October 14, 2024

EOC News

#BeUMC

To download the video above, first click the share button in the upper right corner of the video window, then click the Vimeo link. Then, on the Vimeo page click the download link underneath the video window.

“I’m United Methodist because the Church said, ‘I see you.’ The Church said, ‘you belong.’ The Church said, ‘you matter.’ And, so, I’ve remained United Methodist. I’ve chosen to be United Methodist. The Church is the place where I do feel like I am loved and that I matter,” said Rev. Rebecca Stephens of Bucyrus UMC.

She is one of many people in the EOC who’ve shared how The UMC has transformed their lives. To schedule a time to record your #BeUMC story, e-mail Brett Hetherington in the Communications office.

View #BeUMC stories & the EOC #BeUMC website.

Our EOC podcast, Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation, explores what it means to #BeUMC.

Episode 45 is titled “Belonging & Inclusion: Creating Space for Everyone in the Room”. Our East Ohio Conference vision for how we will make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world calls for us to be courageous leaders in reaching new, young, and more diverse people. In this episode we explore ways our congregations can welcome, include and be in ministry with individuals who are differently abled.

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

Installation Service for Bishop Hee-Soo Jung – October 19
Laity and clergy of the East Ohio Conference are invited and encouraged to attend The Service of Installation for Bishop Hee-Soo Jung on Saturday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Wooster UMC, 243 N Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.

The service will be followed by a reception at the church. This is your opportunity to greet Bishop Jung and his wife Im-Hyon and welcome them to the East Ohio Conference and the new Ohio Episcopal Area.

Bishop Jung to Host an All-Ohio Day of Thanksgiving and Unity – November 23
On November 23, 2024, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung invites all Ohio United Methodists to come together for an inspiring day of prayer, worship, and learning. “Hearts Strangely Warmed,” is the theme for the day that will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. inside Worthington United Methodist Church located at 600 High Street in Worthington.

The event, centered around Romans 5:1-5, will focus on hope, endurance, and the transformative power of God’s love. Attendees will explore how these principles align with the core mission of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The guest speaker for the day is Rev. Dr. Paul W. Chilcote, a renowned scholar in Wesleyan theology and Christian discipleship. Chilcote, an Elder of the Indiana Conference now in retirement, served most recently as director of the Centre for Global Wesleyan Theology at Wesley House, Cambridge, where he continues as a Research Fellow. An award-winning author and Methodist historian and theologian, he was involved in theological education on three continents, having taught at Wesley College (England), St. Paul’s United Theological College (Kenya), the Methodist Theological School (Ohio), Duke Divinity School (North Carolina), and Ashland Theological Seminary (Ohio). He also helped launch two new institutions: Africa University (Zimbabwe) and Asbury Theological Seminary (Florida).

Chilcote is the author and editor of nearly forty books including Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit, Recapturing the Wesleys’ Vision, A Faith That Sings, The Methodist Defense of Women in Ministry, Making Disciples in a World Parish, Early Methodist Spirituality, Active Faith, Living Hope, and Singing the Faith. In the past year (2023-24) he has published four books with Abingdon Press that seek to cast a vision of The United Methodist Church into the future: Multiplying Love, Cultivating Christlikeness, Upward! Wesleyan Formation in Three Movements (with Steve Harper), and The Fullest Possible Love. He is a frequent speaker and workshop leader in applied Wesleyan studies, particularly in theology, spirituality, and Christian discipleship. He has been a Benedictine oblate of Mt. Angel Abbey for a quarter century. He and his wife, Janet, a retired United Methodist pastor, have five daughters and seven grandchildren.

The Day of Prayer will include opportunities for worship and celebrating our unity in The UMC. The registration fee is $10 and includes lunch. The deadline to register is Monday, November 11.

Join Bishop Jung and fellow United Methodists from across Ohio for this transformative day of prayer and learning, as we seek to grow together in grace and reaffirm our commitment to #BeUMC.

Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.

