Below you'll find upcoming events, helpful information, and mission highlights for the West Ohio Conference and Maumee River District. Please visit our website using the link below for additional resources and info, but remember that it is a work in progress with the new districts and website updates!

Calling All Laity!!! District At-Large Members Needed for Annual Conference

The district has several At-Large Member positions available. If you are a member of your church, no matter how young or old, you are invited to attend Annual Conference as an At-Large Member. Our goal, as always, is to have a balanced and diverse group to represent our diverse 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 filling one of those spots, please complete the Availability Form and give to your pastor for their signature. If you know anyone that would be interested in or would be good for this position, please share the information and form with them as well. Submit completed forms to the district office at mrobinson@wocumc.org.

Foundation and Office of Ministry Announce 2^nd Fellowship Cohort with MTSO

Applications for the Alford-Cantlin Fellowship program are now available for West Ohio clergy. In partnership with Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and with financial support from the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio, the West Ohio Conference Office of Ministry is offering this special cohort with the Methodist Theological School in Ohio Doctor of Ministry program beginning in July 2024.

This partnership between West Ohio and MTSO is designed to support United Methodist clergy who are seeking next-level leadership opportunities and academic training focused on transformational change.

The 2024 cohort will be the second diverse cohort of ordained West Ohio clergy participating in the Alford-Cantlin Fellowship at MTSO. Ordained West Ohio clergy who have completed the Reflecting, Equipping, And Flourishing Process (REF) and who meet the criteria for admission to the MTSO D.Min. program may apply. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Known as Alford-Cantlin Fellows, participants will receive additional support from the Office of Ministry beyond that provided by their academic program at MTSO, including:

·        peer support;

·        one-on-one clergy mentoring;

·        and scholarship funding. 

The length of the program is three to four academic years. The West Ohio Conference will work with each potential cohort participant to determine what financial aid they may qualify for, including local church funding, the Ministerial Education Fund, outside grants, and aid from MTSO. West Ohio will offer last-dollar support for up to half of the cost of the program to eligible applicants. from the Alford-Cantlin Family Endowment of the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio. The West Ohio Conference is grateful for this financial support toward the continued formation of pastoral leaders.

Interested clergy should contact Donnetta Peaks at dpeaks@wocumc.org or April Casperson at MTSO at acasperson@mtso.edu. Applications are available here and due by May 1. Courses begin the week of July 22, 2024.

Navigating the Chaos of Reentry

April is Second Chance Month, a national effort each year to highlight the collateral consequences individuals face to become contributing citizens after an incarceration experience. In collaboration with several agencies, All In Community will be presenting a FREE engaging event entitled, Navigating the Chaos of Reentry on Wednesday, April 3, beginning at 7:00pm. The United Methodist Church of Kent (1435 E. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240) will host this in-person and online event.

Valuable insight and information to navigate well this challenging transition for successful reintegration will be shared. Panelists for the discussion will represent several viewpoints including the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Office of Reentry, justice-impacted individuals, and local reentry efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/@kentmethodist/streams

Questions about this event can be directed to Jami Nathan, AIC Ministries Coordinator, by email (jami.nathan.22@gmail.com) or by phone (419-591-9717).  

All In Community - Ministry Monday

This month during All In Community’s Ministry Monday information session, we will be sharing about an inspirational framework designed to guide community members wanting to make a difference in the lives of those returning home after an incarceration experience.

The first minutes, hours, and days after a person’s release from incarceration is a most vulnerable time. When there is not adequate support during the initial phase of reentry, a returning neighbor often responds out of desperation to fulfill needs instead of having hope for a better future.

Being welcomed home is the first step to restoring a returning neighbor’s dignity, identity, safety, and self-worth. Join others to learn where gaps in the reentry process can be filled by providing both tangible help and hopeful presence for returning neighbors on Monday, March 25, beginning at 7:00pm on ZOOM. 

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Cost:  FREE

Printable Flyer: HERE

Questions and requests for the ZOOM link can be directed to Jami Nathan, AIC Ministries Coordinator, by email (jami.nathan.22@gmail.com) or by phone (419-591-9717).  

From Being Served to Servant Leadership

printed from the WOC NewsNet 2-20-24

Walking into Marketplace for All People, one hears the hum of conversation and a pianist playing hymns, encouraging the crowd to sing along.

Marketplace for All People, a ministry of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in downtown Toledo, is a free store that offers clothing, household and hygiene items, and a full food pantry. But it is more than a place to get free food and clothing. The Marketplace mission is to be in relationship with people.

“Relationships happen at the Marketplace,” says Keiyonda King. “It did a lot for me and my family.”

More than six years ago, King was a client of the Marketplace. “You met people,” she recalls, “and you kept seeing the same people. When you didn’t see someone, you missed them and wondered where they were.” Every Friday, the Marketplace serves about 65 people in the downtown Toledo area.

