News.NET: For West Ohio United Methodist Church Leaders

I greet you in the strong name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace. As I write and as you read we are in a season of remembrance and recollection of the horrific and life altering events of September 11, 2001. It is hard to fathom sometimes that this is the twelfth anniversary. As I reflect I call to mind where I was, what I was doing, what changed for me and what I am called to do in the shadow of unspeakable violence. I assume that you go through similar mental, emotional and spiritual processes. (continued)

The church in China

From left are United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, the Rev. Bao Jiayuan of the China Council, United Methodist Bishop Warner Brown and George Howard of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries.

A delegation of United Methodist bishops and mission staff visited China in April to strengthen existing ties with the Protestant church there. For the past 28 years, the Amity Foundation has worked to assist those on the margins of Chinese society. The United Methodist Church has been a long-standing partner with Amity. Read the fascinating story of the church in China today and the experiences of the United Methodist delegation there. View the photo gallery.

Oh Miley...a youth ministry response

Miley Cyrus' performance on MTV's Video Music Awards definitely captured the world's attention. Whether or not she achieved her goal is probably up for debate. Youth ministers have a really important calling to connect teenagers to Christ in the midst of living in a very confusing world. Part of our role in their lives is to help them sift through the junk this world has to offer with Christ-like lenses. Do our responses to the actions of others and to performances like Miley's effect the way our teens are impacted by them? (read more)

Church Responds to Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence

Violent systems of slavery and domestic abuse are sadly prevalent in our communities and around the world. This day will help equip you to make a difference. The West Ohio Conference is partnering with The International Human Trafficking Conference at the University of Toledo and with The Friendly Center to offer you an opportunity to learn about human trafficking and domestic violence and how you and your congregation can engage in the struggle to prevent these evils for trapping others in their grip and how you can be a place of redemptive healing. (details)

Church team in mission at Camp Otterbein

An awesome, helpful group of volunteers from Grove City United Methodist Church came to West Ohio Camp Otterbein's first seasonally held Mission work week(end) on August 14-18. Thanks to all who helped! The church team accomplished some pretty great tasks through a lot of effort, organization, and allowing God to utilize the strengths provided to them. Take a look at some of the pictures of the updates on our Camp Otterbein Facebook page. Consider when your church might be interested in a work weekend at one of our camps.

Charitable pharmacy changes lives

Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio

Patients of the Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio share how their lives have been changed by this mission housed in Livingston United Methodist Church. The Charitable Pharmacy's primary purpose is to increase access to affordable prescription drugs for low-income, uninsured, and under-insured individuals. The pharmacy will also provide counseling and education to ensure that clients take medications properly and are aware of clinics and programs that can help them access continuing medical care.

Upcoming Events

September 12, What Happened to the Offering?, Free webinar with the United Methodist Board of Discipleship
September 17, Creative Thinking in Faith Formation: An Ancient/Future Approach, Free webinar with the United Methodist Board of Discipleship
September 18, The Pastors Book Club: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do In Life and Business," Free webinar with the United Methodist Board of Discipleship
September 18-October 30, Communicating Faith in the 21st Century, Online Course with United Methodist Communications
September 19, Building a Health Ministry in your Congregation" Free webinar with UMCOR Health, Parish Nurses and the Center for Health
September 23-25, Deborah's Daughters, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dayton
September 24, Capitol Area North/Capitol Area South Annual Community Ministry Festival, Christ United Methodist, Baltimore
September 24, Church Council: Incorporating Younger, Diverse Leaders, Free webinar with the United Methodist Board of Discipleship
September 25-27, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection Leadership Institute, Leawood, Kansas
September 26, Guiding Children in a Violent World, Free webinar with the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
September 30, Freedom Schools Information Event, Grace United Methodist Church, Dayton
October 4-5, Creative Worship Seminar, The Point, Trotwood
October 5, Green Building Workshop, Christ United Methodist Church, Kettering
October 7, Methodist Theological School in Ohio Alumni Day, Delaware
October 8, Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries Fall Workshop, Epworth Center, Bethesda
October 12, Capitol Area North/Capitol Area South Annual Community Ministry Festival, First United Methodist, Marysville
October 12, TARRP Developing Effective Leadership Workshop, Belle Center United Methodist Church, Belle Center
October 15, United Theological Seminary Open House, Dayton
October 16, J. Arthur Heck Lecture with Dr. Kenda Dean, United Theological Seminary, Dayton
October 26, A Faithful Response - Facing Domestic Violence, North Broadway United Methodist Church, Columbus
October 26-28, Embracing Diversity: Congregational & Community Development in a Multicultural World, United Methodist Church For All People, Columbus
October 28-30, RevitUp - An event for young clergy, Atlanta, Ga
November 1, 17th Annual Legal Forum, Ohio Wesleyan University, Ada
November 9, Early Response Training, Sulphur Grove United Methodist Church, Dayton
December 27-29, Winter Camp, Camp Otterbein, Logan
April 25-27, 2014 United Methodist Women Assembly 2014, Louisville, Ky

Passages

Rev. Terry Powell, September 6. Friends will be received from 4-9 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday, September 12 & 13, at the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary St., Perrysburg. Visitation will continue after 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, at the First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Second St. in Perrysburg, where funeral services will begin at 11 a.m.

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