Our hearts are with the people of Nepal and Tibet following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the Himalayan border region on August 26. Numerous lives have been lost, many residents and travelers remain missing and entire communities have suffered the loss of homes, livelihoods and vital infrastructure.
I invite all churches across the Ohio Episcopal Area to pray for those who grieve, those awaiting news of their loved ones and all who have been displaced. May God strengthen rescue workers and relief partners, protect vulnerable communities from further danger and provide resources needed for recovery and rebuilding.
As one body in Christ, let us accompany the people of Nepal and Tibet with prayer, compassion and generous solidarity. Churches and individuals wishing to support relief and recovery efforts are encouraged to give through United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) online here.
May this tragedy also renew our commitment to care for God’s creation, pursue climate justice and stand with communities most vulnerable to environmental disasters.
Lord, have mercy. Bring comfort, protection, healing, and hope.
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.
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung invites you to The Holy Land, the Holy People Trip to Israel scheduled for November 14 – 23, 2026. The tour will be led by The Society for Biblical Studies (SBC), an ecumenical, interfaith and inclusive organization.
SBC seeks to renew the mission of the Church through this contextual experience grounded in biblical faith. You are invited to participate in a ministry of reconciliation, to reach out across geographic, religious, ethnic and cultural boundaries to new horizons of mission.
Christians travel to the Holy Land to walk where Jesus walked. But Jesus also proclaimed, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” On this journey walk in the places where Jesus lived and taught while walking alongside people pursuing peace in Israel and Palestine today.
Both the East and West Ohio Conferences have repeatedly called United Methodists to engage questions of justice and peace in Israel and Palestine. This journey provides an opportunity to move from resolutions and statements toward relationships.
Choose one of two tracks for The Holy Land, The Holy People tour: a 10-day survey of the Bible with contemporary studies track ($4,273/each leaving from NYC) or a 10-day fact finding, advocacy, peacemaking in the Holy Lands track ($3,514/each leaving from NYC).
Apply for a financial scholarship by e-mailing Will Fenton-Jones, Multicultural Ministries director. Priority will be given to young clergy and seminary students.
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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