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West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
January 26, 2009 - Vol 2, Issue 4 |
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| reFocus "Taste and See" Informational Event |
 On Tuesday, February 3rd, the Metro Ministries of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church will be hosting an informational meeting designed to introduce reFocusing. Developed by Church Resource Ministries (CRM), reFocusing is a two-phase spiritual discovery process that integrates the personal renewal of leaders with the revitalization of their churches. The ultimate goal of the process is to create churches who are engaging the community around them and building God's kingdom. [Full story] |
| A congregational invitation to support UMCOR work in Gaza |
 Even as we struggle with the effects of a poor economy on our churches, God asks us to acknowledge the reality of even greater suffering around the world. Most recently the humanitarian crises in Gaza, where nearly a thousand of its citizens have lost their lives, is calling out for Christians to act. John Wagner and Brett Kelly, from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church "Let Justice Roll" team have developed some suggested activities. [Details] | |
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| Richard Weese-Authorized Early Response Trainer for UMCOR |
On January 10, 2009 Richard Weese became an Authorized Early Response Trainer for UMCOR. Richard is a member of King Avenue UMC and is employed at Trinity UMC in Columbus, OH. Richard's leadership and commitment will enhance the capacity of the West Ohio Conference to respond to the next natural disaster in Ohio and surrounding states. If you are interested in forming a trained Early Response Team, please contact Dee Stickley-Miner, Director of Mission and Justice. |
| Faith leaders call for increase in U.S. "living wage" |
Faith leaders across the United States have joined a national effort to increase the federal minimum wage to $10 by 2010. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society is among a group representing 11 denominations and national faith organizations signing a letter of support to end "poverty wages" and lift the economy by raising the minimum wage. [Full story] |
| Court docket includes Bush library, same-sex unions |
The United Methodist Church's supreme court will address several high-profile issues when it meets April 22-25 in Denver, including the performance of same-gender marriage ceremonies, the proposed George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University, and the membership process for people transferring from other denominations. [Full story] |
| We can't wait until Sunday! |
With church membership at less than 8 million, the struggle to get members out of bed and into the pews on Sunday morning continues to be a challenge.
Some churches, however, have found creative ways to make worship services more appealing, generating excitement among their congregations and raising their membership rolls. [Full story] |
| Mission Opportunities |
VIM Teams with teaching components:
June 13-July 3, Nigeria, contact Linda Rowe at 641-664-1828
July 2009, Armenia, Carl or Pamela Karg at 414-747-0221
September 1-18, Lithuania, Jackie Slagel at 701-838-4893
Summer 2009, Liberia, Carolyn Wagner at 765-436-2805
Terrebonne Area Restoration Project (TARP), an opportunity for youth to participate in the rebuilding of homes in South Louisianna. [Information] |
| Dates to Note |
February 1 - Global Justice Volunteers Program deadline [Details]
February 9 - UM Doctrine Online at United Theological Seminary [Details]
February 19 - From Urgency to Action-Effective Ministry with Children [Details] March 13-14 - "Good Sense" Leadership Training with Rev. David Bell, [Details] |
| Passages |
| Mrs. Eleanor Jean Peterson, wife of Rev. Lowell Peterson (retired), died January 20, 2009. Messages of condolence will reach him at 1490 Autumnwoods Drive, Fremont, OH 43420. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity UMC, Hayes Memorial UMC or the American Cancer Society in Eleanor's name. | |
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