Do you feel God's call on your life but are uncertain how to discern that call or what to do next? If so, then this is the Retreat for you!  At the Laity Discernment Retreats, we will talk about call, discernment and what it means to be "called by our baptism." We will learn ways to intentionally enter into a time of prayer about discernment and we will discover Spiritual Rhythms that can help guide our journey. We will also discuss the variety of ways Laity can serve both in our churches and in our communities.

Each virtual retreat will consist of two, two-hour ZOOM sessions, followed 6 weeks later by a two-hour ZOOM debriefing. In the 6 weeks between sessions, there will be opportunities to read, reflect, and practice Spiritual Rhythms that will lead you to a better understanding of your own call.

Dates (please plan to attend all 3 sessions):

• Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm

The registration link below will register you for all 3 sessions.

Do you feel God's call on your life but are uncertain how to discern that call or what to do next? If so, then this is the Retreat for you!  At the Laity Discernment Retreats, we will talk about call, discernment and what it means to be "called by our baptism." We will learn ways to intentionally enter into a time of prayer about discernment and we will discover Spiritual Rhythms that can help guide our journey. We will also discuss the variety of ways Laity can serve both in our churches and in our communities.

Each virtual retreat will consist of two, two-hour ZOOM sessions, followed 6 weeks later by a two-hour ZOOM debriefing. In the 6 weeks between sessions, there will be opportunities to read, reflect, and practice Spiritual Rhythms that will lead you to a better understanding of your own call.

Dates (please plan to attend all 3 sessions):

• Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm

The registration link below will register you for all 3 sessions.

Do you feel God's call on your life but are uncertain how to discern that call or what to do next? If so, then this is the Retreat for you! At the Laity Discernment Retreats, we will talk about call, discernment and what it means to be "called by our baptism." We will learn ways to intentionally enter into a time of prayer about discernment and we will discover Spiritual Rhythms that can help guide our journey. We will also discuss the variety of ways Laity can serve both in our churches and in our communities.

Each virtual retreat will consist of two, two-hour ZOOM sessions, followed 6 weeks later by a two-hour ZOOM debriefing. In the 6 weeks between sessions, there will be opportunities to read, reflect, and practice Spiritual Rhythms that will lead you to a better understanding of your own call.

Dates (please plan to attend all 3 sessions):

• Tuesday, January 26, 2027, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, February 2, 2027, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, March 16, 2027, 6:30-8:30pm

For more information, contact Kim LaRue at kimlarue@powellumc.org. 

Do you feel God's call on your life but are uncertain how to discern that call or what to do next? If so, then this is the retreat for you! 

At the Laity Discernment Retreats, we will talk about call, discernment and what it means to be "called by our baptism." We will learn ways to intentionally enter into a time of prayer about discernment and we will discover Spiritual Rhythms that can help guide our journey. We will also discuss the variety of ways laity can serve both in our churches and in our communities.

In 2024, the virtual laity discernment retreat will consist of two, two-hour ZOOM sessions, followed six weeks later by a two-hour ZOOM debriefing. In the six weeks between sessions, there will be opportunities to read, reflect, and practice Spiritual Rhythms that will lead you to a better understanding of your own call.

"I would recommend a Laity Discernment Retreat to someone who is searching or has questions about how they can serve their community or their church. It can help guide them through the process, provide resources and help provide a sense of peace about what they can be doing right now." -Twila Boyd, 2019 participant

Virtual Dates (please plan to attend all three sessions):

• Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, February 6, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 6:30-8:30pm

For more information, contact Kim LaRue at kimlarue@powellumc.org.

This summer, laity across the East and West Ohio Conferences were invited to HATS, Hearts Aligned to Serve, an opportunity for laity serving in key local church roles to collaborate, learn, and receive support.

More than 70 people joined the virtual meeting, which included a discussion among a panel of diverse United Methodist leaders across Ohio, moderated by West Ohio Certified Lay Minister Sandra Combs.

The West Ohio panelists were Certified Lay Servant Mary Ann Jacobs, an attorney serving in local church administrative leadership; David Finney, a Certified Lay Minister who leads worship for memory care residents and leads ministry to the unhoused; and Carolyn Johnson, Vice President of West Ohio United Women in Faith and serves in multiple roles in her local UWF unit.