Disaster Response

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Responding to Hurricanes Milton & Helene
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is working with disaster coordinators and Early Response Teams (ERT) in annual conferences to assist local churches impacted by Hurricane Helene, that first hit land on September 26, and Hurricane Milton, that made land on October 9. Both hurricanes claimed lives and devastated homes and businesses.

“Although Milton came ashore near Siesta Key, Florida (a barrier island close to Sarasota), the reality is that this storm has impacted our entire state,” said Florida Conference Bishop Tom Berlin. “This storm brought flooding and wind to people and congregations who just began cleaning up two weeks ago from Hurricane Helene.”

As we pray for those impacted, please remember:

Learn more about EOC Disaster Response.

Preparing Now for Deploying Teams Later
“While we are overwhelmed by news reports of immediate needs, please know that United Methodist communities, annual conferences, and UMCOR Early Response Teams are and have been actively involved. I and other conference coordinators of Disaster Response have been meeting with UMCOR to determine where and when we can best help,” said Rev. Steve Court, EOC Disaster Response coordinator. “The best thing we can do in response is to pray, support UMCOR financially, prepare cleaning buckets to restock distribution centers, and begin planning now for how we can volunteer in the coming months and years.”

In the days after Hurricane Helene, the Disaster Response Committee contacted our Early Response Team-trained people to determine who might be available to deploy once we are invited by another conference. Teams are usually a mix of ERT-trained and untrained people, so if you would like updates on possible upcoming trips, please e-mail Melanie Thomas in the Connectional Ministries office or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 102.

Read the article “Preparing for and Responding to Disasters”.

Local Churches Are Temporary Drop-off Sites for Cleaning Kits
In response to the recent hurricanes these East Ohio Conference churches have offered to be temporary drop-off locations for UMCOR cleaning kits. Please call the church in advance to arrange a drop-off date/time:

  • Akron First UMC – (330) 376-8143 (by November1)
  • Brecksville UMC – (440) 526-8938 (by November 1)
  • Bucyrus UMC – (419) 562-5061
  • Church Hill UMC in Youngstown (330) 759-0118
  • Clyde First UMC – (419) 547-0734
  • Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon (740) 392-6626 (Permanent collection site for Midwest Mission)
  • Geneva First UMC – (440) 466-2817 (by November 1)
  • Vermillion Grace UMC – (440) 967-5206

The Northern Waters District will have a truck onsite collecting UMCOR cleaning kits at its charge conferences on November 2 and November 3.

Instructions for UMCOR cleaning kit assembly.

Early Response Team (ERT) Training – November 9
An Early Response Team training and recertification class is being offered to all clergy and laity of the Ohio Episcopal Area, which is comprised of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church. The eight-hour basic class ERT training will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to individuals’ personal property, which may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. Proof of having completed this training is required by the Federal Emergency Management Association to gain entrance to a disaster area.

The recertification class will take place during the morning session and is only for those who have completed the basic course and are within one year of the date of their badge expiration. A background check is required to receive the United Methodist Committee on Relief ERT badge. The costs to register are $40 for the basic class and $35 for the recertification class.

Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.

UMVIM Team Leader Training – November 17
Do you want to respond to communities devastated by natural disasters? UMCOR kits and financial donations are a great way to help right now. Another way is to go and help when the time is right. Come to this free event at the Area Center in North Canton on November 17 to prepare yourself for when the time is right for teams to be deployed. The team leader training is open to all, including those interested in joining a long-term recovery UMVIM team and those who are ERT-trained people who want to learn more about leading a team. Presenters for the 1:00-5:00 p.m. training are ERT trainer Bob Catchpole, UMVIM NCJ Coordinator Rev. Tammy Kuntz, and Missions & Community Engagement Director Rev. Kathy Dickriede.

Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.

Financial & Administrative Services

HealthFlex Benefits Enrollment October 30 – November 14, 2024
Open enrollment for HealthFlex benefits members begins Thursday, October 30 and ends Thursday, November 14. 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 75% time or more are eligible for HealthFlex benefits, as are lay employees of local churches and 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.

Access your personal benefits page to learn more.

