News.NET
West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
October 8, 2009 - Vol 2, Issue 28
In This Issue
Legal Forum
Partnerships for global health
Stewardship corner
Vote NO on Issue #3
Support aviation ministry
Tech-savvy learning
Young evangelists
Immigration reform
Mission news
New dates of note
News.NET deadline
Resources
 

TOGETHER WE CAN district events

 
 
Thirteenth Annual Legal Forum
legal forumDo you understand the legal challenges which are presented by "difficult" church members?  How about demands for access to member contributions or other financial records?  These are just two of the tough issues we will deal with the at the 13th Annual Legal Forum! [more]
Partnerships are key for global health
Sen FristFor Dr. Bill Frist, a surgeon and former U.S. Senate majority leader, health care has a role to play in building communities - and building peace. That idea became the foundation for his global health nonprofit, Hope Through Healing Hands. The prospect of partnership in fighting diseases brought Frist to United Methodist Communications this summer to discuss working together with leaders of the denomination's Global Health Initiative. [more]
Stewardship corner

vwillis"Stewardship is not a financial issue, it is a spiritual issue." says Valarie Willis of the West Ohio Conference Spirit Formed Empowered Leadership Team.  At a recent stewardship conference it was noted that many pastors do not talk about stewardship from the pulpit and in not doing so, could be missing opportunities. [more]

More details for NO on Issue #3
Issue 3 Bulletin InsertThank you to everyone who has volunteered to make sure Issue 3 is defeated this November.
 
We've created a new bulletin insert with lots of important information for congregations on Issue #3.  Side one provides facts as to why gambling is bad. Side two reveals why the language in Issue 3 is a bad deal for Ohio, its communities and its families. 
 
Never underestimate the impact your voice and witness can have in your community and across the state. [more].
Aviation ministry raises funds for air ambulance
Aviation Ministries VideoCongolese United Methodist churches struggle to operate or maintain aviation programs because of limited resources within their own local economy. Most missionary aircraft run on aviation gasoline, which is very expensive and in short supply. The West Ohio Conference is working with UMCOR through its United Methodist Aviation Ministries (UMAM) to assist UM Global Ministries' missionary pilot Gaston Ntambo for Wings of Morning Ministry serving North Katanga, to raise funds for a new jet-fueled plane.  [more]
Black church leaders learn tech-savvy ways
tech savyUnited Methodist black congregations seeking to use the gift of technology often find themselves somewhere between Skype and Phone Tree. So when nearly 100 African-American pastors and lay leaders attended a gathering of Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century, they were eager to learn how to better present their message to today's congregations. Adapting to new technology was part of a full day of training for these church members. [more]
Young evangelists reach out at bars, block parties 
remedySome nights, they stand outside bars offering free hamburgers and soft drinks. At other times, they can be found changing the oil on cars or having neighborhood block parties. They are members of The Remedy, a church that stresses community service projects and often uses unconventional means to reach out to those ages 18 to 35. "We have to approach it as missionaries, and two things missionaries do when they go into a culture is they learn the language, they learn the culture," says the Rev. Jeremy Laduke. [more]
Faith groups lead call for immigration reform 
lovethyneighborFaith communities across the U.S. are using all their gifts - from prayer to potluck dinners-to try to change the way the nation thinks about immigrants. The Center for American Progress released a report saying more than 25,000 people gathered in houses of worship to call for immigration reform in the first six months of the year. The report, "Love Thy Neighbor," chronicles efforts by a wide range of faith groups as they advocate for undocumented workers and their families. [more]
Mission News 
Mar. 6-Mar. 13...El Salvador - Habitat for Humanity. Email Perry Shull or call 260-482-5212.
Dates of note
Oct. 12-13...Fireworks from the Pulpit, MTSO campus, Delaware; the 2009 Schooler Institute on Preaching is designed to help pastors tackle Sundays when those in their congregations might be focused on secular holidays or events-and to preach powerfully and prophetically on those occasions.
 
Oct. 17...MTSO Fall Open House, Delaware; event is free and open to anyone considering a graduate-level theological education. Highlights include opportunities to sit in on a class, tour apartments and residence halls, learn about MTSO's many financial aid options, and talk with current students, faculty and admissions counselors.

Oct. 31-Nov.1...
Youth of Ohio United 2009, Columbus; a new spiritual formation event for the youth of Ohio designed for youth in grades 7-12. You'll find a weekend full of new friends, new music, new worship, and new experiences of Jesus Christ.
 
Nov. 6...Thirteenth Annual Legal Forum, Delaware;  presented by the West Ohio Conference Board of Trustees.

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