Shows
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperiencing God Through The UMC: Ministering in CooperationEpisode 76 features clergy and laity from two East Ohio cooperative parishes.“You have a unique opportunity to participate in the other churches’ ministries, building a ministry together, getting to know the different people. I just think it makes a stronger United Methodist Church that way,” said Peggy Sutherin of the Faith United Cooperative in the Central Valley District.“We’ve spent a lot of time in The United Methodist Church in recent years kind of living in standalone churches and that’s not really our system. We are a connectional system and socooperative parishes in my opinion m...
2026-02-1650 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: Embodying Black History Beyond FebruaryEpisode 75 is a conversation with Rev. Leo Cunningham of Toledo St. Paul’s UMC, Pastor Tennille Power of North Olmsted and Rockport UMCs, and Multicultural Ministries Director WillFenton-Jones.“This year I was thinking how do we slow down and ask, ‘How does Black History Month become more than just remembering the past but something that shapes who we are right now?’” Fenton-Jones shared.“You start by acknowledging it (Black history) and bringing it to the forefront, by becoming a fabric of worship and liturgy for the year. That’s where it begins,”Power offered.Cunningham sai...
2026-02-0244 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: The Stewardship of WellnessEpisode 74 features a discussion with Rev. Ed Fashbaugh, Will Fenton-Jones, and Rev. Beth Ortiz about how taking care of our bodies goes beyond diet and exercise.“In America it’s almost becoming normal to be sick. That’s not God’s design for our bodies and so as we look at these things, it’s important to know what does support metabolic health,” shared Fashbaugh, executive director of Connectional Ministries.Ortiz shared that when we take care of our bodies we are being good stewards of this God-given resource.“The body is amazing! The more you l...
2026-01-2059 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Welcoming Newcomers to ClevelandEpisode 73 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 t...
2025-12-0130 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Cooperative ParishesIn Episode 72 Cabinet members Rev. Laura White, Rev. Kelly Brown, and Rev. Beth Ortiz share how cooperative parishes – churches grouped together as a missional unit – model the connectional DNA of The United Methodist Church.White said, “You can still be you while being in ministry with other churches – and we were never meant to do ministry alone. Scripture is very clear on that. We are meant to berelational. We are meant to be supporting each other.”Cooperative parishes have a history of impacting communities across the East Ohio Conference.“I see it as our future...
2025-11-1741 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through The UMC | My Call Story: Rev. James LanceIn Episode 71 Rev. James Lance of Apple Creek, Moreland, Smithville and Wooster Church of the Cross UMCs shares that each of our calls is different.“We use call in a lot of ways. I heard the call to Jesus throughout my life. And whenever I’m preaching on it, I try to break this apart. You have the call to Jesus, you have the callto ministry, and then you have the call to your ministry,” Lance said.He also speaks to the changing landscape of ministry.“To me, partially due to COVID, partially due to t...
2025-11-0329 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making | Faithful FailureIn episode 70 Executive Director of Discipleship Ministries Rev. Beth Ortiz and Executive Director of Connectional Ministries Rev. Ed Fashbaugh sit down for a frank discussion on the topic of failure within ministry.“We so often as a church think we fail because we aren’t what we used to be, or as a clergyperson we fail because people aren’t all excited or passionate about what we’re bringingas the new program. But we are unaware of systemic issues that add to the high probability of failure,” shared Fashbaugh.The discussion is wide-ranging and should help liste...
2025-10-2038 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC | My Call Story: Megan BuehlerIn Episode 69 Pastor Megan Buehler of Vienna and Coalburg UMCs shares that wrestling with God’s call began years ago when she attended The United Methodist Church of Berea.“The only time I really felt at peace was when I walked in those red doors on Seminary Street in Berea and just was like ‘there’s got to be something with this, but I’m not going to get into it too much because it feels like it might be really big if I wrestle with this feeling more,’” Buehler said.Eventually giving into God’s voice that was...
2025-10-0628 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making | Bishop Hee-Soo Jung Casts Vision for OhioEpisode 68 is a special recording from the All-Ohio School of Ministry featuring Bishop Hee-Soo Jung reflecting on his first year serving as bishop in Ohio.Bishop Jung offers that these three gifts from God are guiding him in visioning and shepherding the laity and clergy of the Ohio Episcopal Area comprised of the East and West Ohio Conferences: unity in practice, shared leadership, and one missional movement of abundance.“God is the center act – not Hee-Soo Jung, not me – but God is the center act,” he said. “It’s not your own church, it’s about God.”
