#BeUMC
Rev. Hannah Weisbrod shares why she is United Methodist:
“One of the reasons I’m United Methodist is because of our emphasis on grace. There’s something about knowing and trusting in my own heart that I’m a child of God no matter what, that I’m always saved by the grace of Christ and that that grace keeps working in my life that holds me in this church. And this good news that we can share with others that no matter what’s happened to them, no matter what they’ve been through, no matter what they’ve done that they belong in God’s family because Christ’s grace is for them, too.”
Weisbrod is one of many East Ohio Conference clergy and laity sharing how their lives continue to be transformed through The United Methodist Church. To share your #BeUMC story of transformation e-mail Brett Hetherington, EOC Communications specialist.
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 21 is titled “Disciple Making: Exploring What it Means to be a Disciple Maker”. The episode features conversation with members of the East Ohio Conference Connectional Ministries team who share personal stories of discipleship and highlight ways that laity and clergy are living out God’s call and vision for them and their congregations as they make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
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.
Bishop’s Office
A Message from Bishop Tracy S. Malone: New District Names & Superintendent Teams
“So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, everything old has passed away; see everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” – II Corinthians 5:17-18
Hear the good news! God is always making all things new! All of this … new life, new perspectives, new opportunities, new direction, and a new future with hope … is from God!
The restructuring from 10 to four districts effective January 1 will re-direct more attention to the local church, provide greater stewardship, alignment, and flexibility of resources, generate more opportunity for creative ministries, strengthen the possibility for the revitalization of churches, and increase the efforts of starting fresh expressions and new faith communities.
Districts are an integral part of the East Ohio Conference structure and are made up of communities of people, laity and clergy, who work together regionally to share the Good News of the Gospel, to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, and to fulfill our shared mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”.
In the next few months, there will be more information forthcoming about district structure, leadership, office locations, staffing, and more.
Read Bishop Malone’s message in its entirety.
Download and share the re-districting pdf.
Teach • Reach • Bless
From Vision to Reality: The New Dormitory for Female Students at Africa University
In the above video Bishop Tracy S. Malone shares exciting news about the new residence hall for female students being built on the campus of Africa University because of the East Ohio Conference Teach • Reach • Bless campaign.
Bishop Malone cast her vision for the residence hall during her 2019 Episcopal Address to Annual Conference members and the resulting Teach • Reach • Bless campaign to raise $1.5 million dollars in three years to build and furnish the dormitory launched January 26, 2020. Increasing enrollment at AU and a lack of on-campus housing means that some students commute from remote areas and find affordable off-campus housing, putting them at high risk for living in and being subjected to untenable situations.
Laity and clergy embraced the vision and supported the Teach • Reach • Bless campaign by raising and collecting more than $1.5 million – and doing so in only two years despite the campaign launching two months before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dormitory will provide a safe, secure environment and a community of support on campus for 92 female students.
To God be the glory!
Learn more about the Teach • Reach • Bless campaign.
Financial & Administrative Services
HealthFlex Benefits Enrollment Opens Nov. 1, Closes Nov. 16
The enrollment window for HealthFlex 2023 benefits opens Wednesday, November 1 and closes on Thursday, November 16. HealthFlex is more than a health insurance plan. It’s a comprehensive approach to healthier living – an integrated, wellness-driven health program offered through The United Methodist Church general agency Wespath Benefits & Investments.
Pastors appointed at ¾-time, or more, are eligible for HealthFlex benefits, as are lay employees of local churches, the Conference office, and/or district offices who work at least 30 hours per week. To sponsor HealthFlex for lay employees a HealthFlex sub-adoption agreement must be completed by the employer. If you have questions about the agreement or about HealthFlex enrollment, please e-mail Robin Whitacre in the Conference office.
Learn more on the Health Benefits page of the Conference website.
Select your HealthFlex Benefits choices on your personal benefits access page.
For questions about Financial & Administrative Services ministries and opportunities, please e-mail Vera Rebrovich, executive director of Financial & Administrative Services, or visit the Financial & Administrative Services pages of the Conference website.
Connectional Ministries
Giving to UMCOR for Israel/Palestine Relief
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has recently issued a grant that was used to purchase hygiene kits for those affected by the conflict in the Middle East. They will continue working with local partners to support ongoing relief efforts. If you would like to help, donate to East Ohio Fund 1301 and 100% of your gift will be forwarded to UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. Please indicate Israel/Gaza in the memo to designate it for that response. In the October 16 issue of E-News we shared a release from the Council of Bishops titled United Methodist Church Bishops Condemn Violence in Middle East; Call for Prayer, Action. Read the release from the Council of Bishops.
