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 |
| Jennifer Darling-Mellott | Columbia UMC | West Plains | |
| Kevin Daugherty | Cadiz Scott Memorial & Scio UMCs | South Forest | |
| Tennille Power | North Olmsted & Rockport UMCs | Northern Waters | |
| Scott Walsh | Westbrook Park UMC | Central Valley | |
| Ben Weisbrod | Chapel Hills & Three Crosses UMCs | West Plains | |
#BeUMC
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 54 “Experiencing Summer Camp”
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation is a podcast highlighting 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 focuses on one of the core values of the #BeUMC campaign: Disciple Making; Belonging & Inclusion; Influence, Connection & Impact; and Experience of God through The United Methodist Church.
Episode 54 “Experiencing Summer Camp” features a conversation with leaders of the three East Ohio Conference campsites: Aldersgate, Asbury and Wanake.
“At Camp kids get the opportunity to be in creation and experience the beauty of creation which is another testimony and another way that they can get to know God the Creator,” said Rev. Gary Jones, Camps & Retreat Ministries director.
“We have a whole summer staff full of people ready to lead kids spiritually from different countries from our country from different places in life,” said Meredith Mateer, Camp Aldersgate director. “The opportunity that kids have to see themselves reflected in someone that’s in a spiritual leadership position is really special.” Camp Asbury Director John Cruz says camp community is like no other. “It’s so impactful because of how close that small group setting is that they’re in.”
Learn about and register for EOC Summer Camp.
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’s Soul Food Message #5: A Lenten Invitation
“And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.” – Mark 1:12-13 (NRSVA)
Each year we take a journey from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday called Lent. This is a time of introspection and devotional reflection. Many people make commitments to give up something they enjoy throughout this period, a symbolic gesture of sacrifice and self-denial. But beyond giving up chocolate or coffee or sweets or television, the Lenten period is a time for deep personal evaluation and reassessment. Lent can also be a time to think about what more we can give instead of what we can give up.
This year I invite us all to give more time and attention to what makes us faithful Christian disciples. Our challenge is to enter into a wilderness time with Jesus, to give Jesus our companionship throughout the weeks leading to Easter. Day-by-day, step-by-step we journey into wilderness – a place that is unfamiliar, dangerous, challenging, unknown, and filled with temptations. This is an invitation to make a conscious and intentional decision to go places that might be uncomfortable, threatening, frightening, or overwhelming for some, but we all enter in knowing that “angels wait on us,” and protect us.
Read the Bishop’s message in its entirety.
Days in the Districts, Laity Convocation & Clergy School of Ministry
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, resident bishop of the new Ohio Episcopal Area, has concluded his first annual days in the districts. The bishop hosted clergy and laity in each of the six districts of the West Ohio Conference and in each of the four districts of the East Ohio Conference. Throughout the 10 days apart across the State of Ohio, the bishop has shared a consistent message with laity and clergy.
“We are a church for the future, not a church of the past,” Jung said. “The United Methodist Church has a lot to offer but we need to continue to shake it up and take risks to be impactful in the community. We are in this journey together.”
This fall Bishop Jung will host times for laity and for clergy.
- A Laity Convocation is scheduled for August 15-16.
- The Clergy School of Ministry will take place at Lakeside Chautauqua September 18-20.
Details about each gathering will be released in the coming weeks.
Annual Conference
Annual Conference 2025 – June 12-14
The theme for Annual Conference 2025 is “Rise Up, Beloved: Trust in God’s Promises”. The services and sessions will be grounded in the words of Mark 5:35-43 (NIV). The conference is June 12-14 on the College of Wooster campus.
Clergy Executive Session & Laity Session Scheduled
Clergy will gather for Executive Session on Wednesday, June 11 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in McGaw Chapel on the campus. Laity will gather for Laity Session on Thursday, June 12 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in Gault Recreation Center.
AC 2025 Registration to Open April 1, Close May 16
Registration, again this year, is online only. Each registrant will need their own e-mail address – one that isn’t shared by anyone else who needs to register for this year’s conference. Registration will be accessed from the East Ohio Conference website.
New to AC Registration: On-Campus Lodging, Meal Plan
Being on the College of Wooster campus provides opportunities for staying in a residence hall during conference and for participating in a meal plan. If you choose to participate in either or both opportunities, you will need to indicate so and pre-pay during online registration. You will not be able to sign-up for meals or housing onsite.
