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ENGAGEMENT WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

A Uniting Vision

East Ohio Conference Engagement with Children, Youth and Young Adults is living out a uniting vision by bringing together under one umbrella youth, college-age, and young adult ministries. Doing so eliminates the silo effect, and the loss of common goals, that so frequently accompanies singling out ministries by age group.

It is our goal to walk alongside young people as they navigate their faith journey throughout their lives and into adulthood. Engagement with Children, Youth and Young Adults seeks to support the local church and districts to raise up Christian leaders who are disciples of Jesus Christ who then make other disciples for the transformation of the world. We accomplish this through leadership development training events, retreats and network connections.

Upcoming Events

Project Feed | Sunday, November 16, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Kent First UMC, 1435 E Main St., Kent, OH

Help us change the world one meal at a time! At Project Feed, the youth of Ohio will pack meals for families experiencing food insecurity. This is a great chance for youth to serve together in a one-day mission project. You will meet other youth groups from around Ohio while we help make the world a little better, one meal at a time. Our time will be filled with music, laughter, and the occasional shenanigan. There will be no shirts for sale this year. Cost is $10 for youth, no charge for adults. We are not charging a fee for adults because they may not be able to participate in the meal packing if we reach capacity. The last day to register is November 10 and we reached capacity last fall, so don’t delay! E-mail Deena Wolfe, Emerging Leaders coordinator, with any questions.

Registration and Details

Reset Leaders Retreat | January 23-24, 2026 in North Canton
Join us on January 23–24 at the Embassy Suites Akron-Canton Airport for our annual Leaders Retreat, now expanded to include those serving with children, youth, and young adults!

Our focus this year is spiritual renewal, inspired by Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This theme invites us to pause, reset, and rediscover the joy of ministry. Come connect with others who share your passion for ministry with young people. You’ll find time for reflection, encouragement, and practical connection as we rest, recharge, and grow together. Event check-in will be on Friday between 6:30-7:30 p.m. and the event will wrap up on Saturday around 4:00 p.m. The cost is $40 for commuters, $80 for double occupancy, and $160 for single occupancy. The last day to register is January 5. Contact Tim Beck, associate director of Engagement with Youth, by e-mail with any questions.

Registration and Details

Global Young People's Convocation | July 7-11, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland
East Ohio is awarding partial funding for up to two young adults (ages 21-29) to attend the Global Young People's Convocation in Dublin, Ireland July 7-11, 2026.

Scholarship requests can cover registration (up to $899), lodging (up to $880), air fare (up to $1,200). Applications are to be completed online by December 5. In addition to this application, please e-mail a video of yourself (no longer than two minutes) to Rev. Ann Marie Carley. This video should be of you expressing your desire to attend, what you hope to learn, and how you would share your experience with the Ohio Episcopal Area (East and West Ohio).

Applicants will know results prior to the end of 2025. E-mail Rev. Ann Marie Carley for any questions.