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News for West Ohio Conference Congregations
April 22, 2014 - Vol 7, Issue 16

  

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Publications
Bishop announces new diversity director

I am so pleased to announce to you that Mr. Harris Tay will serve as Director of Diversity Initiatives for the West Ohio Conference effective July 1. Harris follows Rev. Jocelyn Roper who will begin serving as Superintendent of the Miami Valley District this July. Harris holds both Bachelor's and Master's degrees with honors from Clark Atlanta University and brings a wealth of professional experience to the conference. Learn more

Milestone reached in apportionments

For the first time in West Ohio's history, your giving made possible 100% financial participation in the Connection. That's right; West Ohio paid 100% of its 2013 General Church apportionments. Thank you for your generous spirit.

This is a significant achievement and a major milestone in the history of the West Ohio Conference. 

In this report you will see a complete reporting of all of our churches' connectional giving. With an average collection rate of just over 77%, we still have room for improvement.  In fact, to meet this year's budget, we're counting on an 80% collection rate.  Working together, we can do it.  Read the full report online

#CoverTheNet in prayer on World Malaria Day
#CoverTheNet on World Malaria Day

World Malaria Day, April 25, is just a few days away, and United Methodists all over the world are asked to Twibbon, Thunderclap, tweet, post, share, and change their profile and cover photos, all in an effort to #CovertheNet with messages that draw attention to this killer disease. 

 

Read more

Bishop announces focus on clergy wellness, new activity program 

A new denomination-sponsored activity program - Virgin Pulse - is available to West Ohio Conference clergy. All active clergy appointed to local churches and their spouses are eligible, along with lay persons who are on the conference health insurance plan. Active clergy need not be on the Conference health plan in order to be eligible. When certain activity levels are met, participants can earn awards of up to $125 this year. Invitations are initiated by email - if you think you or your spouse is eligible and you have not received an email invitation, please contact Heather Moyers at hmoyers@wocumc.org. You can sign up in person at this year's Clergy Session on May 14 or at Annual Conference on Tuesday, June 10. Click here to read Bishop Palmer's letter about clergy wellness and to learn more about the Virgin Pulse program.

Partnering for prom

Two Cincinnati organizations joined together to host a prom for teens and adults who have developmental disabilities. This was the first prom ever held by Stepping Stones and the second time Clough United Methodist Church has partnered with them. Participants in the Stepping Stones program were joined by staff members and church members at this special dance. In December, the church held two Christmas parties at the center which included special activities and gifts for everyone and a visit by Santa Claus. Read more

Conference for Christian educators 

Christians Engaged in Faith Formation is hosting May the Circle be Unbroken, this fall in Nashville. This is the premier conference for United Methodist Christian Educators and leaders in faith formation. The four-day event offers an opening gala at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Keynote addresses, Bible studies, worship and fellowship opportunities will be held; and more than 50 workshops allow attendees to tailor the conference to fit their ministry needs. Learn more

Horse camp at Camp Wesley

If you know a boy or girl age 9-14 who loves horses, this new camp at Camp Wesley is just for them! Campers will spend two full afternoons at a local horse farm where they'll take a trail ride and do some arena riding. We partner with nearby Marmon Valley to offer a horse-lovers camp that combines time at traditional camp and at the horse farm. 

Learn more

3 ideas for connecting with your community this summer

It is time to think seriously about summer! Now is a great time to do some out-of-the-box outreach. Here are three great ideas to inspire you to try something new to connect with your community. The first one is a "Before I Die..." Wall from Kate Smith of Christ United Methodist Church in Kettering. "What do you want to do before you die?" The question is powerful and inspires reflection. It was even the subject of the popular movie "The Bucket List." Kate's imagination was sparked when she heard about this idea during a seminary class. She started dreaming how she could use it to connect her church with her community and the is simple.  Learn more

Christian thinking that sticks to your "ribs"

Do you like to be comforted? West Ohio pastor Rev. Jeremy Shank found himself in a place where he either needed to be more comforting behind the pulpit or go on being the "prophet of doom". Finding new inspiration in the things he loves - FOOD, Jeremy began a blog page chronicling his sermon work. Now he's written a book of the same name - Fried Chicken & Burritos

 

Jeremy uses the things that speak out from the scripture, even the hard stuff, as a way to bring people closer to God. Not all scripture is easy to read. God wants to comfort our souls. "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest." Get your belly full, today!  Learn more

First medical team to North Katanga

Be part of the first West Ohio Conference medical team to North Katanga this September! The team is looking for Family Doctors, Pediatricians, OB/GYNs, Surgeons, Nurses, Dentists, Pharmacists, and other medical professionals interested in working alongside medical personnel in the North Katanga Conference. The team has also been invited by the doctors in North Katanga to lead training in order to increase their skill in providing ongoing medical care and is open to medical students, pilots, and spiritual leaders, as well. Learn more

Upcoming EventsUpcomingEvents

Passages
Let us remember in prayer those grieving the loss of their loved one, and remember in thanksgiving the life of:

 

Edith Marie Passmore, 95, who passed away on March 27, 2014. Edith was the wife of Rev. Norman Passmore, an elder in The United Methodist Church, who died in 1988. Edith is survived by her sons, Bruce E. Kemp and wife Olga, Rudy Kemp and wife Deb; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Rev. Passmore served at the Potsdam United Methodist Church in Pottsdam, Ohio from 1980-1988.  Condolences may be expressed online at Reichard Funeral Home

 
 
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