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 |
| Matt Darrin | Braceville, Brookfield, Howland, Hubbard and McDonald Woodland Park UMCs | Central Valley | |
| Shannon Pitorak | Continuum Care Hospice Chaplain | Northern Waters | 6/30/25 |
#BeUMC
Transform Lives with Us Through The United Methodist Church. #Be UMC.
“I am United Methodist because of the connections created in our Church,” said Kate Colbow of Mentor UMC. “I was raised in The United Methodist Church, and not only did I hear people talking about what it means to lay down your life to follow Jesus, but I saw people live that out.”
She is one of many people in the East Ohio Conference who’ve shared how The UMC has transformed their lives. To schedule a time to record your story, e-mail Brett Hetherington.
View clergy and laity sharing their #BeUMC stories.
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 62 “Call Story: Dr. Stephen Knisely”
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 62 “My Call Story: Dr. Stephen Knisely” the pastor of The United Methodist Church of Berea shares the transformative story of growing up in the church, questioning his faith as he got older, and wrestling with hearing and answering God’s call.
“I grew up in the Methodist Church and while I believed in God, I would say that in some ways I took it serious in some ways I did not,” Knisely said.
Through various occupations and stops along his journey he has found that above all God has imbued him with a deep love for others.
“In my call to ministry God keeps working in me and helping me grow as a person and a pastor, becoming more and more compassionate, and more in touch with others. I love connecting with people and I love loving people, and I love serving Christ,” Knisely shared.
Listen to previous Storyboard podcast episodes.
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
You are invited to be part of the historic event “Celebrating Methodist Missions in Ohio, Korea, and Beyond: The 140-year Legacy of Mary & William Scranton” August 4-6 at Church of the Saviour UMC in Cleveland Heights. Register today to be part of the celebration that will welcome a delegation of clergy and laity from Seoul, South Korea and honor our missions partnership. Scheduled speakers include Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Bishop Chung-Suk Kim, Bishop Jeremiah Park, and Council of Bishops President Bishop Tracy S. Malone.
Register for Celebrating Methodist Missions in Ohio, Korea and Beyond.
View the agenda for this event.
View the list of hotels near the church.
Annual Conference
Journal Reports Due July 15
Reports submitted for the Pre-Conference Workbook by the March print deadline are not automatically included in The Journal. If you have a report that you would like included in The Journal, the entire report must be e-mailed to Brenda Vaccaro, Journal editor, no later than July 15.
Annual Conference 2025
View and download the AC 2025 recap video.
Read and download the AC 2025 recap article.
View the AC 2025 videos showcase.
View and download photos from AC 2025.
Annual Conference 2026
The 57th session of Annual Conference is scheduled for June 11-13, 2026, at the College of Wooster.
Staff Resources
Resourcing Laity, Clergy & Churches of East Ohio
On July 1 the staff of the East Ohio Conference and the staff of the West Ohio Conference expanded with several members now serving in both Conferences. In so doing, both Conferences are living into the vision of Bishop Hee-Soo Jung for how we can best make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ in Ohio for the transformation of the world.
West Ohio Conference Staff Now Serving Also in East Ohio:
Office of Ministry Executive Director
Rev. Donnetta Peaks – (380) 223-9260; e-mail
Office of Ministry Administrative Coordinator
Susan Thomas – (380) 223-9239; e-mail
Fresh Starts & New Beginnings Executive Director
Brad Aycock – (573) 421-1824; e-mail
Fresh Starts & New Beginnings Administrative & Events Coordinator
Terri McClain – (937) 631-0059; e-mail
Mission Engagement Director
Mariellyn Grace – (380) 223-9212; e-mail
Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults Director
Rev. Ann Marie Carley – (380) 223-9369; e-mail
Faith Formation & Lay Ministries Director
Julie Carter – (380) 223-9237; e-mail
East Ohio Conference Staff Now Serving Also in West Ohio:
Discipleship Ministries Executive Director
Rev. Beth Ortiz – (330) 499-3972 Ext. 129; e-mail
Multicultural Ministries Director
Will Fenton-Jones – (330) 499-3972 Ext. 117; e-mail
Camps & Retreat Ministries Director
Rev. Gary Jones – (330) 499-3972 Ext. 120; e-mail
Engagement with Youth Associate Director
Tim Beck – (330) 499-3972 Ext. 103; e-mail
View the entire staff on the East Ohio Conference staff page.
Missions & Community Engagement
All In Community Dinner & Discussion – August 28
Through the All In Community ministry framework, participants of this 5:00-7:00 p.m. event on August 28 at Christ UMC in Cleveland will better understand tangible needs and spiritual, social, and emotional needs that restore hope and support healing during and following incarceration.
Join us to better understand how to navigate Ohio’s criminal justice system with loved ones, congregants, and neighbors. 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.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
View the All In Community pages on 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.