East Ohio panelists included Valerie Reidthaler, a Deaconess and principal at Wings of Change Learning Center for disabled children, and Dr. Martha Banks, a Certified Lay Speaker active in social justice ministries.

HATS covered several topics, including aligning your call with your gifts, the importance of mentors, and showing love for people. Taking risks in ministry and praying for discernment before considering new ministry opportunities were also covered.

The panel acknowledged the church can sometimes be an unintentional barrier to individuals by failing to recognize individuals' gifts or their leadership style differs from other leaders in the church.

But one panelist offered, “The church needs to allow people to lead how they lead and provide opportunities to serve.”  

Kathy Moore, Director of Lay Servant Ministries for the West Ohio Conference, said, “I believe HATS will be the vehicle to energize more laity to know they have gifts to fulfill their call to ministry in the church and beyond.”

Plans are currently underway to create smaller groups for leaders of similar ministries.

After this event, 5 attendees were interested in becoming involved in Lay Servant Ministries.

To learn more: Contact Director of Lay Servant Ministries, Kathy Moore at Kathymoore@wocumc.org, or Director of Faith Formation, Julie Carter, at jcarter@wocumc.org.

Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Communications Specialist

The Ohio Episcopal Area Office of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings with the Scioto River District is co-sponsoring an event for clergy and laity to dream boldly, discern God's vision, and look toward the future of ministry in your community.

DARE to Dream Like Jesus® will be held Thursday, October 8, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM at Crossroads Ministry Center in Lancaster. This event, led by Rev. Rebekah Simon Peter, is designed to equip clergy and lay leaders with practical tools to lead their congregations with renewed hope and purpose.  

Click here for more information and to register.

You are invited to gather with Bishop Hee Soo Jung and laity from across the Ohio Episcopal Area for this year’s Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation, March 20-21 at William Street UMC and Asbury UMC, both in Delaware, OH.

This two-day event is designed to inspire, equip, and strengthen lay people for ministry in a rapidly changing world. Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, will be our plenary speaker.

Throughout the convocation, Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will guide participants in exploring what it means to lead from a posture of abundant grace. In a season when many congregations are searching for renewed purpose and connection, Bishop Jung’s leadership emphasizes hope, inclusion, and the transformative power of God’s grace at work through laypeople.

In her plenary sessions, Dr. Boggan will offer a historical lens for lay leadership—inviting us to learn from our roots, examine patterns that have shaped the church, and discern how history can guide us toward a more equitable and vibrant future for all Methodists.

These two days will provide meaningful opportunities for laity to connect across roles, regions, and experiences, share stories, and offer support.

This year’s convocation also includes dedicated affinity group time, offering space for individuals with shared interests or ministry areas to dream, wonder, and plan together for the future. Whether you’re passionate about discipleship, community outreach, digital ministry, justice initiatives, or congregational care, there will be room to explore new possibilities with others who share your call.

Be sure to invite others to join you this year!

Event Details

• Dates: March 20–21, 2026 (beginning at 5:30 pm on Friday and concluding at 3:30 pm on Saturday)
• Location: William Street United Methodist Church, 28 W William Street, Delaware, OH and Asbury United Methodist Church, 55 W Lincoln Avenue, Delaware, OH
• Meals Included: Dinner and lunch will be provided and “snackle boxes” will be back
• Lodging: A hotel room block is available at the Sheraton Suites Columbus Worthington for $99 per night. Use the link to make your own room reservation:  (Book your group rate for Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation Mar2026) (Booking Deadline March 6, 2026)  If you desire a room with more than one bed, please call the hotel directly and they will make those accommodations for you.  There are hotels in closer proximity to the churches in Delaware.  You may choose to reserve a room there.  These hotels would not provide a room block or guarantee a price. 

On the REGISTRATION PAGE - Please be sure to check what day(s) you will be attending below:- Friday (3/20), Saturday (3/21), or Friday and Saturday (3/20 & 3/21)

NOTE: Please advise of any mobility challenges during the registration process.

Click here to register by March 6!

Join Us for the 2026 Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation

You are invited to gather with Bishop Hee Soo Jung and laity from across the Ohio Episcopal Area for this year’s Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation, a two‑day event designed to inspire, equip, and strengthen lay leaders for ministry in a rapidly changing world.

