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 |
| Megan Buehler | Vienna & Coalburg UMCs | Central Valley | |
| John Bramley | Canal Lewisville & West Lafayette UMCs | South Forest | |
#BeUMC
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 57 The Green Church
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 57 “The Green Church” Mariellyn Grace, Rev. Ryan Grace, and Barb Dawson join in conversation about Creation Care, Creation Justice and what the church’s role in caring for the world can look like.
“I believe creation justice is caring for God’s creation. All of God’s creation. A lot of people I talk with equate creation justice to caring for the earth. But it’s much bigger than that,” Dawson shared.
“It’s not just about caring for the world itself, which Scripture teaches us is good, it’s also about caring for people and making sure that everyone has ways to live and thrive in the world that God made,” Rev. Grace said.
The episode also shines a light on the Urban Farm Church in Columbus, a unique faith community that takes church outdoors – into Creation – to connect with God in new and different ways.
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
Easter Spirit: Discourse in Offstage Leadership
“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” (Mark 16:6-7)
The difference a Methodist preacher made in my life, was not through what he did “on-stage” on Sunday mornings, but what he did “offstage” in his ministry and intentional outreaches. I took him as a mentor. Thus, I became a Methodist! He reminded me of the Easter spirit and directed the place I need to focus on as the location of Galilee in Scripture.
A diverse community is like Galilee today, a sign of a place open to outsiders. So, we need to learn how to be a society with civility and diversity in communities that are open, tolerant, and safe places – instead of a society where church is predominantly known as rigid and captive to traditional divisive discourse.
In engagement with offstage leadership, we can embrace and be involved in creative discourse that can enhance a healthy society. Faith communities belong in this offstage leadership presence.
May we live with the Easter Spirit! May we look for adventurous ways to Galilee.
Read Bishop Jung’s latest Soul Food article in its entirety.
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 Chungsuk Kim, Bishop Jeremiah Park, and Council of Bishops President Bishop Tracy S. Malone. As additional details are confirmed, they will be shared in 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 confirmed, they will be shared in 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 Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky. As additional details are confirmed, they will be shared in E-News and on the East Ohio Conference website.
Annual Conference
Register for AC 2025 by 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. Again, this year, there will be no onsite registration.
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: You will not be able to request a residence hall room, nor purchase a meal on campus during AC 2025. The last day to do either is May 16.
Volunteers Needed for Annual Conference 2025
The Annual Conference Program/Hospitality Committee is looking for individuals to be volunteers on the College of Wooster campus during AC 2025. 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
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. 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.
Midwest Mission Collection Truck on Campus – June 12-13
The collection truck for Midwest Mission, an EOC Advance partner (Fund 9944), 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 – 5:00 p.m.
- Friday, June 13 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Learn about needed items and assembling home care and personal dignity kits.
Download the AC 2025 Midwest Mission truck flyer.
Disaster Response
Early Response Team (ERT) Training – May 31
On May 31 at Independence UMC EOC disaster response leaders Bob Catchpole and Tom King will present a training offering best practices for responding as a volunteer in disaster situations. Topics covered in the training will include interacting with survivors, helping survivors recover belongings, tarping roofs, and safely removing debris. To receive credentials as a certified United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) ERT volunteer for three years you must complete the training class and a required background check. The cost of the 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. training on May 31 is $25. The last day to register is May 28.
Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
Download the event flyer to share.
Learn more about East Ohio Conference Disaster Response.
Missions & Community Engagement
Microgrant Applications Due by May 1
The Board of Missions will award 10 grants up to $2,000 each 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.
Advocacy 101 Offered Online – May 5
If you are praying for ways that you can make a difference in the world, join the Advocacy 101 course offered online from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5. Presenter Kelly Bon, director of Diocesan Social Action for Catholic Charities of Cleveland will discuss how you can make an impact by engaging our legislators on important issues. This advocacy learning opportunity is co-sponsored by the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church and the Living Water Association of Ohio Northeast United Church of Christ.
Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
All In Community Dinner and Discussion – May 27
Ashtabula First UMC will host an All In Community dinner and discussion from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. on May 27 offering guidance for navigating Ohio’s criminal justice system. Family members, ministry servants, and pastors have an opportunity to learn how they can support people close to them who are incarcerated and returning. No family member or congregation can do it alone, so we will identify local resource partners that strengthen our supportive response as part of the reentry continuum of care.
The guest speaker will be Dr. Mike Davis, the Religious Services administrator for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. The event is free, but you need to register online by May 25. If you have questions about the event, please e-mail Rev. Shannon Pitorak.
Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
Learn about and support All In Community ministry.
All In Community Post-Incarceration Syndrome Workshop – May 12
Post-Incarceration Syndrome (PICS) is a psychiatric disorder that affects individuals who have been incarcerated and then are released back into society. It is characterized by a range of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties that can arise from being imprisoned. These difficulties can include depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulty adjusting to life outside of prison, and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships.
You are invited to join Zachary R. Ruppel, federal policy analyst at Just Leadership USA, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on May 12 for an online conversation and valuable insight for families who have loved ones who have come home as well as for pastors, outreach/mission ministry leaders, community members, and reentry coalition members.
Learn more and register.
Download the Post-Incarceration Syndrome workshop flyer.
All In Community Vicarious Trauma Self-Care Workshop – May 21
Showing up as our best selves in ministry and service takes self-care because our lives are constantly being bombarded with images and experiences of seismic shifts, suffering, loss, chaos, and hopelessness to change the situation. Whether being done to us or around us, our inevitable absorption of these “traumatic stressors” shows up in our psyche, behaviors, and relationships in unhealthy ways.
You are invited to a vicarious trauma self-care workshop from noon – 2:00 p.m. on May 21 to recognize the mental and emotional signs that you need some self-care in the face of exposure to life’s traumatic stressors. Dr. Camisha Chambers, the nurturing coordinator for All In Community ministry will lead the workshop in-person in Ottawa County and online.
Learn more and register.
Download the Vicarious Trauma Self-Care workshop flyer.
Green Church Training on August 20 in Ashland
You, your pastor, and another member of your church are invited to participate as a team in a Green Church training offered August 20 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Ashland First UMC. The training will include Biblical, Wesleyan, and United Methodist teachings on creation care, tips for forming a Green Team at your church, and more.
The training must be attended by at least two people from each church (either two lay or one lay and 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 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.
Please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant, if you have questions about the training and/or are interested in applying for a scholarship to attend. The last day to register is August 17.
Register on the Events Registration page of the Conference website.
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
Summer Camp 2025
Here are just some of what EOC summer camp can offer children and youth in your congregation and your community: friendship, laughter, fun, adventure, opportunities to grow in their faith, leadership development, and more – all in God’s creation.
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 – May 6
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, May 6 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. June 3 is the day we will meet in June. 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: April 28 – May 11
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Monday, April 28
All In Community: Ministry Monday - Tuesday, April 29
Mental Health First Aid Training - Wednesday, April 20
All In Community: Wellness Wednesdays - May 1-3
Church of the Saviour UMC Spring Flea Market - Monday, May 5
Advocacy 101 - Tuesday, May 6
All In Community: Frankly Speaking with Four Friends
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:
- Larry D. Shinn, retired Elder, died April 2.
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
- Church Treasurer – Jefferson UMC
- Church Business Manager – Jefferson UMC
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
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Thursday, May 8, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
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