News and information from around the Ohio Conference
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Columbia Union Designates Special Day of Prayer for Sabbath, March 28
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Leaders of the Columbia Union Conference and its eight local conferences, health care networks and higher educational institutions are asking members to participate in
a special day of prayer, Sabbath, March 28.
This comes as the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis intensifies, leaving churches and schools closed; numerous upcoming alumni weekends, graduations, camp meetings and summer camps canceled; and more and more people becoming ill and dying every day.
“As people of faith, we believe that despite all that is happening right now, God is in control. And we believe in the power of prayer. As we read the Bible and claim His promises, we want to ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thess. 5:17) for our members, neighbors and communities; for those who are vulnerable and have underlying conditions; and for everyone who has been impacted by this terrible virus,” says Dave Weigley, president. “We also want to pray for government officials, community leaders, first responders, health care workers and scientists who are leading the fight against it.”
On Friday, March 27, at 9 a.m., President Weigley will meet with leaders of the union, local conferences, health care networks and university to pray. “As a leadership team, we will be gathering via video conference to pray for our members, pastors, teachers, churches, schools, hospitals and ministries,” he notes. “And then on Sabbath, March 28, we want to ask our entire union family—wherever you are—to join us in praying for an end to this crisis and the fear and suffering it is causing.”
Prayer Requests
Members may post prayer requests on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ColumbiaUnionPrays.
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lordyour God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NKJV).
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Video Message from President Dave Weigley
President Weigley has a short video message of encouragement (above) that is intended to be shared during online worship services, small group meetings and via social media this Friday and Sabbath. Click video above or
here
.
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Staying Connected During A Global Crisis
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We recently shared a
list of churches
in our conference who live-stream Sabbath services while in-person gatherings have been suspended.
There are many other ways people can maintain a sense of normalcy and continue participating in ministry while practicing social distancing. While we do our part to help #flattenthecurve, we want everyone to remember that #ministrydoesnotstop!
Our churches are more than buildings. Church is more than a program. The church is
people
, and it is
you
. We have compiled practical resources for you and your churches, and have shared them on a special page:
#MinstryDoesNotStop Resources
.
This collection is growing, and will continue so long as this global crisis continues.
Embrace these new opportunities with us, digital and "old school," and feel free share your own with us.
Remind your church family that though we aren’t together in a building, #ministrydoesnotstop!
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COVID-19, A Time to Reflect
Pastor Michael Stough II, Springfield First, Delaware, New Carlisle District
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Events surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak are certainly unprecedented, but from Adventist prophetic perspectives not surprising. What I believe is surprising is maybe how ill prepared we are to meet the challenges something like the Coronavirus is pressing upon us with social distancing and not being able to connect in our normal routine of worship and fellowship. At this point, worship for churches is either not happening at all or is taking place via livestream only. Although you may be in a small group of less than ten people, CDC recommendations are saying casual type gatherings should be avoided, as they defeat the purpose of isolation to contain the transmission of the disease. The question then, what can we as a church learn at this time?
Isolation.
Although we are now supposed to be practicing social distancing, I would say we are already far too comfortable and used to isolating ourselves. Stop and think. How many of us have meaningful relationships with fellow church members outside of Sabbath morning, where many people attend only worship services, foregoing Sabbath School, fellowship meals, a walk together or in-home fellowship Sabbath afternoon? Far too often, once the worship service ends so does our ministry and unity.
Small groups would go a long way in helping stop this isolation. Besides a time spent gaining a deeper walk with God, it would also help develop a deeper walk with each other. Relationships would be transformed from the superficial to life-long bonds we are looking forward to continuing in eternity. This connectedness through small groups would also go a long way in helping close the backdoor of the church, while at the same time expanding the open door at the front to those seeking and searching for the hope and truth which exist only in Jesus.
Technology.
Will technology save us? Certainly not, but it could be a real help. Walk into even a small business and often you’ll find a free Wi-Fi signal to allow your smart devices or computers to connect. Walk into many churches and what do you find? Nothing. Now I’m not advocating getting internet in churches for people merely to be able surf the web. They’ll do that anyway. But there are a host of great things available through being connected online.
