Rev. Guadalupe (Lupina) T. Villalpando-Stewart, West Ohio's Hispanic/Latino Coordinator, recently informed Bishop Bruce R. Ough that her family will be relocating to San Antonio,Texas, effective July 1. Lupina will retain her membership in the West Ohio Conference and has been granted a voluntary leave of absence.

Lupina has led West Ohio's Hispanic/Latino Ministries for nine years and is well known among United Methodist congregations as a passionate and dynamic spokesperson for one of the largest and fastest growing minorities in the United States . When she first arrived in West Ohio there was one Hispanic worship service being held in the conference. Today there are many. Her God-filled spirit and tenacity will be greatly missed.  [more]

In the past seven weeks, UMCOR has sent emergency grants to 11 annual conferences that have been ravaged by tornadoes and severe storms in what has been an active and destructive spring storm season.  The tornadoes over the weekend testify to the ongoing nature of the emergencies. Your assistance is urgently needed.

Please give to US Spring Storms, UMCOR Emergency Advance #3021326.  [more]

Nearly 50 high school students will travel to Alabama over Memorial Day Weekend to help with clean-up efforts following the deadly tornados that ravaged the southeast beginning April 25. The idea for the trip was inspired by Pickerington High School Central junior, Sarah Steele, who is actively involved in her youth group at Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church. 

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October 28-29, 2011 - Deercreek State Park Lodge 

Join others in an opportunity to:

• Equip clergy spouses on how to reach out to congregational families who are experiencing crisis as well as personal family crisis.
• Network with clergy spouses; renew old and find new relationships.
• Spiritual development through worship and reflection 

Come early on Friday (noon) and take advantage of all the fun activities which will be available as well as catching up with old friends and meeting new friends! [registration]

June 7: Noon - Evangelical Fellowship of West Ohio Luncheon, Wesley Lodge; $10/person; program - General Conference Elections led by Jeff Greenway; reservation deadline Friday, May 27 to Rachel Miller, 5382 Thornhill Ct., Grove City, OH 43123.

June 7: 7 a.m. - United Methodist Women Breakfast, Wesley Lodge North; $6 collected at door or register at westohioumw@aol.com.

June 6: 7 a.m. - Annual Clergy Women's Breakfast, Lakeside UMC basement; no reservations needed; contact Katherine Riley at revkjriley@yahoo.com or 419.283.6561.

Mrs. Norma E. Rice, surviving spouse of Rev. Cecil Harold Rice (deceased 1986), died on May 17, 2011. Messages of condolence may be sent to her son Blaine at 15904 W. 149th Terrace, Olathe, KS 66062.

Rev. George William Wilcher (retired 1984), died on May 12, 2011. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Doris at Wesley Ridge Retirement Community, 2229 Taylor Park #212, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 27 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wooster UMC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to UMCOR at PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087 or Wooster UMC, 243 N. Market Street, Wooster, OH 44691.

Mrs. Shirley Zerkle, wife of Rev. James Zerkle (retired 2007), died on May 10, 2011. Messages of condolence may be sent to James at PO Box 15, 132 E. Walnut Street, St. Paris, OH 43072.

Rev. Joshua Johnson (retired 2006), died on May 8, 2011. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Carolyn at 1362 E. Deshler Avenue, Columbus, OH 43206.

Mrs. Elinor Brown, surviving spouse of Rev. John S. Brown (deceased 2005), died on May 10, 2011. Messages of condolence may be sent to Rev. Jim Costello, Q317 County Rd. 15, Napoleon, OH 43545.

Rev. Roy James Smith (retired 1981), died on May 3, 2011. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Martha at 540 parsons Avenue, Chillicothe, OH 45601. Memorial contributions may be made to First UMC, 585 E. Main Street, Chillicothe, OH or Heartland Hospice, PO Box 400, Lucasville, OH 45648.

Rev. Albert Lee Reed (retired 1995), died on April 25, 2011. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Roylene at 2020 W. Crest Drive, Toledo, OH 43614. Memorial donations may be made to Braden UMC, 4725 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43615 or the Ohio Parkinson's Foundation, NW Region, Oak Harbor, OH.

Mrs. Myrth Zambon, surviving spouse of Rev. Louis Zambon (deceased 2005), died on April 20, 2011. No family contacts at this time.

Mr. Harold Alloway-Priddy, (local pastor 1987-95), died on April 5, 2011. He is survived by his wife Kathie of Pt. Pleasant, WVA.

Mrs. Audrey Leigh, surviving spouse of Rev. Curtis J. Leigh, died on March 30, 2011. No family contacts at this time.

Rev. John Markley (honorary leave 1967) died on February 19, 2011. No family contact at this time.

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