Engagement with Children, Youth and Young Adults
Day at the Camp Aldersgate Lake – July 26
All youth groups are invited to Camp Aldersgate in Carrollton on Saturday, July 26 to enjoy a day of swimming, boating, kayaking, fishing, food, and fun! The cost is $10 per person and includes lunch. If you have questions, please e-mail Deena Wolfe coordinator of Emerging Leaders, which was formerly called CCYM.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
For questions about Engagement with Children, Youth and Young Adults opportunities, please e-mail Ann Marie Carley, director of Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults in the Connectional Ministries office. You may also e-mail Tim Beck, associate director of Engagement with Youth, or visit the Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults pages of the Conference website.
Camps & Retreat Ministries
Camp is Happening, Right Now!
Hundreds of children, youth, and adults are attending Summer Camp 2025 in East Ohio. Lives are being transformed as campers experience God through Creation, pushing their limits in new adventures, and build community while making new friends. If you know a child who could benefit from this life-changing experience, let them know about Summer Camp.
If you have questions about Summer Camp, please e-mail the Camps office or call us at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.
For questions about Camps & Retreat Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Gary Jones, Connectional Ministries office Camps & Retreat Ministries director, or visit the Camps & Retreat Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Clergy
Generosity Summit
The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio (UMFWO) Generosity Summit September 15-16 in Toledo features two full days of teaching on stewardship, clergy financial education, church finance, and investment best practices provided by speakers from across the connection of The United Methodist Church. The event will be held at the beautiful Maumee Bay Lodge & Conference Center on Lake Erie. The cost is $350 for a single-occupancy room, with lower prices for those who will share a room.
Scholarships for the Generosity Summit are available to cover the cost of the registration, which includes meals. Please e-mail Susan Black for an application from UMFWO. Please e-mail Rev. Brian Sheetz for an application from the Methodist Foundation of Ohio.
Register for the Generosity Summit on the EOC Events Registration page.
All-Ohio School of Ministry
The Office of Ministry is hosting the All-Ohio School of Ministry Sept. 18-20 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Sandusky. East Ohio and West Ohio Conference clergy are strongly encouraged to attend this inaugural collaboration for a time of bold imagination, meaningful dialogue, and renewed connection featuring keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Javier A. Viera, president of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Highlights of the event include a three-part presentation from Rev. Dr. Viera, fun, fellowship, and gatherings of Orders for specific information sharing and panel discussions. East Ohio Conference clergy can click here and complete the Ministerial Education Fund application to cover the cost of the event.
Register for the All-Ohio School of Ministry on the EOC Events Registration page.
Laity
Laity Convocation – August 15-16
Join with lay people from across the State of Ohio at Worthington UMC for a celebration of our faith and community. The August 15-16 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.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Certified Lay Ministry Academy Retreat – September 5-6
East and West Ohio Conference laity are invited to the Certified Lay Ministry (CLM) Academy Retreat September 5-6 at the West Ohio Area Center (32 Wesley Boulevard) in Worthington. Certified Lay Ministers are trained and equipped to fulfill their distinct God-given calling. They are specifically intended for missional leadership in churches and to enhance team ministry within congregations under the supervision of a clergyperson.
The CLM Academy was established for spiritual formation, community connections, and academic training for Certified Lay Ministers. On Friday, September 5 attendees will discern their call, learn more about the Academy, and hear from CLM’s serving their local churches and communities. The CLM Academy begins Saturday, September 6 for those already enrolled for online training and ready to begin classes later in September. Information for making discounted hotel reservations ($99) at the Sheraton Suites one mile from the Area Center will be provided to those who register online to participate in the Academy. If you have questions about the Certified Lay Ministry Academy, please e-mail Kathy Moore.
Apply for the Certified Lay Ministry Academy.
For questions about Lay Ministry opportunities, please e-mail Julie Carter, director of Faith Formation & Lay Ministries in the Connectional Ministries office. You can also select from ministries linked in the dropdown menu of the Laity tab on the Conference website, www.eocumc.com.
Events: July 7 – July 20
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Saturday, July 12
Journey to the National Underground Railroad Museum - Tuesday, July 15
Free Community Meal - Saturday, July 19
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:
- Ruth D. Williams, surviving spouse of the Rev. Deane R. Williams, died June 25.
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
- Childcare Providers – Elevate Life Network, a mission of Westbrook Park UMC
- Director of Music and Worship – First UMC of Cuyahoga Falls
- Organist and Accompanist – First UMC of Cuyahoga Falls
- Part-Time Custodian – Willoughby UMC
- Part-Time Preschool Teacher – Willoughby United Methodist Preschool
- Pianist – St. Paul UMC in Galion
- Secretary – North Industry UMC in Canton
- Pianist/Vocalist – Middlefield UMC
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
To subscribe to E-News and all East Ohio Conference news updates, enter your email address in the “Follow News via Email” widget on the right sidebar. Information from this E-News may be copied and used in your local church. The next scheduled edition of the E-News is Monday, July 21, 2025.
Thursday, July 17, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
East Ohio News 