News.NET
West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
November 16, 2009 - Vol 2, Issue 32
In This Issue
Rethink technology
United Methodist Communications partnerships
World Aids Day
Upcoming webinars
Available grants
Bishop Sprague gives keynote address
Bishops pledge to protect God's creation
New dates of note
Passages
News.NET deadline
Resources
EcuFilm Seasonal Catalog

Together

 
Rethink technology
social mediaHow much does the church needs to change in our ever-changing culture? The computer, the Internet, cell phones, Wi-Fi - everything has changed and is changing. As our culture changes to a fast-paced, instant, information bites society, the church must adapt. But many in the church can't or won't, thinking that the social media culture will not affect us. Not only will it, but it is. [more]
Sum is greater than parts when churches work together
umc logo
"It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough!"  What great advice from Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, The Message! Your church can tackle projects that seem unimaginable to do alone, but feasible when working with other churches and community groups. Existing partnerships and United Methodist Communications' new Impact Community can help with inspiration and funding. [more]
World Aids Day
Aids DayMillions of people worldwide are affected by HIV/AIDS.  December 1st is World AIDS Day. This is a great opportunity to invite members of your congregation to be in prayer for all those who are affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. The United Methodist Church is active around the world bringing hope and healing. We believe that together, we can stop the spread of HIV/AIDS.
 
Tuesdays @10am Central - Upcoming Webinars
TuesTuesdays @ 10am Central is a free 30-minute Webinar hosted by United Methodist Communications to share up-to-date and relevant information, resources and tools that will enhance your church's communications ministry.
 
 
Upcoming Webinars:
November 17, Kathy Noble (Editor, Interpreter Magazine) shares how to write for the Web and create digital versions of your print media.
November 24, Jackie Vaughan (Director, Grants and Media Services) provides tips for local church marketing.
December 1, Tracy Wood (Sales Manager, TechShop) shows you how to optimize photographs for the Web.
Grants available
Ethnic Local Church Grants...Program to strengthen ethnic minority local churches through education, advocacy or leadership training. Deadline to apply January 10.
 
Human Relations Day Grants...Support ministries to non-violent young offenders through education, advocacy or leadership training and development. Deadline to apply January 10.
 
Peace with Justice Day Grants...$52,805 awarded in 2009 to 28 ministries. Deadline to apply February 15.
 
Bishop Sprague gives keynote address 
jspragueTwenty-six states were represented among the 275 people who took part in the Eighth National Summit of the Communities of Shalom, a faith-based movement promoting community development and justice, meeting South Carolina in late October. After a spirited concert by the 70-voice Claflin University Gospel Choir, Bishop Joseph Sprague (retired) gave the keynote address. As a pastor in Ohio, Rev. Sprague called for the creation of a "Shalom Zone" at the 1992 United Methodist General Conference in the aftermath of the social unrest in Los Angeles following the acquittal of policemen who beat motorist Rodney King. Sprague's impassioned call inspired the effort that envisioned justice, community organizing, prison reform, and systemic change in the church, the community, and in the larger society. [more]

Bishops pledge to protect God's creation 
The United Methodist Council of Bishops has issued a pastoral letter to be read in all local churches during Advent. The letter identifies pandemic poverty and disease, environmental degradation, and a world full of weapons and violence as sins against God's creation. "We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it," the 69 active United Methodist bishops said in adopting the pastoral letter, and vowing to change their own way of living and working. [more]
New dates of note
Dec. 10...Day of Action for Global Educationthe General Board of Church & Society asks you to join supporters across the country by participating in Global Campaign For Education to send a strong message to President Obama to support universal education investments.
Passages 
Mrs. Susan M. Stover, surviving spouse of Rev. Kenneth T. Stover (deceased 1997), died on October 27, 2009. Messages of condolence will reach her son Sam at 691 Cristobal Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45240.
 
Mrs. Neva Corl, surviving spouse of rev. Javan Corl (deceased 2006), died on October 17, 2009. Messages of condolence may be sent to Rev. Heth & Karen Corl, 1251 Beaver Valley Road, Beaver Creek, OH 45434.
 
Mrs. Lois Simmons, spouse of Rev. Robert L. Simmons (retired 1986), died on October 9, 2009. Messages of condolence will reach Robert at Otterbein Portage Valley, 20311 Pemberville Road #729, Pemberville, OH 43450.
 
Mrs. Carol L. Corn, surviving spouse of Rev. Jack Corn (deceased 2009), died on October 7, 2009.
 
Mrs. Katherine Keeton, surviving spouse of Rev. Harold E. Keeton (deceased 2006), died on June 1, 2008.
 
Mr. (Rev.) George Albert Lucas (discontinued 1996), died on January 12, 2008. Messages of condolence will reach his wife Nanci Dai Lucas at 5730 Swan Creek Drive, Toledo, OH 43614.

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