September 29, 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 68 Bishop Jung Casts Vision for Ohio

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 68 is a special recording from the All-Ohio School of Ministry featuring Bishop Hee-Soo Jung reflecting on his first year serving as bishop in Ohio.

Bishop Jung offers that these three gifts from God are guiding him in visioning and shepherding the laity and clergy of the Ohio Episcopal Area comprised of the East and West Ohio Conferences: unity in practice, shared leadership, and one missional movement of abundance.

“God is the center act – not Hee-Soo Jung, not me – but God is the center act,” he said. “It’s not your own church, it’s about God.”

In his message he thanks leadership for supporting him in being a field bishop, visiting every local church.

“In every handshake, every prayer circle, every shared meal I saw Christ breaking bread with us, restoring trust, and showing that He is alive in Ohio.”

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

Day of Thanksgiving & Unity – November 15
The East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church will celebrate the second annual Day of Thanksgiving & Unity on Saturday, November 15 at Roscoe UMC in Coshocton. The theme for our time together will be “Christ Holds All the Parts Together” grounded in the words from Ephesians 2:21-22.

Bishop Lynette Plambeck, resident bishop of the Minnesota Conference and the Dakotas Conference, will preach and lead a one-hour plenary in the morning. Rev. Dr. Beth Stroud, assistant professor of History at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, will speak in the afternoon. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will preach the closing worship service.

Registration information will be e-mailed to clergy and laity.

Special Sundays

World Communion Sunday – 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.

Financial & Administrative Services

Church Apportionments
When you give to your local United Methodist church most of that offering supports ministries of the congregation, but a small portion of your gift supports important ministries and mission work across the country and around the world. This shared giving, or “apportioned giving,” allows United Methodists everywhere to work together to care for others and spread hope where it’s needed most.

Annual Conference 2025 approved a new formula for calculating church apportionments. The recommendation from the Conference Council on Finance & Administration that was approved by Annual Conference 2025 states that: “apportionments to local churches be based on non-benevolent and non-building expenditures (referred to as ‘total base figure’). A ‘grade figure’ will be derived for each local church so that it may readily figure its share of any Conference-budgeted item.”

The shared ministry/stewardship page of the East Ohio Conference website has been updated to explain the new formula for calculating apportionments, and to introduce The United Methodist Church United In Impact giving initiative.

Visit the EOC shared ministry/stewardship page.

HealthFlex Benefits Enrollment Begins October 29
Open enrollment for HealthFlex benefits members begins Wednesday, October 29 and ends Thursday, November 13. ALEX Benefits Counselor is live and has been updated for 2026 benefits election.

HealthFlex is more than a health insurance plan. It’s a comprehensive approach to healthier living – an integrated, wellness-driven health program offered through The United Methodist Church general agency Wespath Benefits & Investments. Pastors appointed at 75% time or more are eligible for HealthFlex benefits, as are lay employees of local churches and district offices who work at least 30 hours per week. To sponsor HealthFlex for lay employees a HealthFlex sub-adoption agreement must be completed by the employer.

Learn more about HealthFlex 2026 benefits.

Learn About the New Compass Clergy Retirement Plan
All clergy appointed at 100% or at 75% are automatically enrolled in the new Compass clergy retirement plan that goes into effect January 1, 2026. Both clergy and the church(es) they serve make contributions to Compass, which was approved by General Conference to increase plan sustainability, ensuring reliable retirement benefits for future generations.

The defined contribution Compass plan will replace the current Clergy Retirement Security Plan, which is both a defined benefit and defined contribution plan.

Learn about the Compass retirement plan.
Download a Compass FAQ sheet.

Checks No Longer Accepted Via the Lockbox
The bank lockbox in Cleveland has been closed. 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 e-mail Eva Casey or call her (330) 499-3972 ext. 135.

Mission Engagement

AIC: Christmas Miracle Meeting – October 27
This Christmas All In Community (EOC Fund 9984) will work alongside the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) and The Four Seven Ministries to help families experience the holiday with their incarcerated loved ones. Join us at 7:00 p.m. on October 27 for an online meeting to learn how you can help make Christmas magical for those who are often forgotten and left out of the holiday celebrations.

Learn about and support All In Community ministry.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Download the Christmas Miracle flyer.

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.

