NewsNET October 22, 2012

Important information that will help you plan for next year's budget was mailed to churches and pastors the week of October 1. Included in the mailing were 2013 apportionments and 2013 health insurance plan and rate information. The cover letter is attached here and provides specific contacts if you have questions about the topics. If your church did not receive this information please email Joy Perry or call her at 614-844-6200.

MTSO professor tells the story of the Dead Sea Scrolls

As the Cincinnati Museum Center prepares to open its major Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit, Dead Sea Scrolls scholar John Kampen will present a lecture on the significance of these fascinating historic texts. The lecture, "Modern Research on Ancient Texts: The Story of the Dead Sea Scrolls," will be presented at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Alford Centrum on the MTSO campus. The event is free and open to the public. (more information)

Election Season Do's and Don'ts

While every year is an election year, we Ohioan's are treated to heavy doses of election coverage and activities every general election. We United Methodists have strong feelings and beliefs across the political spectrum, just as is the case the communities in which we live. It's important to remember there are boundaries we need to respect when it comes to electoral activity. The attached article from The Interpreter provide some simple and easy-to-follow Do's and Don'ts for this election season. Click here to read the article.

West Ohio Mission Team Opportunities: Construction

To learn more about these serving opportunities, visit West Ohio Construction Mission Teams.

Have you been searching for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus? If you like construction oriented mission, several opportunities are available for you:

Our three West Ohio camps need volunteers to complete projects on their grounds.
The Northwest Plains District is sending another team to Camp Sierra Linda in Mexico to help our partners build new facilities.
Over 6 weeks, West Ohio teams will build a whole house for a family living in southern Kentucky through Henderson Settlement.
The Maumee Watershed District has organized another team to Henderson Settlement.

Say YES to God and SERVE! Your faith will be deepened and YOU will be a rich blessing to those you serve.

West Ohio Mission Team Opportunities: Healing

Called to offer healing and compassion to God's Children in Mexico? Now is your chance! Six medical teams are scheduled in Nuevo Progreso, Mexico in 2013. Teams stay in Texas and cross the border to serve alongside our Methodist brothers and sisters in Mexico. This medical mission is a partnership between West Ohio, OhioHealth, the Methodist Church in Mexico, the mayor and local leaders in Nuevo Progreso. West Ohio Medical Mission Teams.

Quiz: People pets and the spiritual ties that bind

October 4 marked the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his ministry with the poor and his love of all God's creatures. Many Catholics and Protestants, including United Methodists, celebrate St. Francis' legacy with pet blessings this time of year. With that in mind, the folks at Duke Divinity School's Faith and Leadership have put together a quiz on pets and the Christians who love them.

Take quiz
Watch UMTV video on an innovative pet ministry
Read more about United Methodist pet ministries

Domestic Violence Awareness

As you look around the sanctuary on Sunday morning, someone you encounter has or will become the victim of domestic violence. At this year's West Ohio Annual Conference, a recommendation was passed urging churches to address the issue of domestic violence and find ways to support those who experience it. For more information on what your congregation can do to help, plus resources, visit Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence .

Harding Scholarship Competition at MTSO

The Harding Scholarship Competition is now open to new Fall 2013 students. The nation's most capable students compete each year for the Harding Scholarship, which offers full tuition plus a $10,000 annual stipend. The Harding is available to Fall 2013 students with a 3.6 undergraduate GPA. The competition is open to all denominations and all master's degree programs. Deadline is February 1, 2013. [more]

Stay up to the minute with UMCOR

Be in the know while you're on the go. The new UMCOR App for the denomination's relief agency is available free in iPhone, iPad and Android devices. With the UMCOR App, you can see the latest news, Hotline, blogs, Facebook posts, Tweets and even give to United Methodist Committee on Relief projects. [more]

Passages

Rev. Donald L. Irvin (retired 1996), died on October 14, 2012. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Velma at 1289 E. Allen Street, Lancaster, OH 43130.

Rev. George C. Vance (retired 1990), died on October 7, 2012. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Lelia at 25 State Road 13, West Minister Woods, Saint Johns, FL 32259.

Rev. Earl S. Bishop (retired 1993), died on September 27, 2012. Messages of condolence may be sent to his son John at 3688 Sunset Drive, Columbus, OH 43221.

Mrs. Jeannine L. Frasure, surviving spouse of Rev. Charles R. Frasure (deceased 1997), died on September 22, 2012.

Mrs. Bernita T. Jess, surviving spouse of Rev. Elmer C. Thorpe (deceased 1962), died on August 22, 2012.

Sandra L. Blackstone, LP, died on August 13, 2012. Messages of condolence may be sent to her husband Raymond at 8710 Gratiot Rd. SE, Newark, OH 43055.

George H. Ulrich (retired LP), died on August 7, 2012. Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Ethel at 223 Township Road #1303, Proctorville, OH 45669.

Mrs. Norma J. Bishop, spouse of Rev. Earl S. Bishop (deceased 2012), died on June 15, 2012. Messages of condolence may be sent to her son John at 3688 Sunset Drive, Columbus, OH 43221.

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