Annual Election Webinars Scheduled This Month
Wespath has scheduled three webinars for HealthFlex participants to share information about this year’s benefits selection options. The webinars will be recorded, and links will be provided so that those who are unable to attend live can learn what was shared.

HealthEquity Cards Simplified for Participants
HealthEquity will now have one card for all HRA, HSA, and health care FSA accounts. Those who do not currently have the purple chip card will receive one from HealthEquity in October. Individuals who currently have the purple chip card can continue to use it. HealthEquity will send an email in the coming weeks to individuals who will either receive a new card or will have their HSA stacked on their prior card.

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.

Missions & Community Engagement

Welcoming Friends of All Abilities into Church – October 30 or November 2
The East Ohio Conference is partnering with Ashland Special Needs Ministry to offer a workshop that will teach participants how their church can be a more inclusive community, how to minister to church members, and how to best support their friends with differing abilities. Scheduled speakers are Christina Teevan, executive director of Ashland Special Needs Ministry; Jess Berryhill, Youth Disability minister & executive director of Terre Haute Friendship House; and Kloey Kaeser, an intern at Ashland Special Needs Ministry. The same program will be offered twice:

  • October 30 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Ashland Grace Church (1144 W Main St.)
  • November 2 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at UMC of Macedonia (1280 E Aurora Rd.)

The cost to register for the workshop is $15 and a box lunch is included. If you have questions about the event, please e-mail Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Missions & Community Engagement director in the Connectional Ministries office.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Download the flyer.

AIC Trauma-Resilience Worship Arts Workshop – October 15 or November 13
The trauma-resilience worship arts workshop offered through All In Community (AIC) ministry is designed for pastors, worship leaders, and music ministers who are responsible for creating worship environments. The workshop will explore ways in which we can use scripture, music, and liturgy to promote resilience among those gathered so that they may leave their worship services with a sense of healing from the pain and suffering of living in today’s world.

The workshop is offered twice: October 15 at Bexley UMC in Columbus and November 13 at Wedgewood UMC in Akron. Time of the workshop is 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on both days. The cost to register is $20 and includes lunch and material. If you have questions about the workshop, please e-mail Dr. Camisha Chambers.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

The Nehemiah Mission Boo-Rific Giveaway on October 26
All are welcome to the Nehemiah Mission in Cleveland (Fund 9136) from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on October 26 for its snacks, candy, clothes, shoes, and housewares giveaway. The Mission is located at 6515 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102. If you have questions about this event or the Nehemiah Mission, please e-mail or call the office, (216) 961-6968.

Download the flyer.

United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network Webinar – November 15
You are invited to be part of the United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network (UMAMN) webinar at noon on November 15. The theme of the free webinar is “Rural Affordable Housing Development: How to Get Started” and the presenter is Julie Keel, program director of Mountain T.O.P. in Tennessee. If you have questions about the webinar, please e-mail Angela Bates.

Get Involved in Missions
You are encouraged to visit the new Get Involved in Missions page of the East Ohio Conference website that can be accessed from the sidebar of the Missions & Community Engagement page. The page brings together in one place all missions opportunities in Ohio as well as those across the country and around the world. It also provides links to each of the five new Advance Specials ministries, the Listening Church resource, and offers resources for Welcoming Strangers: Immigration/Migration.

Disability Awareness resources have also been moved to be a standalone link on the sidebar of the Missions & Community Engagement page of the website.

Visit the Get Involved in Missions page.
Visit the DisAbility Awareness page.

Welcoming Strangers: Immigration/Migration Resources
Again, this year, the Board of Ministry Order of Deacons and the EOC Multicultural Ministries team in the Connectional Ministries office encourage all churches to highlight the lives of immigrants and refugees during Christmas tide (early January) in the worship calendar. The nativity story is upended with danger and fleeing to Egypt when Joseph, Mary, and Jesus find themselves living in a strange land.  Jesus can empathize with the modern-day immigrant, refugee, migrant or newcomer.  How do we tell this story and challenge each other to live a faith of welcome, empathy and compassion?