2025-09-2227 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC | My Call Story: Marc TibbsIn Episode 67 Pastor Marc Tibbs of Akron Centenary United Methodist Church shares that since he was young, he’s struggled with hearing God call him into a life of ministry.Tibbs shares, “Whenever I found myself close enough to a pastor I would always ask, ‘how do you know youhave been called?’ When you ask people you get a myriad number of answers, and none of those answers I could identify with, but I just kept asking.” As an adult he was still wrestling as he supported his daughter while she attended a Ministerial Recruitment Institute...
2025-09-0821 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact | Partners in MissionsEpisode 66 features a conversation with members of a United Methodist Church and a Baptist Church who for more than a decade have worked together, acknowledgingand celebrating their differences to jointly assist those in need on mission trips.In the episode we hear from Paul Pendleton of The UMC of Macedonia and Catherine Tarver of Providence Baptist Church in Cleveland both before and after this summer’s mission journey building wheelchair ramps in Jackson, Ohio.“This has been a fantastic relationship. Not only getting to know each other but understanding cultures a little bit differently than we n...
2025-08-2536 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making | Campus Ministry: Reaching the Seeking GenerationIn Episode 65 we feature a roundtable discussion with Rev. Dr. Tim Morrison, Mount Union chaplain and UMC BereaPastor Dr. Stephen Knisely and Campus Minister Judy Hammer to discuss how churches and universities are connecting college students to Jesus.Morrison offered, “On a weekly basis we have somewhere between 350 and 400 individual students that areinteracting with spiritual life in some way or another. It’s almost a quarter of the student body.”Hammer shared that “college students are waiting and wanting authentic conversation with their peers aroundfaith. They want to have engaged conversations, and hopefully along that journey...
2025-08-1143 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC | My Call Story: Alex MilneIn Episode 64 Alex shares about his long battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis, how it has shaped his walk with Christ, his service in the church and his call to help others who have chronic pain.“When you deal with a physical condition or an ailment you tend to do things different from most people. You have to greet each part of the day with, ‘how can I make this work?’” he shared.As part of his call to serve others Milne has written a book about his own journey with RA which encourages a need to connect...
2025-07-2829 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Understanding TAP GrantsIn Episode 63 we explore ways Trinity Action Projects (TAP) grants provide seed money for new and existing ministries and foster bold initiatives that engage and serve East Ohio communities.Rev. Beth Ortiz, executive director of Discipleship Ministries for both East and West Ohio said, “sometimes when we think need, we think first of physical need which is certainly veryimportant. Social needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs are also so important.” “I love to see the broad and the creative and the insightful needs that the churches have of people who are coming to the church or are...
2025-07-1437 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC | My Call Story: Dr. Stephen KniselyIn Episode 62 the pastor of The United Methodist Church of Berea shares the transformative story of growing up in the church, questioning his faith as he got older, and wrestling with hearing and answering God’s call.“I grew up in the Methodist Church and while I believed in God, I would say that in some ways I took it serious in some ways I did not,” Knisely said.Through various occupations and stops along his journey he has found that above all God has imbued him with a deep love for others.“In my ca...
2025-06-3035 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Discipleship in OhioEpisode 61 highlights new and renewed initiatives in our Ohio Episcopal Area of The UMC to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ. “I am such a big believer of discipleship, particularly through small groups and that building of relationships and connection with each other and with God,” said Rev. Beth Ortiz, executive director of Discipleship in Ohio. “I am such a believer in what our small churches can do and what our long-term churches can do if they are willing andable to go where God leads.”“What excites me is creating some new diverse fa...
2025-06-1622 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Mental Health and the ChurchEpisode 60 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. “Butwe 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 bi...
2025-06-0230 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Making Disciples through Discover … MissionsEpisode 59 features a roundtable discussion about faith-building opportunities through United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) Discover … Missions.“Discover … Mission is set up as an intentional cultural immersion for young people to serve with and learn from young adults in the host country,” offered the Rev. Dr. Tammy Kuntz, North Central Jurisdiction UMVIM coordinator.“When you talk about relationship building it may be through music, it may be through a faith-based service. Relationship building is hard to put a frame around, it means different things for different people, and different experiences make that picture look a little bit...