Donate to EOC Fund 1301 to support UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery.
Learn more about UMCOR.
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
Rev. Adam Hamilton Ohio Book Tour – January 16-17
Rev. Adam Hamilton is coming to Strongsville UMC January 17, 2024, to promote his upcoming book, Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from a successful author of church resources and pastor of one of the most influential churches in America, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City.
Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a heaven? How can we know? Often, we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn’t mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God. In Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith Rev. Adam Hamilton discusses some of our most significant sources of doubt and shows how a steady trust in God can emerge from them. You will delve into questions like: “Does God exist? How can I know?”; “Is the Bible true?”; “Why do prayers go unanswered?”
Hamilton approaches these sources of doubt with honesty and insight, drawing on the rich wisdom of the Bible, Christian tradition, and his experience walking with thousands of people on their spiritual journey. Whether you’re a longtime Christian or someone brand new to faith, this book will lead you to a trust in God that is unafraid of hard questions. Wrestle with doubt and find faith—belief and trust, not certainty; mystery rather than simple answers.
Hamilton will make four appearances in Ohio January 16-17, 2024, to promote his book. Each stop will be 90 minutes with a short presentation followed by a Q & A about the book. The event is free, but registration is required. Books will be available to purchase on site.
January 16, 2024
- Central Venue in Athens, OH from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Click here to register.
- Mason UMC in Cincinnati, OH from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Click here to register.
January 17, 2024
- St Marks UMC in Findlay, OH from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Click here to register.
- Strongsville UMC in Strongsville from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Click here to register.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC 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.
Multicultural Ministries
Black Theologian Day – November 18
All East Ohio Conference laity and clergy are invited to participate in Black Theologian Day on Saturday, November 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Cory UMC in Cleveland. Black Theologian Day is an annual learning opportunity for pastors, congregations, and faith communities to hear from a Black theological perspective.
The theme for Black Theologian Day 2023 is Just Economy and the guest theologian is Rev. Dr. Sidney S. Williams, Jr., pastor of Bethel Church in Morristown, New Jersey and an independent director, social impact investment advisor and practical theologian. From Wall Street to Martin Luther King Avenue, Rev. Dr. Williams has made a continuous effort of identifying where theological and marketplace frameworks interact — and more significantly, where they should interact.
Rev. Dr. Williams pioneered the F.I.S.H. collaborative model for social impact for providing access to capital for anchor institutions serving marginalized communities. He has also pastored churches in Cape Town, South Africa and trained pastors and church planters on three continents. He holds two masters’ degrees and a doctorate in ministry and has written dozens of articles and two books – Morning Meditations: 100 Days to Believing You’re Successful and Fishing Differently: Ministry Formation in the Marketplace.
There is no cost to participate in Black Theologian Day, but pre-registration is required so that event planners will know how many lunches to prepare. The lunch will be provided by Church of the Saviour UMC in Cleveland Heights.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
For questions about Multicultural Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director, or visit the Multicultural Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Missions & Community Engagement
HOPE Letters Informational Meeting – November 8
Laity and clergy of the East Ohio Conference are invited to learn more about All In Community, a ministry of the West Ohio Conference that is engaged in creating pathways for churches to connect with men and women in your community who are incarcerated and need hope and restoration. On Wednesday, November 8 from noon until 1:00 p.m. you can participate in an informational meeting to learn more about HOPE Letters.
HOPE (Healing, Opportunity, Presence, and Empowerment) Letters is an Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC)-approved faith-based reentry mentoring-by-correspondence program. HOPE Letters writers offer encouragement, guidance, and restorative relationships with men and women incarcerated in Ohio’s prisons and HOPE Letters groups provide a welcoming presence for the men and women they are corresponding with upon their return to the community.
If you have questions about the session and/or are interested in participating, please e-mail Jami Nathan, All In Community Training & Ministries coordinator.
Learn more about HOPE Letters.
Learn more about and register for the informational meeting.
Poverty Simulation – November 9
Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand. To aid in that understanding all East Ohio Conference laity and clergy are invited to participate in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) that bridges the gap from misconception to understanding. CAPS is an interactive, immersion experience. It sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. CAPS is not a game. It is based on real Community Action clients and their lives.