Volunteers Needed for Annual Conference 2025
The Annual Conference Program/Hospitality Committee is looking for individuals who would like to volunteer during this year’s conference on the College of Wooster campus. There are many positions to fill, and opportunities for all.
Complete the Annual Conference volunteer interest survey.
Vacation Bible School to Return to Annual Conference
The Annual Conference Program/Hospitality Committee is planning Vacation Bible School (Pre-K through 5th grade) during this year’s conference. We will use the Cokesbury curriculum “Road Trip: On the Go with God” and its provided materials.
If you have a passion for ministry with children and are available to volunteer to lead music, games, crafts, and more, please e-mail Pastor Amy Vittorio. All volunteers will be required to complete the East Ohio Conference background check and Safe Sanctuaries training.
Midwest Mission Collection Truck at AC 2025 – June 12-13
The Midwest Mission truck will be at Annual Conference on Thursday, June 12 (noon-5:00 p.m.) and Friday, June 13 (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). Make plans to bring your personal dignity kits and home care kits during those days and times.
Midwest Mission is part of the disaster relief supply network of United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and is a EOC mission advance partner (Fund 9944).
View the list of needed items for the Midwest Mission truck.
Communications
EOC Website Can Now Be Viewed in Six Languages
The East Ohio Conference website can now be viewed in the four official languages of The United Methodist Church (English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili) and Korean, and Spanish. To view a page of the website in one of those languages, locate the Google translate button in the right corner of the website’s banner and select the language. The translation feature is available on computers, i-Pads, tablets, and mobile devices.
For questions about Communications ministries such as the #BeUMC campaign, live-streaming, licensing, social media and more, please e-mail Rick Wolcott, executive director of Communications, or visit the Communications pages of the Conference website.
Disaster Response
Orientations Scheduled for Church Disaster Response Contacts
In 2024, the Disaster Response Committee asked each church to identify a disaster contact person in the event of a local disaster. This is because when disaster strikes, the appointed pastor will most likely be very busy and in need of someone to assist them. About 170 churches named a disaster contact and since this is a new leadership position, the committee is hosting online orientations. These orientations are open to anyone who might be interested in becoming their church’s disaster response contact in the future.
- West Plains on March 18 at 7:00 p.m.
- Northern Waters on March 25 at 7:00 p.m.
- South Forest on March 29 at 9:30 a.m.
- Central Valley on April 6 at 4:00 p.m.
To receive the link to the online orientation, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries office administrative assistant. Questions about EOC and local church disaster response should be sent via e-mail to Tom King, Disaster Response Committee chairperson.
Learn more about East Ohio Conference Disaster Response.
Missions & Community Engagement
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 to support healing in the lives of those 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: Task Force – March 19
All are invited to the online AIC Task Force meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19. The guest speaker will be Rachel Sobitz of Relink. She will share tips on how to use Relink in your ministry. Registration is not necessary; you can join using the Zoom link below.
Join the AIC Task Force online meeting.
AIC: Creating Brave Space – March 24
The pillars of restorative justice build upon the “what” of putting things right through the lens of addressing the universal needs of human dignity. But how do you move to the next step and create an environment that allows for healing to begin? This month on Ministry Mondays, we will gain an understanding and begin developing the nuanced components needed to help you create a brave space within your own ministry context. This event is free, but you will need to register in advance to get the Zoom link. If you have questions about this opportunity, please e-mail Jami Nathan.
Migrant Ministries Online Panel Discussion – April 2
All are invited to the online panel discussion of the Task Force on United Methodist Immigration Ministries of Ohio from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2. The discussion topic will be “what local churches are doing to share God’s love with migrants, asylum-seekers, refugees, and immigrants”. Speakers will share the logistics of their ministries, including programs that are offering sanctuary, housing, food, educational support, and other tangible services. If you have questions about this discussion, please e-mail Emily Kvalheim.
Register to receive the online discussion link.
Green Church Training – April 23
Green Church training provides a solid foundation for moving your church toward green solutions. The training includes Biblical, Wesleyan, and United Methodist teachings on creation care, tips for forming a Green Team at your church, and plenty of ideas and suggestions for creative ways to make your church green aware. The training must be attended by at least two people from each church (either two lay or one lay, one clergy). After completing the training, churches will either create a Green Team (if they do not already have one) or complete a green project at their church.
