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He Will Bring Us Goodness and Light
by Bishop Gregory V. Palmer
|  Throughout these Advent days we have intentionally waited in dimness, reflection, expectation and hope. The challenges of our personal lives, the nation and the nations, the Church and our church have provided a more than ample invitation to go deep in naming our hunger and need and God's provision and adequacy.
As we have patiently waited and introspectively sung and listened to the hymns of Advent we have grown more restless and ready for the hymns, carols and songs of Christmas. After all we most assuredly sing our faith even when we are otherwise inarticulate. (continued)
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Goodbye to a conference friend and colleague
|  For more than 20 years, Gale McDougall served as the director and producer of both the East and West Ohio Conference sessions at Lakeside. Last Friday, December 20, surrounded by her family, Gale ended her battle with cancer and went home to her Saviour and Lord. For many of us, Gale was more than the familiar face who directed the production each year from the center of Hoover Auditorium, she was a friend, a colleague, and a mentor, and she will be dearly missed. Gale was a devoted United Methodist and her work with both the East and West Ohio annual conferences was a labor of love. A memorial service will be held on Monday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.at University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland. Gale is survived by her husband Chuck and their children and grandchildren. Cards may be sent to: Chuck McDougall, 12000 Edgewater Dr. Apt. 203 Lakewood, Oh. 44107. |
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Local Church 2013 Annual Reports Due January 31
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Church annual reports provide data that is used in a number of ways. Taken together they provide insight into how we are advancing our mission, including new professions of faith, engagement in missional activities, and membership changes. Reported data will also be used to calculate your 2015 Connectional Giving (apportionments). Annual report information has been sent via the US Postal Service to the Sr. Pastor of each church. He or she can get them into the hands of the right person so they can be completed and received at the conference by January 31, 2014. While this can be handled via mail and paper, you can also complete the information electronically. More information can be found on the conference website here. You can begin your process by going to the denominational website here (//ezra.gcfa.org) using the username and password supplied by the conference. As is the case each quadrennium, line numbers on the statistical report have changed from last year. Review the forms carefully so that the right information goes in the right place. Please contact Jack Frost at jfrost@wocumc.org or at 614-844-6200 if you have questions.
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January 2014 Equip Resource Catalog
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 Check out the new January-August 2014 issue of EQUIP resource catalog for the work and call of ministry in West Ohio. Click here or on the graphic to view the issue! Inside you'll find training events, key dates, powerful prayer breakthroughs and other leadership opportunities to help rejuvenate your church to become a contagious center of God's love and transformation--furthering the culture of "call" in our conference. We invite you to browse the catalog today!
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Stewardship & Finance:Getting it Right at the Starting Line
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 Stewardship Team, Finance Committee, or Church Council - if your work in the church deals with people's giving, you want to start off on the right foot. As you prepare for the New Year, reflect on these ideas that could make your job the best one in the church! Led by Ken Sloane Director of Stewardship and Connectional Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship.
*This is a slightly updated repeat of our most popular stewardship webinar of 2013. Information and registration
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Passages
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Celeste Armentrout, spouse of Rev. John Armentrout (deceased 2011), passed away on Friday, December 20. Celeste was also the mother of Juli Armentrout Peterson who is married to Rev. Kirk Peterson, pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Milford. Condolences will reach Juli, Kirk and family at 934 Saffron Lane, Milford, OH 45150.
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West Ohio Conference Office Regular Business Hours Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
The Conference Center will be closed December 24 & 25, January 1
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