Born and raised in the community, King remembers how the Marketplace volunteers made her feel as their client. “They treated everyone the same,” she says. “I felt empowered.” Eventually, she became a volunteer.

Later, Rev. Mary Sullivan, the pastor at the time, saw King’s commitment and hard work and encouraged her to apply for the Marketplace coordinator position, but King wasn’t sure. “Pastor [Sullivan] took the time to explain my feelings,” King says, “and help me see my call to ministry was in this work.”

“Keiyonda is a kingdom builder through her sense of gratitude for what God has blessed her with,” Sullivan says. “Her response to that is to be generous with the mission and service she provides at St. Paul’s and the Marketplace. She is humbled by all God has blessed her with and is an authentic disciple of Christ.”

Through her service, King receives unexpected rewards. “This work fuels me,” she says. “I am rewarded, not by things I thought I wanted from God, but spiritually and emotionally.” The opportunity to share this love and emotion with her family is also a reward. “I see God everywhere,” King continues. “He speaks to me through this work.”

King looks positively toward the Marketplace’s future. In a young volunteer, King envisions the next Marketplace coordinator. “I see her light up after volunteering the way I used to,” King says. “It’s a feeling you can’t explain. She’s experiencing what it means to serve and feel it in your heart.

“In the future,” King adds, “I’d like to see a collage of things offered at Marketplace to enrich the community with programming. A place to learn a new skill or learn something simple like how to play a game. People want hope. They want something constant in their lives [that] they didn’t know they needed until they experience it.”

Marketplace for All People is that constant.

Click here to learn more about Marketplace for All People.

Click here for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Facebook Page.

Mission Scholarship Opportunity

Many of our churches and youth groups are planning mission trips for the summer or early fall. The Wilkins family started a Wilkins Scholarship Fund to benefit first-time mission goers in our district. If your church or youth group has persons in this category, please reach out to the district office for details on this opportunity.

YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women -Congratulations Dr. Marie Bush!

For 29 consecutive years, YWCA of Northwest Ohio has commemorated Women’s History Month by recognizing leaders who have been advocates in our community. These dedicated women strive to empower and uplift others. Marie Latham Bush, PhD is a twice graduate of University of Toledo Judith Herb College Of Education and has been selected for the prestigious YWCA Milestone Award in the field of education. She is a faithful servant of the Lord and has worked hard at the local church and district levels as well as the West Ohio Conference. Marie has been dedicated in serving at Braden UMC and on several committees in the Maumee Watershed/River District. Congratulations to Dr. Marie Bush who will be recognized on this honor on Tuesday March 19th! For more information on the event, click HERE.

VBS Mini-Grants Available from Foundation

Thanks to the generosity of a major donor, the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio is pleased to announce the availability of mini-grants for VBS programs in West Ohio. Grants of $250-$1000 will be available for curriculum materials, supplies, staff costs, or other expenses related to the production of Vacation Bible School programs in West Ohio churches.

The Clara’s Kiddies/Jesse’s Vine Endowment was formed in 2017 by Ketha Robbins to support VBS programs in honor of her grandmother and great-grandfather who encouraged her faith. She remembers how much fun she had during those summer days as she learned about the Bible alongside other children who were hearing about Jesus for the first time. To Ketha, this is what made, and continues to make, VBS so special. In her words, “It is a bookend. It is the start of what a person’s spiritual life can become.”

Applications are due by March 15 and can be completed at this link. Special consideration will be given to those serving rural and underserved communities. Contact Maddy DeWitt at 380-223-9229 or mdewitt@wocumc.org for more information.

2024 West Ohio Annual Conference: God is Able

The 55^th session of the West Ohio Annual Conference is set to convene from Wednesday, May 29 through Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. This year's theme, "God is Able," draws inspiration from Ephesians 3:20-21, promising a gathering that celebrates the limitless power of God.

The conference will offer a rich tapestry of events, with powerful worship experiences at the core. Members will engage in thoughtful reflections on the scripture, exploring the profound message in these verses. A significant aspect of the conference includes voting on crucial business matters that will shape the future of the West Ohio Conference. Members will actively participate in decision-making processes that impact churches within the conference.

Furthermore, the conference will be a time of celebration as it marks the retirement of esteemed Bishop Gregory and Mrs. Cynthia Palmer. Their dedicated service and profound impact on the West Ohio Conference will be honored with heartfelt tributes and expressions of gratitude. The conference will also shine a spotlight on the ordination of clergy, symbolizing a commitment to nurturing new leaders and fostering spiritual growth within The United Methodist Church.

