#BeUMC

Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 86 Belonging: Fresh Church II

The Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation podcast highlights East Ohio Conference ministries using the core values of the #BeUMC campaign: Disciple Making; Belonging & Inclusion; Influence, Connection & Impact; and Experience of God through The UMC.

Episode 86 “Belonging & Inclusion: Fresh Church II” features Rev. Amy Aspey, Rev. Hannah VanMeter and Pastor Preston Watkins speaking about how their ministries have opened space for those the world sees as different and what it means to be fully inclusive.

“We are reaching those who are looking for a place to belong and live their faith out together in community, in a place that celebrates diversity and is willing to do the holy and messy work of being in community with people who might be different from them,” said Aspey.

“What we’ve tried to do is take this radical hospitality and genuine acceptance of people for who they are. The church can be a safe place for all people, where all of our differences are reasons to be cherished, not looked past,” shared Watkins.

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

A Call for Prayer and Compassionate Action
Dear Beloved People of the Ohio Episcopal Area,

Severe flooding across Central Ohio has caused widespread damage and disruption, displacing families and threatening homes and livelihoods. Our hearts are with all who have been affected.

I invite every congregation across East and West Ohio to respond with prayer and compassionate action. Please pray for those in danger, for first responders, and for all providing shelter, food, medical care, and assistance.

The work of recovery will require sustained cooperation. I encourage our churches to care for their neighbors, remain connected with district and conference leaders, and participate in coordinated relief efforts as opportunities arise.

No congregation or community should face this crisis alone. Through our prayers, generosity, service, and faithful partnership, may we embody Christ’s healing presence.

God of mercy and refuge, protect those in danger, comfort those who have suffered loss, and strengthen all who serve. Gather us as one body so that, through our loving action, hope may rise and communities may be restored. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung

Called to Reweave Life
Feminine Wisdom, a Wounded Earth, and the Life-Giving Way of Christ

I find myself wondering what kind of face the new age will have.

For too long, we have understood strength as the power to dominate. We have celebrated expansion, possession, speed, and control. Too often, we have treated people, land, water, forests, and even God’s creation as resources for our own purposes.

But the earth is tired.
And people are tired.

In a world marked by war, division, ecological crisis, loneliness, and widening inequality, I find myself asking:
Is there another kind of power that can save life?

At that question, I hear again the words of Jesus:
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10 (NRSVA)

Jesus names the purpose of his coming with remarkable simplicity: Life.

Read Bishop Jung’s Soul Food article in its entirety.

Ohio Episcopal Area

New Leadership Responsibilities Announced for Rev. Karen Cook and Rev. Ed Fashbaugh

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has announced expanded roles for two Ohio Episcopal Area executive staff members to better equip and resource local church leadership for ministry in their communities.

Effective September 1:

• Rev. Karen Cook will serve as executive director of Connectional Ministries for both the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences. She currently directs the Connectional Ministries Office of the West Ohio Conference.
• Rev. Ed Fashbaugh will serve as executive director of the new Office of Leadership Wellness and Renewal, serving both Conferences. He currently is East Ohio Conference executive director of Connectional Ministries.

“The guiding question should continue to be: ‘What structure best serves our mission, uses our resources wisely, reduces unnecessary duplication, and strengthens local churches across all of Ohio?’” Bishop Jung said of the new expanded roles on the Ohio Episcopal Area staff.

Read the release in its entirety.

Financial & Administrative Services

GCFA Group Ruling
Each local United Methodist church has the option to be included on the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) group ruling, but they are not required to do so. Earlier this year, the IRS issued new guidance for group letter rulings like the one GCFA administers for The United Methodist Church.

If you misplaced the determination letter your church should have received from the IRS, it’s possible that leadership applied for the church to be included in GCFA’s group letter ruling. That determination letter is important for many reasons, one of which is that banks often require it when a church opens a new bank account or changes who can be a signer on a bank account.

If leadership has or wishes to apply for your church to be included in GCFA’s group ruling, you can do so on the GCFA website, www.gcfa.org. There is no cost to apply. Leadership who know their local church is already part of the GCFA group ruling do not need to take additional action to remain part of it.

GCFA is communicating directly with church-related participants in the group letter ruling to help them comply with the new IRS rules, which require sending IRS Publication 1828, Tax Guide for Churches & Religious Organizations, to every organization relying on GCFA’s group letter ruling. The publication is informational, and GCFA must deliver it annually as part of the updated compliance framework. 

Churches are not required to file a Form 990 federal income tax return in most situations, but any participating organization that chooses to file a version of Form 990 must also provide a copy of that tax return to GCFA every year. If you have questions about the group ruling, please e-mail Vera Milanovic or call her at (330) 499-3972 x 123.

