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!

Unconventional Ministry Brings University

Students Together

Please see the article from the WOC NewsNet featuring our own Rev. Marcella Ciccotelli.

When Rev. Marcella Ciccotelli stepped out of her car and onto the campus of Bluffton University she had no idea where God was leading her. But, she knew God was calling her to minister to young adults in her area. Loaded with a prayer, a pin maker, and an outgoing personality, she set up a table at an orientation gathering for new students. With that, Refuge 461 was born.

Refuge 461 is based on the scripture from Psalm 46:1, "God is my refuge and my strength, my ever-present help in times of trouble." This ministry, which started in 2020, provides a welcoming and accepting community for college students. Refuge 461 focuses on community, connection, and belonging, and seeks to reach students who may have stepped away from their Christian faith or feel uncomfortable with traditional church settings.

“Marcella comes up with creative programming that reaches students in ways that traditional worship might not,” said Chalsi Campbell, Campus pastor, at Bluffton University. “It is not a competition, it’s a collaboration. The more people who minister to our students the better,” she said.

Refuge 461 offers a variety of events and activities, crafting sessions to discussions on mental health, and provides a safe and inclusive space for students to explore faith and build relationships. Other activities include a Wilderness Prayer Walk, Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold, and community service projects. Sometimes Refuge 461 provides free coffee and a place just to “be.”The ministry is supported by the university and works in collaboration with other campus clubs and organizations.

Student interns focus on ways to engage and invite other university students to attend Refuge 461 events. Activities and events for the group are publicized through Instagram, other social media platforms, and by word of mouth.

“Refuge has reached people who might not have a community on campus. It helped them find a place where they belong,” said Anton Miller, Bluffton student and former intern.

Attendance at the various worship expressions and activities fluctuates. Marcella recognizes that every student’s needs and schedules are different. There may be 5 participants or there may be 80. Although attendance may vary, Refuge 461 and Marcella are consistent.

Olivia Westcott was the first Refuge 461 intern. Now a graduate of Bluffton, she looks back at her experience with Refuge and is grateful for her experiences. “Helping Marcella with Refuge gave me a chance to be a leader, and to learn more about myself. And now, that I’m out on my own, I have a good friend, too.”

Ciccotelli is grateful for the opportunity and space to serve in this capacity and credits her local churches, Ottawa Trinity and Riley Creek, for their flexibility and encouragement.

The West Ohio Conference, area congregations, and individual contributors partly fund Refuge 461.

"There are amazing new church and ministry starts in West Ohio of which Refuge 461 is one," Ciccotelli said. "Twenty-year-olds are actively engaged in ministry in West Ohio and love their connections to God, to us and each other."

Written by Kay Panovec, Director of Communications for the West Ohio Conference

General Conference Continues This Week

The United Methodist Church General Conference is in session. The gathering will conclude on Friday, May 3. Last week was filled with worship, inspired preaching from various episcopal leaders, and significant work in legislative committees.

This week, the delegates began voting on legislation from the various committees. For news updates and all information regarding General Conference, see links below.

• The United Methodist Church: Website, Facebook
• West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church: Website, Facebook
• Daily Christian Advocate (DCA): Daily Reports
• Livestream: Click here
• Daily Schedule: Click here
• On demand videos of worship and plenary sessions on YouTube: Click here
• Photos on Flickr: Click here

Maumee River District Spring Conference

The Maumee River District will hold it's Spring Conference on Sunday, May 19th. The Spring Conference will help us prepare for Annual Conference and the upcoming conference year. Join us at 3:00pm at Waterville UMC, 7115 Waterville Monclova Rd, Waterville, OH.



• Worship together and celebrate milestones, including retirements, graduations and moves.
• Information from General Conference and Annual Conference
• Nominations for district leadership
• Give thanks on this Pentecost Sunday for the Spirit moving in and among us

MRD Nominations

The Maumee River District is looking for individuals who would like to serve on a committee of the district. If you are interested in serving on one of the Leadership Committees, Lay Servant Ministry Team, Disaster Response Team or Church Building & Location Team please send an email to the district office at maumeeriver@wocumc.org.

