We are saddened by the death of Nelson Mandela, but grateful for the profound effect he had on this world in his 95 years. Throughout his life, Nelson Mandela had many connections to Methodism. A graduate of a Methodist boarding school, the anti-apartheid champion was mentored by Methodist preachers and educators and formed a bond with a Methodist chaplain while in prison. As president of South Africa, he worked with church leaders in shaping a new nation and eventually married Gra�a Machel, a United Methodist. (continued)

Churches - Update your Interpreter Enrollment!

United Methodist churches are eligible to receive five free print and unlimited digital subscriptions to Interpreter Magazine, plus free digital New World Outlook subscriptions. Individuals can also sign up for a free digital edition of Interpreter. (details)

Record breaking day for mission

Thanks to the generosity of United Methodists around the world, more than 880 projects and missionaries will receive a financial boost to help them meet their mission goals. The first-ever UMC #GivingTuesday generated a record $6.5 million online on December 3. (continued)

Ready for Winter Camp?

Camps awarded grant for boating education

West Ohio Camping & Retreat Ministries applied for and has been awarded a $30,000 safe boating education grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to be used toward boating programs at the three camp sites. Camp Wesley will be getting stand up paddle boards, Camp Widewater will be getting kayaks to be able to offer adaptive paddling programs for persons of all abilities, and Camp Otterbein will be getting whitewater kayaks. Stay tuned for news about an "inaugural launch" at each site in 2014! What a great opportunity for our campers!

West Ohio United Methodist Men help make Christian materials available

West Ohio United Methodist Men are active supporters of Love Packages, a ministry to put Christian material in the hands of people who do not have access to such material. Bibles, Sunday School materials, CD's, DVD's, books, and similar materials lying around unused in your homes are sent to ministries around the world. Watch the video and take the "nickel tour" then click here to learn how you can help with this great ministry.

Conference leaders meet

The Connection was on full display November 5 as Bishops Gregory V. Palmer, of Ohio West Area, and John L. Hopkins, of Ohio East Area, convened a joint meeting of their extended cabinets. The day began with worship and communion in the West Ohio Conference Center with the remainder of the morning spent with members of each extended cabinet highlighting the ministries and initiatives that are shaping their respective conferences. (read more)

2013 Advent Photo-a-Day

Rethink Church has a photo-a-day project that's fun to participate in with your own photos, or by just viewing all the submissions each day. You don't have to be a great photographer. This project is more about the practice of paying attention and being intentional, than it is being the best photographer [though we encourage you to get creative!]. Take a photo that shares how you perceive each word or phrase for the day. You can participate via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr or email. (details)

Peace with Justice Grants available until Jan 10

January 10 is the deadline to apply for a Peace with Justice grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS). Funding for this program is generated through the Peace with Justice Special Sunday offering of The United Methodist Church. One of six Special Sundays in the denomination, Peace with Justice "witnesses to God's demands for a faithful, just, disarmed and secure world." Peace with Justice Sunday is June 15 in 2014. In 2013, $48,000 was allotted to 14 Peace with Justice ministries around the world. (more information)

Upcoming Events

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

Passages

Mrs. Martha Bower, surviving spouse of Rev. Harold F Bower (Dec'd 2007) died on December 8, 2013. No service information is known at this time. Messages of condolence will reach the family at: Debra Bower (Daughter), 271 Loretta Drive, Dayton OH 45415

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