2025-05-1931 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Experiencing Summer CampEpisode 54 “Experiencing Summer Camp”features a conversation with leaders of the three East Ohio Conference campsites: Aldersgate, Asbury and Wanake. “At Camp kids get the opportunity to be in creation and experience the beauty of creation which is another testimony and another way that they can get to know God the Creator,” said Rev. Gary Jones, Camps & Retreat Ministries director“We have a whole summer staff full of people ready to lead kids spiritually from different countries from our country from different places in life,” said Meredith Mateer, Camp Aldersgate director. “The opportunity that kids have...
2025-05-1647 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC | My Call Story: Pastor Tennille PowerIn Episode 58 Pastor Tennille Power, the pastor of Elyria First United Methodist Church shares from the heart about the process she went through answering Gods’ call into ministry.“I consider myself an ecumenical ball. I have United Methodist roots, and I have roots in the United Church of Christ, and I have roots in Catholicism,” Power said.She has answered calls from God throughout her life that have led to different occupations and experiences and eventually to seminary.“I believe all of us have a call. We all have a calling to do somethin...
2025-05-0525 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: The Green ChurchIn Episode 57 Mariellyn Grace, Rev. Ryan Grace, and Barb Dawson join in conversation about Creation Care, Creation Justice and what the church’s role in caring for the world can look like.“I believe creation justice is caring for God’s creation. All of God’s creation. A lot of people I talk with equate creation justice to caring for the earth. But it’s much bigger than that,” Dawson shared.“It’s not just about caring for the world itself, which Scripture teaches us is good, it’s also about caring for people and making sure that e...
2025-04-2127 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Weaving Love for the UnhousedIn Episode 56 Rev. Amy Vittorio and Terri Everhart from the 5 Points Parish in the West Plains District share about a loom ministry that creates sleeping mats out of plastic bags to be used by those who are unhoused – a project anyone can do. “It’s brought people together and given us a renewed sense of mission,” Vittorio shared. “It has built an energy with us and with others because they see the positivity of here is something we can do and we’remaking an impact,” Everhart said. “Looms become a way...
2025-04-0742 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC | My Call Story: Jess MartzIn Episode 55 “My Call Story” Mayfield United Methodist Church Children’s Ministry Director Jess Martz shares from the heart about the process she went through answering Gods’ call into ministry. She spends her days working with children and alongside her adult volunteers to help bring the message of the Kingdom of God to the ears and hearts of young children and their families. “I wish I would have prayed for discernment the first time Rev. Carrie Antczak approached me because I just kind of dismissed her comment the first time, assuming that was not...
2025-03-2418 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Microgrants for MinistriesEpisode 53 “Microgrants for Ministries” features EOC Strategic Ministries director the Rev. Beth Ortiz sharing about the process of applying for microgrants that can assist in funding creative ministries with the community.Churches looking to launch a new ministry to reach people outside the church community can apply for an EOC Board of Congregational Development microgrant up to $2,000.Microgrants are an encouragement for congregations to experiment with new ministries that reach beyond church walls out into the community. It’s there meeting people where they are that the Church can make a difference by introducing new people...
2025-02-2419 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: Living Black History Every DayEpisode 52 features a conversation with clergy from the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church discussing the importance of learning from our history while creating a legacy for future generations.“There is a biblical narrative as well as a social narrative that is in the Black experience that is important for all churches to see and to uplift and to spotlight not just in Black History Month but throughout the calendar year,” said Rev. Gerald Cameron, of Celebration UMC in Euclid.“Black history to me is not just a month, it’s my exi...
2025-02-1047 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: The UMC Responds to DisastersEpisode 51 hosts a roundtable discussion with laity and clergy from four UMC conferences across three states who rolled up their sleeves and gave of their time and hearts tohelp with a short-term Emergency Response Team (ERT) trip in Georgia after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.ERTs exist for members to use their gifts and skills to assist after a disaster, providing emotional and spiritual support as an outgrowth of our discipleship. “You need some people on the team that know what to do and how to do it and can teach someone else. But anybody can...
2025-01-2735 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationLiving Our United Methodist Faith DailyThe Storyboard: Faith, Witness, Transformation podcast shares about 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 highlights one of the #BeUMC campaigncore values that connect the people of The United Methodist Church: disciple making, belonging & inclusion, influence, connection & impact, and experience of God through The UMC.Episode 50 looks back at key moments of our first 49 episodes on which 115 unique guests shared abouttheir ministries and the importance that human interaction plays in transforming lives...
