NewsNET News for West Ohio Conference CongregationsJanuary 7, 2014 - Vol 7, Issue 1 |
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Faith, Fun, S'mores - Winter Camp 2013
| What could be better than friends, crafts & games, campfires & worship, and all while growing in faith. West Ohio sponsors a winter camp for youth each December at Camp Otterbein. Want info about scheduling your own church winter event at one of our camps? Contact Rebecca King.
Photo Gallery |
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Broken & Blessed - how God used one imperfect family to change the world
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Every family since the beginning of time has been both broken and blessed. In this six-week study, Jessica LaGrone takes us on a journey through Genesis, a book that tells the story of one perfectly imperfect family-from Adam and Eve all the way to Joseph and his brothers. Despite their brokenness, God chose to love and bless this family so that they might be a blessing. As we get to know each generation, noting both the good and bad traits that were passed down, we will see that God worked for good in their lives for the good of the world.
Whether you're single, married, or divorced-with or without children or grandchildren-you have an important job to play as part of God's family. (details at Cokesbury)
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Creating a culture of stewardship
| Stewardship is a way of life, but sadly for many church members it is synonymous with that time of the year when they are asked to fill out a pledge card. Stewardship is basically "management." Are we good managers of all that God has given us? We are expected to be stewards of our time, talents, spiritual gifts, relationships, family, professional life, and yes, even of the Gospel itself. Like any other spiritual discipline it takes time for people to grow into mature, generous, joyful stewards. Creating a culture of stewardship is a planned initiative throughout the year. In this month's issue of Did You Know are a few ideas for a planned stewardship initiative. |
Church vitality: Professions of faith rise
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For the first time in 11 years, United Methodist annual conferences in the United States reported an increase in total professions of faith in 2012. Preliminary figures for professions of faith show a gain from 123,986 in 2011 to 124,635 in 2012 - less than 1 percent but still an upward trajectory. Twenty-eight of 59 U.S. conferences reported gains in their professions of faith. The report is part of the Vital Congregations Initiative. (read more)
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Jubilee Food Justice Mission Trips
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The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. (Psalm 24:1) So why are so many people in our communities still going hungry? That's just one question being asked by Goodness Grows, a faith-based, nonprofit located in Youngstown which seeks individual and community transformation through agriculture that gives life. This summer, you can discover some of the answers for yourself by participating in a Food Justice Mission Trip! Work alongside community members, farmers, and kids growing fruit and vegetables and creating a sustainable food system. Find out more at here.
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Upcoming Early Response Team Trainings
| The purpose of Early Response Teams (ERT) in the United Methodist Church is not to lead disaster response efforts but to assist as we are able, depending on the gifts and skills of the persons on our teams, and to provide emotional and spiritual support as an outgrowth of our discipleship. Team members must go through United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) training to ensure that they will operate under specific guidelines that allow them to be productive and caring while causing no further harm or being a burden to the affected community. Topics covered in the class include the who, what, when, where and how of doing ministry, as well as hands on experience in the specific tasks that early responders are expected to accomplish. Early Response Team Trainings are scheduled throughout the conference. To schedule an ERT class in your church, please email Dee Stickley-Miner or call at 614-844-6200.
ERT Basic Classes for 2014 are scheduled throughout the conference and listed in the Upcoming Events list below, or by going to the West Ohio Conference website and clicking on Register for Events. |
13 Unusual Scholarships That Should Be on Your Radar Screen
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Are you a high school or college student looking for scholarships to pay your tuition? The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry has put together a list of scholarships you might not be aware of. Many scholarship administrators are desperately seeking applicants because of unusual restrictions that can make it hard to find students who fit the criteria. Cast your net wide, and apply for some of these out-of-the-ordinary scholarships. For example, Interested in crisis management? The Zombie Apocalypse Scholarship lets you show off your flair for emergency preparedness and disaster response that could earn you a $2,000 scholarship. (read more)
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Upcoming Events
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January 9, Stewardship and Finance: Getting It Right at the Starting Line, WEBINAR
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January 16-18, Shift Happens: Hope in the Midst of Transition, Houston, Tx
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January 22, Imagine No Malaria - the Basics, WEBINAR
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January 27, Ohio Ministries Convocation, Broad Street Presbyterian Church, Columbus
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February 18, Imagine No Malaria - Leader Training, Worthington
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March 23-29, Mission Trip for Rebuilding After Hurricane Sandy, Crisfield, Md
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April 5, Early Response Team Basic Training, Liberty Township
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April 12, Early Response Team Basic Training, Zanesville
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April 25-27, 2014 United Methodist Women Assembly 2014, Louisville, Ky
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May 10, Early Response Team Basic Training, Dayton
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November 15, Early Response Team Basic Training, Beavercreek
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Passages
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Our sympathy to the family of Rev. Edwin Vance, who passed away on December 27. Rev. Vance was retired and served at Dunkirk EUB, West Leipsic EUB, Marion Epworth, Waldo, Rawson New Hope, Van Wert Wesley, and La Rue. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Peggy. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Peggy Vance, 246 Uhler Ave., Marion, OH 43302.
Our prayers of sympathy to John Cramer on the loss of his wife Juanita Cramer on December 19. John served as pastor at Bethel UMC (CAN) in Union County. Condolences will reach John and his family at 28981 Hoover Moffitt Rd., West Mansfield, OH 43358.
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