June 9, 2025

Annual Conference

Annual Conference Hosted at the College of Wooster
Clergy Executive Session is Wednesday, June 11 from 2:00 – 5:45 p.m. in McGaw Chapel. Annual Conference begins at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 12 and concludes at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14.

AC worship services will be in McGaw Chapel, which has unpadded woods pews. You are welcome to bring your own seat cushion each day.
AC business sessions will be in the Scot Center on the indoor track and courts of the Gault Recreation Center. The seats and chair backs of the metal frame, non-folding chairs will both be padded.

Learn about AC 2025 & Clergy Executive Session.

Livestream
The Thursday, June 12 through Saturday, June 14 services and sessions of Annual Conference 2025 can be viewed via livestream on the AC 2025.

View the livestream of AC 2025.

AC 2025 Video Resources
In the dropdown menu of the Resources tab on the AC 2025 website you will find AC 2025 video resources. This is a showcase containing the video archives from each service and session of AC 2025 as well as videos highlighting ministries in the East Ohio Conference and across The United Methodist Church. You are invited to view, download, and share each video.

Visit the AC 2025 video resources page.

Worship Services in McGaw Chapel
Thursday, June 12
Opening Worship Service at 9:00 a.m. with guest preacher Bishop Seong-Bok Kim, resident bishop of the Seoul Annual Conference of the Korean Methodist Church.

Friday, June 13
Service of Commemoration and Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, resident bishop of the Ohio Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church preaching.

Saturday, June 14
Service of Licensing, Commissioning, Ordination, and Retirement at 9:00 a.m. with guest preacher Bishop Jonathan Keaton, a retired bishop of The United Methodist Church.

Business Sessions in Scot Center’s Gault Recreation Center
Wednesday, June 11
2:00 – 5:45 p.m. (Clergy Executive Session)

Thursday, June 12
12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
7:30 – 9:00 p.m. (Laity Session)

Friday, June 13
12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 14
12:30 – 4:30 p.m.

How Do I Receive a Pre-Conference Workbook?
Those who requested the print copy of the Pre-Conference Workbook during online registration will receive it at check-in. The same version of the Pre-Conference Workbook was posted on the AC 2025 website in a digital format during the last week in April. You can download and print a copy of the Pre-Conference Workbook before AC.

What You Need to Know for Check-In This Year
Check-in for Clergy Executive Session and Annual Conference will be in the lobby on the main floor of the Scot Center building overlooking the indoor track and courts of the Gault Recreation Center two levels below. Check-in times are:

Wednesday, June 11 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 12 | 7:00-11:00 a.m.
Thursday, June 12 | 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 13 | 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Check-in for those staying in a residence hall room during Annual Conference are asked to check into their room before heading to receive AC check-in materials. You are also asked to leave your vehicle in your residence hall parking lot and to walk or take the shuttle to the Scot Center. Residence hall check-in times are:

Wednesday, June 11 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 11 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12 | 7:00–8:45 a.m.
Thursday, June 12 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12 | 4:30–6:00 p.m.

What You Need to Know About Receiving Meal Cards for AC 2025

If you registered to stay in a residence hall during AC, your room keycard will have your meal plan meals loaded on it. This means you will use your room keycard to unlock your roomand to swipe in the Lowry Center to show that you have pre-paid for meal plan meals.
If you purchased the meal plan but are not staying in a residence hall, you will need to pick-up your meal card at the meals check-in table in the lobby of the Scot Center. NOTE: this is a different table than the AC check-in table.

The following meals are part of the AC 2025 meal plan:

Thursday, June 12 – lunch
Friday, June 13 – breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Saturday, June 14 – breakfast, and lunch

Parking
Parking is free at all lots on the College of Wooster campus. You can find a parking map in the dropdown menu of the Resources tab on the AC 2025 website.

View and download the campus parking map.

Shuttle
The Annual Conference Program/Hospitality Committee is providing golf carts, to assist those with mobility issues in navigating across campus.

Annual Conference Offering
The offering will be collected during the 2:30 p.m. business session on Thursday, June 12. Attendees will be able to give their offering in the plates that will be passed in the plenary hall or by scanning a QR code connected to the Donate page of the East Ohio Conference website. This year’s Annual Conference offering will benefit:

Mary Scranton Memorial Mission Center
United Methodist Committee on Relief Global Migration
Bishop’s Discretionary Fund

Donate to the AC 2025 offering.

Constitutional Amendments
General Conference 2020/2024 approved several proposed amendments to the Constitution of The United Methodist Church. To amend the Constitution, legislation approved by General Conference must receive approval by a 2/3-majority of aggregate votes cast by members of all annual conferences around the globe. Annual Conferences in 2025 will vote on Constitutional amendments with a separate ballot on each of the four proposed amendments.

The bishop and Conference secretary from all 127 United Methodist annual conferences in Africa, Europe, the Philippians, and the United States will send the voting results from their Annual Conference to the Council of Bishops no later than October 31, 2025. The Council of Bishops will tally all votes, certify any amendment ratifications, and announce results in early November.

Learn more about all proposed Constitutional amendments.

Resolutions
Three resolutions were submitted by the March 15 deadline.

Resolution 2025-01 – United Methodist Immigration Ministries of Ohio: Forming an Ohio Site of the Immigration Law and Justice Network
Resolution 2025-02 – Identifying and Opposing Apartheid in the Holy Land
Resolution 2025-03 – What Are We Called to Do?

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.

Ministry Fair
Forty ministry fair tables will be set up on the main floor of the Scot Center on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Ministries were invited to staff a table in the ministry fair. All spots are filled.

