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News for West Ohio Conference Congregations
May 27, 2014 - Vol 7, Issue 21

  

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Academies feed spiritually hungry pilgrims
Since 1983, the Academy for Spiritual Formation® has offered an environment for spiritually hungry pilgrims, whether lay or clergy, that combines academic learning with experience in spiritual disciplines and community.  The Academy's commitment to an authentic spirituality promotes balance, inner peace and outer peace, holy living and justice living, God's shalom. Theologically the focus is Trinitarian, celebrating the Creator's blessing, delighting in the companionship of Christ and witnessing to the power of the Holy Spirit to transform lives, churches and the world. The Academy for Spiritual Formation® has both a two-year program and a five-day program.  Learn more
Road trip adventures at camp!

Camp Otterbein has added two new off-site trips this summer! Rock, Raft and Faith Camp on June 8 will travel to West Virginia for rock climbing, caving and rafting the New River. River Expedition on June 22 is a weeklong kayak adventure down the Hocking river. Other new camps are Wilderness Night Owls and Explore God's World. Family Camp is August 1-3 and many other summer camp opportunities are available to check out on our website at westohiocamps.org.
Video resources
United Methodist Women Shape Generations
United Methodist Women Shape Generations
Meditation on the Cross: What do YOU see?
Meditation on the Cross:
What do YOU see?
Peace with Justice Sunday, Sierra Leone Youth Immersion
Peace with Justice Sunday, Sierra Leone Youth Immersion

Vital rural churches receive award

The West Ohio United Methodist Rural Advocates has chosen Christ United Methodist Church in South Webster as the overall smaller congregation vital church. The Shawnee Valley church will receive the WO-UMRA William B. Murray Vital Town and Country Church Award and $1,000 to use for a mission/outreach project of their choice. Presentation of the award will be made at Annual Conference by Bishop Palmer. Several other churches received a $500 to use for a mission/outreach project of their choice. Learn more

So your job is church: how to separate faith & work 
So you work at the church you attend. It can make for some awkward moments. This has probably happened to you: You're singing your heart out in worship. Your hands are raised. Your eyes are closed. Then someone taps you on the shoulder. There's an issue that requires your attention. Something isn't running perfectly smooth and it turns into a minor emergency that only you can handle. While written from a communications leader perspective, this article relates to anyone who works and worships at the same church. Learn more
Military caregivers face lifelong battles with few resources
They are the "hidden heroes" --1.1 million parents, spouses and friends serving as caregivers for post-9/11 military veterans.They are overwhelmed, under-trained and mostly unsupported in their unexpected lifelong roles as caregivers. Many of us are familiar with heartwarming stories of caregivers and their laudable dedication, but we rarely think about the significant cumulative stress outcomes and financial strains accompanying such care and devotion.Caregivers are routinely an afterthought as programs typically target support for veterans. Support and respite care is an opportunity for local church ministry. Learn more 
Sandy recovery help still needed!

While much of the country has moved on from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in October of 2012, much work remains to be done in the Greater New Jersey and New York Annual conferences. Both areas need volunteers to help those who don't have the physical or financial capacity to recover on their own. In New Jersey, A Future with Hope Sandy Relief and Recovery Ministry is currently working on 40 homes, with 30 more in the queue and another 19 that will begin in the next two months. In New York, many families still do not have electricity in their homes; have basements that wait to be cleaned out; and face the threat of losing their homes while paying rent on the property they currently live in. Interested in helping out? Contact Volunteer Coordinator Lisa Park (New Jersey) at lisapark@afuturewithhope.org or 732-359-1066 or Barbara Burnside (New York) at sandyrecovery@nyac-umc.com or 203-470-1539. Financial contributions can be made to US Disaster Response.
Aging in poverty ministry grant application
Local churches with ideas for creative ministries involving older adults can apply for a limited number of special Aging in Poverty Ministry grants from the United Methodist Committee on Older Adult Ministries. The grants are from the committee and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. The application period is now open and completed applications should be submitted no later than August 18, 2014.
Annual conference events
If you are attending the annual conference session at Lakeside, be sure and check out the many luncheons and other events planned that week. Online registration if available for many. From Holy Currencies training to the Laity Luncheon and the All in: Prison Ministry Program, there are  many opportunities to learn more about various ministries in the West Ohio Conference. Events Page

Upcoming EventsUpcomingEvents

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

 

Mrs. Dorothy M. Brandyberry, 94,who died May 20. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Simeon W. Brandyberry, and their son, Timothy R. Brandyberry. She is survived by her daughter, Cathy (Ed) Helber; sons, David Brandyberry, Tom (Carol) Brandyberry and Paul (Nancy) Brandyberry; daughter-in-law, Betty Brandyberry; 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; a sister; and several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was a devoted pastor's wife who served alongside her husband at Tontogany (1945), Luckey (1950), Old Fort (1958), Trinity (Fremont, 1966), Sixth Avenue (Lancaster, 1972) and Grace (Lima, 1977) United Methodist Churches. Obituary. Online condolences may be sent at the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory website.

Rev. Herbert E. Massey, 96, who died on May 17. Herbert is survived by his wife of 70 years, Alice Virginia Massey; two children, Rebecca Sherrell Massey and her husband, Wendell; Joseph Foard Massey and his wife, Renetia Martin; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Rev. Massey served in East Ohio churches from 1944-1960. In West Ohio he served at Fairborn (1960), Grove City (1968) and Central (Springfield, 1974) United Methodist Churches. Rev. Massey also served the Conference as Assistant Secretary, Dean of the School of Christian Mission, Member of the Board of Evangelism, Missions, Pensions, Council on Development and Section on Ordained Ministry. Obituary. Condolences  may be sent to Mrs. Alice Virginia Massey, 1128 Federal Hills Road, Street, Maryland 21154 or online at Harkins Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Joan Marie Zeiders, wife of former United Theological Seminary President G. Edwin Zeiders, who died on May 23. In addition to her husband, Joan is survived by two daughters, a son, and 3 grandchildren. From 1999 until 2007, Joan served the United community with Dr. Zeiders. Obituary. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 28, at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 250 East College Ave., State College, Pennsylvania. Condolences may be sent to Dr. Zeiders at 67 Enola Drive, Stewartstown, Pennsylvania 17363. 

 
 
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