October invites us to pause and give thanks for those who have answered Christ’s call to shepherd God's people. Across Ohio you are living out the Gospel. In churches, schools, hospitals, nursing homes and ministries among the poor and vulnerable, you preach, teach, pray, comfort and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
Ministry is never fully learned in a classroom or mastered through theological theories. It is formed and deepened through the daily practice of love.
You stand beside the suffering, sit with the lonely, encourage the weary and accompany God's people through the mysteries of life and death. Often your most faithful ministry is unseen. It is found in your quiet presence, your patient listening and your humble willingness to remain beside another person. Humbly, humbly, humbly – you walk with God's people.
As we celebrate Pastor Appreciation Month, I give thanks to God for each of you, for your sacrifices and your joy, your tears and your laughter, your perseverance and your dreams.
May Christ renew your spirit, strengthen your courage and fill your ministry with abundant grace. Let us continue to Love Boldly, Serve Joyfully, and Lead Courageously.
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 90 "Experience of God Through the UMC: Flourish Retreats" features a discussion with Dr. Stephen Knisely, Pastor Charlene Thomas, Rev. Beth Ortiz and Rev. Edgar Brady about Flourish Retreats, an opportunity for clergy to disconnect from the busyness of life and reconnect with God.
“As clergy, so often we have tied our call with productivity or efficiency, and I think a key part of Flourish is remembering that God loves who we are and that just being present with God is an action,” said Ortiz.
“I think it’s important for us clergy to get together, for us to realize we’re part of this larger wonderful thing called The United Methodist Church and we’re not the only person dealing with church problems and church things,” shared Knisely.
Listen to previous Storyboard podcast episodes.
View clergy and laity sharing their #BeUMC stories.
Executive directors of Ohio Episcopal Area ministries will tour the state, and you are invited to join them for conversations. Their goal is simple, to meet you and hear what you are experiencing in the life of the church.
Where are you seeing hope? What do you find challenging? What are you still trying to figure out? How can the executive directors come alongside you?
Make plans to attend one of the 11 in-person or two online conversations near you. These 90-minute gatherings are opportunities for conversation shaped by what you want to share. There are no presentations or training sessions planned, just conversations with you.
Confirmed conversation dates:
MESSAGES FROM OUR EPISCOPAL LEADER: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is resident bishop of the Ohio Episcopal Area consisting of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church. View Bishop Jung’s Soul Food messages to Ohio laity and clergy.
FORMING A NEW OHIO CONFERENCE:
The Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team is exploring a potential new, unified Ohio Conference. The new Conference will need to be approved by at least 67% of East Ohio and West Ohio voters during Annual Conference 2027. Learn about the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team.
BISHOP'S MISSIONAL APPEAL: Participate in the Bishop’s Missional Appeal for the Scranton Memorial Mission Center and Church, which is being constructed near the site of the East Gate Methodist Church founded by Dr. William B. Scranton. Support the Bishop’s Missional Appeal.
EOC STANDS AGAINST RACISM: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, the Cabinet, Executive staff, and East Ohio laity and clergy are committed to stand against racism. Visit the Stand Against Racism resource page for small group studies, videos, podcasts, books, and more to learn how you can stand against racism.
PILLAR 1 – BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IN OHIO: living into a renewed missional identity through building relationships and fostering trust. View shared discernment for Building Relationships.
PILLAR 2 – SHARED MISSION: laity and clergy commit to living into East and West becoming “One Ohio” in spirit, purpose, mission, and prayer. View stories of shared missions and ministries in Ohio.
PILLAR 3 – DISCIPLESHIP: SEED discipleship language (Seek, Engage, Equip, Deploy) shapes how congregations listen to, learn from, lead, and serve Christ and their communities. View shared discernment for Discipleship.
PILLAR 4 – MULTIPLICATION: In forming 100 new faith communities for all people by 2030, we will live out a movement rooted in the theology of abundance. View shared discernment for Multiplication.
PILLAR 5 – EMERGING LEADERS: A renewed, Spirit-filled church requires bold investment in youth, young adults, next-generation clergy, and equipped lay leadership. View shared discernment for Emerging Leaders.
