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, 2026.

2025 Appointments
Pastor	Appointment	District	Effective
Dawan Buie	Aldersgate & Willson UMCs	Northern Waters	1/1/2026
Scott Low	Tallmadge & Stow UMCs	Northern Waters	1/1/2026
Anthony Ruth	Garfield Heights UMC	Northern Waters	1/1/2026

View the complete list of 2025-2026 Appointments and Changes of Status, including retirements.

#BeUMC

Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 74 Will Post January 19

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.

The next episode will be published Monday, January 19. Episode 74 will focus on what it means to be well from a holistic standpoint, being good stewards of the body God gave us beyond diet and exercise. Guests are Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, Will Fenton-Jones, and Rev. Beth Ortiz.

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

Bishop Jung to Host Days in the Districts Across Ohio
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is hosting five days in the districts across the Ohio Episcopal Area in February and March. The theme of this year’s days with the bishop is “Abundant Grace” and the guiding scripture is Matthew 14:13-21.

Bishop’s Days with East Ohio Conference Districts:

• February 26 @ Zanesville Grace for clergy/laity of the South Forest and Hocking River Districts
• March 4 @ Lexington Church of the Cross for clergy/laity of the West Plains and Olentangy River Districts
• March 14 @ Montrose Zion UMC for clergy/laity of the Northern Waters & Central Valley Districts

On each of these days, clergy of the district are invited to join Bishop Jung beginning at 9:30 a.m. for a morning of worship and Bible study, followed by lunch, sessions on discipleship, ministries, a report from the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team, and a service at 3:00 p.m. with communion. Laity of the district are invited to join Bishop Jung at 5:00 p.m. for dinner followed by a worship service, Bible study, and conversation.

Bishop Jung to Lead Holy Land Pilgrimages – April 6-15
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung invites you to The Holy Land, the Holy People Trip to Israel scheduled for April 6–15 to participate in a ministry of reconciliation reaching across geographic, religious, ethnic and cultural boundaries to new horizons of mission. The tour will be led by The Society for Biblical Studies, an ecumenical, interfaith and inclusive organization. There will be two tracks to choose from on this visit to The Holy Land.

• Track #1: 10-Day Survey of the Bible with Contemporary Studies track will provide an overview of the geographic, social, historical, archaeological, and cultural settings to the Bible. It will also help participants become familiar with the nature of Christianity in The Holy Land and gain a deeper understanding of the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Cost per person is $3,745 per person, which includes airfare from New York City.

View the Track 1 itinerary and register for the trip.

• Track #1: 10-Day Fact-Finding, Advocacy, Peacemaking in the Holy Lands track is for those whose interests and passions center on peace with justice. Participants will learn the history and current state of the Israeli Palestinian conflict and the role of the Church in it through in-depth meetings and conversations with Israelis and Palestinians. Cost per person is $3,514, which includes airfare from New York City.

View the Track 2 itinerary and register for the trip.

Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team

Next Meeting of the Task Team is January 31
In early 2025 Bishop Hee-Soo Jung announced the creation of the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team which has eight members and two ex-officio staff members from each of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences. The role of the Task Team is to listen, discuss, and discern about forming a new, unified Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.

“Your ultimate goal is to create a new culture that is outward looking, missionally focused, spiritually grounded,” Rev. Doug Anderson, the Task Team consultant told team members at their March meeting.

In his presentation to Annual Conference 2025, Anderson said, “The decision to create a new annual conference is not made by the task team, the Cabinets, or the bishop. That decision will be made by the Annual Conferences themselves in 2027.”

In Spring, 2025, the Task Team hosted 17 listening sessions attended by 254 people representing East Ohio and West Ohio staff, and laity and clergy of rural, urban, and suburban churches of various sizes across multiple geographic areas. Over the Summer of 2025, 19 work groups featuring Conference staff/leadership resource members and up to 10 clergy/laity representing both East and West Ohio were formed, with each group convened by a Task Team member.  Since that time, most of the teams have been meeting regularly.

The Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team will meet Saturday, January 31, to share progress reports.  At that meeting Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will preview a visioning statement for the cooperative work of both conferences, which he will also share with clergy and laity during his scheduled Days in the Districts this Spring. As the work teams continue meeting in the Spring of 2026, the Task Team will create a written report and presentation to be shared at both Annual Conferences.

Learn about the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team.

MLK Day 2026

Celebrating the Life of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a vision of building a Beloved Community rooted in justice, reconciliation, compassion, and courage. On January 18, 2026, you are invited to participate in a worship service and/or community projects in your neighborhood to honor the life, ministry, and legacy of Rev. Dr. King. A list of service opportunities will be published on the Conference website in January.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Bending the Arc: Building the Beloved Community in Our Neighborhoods”.

At 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18 Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will be part of a special service honoring Rev. Dr. King at Clair UMC in Columbus. You are invited to attend in-person or via livestream.

Visit the MLK Day 2026 resources page of the EOC website.

Financial & Administrative Services

Year-End Reports Due by January 19
Each local church needs to submit a year-end report through the AC Stats portal. The report for 2025 is due no later than Monday, January 19.

