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.
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 |
| Don Ackerman | Extension Ministry: Canton For All People | Central Valley | 1/1/2026 |
| Jeff Coggins | The Vine UMC | Central Valley | 9/1/2025 |
| Matthew Darrin | Carrollton First UMC | South Forest | 1/1/2026 |
| Brandon Keck | Medical Leave | South Forest | 10/31/25 |
| Mary Jo Yeakel (West Ohio) | Crossroads UMC | Central Valley | 1/1/2026 |
#BeUMC
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 71 Call Story: Rev. James Lance
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 71 Rev. James Lance of Apple Creek, Moreland, Smithville and Wooster Church of The Cross UMCs shares that each of our calls is different.
“We use call in a lot of ways. I heard the call to Jesus throughout my life. And whenever I’m preaching on it, I try to break this apart. You have the call to Jesus, you have the call to ministry, and then you have the call to your ministry,” Lance said.
He also speaks to the changing landscape of ministry.“To me, partially due to COVID, partially due to the technology boom, partially due to the arguments and polarization and a lot of factors, we are in that tectonic shift today. It’s navigating and adapting to realize that ministry is no longer what it was, it’s becoming something new,” Lance 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.
Constitutional Amendments
At its 2025 Fall Meeting held online November 3-7 the Council of Bishops announced that all four Constitutional Amendments voted on by Annual Conferences/Central Conferences since the 2020/2024 General Conference garnered more than the required two-thirds majority and became effective immediately. The four amendments are:
- Regionalization – aset of amendments to create new regional conferences that will each have equal power to adapt portions of the BOD within their respective regions.
- Inclusiveness of the Church – an amendment to add the words “gender” and “ability” to Paragraph 4, Article 4 of The UMC Constitution to categories that cannot be used to exclude membership in The United Methodist Church.
- Racial Justice – an amendment to strengthen Article V of The UMC Constitution by explicitly recognizing the church’s role in combating racism, racial inequity, colonialism, white privilege, and white supremacy.
- Educational Requirements for Clergy – General Conference voted to amend Section VI, Article IV of The United Methodist Church Constitution, which establishes the educational requirements for clergy members of annual or provisional conferences who are eligible to vote for clergy delegates to the General Conference.
Read the Council of Bishops press release.
Advocacy
Addressing Food Insecurity Amid Federal Shut-Down
The Ohio Episcopal Area calls all United Methodists in the State to come together addressing food insecurity issues brought about by the government shut-down.
Ten district-wide Zoom gatherings have been scheduled to 1) learn what churches are doing, 2) explore ways to collaborate and mobilize, and 3) coordinate support.
Learn more and register to participate.
Resources for Churches & Individuals During SNAP Crisis
Churches may request funding for new or expanded feeding ministries through the “Feeding Our Neighbors” grants from the General Board of Global Ministries.
Churches that do not currently offer food assistance ministries may wish to partner with churches in their community in this important ministry. Calling 211 in most communities will provide churches with this information. In addition, the Work-Life Toolkit provides links to assist individuals and communities in resourcing one another during the government shutdown. If you have questions about food ministries, please e-mail Mariellyn Grace, Mission Engagement director.
Apply for a Feeding Our Neighbors grant.
View helpful tips for churches to help those struggling with food insecurity.
View the Work-Life Toolkit.
Submit a holiday meal or food distribution ministry for the EOC calendar.
New UMC Advocacy Web Resource
United Methodist Communications has a new resource created in collaboration with the Council of Bishops, and General Agencies of The United Methodist Church. The new Advocacy resource can be found on the EOC website under both the Ministries tab and the Resources tab.
The interactive page provides users with a one-stop shop to:
- learn about the role advocacy plays in the fabric of The United Methodist Church,
- be linked to the advocacy pages of General Agencies of The UMC,
- share about available advocacy opportunities,
- download stories of advocacy from across The UMC,
- and more.
View The UMC Advocacy resource.
Health Benefits
November 13 is Deadline to Elect 2026 HealthFlex Benefits
You must act by Thursday, November 13 to choose or modify your HealthFlex coverage for 2026. If you have questions about this year’s benefits election, please e-mail Robin Whitacre, Benefits director.
HealthFlex is 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.
Learn more about HealthFlex 2026 benefits.
For questions about Health Benefits, please e-mail Robin Whitacre, Benefits director in the Financial & Administrative Services office, or visit the Health Benefits pages of the Conference website
Christian Family Credit Union
Clergy Debit Relief Loan
In partnership with Wespath, Christian Family Credit Union is now offering a clergy debt relief loan for up to $15,000, at rates as low as 5.00% for terms up to 72 months. No collateral is required. The Credit Union is partnering with Wespath for this project to promote clergy financial wellness.
If you have questions about the loan, please e-mail the Credit Union, call the office at (800) 373-1059, or visit the website.
Safe Sanctuaries
Background Check Process Changing – December 1
Starting at the end of November, the Connectional Ministries office will no longer process background checks for local church staff and volunteers. One option for local churches is to create an account with Safe Gatherings, a service recommended by the West Ohio Conference. Churches may also choose a company of their choosing for conducting background checks to keep the church UMC Safe Sanctuaries compliant, this includes contacting the current EOC background check provider, Protect My Ministry.
Churches that approved by Safe Gatherings after completing an application will be able to view pending and approved users, send invitation links to new applicants, update account details as needed, and decide whether the church or the applicant is billed for the background check.