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.

Discipleship Ministries

Discipleship Experiment Grants Available
How might your church help people take a next faithful step in following Jesus in everyday life?

The Office of Discipleship Ministries is offering SEED Discipleship Experiment Grants of up to $5,000 to help churches try new approaches to making and maturing disciples. These grants are about experimentation, not perfection. We want to support congregations willing to prayerfully notice an opportunity, try something new, learn from it, and share what they discover.

Ministries might include new discipleship groups, neighborhood listening, intergenerational mentoring, lay leadership development, new pathways for faith formation, community or digital discipleship, partnerships between churches, or new ways of welcoming and integrating new disciples.

Local churches, cooperative parishes, multi-church collaborations, and district-led initiatives may apply. Projects should include a clear plan of discipleship, and both a clergy champion or ministry leader and lay leadership. Most grants will range from $1,000–$3,500 and matching funds are not required.

You don’t need a polished program. You need an idea for helping people follow Jesus more deeply and a willingness to try, learn, and share what you discover.

Apply for a Discipleship Experiment Grant by October 5.

For questions about Discipleship Ministries opportunities, please e-mail the Rev. Beth Ortiz, Discipleship Ministries executive director, or visit the Discipleship Ministries pages on the Conference website.

Disaster Response

Early Response Team Training – September 16 or October 10
The eight-hour basic UMCOR Early Response Team (ERT) training teaches how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need is being offered Wednesday, September 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at New Concord UMC and Saturday, October 10 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at North Broadway UMC in Columbus.

At either training you will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family’s personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes and more. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene.

Register for either training on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

Mission Engagement

Green Church Training – August 30
Make plans to bring leaders from your church to the next Green Church training on Sunday, August 30 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Urban Farm Church in Columbus. Cost for a church team of two people is $50 and scholarships are available.

The training is a great opportunity to learn how your congregation can better care for God’s Creation by installing LED lighting, starting a pollinator or community garden, learning the benefits of recycling, and exploring solar power. The in-person training session will offer your church a solid foundation for moving towards green solutions while making sure you have the tools to get started and make a difference!

Register for this training by August 26 on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

Celebrate 50 Years of United Methodist Volunteers in Mission
Join other North Central Jurisdiction churches in celebrating 50 years of UMVIM! Encourage others to learn more about UMVIM, engage in team leader training, and share the mission story.

• Be a 50 at 50 church! We are looking for 50 churches in each NCJ conference to contribute $50.
• Share your Mission Story! Your story can encourage and empower others to serve and partner with projects around the world! Send photos, an audio or video file from your phone or a couple paragraphs to ncj@umvim.org.
• Join a team! Watch your local church, district, and conference newsletters and check the link for teams looking for volunteers! East Ohio Mission opportunities are shared on this webpage.
• Share in Team Leader Training! Encourage your church to host an in-person training. Three online training courses from UMVIM NCJ are being offered this fall.
• Celebrate UMVIM Sunday! Resources and more are available.
• Register to receive the UMVIM NCJ newsletter here.

All In Community Christmas Miracle Information Sessions Offered
Last year, All In Community (EOC Fund 9984) assisted with the Christmas Miracle events at our state correctional facilities. Volunteers were recruited to help families celebrate the Christmas season with their incarcerated loved ones inside the walls of eight Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) institutions during the month of December. From gift wrapping to game playing to serving meals, the volunteers helped families create beautiful memories together.

The Christmas Miracle will again be in all ODRC facilities this year. AIC will be leading the events at nine of them. We need you to make these events miraculous once again! Volunteers are needed for the day of the event inside the institutions, but there are other volunteer opportunities to prepare for the actual events. To learn more, attend an online information session at 7:00 p.m. on either August 31 or September 28.

Register to attend an AIC Christmas Miracle Information Session.

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

Conference Youth Collective
Attention youth and youth group leaders: This fall, we are launching a new initiative, the  Conference Youth Collective (CYC), a localized discipleship-to-leadership pathway designed to help pre-teens and teens grow in faith, discover their gifts and become leaders in their churches and communities. 

CYC is an opt-in, not an add-on. It works within the already existing rhythms of local churches rather than creating another program to manage. We provide the resources, training, and support. Local churches provide the relationships, context and leadership. Together, we ’re creating spaces where young people can practice discipleship, develop leadership, and help shape the future of the church.

If you have questions about CYC, please e-mail Tim Beck, associate director of Engagement with Youth or e-mail Jennifer Dyer, CYC coordinator.

Learn more about the Conference Youth Collective.
Complete the CYC interest form for your youth group. 

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.

Camps & Retreat Ministries

Attend Family Camp Labor Day Weekend – September 4-7
There is still time to experience family camp this summer! Make plans now to spend Labor Day Weekend at Camp Wanake. Enjoy Camp and make memories with loved ones.

