Capitol Area South District
Weekly Updates August 11, 2017

A Bias Opinion

L ife at a Deeper Level

This is the sixth in the series, "Naming Current Reality." This week Tim explores what would happen if we opened our eyes to live at a deeper level.

We live in a changing world. Uniformity and consensus are being replaced by individuality and diversity as the connective tissue in our communities and personal relationships. We have begun to place more importance on preferences and less importance on the mission and purpose of our congregations.

We live in a time when we have divided ourselves into positions around a number of issues. Each issue is good within itself, but the issue is not the purpose. We have begun to see those persons who disagree with us as enemies. Although it seems extreme, in many cases we have moved to destroy those who stand in the way of what we believe and desire. 


Fellowship of Associate Members & Local Pastors  Retreat
 Sunday, August 20 -  Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Living Water: An Oasis for Associate Members and Local Pastors
For more information click here
 
Learn How to Lead a Volunteers in Mission Team

Come and learn how to organize and lead a mission team in Ohio, the United States or around the world. Join experienced team leaders to learn skills and information for planning and leading a mission team. This training will also look at the role of the Spiritual Guide and provide practical resources for nurturing the spiritual life of team members. When engaged in mission, it is important to intentionally use the serving experience as a tool for spiritual formation. This training will equip you to lead others in mission where you will see and experience the abundant miracles of God's love. We look forward to working with you! For upcoming training opportunities,   click here.
Harry Denman Evangelism Award Recipients Featured

The Harry Denman Evangelism Award is presented to an individual who displays a passion and commitment for sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others. This year's West Ohio Denman Award winners are Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Swisher, Rev. John Keeny, Conner Ewing, and Cami Mohler. Each will be featured in NewsNET in the coming weeks.

To introduce people to someone who loves them unconditionally is one of the most exciting things anyone can do, said the Rev. Dr. Stephen Swisher, senior pastor at Etna United Methodist Church (UMC). "It's all about helping people make their lives better, inspire them to get closer to the Lord," he said. "What happens on Sunday morning should be the most significant thing that happens all week." That enthusiasm and passion for evangelism was recognized in June at the West Ohio Annual Conference Session when Swisher received the Harry Denman Evangelism Award. The award honors United Methodists in each annual conference for their exceptional ministry of evangelism that brings people into a transforming relationship with Christ. But for Swisher, while it's his name on the award, the recognition is shared with the Etna UMC congregation and his family, both whom have been "supportive and encouraging of outreach for Jesus. My name is on the award, but I share it with everyone because it's certainly been a team effort." Read More 
Fall Lay Servant Ministry Classes Announced
   
Basic Course and the Advanced Course: Spiritual Gifts
September 22nd and 23rd, at Centenary UMC
Registration coming soon
 
Advanced Course: Leading Worship and
Biblical Storytelling, an advanced course NOT required for Lay Speaker Certification  
November 17th and 18th, at Lancaster First UMC
Crossroads Ministry Center, 2095 West Fair Avenue, Lancaster

Registration Forms
United Methodist Community Ministries is pleased to announce that it's 2018 Local Church Grant application will be available August 1, 2017.   Read more

Your apportionment dollars to UMCM have made it possible for us to make $78,700 available for grants across the CAN and CAS Districts.  We are looking to fund ministries that are creative and innovative to reach new disciples for Jesus Christ. 

The deadline for submission is October 3, 2017.  Funding limit per church will be $5,000 and will be renewable for 2 years.  In addition, we still have funding available for "Micro Grants", it's a simple one-page application that can be used as startup money for a new ministry or emergency funding for existing ministries. For more information, visit https://umcommin.org 
Michael English
ETNA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Sunday, August 20th at @ 10:30 am
FREE ADMISSION
Michael English is a Multi-Plantium recording artist and is bringing the Redemption Tour to Central Ohio.  Everyone is welcome!
 
Register Now for New Traction Tracks in August & September
 
"Traction Tracks" are specific training/resourcing/coaching/implementation components developed within West Ohio's Missional Church Consultation Initiative (MCCI), now available in individual short courses for churches of any size and setting. Does your congregation need to gain a new specific aspect of traction in order to begin moving forward into renewed vitality? Consider which of these next Traction Track offerings might be right for you.  Every Traction Track involves your pastor plus a team from your church. Click here to find out more, and to register online.  All start in August or September.
"When Kids Come Out" - A Four-Session Class for Parents of LGBT Children

What happens when a child comes out to his/her parents? The experience often
raises many questions for both the child and for the family. For example:
* What does it mean for the family when a child comes out to his/her/their
parents?
* What does it mean for the parents' relationship to their church?
* What does it mean for the parents' own faith?
* How do parents navigate their own "coming out" after their children have
come out to them?

These questions are among those that will be addressed in the four-session
class that will be held on Wednesday evenings from September 6 through
September 27 at the Worthington United Methodist Church. The meetings will
begin at 7:00 pm and conclude by 8:30 pm. The church is located at 600 High
Street, Worthington. Parking is available at the church. Look for signs directing
you to "Kids Coming Out" class.

