September 15, 2025

EOC News

The United Methodist Church

Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Our vision (for how we live into our mission) is to form disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.

#BeUMC

Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 67 My Call Story: Pastor Marc Tibbs

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 67 Pastor Marc Tibbs of Akron Centenary United Methodist Church shares that since he was young, he’s struggled with hearing God call him into a life of ministry.

Tibbs shares, “Whenever I found myself close enough to a pastor I would always ask, ‘how do you know you have been called?’ When you ask people you get a myriad number of answers, and none of those answers I could identify with, but I just kept asking.”

As an adult he was still wrestling as he supported his daughter while she attended a Ministerial Recruitment Institute event. That night, one of the speakers asked, “who is struggling with a call to ministry?”

“That particular night when I thought about it, I heard the Holy Spirit say to me, ‘you know you’ve been called because you keep asking the question,’” Tibbs shared.

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.

Council of Bishops

UMC Bishops Issue “Seek Peace and Pursue It!” Statement
Every day, we are besieged with acts of violence across the globe. From Gaza to Goma to Orem to Evergreen. We grieve with families, communities and nations as they bear the weight of the pain and grief that violence leaves in its wake. The assassination of Charlie Kirk reminds us of the urgent need to address the growing threat of political violence.

We unequivocally condemn this act of violence and all violence. Violence dehumanizes victims and perpetrators. We call upon all people to reject the divisive rhetoric that fractures community. The most recent school shooting in Colorado summons us again to work to make schools safe places, to equip children to manage difference and disagreement nonviolently and to reduce the easy access to guns.

We are guided by the prophetic vision of Isaiah, who wrote, “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). This vision of a world where weapons are transformed into instruments of peace and prosperity is a powerful reminder of our calling to be active peacemakers.

As United Methodists gather for worship over the next several days, we call you to prayer and meaningful action against violence as a means to dispute settlement. We urge United Methodists to actively promote a culture of understanding, respect, and nonviolent conflict resolution. We encourage all United Methodists to work for public policies that foster community and reduce violence locally and globally.

Mission Engagement

September 15 Deadline for Bridges of Opportunity Community Experience
Join with All In Community (EO Fund 9984) in creating a community response that will offer Hope, Opportunities, Mentoring, and Encouragement (H.O.M.E.) with our young justice-impacted neighbors.

Each year, more than 400 participants leave prepared and positioned to effectively strengthen Ohio’s reentry continuum of care with local coalitions, community members, agency partners, and organizations. September 24 will be online from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. September 25 will be in-person from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at seven different locations around Ohio, including Cleveland, Portage County, and Youngstown. The cost is $10 and includes lunch on the in-person day.

Register by September 15 for Building Bridges of Opportunity.
Learn about and support All In Community ministry.

West Side Community House Celebrates 135 Years – September 20
You are invited to join us as we celebrate 135 years of West Side Community House (Fund 9933) being a place where families gather, friendships grow, and lives are strengthened. There will be food, raffles, music, and more at our celebration on September 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at 9300 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102.

You are asked to register to attend.

South Street Ministries Trails N Rails – September 20
South Street Ministries aspires to empower its South Akron and Summit Lake neighbors through hands-on programs and missions serving both youth and adults. On September 20 it will hold Trails N Rails, a fun-filled event that brings families outdoors to support its ministries. At 9:00 a.m. participants will depart from The Macomb Group and gather at the Mustill Store Trailhead for the event launch. Those participating in the two-mile walk will then be shuttled down to The Valley to enjoy a scenic walk to Botzum Trailhead. They’ll then hop aboard the train with the riders back to the picnic.

Learn more and register for Trails N Rails.

Missionary Willie Berman to Visit September 16-21
Guillermo “Willie” Berman, General Board of Global Ministries missionary, will be in East Ohio connecting with congregations and sharing about his work. Berman is director of Manos Juntas Mexico (Hands Together Mexico) in Reynosa, Mexico where he guides educational programming, a medical clinic, a sewing program, a thrift store and more. He also works with Volunteers in Mission teams. 

Many thanks to West Lafayette, Canal Lewisville, Henrietta, Wellington First, Church of the Saviour, and Mentor UMCs for hosting visits. To connect with missionary Berman while he is in East Ohio, please e-mail Kate Colbow, EOC secretary for Global Ministries.

Learn about and support the Advance for Willie Berman.

UM Appalachian Ministry Network Grant Applications Due October 15
The United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network (UMAMN) Hunger & Poverty Grant supports ministries that address food insecurity and poverty in the Appalachian region. Too many families face challenges accessing healthy meals, affordable housing, and basic resources. Through these grants, churches and ministries can strengthen food pantry and meal programs, support community gardens and sustainable food projects, provide outreach services to low-income families, and partner with local organizations to reduce poverty in their communities.

Apply for the UMAMN grant by October 15.
Learn about available grants, scholarships, and financial aid.

