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                                                                                                           NewsNET April 1, 2015 - Vol 8, Issue 12
Churches recognized for breakthrough achievements


 
Last Wednesday the Cabinet held a special luncheon to recognize eight West Ohio churches who had achieved a 2015 Breakthrough Goal. "One of the best ninety minutes I spent last week was at the first Breakthrough Goal Luncheon," noted Bishop Palmer. "It was all joy as we celebrated the fruitfulness and effectiveness of eight West Ohio congregations that aspire to touch more people with the transforming love and power of the gospel. Their stories of prayer, focus and kingdom labor are an inspiration. The cabinet and I can't wait to recognize and celebrate the next eight churches." Exciting ministry is happening in our West Ohio churches and the Breakthrough Goal Dashboard is a tool many are finding useful in decision making. Full story  

"UnBreakable" laity luncheon

The 2015 Annual Conference Laity Luncheon theme is UnBreakable: Forging a Marriage of Contentment and Delight. Special guest will be West Ohio author and pastor, Rev. Tony Miltenberger who serves at Centerville United Methodist ChurchUnBreakable is a unique and powerful resource for laity, clergy and individual couples who want to repair, strengthen and shock-proof marriages. Join us in June for lunch and discussion as we unpack what it means to use healthy relationships as a catalyst to ignite your ministry, small groups and build healthier families. Lunch and an autographed copy of the book are included. Information and registration

$10 saves a life!
How many lives can you save between now and June's Annual Conference Session? Want an easy way to do so? Save your loose change each day for Imagine No Malaria and drop it into one of our free Savings BanksWith 10 weeks to go before Annual Conference, if each of us would save one life a week we can make our Annual Conference Offering a huge witness for Christ through the lifesaving campaign of Imagine No MalariaDave Boling at the Conference Office also has a limited supply. Order today! Together we can end death and suffering from malaria! 
Rev. Claudine Leary: Generations Lost
Imagine No Malaria: Generations Lost
Many heard her story at Council on Development's Donor Recognition Luncheon last May. Many have heard her speak in local churches. Now, you can download a copy of Rev. Claudine Leary's malaria story and share it in your local church and worship setting. Claudine grew up in Rwanda and is a malaria survivor. Her story is powerful and will help your congregation grasp the magnitude of death and suffering caused by the simple bite of a mosquito. Download the video here or from The Box. Unable to download? Call Dave Boling at the Conference Office for a DVD.

Who gets Aunt Mamie's bracelet?

collection of old antiques Who Gets Aunt Mamie's Bracelet, Enjoying Retirement While Impacting the World, and The Magic of Endowments: The Gift That Keeps on Giving  are some of the breakout sessions at the May Creating a Legacy for your Church's Future seminar. The day is dedicated to helping you understand why a proactive planned-giving program is essential to your future. Larry Miles from St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Findlay will share how their church applied best practices for success. More information and registration

Accepting nominations for evangelism awards
evangelism The Foundation for Evangelism has a vision to raise up generations of leaders with a passion for evangelism by resourcing partnerships with seminaries, agencies, and program innovators. One way in which it enables the United Methodist Church to fulfill its mission is to recognize those who excel in the practice of evangelism in the spirit of John Wesley

The Culture of the Call Church Award recognizes a church whose culture encourages the next generation of leaders with a passion for evangelism to enter full-time Christian service. Information and nomination form (nomination deadline April 2)


The Distinguished Evangelist of The United Methodist Church Award honors an individual whose personal ministry in evangelism is recognized throughout the denomination. Information and nomination form (nomination deadline May 14)

Native American Ministries Sunday is April 19

The United Methodist Church, Native and non-Native, is creating a new history. Today Native Americans - with many unique languages and many unique cultures - honor their heritage and live as Jesus-followers, led by a rotation of primarily Native American pastors. Through Native American Ministries Sunday, we're able to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus. Here is a collection of resources that you can download to promote this Special Sunday in your church, with everything you need to empower your congregation to give generously. Click on the Infographic at the left to see Native Americans and The United Methodist Church. .  

How to watch a Bible movie without making everyone miserable
Young man sitting on a sofa and watching tv

By Shane Raynor, Ministry Matters

I remember watching "Jesus of Nazareth" in 1978 when I was five. I was glued to the set. That production played a major role in getting me interested in who Jesus was at a very young age. I discovered much later all the controversy that had surrounded the film. I'm glad I didn't know that as a kid. It would have probably ruined the film for me. Fast forward 37 years, and not a lot has changed. On Palm Sunday I watched the premiere of the television movie Killing Jesus on the National Geographic Channel. During the commercial breaks, I read tweets from the #KillingJesus timeline.  Read more

2015 Annual Conference and Election updates

Caucuses and Interest Groups creating slates for voting at this year's Annual Conference need to submit a Covenant Form with the Election Team.by April 15.


 
Multiple Ways to Give:  In addition to our Imagine No Malaria offering, Health Kits will be collected at annual conference as well as our annual Potato Drive

 

All clergy and lay members should register online for the 2015 Annual Conference Session before the deadline of May 30. 

Upcoming EventsUpcomingEvents

Passages

 

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

 

Mary Lee who died on March 29 and is survived by her husband, Rev. Henry Lee, a retired elder in the West Ohio Conference. Mrs. Lee served alongside her husband in West Ohio at Seaman (1965), First (Brookville, 1969), Oregon (1978), Georgetown (1982), Oakdale (1983), Monclova-Wilkins Charge (1989), First (Rockford, 1995), and Ayersville (2003) United Methodist Churches. There will be no visitation or service. Expressions of condolence will reach the family at Rev. Henry Lee, 11324 Bobwhite Lane, St. Marys, Ohio 45885.

 

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