Bishop Hee-Soo Jung Touring Ohio UM Churches, Hosting Days Apart in Districts

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is resident bishop of the new Ohio Episcopal Area, consisting of the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church.

The bishop has set a goal of visiting all 1,000 churches across the two conferences. He visited seven churches in each conference the week of January 20. On Saturday, January 25 he hosts the first of 10 “A Day Apart with Bishop: Healing and Restoration in Community”. On each of the days Bishop Jung will have set apart time with clergy in the morning and laity in the evening. His message will be grounded in the words of Mark 2:1-12.

Days apart with Bishop Jung in East Ohio are:

  • February 27
    UMC of Macedonia (Northern Waters District)

  • March 1
    Thoburn UMC (South Forest District)

  • March 10
    Ashland Christ UMC (West Plains District)

  • March 13
    Navarre Otterbein UMC (Central Valley District)

Clergy of the district are invited to join Bishop Jung on those days beginning at 9:30 a.m. for a morning of worship and Bible study, followed by lunch, a session on district strategy and visioning, conversation with the bishop, and a closing worship service at 3:00 p.m. with communion.

Laity of the district are invited to join Bishop Jung at 5:00 p.m. those days for dinner, a worship service and Bible study, and a conversation on vision and ministry.

Learn more about Bishop’s days in the districts.


Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation
Episode 52 Living Black History Every Day

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 52 “Living Black History Every Day” features a conversation with clergy from the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church discussing the importance of learning from our history while creating a legacy for future generations.

“There is a biblical narrative as well as a social narrative that is in the Black experience that is important for all churches to see and to uplift and to spotlight not just in Black History Month but throughout the calendar year,” said Rev. Gerald Cameron, of Celebration UMC in Euclid.

“Black history to me is not just a month, it’s my existence. It goes from January 1 to December 31,” said Rev. Leo Cunningham, of St. Paul UMC in Toledo. “It’s an opportunity to look at where we have been to understand where we’re going but in the climate we are living in right now we are making Black history, we’re in Black history. One hundred years from now they’re going to ask, ‘what were Black people doing during this time in American history?’”

Listen to previous Storyboard podcast episodes.
View clergy and laity sharing their #BeUMC stories.


Black History Month Week 2 Focus: The General Commission on Religion & Race

The United Methodist Church has a long history of both racial struggle and racial justice work. A significant milestone came in 1968, when the newly formed UMC abolished the Central Jurisdiction, the segregated structure that had excluded Black churches and clergy from full participation in the life of the denomination. Church leaders recognized that dismantling a segregated system was just the first step – actively working against racism required intentional action.

Recognizing that true racial equity required more than structural change, the General Conference established the General Commission on Religion & Race (GCORR). The agency exists to challenge, lead, and equip The United Methodist Church to become a more equitable, inclusive, and anti-racist church. Responsibilities of GCORR include intercultural competency, ensuring institutional equity, facilitating vital conversations about religion, race, and culture, and standing against racism.

Racism is part of our history – and our present. As it has done for the past 50 years, GCORR continues to lead the charge in equipping The United Methodist Church to have honest conversations about race, challenge bias, and build authentic relationships across cultures. We are each called to join the work of leading in justice and reconciliation by equipping people to recognize, name, and dismantle systems of racial injustice.

During Black History Month, the Multicultural Ministries team in the Connectional Ministries office is highlighting past Annual Conference messages from ambassadors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. You are encouraged to view and share the above video.

Learn more about GCORR.
Visit the GCORR library of resources.
Visit the EOC Black History Month resource page.

Equipping local churches to be, make, and mature disciples of Jesus Christ


Messages from our Episcopal leader

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.


Annual Conference 2025

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025: The 56th session of Annual Conference is June 12-14 on the College of Wooster campus. Worship services will be in McGaw Chapel and business plenary sessions will be on the indoor track & Gault Recreation Center courts of the Scot Center. Learn more about AC 2025.


Clergy Appointments

CLERGY APPOINTMENTS: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and his Cabinet make clergy appointments with a commitment to open itineracy, consideration of the gifts and God’s grace of those appointed, and the needs and opportunities of congregations. View the clergy appointments/changes of status list.


Conference Stands Against Racism

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.

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