CAS Weekly Updates

Capitol Area South District

Weekly Updates, February 3, 2017

A Bias Opinion

FOUR ACTS OF A SACRAMENTAL LIFE

Paul gives witness to the life of Christ in the book of Philippians. In the scripture below he describes the sacramental life of Jesus. At the same time, Paul is urging us to live the life of Christ. The characteristics of a Christ-like life are not hard to uncover in this text: love, unity, integrity, and humility. Jesus embodies love. This is the life Christ-followers are to live.

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don't do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. (Philippians 2:1-4)

What then does this scripture teach us about living a sacramental life? Here are four acts of a sacramental life to get started:

1. Share God's love in all aspects of life.

To live a sacramental life is to share God's love in all aspects of our lives. We share in visible ways the love that shapes our innermost being. We follow Jesus to discover and join in God's mission here on earth. That is a sacramental life.

2. Continue growing to become more like Jesus.

The sacramental life also implies growth. As people who live in the Wesleyan tradition, we talk about "going on to perfection." We are to become more like Jesus. We are not to be perfect people. We are to be people perfected in Christ. The more we become who Jesus invites us to be, the more we are able to alert people to the kingdom of God.

3. Practice God's love.

The sacraments are designed to be holy acts, or practices, of the church. These acts remind us of God's love for us. If sacraments are the holy acts of the church pointing us to God's love, Christ followers are called to embody a sacramental life. That takes practice...a lifetime of practice.

Paul continues, "Adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Sacramental living is a reflection of the mind, heart, and actions of Christ. As Paul reminds us, our embodiment of God's humble love will stretch us. That is when we know we are growing.

4. Regularly ask questions as individuals and as a congregation that guide our relationships with Jesus, one another, and our community

How are we growing as Christ-followers?
How are we sharing the life and love of Jesus with one another?
How are we offering our lives (and assisting our congregations) in impacting our communities?

Living a sacramental life is counter-cultural. It is also life-giving, love-bound, and transformational.

Be a person of hope and love. Live a sacramental life. The pathway will help you become who Jesus wants you to be.

Your prayers for Linda and her family are appreciated.

In Memory of Donna L. Christy, sister of Rev. Linda Middelberg

Donna L. Christy, 58, of Erlanger, KY, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2017. She is preceded in death by her mother, Katherine White. She is survived by her husband, John Christy; beloved dogs, Tyler & Megan; father, Robert White; identical twin sister, Deborah (Tim) Landers; sister Linda (John) Middelberg; nieces, Ashley Brown and Leah Jasper; great niece Anna Katherine Brown; great nephew, Andrew Brown.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, February 6 from 5-7 PM with a memorial service following at 7 PM, with Rev. Linda Middelberg officiating, at Stith Funeral Homes, 7500 US Highway 42, Florence, KY, 41042.

Memorials can be made to an animal organization of the donor's choice.

Condolences can be sent to Linda care of the Capitol Area North District Office, 2545 Farmers Drive, Suite 350, Columbus, OH 43235.

OBITUARY LINK

Lay Members At-Large to Annual Conference

Every year each District has a number of openings for the election of additional lay members to the Annual Conference. These additional lay members come from the heart of our United Methodist congregations. We invite you, the laity in our churches to consider offering your name to represent our District at Annual Conference. Our goal is to have a diverse group of individuals to represent our district. This means that we will do our best to be diverse in respect to ethnicity, age, demographic context (rural, urban, suburban, small membership church, large membership church) and more. If you are interested in serving in this capacity please contact the district office at capitolareasouth.org f or more information or to be placed on the list for consideration. If you have previously served in this capacity, please contact us to register your continued interest in serving.

For those of you who have already responded, THANK YOU!!

LEADERSHIP TRAINING DAY - GROVE CITY UMC

FEBRUARY 4, 2017 @ 8:30-12:30

Schedule:

Doors Open at 8:30 AM

Opening will be held in the Sanctuary at 9:00 AM

Session 1 Workshops start at 9:15 AM

Break at 10:45 am

Session 2 Workshops start at 11:00 AM

Session 2 ends at 12:30 pm

There is no cost to attend the workshops

REGISTER HERE

Workshops and Presenters:

Session 1 9:15 - 10:45 am

Asset-Based Community Development - Rev. Karen Cook

Board of Trustees - Mr. Chris Hogan

Children's Ministries - Ms. Carla Fox-Chiles

Church Lifecycles - Rev. Bill Lyle

Church Revitalization - Mr. Brad Aycock

Finance - Mr. Bill Brownson

Life Groups - Rev. John Wooden

Pension and Health Insurance - Mr. Mike Kremnitzer

Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations - Rev. Tim Bias and Rev. Linda Middelberg

Special Needs Ministry - Rev. Laurie Clark

Session 2 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Community Ministries - Rev. Gregory Kendrick, Rev. Matt Yoder, Dr. Katelin Hansen and Rev. Karen Cook

Discipleship Pathways - Rev. Tim Bias

Door to Core Strategies - Rev. Todd Richards and Ms. Brandy Merryman

Global Mission Partnerships - Rev. Dee Stickley-Miner

Lay Servant Ministries - Ms. Judy Hug

Leading Through Prayer - Rev. Curnell Graham and Rev. R. Scott Miller

Multi-Media - Rev. Ryan Grace

Prison Ministry - Ms. Reba Collins

Social Media in Ministry - Mr. Seth Evans

Stump the DS - Rev. Linda Middelberg

REMINDER: YEAR END REPORTS!!