New Conference Missions Partners
In June, Annual Conference approved these three new Advance mission partners:

  • Wesleyan Senior Living (Fund 9171), which was renewed, is the charitable arm of Wesleyan Living. Its purpose is to generate resources to support and enrich the quality of life for residents at Wesleyan Meadows and Wesleyan Village – now and in the future. As part of our Christian mission, Wesleyan Village provides care for residents should they outlive their personal resources through no fault of their own.
  • Immigration Ministries of Ohio (Fund 9997) is a United Methodist community of citizens and noncitizens who are committed to migrant justice and interested in building community, sharing resources, and advocating for policy change together in Ohio. We are currently raising funds to cover the initial filing fees for 10 asylum-seekers who could not otherwise afford to apply for asylum.
  • The Humble Co-Op (Fund 9998) in Dresden offers a community garden project that is now harvesting produce that the community planted and tended. It donates food produced to local food pantries and vulnerable populations.
  • Unlikely Partners, Fund 9999 is a collaboration between OhioGuidestone, South Street Ministries, Royal Family KIDS Camp, and other agencies. Its goal is to develop a property near Medina that will provide opportunities for those on the margins to experience the love of Jesus in ways that empower them to flourish and live out of their identity as a child of the King!

Learn about each of our Advance Special ministry partners.

Global Ministries Launces Newly Designed Website
The address remains the same, but after many months of strategic planning and implementation, Global Ministries and UMCOR launched a newly designed website.

Visit the Global Ministries & UMCOR website.

For questions about Mission Engagement ministries and opportunities, please e-mail Mariellyn Grace, Connectional Ministries office Mission Engagement director, or visit the Mission Engagement pages of the Conference website.

Local Churches in the News

Lowell UMC Worships on Sternwheeler
Pastor Don Archer of Lowell UMC (South Forest District) shares this story:

Sandy Archer proposed the idea of a worship service aboard a Sternwheeler. On Sunday August 10, 2025, members and friends of Lowell UMC departed from Marietta, Ohio aboard the Major/Riveria.

Following a catered breakfast, I led a devotional emphasizing that the church exists wherever people gather in the name of Jesus. The remainder of the Ohio River cruise was an informal time of getting to know one another and enjoying the beauty of a late summer morning.

Camps and Retreat Ministries

Rev. Gary Jones to Retire as Director
After 24 years of faithful service as director of East Ohio Camps & Retreat Ministries, Rev. Gary Jones has announced that he will retire effective October 1.

“We will collaborate with our respective teams to ensure the continued vitality of our beloved Camps & Retreat Ministries, which Rev. Jones has so faithfully stewarded for more than two decades,” said Connectional Ministries Offices Executive Directors Rev. Ed Fashbaugh (East Ohio) and Rev. Karen Cook (West Ohio).

If you would like to share a message with Rev. Jones, you are invited to send a card to Rev. Gary Jones, 8800 Cleveland Ave. NW, North Canton, Ohio 44720.

Financial & Administrative Services

Last Month to Receive Checks Via the Lockbox
September 30 is the last day the Conference will receive checks via a lockbox. If you have automatic check payments set up for us through your bank, please make sure you update our mailing address. Checks should be sent directly to the Conference office:

East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
8800 Cleveland Ave NW
North Canton, OH  44720

Electronic forms of payment are acceptable. If you have any questions on setting up electronic payments, please email Eva Casey or call her (330) 499-3972 ext. 135.

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.

Clergy

Advent Resources
The General Commission on Religion & Race offers three resources to support you and your congregation as you proclaim hope, peace, joy, and love in a world longing for justice.

  • “Seeking Jesus: The Advent of Justice and Peace” – a five-week worship and children’s resource that connects the Advent story with the call to confront racism, inequity, and division.
  • “Reimagine Advent: Discover the Liberating Christ” – written by Rev. Dr. B. Yuki Schwartz, this resource invites churches to see Jesus through the eyes of the marginalized, challenging “colonized” versions of the Christmas story and opening space for liberating joy.
  • “God with Us: Advent Promises for a Just World” – a free study that pairs lectionary scripture with justice-centered reflection, discussion, and ritual, equipping churches to embody God’s presence in a fractured world.

Learn more about GCORR Advent resources.

MTSO Is New Home of the Center for Integrative Pastoral Practice
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) of The United Methodist Church has chosen Methodist Theological School in Ohio as the new academic home of the Center for Integrative Pastoral Practice (CIPP), its Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program.

The CIPP program, which GBHEM has operated since 2018, is a vital component in the preparation of future chaplains, spiritual care providers and pastoral counselors, integrating theological knowledge with practical clinical training. It is fully accredited by the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education Inc. CIPP uses students’ existing ministry settings for the clinical assignments required for CPE certification.

Special Sundays

World Communion Sunday is October 5
World Communion Sunday celebrates the unity and diversity of the universal Christian community. As we gather around the Lord’s table, we recognize our unity in Christ, joining with others worldwide in Holy Communion. Embracing this commitment, United Methodists are dedicated to nurturing diverse leadership within the church by allocating funds for scholarships and leadership training for under-represented students.

Contributions to this Special Sunday offering historically received on the first Sunday in October fund scholarships for U.S. and international students, as well as grants for global inclusion, diversity, equity, and access training. Last year, over $360,000 was raised to advance these educational initiatives.

Learn about and download resources for World Communion Sunday.

Events: September 15 – September 28

Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.

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:

  • Madlynne Webber, retired Associate Member, died September 6.
  • Phyllis Costello, clergy spouse, died September 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

  • Child Care Coordinator – Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon
  • Kitchen Coordinator – Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon
  • Livestream Technician – Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon
  • Custodian – Cuyahoga Falls First UMC

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

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