#BeUMC
Rev. Seth Filburn shares why he is United Methodist:
“God is so filled with grace and love for me, and for every single person on the planet, that it compels me to be part of a Church that says that grace is one of the most important things that we’re about,” said Filburn, pastor of Lincoln Avenue United Methodist Church.
E-mail Brett Hetherington, EOC Communications specialist, to arrange a time to share your one- to two-minute #BeUMC story and be a powerful witness to others of the many ways The United Methodist Church continues to change lives and transform our communities and the world.
View #BeUMC stories & the EOC #BeUMC website.
Each episode of our East Ohio Conference podcast, Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation, explores what it means to #BeUMC.
Episode 16 is titled “Influence, Connection and Impact: Stewardship and the Methodist Foundation of Ohio”. The episode features a conversation with Executive Director Pastor Brian Sheetz about the mission that drives the Foundation, the importance of stewardship for churches, and ways the Methodist Foundation of Ohio can be a resource to congregations across the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.
For questions about Communications ministries such as the #BeUMC campaign, live-streaming, licensing, social media and more, please e-mail Rick Wolcott, executive director of Communications, or visit the Communications pages of the Conference website.
Communications
New Search Features Added to the EOC Website
The Communications office, partnering with the Brick River database system, has updated the way that the church and clergy search functions of the EOC website operate and look. Two new buttons have been added to the website homepage, one for the new church search and one for the new clergy search.
On the church search page users will have the ability to filter searches by district. Also on this page, users can search based on the church name, the city or town in which the church is located, or even the church’s GCFA # if they know it. On the clergy search page users can search based on a clergyperson’s name, e-mail address, or phone number.
Visit the church search page.
Visit the clergy search page.
New Church Listings on District Web Pages
In addition to the new search functions described above, each district’s webpage includes a new listing of all churches within the district. The church listings can be accessed on the sidebar of each district’s web page.
The look of both the search results and listing results has been updated to create a better user experience. Within a church result users will be able to view a list of all clergy currently serving at the church, all contact and website information for the church, the physical and mailing addresses for the church, as well as a Google map to make it easier for them to find and visit the church. Within a clergy result users will be able to view the church to which that person is currently assigned as well as an image of the clergyperson if available.
New Donation and Apportionment Payment Page Added to the EOC Website
An improved Apportionment Payment and Donation page utilizing the new MyVanco payment processing platform greatly improves user experience. On the updated donate page users can support a specific fund and/or a specific ministry. The new page contains images of the ministries and links to their respective websites that users can access to learn more information.
Donations can be made on a one-time or a recurring basis. Users will just need to add a donation amount, select a payment frequency, denote a start date, and select Add to Basket. Once a payment or donation has been made, confirmation e-mails are sent to both the person donating and the Conference office. There is also the option to share about the fund on social media to spread the word to friends and family.
Visit the Apportionment Payments and Donation Page.
For questions about Communications ministries such as the #BeUMC campaign, live-streaming, licensing, social media and more, please e-mail Rick Wolcott, executive director of Communications, or visit the Communications pages of the Conference website.
Disaster Response
Maui Wildfire Response
Hurricane winds fueled wildfires on the island of Maui claiming dozens of lives and destroying many communities. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is coordinating with the California-Pacific Annual Conference to provide a solidarity grant for emergency supplies.
“Prayers for the United Methodist churches on Maui,” said Rev. Steve Court, East Ohio Conference Disaster Response coordinator. “I was in the room training with Angela Overstreet of UMCOR as I witnessed first-hand how she worked with the California-Pacific Conference to provide grants and plan assistance to churches responding to the fires.”
You can help by donating to EOC Fund 1327 – US Disaster Response & Recovery. The conference forwards 100% of donations to this fund to General Advance 901670 for US Disaster Response. Please include “Maui Wildfire Relief” in the memo.
Donate to EOC Fund 1327.
Learn about EOC & UMC Disaster Response.
East Palestine Recovery Continues
After the disastrous train derailment in East Palestine earlier this year, East Ohio Conference leadership asked for donations to Fund 9200, Disaster Response in Ohio. Many churches gave generously, thank you! A few months ago, the Disaster Response Committee agreed to send $11,601 in donations designated for East Palestine to Centenary UMC to use as needed in the community. Bill Sutherin, East Palestine resident and member of the Disaster Response Committee, has been providing first-hand updates since the accident happened. Centenary UMC has been providing office space for many groups working on the cleanup in East Palestine.
On August 2, Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, executive director of Connectional Ministries, and Rev. Cara Stultz-Costello, Mahoning Valley District co-superintendent, travelled to East Palestine to meet with Bill and some of the pastoral leaders of Centenary UMC to hear the story of how The United Methodist Church has played an active and critical role in East Palestine since the derailment. A highlight of the meeting was listening to a Norfolk Southern Railroad representative, who has lived with his family in East Palestine for the past four years, share the railroad’s strong commitment to the community until the cleanup is totally completed.
