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.
| 2025-2026 Appointments | |||
| Pastor | Appointment | District | Effective |
| Lisa Courtwright | Howland, Brookfield, Braceville, Hubbard & McDonald Woodland Park UMCs | Central Valley | |
View the complete list of 2025-2026 Appointments and Changes of Status, including retirements.
#BeUMC
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 74 The Stewardship of Wellness
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 74 “Influence, Connection & Impact: The Stewardship of Wellness” features a discussion with Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, Will Fenton-Jones, and Rev. Beth Ortiz about how taking care of our bodies goes beyond diet and exercise.
“In America it’s almost becoming normal to be sick. That’s not God’s design for our bodies and so as we look at these things, it’s important to know what does support metabolic health,” shared Fashbaugh, executive director of Connectional Ministries.
Ortiz shared that when we take care of our bodies we are being good stewards of this God-given resource. “The body is amazing! The more you learn about it the more impressed I am with how not only how it’s meant to work but how it’s compensated when I haven’t done it particularly well. It’s really an honor to get to steward one’s body,” said the director of Discipleship Ministries.
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
Dear Beloved People of The Ohio Episcopal Area,
I write to you today with a heavy heart and a praying spirit as we witness the recent tragic deaths of two people in Minnesota. These losses are not isolated incidents. They are part of a wider pattern of fear-driven, indiscriminate immigration enforcement that has crossed moral and spiritual boundaries. Nothing can justify violence against human life.
As an immigrant myself, I know in my own body what it means to live under the weight of uncertainty, vulnerability, and being labeled. I also know that many who are called “undocumented” are not criminals. They are workers, parents, and neighbors who crossed borders because economic systems, political violence, and family survival left them no other choice. Today, families, industries, and entire communities in the United States depend on their labor and their lives. This is why we must continue to call for comprehensive immigration reform that reflects reality, justice, and mercy.
Scripture is unambiguous about God’s heart toward the stranger. “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the stranger. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the stranger as yourself” (Leviticus 19:33–34).
The crisis before us is not only legal or political – it is moral and spiritual. The United States is being tested at the level of its soul. Will we be a nation shaped by fear and exclusion, or a society rooted in hospitality and justice? Our faith reminds us that God is always found among the displaced, the vulnerable, and the unwelcome.
Jesus himself was a refugee. Scripture tells us that his family fled violence and crossed borders to survive (Matthew 2:13–15). And our Lord teaches us plainly: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).
The church cannot be silent in such a moment. The Ohio churches are called again to be a people who build true human community – where dignity is protected, where the stranger is seen as neighbor, and where love is stronger than fear. Laws matter. Policies matter. But before all of that, the spirit of hospitality must shape our homes, our congregations, and our public witness.
Let us become communities of sanctuary – places where justice has a face, and mercy has hands:
We lift before you the names and faces
of those who have died,
and the families who now grieve.
Hold them in your healing light.
Make our churches places of welcome,
where the stranger is no longer invisible,
and the wounded find safety.
Let justice walk freely in our streets,
and let compassion become
the language of our nation.
Break the power of fear.
Restore the soul of this land
through the love of Christ,
who makes us all neighbors.
Amen.
Days in the Districts
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung Invites All to Days in the Districts
The bishop asks laity and clergy across the Ohio Episcopal Area to make plans to attend one of the five days in the districts in February and March. Participants at each gathering will connect with one another around the Ohio Episcopal Area 2026 Missional Direction & Five Strategic Pillars.
Western Lakes & Maumee River Districts
Saturday, February 21 @ Lima Shawnee UMC
South Forest & Hocking River Districts
Thursday, February 26 @ Zanesville Grace UMC
West Plains & Olentangy River Districts
Wednesday, March 4 @ Lexington Church of the Cross
Scioto River & Great Miami River Districts
Saturday, March 7 @ Resurrection Mason UMC
Northern Waters & Central Valley Districts
Saturday, March 14 @ North Canton Faith UMC
For each of the days, clergy will gather at 9:30 a.m. for 10:00 a.m. worship followed by a Bible study led by Bishop Jung. Laity should arrive at 11:00 a.m. for a training session on laity leadership skills led by Julie Carter, director of Faith Formation & Lay Ministries. Laity who will travel with their pastor are invited to the 10:00 a.m. worship service.
Clergy and laity will eat lunch together at noon followed at 1:00 p.m. by a discussion with Bishop Jung and Conference leadership around the Ohio Episcopal Area 2026 Missional Direction & Five Strategic Pillars.
Learn about Bishop Jung’s Days in the Districts.
Register for each of the Days in the Districts.
Council of Bishops
2026 COB Leadership Gathering – October 20-24
The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has launched a historic engagement initiative designed to give every United Methodist a direct voice in shaping the denomination’s future through the 2026 COB Leadership Gathering, “Emboldened by the Spirit: Imagining a Church Yet to Be.”
The Gathering will convene October 20–24, 2026, at Knox United Church in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, bringing together nearly 300 participants including bishops, clergy, lay leaders, young adults, and worldwide representatives.
At the heart of this initiative are three major participation pathways—a denomination-wide survey, a worldwide webinar series, and a newly coordinated website – each intentionally designed to gather the hopes, wisdom, and vision of United Methodists across the worldwide connection. View the first webinar at the link below. The second and third webinars are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on February 21 (“Serve Joyfully”) and March 21 (“Lead Courageously”).
“This engagement initiative reflects who God is calling us to be as a connectional Church – grounded in prayerful discernment, shaped by voices from across the global connection, and attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit,” said Bishop Tracy S. Malone, president of the Council of Bishops.
