LEADERSHIP
FRITZ NELSON
Pastor
A product of Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky, Pastor Fritz has served First Presbyterian, Columbiana since 2014 and First United Presbyterian Church, East Palestine since 2017. Along with Jo Barto he co-founded THE HUB and co-led it through 2026. Prior to coming to Columbiana, Fritz served a congregation in Malverne, NY while also working on the fundraising staff of The Bowery Mission in New York City. Locally, Pastor Fritz serves on the boards of Columbiana Project Playground and The Way Station. He is also on the community advisory board for the East Palestine Train Derailment Health Research Program. His book, Your Story Matters, will be released in fall 2026.
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Listen to enough of Pastor Fritz's sermons and you'll hear a passion for developing deep, personal spirituality, an inclusive understanding of Christ's gospel, a focus on ministry with the community and a strong commitment to the ministry of healing. When not doing church stuff, Fritz finds joy in gardening, reading, walking the family dogs and sharing stories.
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Fritz graduated from the College of Wooster a long time ago, has an M.Div. from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a certificate of Spiritual Direction from the Villa Maria Education and Spirituality Center. He was ordained in 2004.
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Tel: 330-482-2666 | cpc28@sbcglobal.net
JO BARTO
As HUB Coordinator, Jo provides ongoing leadership of the HUB Core, writes and leads MidWeek Pause and anchors THE HUB's prayer life with her broadly inclusive while still deeply rooted spirituality. A certified spiritual director, Jo is retired from a 40-year career as a Catholic school teacher.