Appointments

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung announces the following clergy appointments and/or changes of status which, unless otherwise noted, are effective July 1, 2025.

2025 Appointments
Pastor	Appointment	District	Effective
Kimberly Arbaugh	Extension Ministry: Steubenville Urban Mission	South Forest	2/1/2025
John Armstrong	New Philadelphia Otterbein & Dellroy UMCs	South Forest	11/1/2024
Wendy Brown	Granger & Sharon Center UMCs	West Plains	1/1/2025
Jesse Chapman-Secrest	Howland UMC – Associate Pastor	Central Valley	9/15/2024
Jeff Croft	Thoburn UMC	South Forest	8/1/2024
Richard Darr	Crosspoint UMC	Central Valley	10/13/2024
Bill Jones	Orange & Plainfield UMCs	South Forest	11/1/2024
Ken Kelley	Girard & MacDonald Woodland Park UMCs & Thrive 10:10	Central Valley	8/4/2024
Michael Parisher	Deacon Appointed Beyond the Local Church: South Street Ministries	Central Valley	8/1/2024
Ashley Steele	Extension Ministry: Pittsburgh Theological Seminary	South Forest	10/1/2024
Michael Ward	Malvern & Waynesburg Centenary UMCs	Central Valley	10/1/2024
Bill Wendell	Extension Ministry: House of the Carpenter	South Forest

View the complete list of 2025 Appointments and Changes of Status, including retirees and those concluding their ministry.

#BeUMC

Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 50 Highlights Ministry Relationships

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.

Episode 50 looks back at key moments of our first 49 episodes on which 115 unique guests shared about their ministries and the importance that human interaction plays in transforming lives for Jesus Christ.

“Through all these stories one thing resonates loudly, that relationships are key. Not one of these four pillars can be accomplished in solitude,” said Brett Hetherington, EOC Communications specialist who moderates each Storyboard episode.

“As much as God created us for relationships, He created humans for story, and we live out our lives within His grand story which is what our podcast here is all about: sharing stories about what it means to be United Methodist here in our corner of the world,” he continued.

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.

Financial & Administrative Services

2025 Statements Are Now Available in Ministry Financials
When you log into Ministry Financials look on the right side of your main page and locate the box titled “Monthly Statements”. All statements can be found there.

Please note that the statements no longer have a line item for Fund 88, District Missional Support. Also, district budgets and financials are now part of the Conference budget and financial operations. If you have any questions about your statement, please e-mail Eva Casey.

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.

Disaster Response

California Fires
Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank, resident bishop of the Los Angeles Area of The United Methodist Church, is grateful for the outpouring of prayers and support for the people and communities impacted by the ongoing deadly fires in California. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has issued two solidarity grants for $10,000 each to the California Pacific (Cal-Pac) Conference of The UMC to assist with recovery related to the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire.

You can best support the recovery effort by visiting these websites to make an online donation:

• Cal-Pac LA Fires Recovery Fund and clicking on the donate link,
• UMCOR U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery Fund and clicking on USDR California fires in the dropdown menu.
• EOC UMC Fund 1327 UMCOR US Disaster Response and typing ‘California Fires’ in the memo box

As always when disasters strike, do not self-deploy. If the Cal-Pac Conference requests UMCOR Early Response Teams (ERT), the East Ohio Disaster Response Committee will reach out to our ERT-trained contacts. If you have any questions about ERT, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office, or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 102.

Advanced Early Response Team (ERT) Training – January 25
On Saturday, January 25, the West Ohio Conference Hocking River District will host the following advanced ERT 200 classes:

• Team Leader/Assistant Team Leader (2 hrs.)
• Cleaning a Flooded Home (2.5 hrs.)
• Site Evaluation (3 hrs.)

East Ohio ERTs have been invited to participate in these training opportunities, which are only for individuals who have current ERT certification. You may stay for one, two, or all three classes. These are three of the advanced ERT 200 classes recommended by United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and highlighted during the Basic course. ERTs must recertify every three years. If you are unsure of your certification date, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office.

The class will be taught by West Ohio Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Tom Clinch. The cost is $25 for all three classes, lunch and materials are included. Deadline to register is January 24.

Register for the January 25 Advanced ERT training.

Missions & Community Engagement

#STILLINMISSION – February 6
Join this online learning opportunity at 8:00 p.m. on February 6 to hear UM missionaries sharing first-hand accounts of their ministries and the difference God is making in the lives of them and the people with whom they serve.

The episode will feature: Lester and Deborah Dornan, who serve with the UM Mission in Nepal; Mamei Sombo Lansana, a recent visitor to East Ohio and mission advocate for young adult service; C. Wieck, who coordinates English-language programming in southeast Asia; and Yu-ting Chiu, who serves in communications in Thailand.

Learn more and register to participate.

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.

Love to Sew, Love to Knit, Love to Crochet, Love to Be Creative – February 12
On Wednesday, February 12 a group will gather online from 10:00-11:30 a.m. to share what they are doing for missions in their communities using their creative talents of sewing, knitting, crocheting, and much more. God wants and needs us to create beautiful things using our love, passion and talents for good in the world. If you have questions about this opportunity, please e-mail Rev. Kathy Dickriede, director of Missions & Community Engagement in the Connectional Ministries office.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

Poverty Simulation Experience – March 2
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 Sunday, March 2 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Akron First 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 27. This event needs at least 15 facilitators and 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.
Download the poverty simulation flyer.