View the list of ministry fair participants.

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
Armando Arellano	Euclid East Shore & Willowick Shoregate UMCs	Northern Waters
Tyler Rollinson	Malvern & Waynesburg Centenary UMCs	Central Valley
Lisa Thomas	Garfield Heights & Independence UMCs	Northern Waters
Dennis Williams	Ava, Mt. Ephraim & Sarahsville UMCs	South Forest
James Winkler	Concord Hope Ridge	Northern Waters

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

#BeUMC

Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 60: “Mental Health and the 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.

Episode 60 “Mental Health and the Church” features a conversation with Meghan DeGregory, director of Thrive 10:10, a non-profit relief, recovery and restoration program of Girard First UMC.

“Mental health is you attending to whatever you’re dealing with, both on your own with your internal coping skills but also with a professional, if necessary,” DeGregory said. “But we also need to talk about mental health in the church and sometimes I don’t think we talk about it enough in the church.”

She encourages clergy and laity to empower themselves through education by taking a class. “Sometimes we have to be a little bit greedy about taking care of ourselves first so that we can then pour out for others – because you can’t pour from an empty cup,” DeGregory stated.

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

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.

Register for Celebrating Methodist Missions in Ohio, Korea and Beyond.

Missions & Community Engagement

Disability Awareness Sunday is June 15
The Ohio Disability and Ministry Collaborative of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church invites you to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday on June 15. This year’s recognition will be paired with Peace and Justice Sunday. Please take a moment to learn about Disability Awareness ministries, view resources, and find contact information to schedule a speaker for your church on the East Ohio Conference website. To highlight how your church chose to celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday, please e-mail Zachary Holler or e-mail Rose Darling to share your story.

View the Disability Awareness page of the EOC website.
View Disability Awareness Sunday Resources.
Support Disability Awareness Sunday Fund 9212.

Ohio Disability and Ministry Collaborative Meeting – June 17
The Ohio Disability and Ministry Collaborative of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church will next meet online at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17.

Encourage someone from your church to participate in this gathering to learn resources that can help your church better welcome people with differing abilities. To receive the link to join the meeting, please e-mail Mimi Luebbers or e-mail Zachary Holler.

All In Community Ministry Monday – June 23
This month on Ministry Mondays we will discuss developing a culture of understanding and purpose through ministry ownership. We all have assumptions about leadership based on the perceptions we hold. However, human beings are happier and more likely to make positive changes in their behavior when those in positions of authority, or influence, do things with them rather than to them, for them, or not at all.

There is no cost to attend, but you will need to register in advance. To receive the meeting link, please e-mail Jami Nathan, All In Community Ministries coordinator.

View the All In Community pages on the EOC website.

Open House for The Humble Co-Op – June 30
The Humble Co-Op, a new mission partner of The East Ohio Conference of The UMC (Fund number TBD), is hosting an open house for clergy from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30. There is no cost to attend, but you are asked to register in advance to assist organizers with planning.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC 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 is Underway
Please keep our staff and campers in your prayers as they embark on their life-changing journeys.

Loving God, you know the deep impact camp and retreats have had in our United Methodist tradition. So many have felt your presence when taking time apart in these sacred spaces. May each camper and staff member reflect and grow in their love for you. Provide a way for those facing obstacles to experience camp. Guide those in need of retreat and meet them along their journey. Clear the forests in our lives and grant us space for renewed minds and open hearts. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you have questions about Summer Camp, please e-mail the Camps office or call us at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.

Learn about Summer Camp 2025.

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

All-Ohio School of Ministry – September 18-20
Clergy leaders from East and West Ohio Conferences are invited to attend the All-Ohio School of Ministry, scheduled for September 18–20, 2025, at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio.

Centered on the theme “Reimagining Connection: All-Ohio School of Ministry on Beloved Community,” this gathering offers a unique opportunity for leaders to boldly imagine the next chapter of United Methodism in Ohio. Through meaningful dialogue, renewed connection, and shared vision, we will explore what it means to be a church for the future. Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera, president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, is the featured speaker. A highly respected voice in theological education, justice-centered ministry, and inclusive leadership, Dr. Viera will guide us in rethinking the Church’s role in building a more just and compassionate world.

The School of Ministry will also include:

inspiring sessions focused on the future of the Church in Ohio.
interactive networking and fellowship opportunities.
dedicated time for members of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members, as well as the Orders of Deacons and Elders, to learn from one another and deepen understanding of ministry needs across the state.
together, we will envision the future of United Methodist witness in Ohio – rooted in beloved community, shared purpose, and profound spiritual formation.

Register for the All-Ohio School of Ministry.

Laity

Laity Convocation – August 15-16
Get ready for a gathering of laypeople from all over Ohio. The Laity Convocation August 15-16 at Worthington UMC will be a celebration of our faith and community.

This event is designed for all members of the church who are not ordained clergy. Connect with fellow lay church members, participate in workshops, and grow in your faith. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your spiritual journey and strengthen your role within the church community.

Register for the Laity Convocation.

Events: June 9 – June 22

Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.

Tuesday, June 17
Free Community Meal
Saturday, June 21
The Spoken Word Workshops

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:

Joanie M. Ready, surviving spouse of the Rev. Charles Ready, died May 22.

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

Parish Bookkeeper – Cooperative Parish
Director of Music – Ontario UMC
Assistant Teacher – Play and Prep Preschool in Solon UMC

Items Available/Wanted

57 robes available – Westbrook Park UMC in Canton

To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.

To Subscribe

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Thursday, June 19, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.