Severe flooding across Central Ohio has caused widespread damage and disruption, displacing families and threatening homes and livelihoods. Our hearts are with all who have been affected.
I invite every congregation across East and West Ohio to respond with prayer and compassionate action. Please pray for those in danger, for first responders, and for all providing shelter, food, medical care, and assistance.
The work of recovery will require sustained cooperation. I encourage our churches to care for their neighbors, remain connected with district and conference leaders, and participate in coordinated relief efforts as opportunities arise.
No congregation or community should face this crisis alone. Through our prayers, generosity, service, and faithful partnership, may we embody Christ’s healing presence.
God of mercy and refuge, protect those in danger, comfort those who have suffered loss, and strengthen all who serve. Gather us as one body so that, through our loving action, hope may rise and communities may be restored. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
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.
During Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 to October 15 and throughout the year The United Methodist Church is called to incorporate and listen to Hispanic and Latino voices and speak out in support of them to be heard.
Download Hispanic Heritage Month resources.
One of the Special Sundays in The United Methodist Church, World Communion Sunday (Fund 9210) is October 4. The offering that day will support ethnic students who will be the first generation in their families to attend college and People of Color who haven’t historically had access to resources that make higher education possible.
Download World Communion Sunday resources.
Youth and youth leaders across Ohio are invited to pack dry rice and vegetable meals for families experiencing food insecurity as part of Project Feed Saturday, November 8 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at First UMC in Kent.
This is a great opportunity for youth and young adults to serve together in mission. The cost is $10 for youth in grades 5-12. There is no cost for adult leaders who assist.
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.
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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