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Upcoming Events

Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation | March 20-21 in Delaware, OH
You are invited to gather with Bishop Hee Soo Jung and laity from across the Ohio Episcopal Area for this year’s Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation, a two‑day event designed to inspire, equip, and strengthen lay people for ministry in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the convocation, Bishop Jung will guide participants in exploring what it means to lead from a posture of abundant grace. In a season when many congregations are searching for renewed purpose and connection, Bishop Jung’s leadership emphasizes hope, inclusion, and the transformative power of God’s grace at work through laypeople.

We are also honored to welcome Dr. Ashley Boggan as our plenary speaker. Dr. Boggan serves as the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, where she helps The United Methodist Church understand its past in order to faithfully imagine its future. In her plenary sessions, Dr. Boggan will offer a historical lens for lay leadership—inviting us to learn from our roots, examine patterns that have shaped the church, and discern how history can guide us toward a more equitable and vibrant future for all Methodists.

Woven throughout the event will be meaningful opportunities for laity to connect with one another across roles, regions, and experiences. Participants will have time to share stories, support one another, and learn together in both structured and informal moments of conversation. This year’s convocation also includes dedicated affinity group time, offering space for individuals with shared interests or ministry areas to dream, wonder, and plan together for the future. Whether you’re passionate about discipleship, community outreach, digital ministry, justice initiatives, or congregational care, there will be room to explore new possibilities with others who share your call.

Be sure to invite others to join you this year!

Event Details

• March 20–21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and concluding at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday
• William Street UMC, 28 W William St., Delaware, OH and Asbury UMC, 55 W Lincoln Ave., Delaware, OH.
• Dinner and lunch will be provided and snackle boxes will be back!
• A hotel room block is available at the Sheraton Suites Columbus Worthington for $99 plus tax per night. Use this link to make your own room reservation. Booking deadline is March 6. If you desire a room with more than one bed, please call the hotel directly and they will make those accommodations for you. There are hotels in closer proximity to the churches in Delaware but there is no group discount available.  

Note: If you have a mobility challenge, please be sure to let us know during the registration process. There is a box you can fill out and specify how we can help you. The last day to register is March 6.

Registration and Details

Board of Laity

The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2016 ¶631 states that the board should:

• foster an awareness of the role of laity both within the local congregation and through their ministries in the home, workplace, community, and world in achieving the mission of the Church.
• develop and promote programs to cultivate an adequate understanding of the theological and biblical basis for lay life and work among the members of the churches of the annual conference
• develop and promote stewardship of time, talent, and possessions within the annual conference in cooperation with the conference council on ministries or other appropriate conference bodies.
• provide for the training of lay members of annual conference
• provide support and direction for the ministry of the laity on the local, district, and annual conference levels and to promote the observance of Laity Sunday
• provide organization, direction, and support for the development of local church leaders

The East Ohio Conference Board of Laity is focusing on preparing and encouraging all people in a life of Christian discipleship by

• helping churches with vision, Christian formation, and outreach
• partnering in ministry with clergy and supporting vitality and discipleship across the conference and especially in the local church by aligning with the 4 Areas of Focus

The Board of Laity has created three task forces to live into the areas of focus.

• Vision task force with an objective to equip local churches to conduct strategic planning to lean into the mission and vision of the church
• Christian Formation task force with an objective to equip local churches to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ and encourage accountable relationships and missional small groups
• Outreach task force with an objective to assist church’s outreach efforts to serve the poor, those who are hungry, and/or those with or recovering from addiction by collecting and disseminating information on the initiatives and models used to serve in these areas