2025-01-1347 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection and Impact: Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’-By WorldThe episode features a conversation with EOC clergy and laity about how the Bridges Out of Poverty model is transforming the lives of people in their congregations and communities impacted by poverty. The Bridges Out of Poverty model discusses the need for individual, communal, and societal investigation to discover changes that need to be made to overcome poverty.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Bridges out of Poverty at eocumc.com/bridgesoutofpoverty/index.html
2024-12-0235 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: EOC Strategy for Dismantling RacismThis episode features members of the East Ohio Conference Anti-Racism Task Group discussing the three pillars that guide their work: re-telling stories, fostering relationships, and repairing and reinvesting. We are called to tell stories to invite respect and introduce listening. We are called to build relationships that nourish support. We are called to repair what is broken and reinvest to eliminate disparities.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-11-1848 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: The OPEN M Ministry of Faith, Health & HopeThe episode features a conversation with staff members and a volunteer physician of OPEN M, an East Ohio Conference Advance Special that annually serves more than 65,000 residents in South Akron. The ministry partners with churches, businesses, and thousands of volunteers to provide pathways out of poverty by feeding the hungry and offering health and employment services.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about OPEN M at https://www.openm.org/
Learn how you can support OPEN M financially at https://www.eocumc.com/finance/advance-special.html
2024-11-0441 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC: Following the Call into MissionsWe can each answer God’s call by welcoming the stranger, and working to improve health, education, and access to food for all people. This episode features a roundtable discussion with two United Methodist Church global mission advocates and the East Ohio Conference Secretary of Global Ministries, exploring the many ways we can serve God by serving with others.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Global Missions Fellows at www.umcmission.org/global-mission-fellows
Learn more about UMC Global Ministries at www.umcmissions.org
2024-10-2131 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: Creating Space for Everyone in the RoomOur East Ohio Conference vision for how we will make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world calls for us to be courageous leaders in reaching new, young, and more diverse people. In this episode we explore ways our congregations can welcome, include and be in ministry with individuals who are differently abled.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Visit the EOC DisAbility page at https://www.eocumc.com/disabilities/index.html
Visit Ashland Special Needs Ministry at https://www.ashlandspecialneedsministry.org/
Visit Bucyrus UMC at https://www.bucyrusumc.com/
2024-10-0742 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Better Living Through Better NutritionThe food we eat impacts every part of our lives, including our connection with God. In This episode we feature a panel discussion with both UMC and community leaders who are involved in leading Dine and Discover, an outreach program designed to educate about the importance of making wise choices on what we eat so that we can live healthier lives.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about the Wickliffe Family Resource Center:
https://www.wickliffeschools.org/FamilyResourceCenter.aspx
Read about Dine and Discover: https://eocumcnews.com/2024/05/22/dine-and-discover-ministry-partnership-is-educating-c...
2024-09-2329 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Investing in Our Future Through ReadingThis episode features a conversation about the SHINE reading program partnership between Henrietta UMC and Firelands Elementary School. Through this mentoring ministry, church volunteers Support, Help, Inspire, Nurture, and Empower the first-grade students with whom they read once a week.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-09-0922 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: Sharing the Love of God with GamersThis episode features a conversation with UMC Rev. Derek White, known as “The Geek Preacher”, a long-time pastor to table-top gamers who recently partnered with clergy in the East Ohio Conference to serve as chaplains at the Origins Games Fair in Columbus.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about The Geek Preacher at https://linktr.ee/thegeekpreacher
2024-08-2628 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Fostering Partnerships Beyond Your Church WallsThis episode features a conversation with Rev. David Hull-Frye of Grandview UMC and EOC Missions & Community Engagement Director Rev. Kathy Dickriede discussing the mutual benefits and blessings of local churches partnering with people and organizations in the communities they serve.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Fall 2024 Community Engagement Cohort: https://www.eocumc.com/missions/eocmissionopps.html
2024-08-1230 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: Becoming a Listening ChurchThis episode features an in-depth conversation with Rev. Luke Edwards about the Listening Church resource that guides church leaders on the importance of listening to God, congregants and community members so that EOC churches can become more engaged and effective witnesses in the communities they serve.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about the Listening Church at https://www.thelisteningchurch.com/
2024-07-2931 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: The Role of a Jurisdictional Conference DelegateDuring a break at NCJ 2024 three EOC delegates – Dr. Liz Piatt, Rev. Jon Priebe and his son Nehemiah Priebe – offer their insight about the conference, their role as delegates, and what experiences they are bringing home to share with laity and clergy in the East Ohio Conference.
