| The Connection
The Official Publication of the Capitol Area South District
Volume 40 Issue 3 |
| Our Mission and Vision |
 Our Mission:
The Mission of the Capitol Area South District is to encourage and equip United Methodist congregations in their mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision:
The vision of the Capitol Area South District is that all local churches are to be disciple-making centers that mirror the demographic composition of the community in which they are located in terms of age, ethnicity, and cultural background; and that the congregations continually grow and reach new people for Christ and strive to be open and inclusive of all God's children. | |
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| Mission to Mexico -- The San Luis Congregation |
 Pictured at left is the congregation of the Templo de Vida y Esperanza (Temple of Life and Hope). This congregation is located in San Luis Potosi which is the tenth largest metropolitan area in Mexico. They currently meet in a rented community room. Click HERE to find out how the congregations of the Capitol Area South District have been challenged to help this congregation build a permanent meeting place in San Luis. |
| Jim's Tool Box |
 How Are We Doing? Where Are We Going? (Part 2)
A Focus on "reFocus"
In last's month's Tool Box article. I shared a number of ways that a congregation's leaders could assess how the congregation is doing and discern where God is leading them into the future. This month I want to discuss a program called reFocus. Is this a program that would benefit your congregation?
Click HERE to read Jim's article and find our for yourself.
Click HERE to go to the reFocus website. | |
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| CAS Youth Council Launches Blog for Local Church Youth Leaders |
 In keeping with the Youth Council's mission to resource youth leaders (both those who are volunteers and those who are paid) across the district, the council has launched a blog ("web log") for youth leaders.
The Rev. Sam Halverson, Associate Pastor at Lancaster First UMC, is the lead contributor to the blog. Sam has been in professional youth ministry for twenty-five years. He brings a wealth of experience to youth ministry and to guiding other youth leaders. Other members of the youth council will contribute to the blog occasionally. Click HERE to go to the blog. |
| Coummunity Ministries Offers Job Networking Information Meeting for Congregations |
 This month Beth Weisbrod talks about congregations that are helping church members and persons in the community in their search for employment. Job networking connections is a ministry of thinking creatively about resources both within the church and in our community. This ministry can be done one-on-one - helping with a resume, providing a place for phone calls or internet access, getting someone to court on time, etc or through larger networking efforts.
If your church is one that helps persons on an individual-basis like or if your congregation is seeking to form a new job-networking ministry, there is a gathering for you: on Sunday, March 29, from 3-5pm at Maize Manor UMC (3901 Maize Rd, Columbus, 43224) folks from various job networking groups at various churches will meet together to share information and gain new ideas. To register, go to www.umcommunityministries.org.
Click HERE to read Beth's article. |
| Westside Free Store On The Move |
The Westside Free Store Ministries is moving in March, 2009 to the lower level of Westgate United Methodist Church at 61 South Powell in Columbus. ROCK on Sullivant, the after school ministry for children, has moved to a new location at 2500 West Broad Street near Hillcrest Baptist Church. The Free Store will be closed for the move beginning Monday, March 16 and will re-open at the new location on Saturday, April 4.
Click HERE for more information.
Read Ann Fisher's (a columnist for The Dispatch) article about the Westside Free Store and the move into Westgate Church by clicking HERE. |
| Mission News |
S.O.W.E.R. Update S.O.W.E.R. is a project that seeks to provide decent housing for persons in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Financial donations as well as voluteers to work on the homes are needed for the work this summer. Click HERE for more details.
School of Christian Missions
"Together at the Table" is the theme for the 2009 School of Christian Missions. The school will be held during July 17-23, 2009, at Ohio Northern University. There is a four day school, a weekend event, and a one day sampler. Click HERE for more details.
Marne and Centenary Congregations Partner for Haiti Mission Trip -- Donations Needed
The Marne UMC and the Granville Centenary UMC are partnering for a mission trip to Haiti. Click HERE to learn more about their trip including ways that you can help their efforts. |
| Apportionment Results for 2008 |
 The results are in for how each congregation in the CAS District did in apportionment giving for 2008. Click HERE to see the percentage that each congregation gave toward the CAS District Apportionment, the Community Ministries of the Capitol Area Districts Apportionment, and the West Ohio Conference Apportionments. |
| A Message to the People of the United Methodist Church |
The President of the Council of Bishops, the Chair of the Table of General Secretaries, and the Chair of the Connectonal Table of the United Methodist Church have written a letter concerning the economic collapse that is affecting not only our nation but the entire world. Read their message of hope in these troubled times by clicking HERE. |
| Church Happenings |
Free Medical Screenings at Wesley Church of Hope
On Saturday, April 4, Wesley Church of Hope is sponsoring a Medical Camp with free medical screenings and tests. You are asked to pre-register. Click HERE for more information.
Creative Ministries Conference at Lancaster Crossroads
April 24-25, the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster will present their 2009 Crossroads Creative Ministries Conference. Performers and lecturers will share their skills in puppetry, clowning, magic, ballooning, mime, storytelling, games, and children's church. Click HERE for more information and to register.
Magician Sam Sandler to Perform at Crossroads Ministry Center
The hilarious magic of Sam Sandler will be held at the Crossroads Ministry Center, Lancaster, on Sunday, April 26, at 4:00 pm. This is a family friendly show. The cost is $10.00 per ticket. For more information, click HERE. |
| United Methodist Children Home Receives Recognition |
 The United Methodist Children's Home (UMCH), headquartered in Worthington, Ohio is the recipient of the United Methodist Association's (UMA) 2009 Order of Good Shepherds (OGS) Chapter of the Year Award. Click HERE to read more about the award and the work of the United Methodist Children's Home. |
| Chaplain Updates |
 Two pastors who have recently served in the CAS District are now serving on active duty in the United States Military. The Rev. Ken Kirk served the senior pastor at Grove City UMC until January, 2008. Click HERE to read more about Ken's current work in the US Army as a Reserve Chaplain Colonel.
The Rev. Jim Sharrett left last fall on a deployment to the European Command. He is a Naval Reserve Chaplain. Jim has served the Heath UMC. Click HERE to read about Jim's activities as Deputy European Command Chaplain. |
| Training Events and Learning Opportunities |
April 17 Transforming Worship: Exploring the Possibilities of Planning
Worship as a Community Click HERE for a descriptive article about GBOD and GBGM; tracks for existing churches and new church starts
August 14-15 Urban Church Immersion Event sponsored w/UTS Center for Urban
Ministries
Today |
| In Our Prayers |
 Michael Messick, pastor at Good Shepherd UMC, Circleville was hospitalized recently for a cardiac procedure. He is recuperating at home. |
| Recent Appointments in the CAS District |
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The Rev. Michael Berne has been appointed to the Mt.Sterling UMC, effective July 1, 2009.
Mr. Matthew Van Winkle (Lay Supply) has been assigned to serve the Long Run-Pleasant View Charge.
Click HERE to view all recent appointments. | |
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