News.NET August 23, 2010

Churches - you do NOT need to sign up for anything for Worker's Compensation. Please pay the bill you receive twice a year. If you fill out any other paper work, it could cause duplicate group coverage. Any questions, call Joy Perry at

1-800-438-0028 or e-mail jperry@wocumc.org.

Goodbye, Percept; Hello, MIssionInsite

After many years of using Percept/Link2Lead, the West Ohio Annual Conference has contracted with MissionInsite to provide demographic data planning and research tools for West Ohio congregations and districts. Rev. Jim Waugh, Assistant to the District Superintendent in Capitol Area South, reviews MissionInsite and describes some of the features of the new service in this month's Capitol Area South newsletter. You may contact your district office to inquire of training in your district. In addition, MissionInsite provides a free 30 minute webinar. The current webinar schedule is listed at MissionInsite Webinars.

Click HERE to read the article.
Click HERE for instructions on how to register as a MissionInsite user.

Imagine a movement that mobilizes tens of thousands of people in 10 days.

10 projects in 10 days. From October 10th through 19th you will be able to learn about Global Ministries' projects around the world supported through The Advance, the designated giving arm of The United Methodist Church, during an online event unlike anything you have experienced before.

It's called 10-Fold. Through live webcasts, streaming video, online chats, and other media, you will see and hear about amazing projects that are changing people's lives.

To get more details, visit www.10-Fold.org and download the 10-Fold Participant's Guide that includes:

Tips so you can get the most out of 10-Fold
Ways you can help spread the word to family, friends, and fellow church members
Information about how you can trigger a $1.00 donation with one click when you visit 10-Fold.org daily and register your interest for a project. Up to $10,000 is available for each project.

Join us at 10-Fold.org starting on October 10, 2010, for this online global gathering.

Become a part of Change the World

Life is too short, the mission too critical, the call too compelling, to simply play church. Become part of Change the World - a new missional network for churches with Ginghamsburg Church. This new network will mentor churches-regardless of size, location or resources-on how to become missional forces locally AND globally. Bring your paid or unpaid leadership team to the 3-day kick-off training intensive on October 20-22, 2010, with featured trainers Alan Hirsh, Mike Slaughter and Sue Nilson Kibbey. After October, continue to grow as a missional church with a monthly e-zine, online community and 10 convenient webinars for "next level" training. More information is available at www.ginghamsburg.org/changetheworld.

Alert About Email for Funds for the UMC of Pakistan

Flood survivors in Pakistan walk through water-filled streets in the northwestern city of Nowshera. *Photo by Amjad Jama, United Nations*.

We have been made aware that there is an email and letter circulating amongst United Methodist entities requesting funds for the people of Pakistan through the United Methodist Church of Pakistan. There is no bishop or annual conference recognized as part of The United Methodist Church in the nation of Pakistan. If you receive this e-mail, please do not respond.

We encourage concerned United Methodists to support the people of Pakistan through The Advance, an accountable, designated-giving arm of The United Methodist Church that ensures 100 percent of each gift reaches its intended mission or ministry. [more]

Devastating flood in Monterrey Mexico

Hurricane Alex has devastated Monterrey Mexico. The Methodist Church in Mexico is responding to the needs of their neighbors. Pastor Jesus Elizondo, Director of Social Support, has asked for help in creating food baskets.

We will be responding to this disaster for a long time. Please keep the people in your prayers as they seek to recover from this disaster and read how you can help. [more]

Navigating landscape of hope in Haiti

Over the course of a 70-year history in relief and recovery work around the world, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has learned that recovery following a catastrophic event takes time if it is to be effective. This has never been so true as it has been in Haiti. The destruction the earthquake caused is unprecedented, and efforts in relief and recovery also must be unprecedented in terms of creativity, patience and perseverance. [more]

Event planned to lure back former churchgoers

United Methodist congregations are among more than 1,500 churches across the U.S. that have committed to participate in "Back to Church Sunday" on September 12. Churches agree to send out invitations and hold special services to welcome back people who once attended church - but have not recently. Outreach Inc., a California-based church marketing company, found last year's participating churches increased their attendance on average by 19 percent. Resources are available at www.backtochurch.com.