Brecksville United Methodist Church

East Ohio Annual Conference 2025

Rise Up Beloved: Trust in God’s Promises

Lay delegate Deb Watkins reports from the College of Wooster

I just returned from the 56th Annual Conference of the East Ohio Methodist Church, which took place on June 12–14, 2025, at the College of Wooster. It was a truly uplifting experience—here’s a little glimpse into what happened:

Theme, Worship and Bible Study

The conference theme was “Rise Up, Beloved: Trust in God’s Promises,” inspired by Mark 5:35–43—the story of Jesus bringing Jairus’s daughter back to life. Each morning, we experienced meaningful worship services at the McGaw Chapel. Each afternoon began with a Bible study led by Rev. Dr. AHyun Lee, titled: “Rise Up and Go: Soul Care Amid Trauma and Despair.”

Thursday, June 12 –

The Opening worship, included an Indigenous Drum Ceremony by the Gray Cloud Singers, and was followed by a formal acknowledgment by the conference of our responsibility to pursue mutually healing relationships with indigenous people. During this conference, we celebrated 140 years since Mary Scranton and her son, William, traveled from Cleveland to Korea as a missionaries. Bishop Seong-Bok Kim from Seoul provided the sermon and spoke about the impact that the introduction of Methodism had in Korea and on him personally. Bishop Kim was joined by several members of a delegation from South Korea, who attended Annual Conference this year.

Friday, June 13 –

This service included the reading of the scripture in Spanish, commemoration of clergy and others who have passed away and Communion led by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung. The healing energy, joy and enthusiasm of our new bishop was inspiring! During his sermon, he challenged us all to “Trust in God’s Promises,” as well as to live into the new vision of loving boldly, serving joyfully and leading courageously. Bishop Jung has “God-sized” goals of planting 100 new churches in Ohio, as well as visiting every Methodist church in Ohio!

Saturday, June 14 –

This Service of Licensing, Commissioning, Ordination, and Retirement, included a special sermon by retired Bishop Jonathan Keaton. Rev. James Winkler, former pastor at BUMC, is retiring and was recognized during the service. It was an honor to see Rev. Kathy Dickriede take an active leadership role in this service.

Business Sessions and Fellowship

Each afternoon, we gathered for plenary sessions covering a broad agenda—from voting on constitutional amendments, to hearing ministry reports, budgets and compensation discussions. An updated sexual ethics policy was voted upon and passed. Several Resolutions were passed, including the formation of an Ohio site for the Immigration Law and Justice Network, which provides free or low-cost legal services and advocacy for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. We received the good news that Pastor Heidi’s appointment at BUMC was confirmed for the next year! Bishop Jung also announced the formation of an Ohio Episcopal Area Task Team, which includes members from both the East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences, one of whom is Pastor Heidi. This task force is charged with actively listening, discussing and discerning to make recommendations to form a new, unified Ohio Conference. Bishop Jung encouraged all to see this as a re-creation, and that collaborations are not just for survival, but can be ways to open even more doors.

It wasn’t all business, though! A lively Ministry Fair featuring 40 tables of local ministries, including a booth manned by Craig Kotnik for Nehemiah Mission, and a Midwest Mission collection truck ran both Thursday and Friday, gathering essential items for dignity and home-care kits.

Thank you to those from BUMC who donated to this collection.  On Friday night, I attended the Open Table gathering hosted by Reconciling Ministries Network and Rev. Joy Fenton-Jones and her husband, Will, Director of Multicultural Ministries for East and West Ohio.  Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran, Director of United Methodist Connections, spoke on the importance of belonging, as well as the harm and the healing that is ongoing. On Thursday, I attended the Creation Care luncheon, where we watched a video featuring churches in the desert and the steps they are taking toward caring for those around them and combating the effects of the changing climate. (If this interests you, check out Creation Care | UMC.org)

Community & Connection

The setting at The College of Wooster created a warm, collegial atmosphere—walks across campus, conversations over meals in the Lowry Student Center, and even a golf-cart shuttle ride or two.  The conference offering was designated to three impactful causes:

Overall, the experience was a harmonious combination of inspiration, thoughtful discourse and genuine fellowship. It felt like a community not just gathering, but rising up together in hope and trust.

Thank you for the opportunity to attend Annual Conference this year on behalf of Brecksville United Methodist Church.  If you have any questions or would like to learn more, I’d be happy to chat.  Stop by Coffee Hour on the 4th Sunday of the month—and feel free to ask me about the best coffee shops in Wooster. Good info to have if you’d like to attend conference next year, when it returns to the College of Wooster! 😊

Deb Watkins, Lay Delegate to East Ohio Annual Conference 2025