Appointment Update
Our Mission
A mission is “what we do”
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision
A vision is “where we are headed”
Our vision is to embody Revelation 7:9, the great multitude of reconciled saints “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” gathered around God’s throne as one in praise and thanksgiving.
02/09/2025
As members of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, we have been given a statement from the East Ohio Conference regarding our pastor and ministry.
When pastors are appointed in The United Methodist Church, they agree to be in an itinerant system, appointed wherever their bishop believes their gifts might best be used for the mission and ministry of The United Methodist Church. Pastor Joe has faithfully served for two years at Akron First and 11 years here at Wedgewood and has not only shared God’s love with us but has also helped us unite and reach out to our community with Christ’s love.
In consultation with the District Superintendents, Rev. Angela Lewis and Rev. Bruce Hitchcock, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung intends to appoint Rev. Joseph Burkhardt as Associate Pastor of Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church near Cleveland, effective July 1, 2025.
We will miss Pastor Joe–not just Pastor Joe, but the entire Burkhardt family, who have been the heart and soul of our church for 11 years.
Our District Superintendent, Rev. Angela Lewis, will meet with our SPRC regarding our new pastor to be appointed in July. The bishop and cabinet are still in discernment over who that will be. We will bring you another announcement once our new pastor has been appointed.
Please pray for Pastor Joe and his family as we navigate the many changes soon to come. Please hold the SPRC in your prayers as we work with D.S. Lewis to prepare the way for our new pastoral leader. And please pray for our church to be faithful to God’s will and work through this time of transition.