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 |
| Jarrod Blood | Ashtabula First & Amboy UMCs | Northern Waters | |
| Clarence Hensel | Danville & Hopewell UMCs | West Plains | |
| Bruce Hitchcock | Willoughby Hills UMC | Northern Waters | |
| Brandon Keck | Carrollton First UMC | South Forest | |
| David McGrath | Seville UMC | West Plains | |
| Shannon Pitorak | Personal Leave | Northern Waters | |
| Lindsay Robinson | Melmore, Republic Trinity, Sycamore, Tiffin St. Pauls, & Tiffin Faith UMCs | West Plains | |
#BeUMC
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 55 – “My Call Story: Jess Martz”
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.
In Episode 55 “My Call Story” Mayfield United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry Director Jess Martz shares from the heart about the process she went through answering Gods’ call into ministry. She and her volunteers spend their days working to bring the message of the Kingdom of God to the ears and hearts of young children and their families.
“I wish I would have prayed for discernment the first time Rev. Carrie Antczak approached me because I just kind of dismissed her comment the first time, assuming that was not the right position for me or that that was just not a calling from the Lord,” Martz shared. “Don’t let any preconceived notions deter you from your calling.”
She added, “If you don’t feel a specific call to ministry, you can still minister to others in whatever job you have, sharing your faith story and letting people know that Jesus loves them.”
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
Days on the District for Clergy and Laity
In a video interview Bishop Hee-Soo Jung shares about his days apart with clergy and laity in the four districts of the East Ohio Conference and the six districts of the West Ohio Conference. The theme for the bishop’s days in each district was “Healing & Restoration in Community” grounded in the words of Mark 2:1-12.
View Bishop Jung’s video interview.
View & download each of Bishop Jung’s videos on EOC Vimeo.
Bishop’s Mission Dinner @ AC 2025 – June 12
On the opening night of Annual Conference 2025, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will host a Missions Dinner in Kittredge Hall on the College of Wooster campus. Bishop Sung-Bok Kim, resident bishop of the Seoul Annual Conference, will be the keynote speaker at the dinner that will celebrate the Methodist missions partnership of Ohio United Methodist churches and The Korean Methodist Church. Tickets for the dinner must be purchased during online registration for Annual Conference 2025.
Celebrating Methodist Missions in Ohio & Korea – August 4-6
“Celebrating Methodist Missions in Ohio, Korea, and Beyond: The 140-year Legacy of Mary & William Scranton” is a three-day event to be hosted at Church of the Saviour UMC in Cleveland Heights August 4-6. We will welcome a delegation of clergy and laity from Seoul and celebrate together our missions partnership. Scheduled speakers include Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Bishop Kim Jung-seok, Korean Methodist Church presiding bishop, and Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president of the Council of Bishops of The Unite Methodist Church. As additional details are finalized, they will be released in future issues of E-News and on the East Ohio Conference website.
Laity Convocation – August 15-16
All laity in the East and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church are invited to participate in a Laity Convocation hosted by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung August 15-16 at Worthington UMC. As additional details are finalized, they will be released in future issues of E-News and on the East Ohio Conference website.
Clergy School of Ministry – September 18-20
All clergy in the East and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church are expected to participate in the Clergy School of Ministry hosted by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung September 18-20 at Lakeside Chautauqua. As additional details are finalized, they will be released in future issues of E-News and on the East Ohio Conference website.
Annual Conference
AC 2025 Registration Opens April 1, Closes May 16
Lay and clergy members to Annual Conference and guests will be able to register for this year’s session beginning on April 1. Again, this year, registration is online only and there will be no onsite registration at Annual Conference.
AC 2025 is June 12-14; Clergy Executive Session is June 11
This year’s Annual Conference and Clergy Executive Session will be hosted on the College of Wooster campus. The AC 2025 theme is “Rise Up, Beloved: Trust in God’s Promises” and the services and sessions will be grounded in the words of Mark 5:35-43 (NIV). 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.
Learn more on the Annual Conference 2025 website.
