As Advent returns, we listen again to Isaiah’s promise: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2)
The birth of Jesus is that light – a light that enters our world not with force, but with tenderness; not with domination, but with a love that bends low.
Isaiah declares: “A child has been born for us … and his name shall be called Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) In the Christ child, God chooses the smallest way, the way of vulnerability, humility, and quiet presence. This is the way that heals the world.
Mary’s song is not a gentle lullaby (Luke 1:46-55). It is a prophetic cry announcing what God is doing – and will do – in the world. She proclaims: God lifts the lowly and brings down the proud. God fills the hungry with good things and sends the rich away empty. God remembers the forgotten, the poor, and those who have no voice. God breaks the patterns of injustice and begins a new world where mercy is the ruling truth. Mary sees the world as it is – unfair, unequal, full of fear, and yet she sings of a God who refuses to let things remain that way.
This Advent, we offer this pastoral reflection:
Let us welcome the stranger with compassion.
Let us honor every immigrant neighbor with dignity.
Let us heal racial wounds with courage and humility.
Let us build communities where no one is forgotten and where love is stronger than fear.
Christ’s peace is the active, healing love of a God who comes softly yet changes everything. May Jesus’ birth awaken in us a new commitment to walk gently, love boldly, and practice peace in every place God sends us.
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 73 "Influence, Connection & Impact: Welcoming Newcomers to Cleveland" highlights how The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland is reaching new people for Christ.
“In Cleveland there doesn’t really exist dedicated newcomer housing spaces for refugees and asylum seekers and so Nehemiah is unique in occupying this space,” said Graham Ball, the new executive director of the Mission, an EOC Advance Special ministry partner.
Board Member the Rev. Kathy Dickriede said the Mission’s ministries would not be possible without the support of churches and individuals across the Church.
“It’s not just about us, what we have to offer, but what do we have to gain as members of suburban United Methodist churches to come and build some community and to welcome international newcomers into our spaces and to northeast Ohio,” she said.
Listen to previous Storyboard podcast episodes.
View clergy and laity sharing their #BeUMC stories.
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Board of Trustees has unanimously selected the Rev. Cara Stultz Costello as its next president and CEO, effective January 1, 2026. She will be the first female president in the 60-year history of the Foundation.
“It is a profound joy to assume the presidency of UMHEF, a ministry whose sixty years shine with God’s faithfulness and the Spirit’s sustaining presence,” Stultz Costello said in a release issued by the Foundation. “Inspired by Philippians 1:6, I am confident that God, who began this good work in us, will carry it forward. With our United Methodist institutions of higher learning, Annual Conference foundations, connectional collaborators, and generous partners, we will continue to equip and empower students to follow God’s call and participate in building a world marked by love, hope, and transformation.”
Stultz Costello has served as the interim leader of the UMHEF since September following the death of Bob Fletcher and is being named to the position full-time after a nationwide search for the next president & CEO.
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has announced his intention to appoint the Rev. Dan Bryant to serve as interim superintendent of the Central Valley District from January 1 to June 30, 2026. He has served in the East Ohio Conference since 1990 as the pastor of several churches, superintendent of the Mahoning Valley District, and dean of the Cabinet.
Read the UM Higher Education Foundation release.
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.
OHIO EPISCOPAL AREA TASK TEAM:
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung formed the task team of East and West Ohio clergy and laity to actively listen, discuss, and discern about forming a new, unified Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. Learn more about the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team.
UMC STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN: GCFA, Discipleship Ministries and UM Communications have collaborated to educate and resource churches about the positive impact apportionments make on how we minister to those in need. Learn about apportionments and the United In Impact campaign.
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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