May 4, 2026

EOC News

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
PastorAppointmentDistrictEffective
Kimberly Orr (Texas)Lakeside UMCWest Plains
Kristen PattMiddlefield UMCNorthern Waters
Ruth RothMalvern & Waynesburg: Centenary UMCsCentral Valley
Scott WalshPerry Heights: Trinity & Westbrook Park UMCsCentral Valley

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

#BeUMC

Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 81 Office of Discipleship Ministries

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 81 “Disciple Making: Getting to Know the Office of Discipleship Ministries” features a conversation with Executive Director of Discipleship Ministries Rev. Beth Ortiz and Discipleship Ministries Office Ministry & Resource Coordinator Tim Beck as they explore what the Office of Discipleship Ministries is, and the role that joy plays in discipleship.

“I would say part of our culture in Discipleship Ministries is helping people follow Jesus in daily life and join God’s mission in their communities. And we celebrate that each person and each church is uniquely called, gifted, and needed,” Ortiz shared.

“This world can obviously be very overwhelming at times, and it can be easy to sort of lose sight of where God is at work. But we’re trying to have fun with this too. We’re trying to share stories that might just engage with people in a way that is fun,” said Beck.

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.

Five Pillars: Ohio Episcopal Area Missional Direction

2026 Ohio Vision Statement
In 2026, the Ohio Episcopal Area moves forward in collaboration, discipleship, multiplication, leadership development, and global mission – building a unified Spirit-led movement rooted in abundance, trust, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We commit ourselves to prayer, partnership, and courageous action as we form “One Ohio” for the sake of God’s mission in the world.

Five Strategic Pillars
The Five Pillars listed below emerged from conversations Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has had during his visits to more than 250 congregations across the Ohio Episcopal Area. In those conversations clergy and laity shared deep and faithful longings to grow in discipleship, to reach new people for Christ, to pass on the faith to the next generation, and to live in meaningful relationship and mission with their communities and the wider world.

The Five Pillars are not a program or a set of guarantees. Rather, they offer a shared vision and spiritual framework to guide our life together as “One Ohio” – rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, shaped by trust, and attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Pillar 1: Building Relationships
Pillar 2: Shared Mission
Pillar 3: Discipleship
Pillar 4: Multiplication
Pillar 5: Emerging Leaders

Download the Five Pillars document.
Download the Five Pillars guiding questions and shared discernment document.

Scranton Memorial Hall and Memorial Church Fundrasing

Construction on the 2,200-square-foot Scranton Memorial Hall and Memorial Church is underway in Seoul, and should be completed in October 2026. When opened it will offer training in spiritual formation to pastors and laity, teach and collaborate with students and scholars on mission strategy, and nurture multicultural and international partnerships.

A special offering will be collected at the East and West Ohio Annual Conferences in May and June. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung also invites Ohio United Methodist Churches to offer a gift to the project as a tithe of gratitude. Local Churches and members can give to the fund here.

“Supporting the construction of the Scranton Mission Center in Seoul is not simply financial support or participation. It is an act of honoring our spiritual heritage and renewing our responsibility for mission. It is a statement of faith in which we declare, ‘we remember the missionaries we sent and we continue the work they began,’” Bishop Jung declared.

Read the groundbreaking article in its entirety.

Miracle Sunday

Miracle Sunday is May 17
The Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, Lead Courageously Miracle Sunday initiative is a denomination-wide focus on strengthening theological education for clergy in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. The special offering received on Sunday May 17 will support a permanent endowment for 500 theological scholarships annually – in perpetuity.

Learn about the theological education endowment.

Sharing About Miracle Sunday in Your Church
In support of the Council of Bishops’ Miracle Sunday endowment initiative, Conference leadership has prepared downloadable resources to inform your church about Miracle Sunday. Each week’s resource contains a video testimony with captioning.

Sunday, April 26 – Love Boldly
Sunday, May 3 – Serve Joyfully
Sunday, May 10 – Lead Courageously
Sunday, May 17 – Miracle Sunday

View and download Miracle Sunday resources.

Special Sundays

United Methodist Student Day
United Methodist Student Day, celebrated each year on any Sunday in May, emphasizes the value of education. Contributions received through this special Sunday support scholarships for United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Peace with Justice Sunday – May 31
On this day, we come together to support ministries that work for peace and fairness around the world. It’s a day when the church speaks out against violence and inequality and renews its commitment to be peacemakers—just as Jesus taught. The offering supports programs that advocate for peace and justice at home and around the world.

Visit the EOC donation page to give to these or any other Special Sunday offering.

Annual Conference


Clergy Executive Session – May 7
Time is running out to register for this week’s inaugural Coordinated Clergy Session for clergy of the East and West Ohio Conference’s. The session will take place Thursday, May 7 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Lakeside Chautauqua. Clergy will be together for worship services and training opportunities and will meet separately by Conference for business sessions.

