Bishop Hee-Soo Jung called to order the 56th session of the East Ohio Annual Conference with 289 clergy and 312 laity gathered June 12-14 at the College of Wooster.
“The theme of this year’s Annual Conference Rise-Up Beloved builds upon Jesus’ vision of the church as the resurrected community and vibrant call for unity out of our rich and varied diversity,” Bishop Jung shared in his State of the Church address.
During the worship services of this year’s conference, members celebrated the ministries of 20 retiring clergy, eight newly licensed local pastors, one commissioned Deacon, one ordained Deacon, and three ordained Elders.
The conference also commemorated the lives and ministries of 32 clergy, spouses, and laity who entered the Church Triumphant since last year.
Business sessions began each day with a Bible study on soul care led by Rev. Dr. AHyun Lee of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. The study focused on Mark 5:35-43, the theme scripture for AC 2025.
Annual Conference members approved a $8,337,276 budget for 2026, increased minimum salary for clergy by 5% across all ministry categories, adopted five resolutions, and much more.
The body heard a report from the Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team, and joined Annual Conferences around the world in voting on four Constitutional Amenments.
Read and download the AC 2025 recap article.
View the AC 2025 videos showcase.
View and download photos from AC 2025.
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 60 “Mental Health and the Church” features a conversation with Meghan DeGregory, director of Thrive 10:10, a non-profit relief, recovery and restoration program of Girard First UMC.
“Mental health is you attending to whatever you’re dealing with, both on your own with your internal coping skills but also with a professional, if necessary,” DeGregory said. “But we also need to talk about mental health in the church and sometimes I don’t think we talk about it enough in the church.”
She encourages clergy and laity to empower themselves through education by taking a class.
“Sometimes we have to be a little bit greedy about taking care of ourselves first so that we can then pour out for others – because you can’t pour from an empty cup,” DeGregory stated.
Listen to previous Storyboard podcast episodes.
View clergy and laity sharing their #BeUMC stories.
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung led a delegation of leaders from the Ohio Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church to Korea in April. The team fostered relationships with longtime ministry partners in the Korean Methodist Church.
This year marks the 140th anniversary of Mary Scranton and her son William moving from Ohio to Korea to become missionaries. The delegation to Korea of leaders from the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences saw first-hand the impact the Scranton’s made in the lives of people half-way around the world. Churches, schools, and hospitals exist in Korea today because of the love and commitment to missions of Mary and William Scranton.
Bishop Jung is fruit of their work. After converting to Christianity when he was only 16 years old, one of his early appointments was to serve the East Gate Church in Seoul, which was planted by William Scranton.
We'll celebrate the life and ministry of the Scranton’s:
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.
GET INVOLVED IN MISSIONS: You, your youth group, a small-group ministry, and your church can enhance the lives of your neighbors by reaching into the community, learning about needs, and helping to solve them. Summer is a great time to learn more about EOC missions opportunities.
CLERGY APPOINTMENTS: Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and his Cabinet make clergy appointments with a commitment to open itineracy, consideration of the gifts and God’s grace of those appointed, and the needs and opportunities of congregations. View the clergy appointments/changes of status list.
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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