Ohio United Methodists are being invited to take part in a Bishop's Missional Appeal rooted in a shared history that stretches back more than 140 years.

The invitation comes as the Korean Methodist Church develops the Scranton Memorial Mission Center and Church in Seoul—a project designed to honor the legacy of early missionaries Mary Scranton and Dr. William Scranton while strengthening future evangelism efforts. In 1885, the Scrantons were sent from Ohio to Korea, where their work helped launch a Methodist movement that grew into a network of churches, schools and hospitals.

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, resident bishop of the Ohio Episcopal Area, has emphasized the deep spiritual connection between Ohio and Korea, describing the partnership as a continuing expression of God’s mission across generations.

The new mission center will serve as both a place of worship and a hub for education, leadership development and global mission collaboration. It also seeks to preserve the shared history between The United Methodist Church and the Korean Methodist Church while inspiring future generations to engage in ministry around the world.

Our prayerful goal is to offer $1 million toward this mission. This is a significant and hopeful goal, but it is possible when our churches join together in love. More than a financial gift, the Bishop’s Missional Appeal offering will be a witness that the mission seed planted 140 years ago continues to bear fruit and become seed again for future generations. Congregations across Ohio are encouraged to participate through prayer, learning and financial support as part of a broader mission offering expected to continue through the 2027 Annual Conference.

How to give

Churches and individuals are encouraged to contribute by clicking here or by sending their contributions to:

West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
32 Wesley Boulevard
Worthington, Ohio 43085