The Rev. Jim Waugh, retired pastor in the West Ohio Conference, will lead the group.
Jim and his wife, Carol, have an adult daughter, Lisa, who came out to them several
years ago. Jim is also a member of the Steering Committee for the Parents
Reconciling Network.

If you have questions or need more information, please feel free to email Jim:
jwaugh3@mac.com.
  Opiate Round Table

Please secure this date for an opiate
resource round table meeting for faith-based groups that will be held at
 Scioto Ridge UMC 
September 14th from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM

                                                      More details to follow.
Stewardship 101 for the Smaller Church
West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

Saturday, September 30, 2017
(Check-in begins at 9:30am) Event: 10:00am-2:30pm
West Carrollton United Methodist Church
26 N. Locust Street, West Carrollton, OH  45449
$5.00 per person (includes lunch, refreshments and resources)

Who Should Attend
Pastors, Finance Committee Members, Stewardship Team Leaders, Church Leaders

Growing Generosity
The smaller church has unique cultural issues to address to grow generosity. The following topics will be addressed, customized to their unique historical practices.
* Biblical foundation for giving to God
* Understanding generosity as a lifestyle
* Holistic approach to stewardship
* Modified local church year-round strategy to grow generous givers
* What is the role of the pastor?
* What is the role of the finance committee?
* Best financial practices
* Address: "But we've always had the money when we need it!"
* Why or why not use CD's (Certificates of Deposit) as stewards?

For more information contact Council on Development at 614-844-6200
Rev. George Cooper -  gcooper@wocumc.org
Rev. Stan Ling - sling@wocumc.org
Mrs. Joy Perry -  jperry@wocumc.org
 
REVIVE &  RENEW FOR
RELEVANT  MINISTRY

Town and Rural  Resource Program (TARRP) of  East & West Ohio  Conferences invite UM
Clergy & Lay to join us  for a day apart to:
What are the goals of this event?  Click here for more information and registration.

Sat., Sept. 30, 2017
9:00 am-4:00 pm  at  CAMP WESLEY  just north of  Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Plus an option to  come early on  September 29th  to rest, relax, hike,
fish, and enjoy the  facilities, with  supper, & vespers!
 
New UM Handbook Available

The new United Methodist Church Handbook for this quadrennium is available, providing a detailed overview of the denomination's beliefs, mission, structure and history. The handbook is a free, go-to resource for anyone in search of information about The United Methodist Church and is helpful for leaders and new members. The handbook offers a holistic overview of the church and the ways that all United Methodists are an essential part of the denomination's work around the world. It also explains the church's connectional nature, includes denominational maps and graphics, answers frequently asked questions, provides a glossary of key denominational terms, offers communication and connectional giving information and suggests resources to further mission and ministry. A copy of the handbook can be ordered here  or by calling 1-888-346-3862.
Timothy Circle Mentor Training
 
This four-week introduction to mentoring will give you the skills you need to mentor a young person in their faith. With tips, conversation topics and questions, you can help a young person hear God's voice and discover where God is calling them in life. 
Click here Be A Disciple.com for additional information and courses
ChurchOrganist/Pianist
Glenwood United Methodist Church in west Columbus is seeking a part-time organist/pianist for weekly worship services.. .more

Traditional Music Director
Hilliard UMC  is looking for a leader, passionate about the ways that sacred music from a variety of styles and traditions can draw the congregation into.. .more

Office Administrator
Crossroads UMC is searching for a person that acts as administrative assistant to the senior pastor and staff and manages church communication. They also disburse.. more

Church Organist/Pianist
Christ United Methodist Church is accepting applications for a Organist/Pianist.  Please contact them at:  Christ United Methodist Church,1480 Zettler Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43227 

Choir Director
Neal Avenue United Methodist Church is accepting application for a Choir Director to lead the choir.. .more        Application

Intern for Youth Group and Music/Worship Leadership
Chatham Charge UMC is searching for a dynamic musically inclined individual to assist with their weekly Wednesday afternoon youth group as well as... more

Church Accompanist
Maple Street United Methodist Church in Lancaster, Ohio is in search of an accompanist for piano (mostly) and organ (occasionally).  This paid position ... more

Assistant for Children and Student Ministries
The Assistant for the Children and Student Ministries Pastor is responsible for assisting the Children and Student Ministry Pastor and volunteers in the...  more 
 

Director of Music
Alexandria UMC in Alexandria OH is seeking a Director of Music.  This part-time paid position inc
ludes directing the Chancel Choir and Bell  (currently inactive), more
STAY CONNECTED:
Visit our website to find:  
Classifieds, Calendar, Resources and more!
http://www.capitolareasouth.org/district/capitolareasouth/
Please share these updates with others in your congregation!

If you have anything you would like to have shared or posted in our Newsletter, feel free to email your request to me by Wednesday at Noon.