East Ohio is blessed by United Methodists in the East Palestine community and beyond who have been, and continue to be, the hands and feet of Jesus during this challenging disaster. It is because of The United Methodist connection that the EOC Disaster Response Committee, local churches, and volunteers have been able to send resources and prayers to assist in this community recovery.
Learn about EOC & UMC Disaster Response.
Connectional Ministries
New Facebook Page
The East Ohio Conference Connectional Ministries team is moving from individual ministry Facebook pages to one Connectional Ministries page that highlights all ministries in one place.
Visit the new Connectional Ministries Facebook page.
Follow Connectional Ministries on Facebook on our new page for updates, valuable links, events, pictures and more from: Strategic Ministries, Multicultural Ministries, Missions & Community Engagement, Young People’s Ministries, Spiritual Formation, Camps, and Higher Education.
Annual Conference Special Offering
The 2023 Annual Conference offering raised $14,404.87, an increase over what was received in 2022. Thank you! The offering has been shared evenly with the following three ministries, chosen by the Annual Conference Program Committee: Heart 4 the City (EOC Fund 9941), United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) teams (EOC Fund 9643), and the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund.
For questions about ministries of the Connectional Ministries office, please e-mail the Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, executive director of Connectional Ministries, or visit the Connectional Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Strategic Ministries
Artificial Intelligence Training with Jason Moore
Technology can be used in ministry to produce high-quality tools and resources to assist clergy and churches live into their call to be a faith community in the 21st century. You are invited to a day of learning with Jason Moore exploring how some technological tools can be beneficial in ministry. The workshop will be at the Area Center in North Canton from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 18.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
For questions about Strategic Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Beth Ortiz, Connectional Ministries office Strategic Ministries director, or visit the Strategic Ministries pages on the Conference website.
Missions & Community Engagement
Grant Writing Seminar – October 23
Are you dreaming a God-sized dream for the work of building the Kingdom of God and need help funding that dream? The Connectional Ministries office, the Board of Missions, and the Health & Well-Being Committee are coming together to resource and equip our churches, agencies, and mission sites for stronger ministry! You are invited to a grant writing seminar on Monday, October 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Ashland First UMC. Come and discover how to connect with a giving stream beyond the local church tithes, gifts, and offerings. The cost of the seminar is $10 to cover lunch expenses.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
Discover … Mission UMVIM Journey to Puerto Rico – January 5-15, 2024
Laity and clergy ages 18-35 are invited to be part of a relational mission journey to Puerto Rico with Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Connectional Ministries office Missions & Community Engagement director. It will be a journey filled with worship, discussions, discovery, impact, and fun! The next planning meeting is online at 8:30 p.m. on September 26. If you want the link to be a part of the conversation, e-mail the Rev. Kathy Dickriede.
Learn more about Discover … Missions 2023.
Register for the January 2024 Puerto Rico trip.
Farmer to Farmer School Dedication – February 2024
You are invited to join the celebration in Harrisburg, Liberia the first week of February 2024 for the dedication of the new, modern high school built by the Farmer to Farmer ministry (EOC Advance 9026). Thank you, Jesus! And thank you, everyone, for your continued financial support. Farmers, teachers, librarians, and medical professionals are invited to e-mail Linda Crowell, the team leader, with questions about the trip.
The new high school still needs to be painted, as does the St. John Elementary School building. The St. John school also needs a new roof. Farmer to Farmer is asking your help in accomplishing both tasks, with a goal of raising $2,000 of achieving these tasks to the glory of God. Thank you for supporting Farmer to Farmer!
Learn more about Farmer to Farmer.
Donate to Farmer to Farmer Fund 9026.
For questions about Missions & Community Engagement ministries and opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Connectional Ministries office Missions & Community Engagement director, or visit the Missions & Community Engagement pages of the Conference website.
Young People’s Ministries
Reimagining Youth Ministry in the Post-COVID Age – August 26
Pastors, youth leaders, and volunteers are invited to Trolley Line Park House and Pavilion in Wadsworth from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 26 to connect with other leaders as we share ideas and brainstorm for the future of Youth ministry in our local churches and beyond. Come join Tim Beck and Pastor Christy Suffecool, the new Connectional Ministries office Young People’s Ministries co-directors, to reimagine youth ministry in your setting and receive practical next steps to meaningfully connect with teens. The cost for the event is $10.
The last day to register for this opportunity is Thursday, August 24. If you have questions about the event, please e-mail Tim Beck or e-mail Pastor Christy Suffecool.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
For questions about Young People’s Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Pastor Christy Suffecool or e-mail Tim Beck, Connectional Ministries office Young People’s Ministries co-directors, or visit the Young People’s Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
It’s Always Time to Think About Retreats
Whether it’s fall, winter or spring, it’s time to make your retreat plans. Retreats offer encounters that can change the lives of individuals and groups in amazing ways. Your church youth group, Bible study participants, United Women in Faith, and more can grow from a retreat experience.
