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 69 Call Story: Pastor Megan Buehler
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 69 Pastor Megan Buehler of Vienna and Coalburg UMCs shares that wrestling with God’s call began years ago when she attended The United Methodist Church of Berea.
“The only time I really felt at peace was when I walked in those red doors on Seminary Street in Berea and just was like ‘there’s got to be something with this, but I’m not going to get into it too much because it feels like it might be really big if I wrestle with this feeling more,’” Buehler said.
Eventually giving into God’s voice that was calling her into a deeper role serving the church, Buehler enrolled at Methodist Theological School of Ohio. “I have never felt more myself than I have in the last 10 years when I finally said ‘yes, this is who I am,’” Buehler 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.
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 Hee-Soo Jung will preach, Minnesota and Dakotas Conferences Bishop Lynette Plambeck will preach and lead a one-hour plenary, and Rev. Dr. Beth Stroud of Methodist Theological School in Ohio will lead a plenary session.
Learn about and register for the Day of Thanksgiving & Unity.
A Clergy Appreciation Month Message from Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
I offer my heartfelt gratitude to God for each of you. Your lives, shaped by the call of Christ and sustained by His love and salvation, bear powerful witness to the beauty of faithful ministry.
Though every Christian shares in the priesthood of all believers, those called to the unique task of shepherding, preaching, and leading God’s people carry a sacred burden. The word “pastor” in the New Testament comes from the Greek term ποιμήν (poimēn), which literally means “shepherd”. To guide the church into healing, wholeness, and daily celebration of God’s presence is a profound and beautiful calling.
May this October be a sacred time of remembering, honoring, and giving thanks for all clergy and their families across Ohio. May the Lord bless you with abundant grace, peace, and joy as you continue to serve The United Methodist Church with faithfulness.
Read Bishop Jung’s message in its entirety.
Mission Engagement
AIC: Christmas Miracle Meeting – October 27
Miracles happen. We, as Christians, claim this every day in our Bible studies, in our worship services, and in our encounters with fellow Christians. But do we recognize when a miracle happens right before your eyes? Reaching out to support, care for, and build relationships with those experiencing challenging times can bring about some of the most beautiful miracles you can ever behold.
Last year, All In Community (Health & Well-Being Partner Fund 9984) assisted Four Seven Ministries in the Christmas Miracle events it provided at selected state correctional facilities. Volunteers helped families celebrate the Christmas season with their incarcerated loved ones inside the walls of the Northeast Reintegration Center and Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution. In wrapping gifts, playing games, and serving meals, the volunteers helped families create beautiful memories together. This year the Christmas Miracle is expanding to all ODRC facilities. On Monday, October 27 at 7:00 p.m. join online with AIC Ministries Coordinator Jami Nathan and Four Seven Ministries Executive Director Kim Elliott to learn how you can participate. Questions and requests for the Zoom link can be emailed to Jami Nathan or you can call her at (419) 591-9717.
Learn about and support All In Community ministry.
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
Join a Disaster Response Recovery Team to Wisconsin – October 23
The Northeast Jurisdiction of The UMC is coordinating a team of individuals to deploy to Wisconsin October 23-27. The team will work in the Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington County areas of southeast Wisconsin that in August suffered its worst flash flooding since 2008.
Both Early Response Team (ERT) trained and non-trained individuals may participate but the ratio must be one current ERT per two non-ERT trained people. All volunteers must be aged 18 or older. Work will include mucking out houses and other flood clean up. Housing and some meals will be provided by local churches. The Disaster Response Committee recently approved offering scholarships for ERT deployments to offset travel expenses, you will receive the link to the application after you complete the interest form below.
Complete the interest form on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Join a Disaster Response Recovery Team to Wisconsin – November 14
East Ohio Conference UMC Disaster Response has been invited to coordinate a team of individuals to deploy to Wisconsin November 14 for a three- or four-day mission. The team will work in the Milwaukee, Waukesha, and Washington County areas of southeast Wisconsin that in August suffered its worst flash flooding since 2008.
Both Early Response Team (ERT) trained and non-trained individuals may participate but the ratio must be one current ERT per two non-ERT trained people. All volunteers must be aged 18 or older. Work will include mucking out houses and other flood clean up. Housing and some meals will be provided by local churches. The Disaster Response Committee recently approved offering scholarships for ERT deployments to offset travel expenses, you will receive the link to the application after you complete the interest form below.
Complete the interest form on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Early Response Team (ERT) Training – November 8 & January 17
There are two Early Response Team (ERT) training opportunities scheduled for those interested in getting involved in disaster response ministry. Participants will learn best practices for responding as a volunteer in disaster situations. Training includes how to interact with survivors, helping survivors recover belongings, tarp roofs, and safely remove debris. Successful completion of the training and a background check by United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) are required to receive your credentials as a certified UMCOR ERT volunteer.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Early Response Team (ERT) Returns from Deployment to New York
Submitted by Bob Catchpole, Team Leader
On September 14 a team of six people from four churches across three UMC conferences embarked on a five-day trip to Oneida County, New York to assist the local community in the wake of the June storms that affected the area. Heavy rains and two tornadoes killed three people, downed many trees, and caused widespread flooding.
Our team members – Don Snyder (West Ohio), Ralph Bathelt (Upper New York) and me, Tom Ruth, David Hill, and Cherie Johannessen (East Ohio) – received our assignments from Upper New York Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Christina Clark. The work that we did three months after the disaster might be considered by some to be less urgent; however, it was no less important to the individuals involved. We were able to accomplish the primary mission of an Early Response Team, which is to provide a caring Christian presence in the aftermath of a disaster. In the three days we were there we removed seven trees and mucked out two basements, removing paneling, insulation, and debris.
We are incredibly grateful to Christina Clark and to the good people of Saint Mark’s UMC in Oneida for the hospitality they provided. They opened their parsonage for us to stay in, stocked it with breakfast food and snacks, packed lunches for us, and provided our evening meals at a local restaurant. I am also incredibly grateful to the team members who gave their time for this trip. They worked extremely hard without complaint, and we thank God for the opportunity to serve.
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.
Camps and Retreat Ministries
Interim Director Named for Camps & Retreat Ministries
Julie Schar Lautt has been named the interim director of Camps & Retreat Ministries in the Connectional Ministries office. In her time as interim director coordinating programming for Summer Camp 2026 she will continue to serve as director of Camp Wanake.
Confirmation Retreat at Camp Asbury – February 7
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”.
The cost to attend is $70/youth and $60/adult. For more information, please call Camp Asbury at (330) 569-3171 or the East Ohio Conference Camps office at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Confirmation Weekend at Camp Wanake – February 20-22
Bring your confirmation class to Camp Wanake to 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.
The cost to attend is $169/youth and $159/adult. Save $20/person if you register by February 3. For more information, please call Camp Wanake at (330) 756-2333, or the East Ohio Conference Camps office at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139.
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.
Events: October 13 – October 26
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Saturday, October 18
The Spoken Word Workshops - Tuesday, October 21
Free Community Meal
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:
- Joseph P. Platt, retired Elder, died October 8.
- Rita Myers, clergy spouse, died September 21.
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
Classifieds
Details of listings may be found here.
Positions Available
- Director of Children’s Ministries – Chardon UMC
- Pianist/Organist/Accompanist – Chardon UMC
- Business Coordinator – Chardon UMC
- Preschool Director – Northampton UMC’s Preschool
- 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
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
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