January 6, 2025

EOC News

#BeUMC

The Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation podcast shares about ministries across the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church that are transforming lives locally, nationally, and globally.

Produced twice-a-month by EOC Communications, each podcast episode highlights one of the #BeUMC campaign core values that connect the people of The United Methodist Church: Disciple Making; Belonging & Inclusion; Influence, Connection & Impact; and Experience of God through The UMC.

Click the white play button in the above image to play Episode 49 “Influence, Connection & Impact: Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World”, which shares about the Bridges Out of Poverty philosophy of educator Ruby Payne and her company Aha! Process, Inc. and the Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By World program born from it.

EOC Communications Specialist Brett Hetherington moderates the Episode 49 panel discussion featuring these EOC clergy and laity who share how Bridges Out of Poverty is transforming the communities they serve:

  • Rev. Kathy Dickriede – EOC Missions & Community Engagement director
  • Meghan DeGregory – Girard UMC discipleship coordinator and Thrive 10:10 operations director
  • Pastor Marc Tibbs – Akron Centenary UMC

Listen to previous Storyboard podcast episodes.
View clergy and laity sharing their #BeUMC stories.

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

Bishop Jung Days in the Districts
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will spend a day in each district in the coming months.

  • February 27 | UMC of Macedonia (Northern Waters)
  • March 1 | Thoburn UMC (South Forest)
  • March 10 | Ashland Christ UMC (West Plains)
  • March 13 | Navarre Otterbein UMC (Central Valley)

On each of these days, clergy of the district are invited to join Bishop Jung beginning at 9:30 a.m. for a morning of worship and Bible study, followed by lunch, a session on district strategy and visioning, conversation with the bishop, and a closing worship service at 3:00 p.m. with communion. Laity of the district are invited to join Bishop Jung on these days at 5:00 p.m. for dinner followed by a worship service, Bible study, and a conversation on vision and ministry.

Read Bishop Jung’s Soul Food Messages on the EOC Website
Soul Food is a column that Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has been publishing for years to share important messages with laity and clergy of the Church. The Communications team has added on the homepage of the Conference website a quick link to access bishop’s Soul Food columns.

In his latest column “May We Each Live as One of the Magi” Bishop Jung shares part of his faith story.

“I first believed in Jesus when I was 16 years-old in Korea. That belief was a cultural shock to my life. The life of Jesus Christ came to me as a powerful light that pushed through the pessimism, the darkness, and the hopelessness I had been wrestling with. It added to my cultural identity. Yes, I was Korean, but I was also becoming a Christian,” he writes. “The story of the wise men, the magi, who went to Bethlehem to worship before the baby Jesus was born has become the central discourse of my life. I have been on a 50-year pilgrimage seeking to live like Christ since converting to Christianity in my youth.”

Bishop Jung encourages each of us to appreciate who we are and what we have to offer God and others.

“The Christmas story brings us joy because it reminds us that we all have something that we can give to God. Let us rejoice, O my Beloved! Let us enter the love of God and let us see God’s beauty.”

Read “May We Each Live as One of the Magi” in its entirety.

MLK Day Celebration

Service to Celebrate Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – January 19
The East and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church are coming together to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a joint worship service on Sunday, January 19 at Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church in Pepper Pike.

The theme of the day hosted by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is “Living the Dream: Bold Faith, Hopeful Future”. The 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. service will focus on building Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community rooted in justice, love, and hope.

The keynote speaker will be Bishop Julius C. Trimble, General Secretary of the General Board of Church & Society of The United Methodist Church. Known for his commitment to justice and reconciliation, Bishop Trimble will offer a message of inspiration and challenge. Following the service, an informal reception will take place, offering light refreshments and opportunities for fellowship and conversation.

The service, to inspire participants to carry forward Dr. King’s God-given vision of unity and hope, will be live-streamed allowing broader access for those unable to attend in-person.

Learn more about the January 19 MLK service.