Get ideas from this EOC Immigration/Migration resource.

All In Community Second Chance Month Sermon Series
All In Community (Fund 9984) invites clergy to consider presenting a sermon series after Easter that focuses on second chances because April is Second Chance Month. You are encouraged during that month to assist individuals, communities, and agencies across the country in recognizing the importance of reentry and your role in supporting safe and successful reentry by building second chances. All In Community will resource your church with liturgy, providing guest preachers, inviting a restored citizen to be a part of worship, and bringing in speakers for presentations about the theology of reentry, how to welcome restored citizens into community, and more.

If you have questions about All In Community and/or Second Chance month, please e-mail Rev. Kathy Dickriede, director of Missions & Community Engagement in the Connectional Ministries office.

Learn more about All In Community ministry.

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.

Higher Education

College Ministry Opportunity in Columbus
Short North Church at The Ohio State University is reimagining how God’s love can be shared in the vibrant, dynamic environment of a college campus. The church is a bold community of believers who love Jesus and seek justice. It believes students and faculty are more eager than ever to find hope, experience joy, and spread kindness. A creative, energetic sanctuary that welcomes all people and celebrates diversity, the church is a beacon of goodness that connects, inspires, and uplifts the campus and the world around it. The church is love alive – and on fire for the Lord. Students can connect with the church for weekly Bible study on campus and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. for worship.

Learn more about Short North Church.

For questions about Higher Education ministry opportunities, please e-mail Pastor Christy Suffecool, Connectional Ministries office Young People’s Ministries co-director, or visit the Higher Education pages of the Conference website.

Camps & Retreat Ministries

Worship in God’s Creation at Camp Wanake
Worship in nature at Camp Wanake’s outdoor chapel on Vesper Hill. Campers walk together up the “God is Nigh” trail to an outdoor worship experience. Sing along to songs and listen to powerful testimonies during one of Wanake’s favorite traditions. This is often a powerful place to hear God’s voice and appreciate God’s creation.

Learn more about Camp Wanake.

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.

Spiritual Formation & Christian Education

Spiritual Formation Network Gatherings
If you are involved in spiritual formation and Christian education, you are invited to join your friends and colleagues via Zoom for devotions, support, question-asking and -answering, and sharing ideas. We will next gather online on November 5 at whichever time (9:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m.) is convenient for you. Invite your friends involved in spiritual formation and Christian education ministries to join you and us for this time together.

We will continue to meet on the first Tuesday of the month thereafter at 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. so that you can join whichever time works best for you that day. To receive the Zoom link, please e-mail Rev. Gary Jones, Camps & Retreat Ministries / Spiritual Formation & Christian Education director in the Connectional Ministries office.

For questions about Spiritual Formation & Christian Education ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, Connectional Ministries office Camps & Retreat Ministries / Spiritual Formation & Christian Education director, or visit the Spiritual Formation & Christian Education pages of the Conference website.

Clergy

Clergy Renewal Scholarship Offered
As people of faith, keeping “Sabbath” is essential to maintaining one’s relationship with God. For clergy to truly have a Sabbath, it is oftentimes necessary to get away from home! However, the cost of travel is always a consideration. Lakeside Chautauqua provides a place and helps with the cost. United Methodist clergy may apply for a Renewal Scholarship that will provide hotel lodging for up to three nights in the Fountain Inn. You are invited to take time with God along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie for rest and renewal. You can use this unstructured time for prayer, planning and mediation. The time is yours. Lakeside Chautauqua will provide your hotel room at no cost.

Learn more and apply by October 15.

Events: October 14 – October 27

Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.

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:

  • DeForest L. Winner, retired Elder, died September 25.

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

  • Office Manager – Wooster UMC
  • Caretaker – UMC in Stow
  • Executive Director – Urban Mission Ministries
  • Organist or Pianist – Centenary UMC in East Palestine
  • Christian Ministry Coordinator – Brunswick UMC

To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.

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Deadline for submission is Thursday, October 24, 2024. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.