Learn more about the East Ohio
Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about NCJ24 at https://www.eocumc.com/jurisdictional/index.html
2024-07-1518 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperiencing God Through The UMC: Empowering Female Refugees to Transform AfricaRev. Bruce Hitchcock, Judy Kidder and Rev. Steve Knisely share about the Lift Her Up ministry that is raising money for scholarships so that female students in a Zimbabwe refugee camp who have been accepted to Africa University can enroll at The United Methodist-related
institution of higher learning.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
To reach out to Rev. Hitchcock email bhitchcock@eocumc.com
To reach out to Rev Dickriede
email kdickriede@eocumc.com
For more information on United Women of Faith visit eocumc.com/uwf/index.html
2024-07-0126 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Biking Ministries Reaching Communities for Jesus ChristEpisode 37 is titled “Influence, Connection & Impact: Biking Ministries Reaching Communities for Jesus Christ”. Missions & Community Engagement Director Rev. Kathy Dickriede leads a discussion with clergy and laity of South Street Ministries, Bike Hope Love, Brecksville UMC, and Link Up of Harbor and Bridge about how each is teaching about Jesus while fixing and providing bicycles in their communities.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-06-1749 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: An In-Depth Look at Discipleship, Economic Justice, and Combatting RacismMulticultural Ministries Director Will Fenton-Jones leads a discussion with Rev. Dr. Sidney Williams Jr. and Rev. Michael Anthony Howard exploring the Church’s role in reaching, ministering with, and transforming communities through pro-racial equity networks, engaging in civil rights work, and combatting the impacts of redlining and segregation.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-06-0350 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Caring for Our Mental Health and Resourcing Mental Health Care for OthersWith May being Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S., this episode features a discussion about the importance of EOC clergy and laity understanding and caring for their personal mental health, as well as being open to engaging and resourcing others in caring for their mental health.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-05-2040 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through the UMC: Building a Stronger ConnectionEpisode 34 is titled “Experience of God Through the UMC: Building a Stronger Connection”. The episode features a discussion with clergy from churches in Medina County who are living into the connection of The United Methodist Church through partnering to frame a home for Habitat for Humanity and working together to connect with and support families in their local school districts.
View pictures of the Habitat House build at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBp5Sg
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-05-0638 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Just ActionEpisode 33 is titled “Influence, Connection & Impact: Just Action”. The episode features an ecumenical panel of clergy and laity discussing ways that churches and faith communities can respond to the ongoing negative legacy of red-lining that, generations since its inception, continues to impact who can live where in communities throughout the East Ohio Conference.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-04-2254 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: All In Community MinistryOne in 31 Ohioans is in jail or prison or out on probation and last year 18,000 people returned to communities after being released from prison. This episode features clergy from East Ohio sharing about All In Community, a modern-day, Biblical response to the impact and aftermath of incarceration.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about All In at https://www.eocumc.com/allincommunity/index.html
2024-04-0855 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Ministering to Children in Foster CareThe episode features Bishop Tracy S. Malone leading a conversation with clergy and laity from two of the churches in the East Ohio Conference that host a life-changing week of Royal Family KIDS Camp each summer that ministers to six- to 12-year-old children in the foster care system.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Royal Family Kids Camp at https://www.eocumc.com/royalfamilykidscamp/index.html
2024-03-2549 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging and Inclusion: Ministering to Digital NativesEpisode 30 is titled “Belonging and Inclusion: Ministering to Digital Natives”. The episode features a discussion with Rev. Shane Russo of Go Be Church, an entirely online church plant of the East Ohio Conference that is designed to share about Jesus, engage people, and build beloved community on Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and other social media platforms.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Go Be Church at gobe.church
2024-03-1128 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Making Lasting Connections with Young PeopleThe episode features a discussion with Connectional Ministries Office Young People's Ministries Co-Directors Tim Beck and Pastor Christy Suffecool about ways EOC congregations can connect with teens and young adults on "their turf and their terms
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-02-2627 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through The UMC: Mission Journeys Transform for a LifetimeEpisode 28 is titled “Experience of God Through The UMC: Mission Journeys Transform for a Lifetime”. The episode features a roundtable conversation with young adults both before and after participating in an UMVIM mission journey to Puerto Rico. Hear about their life-changing experiences and learn the difference between mission journeys and mission trips.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about UMVIM at https://www.umvim.org/
2024-02-1257 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: How EOC Microgrants Can Aid in Starting New MinistriesEpisode 27 is titled “Influence, Connection & Impact: How EOC Microgrants Can Aid in Starting New Ministries”. The episode features a conversation with Rev. Beth Ortiz, about microgrants offered through the Strategic Ministries office, and clergy and lay grant recipients who each share how the funds have enabled their congregations to launch unique new ministries that introduced Jesus and the Church to the communities they serve.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Visit the Connectional Ministries Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/eocumccm/
Learn more about EOC Strategic Ministries at https://www.eocumc.co...