The training will take place at Ashland First UMC on April 23 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Cost of the training is $50 for a church team of two people; additional church members are welcome to attend at $10 per person. Dinner will be provided. Please register all participants from your church at the same time. The last day to register is April 15. If you have any questions about this training, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant.
Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Visit the Creation Care webpages of the EOC website.
Mental Health First-Aid Training – April 29
You are invited to participate in metal health first-aid training at the East Ohio Area Center (8800 Cleveland Ave. NW in North Canton) from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29. Come learn how to help people in trauma, suffering with substance abuse, and experiencing mental health issues. When equipped with information and insight, churches and faith-based organizations can play a significant role in helping people seek treatment from a trained mental health professional.
There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided, but you do need to register in advance. We need a minimum number registered to move forward with the training and no-shows may receive an invoice from the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Collaborative. Upon successful completion of the training, you will be certified/re-certified by MHFA. If you have any questions about the training, please e-mail certified MHFA trainer Meghan DeGregory of Thrive 10:10.
Discover … Mission Peru – December 2025
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Discover … Mission are mission journeys for 20- to 30-year-olds who want to experience God’s call in the world. You are invited to join other young adults from across the United States to travel to Peru in December. Scholarships are available and full details are in the brochure below. To learn more, please e-mail the Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Connectional Ministries office Missions & Community Engagement director. The last day to apply is September 1.
Download the Discover … Mission brochure.
Beyond Borders Webinars Offered in March & April
East Ohio Methodists for Social Action (MFSA), the Order of the Deaconess and Home Missioners (DHM), and United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) have teamed to offer the webinar series “Beyond Borders: Centering Humanity in the Immigration Conversation”.
Through powerful storytelling, expert insights, and action-oriented discussions, we will deepen our collective understanding of immigration and migration justice. This series will equip us to advocate for just policies and practices. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage, learn, and stand in solidarity.
- March 26 @ 1:00 p.m. with Jeff Steward of Project Ohio
- April 2 @ 1:00 p.m. with Pablo Delgado of Open Arms
- April 9 @ 1:00 p.m. with Cindy Johnson of La Posada Providencia
Register for the Beyond Borders Webinar Series.
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
Fall 2025 College Scholarship Applications Due by March 31
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. If you have questions about scholarships, grants, or financial aid offered by the East Ohio Conference, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries office administrative assistant.
Learn more and apply on the scholarships, grants, and 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
Tour EOC Summer Camp Sites and Meet the Staff
You are invited to come tour the sites of our EOC Summer Camp, talk to the staff, and see what is being offered for Summer Camp 2025.
- Camp Asbury in Hiram – April 13 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Camp Wanake in Beach City – April 26 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m., which includes the Resurrection Egg Hunt
- Camp Aldersgate in Carrollton – May 4 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
If these dates do not work with your schedule, please contact the sites directly via phone or e-mail to schedule your own visit.
- Camp Asbury at info@campasbury.org or (330) 569-3171
- Camp Wanake at info@campwanake.org or (330) 756-2333
- Camp Aldersgate at info@campaldersgate.org or (330) 627-4369
Summer Camp 2025
At Summer Camp, children, youth, and adults come together to learn new skills, experience new adventures, and make lasting friendships, all under the care of our trained, creative, and compassionate staff. We look forward to partnering with your congregation as you make Summer Camp a key part of the spiritual growth for your children and youth.
Summer Camp offers great places and great experiences guided by trained, caring staff. 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.
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.
United Women in Faith
New Website Unveiled for Assembly 2026
United Women in Faith is excited to announce that the website for Assembly 2026 is now available for use. The next Assembly is scheduled for May 15-17, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Registration opens September 1. The theme of Assembly 2026 is “Dream it! Believe it! Do it!” Participants will:
- be nurtured by deep soul care experiences.
- be equipped through cutting-edge workshops.
- be inspired by top women experts in their field.
- become influencers through networking connections.
Visit the Assembly 2026 website.
Events: March 17 – March 30
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Tuesday, March 18
Free Community Meal - Wednesday, March 26
Beyond Borders: Centering Humanity in the Immigration Conversation - Wednesday, March 26
Community Family Forum
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:
- Raymond R. Miller, retired Elder, died March 10.
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.
To Subscribe
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Thursday, March 27, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
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