Complete the denomination-wide survey.
View the January 24 webinar “Love Boldly”.
View the 2026 Leadership Gathering website.
General Conference
Love Serve Lead: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Commission on the General Conference has adopted the theme “Love Serve Lead: Empowered by the Holy Spirit” for the next General Conference, to be held May 8-18, 2028, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The theme builds on the new guiding vision statement for The United Methodist Church that was unveiled in May 2025.
Download GC 2028 logo files for church, district, and Conference use.
Worship & Music Directors Needed for GC 2028
Worship and music directors interested in serving the Church by overseeing the full worship and music program for General Conference 2028 are encouraged to submit their resume and application to the Commission on the General Conference office for consideration. The ideal candidate can provide ritual and musical leadership for worship, work with stakeholders to plan worship services, facilitate auditions, and consult on audiovisual and/or staging needs at the venue.
Learn more and apply to be worship or music director for GC 2028.
Connectional Ministries
Seven Ohio UMC Churches Receive GBGM Grants
The Connectional Ministries team is pleased to announce that seven ministries in the Ohio Episcopal Area received “Feeding Our Neighbors” grants from the General Board of Global Ministries last fall. The one-time emergency grants were awarded in response to the government shutdown and the delay in SNAP benefits that put an increased demand on food assistance programs across the country. Congratulations to Seville UMC, The Vine Food Pantry, Fairview UMC, First UMC in Bowling Green, Maize Manor UMC, The Gathering Mission, and Zion UMC in Whitehouse! If additional funding streams for food ministries become available in the future, we will share that information in E-News.
For questions about ministries of the Connectional Ministries office, please e-mail the Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, executive director of Connectional Ministries, or visit the Connectional Ministries pages of the Conference website.
Mission Engagement
All In Community
All In Community (AIC) is a joint ministry of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church, and a conference Advance mission partner (EOC Fund 9984). Its purpose is to engage individuals, churches, criminal justice professionals, and community leaders at the local level to restore hope and support healing in lives involved in the criminal justice system. If you would like to receive email updates on the ministry’s work, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, administrative assistant in the Connectional Ministries office, and she will add you to the mailing list.
Learn about and support All In Community ministry.
AIC: HOPE Letters Ministry Monday Meeting – February 23
HOPE Letters is a signature initiative of AIC that is endorsed by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to provide a mentorship through correspondence opportunity for its residents as they prepare to return home. Ministry Mondays are opportunities for learning about specific All In Community ministry pathways both connectionally and within local congregations that radiate out into the community at large. We will next gather online at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23 to hear from current mentors on how participating in this ministry has impacted their lives as well as the lives of their mentees inside Ohio correctional institutions.
Register for the February 23 Ministry Monday meeting.
Groups Invited to Serve with the J.O.S.H.U.A. Program
Urban Mission Ministries in Steubenville is excited to invite youth groups to take part in the Journeys of Service Helping Upper Appalachia (J.O.S.H.U.A.) Program. Serving as part of this hands-on, resident-focused ministry is an opportunity for young people to make a meaningful impact right here in our community. From neighborhood cleanups, and small building/repair/painting projects to assisting local families, participants will gain first-hand experience learning how serving others can transform both a community and the hearts of those who serve. Youth groups will grow in teamwork, leadership, compassion, and faith as they work side by side to make a difference.
If your group is looking for a purposeful way to connect, serve, and create lasting memories, we would love to partner with you. Join us in being part of positive change! For more information or to get your group involved, please e-mail Cynthia Lytle or call her at (740) 282-8010.
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 & 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 God’s Spirit working in their lives and the lives of the Camp community. If you have questions about Summer Camp, please e-mail the Camps & Retreat Ministries office.
Learn more and register for Summer Camp 2026.
Download the color Summer Camp bulletin insert.
Download the black & white Summer Camp 2026 bulletin insert.
East Ohio Conference Camps are Hiring
Aldersgate, Asbury and Wanake are seeking people 18 years old through retirement who love God, people, and the outdoors to serve in mission this summer with the camping program. Residential and commuter positions are available, including camp counselor, lifeguard, program staff, food service, maintenance, and healthcare.
Learn more and apply to be Summer Camp 2026 staff.
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 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. 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, 2026
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.
Faith Formation
The 25:35 Crew Meeting Dates Set for February
Named for Matthew 25:35, “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat … I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” The 25:35 Crew exists to live out Christ’s compassion in real and practical ways. We gather to encourage, learn, and support. Each time we gather, we strengthen one another so we can better serve our community with love, dignity, and purpose.
The 25:35 Crew is guided by the core principles of: dignity first; consistency matters; small acts make big impacts; and sharing what works. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation. Our February gatherings begin at 7:00 p.m. and you are encouraged to register for the one that works best for you, even if it is not the one scheduled for your district:
- February 9 – Hocking River & South Forest Districts
- February 12 – Maumee River & Western Lakes Districts
- February 19 – Olentangy River & West Plains Districts
- February 24 – Scioto River & Great Miami River Districts
- February 25 – Central Valley & Northern Waters Districts
Clergy
February 15 Deadline to Register for Clergy Spouse Retreat
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 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.
Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Celebrations of Life
Please pray for the families of:
- Chales H. Mehl, retired Local Pastor, died December 20, 2025.
- Joan E. Knotts, retired Diaconal Minister, died January 11.
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
- Administrative Secretary – Rocky River UMC
- 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, February 5 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
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