2024-01-2925 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Exploring World Religions in Our East Ohio CommunitiesThe episode features conversation with Rev. David Hull-Frye and Kathie Crabtree from Grandview UMC about how the church is embracing the shifting demographics of Cuyahoga Falls and offering church and community members safe space to listen to one another and learn about their different religious practices and beliefs.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2024-01-1525 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Building Connections in Guatemala and East OhioThe episode features conversation with clergy and laity from Carrollton First UMC, from Mayfield UMC, and from United Methodist Volunteers in Mission sharing how their respective ministry relationships in Guatemala are fostering partnerships both in the Central American country as well as here in the East Ohio Conference.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about UMVIM at https://www.umvim.org/
2023-12-1832 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperience of God Through The United Methodist Church: The Power of RelationshipEpisode 24 is titled “Experience of God Through The United Methodist Church: The Power of Relationship”. The episode features conversation with East Ohio Conference clergy who share personal stories of experiencing God through the people of United Methodist congregations, the impact of relationships in those experiences, and the importance of local churches committing to being spaces where people can meet God in unique ways.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Visit the #BeUMC resource page at https://www.eocumc.com/beumc/index.html
2023-12-1532 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Exploring What it Means to be a Disciple MakerEpisode 21 is titled “Disciple Making: Exploring What it Means to be a Disciple Maker”. The episode features conversation with members of the East Ohio Conference Connectional Ministries team who share personal stories of discipleship and highlight ways that laity and clergy are living out God’s call and vision for them and their congregations as they make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Visit the #BeUMC resource page at https://www.eocumc.com/beumc/index.html
2023-11-3032 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging and Inclusion: Exploring What it Means to Create and Empower Belonging and InclusionEpisode 22 is titled “Belonging and Inclusion: Exploring What it Means to Create and Empower Belonging and Inclusion”. The episode features conversation with Connectional Ministries team members talking about ways that East Ohio Conference churches can create, and are creating, time, room, and space to welcome all people and build authentic community.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Visit the #BeUMC resource page at https://www.eocumc.com/beumc/index.html
2023-11-3043 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: The Strength of the ConnectionThis episode features conversation with East Ohio Conference clergy who share that relationships fostered through the connection of The United Methodist Church are empowering pastors, congregations, and faith communities to connect with individuals and small groups, make disciples of Jesus Christ, and transform lives and communities.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Visit the #BeUMC resource page at https://www.eocumc.com/beumc/index.html
2023-11-2028 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperiencing God Through the UMC: Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Building Community, Transforming LivesEpisode 20 is titled “Experiencing God Through The UMC: Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Building Community, Transforming Lives”. The episode features conversation with Bishop Tracy S. Malone and leaders of the East Ohio Conference about how their vision and leadership, and the ministry of those with whom they work, are fulfilling The United Methodist Church mission of discipleship and transformation and proclaiming witness and hope in the world.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Urban Mission at https://www.urbanmission.org/
Learn more about Fusion Community Church...
