News.NET
West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
December 8, 2008 - Vol 1, Issue 11 |
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| Churches offer temporary shelters |
 As temperatures begin to drop this winter, more and more homeless Ohioans will seek shelter from the harsh weather. Oftentimes, the only shelter available to those in need are churches that open their doors to offer assistance. However, most of these buildings were not designed and constructed to serve as overnight shelters, and may not meet the safety standards required by law. Churches need accurate information regarding the use of their facilities for temporary shelters. [more]
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| West Ohio Conference tightens budget |
 Economic headlines are frightening and everyone is looking for ways to streamline expenses. The West Ohio Conference is no exception. Projections of continued economic stress have inspired renewed vigilance across the conference in how we utilize the financial resources you provide us for ministry. Always looking for ways to do things more effectively and less expensively, the West Ohio Conference has taken a number of belt-tightening steps. [more]
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| Mentor a summer intern in 2009 |
 Are you a pastor who has a passion and gift for developing Next Generations Clergy Leaders? If so, please consider becoming a mentor to a West Ohio intern. Across the conference are young people who are considering a call to ordained ministry. Our internship program matches interns to mentors at host sites around the conference. Apply for your church to be a host site for the 2009 WOC Summer Next Generations Leadership Internship Program. [more] | |
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| Anders to be keynote speaker at national higher education events |
 Leaders from United Methodist churches and higher education institutions will gather this spring to discuss how the church and the academy can work together more closely. One of the keynote speakers at three of the events is Duane Anders, district superintentent of the Miami Valley District in West Ohio. Anders contributed to the book 7 Myths of The United Methodist Church, written by Craig Kennett Miller. The book looks at the attitudes and beliefs that keep the church from fulfilling its call to create disciple-making faith communities. Anders is also lead pastor of Stillwater United Methodist Church. [more] |
| Economy's effect on church giving |
 Preliminary data shows that giving through local United Methodist churches has stayed generally on target for the first 10 months of 2008. However, the full financial picture won't become clear until November and December-when local churches, regional conferences and the general denomination typically receive 40 percent of their annual income. [more] |
| Unity gathering and dialogue |
 The West Ohio Unity Task Force met recently with conference leadership and representatives of caucuses and ministry focus groups that are active in West Ohio. The purpose of the gathering was to create an environment for open-ended conversation with an expanded group beyond the Unity Task Force; to allow focus groups and caucuses to come together in a non-legislative setting to help develop a deeper understanding of other organizations and constituencies in the Conference; and to recognize the role that caucuses and ministry focus groups play in the life of our Conference. Roger Grace reports on the full story. [more] [photos] |
| West Ohio church business administrators receive certification |
 Two church administrators from West Ohio have been certified as United Methodist church business administrators by the denomination's finance agency. Members of the 2008 class are Thomas Danklefsen, Grove City United Methodist Church, and the Rev. Kevin M. Kellogg, Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church. Both are from the church's West Ohio Annual Conference. The United Methodist Association of Church Business Administrators exists to support, train and encourage service through the ministry of administration. |
| United Methodist mobile campaign tested in Pittsburgh |
 The United Methodist Church is testing a new mobile advertising strategy from now until Christmas Eve in the Pittsburgh area, incorporating text messaging and outdoor advertising as a way to woo a younger audience. More than 40 billboards and transit shelter ads aimed at reaching thousands of commuters and pedestrians went up last week. [more] |
| Dell offers United Methodists additional savings on computer purchases |
 United Methodist Communications announced today that Dell is offering an additional 7 percent off the already low discounted prices available through the UMC Member Purchase Program, an exclusive discount program available to United Methodist churches, members, employees and volunteers.The additional discount is available on Dell laptop or desktop computers. It is not necessary that the computers be purchased for a church. They can be for home use or purchased as gifts by anyone who is affiliated with The United Methodist Church. [more] |
| Events |
Young Adult Sabbath Retreat - January 2-4, 2009, Atlanta, GA. For young adults to reconnect with God, and re-center themselves in the midst of the hustle and bustle of their lives. [more]
Building Bridges into the Future - January 6-9, 2009, Houston. 2009 Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches [more]
Go Pastors! - January 21, 2009, Lebanon UMC, Lebanon, OH. GO System Training session focused on clergy and church staff. Discuss the special needs required to manage responsibilities, stay organized, and be effective in ministry! [more]
Hunger No More: A Hunger Crisis Conference - February 27-28, 2009, Raleigh, NC. A workshop addressing the atrocity of the hunger crisis in our world. [more]
Caring for Creation - March 27-29, 2009, Fayetteville, AR. Workshops will help faith communities protect and celebrate God's creation. [more]
Princeton Conference on Emerging Adulthood - May 14-16, Princeton, NJ. How might the church better engage emerging adults in a life of Christian faith? [more] |
| Volunteers in Mission |
| A UMVIM team to the Philippines - February 16-27, 2009. For information contact Rev. Noah Panlilio at 815-838-1017 or pstrnoah@comcast.net. Deadline is December 15. |
| Passages |
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Rev. Simeon Brandyberry (retired) died on November 21, 2008. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Dorothy, 1891 Frank Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130. | |
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