2024 West Ohio Annual Conference: God is Able

Registration Ends Today!!!

The 55th session of the West Ohio Annual Conference is set to convene from Wednesday, May 29 through 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.

Although much of our time together will be spent on business matters that will shape the future of the West Ohio Conference, there will also be time for fellowship, celebrations and worship.

For more information, click here. 

Let's Support Students at Africa University Through Our Annual Conference Giving

Beloved friends in Christ Jesus,

I am so grateful that at every turn when I have encouraged your generosity to help the work of healing and hope, near and far, you have responded overwhelmingly. After collaboration our Annual Conference Offering this year will be devoted to funding a four-year scholarship to attend Africa University for a student from the North Katanga Conference, our partner conference in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Let me break down this opportunity for you. Tuition for one year at Africa University is $6,500. Therefore, to fund a student for four years, from start to finish, for a bachelor’s degree at Africa University costs $26,000. Startling, isn’t it?

During our visit to Africa University in January, Cynthia and I committed $26,000 of our resources to fund the four-year journey of one student beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year. We are excited to be able to come alongside a student to attend the School of Dreams in the Valley of Hope – Africa University.

Your generous response to this year’s Annual Conference Offering will transform the life of a student, our church, and the world. You will note here ways you can submit your offering. Donations may be made through this link or brought to the Annual Conference missional worship service at 9:00 am on Thursday, May 30th. I look forward to announcing going over the top in this endeavor before or during our Annual Conference Session.

Your servant in Christ Jesus,

+Gregory V. Palmer

Check out these mission opportunities at

Annual Conference this year!

Clergy and Lay Members of the Annual Conference are invited to participate in various mission opportunities in the Central Ohio area before the start of Annual Conference, on Wednesday afternoon May 29, 2024.

Come participate and learn about a new ministry! All mission opportunities take place on Wednesday afternoon, and will be finished in time for you to have dinner before Annual Conference opens at 7:00 pm.

Click on the links below for more information and to register. Registration closes May 23, 2024 or when full.

Urban Farm Church - located in north central Columbus

The Charitable Pharmacy - located in downtown Columbus

The Church for All People Free Store - located in downtown Columbus

The Church for All People Market FIRST AFTERNOON SHIFT - located in downtown Columbus

The Church for All People Market SECOND AFTERNOON SHIFT - located in downtown Columbus

Lewis Center UMC's 'Amina's Dream' sewing ministry - located in Lewis Center, north of Columbus

Opportunities to Celebrate the Palmer’s Lifetime of Ministry

Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer is retiring after serving 24 years in Episcopal leadership. We in West Ohio, have been blessed to have him lead our conference for the last twelve. First Lady Cynthia Palmer has had a significant role in this conference and in every aspect of Bishop’s stellar career.

In honor of their service to the Church, you are invited you to express your appreciation in the following ways:

• Send a card to the Palmers. Please send them to: Bishop Gregory and Mrs. Cynthia Palmer, West Ohio Conference, 32 Wesley Blvd., Worthington, Ohio 43085.
• Contribute to a love offering. Financial contributions may be made here or by sending a check made payable to West Ohio Conference c/o the Foundation (UMFWO), 32 Wesley Blvd., Worthington, OH 43085 with "Palmers Gift Fund" in the memo line.
• Leave your words of appreciation online here and those sentiments will be shared with them as well. 
• Your cards and gifts must be received by May 15, 2024. The Palmers will be presented with these gifts at the West Ohio Annual Conference on May 31.

Please keep the Palmer Family in your prayers as they begin this next chapter of their lives. May they feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as they are surrounded by this outpouring of love and appreciation.

Buckets of Blessing Challenge

As we do every year at Annual Conference, West Ohio Disaster Response Ministries will be collecting kits and supplies for Midwest Mission Distribution Center, our North Central Jurisdiction UMCOR depot.

