Storyboard: Faith | Witness | Transformation: Recent Episodes
EOCUMC
What does it mean to #BeUMC? 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.
This 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 OhioConference at https://www.eocumc.com/
This 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 OhioConference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about the Listening Church at https://www.thelisteningchurch.com/
During 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 OhioConference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about NCJ24 at https://www.eocumc.com/jurisdictional/index.html
Rev. 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-relatedinstitution 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 Dickriedeemail kdickriede@eocumc.com
For more information on United Women of Faith visit eocumc.com/uwf/index.html
Episode 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/
Multicultural 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/
With 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/
Episode 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/
Episode 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/
One 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
The 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
Episode 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
The 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 termsLearn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
Episode 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/
Episode 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.com/strategicmin/index.html
The 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/
The 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/
Episode 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
Episode 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
Episode 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
This 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
Episode 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 at https://www.fusioncc.church/
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about South Street Ministries at https://southstreetministries.org/
Episode 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
Contact Rev. Beth Ortiz: bortiz@EOCUMC.COM
Explore the East Ohio Conference Connectional Ministries Office: https://www.eocumc.com/connectionalmin/index.html
This 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 athttps://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/
The 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
The 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Episode 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 athttps://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
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Learn more about Heart 4 the City at heart4thecity.org
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Hospitality 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Stained Glass Rebel Blog
- How a Cell Phone Connects a Congregation article
- Nucleus
- Canva
Episode 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 athttps://www.eocumc.com/
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Liz's Podcast on YouTube: youtube.com/@theblackknitter
Episode 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 athttps://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
Episode 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
Episode 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/
Episode 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/
Episode 1 “Transformational Discipleship: Influence, Connection and Impact” features Bishop Tracy S. Malone leading a conversation with invited EOC clergy and laity guests from Family of Faith UMC in Akron and the Center on Faith Cooperative Parish of Cambridge Faith UMC and Cambridge Christ UMC.
Learn more about the East Ohio Conference at https://www.eocumc.com/
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.