment as co-pastor of Wooster Church of the Cross, Smithville, Moreland, and Apple Creek UMCs.

Lance earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy/Theatre from the College of Wooster and a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

HI

Tammy Palermo is a provisional Deacon who is completing her second year serving as pastor of Children & Family Ministries at Mentor UMC.

Palermo earned a bachelor’s degree from Otterbein University and a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio.