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 |
| Robert Carson | Middlefield UMC | Northern Waters | |
| Aimee Hare | Smithville, Wooster Church of the Cross, Moreland, & Apple Creek UMCs | Central Valley | |
| Vicki Kelley | Medical Leave | Central Valley | |
| James Lance | Smithville, Wooster Church of the Cross, Moreland, & Apple Creek UMCs | Central Valley | |
| JP Snyder | Ontario & St. Paul UMCs | West Plains | |
| Karen Tate | Lincoln Avenue UMC | South Forest | |
| Mike Ward | York UMC | West Plains | |
| Peg Welch | Crosspoint UMC | Central Valley | |
| Paul Wilson | Wedgewood UMC | Northern Waters | |
#BeUMC
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 56 – “Weaving Love for the Unhoused”
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 56 “Weaving Love for the Unhoused” Rev. Amy Vittorio and Terri Everhart from the 5 Points Parish in the West Plains District share about a loom ministry that creates sleeping mats out of plastic bags to be used by those who are unhoused – a project anyone can do.
“It’s brought people together and given us a renewed sense of mission,” Vittorio shared.
“It has built an energy with us and with others because they see the positivity of here is something we can do and we’re making an impact,” Everhart said.
“Looms become a way for relationships in your church and relationships out in your community,” offered Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Missions & Community Engagement director in the EOC Connectional Ministries office.
The 5 Point Parish is Tiffin Faith, Tiffin St. Paul’s, Sycamore, Republic Trinity, and Melmore UMCs.
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
Crossing Boundaries, Uniting for Impact: A New Chapter for Ohio United Methodists
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung brought a God-sized dream to the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences: to cross conference boundaries to have a greater impact on Ohio United Methodists and reach new, younger, and more diverse people for Christ.
Beginning July 1, the Ohio Episcopal Area Connectional Ministries team will serve the entire state of Ohio – no matter where the need is, and no matter which conference. The new assignments include:
- Rev. Gary Jones, Director of Camping and Retreat Ministries
- Julie Carter, Director of Faith Formation and Lay Ministries
- Will Fenton-Jones, Director of Multicultural Ministries
- Rev. Ann Marie Carley, Director of Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults
- Tim Beck, Associate Director of Engagement with Youth
Beginning August 1, Mariellyn Grace will become director of Mission Engagement when Rev. Kathy Dickriede concludes her work to pursue other opportunities.
Bishop Jung remains committed to ensuring that local churches have the resources they need to fulfill the mission of The United Methodist Church. One way he plans to do this is through new roles for two members of the Appointive Cabinet. In July, Brad Aycock and Rev. Beth Ortiz will begin serving all of Ohio as the executive director of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings and the executive director of Discipleship Ministries, respectively.
Read the Connectional Ministries Offices shared staffing article in its entirety.
The Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team Begins Its Work
The Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team of eight members and two ex-officio staff members from both the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences met in-person last month and this month is beginning listening sessions with staff and ministry groups. The role of the task group is to actively listen, discuss, and discern about forming a new, unified Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.
“Our work will be guided by the Holy Spirit, and we will rely upon the grace of God. We will focus on mission and the fruits of mission,” Jung said. “Ultimately our work is what God can do through you and me and what God can do through East and West Ohio, and what God can accomplish at such a time as this.”
Rev. Doug Anderson, the task team’s consultant/facilitator chosen by Bishop Jung said to members, “Your ultimate goal is not the possibility of creating a new annual conference. Don’t settle for that. Your ultimate goal is to create a new culture that is outward looking, missionally focused, spiritually grounded”
Read about the work of the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team.
Soul Food: Scars Can Be Transformed for Healing
Every one of you is probably all too well acquainted with scars. So am I. I’ve been with families who have lost a parent, with those who have experienced a tragic accident, with those whose lives have been torn apart by fire or storm.
God uses the scars! I thank God. In my quiet moments I can let God in, and let God see my scars.
The gospel proclaims God is at work precisely in transforming and giving meaning to our wounds. God does God’s best stuff in the scars! God knows what it means to suffer. God suffers with us and for us, the power of the resurrection, the transformation of the cosmos, all in the scars!
Read Bishop Jung’s latest Soul Food article in its entirety.
Annual Conference
AC 2025 Registration is Open, Closes May 16
The 56th session of Annual Conference is June 12-14 on the College of Wooster campus. Clergy Executive Session is Wednesday, June 11 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. in McGaw Chapel.
Learn about and register for AC 2025 & Clergy Executive Session.
New to AC 2025: Residence Hall Housing Option & Meal Plan
Annual Conference attendees have the option of staying in a residence hall on campus during this year’s conference. Attendees can also purchase a meal plan that includes lunch on Thursday; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Friday; and breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Per a College of Wooster policy, those who stay in a residence hall must purchase the meal plan.
NOTE: Dining hall meals cannot be purchased onsite during AC 2025.
NOTE: Residence hall rooms cannot be rented onsite during AC 2025.
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.
Learn about and register for VBS during AC 2025 registration.
5K Run/1-Mile Walk to Benefit East Ohio Camps
Join us on the College of Wooster campus at 7:00 a.m. on Friday, June 13 (rain or shine) for a 5K Run/1-Mile Walk to benefit East Ohio Camps. Participants do not need to be members of Annual Conference.
Register for the Run/Walk on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Download the 5K Run/1-Mile Walk flyer.