Our East Ohio Conference retreat facilities provide comfortable settings and quality programs through which people can experience Christ’s love for them and all creation and to share that love with others. Relax, enjoy the surroundings, and get back in touch with God. Accommodations can be provided year-round for a small intimate setting or a large group gathering at Camp Aldersgate on Leesville Lake near Carrollton, Camp Asbury near Hiram in Portage County, and Camp Wanake near Beach City in Amish country. Our retreat staff is ready to host you. Book your reservation by calling the Camps & Retreat Ministries office at (800) 831-3972 ext. 108.
Learn more about Retreat ministry opportunities.
For questions about Camps & Retreat Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, Connectional Ministries office Camps & Retreat Ministries / Spiritual Formation & Christian Education director, or visit the Camps & Retreat Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Clergy
Bishops’ Retreat with Black Clergy – October 4-6
The Bishops’ Retreat with Black Clergy is a joint retreat for the Black clergy of the East Ohio Conference and the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church hosted by Bishop Tracy S. Malone and Bishop Gregory V. Palmer. The theme of this year’s retreat is “Preach! Preacher, Preach!” The retreat is October 4-6 at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center in Lewis Center, Ohio.
The guest facilitator is the Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman, Ph.D., who will appear with a team from WomanPreach! Inc. Rev. Dr. Bridgeman is the dean and vice president for Academic Affairs at Methodist Theological School in Ohio and the founder, president, and CEO of WomanPreach! Inc.
Cost is $200/person double occupancy. Single room and commuter rates are also available. Registration includes dinner on Wednesday, October 4, three meals on Thursday, October 5, and breakfast and lunch on Friday, October 6. Overnight accommodations for Wednesday and Thursday night are for rooms at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center. If you have any questions about the event, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, EOCUMC Connectional Ministries office administrative assistant, or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 102.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
Fall Clergy Day Apart – September 30 & October 4
All active East Ohio Conference local pastors, associate members, Deacons, and Elders (full- or part-time) are invited to participate in a one-day retreat at Camp Wanake, on September 30 and/or October 4. Take a break from the stressors and the to-do lists and join with others in worship, relaxation, and community. Both days will be very similar, but you are welcome to register for both if you wish.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
Message in the Movies
Jules
Milton (Kingsley), Sandy (Harris) and Joyce (Jane Curtin) are regular faces at the city council meetings of their small town of Boonton, Pennsylvania; they are all older adults and used to being ignored by those in power. Milton keeps bringing up his favorite topics: the confusing town slogan and the need for a new crosswalk. It is implied that he is dismissed as a person with memory problems, if not dementia. Since nothing is ever done about his requests, he keeps repeating himself month after month.
Until Milton has something new to bring to their attention: A UFO has crashed in his backyard and taken out his azaleas. The council members show no regard for his news, but Sandy pays him a visit and meets the alien (who she decides to call Jules) peacefully living with Milton. Joyce also comes over to Milton’s house and is invited into their plan to keep Jules’ presence a secret while they try to figure out how to help him get back home.
Events: August 21 – September 4
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- August 20-23
FAMLP Retreat - Wednesday, August 23
All In Community Reentry Event - Saturday, August 26
Reimagining Youth Ministry in the Post-Covid Age
To submit your event to the East Ohio calendar use this form. (The East Ohio Conference only accepts East Ohio United Methodist local church, conference and general UM events for listing on the Conference calendar.)
Celebrations of Life
Please pray for the families of:
- Ruth Partridge, surviving spouse of the Rev. Stanley Partridge, died August 7.
- Alfred J. Hubler, retired Elder, died July 31. A memorial service will be held at Bay UMC 29931 Lake Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140 on September 6 at 11:00 a.m. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red vestments. All are invited to sing with the Bay UMC choir, with rehearsal scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in the choir room.
View obituaries.
To submit the obituary of an EOC clergy, clergy spouse, or surviving spouse, family should contact Melissa McGee, executive secretary to the Bishop, by phone at (330) 499-3972 ext. 112 or via e-mail.
Classifieds
Details of listings may be found here.
Positions Available
- Children and Youth Coordinator – Galena UMC
- President/CEO – Lakeside Chautauqua
- Worship Music Coordinator/Team Leader – Middlefield First UMC
- Youth Director – Northampton UMC in Cuyahoga Falls
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
To subscribe to E-News and all East Ohio Conference news updates, enter your email address in the “Follow News via Email” widget on the right sidebar. Information from this E-News may be copied and used in your local church. The next scheduled edition of the E-News is Tuesday, September 5, 2023.
Deadline for submission is Thursday, August 31, 2023. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
East Ohio News 