MLK Day Services & Volunteer Opportunities
There are many opportunities across East Ohio for you to participate in a service and/or to volunteer your time serving at an event celebrating the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

View a list of service and volunteer opportunities.

Human Relations Day

Benefit Communities by Supporting the Human Relations Day Offering
Human Relations Day on Sunday, January 19 is a denomination-wide Special Sunday in The United Methodist Church that recognizes and celebrates what Jesus taught during his ministry: all of God’s children are important.

Human Relations Day is one of six Sundays in The United Methodist Church on which special offerings are received to benefit ministries of the Church. The special offering taken on this Sunday before the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is used to help build King’s vision of “the beloved community.”

By supporting Human Relations Day United Methodists are helping to change lives through social justice ministries and outreach through community developers, volunteer service, and youth offender rehabilitation programs.

  • 57% of the funds received in the Human Relations Day special offering support community developer programs that strive to build, maintain, promote, and strengthen racial-ethnic minority congregations through local UMC congregations.
  • 33% of the funds received support the United Methodist Voluntary Services (UMVS) that serves as a resource to congregations, volunteer-based groups, and programs that challenge unjust political, social, and economic systems which threaten the livelihoods of people.
  • 10% of the funds received support rehabilitation programs. These programs work to strengthen youth and young adult empowerment programs that provide positive avenues for them to participate in church ministries, mentoring programs, and service organizations in their communities.

Learn about and support Human Relations Sunday.

Annual Conference

Annual Conference 2025 – June 12-14
This year’s Annual Conference will be held on the College of Wooster campus. Worship services will be in McGaw Chapel and business sessions will be on the indoor track and Gault Recreation Center courts of the Scot Center.

Quadrennial Theme: “Rise Up, Beloved”
The four-year theme for Annual Conferences 2025-2028 is “Rise Up, Beloved” and Mark 5:35-43 (NIV) will be the theme scripture. In this first year of the quadrennium, both the East Ohio Conference and the West Ohio Conference will use the Annual Conference theme “Rise Up, Beloved: Trust in God’s Promises”. We will focus during our respective Annual Conference sessions on building unwavering faith, even in times of doubt or fear, much like Jairus’ faith in Jesus despite the news of his daughter’s death.

Financial & Administrative Services

Local Church / Year-End Report Form Update
Churches no longer need to complete Miscellaneous Data Sheets 1 & 2. Once the Conference books are closed for the year, the AC Stats site will be opened for churches to begin entering their data. This should occur sometime around January 13. The deadline to complete the reports has been extended to Monday, February 3.

2025 Mileage Rates
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the 2025 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Effective January 1, 2025, the mileage reimbursement rates for gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicles are:

  • 70 cents per mile driven for business use, an increase of 3 cents from the rate set for 2024.
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations. This rate pertains to a volunteer for the Conference, not for a Conference employee.

Ohio Minimum Wage
Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in the State of Ohio is $10.70//hour for non-tipped employees. The Federal Minimum wage is $7.25/hour.

Employers whose gross receipts are less than $394,000 shall pay their employees no less than the Federal minimum wage. Employers are required to post the minimum wage and overtime information in a conspicuous place, such as an employee break room or office that can be accessed by employees. A free downloadable copy of the 2025 Ohio Minimum Wage poster is available here.

Virgin Pulse is Now Personify Health
On January 1 Virgin Pulse – the company that powers our well-being program – became Personify Health. The name is new, but you still have access to the programs, features and activities you know and love, and your account, user history, and incentive-earning opportunities remain the same.

Your username and password remain the same but the log-in website link has changed to login.personifyhealth.com. When you update your Virgin Pulse app it will change to Personify Health and you’ll be asked to sign back in with the same username and password you use now. The other change you will notice is that emails will come from new email domains, @personifyhealth.com and @mail.personifyhealth.com.

For questions about Financial & Administrative Services ministries and opportunities, please e-mail Vera Milanovic, executive director of Financial & Administrative Services, or visit the Financial & Administrative Services pages of the Conference website.