"We are thrilled to come together under the theme 'God is Able,'" said Rev. Lou Seipel, Chair of the Annual Conference Planning Team. "This conference is not just a gathering; it's a testament to our shared commitment to faith, community, and the transformative power of God's grace."



Registration for conference members is open. There will be limited guest seating; however, the conference is expected to be livestreamed on the home page of the West Ohio Conference website: More details will be made available in NewsNET, the conference website, and social media channels.

Nominations for Denman Award Due March 15

The Harry Denman Evangelism Award, sponsored by The Foundation for Evangelism, honors United Methodists in each Annual Conference whose exceptional ministry of evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. What distinguishes a Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient is the commitment to consistently introduce others to the Good News of Jesus Christ in all ministry settings. Their ministry is exceptional for the number of new Christ followers who credit encounters with this person as critical in helping to start or reignite their faith journey. One award may be given in each category: clergy, laity, and youth. Click the link below to download the nomination form. Nominations are due March 15.

More information...

West Ohio Conference Ministry Intern Program 

The West Ohio Conference Ministry Intern Program applications are now open! The West Ohio Conference Ministry Interns (formerly the Next Generations Leadership Ministry Intern Program) is a great opportunity for young adults who are considering ministry as a vocation to discern calls to ministry in a variety of ways. Internship placements are made with innovative and engaging congregations and church leaders throughout the West Ohio Conference. The dates for the Internship are May 29 – July 12. The stipend for the seven-week internship is $4,000.00 provided by the West Ohio Conference. Applicants must be current college students who are available for the duration of the Internship and returning to college during the fall of 2024.

Please encourage students who have expressed a desire to explore a call to ministry and/or service to apply by March 22, 2024 at 5pm: 2024 Ministry Intern Application

Applicants are encouraged to discuss the possibility of being hosted by their home church and mentored by their Pastor/Pastoral team. We do not provide housing accommodations.

 West Ohio Conference Ministry Intern Program – Mentor and Host Church Application

The West Ohio Conference Ministry Interns (formerly the Next Generations Leadership Ministry Intern Program) is now taking applications for Mentors/Host Churches for the summer of 2023. For clergy and congregations with a passion for developing young leaders, this is a great opportunity to mentor a young person who has a desire to serve in the church and explore a call to ministry.

Mentor/Host Church applications, due March 22nd: 2024 Mentor & Host Church Application

For questions, please contact Rev. Donnetta Peaks, dpeaks@wocumc.org or call 614-844-6200, 314.

2024 Summer Camp Opportunities Offered in Partnership with East Ohio

West Ohio has partnered, once again, with East Ohio Camps to provide churches and families with summer camping opportunities. Former West Ohio campers, and local churches have been mailed 2024 East Ohio summer camping brochures from West Ohio. See the button below for more information.

If you are looking for options outside of East Ohio, we suggest you check out these collaborative West Ohio partners:

·   United Church of Christ Camp in Bellville, Ohio

·   Michigan United Methodist Camping across Michigan

·   First Community Church Camp in Logan, Ohio

Additional youth options:

·   Senior High Christian Youth Fellowship at Malone University

·   Reach Out for grades 8-12 at Lakeside

·   Lakeside Institute for grades 9-age 20 at Lakeside

If you would like more information about any of the above options, please contact Director of Camps, Retreats, and Next Gen Engagement, Ann Marie Carley (amcarley@gmail.com). 

East Ohio Camps...

SCRAP METAL DRIVE - YEAR ROUND SERVICE

Do you have an antenna down from a storm? Got sheet metal, or a chain-link fence you’ve wanted to take down? Here’s your chance to do good while cleaning up from a storm or cleaning out the garage, attic, basement, shed, backyard, etc.

Trinity United Methodist Church’s Scrap Metal Drive - All METAL accepted. A dumpster is located in the parking lot at Putnam County Council on Aging, 1425 E. Fourth Street Ottawa, waiting for your cast-offs. All proceeds will go to Trustee projects at Trinity United Methodist Church. Call 419-523-6496 for more information.

ABSOLUTELY NO TV’S, COMPUTER MONITORS, PAINT, TIRES, MATRESSES/BOX SPRINGS or AEROSOL CANS ACCEPTED.     

Craft Show at Toledo Hope

You’re invited to Toledo Hope UMC’s 18th Spring Craft Show on Saturday, March 16 from 10 am to 3 pm, 4069 West Sylvania Ave. (across from Franklin Park Mall). Crafters from throughout the area will present a wide variety of unique handmade crafts for sale, including jewelry, knit and crocheted items, silk floral arrangements, handmade greeting cards, pet treats, woodcrafts, spring and Easter items, and lots more! And look for great products from Tastefully Simple, ColorStreet, Scentsy, and more. Enjoy goodies from our bake sale. Homemade soups and sandwiches will also be available for purchase from 11 am to 1 pm. Printable Flyer

Bishop Palmer's 2nd General Conference Town Hall Meeting

The registration for the next Bishop’s Town Hall “The Road to General Conference” on March 19^th at 12:00 PM is now open!