Those who are old enough, and I’m starting to date myself here, remember when
Mission Spotlight
was a carousel of slides mailed from church to church, but how often is
Mission Spotlight
shown in your church now? Why, did it disappear, no! It’s online at
www.AdventistMission.org
. This is just one example.
Do you have people who don’t hear so well? Products exist which utilize a church’s Wi-Fi signal to send the audio signal to an app on a person’s phone or tablet. Allowing them to hear more clearly what is being said in the service.
Live-streaming
services is also another possibility. At Springfield First, we found it helps connect members in a variety of ways. Besides the mere outreach potentials, it really has helped members who are recovering from surgeries or are sick to feel they are still connected to their family. Families who are vacationing have stayed connected through online worship. Even prayer requests come in via chat at prayer time. For those who are homebound, churches could also consider looking at the used market for tablets and consider a ministry to provide internet services if necessary.
Another part of worship, giving of our tithes and offerings increased at Springfield First when we included the option to use
www.AdventistGiving.org
. Why? Many people today simply don’t carry cash or have actual bank accounts which use checks. Some merely find the convenience of online giving simplifies things in their already busy life.
While what is happening because of COVID-19 is distressing, I believe God gives us times like these to stop and reflect on what really matters, both personally and corporately. Ministry doesn’t need to and really shouldn’t stop at times like these. The question is more about what are we doing to be effective disciples for the kingdom no matter what is going on around us.
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Pacific Press Publishing Association Makes Weekly Children's Publications Available for Free Online
by Alicia Adams, Pacific Press Association
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With many church buildings closed because of COVID-19, children aren’t able to pick up copies of their favorite Sabbath magazines. Pacific Press Publishing Association has decided to make its weekly children’s publications —
Our Little Friend, Primary Treasure,
and
Guide
— available in PDF format on each magazine’s own website for free. The weekly magazines will continue to appear for as long as the coronavirus threat keeps church buildings closed.
Primarily for readers ages 10–14,
Guidemagazine.org
is offering the PDF of the weekly
Guide
magazine, plus printable games, and vlogs by the editors and columnists such as Rich Aguilera, the “Mud Guy.”
"Despite the chaos in our world, God is still in control," a Pacific Press representative said. "We want to continue ministering to our readers through the use of technology during these trying times."
You can reach your local Adventist Book Center at 1-800-765-6955; or check out the brand new
AdventistBookCenter.com
for faith-filled reading materials for all ages.
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Lives are disrupted, damaged or lost. Economies devastated; plans destroyed. The pandemic of 2020 will never be forgotten. But what if, in the midst of fear and anxiety, we stand united, around the world, with a message of hope.
Produced by EUD-TED-Hope Media Europe #dearcoronavirus
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Earlier this month, Columbia Union Conference President Dave Weigley met with both the Presidential Search and Presidential Selection committees, as prescribed by Ohio Conference Regulations. A candidate for president was chosen, and a "meet and greet" scheduled with committee members.
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and significant restrictions in place regarding in-person gatherings and travel, this meeting was postponed to a future date.
We thank you once again not only for your prayers during this process, but your prayers for our conference, union, and country during this unprecedented time.
Ministry does not stop for the Ohio Conference and our Columbia Union Conference. We’re stronger together, and we will get through this
together
.
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Earlier this week, Ohio Conference Media Specialist Kasper Haughton Jr. shared his knowledge with conference pastors who are entering the realm of digital evangelism for the first time during a live Zoom workshop, "Ask Me Anything."
Topics covered included: affordable best practices for setting up your webcam and audio for optimal clarity at home, an intro to streaming and videoconferencing platforms and ideas on optimizing them for your needs.
Another training is scheduled this week. Are you a digital missionary interested in joining on behalf of your church? Reach out to your church pastor or
Kasper Haughton Jr
.
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Read the Current Issue of
Mission Ohio
in the Columbia Union Visitor
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Highlights of this issue include new Ohio Conference treasurer, Roy M. Simpson and his wife Melissa; Ohio Conference high school students being "ReCharged," and how a growing church plant changes lives in Massillon.
Read these articles and more in the current issue of
Mission Ohio
in
Visitor
magazine.
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Heidi A. Shoemaker, Communication Director
Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
1251 E Dorothy Ln, Dayton, OH 45419
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