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| Don't miss YOU09 |
 YOU09 is a new spiritual life event for the youth of Ohio. A weekend full of new worship, music, location, friends and a new relationship with Jesus Christ, YOU09 is designed by youth for youth. Sponsored by the East & West Ohio Conference Next Generations teams. [more] |
| United Methodist Men challenge ROMEO status |
 While most United Methodist Men admit to enjoying their pancake breakfasts, fish fries, and lunch meetings at restaurants, members want to change the perception that they are all ROMEOs, or "Retired Old Men who Eat Out." In fact, United Methodist Men spent $15 million in missions projects at local churches last year. And they are working hard to address one of the denomination's major needs: recruiting young men to active church lives. [more] |
| Series explores birth and rebirth of Methodism in Russia |
 One hundred years ago, the Russian czar allowed Methodism to officially exist in his sprawling country. The czar did not survive a revolution, and neither did Methodism. "Methodism in Russia: 100 years of Darkness and Light," explores the evolution of Russian Methodism in the homes and churches of a new, tenacious generation of believers who are defining what it means to be a Russian United Methodist. [more] |
| Pennsylvania shooting victim had strong faith |
 Faith was a huge part of the life of Heidi Overmier, one of three women murdered in a shooting rampage in this Pittsburgh suburb. Overmier, 46, wrote and directed the children's Christmas plays and was a mainstay of the youth ministries at First United Methodist Church.The tragedy is difficult to understand, church leaders said, but faith can help people heal. [more] | |
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| Health Care is a priority in West Ohio |
| On West Ohio's new Health Care web page you'll find helpful and up-to-date information about the health reform debate, beginning with theological and biblical background for thinking about this issue from the standpoint of faith and United Methodism. Knowledge is important, but not sufficient to the task ahead of us, so you will also find ways to take immediate action around health reform. Learn about the issues and people involved, contact your legislators, join action alerts, and obtain resources for worship and prayer.
 Join West Ohio's Health Reform Challenge Team and add your voice to the call for a justice-filled system of health-care that is accountable, available, inclusive and accessible. We hope the challenge will engage and empower you to mobilize your Sunday School, Youth Groups, UMW Circles or other groups of interested people to commit to being a part of health-care reform. |
| African communicators elect officers |
 The Rev. Betty Kazadi Musau has been elected president of the United Methodist Association of Communicators-Africa Region. Musau is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is the director of communications for the North Katanga Annual Conference, West Ohio's mission partner. The Africa Retion Communicators were recently in the US for a three-week training sponsored by United Methodist Communications and Ginghamsburg UMC. West Ohio's mission relationship with North Katanga. |
| Christian fiction climbing the charts at Abingdon |
 After carefully searching for the right authors, the United Methodist Publishing House has plunged into the world of romance, suspense and drama with seven novels. Sales for all of the books have "exceeded expectations," said Barbara Scott, senior acquisitions editor for fiction at Abingdon Press. And all while upholding strict standards that will allow readers to keep these books on display when the pastor comes to visit. "Our promise is that Abingdon Press fiction will inspire you to do no harm, to seek to do good, and to love God," Scott said. [more]
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| Theological schools increase scholarship support |
| The 13 United Methodist theological schools have increased scholarship support for their students by nearly 10 percent to keep students on campus despite the recession - even as the seminaries have faced dwindling endowments and decreasing funds from the church. School administrators said the seminaries cannot help students so much that programs are placed at risk, but they are doing what they can to ease the economic pressures on students and their families during the recession. [more] |
| Grants available to strengthen future church leadership |
| The Fund for Theological Education will award $350,000 in "Cultures of Call' grants through 2009 to help develop a new generation of gifted young leaders for local congregations. Funds are used to foster practices that support vocational formation and the call to ministry. [more] |
| New dates of note |
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Sept. 29...Merge Worship, a unique worship experience planned and executed by young adults who are seeking spiritual encounters with God and to grow in their faith. Sponsored by Next Generations Task Force for the Capitol Area North District.
Oct. 15-17...Soaring High, for those who in their ministry want to soar with God's spirit to new horizons.
Oct. 23-24...Retooling Christian Education and Spiritual Formation for the 21st Century, a weekend of learning, spiritual growth and the opportunity to network with other Christian educators, teachers and leaders.
Nov. 22-29...Thanks-Living Cruise for Missions, a 7 day Caribbean Cruise with a special focus on Mission & Ecology sponsored by the Miami Valley District. Contact Dave Rankin.
Jan. 5-7...Hospitality: The Unopened Gift, workshops offering best practices for/or Urban and Town and Country Ministries with Bishop Gregory Palmer and Rev. Vance Ross. |
| Passages |
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Rev. Jack Thomas Corn (retired 1994), died on July 25, 2009. He began his career in the West Ohio Conference in 1968 serving in the Defiance District. Messages of condolence will reach his wife Carole at 110 Trista Lane, Glasgow, KY 42141.
Rev. Robert G. Clarke (retired 1991), died on August 9, 2009. Messages of condolence will reach his wife Argyle at 200 Timerline Drive, #1109, Marietta, OH 45750.
Rev. Ralph Bauserman (retired 1995), died on August 10, 2009. Messages of condolence will reach his wife Wilma at Whispering Hills Farm, 10530 Twp. Rd. 56, Mt. Perry, OH 43760.
Rev. Kenneth E. Wrightsel (retired 1988), died on August 13, 2009. Messages of condolence will reach his wife Esther at 170 North 21st Street, Newark, OH 43055. |
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