EOC UMC West Plains District

10/01/2026

When we shake off the spiritual chill and put our faith into action, we don't just fill seats, we fill hearts. Defrosting doesn't require an, intimidating theological degree. It starts with simple, everyday acts of love and obedience like: Sharing a Kind Word, Stepping up to Serve, and Living Out Our Faith Authentically no matter where we are.

09/30/2026

Jesus started with a circle of 12 and God loves doing extraordinary things through close-knit, active communities.

09/29/2026

Bishop Jung is officially on the move and visiting churches across the West Plains District! Whoop! Whoop! Bring your joy and let your hospitality shine bright! May this visit fill your sanctuary with laughter, connection, and a fresh vision for the journey ahead. And for the congregations he won't be visiting today: get ready for your turn since the Bishop's plan is to make his way to all UMC churches across Ohio, so make sure your welcome banners are dusted off, your coffee pots are primed, and your smiles are ready because your visit is on the horizon! 🥰

08/31/2026

May resilience, comfort, and swift recovery find all families and communities impacted by this tragedy. Stay informed and support relief organizations working on the ground for meaningful assistance. 🙏

A Call to Prayer for Nepal and Tibet
From Bishop Hee-Soo Jung

Our hearts are with the people of Nepal and Tibet following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the Himalayan border region on August 26. Numerous lives have been lost, many residents and travelers remain missing and entire communities have suffered the loss of homes, livelihoods and vital infrastructure.

I invite all churches across the Ohio Episcopal Area to pray for those who grieve, those awaiting news of their loved ones and all who have been displaced. May God strengthen rescue workers and relief partners, protect vulnerable communities from further danger and provide the resources needed for recovery and rebuilding.

As one body in Christ, let us accompany the people of Nepal and Tibet with prayer, compassion and generous solidarity. Churches and individuals wishing to support relief and recovery efforts are encouraged to give through United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) online at bit.ly/umcoridr.

May this tragedy also renew our commitment to care for God’s creation, pursue climate justice and stand with communities most vulnerable to environmental disasters.

Lord, have mercy. Bring comfort, protection, healing, and hope.

08/27/2026

Help is an ongoing promise, a reminder that communities are defined not by the water that flooded the streets, but by the hands that lift each other back up. Every contribution, big or small, helps lighten the load! Please see the article for ways you can help.

🙏 Flood Relief Update — August 27, 2026

Our Early Response Teams are actively on the ground across Indiana, and here is where things stand:

Where we are working:

New Castle (Henry County) — A 10-person ERT is mucking out homes from a list of 70+ properties with major damage. Only 18 of 278 reported homes have insurance.
Indianapolis (Ravenswood/Marion County) — A growing team has completed 2 homes so far.
Lake County — Coordinating with United Way. Cleaning kits and hygiene kits have been distributed, with more on the way.
Relief supplies distributed:

Lake County: 500 cleaning kits and 1,000 hygiene kits delivered, with 700 more cleaning kits arriving soon.
New Castle: 180+ cleaning kits distributed, with 300 more requested.
Anderson: 1,000 cleaning kits distributed.
The biggest needs right now:

Volunteers
Dehumidifiers
Household generators
Shower trailers
A $10,000 UMCOR solidarity grant has been approved and is already being put to work.

How you can help: 💛 Give: Direct monetary donations to UMCOR US Disaster Response — Advance #901670 👉 https://bit.ly/4y84fx6

🙋 Volunteer: https://forms.gle/aQVJQxTmf5Azokqi7

Thank you for your continued prayers and generosity. We will keep you updated as the situation develops.

08/24/2026

Stories like this remind us that relief is a chain reaction.

08/24/2026

Lord, May our hands be Your hands, and may our love reflect Your enduring grace. Bring comfort to the grieving, hope to the displaced, and restoration to the land. We express our deepest gratitude for the first responders, emergency personnel, and all those working tirelessly around the clock to provide shelter, food, and medical care. Grant them strength, endurance, and wisdom in their vital work.

Dear Beloved People of the Ohio Episcopal Area,

Severe flooding across Central Ohio has caused widespread damage and disruption, displacing families and threatening homes and livelihoods. Our hearts are with all who have been affected.

I invite every congregation across East and West Ohio to respond with prayer and compassionate action. Please pray for those in danger, for first responders, and for all providing shelter, food, medical care, and essential assistance.

The work of recovery will require sustained cooperation. I encourage our churches to care for their neighbors, remain connected with district and conference leaders, and participate in coordinated relief efforts as opportunities arise.

No congregation or community should face this crisis alone. Through our prayers, generosity, service, and faithful partnership, may we embody Christ’s healing presence.

God of mercy and refuge, protect those in danger, comfort those who have suffered loss, and strengthen all who serve. Gather us as one body so that, through our loving action, hope may rise and communities may be restored. In Jesus Christ’s name.

Amen.

In Christ’s compassion and hope,

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung
Ohio Episcopal Area, The United Methodist Church

08/21/2026

If you've been looking for a way to pitch in, support families, or offer a helping hand during this recovery, there are so many meaningful ways to get involved right now. Please check out these opportunities. Every bit of support counts!

If you or your congregation would like to get involved in responding to recent flooding in Ohio, please DO NOT SELF-DEPLOY. Going to these communities at this moment in time will only serve to burden an already-overwhelmed system. Instead, consider doing one or more of the following: PRAY – Pray ...