Communications

Start the New Year By Reviewing Your Church Website
The website for your church is the most important tool your congregation has for reaching people who have never visited the church. That’s because people will search for your church online before visiting it in person. The following should be displayed prominently at or near the top of the church homepage:

  • the time(s) of the church worship service(s),
  • current pictures of church members engaged in ministry in the community,
  • information about ministry opportunities offered through the church, and
  • the address and phone number of the church.

The church website should also be built using a responsive platform, meaning that content layout adapts when viewed on a smartphone screen, which is the device used by more than half of all internet users worldwide.

Must-Haves for Your Church Phone Message
The worship time(s) posted on the church website should also be included on the audio recording that callers to the church office hear. Listed below is an example of a recording that includes information callers want to know.

“Thank you for calling _____ UMC, located at _____. We look forward to worshipping with you at _____ on _____. Please leave a message and a member of our ministry team will return your call promptly.”

The message will need to be kept current, updating it for special Sundays or for the summer when worship might be at a different time or a different location.

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.

Connectional Ministries

Retreat for Clergy Spouses – March 7-9
Join spouses of clergy from across many denominations for a March 7-9 retreat hosted at Wanake Camp and Retreat Center in Beach City. The retreat will be a time of fellowship, support, fun, and worship for clergy spouses, who hold a unique position in the life of the Church. The theme of this year’s retreat is drawn from the words of Psalm 93, “The crashing waves of the sea are loud and powerful, but the Lord Above is even more powerful.”

The cost of the retreat is $135. If you are the spouse of a United Methodist Church clergyperson, the cost is just $100 thanks to a generous donation from the East Ohio Conference. First-time clergy retreat attendees are eligible for a $50 discount. To receive the discount code, please e-mail Jeannette Burkhardt. The deadline to register is Friday, February 21.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

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.

Missions & Community Engagement

Resourcing Churches and Non-Profits – February 13
You are invited to discover best practices to resource and equip local churches and non-profits for thriving. Make plans to be part of the conversations from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13 at the UMC of Macedonia. Our time together will help create stronger boards, work toward sustainable funding, build courage for asking for funding and support, discover creative solutions to God-size dreams, and expand your capacity for searching for and writing grants. The keynote speaker will be Felecia King, director of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives for the Ohio Governor’s office. This event is not just for United Methodist churches. All churches and non-profit organizations are invited to attend, which is free with lunch included. You must register online by Friday, February 7. If you have questions about the event, please e-mail Rev. Kathy Dickriede, director of Missions & Community Engagement.

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

Poverty Simulation Experience – February 8
Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families but unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on Saturday, February 8 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Westlake UMC will move participants from misconceptions to understanding about poverty. CAPS is an interactive, immersive experience that sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. This is a simulation, not a game. The event is free, but you must register online by February 5. This event needs at least 30 people registered to be successful. Ages 13 and older are welcome, so this would be a great activity for youth groups.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

UMVIM Journeys and Mission Partnerships
The East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church has been invited to partner with the Methodist Church in Belize. We are also interested in strengthening our existing partnerships, like Camphor Mission in Liberia. A team is traveling to the Mission in late April. If you would like to be part a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) team to Belize or Liberia, please e-mail Rev. Kathy Dickriede, director of Missions & Community Engagement.

View mission opportunities in East Ohio and around the world.

UMVIM Long-Term Recovery Teams Are Forming
If you are interested in being a part of natural disaster rebuilding in places like Iowa, Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, or the Carolinas, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office. As teams form, you will be updated and invited to be a part of being the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus.

#Giving Tuesday Was a Success
Thank you to everyone who donated to one of the East Ohio Conference Advance partners on December 3. Twenty different Advances received matches and the grand total matched by the Board of Missions was $6,487. We hope you will continue to support our conference mission partners in the new year.

