Cynthia and I would like to invite you to join us on a very special journey exploring the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul. This October, we will be visiting the Mediterranean on a tour to experience the very places where Paul witnessed for Christ. Traveling with us will be Bishop John Hopkins and his wife, Elaine, along with other friends from both the East and West Ohio Conferences. Our 12-day Voyages of Paul inspirational journey and study tour begins on October 1, 2015 aboard the ship Celebration Reflection. On our conference website at westohioumc.org/paul you'll find a video and photo gallery describing the tour and more details about all the places we'll visit together. Share this information with your church and other friends. Perhaps you even know someone you or your church could sponsor.  Learn more

In February a Volunteers in Mission team from the Ohio River Valley traveled to Brisas del Mar in Colombia to serve, be in relationship, make new friends and most of all to glorify God and share his love. Team leader Michael Estep shares about the experience: "It was a joyful opportunity to be in Brisas and assist the work of the Colombian Methodist Church. Methodism is growing like wildfire in Colombia."  In 2004 seven local congregations formed a national church, the Iglesia Colombiana Metodista (ICM). There are now 50 congregations and another 25 forming! This is a staggering growth rate. And they are doing so in communities that are the most hard pressed, the poorest of the poor, in places where no other denomination will go....and they are making a difference. God is at work.  Read  the rest of the team report

An ecumenical event this April will bring together different artistic components to communicate Christ's seven last words on the Cross. On April 3 The Point: A Ginghamsburg Church Community will host a Good Friday Worship Celebration called: The Seven Last Words of Christ. This event hopes to build unity among area churches and community leaders and to encourage reconciliation that can happen through Christ. Rev. Dr. Rosario Picardo, Executive Pastor of New Church Development for Ginghamsburg Church, has invited multiple guests to share in preaching, spoken word, liturgical dance and music, including Bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter, and Rev. Jon Ferguson. Presenters

Held at Ashland Seminary's Columbus campus and led by West Ohio's Rev. George Cooper, Stewardship 201 walks through "Next Steps" for Cultivating Generous Givers. This will be a working session for local church leaders to develop a customized strategy for their local church. The pastor is encouraged to have a small team from their Stewardship or Finance Committee to assist in the initial steps of strategizing. Stewardship 101 is not required to participate. Refreshments will be provided upon arrival and lunch will be served. CEU's are available. Information and registration