Each year, United Methodist Women prepare for faithful living and action by studying mission courses at Mission u, which offers a 

	Created for Happiness: Understanding Your Life in God The early Methodist tradition used the language of happiness often. Not only did John Wesley preach and teach about happiness but his brother Charles wrote hymns about happiness that the early Methodists sang. The happiness they sought was happiness in God. This study examines the understanding of happiness and how to live the life that God calls us to.
	Latin America: People and Faith This mission study is an overview of the richness of Latin America and its people. The study examines the history of the region from pre-Colombian times until colonization and the struggle for independence. It also explores the current challenges of the nations, along with their rich art, culture and the ongoing contributions of women.
	The Church and People with Disabilities This study, which will build awareness in the church regarding issues of disability, calls the church to provide full accessibility to services and opportunities and promotes advocacy for justice for people with disabilities. Unlike other categories of human experience, disability crosses all lines of gender, orientation, ethnicity, socioeconomic position, age and culture

 July 6-12, One-day, four-day and weekend programs.  Family rates available. Early discount and application for scholarships ends April 15.   Details and registration

Here's a shocking statistic: The State of Ohio is 7th in the United States for human trafficking, with the average trafficking victim being a 12-year-old girl. This criminal industry crosses all religious and economic boundaries. March for Freedom - Columbus will host a march on Sunday, May 3 to raise awareness of the human rights violations of prostitution and human trafficking. Speaking at the march will be Judge Paul Herbert, the founder of CATCH Court.  Registration 

The congregation at  Shalom United Methodist Church in Carroll, Ohio is small. Typical worship is less than 100. When asked to participate in the Imagine No Malaria campaign, they were doubtful of what impact they could make. The children were enthusiastic though and began saving their money with a goal of reaching $500. The congregation became inspired and began noticing other changes in stewardship taking place. By the summer, they were nearing the $1,000 mark. The children started working on their own fundraisers and parents taught tithing at home.  Imagine No Malaria became the VBS focus. A year later, the congregation has not only saved over 200 lives, but experienced the positive impact of reaching for goals and teaching their children about giving. Read more.

Greg Forrester, UMCOR's Assistant General Secretary for Disaster Response in the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean will give the opening remarks Thursday evening at the North Central Jurisdiction Volunteer Leadership Academy. Greg will outline his plan for responding to the new disasters that hit every year in one Annual Conference or another. The event will be held this August at the Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Center in Iowa and will highlight Disaster Response tactics and encompass the many aspects of volunteering. The first 50 folks to register will automatically have a $50 scholarship built into the cost. See the schedule, line-up of speakers and registration information. 

When a spouse is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, the husband or wife often looks to their church for emotional, physical, and spiritual support. However, most churches are not well-equipped to minister to those caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's. Denial, embarrassment, the decision to tell others, and additional issues-some that feel too private to share- can have a significant impact on the marriage. Sanctuary in the Midst of Alzheimer's is a resource for both spouses and their churches, encouraging congregations to walk in the shoes of a spousal caregiver while providing the opportunity for spouses to find meaning and a sense of peace in their role as a caregiver. Author Dr. Elizabeth Young has an M.Div. from The Methodist Theological School in Ohio and a D.Min. from United Theological Seminary. Learn more

The Digital Diary series from GodFilms. Each open-ended short film invites individuals, small groups and congregations to search, discuss and discover Biblical application together. Rather than experts explaining issues, the Digital Diary films are often mysterious and thought-provoking, pushing us to unwrap Jesus' teaching in a new way. The Digital Diary series uses peer-to-peer learning techniques in an incubator-style environment to help unleash conversations in small groups. GodFilms is from Discipleship Ministries and is focused on sharing stories that encourage Christians to think. A one-page study guide is available free for each film (PDF download). Preview the films

Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be offered for the children of annual conference members by International Child Care (ICC). VBS will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
 

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.