2023-10-0940 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging and Inclusion: Building a Community Ecumenical Youth MinistryEpisode 19 is titled “Belonging and Inclusion: Building a Community Ecumenical Youth Ministry”. The episode features conversation with Rev. Becky Evanoff of Northampton UMC and Pastor Jim Steingass of St. Luke’s Evangelical Lutheran Church about the 'Verge youth ministry they are building with a Bhutanese congregation in their shared community.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-09-2523 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple-Making: South Street Ministries Builds a Community of Reentry, Redirection and RestorationEpisode 18 is titled “Disciple-Making: South Street Ministries Builds a Community of Reentry, Redirection and Restoration”. The episode features conversation with staff from South Street Ministries in Akron about its reentry ministry to and with individuals who have been released from prison, one of the many ways this Advanced Special of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church serves its communities.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about South Street Ministries at https://southstreetministries.org/
2023-09-1140 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging and Inclusion: Lighthouse Churches Offer Hope in East OhioEpisode 17 is titled “Belonging and Inclusion: Lighthouse Churches Offer Hope in East Ohio”. The episode features conversation among clergy and laity of Lighthouse churches -which are congregations dedicated to The United Methodist Church that are welcoming people who are on a pilgrimage seeking a new church home – about the importance of authentic hospitality in creating a place where people feel they belong and are included.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at
https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Lighthouse Churches and find one in your
county: https://www.eocumc.com/lighthousechurches/index.html
...
2023-08-2853 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection and Impact: Stewardship and the Methodist Foundation of OhioThis episode features a conversation with Brian Sheetz, Director of the Methodist Foundation of Ohio in which he shares the mission that drives the Foundation, the importance of stewardship for churches and how the Methodist Foundation of Ohio can be a resource to churches and individuals across the East Ohio connection.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about the Methodist Foundation of Ohio at
https://methodistinvesting.org/
Read about a recent MFO Sponsored Holy Land Trip: https://eocumcnews.com/2020/02/20/eoc-clergy-walk-where-jesus-walked-bishop-and-the-foundation-make-holy-land-pilgrimage-a-reality/
2023-08-1423 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: A Simplified Accountable Structure for Missional EffectivenessThe episode features conversation with Conference leaders about exciting opportunities for new and existing ministries created by switching to The Book of Discipline-supported Simple Accountable Structure that reduces the number of people and meetings needed for church leadership governance.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-07-3159 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Loving God, Loving Neighbor, Building Community, Transforming LivesThe episode features conversation with leadership of Crossroads UMC and Canton for All People about how the local church is forming disciples of Jesus Christ, expanding its reach in the community, and initiating and collaborating with faith leaders, community leaders, and civic leaders to make lives better for the people of Canton, Ohio.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-07-1736 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Making Disciples Around the WorldEpisode 13 is titled “Disciple Making: Making Disciples Around the World”. The episode features conversation with two UMC missionaries, one returning from teaching in Costa Rica and one currently serving victims of human trafficking in Cambodia.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-07-0331 min
5 Points Parish North PodcastAnnual Conference RecapPastor Charlene recaps for us what took place during EOCUMC Annual Conference June 11th 2023 from St. Paul's UMC Tiffin Ohio
You can view the full service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lxw2vcn5eA
2023-06-2632 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperiencing God Through The UMC: Relieve, Recover and RestoreEpisode 12 is titled “Experiencing God Through The UMC: Relieve, Recover and Restore”. The episode features conversation with the pastor of Girard First UMC and a lay person about Thrive 10:10, a ministry that offers beauty, dignity, and strength to women in the community seeking to break the cycle of poverty.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Thrive 10:10: thriveneighbors.org
Thrive 10:10 Facebook
Ruth's Boutique Facebook
E-mail Thrive 10:10: thrive1010mv@gmail.com
2023-06-2026 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection and Impact: Annual Conference Offering ChallengeEpisode 11 is titled “Influence, Connection and Impact: Annual Conference Offering Challenge”. Annual Conference is June 8-10, and this episode revisits a challenge given by Bishop Tracy S. Malone’s to the churches of the East Ohio Conference to give generously to this year’s Annual Conference Offering.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Heart 4 the City at heart4thecity.org
2023-06-0506 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection and Impact: Annual Conference OfferingEpisode 10 is titled “Influence, Connection and Impact: Annual Conference Offering”. This episode features Bishop Tracy S. Malone and past and present clergy and lay recipients of the Annual Conference offering highlighting many ways that ministries of the East Ohio Conference are positively impacted because of generous contributions made to the Annual Conference offering.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-05-2235 min
PlainSpokenStruthers United Methodist Church Forced To CloseThe East Ohio Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church has forced a congregation in Struthers Ohio to close their doors against their will. This unfortunate patter of behavior seems to be commonplace in The United Methodist Church in this season of disaffiliation, we look into this case and explore what happened to Struthers United Methodist Church. Show Notes:Christian Post Article:https://www.christianpost.com/news/united-methodist-congregation-says-closure-process-was-unfair.htmlNPR Article:https://www.npr.org/2023/05/17/1175452002/church-closings-religious-affiliation#:~:text=Church%20closings%20have%20created%20crisis,opportunity%2C%20for%20the%20...