Throughout the convocation, Bishop Hee Soo Jung will guide participants in exploring what it means to lead from a posture of abundant grace. In a season when many congregations are searching for renewed purpose and connection, Bishop Jung’s leadership emphasizes hope, inclusion, and the transformative power of God’s grace at work through laypeople.

We are also honored to welcome Dr. Ashley Boggan as our plenary speaker. Dr. Boggan serves as the General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History, where she helps The United Methodist Church understand its past in order to faithfully imagine its future.

In her plenary sessions, Dr. Boggan will offer a historical lens for lay leadership—inviting us to learn from our roots, examine patterns that have shaped the church, and discern how history can guide us toward a more equitable and vibrant future for all Methodists.

Woven throughout the event will be meaningful opportunities for laity to connect with one another across roles, regions, and experiences. Participants will have time to share stories, support one another, and learn together in both structured and informal moments of conversation.

This year’s convocation also includes dedicated affinity group time, offering space for individuals with shared interests or ministry areas to dream, wonder, and plan together for the future. Whether you’re passionate about discipleship, community outreach, digital ministry, justice initiatives, or congregational care, there will be room to explore new possibilities with others who share your call.

Event Details

• Dates: March 20–21, 2026
• Location: William Street United Methodist Church, 28 W William Street, Delaware, OH
• Meals Included: Dinner and lunch will be provided and snackle boxes will be back
• Lodging: A hotel room block is available at the Sheraton Suites Columbus Worthington (Please you link to make your own room reservation:  (Book your group rate for Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation Mar2026) (Booking Deadline March 6, 2026)

On the REGISTRATION PAGE - Please be sure to check what day(s) you will be attending below:

-Friday (3/20) ~ OR

-Saturday (3/21) ~ OR

-Both Friday and Saturday (3/20 & 3/21)

NOTE: If you have a mobility challenge, please be sure to let us know during the registration process. There is a box you can fill out and specify how we can help you.

DEADLINE for REGISTRATON by: March 13, 2026

Black clergy and laity from the East Ohio and West Ohio conferences gathered April 17 for "Rooted, Renewed and Rising: Listening for the Future of Black Leadership in Ohio," a one-day event focused on prayer, reflection, shared stories, and discernment.

Held in Worthington, the event created space for worship, Holy Communion, and intentional listening as participants reflected on the history and future of Black leadership in the church. Throughout the day, leaders engaged in guided conversations centered on seven key areas: history and experience, building trust and participation, mission and leadership, representation, spiritual renewal, community witness, and hope for what lies ahead.

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung affirmed the importance of the gathering as a moment of holy attentiveness and shared responsibility.

"The same Spirit that sustained the Black church through adversity, through injustice, through exclusion, and through hardship is still at work today. And that Spirit is calling us not only to remember, but to reimagine; not only to preserve, but to renew."

Participants shared stories, named challenges, and lifted up opportunities to strengthen Black clergy and lay leadership across Ohio. Small group discussions and large group reflection emphasized the importance of honoring lived experience while imagining new pathways for leadership development, collaboration, and faithful witness in local churches and communities.

Christa English, youth coordinator at Clair UMC, believes it is important for people from the Black community to be represented in the church and wanted to hear how others felt about The United Methodist Church.

"I hope that I can find ways that I can help move us forward as Black churches and help improve how things are working in the UMC," she said.

Worship and Holy Communion grounded the day in prayer and concluded the gathering with a spirit of resolve. Participants affirmed a commitment to continued listening, partnership, and concrete next steps to support Black leadership across the conferences.

"In order for the UMC to sustain itself, to be more culturally diverse, we must learn how to preach a gospel that is uncompromising, that appeals to new generations of diverse Christians," said the Rev. Edgar Brady, pastor of Painesville UMC, who also attended the event.

Bishop Jung said, "The God who has been faithful in the past is still calling us into a future filled with hope. Let us listen."

To see pictures from, "Rooted, Renewed and Rising," click here.

For a post-event video testimony from pastor Rev. Edgar Brady from Painesville UMC of The East Ohio Conference, click here.

For a post-event video testimony from lay person, Christa English from Clair UMC of the West Ohio Conference, click here.