However, this year's collection will also include the Bishop's Buckets of Blessings Challenge, where we see which District can contribute the most buckets of cleaning supplies! Also called Home Care Kits, these buckets include liquid household cleaner, dish soap, liquid laundry detergent, and a scrub brush, all in a 5-gallon bucket. Click here for more on how to make Home Care Kits. For his final Annual Conference as West Ohio's Bishop, let's make sure we shower Bishop Palmer with Buckets of Blessings!

In addition to Home Care Kits, we will also be collecting the following items:

• UMCOR Hygiene Kits
• Shampoo (12-19 oz.)
• Deodorant (2-3 oz.)
• Lotion (8-10 oz.)

Kits and supplies will be collected on Thursday, May 30, from 7:30am-5:30pm, and on Friday, May 31, from 8:00am-1:30pm. Take all donations to the Midwest Mission truck located west of the Capital Center near the golf cart station. Please do not bring supplies into the Capital Center where Annual Conference is being held.

Buckets and Kits can also be dropped off at the Maumee River District office at 1729 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee from May 22nd to May 24th between 9:30am and 3:30pm.

*In order for your donation of Home Care Kits to count toward your District total, be sure you notify the Midwest Mission personnel at the truck about which District your supplies are from.*



If you have questions or need more information, email mgrace@wocumc.org

Churches Receive VBS Mini-Grants

Fifteen churches across West Ohio received help with their upcoming VBS programs from the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio. Thanks to the generosity of a Foundation donor, $5750 was provided for VBS programs in this year’s grant cycle.

Previous support was limited to the former Capitol Area Districts but was recently expanded at the discretion of the donor.

“We’re so excited to be able to support so many programs,” said Maddy DeWitt, Donor Relations Manager for the Foundation. “59 churches applied – which is incredible! And although we don’t have enough funding to support them all, we were able to provide funding to churches in every district this year.”

Funds were provided by Ketha Robbins, who established the Clara’s Kiddies/Jesse’s Vine Endowment with the Foundation in 2017 to support VBS programs in honor of her grandmother and great-grandfather who encouraged her faith. 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.”

Congratulations to the following churches:

• Clifton UMC on behalf of the Grace and Possibilities Circuit (Great Miami River District)
• New Paris - St Paul UMC (Great Miami River District)
• South Perry UMC (Hocking River District)
• Canaanville Stewart UMC (Hocking River District)
• Hopewell UMC (Hocking River District)
• Gilboa UMC and Pandora UMC Charge (Maumee River District)
• Edgerton UMC (Maumee River District)
• Hilliard UMC (Olentangy River District)
• Smith Chapel UMC (Olentangy River District)
• Iglesia Hispana St. Marks (Olentangy River District)
• Urbana UMC (Western Lakes District)
• West Jefferson UMC (Western Lakes District)
• Ada UMC (Western Lakes District)
• Rushsylvania UMC (Western Lakes District)
• Five Points UMC (Scioto River District)

For more information or to receive notification of next year’s grant cycle, please contact Maddy DeWitt at mdewitt@wocumc.org.

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.     

Connect with others working with Emerging Generations - Zoom meeting Thursday!

If you are a volunteer or staff person who oversees your local church ministry with children, youth, or young adults we invite you to connect with others who are doing the same in one of our Family Ministry or College Ministry Networks. These networks are designed to help share resources, best practices, and provide support for those engaging emerging generations across the connection. Each district is working on developing Family Ministry Networks for those working with children and youth and our College Ministry Network is for anyone who is working with college-aged students either on a college campus or in a local church. Information about network development, key leaders, and any upcoming zoom meetings are below. If you would like information on how to connect to these networks, email Director of Camps, Retreats, and Next Gen Engagement, Ann Marie Carley (amcarley@wocumc.org).