Deadline to Apply to Be an Advance Special – January 15
If you know of a mission or ministry that would like to become an Advance Special, please know that the deadline to apply is January 15. If you have questions about Advances, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office.

View and learn about current Advance Specials.

All In Community
All In Community (AIC) is a joint ministry of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church, and a conference Advance mission partner (EOC Fund 9984). Its purpose is to engage individuals, churches, criminal justice professionals, and community leaders at the local level to restore hope and support healing in lives involved in the criminal justice system. If you would like to receive email updates on the ministry’s work, please  e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office, and she will add you to the mailing list.

Learn about and support All In Community ministry.

AIC: Frankly Speaking with Four Friends – January 7
This is an opportunity to engage with restored neighbors in conversations that will enlighten people about their lived experiences to reduce the stigma around incarceration. The online meeting takes place at 7:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

Download the Franky Speaking with Four Friends flyer.

AIC: HOPE Letters Meeting – January 13
HOPE Letters is a signature initiative of AIC that is endorsed by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to provide a mentorship through correspondence opportunity for its residents as they prepare to return home. The online meeting takes place at 7:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month.

Download the HOPE Letters flyer.

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.

Multicultural Ministries

Pro-Racial Equity Network Zoom Event – January 9
January Focus: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The pro-racial equity network is a gathering of East Ohio UMC and Heartland Conference UCC clergy and laity who gather to be inspired, connected, equipped, and supported toward the vision of a world where pro-racial equity is the norm at work. This January, our focus is to reflect on the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Together, we will explore how his teachings guide us toward equity and justice in our communities today.

On Thursday, January 9 we will gather via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for a conversation with Dr. Tejai Beulah Howard, Ph.D. for a conversation about how we can each live into Dr. King’s legacy. Please join us as we dive into Dr. King’s prophetic words and their call to action in our work for racial equity. Let’s learn together and take the first step toward transformation in the new year.”

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – January 18 – 25
Laity and clergy of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church are invited to join our ecumenical partners in a week of Christian unity January 18-25. This week is a vital expression of our faith and hope in the reconciliation that Jesus offers us all. It reminds us of the beauty and strength of diversity within the Christian family and calls us to work together for justice, peace, and the flourishing of all creation.

This year’s theme, “Do You Believe?” drawn from John 11:26, encourages us to deepen our faith and live-out our shared belief in Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. In 2025, we also commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which defined the shared foundations of Christian faith. This milestone invites us to reflect on our common heritage and affirm our unity in the Nicene Creed, a profound declaration of belief that has united Christians across centuries and traditions.

View World Council of Churches week of prayer resources.
View Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious week of prayer resources.

Ecumenical Worship Service – January 23
You are invited to join Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, our resident bishop of the Ohio Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, for prayer and worship at 7:00 p.m. on January 23 at Christ Redeemer Lutheran Church (9201 Brecksville Road) in Brecksville.

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.

Young People’s Ministries

January 9 is the Deadline to Register for the Youth Leaders Retreat
Join us for the annual Young People’s Ministries Youth Leaders Retreat January 17-18 at the Embassy Suites, Akron Canton Airport (7883 Freedom Ave NW, North Canton, OH). This retreat is for youth workers, pastors, volunteers, and teams who work with youth and young adults. Our theme this year is “Better Together” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

This will be a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who have a passion for student ministry where you can build relationships, share ideas, and grow together. Come and enjoy fellowship and support with intentional time set aside to be renewed and refreshed. There is a cost for the retreat, and you must register online by January 9.

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.

Higher Education

Otterbein University Participates in UM Dollars for Scholars
The United Methodist Dollars for Scholars program provides a powerful way to financially support students attending a United Methodist-affiliated college, such as Otterbein University. By making a $1,000 donation, your church can help award a scholarship worth up to $4,000 to a student in your congregation. Your willingness to invest in your young members can lead to significant support for their educational journey. Here’s how it works:

  • Your church contributes $1,000 toward the scholarship of a student from your congregation who will be attending a United Methodist-affiliated college or university.
  • The United Methodist Foundation will match your church’s contribution with an additional $1,000.
  • Your conference Foundation will contribute another $1,000.
  • Otterbein University, as a United Methodist-affiliated institution, will add $1,000 as well, creating a total award of $4,000 for the student.