Some of the topics will include: What is the General Conference and how does it impact the local church? How does legislation get to the GC? Who votes at GC? Who attends the General Conference? What are the General Agencies of The United Methodist Church? If you would like to submit a question for this webinar, please send it to: townhallquestions@wocumc.org.

Register Here

Bunny Brunch at Toledo Hope

Celebrate Easter with Hope UMC at our Bunny Brunch! Breakfast will be provided along with pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, games and Easter Egg Hunt! All are welcome to join us on Saturday, March 23 from 10am - 12pm at Hope UMC, 4069 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623.

Is Your Congregation

Looking to Grow Younger?

Join us at Generate 2024! In this one-day event, you and your team will generate momentum across generations. Hear from leaders who are experts in generating a culture of intergenerational leadership, worship, and sustainable multiplication. Plan to come away feeling empowered to cultivate a presence for all generations in your church. There are only 300 spots, so space is limited. Tickets are going quickly! Questions? Contact Ann Marie Carley (amcarley@wocumc.org). Reserve your tickets today!

Deconsecration Service at Camp Widewater set for June 15th

Former campers, employees, camp counselors, and supporters of Camps Widewater and Otterbein are encouraged to attend deconsecration services this summer.

The services are set for Saturday, June 15, at 2:00pm at Camp Widewater and Sunday, June 16, at 4:00pm at Camp Otterbein. More information will be made available soon.

Church Reporting

Statistical Reporting - Year End

2023 statistical reporting information was recently emailed out to pastors, treasurers, and administrative council/leadership team chairs.

• Reports are due April 15
• Please make every effort to complete the information online.
• Have your church’s GCFA# ready
• Open this link: https://stats.gcfa.org/Login.aspx and input your GCFA# and the password ACStats2023#
• Once you’re in the system, you’ll establish new credentials for accessing your church’s information. Note that more than one person at a church can establish credentials for inputting data, which should make it easier if in your church different people have access to different data.

For questions around these reports contact Jack Frost, jfrost@wocumc.org. 

Annual Reporting

The information for the church and clergy Annual Reports has also been updated recently and is available for access. These reports include the Fund Balance Report, Trustee Legal & Property, Parsonage Inspection, Clergy Self-Assessment and SPRC Assessments. They can be found on the district website on the Resource tab or by clicking HERE. They are due June 1st.

For questions about these reports contact Michelle at the district office, mrobinson@wocumc.org.

Vanco Offers Fee-Free Promotion

Set your church up for a strong season of giving with the right online giving tools from Vanco. Inspire generosity and allow members and guests to give whenever and wherever the feeling of generosity is present. And get the added benefit of Vanco’s fee-free promotion. Whether you’re new to eGiving or transitioning from another provider, Vanco’s easy-to-use giving platform, exceptional customer service, and simple church management software integrations help generosity soar for the benefit of your church while saving church staff time. Ready to let your great work inspire members to give? Sign up with Vanco before March 15, 2024, and you’ll experience:

·   Compelling storytelling and visual giving pages that bring your missions to life for anyone from first-time donors to established members.

·   Free one-on-one implementation support where we’ll help you launch your online giving program with best practices used by over 25,000 churches.

·   No processing fees on gifts, up to $50,000 in total, received in May. 

Request a demo...

Lay Servant Ministry Courses

Advanced Course: Discover Your Spiritual Gifts being offered in April

April 19 - 20 2024 - Via Zoom

Friday eve: 6:30-9 PM and Saturday 8:30 AM -5PM

Cost for Classes: $15.00 per participant zoom

Instructors: Harry and Ann Peat

The early church knew about the gift of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual gifts flowing from the Holy Spirit through the believer. Today, the church is still discovering this. Learn more about how your spiritual gifts support your lay servant ministries. This course is one of the required courses for Lay Speakers.

Be sure to purchase and read the book, “Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts” by Charles V. Bryant prior to the class. (using one of the following links, please purchase the text from either Cokesbury - here or Amazon - here

Registration Opens March 1

Rev. Irene Moore

Rev. Clarence Dinnen

Rev. Douglas Upton

Mrs. Carolyn Edwards

Ottawa Trinity: Financial Administrator - Trinity has an immediate opening for a financial administrator. Hours would be part time and flexible. For more information, Contact Pastor Marcella @ 419-204-0734 or send resume to trinity_church@yahoo.com

The Maumee River District Office is open from 9:00am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday. The office is closed on Fridays, but Michelle will still be working from home and available by phone and email. Office appointments can be scheduled on Fridays if needed.