Disaster Response

ERT Training and Recertification – November 8 
Early Response Team (ERT) training on Saturday, November 8 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at North Broadway UMC in Columbus will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family’s personal property. This work may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning-out flooded homes, and more.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recognizes this training to permit those who complete the course to enter a disaster scene when invited. The recertification class will end around 1:00 p.m. and is only for those who have completed the Basic course and are within one year of the date their badge expired. The cost for the course is $40 for the Basic class and $35 for recertification. If you have questions about the training opportunities, please e-mail Mariellyn Grace, Mission Engagement director in the Connectional Ministries office. Plans are being made to host the next ERT training in January 2026.

Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

Engagement with Children, Youth and Young Adults

Project Feed – November 16 
Teens from across Ohio are invited to Project Feed, a meal-packing event with Midwest Mission, to support families experiencing food insecurity. This one-day mission project is a chance for students to serve together, meet new friends, and make the world a little brighter – one meal at a time. Join us to make a difference, hear good music, and have a fun Sunday afternoon.

Project Feed is Sunday, November 16 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at The UMC of Kent. The cost is $10 per teenager, with no cost for adults. Note that adults are encouraged to attend, but the priority is for students to engage fully in this hands-on service project. Last year’s registration filled up quickly. Don’t wait until the November 10 deadline to register.

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 and Retreat Ministries

Confirmation Day at Camp Asbury – February 7, 2026
You are invited to Camp Asbury on Saturday, February 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. to dive deep into United Methodist teachings and explore your faith! The day’s curriculum will include introductory level sessions on “What United Methodists Believe”, “The Sacraments”, “The Layout of The UMC”, “Spiritual Disciplines”, “UM History”, and “Worship”.

Camp Asbury is the perfect backdrop to connect our faith to God’s beautiful Creation, with some of the sessions to be held outdoors. This one-day winter getaway will allow you to strengthen your friendships with other youth in the Church and help you understand the role you play in The United Methodist Church. For more information, please call Camp Asbury at (330) 569-3171 or the East Ohio Conference Camps office at (330) 499-3972 extension 139. The cost to attend is $70/youth and $60/adult. The last day to register is January 16, 2026.

Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

Confirmation Weekend at Camp Wanake – February 20-22, 2026
Bring your confirmation class to Camp Wanake for a hands-on, engaging weekend to remember, February 20-22, 2026. Explore The United Methodist Church understanding of the sacraments, ways we talk about and experience God, how we can connect with God in prayer, and heritage (history) and organization (Polity) of our denomination. For every six youth of the same gender and adult chaperone of that gender must be present for the weekend. For more information, please call Camp Wanake at (330) 756-2333, or the East Ohio Conference Camps office at (330) 499-3972 extension 139. The cost to attend is $169/youth and $159/adult. Save $20/person if you register by February 3, 2026.

Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

For questions about Camps & Retreat Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, Connectional Ministries executive director, or visit the Camps & Retreat Ministries 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.

Laity

Celebrate Laity This Fall
The ministry of the laity is the work of mission or ministry to which each believer, not just clergy, are called. Ministries of the laity include lay leaders, lay servants, Sunday school teachers, small group Bible study leaders, deaconesses, home missioners, and other significant forms of ministry.

Your congregation is encouraged to celebrate Laity Sunday, a Special Sunday in The United Methodist Church that is traditionally observed the third Sunday in October. The theme for Laity Sunday 2025 is “Be Strong in the Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16).

Download Laity Sunday resources.


Join the Expanding Connection Book Club
Christianity is declining in the West, and churches in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe are closing their doors at an accelerating rate. As we live in that reality, the Expanding Connection Book Club will meet online at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21 to discuss How to Reach the West Again: Six Essential Elements of a Missionary Encounter. In this book The New York Times best-selling author Timothy Keller shares that using the early Church as our guide, churches and individual Christians must examine ourselves, our culture, and Scripture to work toward a new missionary encounter with Western culture that will make the gospel both attractive and credible to a new generation.

Learn more and register for the book club.

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 under the dropdown menu of the Laity tab on the Conference website, www.eocumc.com.

Events: September 29 – October 12

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.)

Classifieds

Details of listings may be found here.

Positions Available

  • Caring Ministries Director – Strongsville UMC
  • Children’s & Family Ministry Coordinator – Medina UMC
  • Secretary – Greentown UMC
  • Director of Children and Youth Ministry – Henrietta UMC in Amherst
  • Kitchen Coordinator – Gay Street UMC in Mount Vernon

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

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Thursday, October 9, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.