Register for the Coordinated Clergy Session.

Celebrating Ministries and Missions – June 10
You are invited to The College of Wooster campus on Wednesday, June 10 – the day before Annual Conference begins – to recognize and celebrate the impact EOC missions and ministries are making at home, across the country, and around the world.

  • Missions Dinner @ 4:20 p.m. in Kittredge Hall
    Purchase your $35 ticket for the buffet dinner and program on the AC 2026 registration site.
  • Missions & Ministries Celebration Service @ 7:00 p.m. in the Gault Recreation Center
    Our worship service will praise God for the ministries birthed through the creativity of individuals and congregations and supported by Conference grants.

Annual Conference 2026 – June 11-13
East Ohio Annual Conference will begin on the morning of Thursday, June 11 and will conclude the afternoon of Saturday, June 13. We will again meet on The College of Wooster campus. The Annual Conference theme is “Celebrating Abundant Grace” and the words of Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSVA) will ground the services, sessions, and celebrations of our time together.


Volunteers Needed for Annual Conference 2026
The Annual Conference Hospitality Committee is looking for volunteers to assist on campus during AC 2026. There are opportunities for all.

Complete the AC 2026 volunteer interest form.

Conversations about AC 2026 Recommendations and Resolutions
This year, to help members of the Annual Conference prepare for recommendations and resolutions to be discussed and acted upon during the 2026 session, online conversations will be hosted during the month of May. These conversations will include a pre-recorded presentation by the submitter of the recommendation or resolution and time for live questions and responses.

Following completion of the webinars, the pre-recorded presentations from each will be posted on the Annual Conference 2026 page of the Conference website where they can be viewed as AC members prepare for this year’s session.

Ministry Fair – June 11
This year’s ministry fair will be hosted in large tents along the main sidewalk between the Lowry Student Center and the Gault Recreation Center.

Midwest Mission Collection Truck – June 11 & 12
The collection truck for Midwest Mission, an EOC Advance partner (Fund 9944), will be parked in lot #29 off University Street in Wooster during Annual Conference. Staff will be present to receive donations from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 and from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12. If you have any questions about the collection truck, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries administrative assistant.

Download the Midwest Mission flyer.
Download the Midwest Mission kits and projects brochure.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)
Volunteers are needed to help with VBS at Annual Conference this year. By providing VBS, Clergy and Laity with children can participate fully in Annual Conference without the worry and expense of childcare. Additionally, it is an opportunity to share the love of Christ with our youngest disciples. This year’s theme, “Snowball Mountain Challenge”, offers an opportunity to talk about how strength can be found in God while enjoying a winter sports themed curriculum. If you are interested and able to serve any time during the evening of June 10 – the afternoon of June 13, please e-mail Rev. Amy Vittorio. Room and board will be available for VBS volunteers.

Annual Conference Offering
The 2026 Annual Conference Offering (Fund 9214) will support these three ministries:

  • Immigration Ministries of Ohio assisting those who have fled persecution in their home countries or who have survived human trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, and other violent crimes. This ministry is supported by the Task Force on United Methodist Immigration Ministries of Ohio.
  • The Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe, and the Philippines providing financial support for theological education to clergy serving the Church who don’t have access to resources available to clergy serving in the United States.
  • The Bishop’s Discretionary Fund enables Bishop Hee-Soo Jung to support critical ministry needs throughout the East Ohio Conference and beyond. Through this fund, countless individuals and communities receive assistance in times of need.

How to Give
Your generous donation to the 2026 Annual Conference offering will make an immediate and lasting impact. You can support the offering in-person, online, or via mail.

  • In-person – place your offering in the collection plate or scan the QR code displayed on screen during Annual Conference.
  • Online – visit www.eocumc.com/donate and click on the link or image under the heading Special Sundays and Churchwide Offerings. Then select the red box labeled Learn More & Donate in the Annual Conference Offering tile.
  • Mail – make checks payable to East Ohio Conference UMC and write AC 2026 Offering or Fund 9214 on the memo line. Mail checks to:

    EOC UMC
    Attention: Eva Casey
    8800 Cleveland Ave. NW
    North Canton, OH  44720

Financial & Administrative Services

Learn About Your Wespath Benefits – May 6
Registration is open for this year’s online “Live from Wespath” educational opportunity for participants of Wespath-administered benefit plans. The interactive session Wednesday, May 6 from noon – 2:00 p.m. Eastern will feature live breakout sessions, giving attendees the flexibility and opportunity to explore the benefits and resources available to build a stronger understanding of the Wespath experience. Registration will provide participants with access to the session, recordings and resources.

Register for the May 6 Wespath Live session.

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.