New to AC 2025: Residence Hall Housing Option & Meal Plan
Annual Conference attendees will have the option of staying in a residence hall on campus during conference. Attendees will also be able to purchase a meal plan that includes lunch on Thursday; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday; and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Note that those who stay in a residence hall must purchase the meal plan, per College policy. Those who choose the meal plan, and those who select to stay in a residence hall during Annual Conference, must make those decisions and prepay for those options during online registration.
After AC 2025 registration closes on May 16 you will not be able to reserve a residence hall room or purchase a meal in the dining hall on the College of Wooster campus.
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 AC 2025 volunteer interest survey.
Childcare Scholarship Application
Parents of children aged infant to 10-years old may apply for a childcare scholarship through the Connectional Ministries Office. Again, this year, there will be no onsite childcare during Annual Conference.
Apply for a childcare scholarship.
Vacation Bible School Returns to Annual Conference
Vacation Bible School (VBS) will use the new Cokesbury curriculum “Road Trip: On the Go with God” to take children aged Pre-K through 5th grade on an adventure during Annual Conference. VBS will meet near the cafeteria in the Lowry Student Center during sessions of Annual Conference. Parents will need to pick up their child(ren) during the lunch breaks.
Annual Conference 2025 Offering (Fund 9214) Will Support
- Mary Scranton Memorial Mission Center
- United Methodist Committee on Relief Global Migration
- Bishop’s Discretionary Fund
Ministry Fair
Forty ministry fair tables will be set up on the main floor of the Gault Recreation Center, just beyond the check-in tables, on Thursday and Friday of Annual Conference 2025 for the ministry fair. Leaders will be invited via e-mail to register their ministry for a table.
Midwest Mission Collection Truck Will Be at AC 2025
The Midwest Mission collection truck will be parked in lot #29 off University Street during Annual Conference. Staff will be present to receive donations on:
- Thursday, June 12 from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Financial & Administrative Services
Annual Local Church Audit Report Due March 31
Local church leadership is reminded to submit the annual local church audit report by Monday, March 31. Please e-mail the completed audit to your district office (Central Valley, Northern Waters, South Forest, and West Plains) and to Lori Charton in the Financial & Administrative Services office.
Download the Local Church Audit Form on the EOC website.
Live from Wespath Returns April 30
Live from Wespath is a no-cost, virtual event exclusively for clergy and lay employees of The United Methodist Church. Live from Wespath returns at noon on Wednesday, April 30. This engaging event features representatives from Wespath offering information and insights about the new Compass clergy retirement plan, investments, benefits, and well-being services, helping you navigate benefits and maximize opportunities within the general UMC environment.
Registering enables you to participate in the entire event or simply drop in for the segment(s) that interest you the most. Live from Wespath will run approximately four hours. For those who cannot attend on April 30, a recording of the event will be available three to five business days later for viewing at your leisure.
View the Live from Wespath agenda.
Register to participate in the April 30 Live from Wespath.
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.
Methodist Foundation of Ohio
Join Us in Wesley’s Footsteps – October 13-21
What better way to understand the life and ministry of John and Charles Wesley than to walk in their shoes this fall? The Methodist Foundation of Ohio invites you to take the Wesley Heritage Tour, visiting Epworth, Oxford, Bristol, Bath and other parts of Wesley’s England. You will travel with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and Rev. Dr. Paul Chilcote, former dean of Ashland Seminary and noted Wesley historian.
“An immersive experience in Wesley’s England offers the chance for amazing growth for any United Methodist,” said Brian Sheetz, executive director of The Methodist Foundation of Ohio. “Imagine walking where they walked in Epworth and learning where they learned in Oxford, and all with the expert teaching and outstanding story telling that Dr. Chilcote brings to the experience. I expect it to be a remarkable nine days.”
You will depart the U.S. on October 13 and return October 21. The cost is approximately $4,800 depending on your departure city and includes airfare, tours, and most meals. You will have a free day in London and those costs are not included. An optional four-day tour in Ireland could extend your trip at additional cost. Travel is through Educational Opportunities, a long-time trusted travel partner for religious pilgrimages. When registering, use Host or Group Leader ID: 60876 and Host or Group Leader Name Brian Sheetz.
