For many years, the people of the West Ohio Conference have been the leaders in giving to the Advance, our United Methodist channel for second-mile mission giving. I am most humbled by your generosity and grateful that together we will continue your history of fulfilling Christ's last instructions to be my witnesses...to the ends of the earth, in the coming years.

Now together we embrace the challenge to give witness to a global initiative that will transform and save lives. Imagine No Malaria is the name of the United Methodist initiative that is partnering with others worldwide to eliminate death from malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Watch this great video:

Imagine No Malaria Launch with Bishop Palmer

Read the Bishop's entire letter to the members

Visit the Imagine No Malaria website

Council of Bishop's Meeting this week

Episcopal Crest United Methodist bishops from around the globe, including West Ohio's Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, are gathering in North Carolina at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center for the Council of Bishops meeting, November 10-15. Follow news via Twitter hashtag #COB2013 and on our West Ohio Facebook page and on Twitter.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson - Blessed to be a Blessing Event

On Saturday, November 16, the Miami Valley District welcomes Rev. Dr. Cynthia Wilson, liturgical studies scholar, preacher, teacher, conductor and concert artist. In addition to Dr. Wilson's keynote address and interactive preaching, four workshops will be held lead by area experts. On Sunday, November 17, Dr. Wilson will preach at Covenant United Methodist Church in Springfield at 11am. (more information)

Council of Bishops Message: Lead Together as Servants of God

Delivering the President's address at the Council of Bishops today in Lake Junaluska, N.C., Bishop Rosemarie Wenner said that discipleship in the 21st century, as in Biblical times, means that we sometimes travel difficult or uncharted roads. "Disciples are like scouts. They find a path where the road ends. And they help each other in order to move in the right direction and to stay together, although the individuals journey at a different pace," said Wenner, who leads the Germany Episcopal Area. (read more)

UMCOR grant meets emergency needs

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) approved a $97,000 emergency grant in response to Super Typhoon Haiyan which barreled through the Philippines.

Donate Learn more

Churches in mission with poor through Henderson Settlement

The Middle Point United Methodist Church and Zion United Methodist Churches in the Northwest Plains District recently sent a team of 16 on a mission trip to White Oak, an extension of Henderson Settlement, Frakes, Ky. Many West Ohio churches and constituents annually visit Henderson Settlement and work in mission with the community. Learn more Photo gallery

Webinar: How We Handle Money in the Church

Every church that has ever had a crisis of financial impropriety thought what they were doing was fine until the day it was discovered. What's your church's policy for handing the gifts people entrust to you? Are you protecting sensitive information? Is it appropriate for the pastor to know what people give? This Thursday, November 14, Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane will be leading a webinar presenting information about how local churches can adopt policies that will help protect the churches financial assets, the volunteers and employees who handle money, and the reputation of the local church from the damage that can be caused from financial misconduct. (learn more)

Upcoming Events

November is Native American Heritage Month

What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.

For worship resources, visit this General Board of Discipleship webpage

November 14, Faith-based Health Care with Dr. Scott Morris, Doctor's Hospital, Columbus
November 14, Webinar: How We Handle Money in the Church, General Board of Discipleship
November 15-17, Exploration 2013, Denver, Colorado
November 16, Clergy Boundaries Training, Columbus
November 16, Work day, Camp Wesley, Bellefontaine
November 16, Work day, Camp Widewater, Liberty Center
November 16, Stewardship 201, Faith Community United Methodist Church, West Chester
November 17-19, Black Clergy Retreat, Worthington
November 19, Regional Meetings on Health Insurance, First United Methodist Church, Bowling Green
November 21, Regional Meetings on Health Insurance, Walnut Street United Methodist Church, Chillicothe
December 6, The Second Holy Spirit Seminar: Signs and Wonders, Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, Tipp City
December 9, Regional Meetings on Health Insurance, West Ohio Conference Center, Worthington
December 27-29, Winter Camp for Youth, Camp Otterbein, Logan
December 28, United Methodist Women Limitless, Christ United Methodist Church, Kettering
January 3-4, Candidacy Summit Retreat, Delaware
January 16-18, Shift Happens: Hope in the Midst of Transition, Houston, Tx
January 27, Ohio Ministries Convocation, Broad Street Presbyterian Church, Columbus
April 25-27, 2014 United Methodist Women Assembly 2014, Louisville, Ky

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