2026 Mileage Rates
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the 2026 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Effective January 1, 2026, the mileage reimbursement rates for gasoline, diesel, electric, and hybrid vehicles are:

• 72.5 cents per mile driven for business use, an increase of 2.5 cents from the rate set for 2025.
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations. This rate pertains to a volunteer for the Conference, not for a Conference employee.

Per the IRS release, the above rates apply to fully electric and hybrid automobiles as well as gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.

Wespath to Mail 2025 Tax Forms by February 2
No later than Monday, February 2, Wespath will mail participants these Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 2025 tax forms:

• Form 1099-R – Distributions from Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or Profit-Sharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc.
• Form 1099-MISC – Miscellaneous Information
• Form W-2 – Wage and Tax Statement (for disability payments)

The mailed tax documents will also be available online in Benefits Access under My Benefits – Retirement Benefits – Tax Forms by February 2.

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.

Mission Engagement

Board of Missions Matched $9,260 on #GivingTuesday
Thank you to everyone who donated to one of the East Ohio Conference Advance partners on December 3. Twenty-five different missions and ministries received matches and the grand total matched by the Board of Missions was $9,260 – almost $3,000 more than in 2024! We pray you will continue to support the work of our Conference mission partners in 2026.

View the list and learn about current Advance Specials.

Advance Special Application Deadline is January 15
January 15 is the deadline for missions and ministries to apply to become a Conference Advance Special. If you have questions about Advance Specials, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office.

Read the guidelines for becoming an Advance Special.
Apply to be an Advance Special.

Green Church Training – February 22
In November of 2024, East Ohio hosted its first-ever Ohio Episcopal Area Green Church Training, which helps local churches take steps to better care for God’s Creation in their congregations and communities. In 2025, three additional Green Church Trainings were held – in Columbus, Ashland, and online. A total of 47 churches attended the trainings from both East and West Ohio – typically with a team of two or three people from each church. During the trainings, churches were encouraged to start or expand a Green Team – a group of church members and staff that work toward green solutions that make sense for their respective congregation. Churches that have attended the trainings have dreamed about adding native pollinator plants, instituting recycling and composting programs, changing out Styrofoam coffee cups for real mugs, and more!

Your church is invited to attend the first Green Church training of 2026, which will be held online from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 22.

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

Disaster Response

Early Response Team Training – January 17
Learn best practices for responding as a volunteer in disaster situations. Training includes how to interact with survivors, how to assist survivors recover belongings, how to tarp roofs, and how to safely remove debris. Successful completion of the training and a background check by United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is required to receive your credentials as a certified UMCOR Early Response Team (ERT) volunteer for three years. Cost of the training is $25/person, which includes training materials, a t-shirt, lunch, and the required UMCOR background check. If you have questions about the training, please e-mail Tom King, Disaster Response chairperson.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website by January 12.

UMVIM Leader Training Begins February 3
The free, four-week United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) online training is geared toward anyone who would like to lead teams on mission journeys and/or any existing team leaders who need refresher training. The training is comprised of four 90-minute sessions that begin at 7:30 p.m. on each of these four Tuesdays: February 3, 10, 17, 24. The training is led by UMVIM Jurisdictional coordinators and will focus on the theology of mission, The UMC connectional structure, practical advice for leading a team, and mission travel.

Learn about and register for the UMVIM leader training.

For questions about Disaster Response ministries and opportunities, please e-mail Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, executive director of Connectional Ministries, or visit the Disaster Response pages of the Conference website.

Multicultural Ministries

Bus Trip to Museum of African American History – February 6
The Ohio Episcopal Area is sponsoring a day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, MI. You are invited to meet at and ride a charter bus to the museum from either Mentor UMC (leaving at 8:00 a.m.), North Olmsted UMC (leaving at 9:00 a.m.), or Sylvania First UMC (leaving at 10:45 a.m.). Together, we will spend the day learning, meeting new friends, and fellowshipping. Lunch will be served on the bus. The cost is $40 for adults and $15 for youth, college students, and commuters. The last day to register is January 30.

Register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
View the flyer and learn more about this event.

Afro-Zion: Our Future Is Now – February 11-13
“Afro-Zion: Our Future Is Now” is a three-day sacred retreat for Black clergy and lay leaders across Ohio who are discerning what faithfulness looks like in this moment. This gathering creates space for rest, strategy, and renewal – honoring the legacy of Black Methodist leadership while equipping leaders for the future of the Church and our communities. Rooted in scripture, African-centered spiritual practices, and Wesleyan theology, Afro-Zion centers the lived experiences of Black leaders navigating ministry in a time of cultural upheaval, institutional change, and prophetic possibility.

The retreat begins on Wednesday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13 and will be hosted at the West Ohio Conference office (32 Wesley Blvd., Worthington). The cost for the retreat is $50. A block of discounted rooms at The Sheraton Inn Columbus/Worthington is available for participants to secure. The last day to register is February 9.

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

For questions about Multicultural Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director, or visit the Multicultural Ministries pages of the Conference website.