Download the complete trip brochure.
Register for the Wesley Heritage Tour.
Missions & Community Engagement
Apply for a Missions Microgrant – April 1 to May 1
The Board of Missions will award grants up to $2,000 to emerging projects related to East Ohio churches and Advances that reach new people and live out the mission of our church, which is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Thank you to all who generously support Undesignated Missions Fund 9001 that make these grants possible. If you have questions about these microgrants, please e-mail Rev. Kathy Dickriede or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 114. All microgrant applications are due by May 1.
Learn more and apply for a Missions microgrant.
Donate to Undesignated Missions Fund 9001.
Global Ministries #StillInMission – April 3
#StillInMission is a monthly online event where you can hear United Methodist Church missionaries sharing about their call to mission and the communities they serve. Join us to see how missionaries share God’s love in partnership with communities around the world. The next #StillInMission is at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 3.
Learn more and register to participate in #StillInMission April 3.
Immigration Concerns and The UMC – April 10
All clergy and laity are invited to Strongsville UMC on Thursday, April 10 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. to discover how your congregation can be engaged in addressing the immigration crisis in our communities. Come and learn how churches can connect with international newcomers and be an answer to a prayer. Presenters for this event include local resettlement agencies, Americans Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS), the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), and Re:Source Cleveland. Please invite your ecumenical friends and concerned neighbors. If you have questions about this opportunity, please e-mail Brian Postma of Strongsville UMC.
Learn More About Immigration Ministries in East Ohio.
A Better Community Second-Chance Breakfast – April 22
April is Second-Chance Month, a time when we recognize the importance of providing for people returning from incarceration opportunities to become positive contributors to our communities. Urban Mission of Steubenville (EOC Health & Well-Being Partner Fund 9107) has been awarded a $60,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The grant will be used for work with community partners directly serving residents of Harrison and Belmont counties who are incarcerated and/or being released soon. If your church or mission works in these counties and has a ministry to assist recently incarcerated people and their families, you are invited to a breakfast on April 22 from 8:00-9:30 a.m. at Harbor of Hope Assembly of God in St. Clairsville to collaborate with Urban Mission on how best to use this grant. To RSVP, please e-mail Rev. Kimberly Arbaugh, executive director of Urban Mission.
Download the Second-Chance Breakfast flyer.
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.
View the Green Church Training Flyer.
Visit the Creation Care webpages of the EOC website.
Poverty Simulation on April 26 in Mentor, OH
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) bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. CAPS is an interactive, immersive experience. It sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. This event needs about 15 facilitators and at least 30 people registered to be successful. Ages 13 and up are welcome so this would be a great activity for youth groups. This event takes place at Mentor UMC on April 26 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00p.m. and there is no cost, but please register in advance by April 24. A light lunch will be provided. Keep in mind that this is a simulation, not a game.
Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
View the Poverty Simulation Flyer.
All In Community Receives ServeOhio Award
All In Community (AIC), a joint ministry of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church, was honored as the 2025 Adult Volunteer Initiative by ServeOhio, Ohio’s commission on service and volunteerism. AIC was selected from a group of 13 adult group/initiative nominees and was awarded $1,000 to support the organization.
“Each year we are honored to provide a platform to recognize the achievement of volunteers throughout the state of Ohio,” said William Hall, executive director of ServeOhio. “These individuals put the needs of others before their own; leading with kindness and compassion, they strengthen the communities in which we live.”
AIC is a statewide movement dedicated to restoring hope and supporting healing for individuals affected by crime and incarceration. At its core, this initiative fosters collaboration among local, regional, and state re-entry service providers, justice professionals, and those directly impacted to create a seamless continuum of care. What sets AIC apart is its unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of stigma and shame while addressing tangible needs.
“AIC’s vital work is made possible by a dedicated network of over 1,500 volunteers who selflessly serve in various capacities – offering mentorship, acceptance, advocacy, and basic needs support that transforms lives, strengthens communities, and fosters lasting change,” said AIC Partner Coordinator Reba Collins. “The ServeOhio Award honors these boots-on-the ground servants and our community partners who volunteer their time to strengthen Ohio’s reentry continuum of care with individuals and within communities.”
