Northeast District

Featured Events for
the Northeast District

Lighthouse Congregation Trainings

October 24, 7p, Zoom; Register here

November 13, 7:30p, Zoom; Register here

Charge Conference

Dates & Times

Wednesday, October 25, 2023; 6pm

Sunday, October 29, 2023; 4pm

Northeast District News

Northeast District: Save the Date

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September Newsletter: From the Superintendent

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NOMADS: The Hands and Feet of Jesus Arriving by RV

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Blessed are the Peacemakers: The Peace Family is building bridges between ages and races

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Traveling with Bishop and First Lady

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    Resources

    Center for Congregations Resource Grant

    Church Multiplication Grant

    Diversity, Missions, and Justice Grants

    Get a Coach

    Christian Conferencing Guidelines

    Get In Touch

    Conference Superintendent - East District & Northeast District

    Rev. Russ Abel

    Associate Superintendent - Northeast District

    Kathie Jones

    Connecting Shepherd/Pastoral Care Specialist

    Rev. Jen Huff (Northeast)

    Conference Assistant

    Susie Wild

    Conference Superintendent - East District & Northeast District

    Rev. Russ Abel

    Rev. Russ Abel has been passionately following Jesus most of his life. A native of southern Indiana he has found great joy in serving the northern part of the state for the past 13 years. Russ has served as a parish pastor since 1992. He began serving in his new appointment as Conference Superintendent for the East District of the Indiana United Methodist Conference July 1, 2019.

    Growing up in a working-class home, Russ holds deeply the values he learned in that home and strives to remember his roots. He also is very thankful for his military service, Air Force, which helped awaken him to the beauty and blessing of diversity.

    A graduate of Indiana University and Christian Theological (Magna) and inducted into The International Society of Theta Phi (an honor society for theological students). Ordained in 2000, he continues to be blessed, humbled, and excited by opportunities to serve Jesus. He is most passionate about helping people unlock the story of Jesus in their faith walk.

    Russ and his wife have two children, Emma and Sam.
    Russ is committed to his beautiful family and looks forward to his firmly growing through two weddings (Chad and Alyssa) in the next four months.

    Associate Superintendent - Northeast District

    Kathie Jones

    Kathie Jones’ ministry began as a second career, and after raising 3 children. She has grown in leadership and organizational skills, as well as her ability to creatively work through difficult circumstances. Currently, Kathie is the Associate Conference Superintendent in the Northeast District where she connects and supports part-time local congregations and local pastors. Kathie is proud to call Fort Wayne her home.

    Connecting Shepherd/Pastoral Care Specialist

    Rev. Jen Huff (Northeast)

    Rev. Jen Huff is an ordained deacon who has served in different areas as youth minister, director of children’s ministries including after school programs, childcares and preschools, and in the role of associate pastor through the years. She is also working on her certification as a ministry coach. Jen is excited to serve at the conference and district levels because she believes the connection is important, especially for local churches. Jen’s immediate family includes her husband John who is an ordained elder, their three beautiful children, and their goldendoodle puppy. When Jen is not equipping disciples to serve others through Jesus’ love, she is keeping up with her kids, trying new restaurants, and watching movies. From time to time she enjoys getting to camp and travel to the beach.

    Conference Assistant

    Susie Wild

    Susie was born and raised in New Jersey, where she graduated from Rutgers University with degrees in Business Administration and German. Although she is an East Coast native, Fort Wayne has been her home for the past 24 years and also where she and her husband, Chris, chose to raise their 4 children together. Susie has spent the majority of her time here in Fort Wayne raising her children and being a pastor’s wife.

    Now facing an empty nest, Susie is ready to dedicate her time and gifts in an administrative capacity and is looking forward to serving The United Methodist Church. In her spare time, she enjoys exercising, staying healthy, gardening, and backpacking.

    Helpful Links

    Dynamite Prayer

    Growing Young

    Cultivate Joy

    Protecting Our Children

    Charge Conference Appendix

    Equitable Compensation

    Other useful forms and resources

    SPRC Training Videos

    SPRC Training PowerPoint 2022

    District Breakthrough Prayer

    God of Gospel and of grace, we come before you pleading with you to do a mighty thing among us. We long to bring people into relationship with Jesus. We long to help them grow deeper in knowing, following, and serving Jesus in our communities. Love us, lead us, direct us, forgive us. Help us to pay attention in our listening and be bold in our action for You. Speak, Lord, for your servants are listening.

    Amen.