The East Ohio Conference will continue to provide background checks for clergy, Lay Speakers, Certified Lay Ministers, mission team members, and Conference staff. If you have questions about the new background check process, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant, or call her at (330) 499-3972 ext. 102.
Apply for a Safe Gatherings account.
Download the Safe Gatherings flyer.
Learn about Protect My Ministry.
Mission Engagement
All In Community Self-Care Workshops
All In Community will present free Vicarious Trauma Self-Care online workshops online from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on both November 20 and December 4. This workshop prepares ministry servants, pastors, community service providers, and criminal justice professionals to recognize the mental and emotional signs that someone in the face of exposure to life’s traumatic stressors needs self-care.
Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
#GivingTuesday – December 2
The Board of Missions is encouraging United Methodists to support #GivingTuesday on December 2. Donations made on that day to EOC Advance Specials will be matched by the Board, with a $500 maximum match per Advance. Donors can schedule a donation in advance for that day. In 2024, 19 Advances received $6,487 in matching donations. Let’s make a goal of supporting even more Advance Specials ministries this year. If you have questions about the #GivingTuesday donation match, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant.
Learn about and support EOC Advance Specials Ministries.
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.
Disability Awareness
Expanding Connection Book Club – November 18
The Expanding Connection Book Club will meet from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18 to discuss the new book by Amy Kenny, My Body is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church. In her thought-provoking book, Kenny, a disabled Christian and advocate for disability justice, reflects on her personal experiences within the Church to highlight the unintentional ableism often present in Christian communities.
This book is an essential read for anyone interested in disability advocacy, faith, and creating more inclusive spaces in religious communities. If you have questions about the book club, please e-mail Julie Carter, director of Faith Formation and Lay Ministries.
Register for the November 18 book club.
Engagement with Children, Youth and Young Adults
Global Young People’s Convocation – July 7-11, 2026
East Ohio is awarding partial funding for up to two young adults (ages 21-29) to attend the Global Young People’s Convocation in Dublin, Ireland July 7-11, 2026. Scholarship requests can cover registration (up to $899), lodging (up to $880), and air fare (up to $1,200). Applicants must also submit a video of no more than two minutes expressing their desire to attend the convocation, what they hope to learn at it, and how they will share their experience with the Ohio Episcopal area upon their return.
If you have questions about the application, and to submit a video, please e-mail Ann Marie Carley, director of Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults.
Learn about the Global Young People’s Convocation.
Apply for a partial scholarship for the Convocation.
Reset Leaders Retreat – January 23-24, 2026
Spiritual renewal is the topic of this year’s annual youth leaders retreat, now expanded to include those serving with children, youth, and young adults. You are invited to gather January 23–24, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Akron-Canton Airport for reflection, encouragement, and practical connection as we rest, recharge, and grow together. Participants will be guided by Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
The cost is $40 for commuters, $80 for double occupancy, and $160 for single occupancy. The last day to register is January 5. If you have questions about the retreat, please e-mail Tim Beck, associate director of Engagement with Youth.
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
Wreath-Making Day at Camp Wanake – November 22
Start the holiday season with hands-on fun, making wreaths for your home or to give-away as gifts. We will gather at Camp Wanake on Saturday, November 22 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., and wreath supplies will be provided. There is no cost for this event, and you do not need to RSVP to attend. If you have questions about wreath-making day, please call Camp Wanake at (330) 756-2333 or e-mail Amy Ecklund.
Give a Camps Gift Card for Christmas
This Christmas give a gift that lasts a lifetime and doesn’t need batteries – Camps experience. Camp Aldersgate, Camp Asbury, and Camp Wanake all now offer gift cards. Each card is perfect for any age and is good toward June and July Summer Camp registration.
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”.
For more information, please call Camp Asbury at (330) 569-3171 or the East Ohio Conference Camps office at (330) 499-3972 ext. 139. The cost to attend is $70/youth and $60/adult. The last day to register is January 16, 2016.
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.
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.
Exploring a Call to Ministry
Candidacy Summit Retreat Online – January 9-10, 2026
All Christians are called to ministry. However, some Christians experience a call to the set-apart licensed or ordained ministry of becoming a clergyperson. The Ohio Episcopal Area comprised of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church has a discernment process to help you further explore your call through preparation, participation, and prayer. The goal is faithfulness to discerning God’s call in your life right now, one step at a time.
A major part of the discernment process is the Candidacy Summit retreat, a bi-annual event where candidates worship and fellowship together, meet with their mentoring group, learn, and reflect with others who are also exploring God’s call on their lives. To attend the Candidacy Summit retreat, candidates must be recommended by their district superintendent and must complete the necessary paperwork. If you have questions about the Candidacy Summit and/or exploring a call to ministry, please e-mail Rev. Karen Wolcott, EOC Candidacy Summit coordinator, or Rev. Donnetta Peaks, executive director of the Office of Ministry of the Ohio Episcopal Area.
Learn more about exploring a call to ministry.
Events: November 10 – November 23
Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.
- Saturday, November 15
The Spoken Word Workshops - Tuesday, November 18
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:
- Ela Snehleta Howard, clergy spouse, died October 19.
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
- Minister of Music – Aldersgate UMC in Warrensville Heights
- Media Ministry Coordinator – The UMC of Macedonia
- Youth Ministry Coordinator – Medina UMC
- General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer – GCFA
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
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Thursday, November 20, 2025 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
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