Missions & Community Engagement
All Ohio Taskforce on Immigration
All clergy and laity are invited to view the recording of the recent United Methodist Immigration Ministries of Ohio online panel highlighting what local churches are doing to share God’s love with migrants, asylum-seekers, refugees, and immigrants. Speakers shared the logistics of their ministries, including programs that are offering sanctuary, housing, food, educational support, and other tangible services.
View the immigration ministries panel discussion.
View and download immigration resources.
April is National Re-Entry Month
Every April we highlight the 24/7 need to support those who are returning home after an incarceration experience. Daily we:
- walk with returning neighbors as they find places to live, put clothes on their backs, receive care for physical and mental health, and connect with their home communities.
- assist with obtaining driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and Social Security cards so they might reestablish their true identities.
- encourage continuing education and pursuing gainful employment.
- offer a listening ear when grief and frustration need to be expressed.
- celebrate with our returning neighbors when milestones are reached as they engage with society once again.
Please take a moment to say a prayer for the amazing individuals who walk side-by-side with those returning home from an incarceration experience. The work is never done, and the obstacles are always there, but the heart and mind know that to be just, love is the answer.
Learn about and support All In Community.
Donate to support the All In Community ministry.
May is Foster Awareness Month
Royal Family KIDS Camp is a week-long camp for children in foster care who have suffered abuse and neglect through family-induced trauma. During Foster Awareness Month you are invited to:
- give a three-minute presentation in your church to encourage lay people to answer the call to love these special kids.
- invite two or three people from your church to attend a one-day Royal Family KIDS Camp training at Northampton UMC (April 26), Willoughby Hills UMC (May 3), Thoburn UMC (June 7 & 8), and Strongsville UMC (June 28 & July 12).
Every time one of these churches adds eight adult volunteers (16 and older) to a week of camp, the church can bring more children to camp this summer. If you have questions about Royal Family KIDS Camp, please e-mail Rev. Dave Scavuzzo, RFKC coordinator.
Learn about and support Royal Family KIDS Camp.
Poverty Simulation Kit
The Connectional Ministries office has a Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) kit that enables users to experience in three hours what a person or family living in insecurity goes through in a month. If you are interested in hosting a poverty simulation, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant, or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 102.
Learn about Community Action Poverty Simulation.
Poverty Simulation – April 26
Mentor UMC is hosting a poverty simulation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on April 26. This simulation (which is not a game) 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.
Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Lift Her Up Empowers Africa University Female Students
The Lift Her Up ministry empowers female students at Africa University by raising money to provide scholarships so that women living in a refugee camp who have been accepted to the Pan-African United Methodist institution will have the resources to enroll at AU.
Through the generosity of pastors, congregations, and faith communities the East Ohio Conference sponsored four students for the 2024-2025 school year. Please help us sponsor four more students in 2025-2026.
Learn about Lift Her Up and meet the 2024-2025 students.
Support the Lift Her Up ministry.
For questions about Missions & Community Engagement ministries and opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Kathy Dickriede, Connectional Ministries office Missions & Community Engagement director, or visit the Missions & Community Engagement pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Happy Easter from East Ohio Camps
We rejoice that Jesus is risen! This Easter we remember that Jesus is the real thing!
The sun will always shine, the birds will always sing.
As long as there is God, there’s always the real thing.
Jesus Christ came down to die for our sins.
And now we thank you Lord as this meal begins.
Do do do do do do do do do do. Amen.
Do do do do do, Jesus is the real thing.
Invite a Friend to Summer Camp 2025
Summer Camp offers great places and great experiences guided by trained, caring staff. Why not encourage the campers in your congregation to bring a friend along to camp this summer? Start planning now for an unforgettable Summer Camp 2025 with a friend by your side.
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.
Clergy
Mentor Training – May 21
If you are a Deacon or Elder who finds joy in helping others listen for God’s call, you are invited to attend a Mentor Training Day at the West Ohio Area Center in Worthington from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on May 21. Mentors play a vital role in helping create the kind of intentional, relational space where real discernment and growth can happen. This training will prepare you to serve as a mentor for the Candidacy Summit and/or in the Crucible Program.
The Candidacy Summit is a weekend designed to help individuals exploring a call to ministry reflect deeply on their stories, experiences, and where God may be leading them – all in the context of community. The Crucible Program is a two-year academy in which provisional Elders and Deacons meet to learn, grow, and challenge one another – and their churches – to become communities of faith for the 21st Century. Time and again, participants say their mentoring group – and especially their mentors – were the most meaningful part of their experience.
If you’re interested in or have questions about mentor training, please e-mail Rev. Jenny Whitmore or Rev. Jake Heskett.
Holy Week
Black Pastors’ Fellowship 7 Last Words Service
All are invited to St. Paul UMC in Cleveland (4740 Lee Rd.) at noon on Friday, April 18 to a service of the Last 7 Words of Jesus.
Events: April 14 – April 27
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Monday, April 14
All In Community: HOPE Letters - Tuesday, April 15
Free Community Meal - Saturday, April 19
The Spoken Word Workshops - Tuesday, April 22
All In Community Second Chance Breakfast - Wednesday, April 23
Green Church Training - Saturday, April 26
Poverty Simulation
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:
- Karen Skinner, clergy spouse, died April 8.
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.
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Thursday, April 24, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
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