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
2025-2026 Appointments & Changes of Status
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 |
| Michael Farmer | Family of Faith & South Arlington UMCs and Extension Ministry: EOC Property Manager | Northern Waters | |
View the complete list of 2025-2026 Appointments and Changes of Status, including retirements.
#BeUMC
Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 76 Ministering in Cooperation
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 76 “Experience of God Through The UMC: Ministering in Cooperation” features clergy and laity from two East Ohio cooperative parishes.
“You have a unique opportunity to participate in the other churches’ ministries, building a ministry together, getting to know the different people. I just think it makes a stronger United Methodist Church that way,” said Peggy Sutherin of the Faith United Cooperative in the Central Valley District.
“We’ve spent a lot of time in The United Methodist Church in recent years kind of living in standalone churches and that’s not really our system. We are a connectional system and so cooperative parishes in my opinion make the most sense for us if you look back at the models of our history. I like to remind folks that this is who we are in our DNA,” shared pastor Charlene Thomas of the 5 Points Parish in the West Plains District.
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
Lent as a Pilgrimage of Holy Renewal
The season of Lent is not merely a liturgical interval in the church calendar. It is a sacred return. It is the time when God gathers us again into the living memory of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and invites us to inhabit that story not as spectators, but as pilgrims. Amid hurried schedules and anxious headlines, Lent interrupts our ordinary time and reorders it around the life of Christ.
Each year, this holy season comes to us with quiet insistence: pause, remember, listen again.
The prophet reminds us: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8 (NRSVA)
This ancient word echoes powerfully in our present moment. Lent is precisely this walk – a humble journey with God through the wilderness of our time. It is a season that gathers justice, mercy, and humility into one sacred rhythm of life.
We remember that the life of Jesus unfolded amid political oppression, social fragmentation, and religious distortion. The wilderness, the testing, the rejection, the cross – none of these were abstractions. They were realities within a complicated world. And yet through that very world, God revealed redeeming love.
Read the Soul Food article in its entirety.
Days in the Districts
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung Invites All to Days in the Districts
The first of five Days in the Districts was held Saturday, February 21 at Lima Shawnee UMC. The next will be Thursday, February 26 at Zanesville Grace UMC. The bishop asks laity and clergy across the Ohio Episcopal Area to make plans to attend one of the upcoming sessions to connect with one another around the Ohio Episcopal Area 2026 Missional Direction & Five Strategic Pillars.
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. Clergy and laity will eat lunch together 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.
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
Learn about Bishop Jung’s Days in the Districts.
Register for each of the Days in the Districts.
Mission Engagement
All In Community Speaker Series – March 3
The next online session of Frankly Speaking with Four Friends is at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3 during which JustLeadershipUSA political analyst Zach Ruppel will share the impact Ohio HB 338 could have on the reentry process of incarcerated individuals. He leverages his personal journey of incarceration to challenge systems and lead meaningful policy reforms across the country. Zach is a community servant who is eager to discuss the impact HB 338, also known as Andy’s Law, will have on our Ohio correctional system.
Join the March 3 Frankly Speaking with Four Friends.
Learn about All in Community.
Climate Justice Journey Information Meeting – March 8
This year’s Ohio Episcopal Area Climate Justice Mission Journey will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin July 13-18 to assist in clean-up and rebuilding of homes that were flooded last summer. Cost for the trip is $200 for individuals or $500 per family. Scholarships are available for East Ohio UMC members.
An informational meeting for the trip will be held on Sunday, March 8 at 1:00 p.m., both online and in-person in Columbus. If you are interested in being part of this climate justice journey, please fill out the interest form. If you have questions about the trip, please e-mail Mariellyn Grace, Connectional Ministries office Mission Engagement director.
Complete the Climate Justice Mission Journey interest form.
Apply for an UMVIM scholarship for the journey.
EarthKeepers Training Applications Due March 25
Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that guides U.S.-based United Methodists to develop and lead environmental sustainability projects in their communities. Training topics include eco-theology, antiracism, community organizing and project planning. Projects include community gardens, energy initiatives, food security projects, reforestation efforts and more. Applications are due by March 25 to participate in the May 1-16 EarthKeepers training.
Learn about Global Ministries EarthKeepers.
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.
Multicultural Ministries
Faithful Resistance: A Public Witness for Immigrant Justice – February 25
Faithful Resistance arose out of the work of the United Methodist Immigration Task Force, a collaborative body of representatives from United Methodist agencies, the Council of Bishops, and racial ethnic plans and caucuses called upon by the General Conference to help guide a unified UMC effort to welcome and serve the immigrant among us. The event has reached the in-person limit of its perm it, which is 1,200 participants – but you can still take part virtually.
Register to receive the Faithful Resistance livestream link.
