United Methodist congregations will observe Laity Sunday on October 18. The day is a joyful opportunity to honor the faith, leadership, service and witness of laypeople in the church and in the world.
Laity Sunday reminds us that ministry happens everyday and belongs to all the people of God.
Laity Sunday is an invitation to renewed discipleship. It gives congregations a chance to see ministry with fresh eyes and to celebrate the many ways people live their baptismal calling at home, at church, in the workplace, at school and throughout the community. It also creates space for people who have not yet found their place to ask, “How might God use my gifts?”
The 2026 theme, “Together by Grace: Be Grounded in Love,” invites us to remember where faithful service begins. Participate in Laity Sunday by:
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 88 "Disciple Making: Getting to Know the Regional Coordinators" features a roundtable discussion with Engagement with Youth Associate Director Tim Beck, Jennifer Dyer, Stefanie Williams and Rick Stout about the role regional coordinators play in resourcing local church youth ministries.
“We really felt it was important that the coordinators not be bound by a specific district, and it’s been really neat seeing how that’s been expressed particularly over the last couple years, seeing districts come together,” said Beck.
“It’s important to recognize that each of us are in a different context even though we’re in the same conference and the same state. Each area that we’re in functions differently,” shared Williams.
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 conversations near you. Eight have been confirmed with more being planned, and two online conversations have been scheduled. These 90-minute gatherings are opportunities for conversation shaped by what you want to share. There are no presentations or training sessions on the agenda, just conversations guided by 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.
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