Otterbein University embraces an interfaith approach to spiritual development, fostering an inclusive community dedicated to educating the whole person within a framework of humane values. Our mission is to prepare graduates to think deeply and broadly, engage both locally and globally, and advance their professions and communities. If a student chooses to use this program for Otterbein University, they must apply for admission to qualify.

Learn more and apply for Dollars for Scholars.
Visit the Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid page of the EOC website.

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

Happy New Year from East Ohio Camps
We think more camping should be on everyone’s list of resolutions for 2025. We wish you all an amazing year!

Learn more about East Ohio Camps & Retreat Ministries.

Registration is Open for Summer Camp 2025
We’re excited to collaborate with your congregation in making Summer Camp an essential part of the spiritual growth of your children and youth. If you have questions about camp and/or would like to request a brochure, please e-mail the Camps office or call us at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.

Learn about and register for Summer Camp.

Join Our Summer Camp Staff
Camp Aldersgate, Camps Asbury, and Camp Wanake are seeking summer camp staff age 18+ who are positive, adaptable individuals who love God, care for kids, and enjoy the outdoors. Internships are available, providing valuable experience that enhance your resume. Share this information with someone you believe would be a great summer staff member. If you have questions, please call or e-mail the camp sites:

  • Camp Aldersgate: (330) 627-4369; e-mail
  • Camp Asbury: (330) 569-3171; e-mail
  • Camp Wanake: (330) 756-2333; e-mail

Apply to be a Summer Camp staff person.

Confirmation Day at Camp Asbury – February 8
Spend a full day (9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.) at Camp Asbury delving into United Methodist teachings and deepening your faith. This one-day winter retreat will offer introductory sessions on key topics such as What United Methodists Believe, the Sacraments, the Structure of the UMC, Spiritual Disciplines, UM History, and Worship. Camp Asbury provides the perfect setting to reflect on faith while connecting with the beauty of God’s creation. Some sessions will take place outdoors, inviting you to experience God’s presence in nature. Strengthen your friendships with other youth and begin to explore the unique role you have within The United Methodist Church. The cost of the retreat is $70/youth and $60/adult, and one chaperone is required per six youth. Lunch and dinner will be provided. If you have questions about this retreat, please call Camp Asbury at (330) 569-3171 or the East Ohio Camps office at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.

Learn more and register online.

Confirmation Weekend at Camp Wanake – February 21-23
Bring your Confirmation class for a weekend to remember exploring the United Methodist understanding of the sacraments, the ways we talk about and experience God, how we can connect with God in prayer, and the heritage and polity of The United Methodist (aka History & Polity). Our time for learning will be hands-on, engaging, and fun. One adult chaperone must be present for the weekend for every six youth of the same gender as the chaperone. The cost of the retreat is $169/youth ($149 before February 3) and $159/adult ($139 before February 3). If you have questions about this retreat, please call Camp Wanake at (330) 756-2333 or the East Ohio Camps office at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.

Learn more and register online.

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 – January 7
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 January 7 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. February 4 will be the day we meet next month. 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.

Events: January 6 – January 20

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:

  • David Rinkes died November 28.
  • Dennis Hartman, retired Elder, died November 15.

View obituaries.

To submit the obituary of an EOC clergy, a clergy spouse, a child of a clergy person, or a 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

  • Administrative Assistant – West Side Community House
  • Church Housekeeper/Custodian – Family of Faith UMC in Akron
  • Director of Modern Worship – Mentor UMC

Items Available/Wanted

  • New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary in 12 volumes and The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible in five volumes – Pastor Bob Miller

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, January 21, 2025.

Thursday, January 16, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.