NOTE: If you registered before the portal closed last week, consider riding our bus from Ohio to the event in Washington D.C. on February 25. We will depart from 32 Wesley Boulevard in Worthington at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, and arrive back at 12:05 a.m. on February 26. The cost to ride the bus is $20/person. Registration to ride the bus will close when the 44 seats are full or on February 24, whichever comes first.
Register to ride the bus 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
Save $50 – Register for Summer Camp by March 15
Nine out of 10 campers report growing in their faith at camp. EOC camps provide youth in grades 1-12 an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, read the Bible, learn new skills, and make lasting friendships – all while being guided by skilled, creative and compassionate staff.
Right now, Summer Camp – and the week of spiritual formation it offers – is at its best value because you can save $50/camper if you register by March 15. 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 bulletin insert.
Camp Asbury Open House – March 22
You are invited to tour Camp Asbury in Hiram to see camper lodging, meet and talk to the staff, and learn more about Summer Camp 2026. If you want to visit but can’t make it on March 22, please e-mail the camp or call (330) 569-3171 to schedule a tour visit for a different day.
East Ohio Conference Camps are Hiring Summer Staff
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 camp 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.
Summer Camp Lunch and Learn Gatherings in March
You are invited to a one-hour online gathering to learn how Summer Camp teaches participants about God and form a spiritual foundation during their week living in and exploring nature. Parents, Christian educators, pastors, and camp staff will share their camp experience and answer your questions.
Lunch and learn gatherings will take place:
- Sunday, March 1 @ 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 3 @ 12:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 12 @ 7:00 p.m.
To receive the link to participate, please e-mail the Camps office. If you cannot attend one of the three opportunities, but want to learn about what is shared, please state that in your e-mail. The sessions will be recorded, and you will be sent a link to view them at your convenience.
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.
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 & Lay Ministries
The Expanding Connection Book Club – March 17
You are invited to join friends from around the Ohio Episcopal Area at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 for an insightful conversation on the book The Defiant Middle by Kaya Oakes. This book club is for every woman who was told, “You can’t” and thought, “Oh, I definitely will!” Women are expected to be young enough, but not too young; old enough, but not too old; creative, but not crazy; passionate, but not angry; and so much more.
In The Defiant Middle author Oakes draws on the wisdom of women mystics and explores how transitional eras or living in marginalized female identities can be both spiritually challenging and wonderfully freeing, ultimately resulting in a reinvented way of seeing the world and changing it. If you have questions about the book club, please e-mail Julie Carter, director of Faith Formation & Lay Ministries.
Learn more and register for the book club.
2026 Laity Leadership Convocation – March 20-21
You are invited to gather with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and laity from across the Ohio Episcopal Area for the 2026 Laity Leadership Convocation beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20 and concluding at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 21. Our time together in Delaware at Asbury UMC and William Street UMC is designed to inspire, equip, and strengthen lay people for ministry in a changing world.
During the two‑day event Bishop Jung will guide participants in exploring what it means to lead from a posture of abundant grace. Woven throughout our time together will be meaningful opportunities for laity to connect across roles, affinity groups, regions, and experiences. Come to share stories, support one another, and learn and dream together in structured and informal conversation.
Dr. Ashley Boggan, general secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, will be the plenary speaker. Her presentation will offer a historical lens for lay leadership, inviting participants to learn from our roots, examine patterns that have shaped the Church, and discern how history can guide us toward a more equitable and vibrant future for all Methodists.
Learn more about the 2026 Laity Leadership Convocation.
Register by March 6 on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.
Lay Servant Ministries Classes Offered in March & April
Laity are empowered through Lay Servant Ministries (LSM) to serve in their community and in our Conference. Lay Servant Ministries of The United Methodist Church has its origins in early Methodism. John Wesley used lay people to preach, conduct worship, lead studies, and visit the sick and imprisoned.
Today, those involved in Lay Ministry are charged to witness, lead, and have their service inspire others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. Anyone may take an LSM class for spiritual growth, you are not required to become a Certified Lay Servant, Lay Speaker, or Lay Minister.
Learn about and register for Lay Servant Ministries courses.
For questions about Faith Formation and Lay Ministries opportunities, please e-mail Julie Carter, Connectional Ministries office Faith Formation & Lay Ministries director, or visit the Faith Formation pages of the Conference website.
Celebrations of Life
Please pray for the families of:
- Alston B. Hall, retired Elder, died August 2, 2025.
- Jeffrey M. Proya, retired Elder, died January 14.
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
- Children’s Ministry Coordinator – Greensburg UMC in Green
- Director of Student Ministries – Wadsworth UMC
Items Available/Wanted
- 2012 Ford E350 Super Duty Passenger XLT Van – Jefferson UMC
To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.
To Subscribe
To subscribe to E-News and all East Ohio Conference news updates, enter your email address in the “Follow News via Email” widget on the right sidebar. Information from this E-News may be copied and used in your local church. The next scheduled edition of the E-News is Monday, March 9.
Thursday, March 5 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.
East Ohio News 