Year-end Report Data Submission Deadline is February 15

If you need assistance with submitting your year-end data please contact the district office.

Employment Opportunities In Our District

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 could start... more

Director of Children's Ministries

Hilliard UMC has an immediate opening for a Director of Children's Ministry. We are looking for a strong leader that has a passion for children and their families.. . 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 administrative... 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 Choir (currently inactive), more

SAFETY & SECURITY IN THE CHURCH - plus

THE DIFFICULTIES OF OPIATE & HEROIN ADDICTION

So what happens in an emergency at your church-lost child, unresponsive adult, accident, disorderly

person, gas line break, smoke, tornado, utility failure, intruder or active shooter? Who directs the

members? What's the plan? Who to call? We should know. Come and learn:

· To use the Assessment Tool for safety and security in and around your church.

Develop Emergency Plans for a multitude of emergencies in and around your church.
Plan for a Crisis Team to handle any emergency, illness, or problem during worship.

Regarding Opiate & Heroin Addiction: Learn how and why persons, even 12 year olds, are addicted. Why pre-school children are addicted. Why arrests don't solve the problem. What pain killers does your doctor prescribe to you? It's important we:

Understand the depth of the opiate and heroin problem in our church's community.
Offer ways to help families affected by opiate or heroin addiction.
Be more aware of opiates you and family members are prescribed.

On February 18, 2017, in Hebron, Ohio, TARRP (Town and Rural Resource Program) is offering a very

informative workshop to help your church board, mission team, and others learn and be equipped to

help your church to make a difference in the lives of your parishioners and community.

Please see the attached brochure or email Rev. Debbie Ketcham at revdsk@frontier.com for more

information.

Stewardship 101 for the Smaller Church

West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

Saturday, March 4, 2017

(Check-in begins at 9:30am) Event: 10:00am-2:30pm

Hope United Methodist Church

83 E. Columbus Street, Canal Winchester, OH 43110

$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

Sponsored by the Council on Development

or go to www.westohioumc.org
and click on Register for Events

Contact: Joy Perry

Email: jperry@wocumc.org

Click here to register on-line

Spring 2017 Lay Servant Ministries Courses:

Advanced Course: UM Polity click here for information

March 31 and April 1, 2017 at Marysville First UMC

Basic Lay Servant Ministry click here for information

April 1, 2017 at Marysville First UMC

The 2012 General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted resolutions that changed the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. Lay Servant Ministry is our United Methodist system for lay leadership development and includes lay speaking as one of the certifications. The basic and advanced courses are designed to help develop skills in witnessing to the Christian faith through spoken communication, church and community leadership, and care-giving ministries. Specific coursework is required to become a lay speaker, if desired.

All Local and Certified Lay Servants/Speakers must be approved at their church's annual charge conference. They also must complete a Lay Speaker Annual Report for inclusion with the annual charge conference paperwork. See the attachment below for a detailed explanation on the requirements to become a Local Church Lay Servant, Certified Lay Servant, or Lay Speaker.

Are you ready to answer God's calling for you as a lay servant leader? Look in the West Ohio Conference's recent EQUIP resource catalog for upcoming courses! You can take courses offered in any District. You may also take courses online here

Advanced Lay Servant Training - Pastoral Care

Friday, April 21, 2017 - 6:30pm to Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 5:00pm

This advanced Lay Servant Minisitry course on Pastoral Care will be held on Friday evening and all day Saturday. Cost, books and assignments are yet to be determined.

Location: Hebron New Life UMC

925 W. Main St., Hebron OH 43025

Contact: Diana Keefer

Email: capitolareasouth@wocumc.org

Price: TBD

Advanced Lay Servant Training - Go Preach

Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 8:30am to 5:00pm

Advance Lay Servant training on preaching. This class meets for two consecutive Saturdays, April 22 and 29, so that you have time to prepare and present a sermon on the second Saturday. Cost, book and assignments yet to be determined.

Location: Hebron United Methodist Church

925 W. Main St., Hebron OH 43025

Contact: David Cady

Email: capitolareasouth@wocumc.org

Price: TBD

Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries Feb 15 deadline

Celebrating over 20 years of service, Ohio PAUMCS is committed to their purpose of recognizing the position of the church secretary as a professional within the church. By providing leadership and educational opportunities around Ohio, the Ohio PAUMCS chapter is linking secretaries, administrative assistants, and volunteer staff as an effective support group in local ministry. Ohio PAUMCS President Vicki Miller, the officers and members invite you to use the membership application to renew or begin your association with a group of men and women who are committed to serving at the local church. Individual membership is $25.00 and a staff membership is $40.00. Applications are due by February 15, 2017 to Lisa Gleason, 1750 Eastgate Rd. Toledo, OH 43614. If you have any questions, please email me at office@cotcumc.com or visit the web site. PAUMCS is only as effective as its members. Join now and plan to attend the Spring Workshop to held at Wooster UMC (tentative date of April 18th).

Benefit Concert to Raise Funds for Schools in African Refugee Camps - March 12th.

Watoto Read invites you to join us on Sunday, March 12, 3:00-4:30 p.m., at Scioto Ridge UMC, 4343 Dublin Rd., Hilliard. Six artists will perform, including Keith Larson, TJ George, Eric Gnezda, Donna Mogavero, Teri Gray, and Jasey Schnaars.

Donations will be accepted.

All proceeds will fund the construction and furnishing of classrooms in refugee camps in Chad, "home" to over 300,000 refugees from the Darfur region of Sudan. For more information visit here. For the concert publicity flyer visit here.