Methodist Foundation of Ohio

Stewardship & Financial Wellness Conference – August 10–12
Lakeside Chautauqua and Methodist Foundations across the region are sponsoring a stewardship and financial wellness conference August 10–12 in Lakeside, OH. The keynote speaker is Rev. Stan Copeland from Lover’s Lane UMC in Dallas, TX. The cost is $445 per person and includes Lakeside admission, event registration, hotel stay, and meals. A spouse can be added to attend for an additional $195. The Methodist Foundation of Ohio will reimburse East Ohio Conference clergy up to the entire registration cost (not the spouse portion). If clergy attend the entire event, the Foundation will reimburse in full. If clergy attend at least half of the event, the Foundation will reimburse half.

Learn more about the event and register.

Mission Engagement

All In Community HOPE Letters Ministry Informational Session May 19
HOPE Letters Ministry is a signature initiative through All In Community (Fund 9984). It is endorsed by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to provide a mentorship-through-correspondence opportunity for its residents as they prepare to return home after their incarceration. This information session on Tuesday, May 19, at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom will introduce interested individuals to HOPE Letters and share ways to fully engage the All In Community ministry. There is no cost to attend but advance registration is appreciated. If you have any questions please e-mail Jamie Nathan, AIC coordinator.

Register for the May 19 HOPE Letters information session.
Learn more about All In Community.

Flat Rock Homes Celebrates 160 Years – July 31
All are invited to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Flat Rock Homes with Bishop Hee-Soo Jung on 5:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31. Flat Rock Homes is a long-time Conference Health & Well-Being partner (Fund 9174). Your ticket purchase includes a silent auction, heavy appetizers, and desserts. To purchase tables and tickets, call Kaylee at (419) 483-7330 ext. 1001.

Download the Flat Rock 160th celebration 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.

Engagement with Children, Youth and Young Adults

Youth Service Fund Grant Applications Due May 31
The Youth Service Fund (YSF) is a grant process where funds are raised by teens for mission projects focused on youth, locally in the East Ohio Conference as well as nationally and throughout the world. It is administered globally by Discipleship Ministries Young People’s Ministries Global YSF and locally by the East Ohio Conference Emerging Leaders (formerly CCYM). 70% of funds received stay in the Conference, 30% is passed on to the Global YSF. YSF provides a way for youth to be in real ministry with each other. Not only do youth contribute money and receive the money for their ministry projects, but they also decide which projects are chosen. This really is youth in ministry. The application is open now until May 31. See link below for details and a link to apply.

Learn more about the Youth Service Fund and apply.

For questions about Young People’s Ministries 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.

Faith Formation & Lay Ministries

The Expanding Connection Book Club – May 19
You are invited to join friends from around the Ohio Episcopal Area at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19 for an online conversation on the book Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: How to Change the World in Quiet Ways by Dorcas Cheng-Tozun. The book explores six possible pathways for sensitive types: Connectors, Creatives, Record Keepers, Builders, Equippers, and researchers. Alongside inspiring, real-life examples of highly sensitive world-changers, the author expands the possibilities of how to be a peacemaker and how to create a positive social impact, affirming each gift and talent that sensitive souls offer to a hurting world.

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.

The 25:35 Crew Resources for Children and Adults
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.

Highlighted below are books that shed light on the emotions of being food insecure. Please use these books to start conversations in your congregation and small groups. If you have questions about The 25:35 Club, please e-mail Julie Carter, director of Faith Formation & Lay Ministries.

Lulu and the Hunger Monster by Erik Talkin
When Lulu’s mother’s van breaks down, money for food becomes tight and the Hunger Monster comes into their lives. Only visible to Lulu, Hunger Monster is a troublemaker who makes it hard for her to concentrate in school. This realistic—and hopeful—story of food insecurity builds awareness of the issue of childhood hunger and demonstrates how anyone can help end hunger.

Saturday at the Food Pantry by Diane O’Neill
Molly and her mom don’t always have enough food, so one Saturday they visit their local food pantry. Molly’s happy to get food to eat until she sees her classmate Caitlin, who’s embarrassed to be at the food pantry. Can Molly help Caitlin realize that everyone needs help sometimes?

Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt (Available in English, Spanish and Chinese)
Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. When Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge she promises to keep the discovery a secret, but how can she do that and still help her friend?

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:

  • Ruth Ann Cunningham, clergy spouse, died August 5, 2025.
  • Samuel Rife, 9-year-old son of the Rev. J. Harlen Rife, died April 17.

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

  • Finance Director – Methodist Foundation of Ohio
  • Minister of Congregational Care – Mentor UMC
  • Office Administrator – Willoughby Hills UMC

To submit a classified ad please e-mail swilliams@eocumc.com.

To Subscribe

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Thursday, May 14 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.