Learn about and support All In Community.
Donate to support All In Community Ministry.
Learn about ServeOhio.
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.
Global Ministries
Global Ministries and Korean UMC Celebrate Milestone
The Korean United Methodist Church has achieved its goal to provide covenant relationship support for the work of 140 global missionaries over a three-year period. During a March 25-26 visit for a meeting of the Asian American Language Ministry (AALM) at Global Ministries’ offices in Atlanta, the Rev. Changmin Lee, president of the Korean Association of The UMC, presented the Korean UMC’s first check to Global Ministries’ general secretary, Roland Fernandes.
“I am so excited! On behalf of the Korean Association of the UMC, we are thrilled to support more than 140 missionaries,” Rev. Lee said. “This is a great example of our partnership with Global Ministries through this support of missionaries.”
“We are deeply grateful for the faithful generosity and missional spirit of the Korean United Methodist Church,” said Global Ministries General Secretary Rolan Fernandes. “This partnership is a powerful testament to our shared commitment to spreading the love of Christ through mission and service. The impact of these missionaries will be felt around the world.”
Learn more about the Global Ministries – Korean UMC partnership.
Young People’s Ministries
YAC and Exploring New Pathways for Youth Ministry
For 50 years, Youth Annual Conference (YAC) has been a meaningful gathering for young people in the East Ohio Conference, shaping lives through worship, fellowship, and leadership development. It has been a place where generations of youth have encountered Christ, deepened their faith, and built lasting friendships.
As the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team explores our shared future, we, too, are taking this opportunity to reimagine what youth ministry can look like in this evolving landscape. As part of this discernment, YAC will not take place in 2025. However, we remain deeply committed to walking alongside young people of the Ohio UMC, discovering new and innovative ways to connect, equip, and empower them to be vital leaders in the ongoing mission of the Church – today and in the years ahead.
We recognize that Youth Annual Conference holds a special place in the hearts of many, and this decision was not made lightly. We give thanks for all who have led, attended, and shaped this event over the decades. As we move forward, we do so with a deep commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for youth to grow in their faith, build community, and lead in the Church.
We invite you to join us in prayer and conversation as we dream together about the future of youth ministry in Ohio. If you have stories, ideas, or reflections to share, we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for updates as we continue this journey together!
For questions about Young People’s Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Tim Beck or e-mail Pastor Christy Suffecool, Connectional Ministries office Young People’s Ministries co-directors, or visit the Young People’s Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Higher Education
Apply Now for the 2025-2026 Town & Country Scholarship
The East Ohio Conference is pleased to offer the Town & Country Scholarship, awarded annually to students pursuing higher education at a United Methodist college, university, or seminary. The scholarship prioritizes students who are:
- preparing for ordained or diaconal ministry.
- entering full-time Christian service in town and country parish settings.
- pursuing careers in Christian service, including teaching, health care, and related fields.
Additional priority is given to members of United Methodist churches in East Ohio. If you have questions about the Town & Country Scholarship, please e-mail Rev. Beth Ortiz, director of Strategic Ministries. The deadline to apply is April 30.
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 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 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.
Spiritual Formation & Christian Education
Spiritual Formation Network Gatherings – April 1
If you are involved in spiritual formation and Christian education, you are invited to join your friends and colleagues online for devotions, support, question-asking and -answering, and sharing ideas. Our next online gathering is Tuesday, April 1 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. May 6 1 is the day we will meet in May. To receive the online 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: March 31 – April 13
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Tuesday, April 1
All In Community: Frankly Speaking with Four Friends - Wednesday, April 2
Beyond Borders: Centering Humanity in the Immigration Conversation - Sunday, April 6
Church Disaster Response Contact Orientation - Wednesday, April 9
Beyond Borders: Centering Humanity in the Immigration Conversation - Saturday, April 12
Early Response Team Training - Saturday, April 12
The Spoken Word Workshop
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:
- Paul A. Farren, retired Elder, died March 20.
- Charles E. Quillen, clergy spouse, died March 17.
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
- Equity Justice Coordinator – General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
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Thursday, April 10, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
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