Last week, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer announced the appointment of Rev. Linda Middelberg as the new Superintendent of the Capitol Area North District effective August 15 and Rev. Dr. Scot Ocke as the new Superintendent of the Maumee Watershed District effective September 1. Both are beloved colleagues who bring a history of empowering ministry to the leadership of our conference and as members of the Bishop's Cabinet, will assist in the appointment of all pastors in the West Ohio Conference. You are invited to be in prayer for these transformational leaders as they begin preparing for their new roles serving the West Ohio Conference in its mission and ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ. Read more about these two leaders.

Clintonville artist and  Maple Grove United Methodist Church (UMC) member, Valerie Aveni, created an upcycled sculpture of a giant mosquito to bring awareness to the cause of Imagine No Malaria. The materials Valerie used include beverage cans she collected from Clintonville residents. The mosquito sculpture is on display outside Maple Grove church in Clintonville. Read more

Maple Grove is a Luke 9:6 church with the West Ohio Conference Imagine No Malaria Campaign and will save 2,500 lives with their generosity. 

Renew your love and connection with one another at Family Camp. The weekend provides the setting for laughter, play, relaxation, and a chance to rekindle the fire of your faith together. Enjoy all your favorite camp activities like swimming, cooking out, getting messy in the mud pit and riding down the giant waterslide. It's the perfect time for fellowship and intimacy with the family. More information and see last year's photo albums.

2015 marks the bicentennial anniversary of Methodism in Thurston, Ohio and the Thurston United Methodist Church is planning a two-day celebration. The first day is a festival for families and friends of the church with food, fun and games.. On Sunday afternoon, professional organist, Brian Johnson, will perform at an organ concert. Brian is organist at Broad Street United Methodist Church and has been a guest organist for the summer movie series at the Ohio Theater in Columbus. A worship service follows with guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Diane Lobody, Professor of Church History & Wesleyan Studies at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Flyer with details

Erika, a member of the Hispanic Ministry at  First United Methodist Church in Middletown, is a true example of bravery and determination. A mother of five kids, housewife, undocumented, and without self-esteem, she decided to embark on the journey of education. While receiving classes in the High School program for adults at church, she learned about Jesus and how she could do anything through him. It took time for her to realize that she was not alone and to believe she could graduate and accomplish her goal. Read more
 

Mrs. Cynthia Palmer is providing daily photos of their journey which we are uploading to a West Ohio Facebook album. View the photos. 

In the photo below, note the children peeking through the window behind them, as Bishops Palmer and Ntambo preach at the North Katanga Annual Conference Session. 

Please join us this September to learn about the United Methodist Global Aids Fund (UMGAF), steps to eradicate HIV & AIDS around the globe and ways you can financially support the work of the UMGAF. On tap to speak at the event are Bishop Gregory V. Palmer and  Bishop Ann B. Sherer-Simpson who will join guests from the East and West Ohio Annual Conferences, faith-based AIDS leaders, Ohio HIV & AIDS experts, persons living with AIDS & members of the UMGAF Committee. All of this is a part of the Just Save One initiative, working toward an AIDS-free world. Details and registration

If you are planning ahead for the late summer/early fall "back to school" season, we have lots of resources and ideas for you to "rethink."  United Methodists believe that children have a right to education, and parents and governments have an obligation to provide them with the access to an adequate education. There are many ways church members can become more informed, more involved, and also advocate for schools and families. At the links below you will find practical ideas and tips, as well as worship resources to help you in this important ministry. Back to school includes not only children, youth and teens, but also helping college students stay connected. 

• Education ministry articles and video resources from United Methodist Communications
• Outreach resources at great prices from Rethink Church
• Small-group studies, liturgies, books from Discipleship Ministries
• The secret to faith after high school

Stewardship is an important topic for the church and Abingdon Press has devoted their July newsletter to the subject. The resources they list are meant to help your church family in rekindling a sense of generosity, and a desire for God's Kingdom above all things. 

John Wesley believed money was important as a way of expressing and living out Christian faith. To Wesley, the task was simple: earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can. As a thank you for browsing the resource suggestions in the newsletter, Abingdon is offering a free copy of Earn. Save. Give. for your personal or church use. Resources and details

Vicious attack dogs appearing out of nowhere, people being raised from the dead, a decapitated head going missing, a showdown with a wicked sorcerer. These are not plot points from the latest Stephen King, Dean Koontz, or J.K. Rowling thriller. Instead, they are traditions associated with the deaths of apostles Peter and Paul - all collected, translated, and analyzed by Ohio Wesleyan University professor David L. Eastman in his new book, "The Ancient Martyrdom Accounts of Peter and Paul (Writings from the Greco-Roman World)." Eastman's book includes all new translations from the original Greek, Latin, and Syriac sources, with footnotes to explain interesting or obscure points along with short introductions to supply dates and important features.  Learn more 

"It does not take a superhero to change the world, just a simple act by an ordinary person that can make a super impact on a fellow brother or sister in Christ."

Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) sends a big heartfelt thank you to the West Ohio Conference for your support of MMDC. The 2,583 pounds of supplies donated by West Ohio Churches in June at Lakeside will be giving a hand up to someone in need, whether that is a medical supply that helps cure, a school supply that helps educate or a disaster relief supply that helps clean up. Supplies are sent free of charge with the only stipulation that they are given freely to individuals no matter his/her race, gender or religion. We work hand in hand with organizations to help those in need receive God's grace.  

MMDC operates 100% from individual donations and the vast majority of our work is completed by volunteers. Over 1,700 volunteers visit MMDC each year to serve and even more have sewing groups, collection drives and other projects they complete off-site. This work would not be possible without your generous support. Thank you!