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                                                                                                           NewsNET April 29, 2015 - Vol 8, Issue 16
Appeal for prayers and donations for Nepal

More than 5,000 dead, 11,000 injured, 1.5 million people in need of urgent help, millions of people affected. These grim numbers are the heartbreaking aftermath of last Saturday's earthquake in the Himalayan nation of Nepal, one of the world's poorest countries. At times like this we are privileged to be called upon by God for our generosity and even our sacrifice. I am grateful in advance for what I trust you will do to respond to this enormous devastation. All of our hearts go out to the people of Nepal and the region who have lost loved ones and are displaced. Thanks be to God for UMCOR and all of the partners that are providing relief from suffering. Read the Bishop's letter to West Ohio

Reading Nouwen through a Wesleyan lens

Henri Nouwen, the world-renowned spiritual guide and counselor, understood the spiritual life as a journey of faith and transformation that is deepened by accountability, community, and relationships. Nouwen speaks to Christians on a universal level but his teachings and writings have always held a unique resonance for the Wesleyan reader. Though he counseled many people during his lifetime, many of his principles were never written down. Now, his coursework, journals, conference notes, and unpublished writings have been compiled in a definitive, three volume work. Banded with the three titles, Cokesbury exclusively includes a beautifully bound essay; Reading Nouwen Through the Wesleyan/Methodist Lens. Find out more at this link. 

News from missionary Romeo del Rosario

The GBGM-UMC Office in Cambodia has purchased four parcels of land (a total of 3.16 acres or over one hectare) for the new camp and retreat center for the Methodist Church in Cambodia. A few weeks ago, the parcel of land across the road from the retreat center site became available as well. With a donation from friends in the USA to augment existing funds, land for a Women's Center was purchased. Already, Asian women leaders are expressing interest in the development of the Women's Center site. Read more

"Pennies from Heaven" and other ways to save lives

By the 2015 West Ohio Annual Conference session in June, we will reach or surpass our $3.5 million campaign goal for Imagine No Malaria. On this final stretch, our bishop has challenged us to hold a "Sunday to Save Lives" fundraiser in each church and send the proceeds with your clergy and lay members to the Global Praise Worship Service on Tuesday, June 9 at Lakeside. From 5k runs to chili cook-offs, our churches have been creatively raising the remaining funds for West Ohio to save 350,000 lives! Crossroads United Methodist Church decided on a noisy yet effective way to raise "Pennies from Heaven" for their Sunday to Save Lives. Read their story and others then visit The Box for more ideas.

Churches ask "What if?"

On April 18, eight West Ohio churches participated in the second half of their Breakthrough Prayer Lab training. Included was a full day of training in best practices, breakthrough prayer ideas that fueled the churches prayer teams, and powerful stories from leaders within the West Ohio, Dakota and Minnesota Conferences. All fifty-two of the Breakthrough Prayer Lab participants were challenged to consider introducing this prayer movement to another West Ohio or community congregation. Eight additional congregations will unite with our Breakthrough Prayer Lab churches and continue a movement that is transforming communities. Read more

General Conference Sites Chosen for 2024 and 2028

The Commission on the General Conference voted this week to take the quadrennial legislative gathering out of the U.S. for the first time in 2024 - and again in 2028. Manila, Philippines was chosen as the site for the 2024 General Conference; the 2028 conference will be in Harare, Zimbabwe. "Meeting outside the U.S. is an important statement to say that we're a worldwide denomination," said Sara Hotchkiss, business manager of the General Conference. Read more

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

Rev. James B. Heininger, 90, who died on April 26. Surviving are his wife, Nancy; children, James Heininger, Andrew (Marie) Heininger, Amy Lu Heininger and Julie (Jeff) German; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Rev. Heininger served at Jerry City-Portage Center Charge (1947); Clarksfield Church (Norwalk, EOC 1950); First (Bluffton 1955); Loveland (1960); Mount Washington (1969); Greenfield (1971); Farmersville (1974); Oldtown-Union Charge (1977); and Countryside Chapel (1988). Obituary. The family will receive friends Thursday, April 30, 6-8 pm at the McPeek-Hoekstra Funeral Home, 133 South Prospect Street, Granville. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, May 1 at 11:30 am at Maplewood Cemetery in Spencerville. A memorial service will be on Saturday, May 9 at 2:30 P.M. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 102 East Broadway, Granville with Rev. Stephen J. Cramer as celebrant. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 1:00 P.M. until the time of service. Expressions of condolence may be sent to Mrs. Nancy Heininger, 1284 James Road, Granville, Ohio 43023.

Correction:

In the listing last week for Ellen M. Deaven, 97, who died on April 9, her husband, Rev. Harry W. Deaven was incorrectly listed as having retired in 1959. He served at Brookville United Methodist Church until his death in 1974.

 
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