Register for Family Camp at Camp Wanake.

Wanake to Celebrate 80 Years of Ministry – September 11-13
All who have experienced and supported the ministry of Camp Wanake are invited to return to camp September 11-13 to celebrate 80 years of its life-changing ministries. The celebration will be filled with meaningful connections, favorite camp activities, and joyful worship services to mark the transforming camp and retreat ministry of Wanake. Come for the weekend or join us for a day – but don’t miss the historic moment.

Register to attend the Camp Wanake 80^th celebration.

Women’s Spiritfire Retreat – September 18-20
Camp Wanake is hosting a weekend designed for women to reconnect with themselves, each other, and God. Immerse yourself in an experience of restoration where fellowship, spiritual growth, and delightful activities come together.

Register for the Spiritfire Retreat.

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 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. Hannah Weisbrod, director of Camp Administration, Development & Marketing or email Ben Wilde, director of Camps Operations & Programs or visit the Camps & Retreat Ministries pages of the Conference website.

Faith Formation & Lay Ministries

LOL: LIVE OUT LOUD!
On Saturday, August 15, United Women in Faith of Ohio came together at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio for a day of fellowship, making new friends, and being led thru a Spiritual Retreat like no other. Julie Carter helped leaders unpack their Leadership Toolkits leading them through in-depth discussions on how to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully and Lead Courageously. Participants from across the state of Ohio used these words to describe the retreat: “spiritual”, “fun”, “exciting”, “exhausting” and “fulfilled”.  Live Out Loud committee members included Paula Nourse, West Ohio United Women in Faith president; Rebecca Sutton, East Ohio United Women in Faith president; Judy Grigsby; Carleen Triplett; and Marcia Adamczyk.

Fall Mini-Mester Four-Week Learning Experience
The Leadership Development Team is bringing the first Fall Mini-Mester to Ohio, and ministry leaders across the state are invited to give it a try. These short, practical Zoom classes are designed for clergy, laity, staff, and ministry teams who want meaningful learning without a long-term course commitment.

Participants can register for just one class or attend as many as they like. Topics include Positive Intelligence, Clifton Strengths, Core Clarity, Practical Quadrilateral, Recovery, Spiritual Direction, Cultural Competency, Enneagram, and Learning to Fail. CEUs may be earned for participation, with one CEU equal to 10 contact hours.

Churches are encouraged to host watch parties for those who may not have reliable Wi-Fi, creating an opportunity to learn together, pray together, and reflect on how each topic can strengthen local ministry.

Some classes will offer cohort opportunities after the Mini-Mester for participants who want to continue learning and practicing together. Each presenter will share details during their class about any continued learning opportunities. If you have questions about the Fall Mini-Mester, please e-mail Julie Carter, director of Faith Formation & Lay Ministries.

Learn more about the Fall Mini-Mesters.
Register for the Fall Mini-Mesters.

The Expanding Connection Book Club – September 15
You are invited to join friends from around the Ohio Episcopal Area at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 for an online conversation about the book The In-Between by Katie Van Heidrich. The youth-focused selection opens space for conversation about identity, transition, and the moments that shape who we are becoming. This gathering is a chance to listen deeply, learn from one another, and consider how stories can help us better understand the young people and families in our communities.

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.

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.

Clergy

An Invitation to the Flourish Clergy Retreat
If you are longing for space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with your calling, then the Flourish Clergy Retreat is for you. The multi-day retreat designed specifically for all clergy – including licensed local pastors, deacons and elders offers an opportunity to step away from the demands of ministry and create space for God to speak into the next season of your life.

The Flourish Clergy Retreat offers a sacred pause, an opportunity to disconnect from the busyness and distractions and reconnect with the Spirit’s movement in your life. Whether you’re seeking rest, clarity, or simply space to listen, Flourish invites you to explore where God is calling you next. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Flourish will be hosted at the Loyola Retreat House in Clinton, Ohio September 30 – October 1 this year and January 26-28, 2027. There is no cost to attend and meals and lodging are included. But you must register in advance to attend. Registration closes three weeks before the retreat. Space is limited, so register soon. If you have any questions about Flourish, please e-mail Rev. Beth Ortiz.

Come. Rest. Listen. Flourish.

Register for the Flourish Retreat on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.

Classifieds

Details of listings may be found here.

Positions Available

• Youth Director – Strongsville UMC

Items Available/Wanted

• Univex SRM12 Mixer with two attachments for sale for $3,000 or best offer – Nova Community 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 Tuesday, September 8.

Thursday, September 3 is the submission deadline for the next E-News. Send articles to eoccommunications@eocumc.com.