The next CAPS opportunity is Thursday, November 9 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the UMC of Macedonia. There is no cost to participate but you must pre-register by November 6.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Building Bridges Tuesday Talks – November 14
Laity and clergy of the East Ohio Conference are invited to learn more about All In Community, a ministry of the West Ohio Conference that is engaged in creating pathways for churches to connect with men and women in your community who are incarcerated and need hope and restoration. On Tuesday, November 14 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. you can participate in the next Building Bridges Tuesday Talks, which provide family members of incarcerated adults, community members and local reentry stakeholders information regarding statewide initiatives designed to remove barriers to successful reentry and build bridges to better reintegration opportunities.
We often label reentry as the “second chance,” but many of our returning neighbors feel society has counted them out. As men and women transition from life in prison to life in the community, how do we show up with all our values, culture, and faith traditions that ensure others know we CARE? Join us to discuss how faith-based reentry can promote rehabilitation, responsibility, and restoration – not the do’s and don’ts of religiosity. Our goal is to demonstrate that grace does not discriminate.
Learn more and register for this free Zoom event.
Global Mission Fellows Informational Meeting – December 3
Are you a young adult between the ages of 20 and 30 who wants to grow in faith, experience another culture, and participate in God’s work in the world? Then you are invited to apply to become a Global Mission Fellow through the General Board of Global Ministries. Global Mission Fellows serve for two years, either in the U.S. or in an international setting, working in places that address hunger and poverty, community development, public health, education, or migration. Participants receive housing, health insurance, and a stipend as well as the opportunity to develop professional skills with a cohort of peers.
To learn more, join Tim Beck, Christy Suffecool, Kate Colbow, and UMC Global Missionary Mamei Sombo Lansana Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 p.m. for an online informational meeting. The deadline to register for the meeting is November 30. Pastors and others who work with youth and young adults are also invited to attend to learn more about this opportunity. Applications are now open for service beginning in August 2024.
Learn more and register for the Global Mission Fellow meeting.
Learn more about Global Mission Fellows.
Christmas Giving Opportunities for East Ohio Churches
There are many charitable organizations that vie for our attention this time of year. While their intentions may be good, East Ohio Missions seeks to develop relationships and partnerships that are healthy and seek justice for the recipients. The Board of Missions encourages all East Ohio Conference congregations to support our Advance mission partners!
We asked all our Advances to share their Christmas wish lists and their respective needs are posted on the sidebar of the Missions & Community Engagement pages of the Conference website. Financial gifts may be made online or sent directly to the mission through their designated conference Advance Fund. If you have questions about Christmas giving opportunities, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office.
View the Christmas wish lists of our Advance mission partners.
Support the Conference Advances.
#GivingTuesday is November 28
Again, this year, the Board of Missions will match donations of up to $500 made to Advances online through the Conference on #GivingTuesday November 28. Last year, the conference matched over $5,000!
Gay Street UMC is Midwest Mission Collection Site
Gay Street UMC recently became the first permanent collection site in Ohio for Midwest Mission. Donors can take items there year-round and they will be delivered to Midwest Mission. Gay Street UMC is located at 18 N. Gay Street, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
Learn more about the Gay Street UMC Midwest Mission Collection Site.
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.
Message in the Movies
Killers of the Flower Moon
When the movie begins, there is a drumbeat, chanting, and a sacred ceremony. A peace pipe is wrapped in a shroud and buried in the ground. White civilization is coming and life will never be the same. We then learn a few basic facts. The Osage Nation, settled in Oklahoma, manage to own mineral rights to the region. When oil is discovered in 1897, all of the approximately 2,000 tribe members begin to receive royalties from the leasing of the land to oil companies. Government officials still consider the Osage “incompetent” and require them to use official guardians whenever they wish to access money from their bank accounts. Prosperity is abundant and the Osage become the most affluent tribe in the nation.
Events: October 30 – November 12
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Sunday, November 5
Alexandre Marr Piano Concert - Wednesday, November 8
QPR Training – Suicide Prevention - Thursday, November 9
Poverty Simulation - Saturday, November 11
Early Response Team (ERT) Training - Saturday, November 11
Free Community Meal in Lakewood
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.)
Classifieds
Details of listings may be found here.
Positions Available
- Office Administrator – Vermilion Grace UMC
- Youth Director – Northampton UMC in Cuyahoga Falls
- Office Administrator – Asbury UMC in Delaware
- Musician – Shoregate UMC
- Choir Director – LaPorte UMC in Elyria
Items Available/Wanted
- Liquidation sale – The United Methodist Church in Stow
- 27 copies of the book Get Off Your Donkey: Help Somebody and Help Yourself by Reggie McNeal – Brecksville UMC
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 Monday, November 13, 2023.
Deadline for submission is Thursday, November 9, 2023. Send articles to swilliams@eocumc.com.
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