2023-05-2039 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Clergy WholenessEpisode Nine is titled “Influence, Connection & Impact: Clergy Wholeness”. This episode features a roundtable discussion with members of a task group formed to aid clergy in discerning ways to care for their whole person, and not just focus on body, mind, and soul. Featured in the discussion is conversation about the importance of clergy wholeness to individual clergy, the mission fields they serve, and the laity of their respective congregations.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-05-0858 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging and Inclusion: Setting the TableHospitality is at the heart of the gospel. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to extend the hospitality of Christ by setting the table and creating space where all persons feel loved, welcomed, embraced and are invited to serve fully in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-04-2436 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Digital and Hybrid Churches Building Faith Communities OnlineEpisode Seven is titled “Disciple Making: Digital and Hybrid Churches Building Faith Communities Online”. The episode features conversation with East Ohio Conference clergy from three different districts who are reaching worshippers in new ways beyond the walls of their church buildings.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Stained Glass Rebel Blog
How a Cell Phone Connects a Congregation article
Nucleus
Canva
2023-04-1054 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationExperiencing God Through The UMC: Living in and Inviting Others to Beloved CommunityEpisode Six is titled “Experiencing God Through The UMC: Living in and Inviting Others to Beloved Community”. The episode features conversation with a certified lay minister and with a college student on the path to ordained ministry who each share the many ways they experience God and beloved community through the ministries and people of The United Methodist Church.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Liz's Podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@theblackknitter
2023-03-2731 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationDisciple Making: Laity Called to Ministries of Love, Justice, and Service as Deaconesses and Home MissionersEpisode Five is titled Disciple Making: Laity Called to Ministries of Love, Justice, and Service as Deaconesses and Home Missioners. The episode features a conversation about the covenant community that is rooted in Scripture, informed by history, driven by mission, ecumenical in scope, and global in outreach.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
United Women of Faith website: https://uwfaith.org/
EOC Laity Pathways to Ministry: https://www.eocumc.com/pathwaystoministry/index.html
2023-03-1339 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: The Black Pastors’ FellowshipEpisode Four “Influence, Connection & Impact: The Black Pastors’ Fellowship” features Fellowship President the Rev. Dawan Buie, discipleship pastor at Medina UMC, sharing how the many connections between members positively influence their lives and impact their ministries.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
As mentioned in this episode, you can find the video series the Black Pastors' Fellowship produced at https://vimeo.com/showcase/10207918
2023-02-2723 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationInfluence, Connection & Impact: Nurtured by the Church, Invested in Reaching OthersEpisode Three “Influence, Connection & Impact: Nurtured by the Church, Invested in Reaching Others” features a conversation with Akron Centenary UMC lay person Cazzell Smith.
In his conversation with EOC Communications Specialist Brett Hetherington Smith shares the many ways The United Methodist Church and the Centenary congregation influenced his life as a youth and explores opportunities the church is taking to impact its community today.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-02-1325 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationBelonging & Inclusion: Welcome ‘Different’, Don’t Define ItEpisode Two “Belonging & Inclusion: Welcome ‘Different’, Don’t Define It” features a conversation with Pastor Christy Suffecool and three teens from Mt. Tabor UMC that shines a light on the daily efforts of church members to welcome all of God’s children, not just those who look, sound, or think like they do.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-01-3028 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationTransformational Discipleship: Influence, Connection and ImpactEpisode 1 “Transformational Discipleship: Influence, Connection and Impact” features Bishop Tracy S. Malone leading a conversation with invited EOC clergy and laity guests from from Family of Faith UMC in Akron and Center on Faith First Cooperative Parish in Cambridge.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
2023-01-1644 min
Storyboard: Faith | Witness | TransformationWhat is Storyboard?What does it mean to Be UMC? Each episode of this podcast series we explore that question: with clergy and laity of the East Ohio Conference sharing stories of how lives are being transformed through the ministries of The United Methodist Church.
This is Storyboard: Faith Witness Transformation.
2023-01-1300 min