East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

LIGHTHOUSE CHURCHES

“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.”
- Psalm 84:1-5 (NIV)

A pilgrimage is a holy journey that leads one to a deeper understanding of self and a closer relationship with God. The concept of pilgrimage deeply aligns with us as United Methodists as we move towards God in our process of transformation.

We know that some local church members here in the East Ohio Conference are on a pilgrimage searching for new church homes, a place to heal and reconnect with God, or both. In this time of pilgrimage, we do not want any member to feel abandoned, lost, or disconnected. For those on a pilgrimage, the Lighthouse church and Oasis group resources found here are designed to help you connect to a United Methodist church in or around your area and across our Conference.

Lighthouse churches are dedicated to The United Methodist Church and are welcoming for those seeking a new church home. The clergy and lay leaders of these congregations are committed to their continual growth and are engaged in ongoing Lighthouse church training and educational opportunities. Oasis groups are small groups that ideally meet outside the church walls where clergy and members can meet on neutral ground for healing, connection, prayer, and study.

As you prayerfully discern moving your membership from one church to another, the Conference offers these guidelines:

If you are ready to take that step and know the church to which you wish to transfer your membership, please communicate that desire to the pastor of the church to which you wish to move your membership. The pastor, or whomever assists them, will assist you by communicating with your current church and then adding you to the membership role of your new church.
If you are not ready to take that step or have not yet identified the church to which you wish to transfer your membership, you can move your membership to your district office by calling or e-mailing your district office. Click this link for district office contact information.

Bookmark this page because you will want to visit it often to receive the latest information about district gatherings, events, connecting points, and other ministries in your area.

To help us connect you and others in your area who are on a pilgrimage, please take a moment and submit your name, e-mail address, and mailing address in the boxes below.

East Ohio Conference Lighthouse churches are listed alphabetically by county in the links below. Click on the links to view the current list of Lighthouse churches and Oasis groups. New churches and groups are added weekly.