Sharon Gilbert, Director of Ministries with Children & Families at Epworth United Methodist Church in Marion, introduced their preschool children to the quiet of the labyrinth. "Our children lead very busy, scheduled and tech-filled noisy lives," said Sharon. "The labyrinth experience allowed us to help them 'Be still and know God.'"  After walking the labyrinth the children were asked what they heard. See photos and some of the children's responses on the preschool's Facebook page.

The Urban Mission Project coordinates service experiences for church groups or senior high youth groups who are called to serve in an urban setting. St. Paul's United Methodist Church, located in the Uptown area of Toledo, has site managers that organize the sites for those seeking a mission project. Out-of-town church families are offered overnight accommodations at a local church. Three-day, four-day, or week-long mission projects are available. (Find out more) 

Barbara Cramer Crouse has recently released a book entitled Letting God Happen. A retired Home Missioner and member of Hope United Methodist Church in Franklin, Barbara has written many essays and short stories and a number of her stories have appeared in religious periodicals. Letting God Happen is her first book. The book is the story of her mother's passionate fight for the right to refuse a surgical procedure that could save her life and how Christian friends and family responded to the situation. Anyone interested in learning more about the power of prayer will find this story not only engaging, but also informative and perhaps helpful to his/her own spiritual journey.

The church has often struggled to maintain that balance between recognizing the natural causes of mental illness while also tending to the spiritual needs of those who struggle. It is an issue brought into sharp focus last April, when one of the most well-known pastors in America, Rick Warren, lost his son Matthew to suicide. How can churches better minister to those struggling with mental health issues?  (read more)

Looking for a summer mission experience that's not too far from home? The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland is offering 10% off for teams from the West Ohio Conference! The Nehemiah Mission aims to rebuild the lives and homes of the physically and fiscally challenged of Cleveland through volunteer mission groups that improve living environments. For more information, or to register, visit the Nehemiah Mission website.

The United Methodist Church's General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is seeking to fund innovative, bold, high-impact initiatives that will increase intercultural competency or support vital conversations about race, cultural diversity, and systemic equity across the church and the world. United Methodist annual conferences, churches, seminaries and caucuses are eligible to apply for a CORR Action Fund Grant. Grant application and additional information.

Churches produce and store large amounts of information. What happens when computers crash, viruses attack and hackers hack?  Taking the cheapest route for your information protection has a real potential of coming back to cost the church 10 times as much if something goes wrong.  Here are some security measures every church should have in place.

One of the most notable "Spirit Songs" of the 20th century is "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit in this Place" by African American gospel songwriter Doris Mae Akers (1923-1995). It expresses in simple, heartfelt language the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church. When The United Methodist Hymnal was published in 1989, "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" immediately became one of the favorite new hymns, and a staple during the greeting time in worship. (read more)

Upcoming Events