The West Ohio Conference officially welcomed their new bishop, Hee-Soo Jung, in a vibrant worship service held on October 12 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Columbus. The sanctuary was filled with beautiful music, with choirs from Trinity and Columbus Korean United Methodist Churches leading the congregation in worship. Special music also featured trumpet, organ, and piano, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

“I am so humbled to be installed as your bishop today. I give thanks to God and my siblings in Christ, the beautiful, beautiful people of Ohio,” Bishop Jung said with a smile. Embracing the local spirit, he enthusiastically cheered, “O-H!” to which the crowd responded in kind, “I-O!” He laughed, adding, “I’ve been practicing that.”

Bishop Jung preached on the theme, “Rise up, Beloved,” using Mark 5:35-43 as his scriptural foundation. His sermon addressed the deep divisions present in today's world, touching on politics, social issues, the aftermath of the pandemic, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, and environmental concerns. He reminded the congregation of Jairus, who came to Jesus seeking healing for his daughter, and emphasized that Jesus can heal the world today.

“We are a church that has long proclaimed to be a people with open hearts, open minds, and open doors. Now, it is time for United Methodists to rise up and take action,” Bishop Jung urged. “We are called to share the Good News that Jesus proclaimed: there is justice, mercy, life, and freedom for all.” He said there is beauty in diversity and unity, adding, “We must stop the hate. We must come back with love.”

He encouraged everyone to pray for and stand with the oppressed, spreading the Good News of God's love. Referring to Andra Day's song, Rise Up he said, “We can move mountains. We have each other, and the Holy Spirit will come and give us courage for ministry. We must offer the world big love. Beautiful people of Ohio let’s rise up. Rise up. Rise up.”

The service reached a powerful and emotional moment when Bishop Jung knelt before Co-Lay Leaders Christina Albrecht and Leslie Hall to wash their feet, symbolizing servant leadership. His humility deeply resonated with the congregation, prompting many to wipe away tears.

Several clergy and laity from West Ohio presented Bishop Jung with symbols of episcopal ministry, including a pastoral staff, Bible, water to symbolize the renewal of baptism, bread and cup, towel and basin, a stole, the Book of Discipline, and a gavel. The Korean Community of West Ohio also made a presentation to Bishop Jung.

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung was elected to the episcopacy in 2004 by the North Central Jurisdiction. He served as bishop of the Chicago Area for eight years and the Wisconsin Area for twelve years. In September 2024, he was assigned to the Ohio Episcopal Area, serving the East and West Ohio Conferences.

Written by Kay Panovec, director of communications, West Ohio Conference.