STORY
Faithful Service Honored: Ohio Conference Celebrates Retirement of Janice and Harold Straub
June 13, 2024
Ohio Conference
Today, the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists celebrated the retirement of Janice Straub, Education Administrative Assistant, and Harold Straub, Director of Planned Giving, Properties, and Trust Services. After 17 years of dedicated service, the couple was honored at a heartfelt retirement party attended by conference staff and administrators.
Harold Straub, who joined the Ohio Conference in September 2007 after serving as an associate treasurer at the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has been a pivotal figure in the conference's financial and property management. Janice Straub began her service with the Ohio Conference in October 2007, contributing significantly to the administration of the Education Department.
During the event, staff members expressed gratitude for the Straubs' unwavering dedication and service. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff said, "I wish you Godspeed in your journey. Transitions are difficult, with adjustments and community loss, but we hope it will go well with you. I hope you get to play lots of golf."
The couple received a citation, cards, and framed signatures from all the office staff. Roy Simpson, Treasurer of the Ohio Conference, presented the citation, stating, "With deep appreciation for 17 years of faithful service with the Ohio Conference, we recognize your work, nights away from home, thousands of miles driven, hundreds of visits, the growth of the Trust Services department, and complex contributions to the cause of God. Your ministry has helped advance God's kingdom here in the territory of Ohio and beyond. Thank you from your friends and colleagues at the Ohio Conference office."
Janice Straub reminisced about the great times and appreciated the support and camaraderie over the years. Harold recounted his journey, sharing how selling Christian books as a child helped him develop the skills to connect with people, which later proved invaluable in his ministry. He confidently acknowledged his successor, Bill Largo, saying, "He is going to take the work to the next level."
The conference staff gathered around the Straub family as Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, prayed for their future endeavors.
Their retirement leaves a legacy of commitment, faith, and service that will continue to inspire us.
We are deeply grateful for their contributions and wish them a fulfilling and joyous retirement.
share this
Related Stories
The Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cleveland, “Heaven for All!,” recently joined churches worldwide in celebrating World Adventurer Day. Although the church’s “Little Stars” Adventurer Club is less than a year old, the children led a special Adventurer Sabbath during the worship service. They participated in the opening of the service, presented a musical selection, recited Scripture-based poems, assisted with the collection of tithes and offerings, offered the prayer for the offering, and introduced the congregational hymn. The celebration also marked an important milestone for the club. Adventurers completed the Little Lamb and Busy Bee levels and advanced to the Early Bird and Sunbeam levels. Each child received a Bible storybook and a pin recognizing the completion of their level. Following the worship service, club members completed the “My Church” Adventurer Award by meeting church leaders, asking questions about their roles, and learning more about how the church serves its congregation. The children also received commemorative gifts. The special Sabbath highlighted the involvement of the church’s youngest members in worship while encouraging their continued spiritual growth and engagement in the life of the congregation.
The Greater Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist Church concluded its 10-day evangelistic series, “A Better Tomorrow,” with a baptismal service celebrating individuals who publicly committed their lives to Jesus Christ. The series was presented by Pastor Israel Okyere and hosted by Pastor Michael Opuni. Throughout the 10-day event, community members gathered in person and online to study the Bible, strengthen their faith, and learn about God’s plan for their lives. Each evening featured messages centered on practical and biblical themes, including spiritual awakening, transformation, assurance, commitment, and decision. Through preaching, prayer, and fellowship, attendees were encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ. The series concluded with a baptismal service in which several individuals publicly professed their faith through baptism. Family members, friends, and church members gathered to witness and celebrate the occasion as the candidates entered the waters of baptism, symbolizing their new life in Christ. Following the series, the Greater Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist Church affirmed its commitment to supporting the newly baptized members in their spiritual growth while continuing its mission of sharing the gospel throughout the community.
A conference departmental leader and ministry partners are highlighting the power of service-driven outreach through a featured discussion on "Christ's Method in Action," showcasing efforts to meet practical needs while building stronger, healthier communities. The program, presented on 3ABN Today, features Pastor Delthony Gordon, Adventist Community Services (ACS) Director for the Ohio Conference and pastor of the Beavercreek Seventh-day Adventist Church, alongside Nicole Braxton of AMEN Free Clinic. The discussion focuses on collaborative approaches to community engagement, compassionate service, and improving access to essential resources. Participants emphasized the importance of addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through hands-on ministry and community partnerships. The conversation highlights how faith-based organizations and healthcare-focused outreach initiatives can work together to serve individuals and families facing challenges. "Christ's Method in Action" illustrates a model of service that seeks to build trust, foster relationships, and create meaningful opportunities for positive change throughout Ohio communities using the important outreach arm - Adventist Community Services. The program serves as an example of the ongoing commitment of community organizations, volunteers, and ministry leaders who are working to provide practical support and hope to those in need. For more information about Adventist Community Services in Ohio and related outreach initiatives, visit www.ACSOhio.org , or email acs@ohioadventist.org.
STAY UP TO DATE
GET CONFERENCE'S LATEST
Receive monthly updates from the conference, and get a heads up on upcoming events.
Contact Us