Camps & Retreat Ministries

Register Today for Summer Camp 2026
Summer Camp is a place for campers in grades 1-12 to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, have exciting experiences, and make lasting friendships – all while being guided by skilled, creative and compassionate staff. Camp Aldersgate, Camp Asbury, and Camp Wanake are ministry sites of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. For Summer Camp 2026, all three sites will focus on campers being in God’s Creation and experiencing the power of God’s Spirit working in their lives and in the lives of the Camp community.

Summer Camp programming brochures and bulletin inserts will be mailed soon to church offices. If you have questions about Summer Camp, please e-mail the Camps & Retreat Ministries office.

Learn more and register for Summer Camp 2026.

EOC Camps Are Excellent Sites for Retreats
At our East Ohio retreat facilities – Aldersgate, Asbury, and Wanake – our goal is to provide comfortable settings and quality programs through which people can experience Christ’s love in God’s Creation and share that love with others. The sites provide year-round accommodation for both small intimate and large group gatherings.

Learn about Camp Aldersgate retreat facilities in Carrollton.
Learn about Camp Asbury retreat facilities in Hiram.
Learn about Camp Wanake retreat facilities in Beach City.

Confirmation Day 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. 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, 2016.

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 for a hands-on, engaging weekend to remember, February 20-22, 2026. 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.

Women’s Winter Bible Study at Camp Wanake – February 13-15
Join us for a time of reflection, connection, and spiritual growth as we delve into the depths of God’s Word. This winter, let your heart be warmed by the fellowship of like-minded women and the embrace of a community rooted in faith.

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

Retreat for Clergy Spouses – March 6-8
Clergy spouses are invited to join spouses of clergy from across many denominations for a retreat on March 6-8 hosted at Wanake Camp and Retreat Center (9463 Manchester Ave SW, Beach City, OH). The retreat will be a time of fellowship, support, fun, and worship for clergy spouses, who hold a unique position in the life of the Church.

The retreat begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6 and ends at noon on Sunday, March 8. The cost of the retreat is $135 per person and includes meals and lodging. All denominations are welcome. If you are the spouse of a United Methodist Church clergyperson, the cost is just $100 thanks to generous donations from the East Ohio Conference UMC and the West Ohio Conference UMC. First-time retreat attendees can also receive a $50 discount. The last day to register is February 15. For further questions, please e-mail Jeanette Burkhardt, the event coordinator, at jburkhardt001@gmail.com.

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

Laity

Laity Discernment Retreat – February through March
The Laity Discernment Retreat is for those who feel God’s call on their life but are uncertain how to discern that call or what to do next. At the Laity Discernment Retreats, we will talk about call, discernment, and what it means to be “called by our baptism.” We will learn ways to intentionally enter a time of prayer about discernment, will discover spiritual rhythms that can help guide our journey, and we’ll discuss a variety of ways laity can serve in our churches and in our communities.

Plan to attend each of the three two-hour online Zoom sessions followed six weeks later by a two-hour online debriefing. In the weeks between sessions, there will be opportunities to read, reflect, and practice spiritual rhythms that will lead you to a better understanding of your own call. The cost of the retreat is $25/person. If you have questions about the retreat, please e-mail Kim LaRue.

Plan to attend all three of these sessions:

• Monday, February 2 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 9 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Register for the Laity Discernment Retreat.

Certified Lay Ministry Academy – February through July
A Certified Lay Minister (CLM) is a Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, or Certified Lay Missioner who is called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, or establish community outreach ministries as part of a ministry team. If you are interested in becoming a CLM, please first review the updated Step-By-Step Guide.

If you are ready to commit to the schedule (February through July) and have fulfilled the prerequisites, you are encouraged to apply for the new CLM Academy. With a mix of in-person and independent study, the Academy will guide you through the four required training modules for CLMs. The cost is $150 and you must apply and be accepted to enroll. Most of the classes will take place at the East Ohio UMC Area Center in North Canton. The deadline to apply is February 15.

Learn more and apply for the Certified Lay Ministry Academy.

Expanding Connection Book Club on February 17
All are invited to a free, virtual book club hosted by Julie Carter, Faith Formation & Lay Ministries director. Join in the fun and learning from and about diverse characters, both in the discussion group and the book! At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17 we will meet online to discuss the book The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murphy. It’s a remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her identity and pass as white to leave a legacy that enriched our nation. Even if you haven’t read the book, you are welcome to join the lively conversation. If you have questions about the book club, please e-mail Julie Carter.

Register for the Expanding Connection Book Club to receive the meeting link.

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: January 12 – January 25

Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.

• Saturday, January 17
  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:

• Donald L. Kline, retired Elder, died January 1.
• Richard K. Hoover, retired Elder, died December 24.
• Warren C. Hill, West Ohio retired Elder, died November 2.
• Linda E. O’Donnell, retired Local Pastor, died November 30.
• Dean V. Roush, retired Elder, died November 27.
• Jeannie Beighley, retired Elder, died December 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

• Coordinator of Music Ministries – Grandview UMC in Cuyahoga Falls
• Childcare Worker – Chardon UMC
• Director of Children’s Ministries – Chardon 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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Thursday, January 22 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.