UMVIM Journey Immigration Immersion – March 23-29
Join team leader Rev. Kathy Dickriede on a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) journey to Texas where you will join an organization on a journey through the migration process. This is an opportunity to bear witness to what we hear about but rarely see. The journey will place you in the lives of immigrant leaders serving families on the U.S./Mexico border. The journey offers opportunities to learn the complexities of immigration on the border and to serve in immigrant ministries. From volunteering at a local immigrant shelter to serving alongside immigrant pastors and their congregations, these opportunities will be eye-opening and will give you a first-hand look at ministry alongside immigrant communities.

The cost of the trip is in the range of $500-$1,000 and space is limited to 10 people. It is hoped that those who are part of this team will be interested in leading a future journey to this region to share the story of migration. If you are interested in joining the journey, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office.

Partner with Missionaries Around the World
Local churches are needed to pray for, support, and partner with the more than 200 United Methodist missionaries serving in over 60 countries around the world. Please e-mail Kate Colbow, Conference secretary of Global Ministries, to arrange a date/time for her to speak to your church or small group about how you can support UM missionaries.

Learn about becoming a missionary covenant partner.

Now Accepting 2025 Mustard Seed Migration Grant Applications
The General Board of Global Ministries and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) invite local churches to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 to be used to engage in new, one-time community-based ministries focused on migrants and refugees.

Learn more and apply for a mustard seed grant.

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

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 an ecumenical worship service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The service is Thursday, January 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Christ Redeemer Lutheran Church (9201 Brecksville Road) in Brecksville.

Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans, reflect on our shared history, and commit ourselves to the ongoing work of racial justice. As United Methodists, we are called to stand against racism. Our Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church and our Book of Resolutions affirm our commitment to racial justice and reconciliation. Our East Ohio Conference has been engaged in this work – and we encourage pastors, congregations, and faith communities to use this time to deepen your understanding and take tangible steps toward justice.

To assist in accomplishing this goal, each Monday during February the Multicultural Ministries office will highlight select resources through the Conference website and communications tools such as E-News and social media platforms. Additional EOC, UMC and ecumenical resources can be found on the newly created Black History Month page of the Conference website.

Visit the EOC Black History Month resource page.

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.

Higher Education

Fall 2025 College Scholarship Applications
March 31 is the deadline to apply for the three scholarships for United Methodist undergraduate students offered by the East Ohio Conference Board of Higher Education & Campus Christian Ministry (BHECCM):

• a Merit scholarship,
• a Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM) scholarship, and
• the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. scholarship.

Fifteen United Methodist students received a total of $50,000 in scholarships in 2024.

Learn more and apply on the scholarships/grants/aid page of the EOC website.

2026 Collegiate Ministry Grant Applications
February 28 is the deadline for collegiate campus ministries with a connection to United Methodist churches to apply for a 2026 Missions and Ministries grant. In 2025, five campus ministries were awarded over $78,000 in grants. If you have questions about the grant application, please e-mail Pastor Christy Suffecool, co-director of Young People’s Ministries in the Connectional Ministries office.

Learn more and apply on the scholarships/grants/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

Registration is Open for Summer Camp 2025
We can’t wait to welcome the kids from your congregation to camp. Encourage them to bring a friend. Let’s make 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. – 6:00 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 – February 4
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 February 4 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. In March we will meet on March 4. To receive the meeting 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 Well-Being Survey
Within the next few weeks, 6,000 clergy will receive an e-mail with information about taking an online survey for Versta Research on behalf of Wespath. The recipients of the survey e-mail represent a cross-section of active U.S. United Methodist clergy by jurisdiction, age, gender, race/ethnicity and clergy type). The survey consists of questions covering multiple dimensions of well-being (physical, emotional, social, spiritual and financial) and the vocational setting. The survey is designed to help identify clergy well-being needs, including the effects of vocational situations within the Church environment, and to monitor changes in clergy well-being over time.

Information derived from the survey will be used to identify key concerns that clergy are facing and develop programs and resources to support United Methodist clergy in leading healthier lives – for themselves, their families, their congregations and communities. Once all surveys have been completed, Wespath will publish its findings. Wespath has been conducting this Clergy Well-Being Survey biennially since 2012.

View summary results of past clergy well-being surveys.

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 February 15.

Events: January 21 – February 2

Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.

• Tuesday, January 21
  Free Community Meal
• Wednesday, January 22
  From the Scroll to the Book
• Saturday, February 1
  Royal Family KIDS Camp Mini LIFT Training

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:

• Nancy M. Cooper, surviving spouse of the Rev. Donald L. Cooper, died January 19.
• Dale A. Patterson, clergy spouse, died January 13.
• Kathryn Wadsley, retired Deacon, died January 3.

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

• Office Administrator – Avon UMC
• Administrative Assistant – West Side Community House

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, February 3, 2025.

Thursday, January 30, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.