College Ministry Network Zoom Meeting, April 23^rd 12:00pm-1pm (Sammi Shivener)

Maumee River District Zoom Meeting, May 2^nd 12:30pm-1:30pm (Jodi Packard)

National Day of Prayer - May 2nd

This year the National Day of Prayer is on Thursday, May 2nd. Our own Rev. Dan Metzger has been asked by the City of Findlay to organize a special event that welcomes all to come and join in prayer. The event will take place at the Marathon Center for the Arts. St Marks will kick off the day at 8:00 am with prayers and praises by Pastor Dan and our praise band “Crossings.” It would be wonderful if you could make plans to be there as well. For the rest of the day, until 7:00 PM, nine different area churches will be taking the stage and leading the prayers. The theme of the day will be “Praying the Fruits of the Spirit for Our City, Our Country and Our World.

Basic & Recert ERT Classes to be offered May 11 in Plain City

UMCOR’s Early Response Team (ERT) Basic class will be offered on Saturday, May 11, 8:00 am-4:00 pm at Jerome UMC in Plain City. A four-hour recertification class will also be offered. West Ohio ERT trainers will teach participants how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. Trainees will learn how to provide a caring, Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property.

Skills that are taught include tarping, debris removal, mucking out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene. A background check is required, and a link to complete this will be provided upon registration. East Ohio Conference members are also welcome! Cost is $40 for the Basic class or $35 for recertification. ERT members are not required to be United Methodist but must deploy with a United Methodist-led team. For more information or to register, click here: https://www.westohioumc.org/event/early-response-team-training-recert-jerome-umc

Preschool Training Day

Join us for a Preschool Training Day on Thursday, May 23, from 10am-4pm, at the West Ohio Conference Center, 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington. We are hopeful that this five-hour training will be approved by OCCRRA for use in credentialing. Storytelling, theming, and prayer as professional development will be the areas we focus on. Come share your thoughts and ideas with other leaders in the preschool world. Enjoy conversation over lunch, which will be provided. To register, please email lmoore@wocumc.org.

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.

Mission u - Registration open

All are invited to attend Mission u this year, which will be held in-person June 21-23, 2024, at the Bergamo Life-Long Learning Center in Beavercreek, OH. 

A virtual Mission u will also be held during the month of July. Mission u is co-sponsored by the West Ohio Conference United Women in Faith and the West Ohio Conference. 

This year's theme is "The Kin-dom is Among You...Drawing Closer to God and One Another." Adults and youth (6th-12th grades) will participate in dynamic discussions, meditative worship, engagement with the natural world, and reflection on the lovely grounds of the Bergamo Center. 

Martha Scholarships for first-time attendees will be available as well as Mission u scholarships. More information is available here.

Click here for Save the Date flyer.

Click here for Youth Save the Date flyer. 

Registration begins April 1. Questions? Contact Linda Bales Todd (Dean) at joylab47@yahoo.com or Carolyn Johnson (Assistant Dean) at cjohnson3253@yahoo.com

Free Tools to Help Manage Small Groups

One of the most important aspects of church life is a vibrant small-group and Sunday school ministry. You can find many free tools to help leaders increase their effectiveness in facilitating these vital programs.

1. REMIND 101 EASY MASS TEXT

Texting is growing as a primary mode of communication and an excellent way to quickly transmit details or changes to people. However, it can be difficult to manage group texts on your phone as members join or leave. Remind 101 solves your texting problems. By texting a code like “@FUMC” to a specific number, members join the text group. Whoever has access to the account can then text the group from any smartphone or web browser. You can even schedule texts ahead of time to remind people of important tasks! And, it’s absolutely free!

Need other ideas for communicating with your small groups? Here are some tools to help you do just that!

2. SIGNUP GENIUS

Signup Genius is the digital version of passing around a list of needed items. A couple of clicks allows you to set important event information, such as the date and time. The next step is creating a list of supplies or tasks. All you need to do is list the paper goods, desserts or other things needed along with the number of each item. After a couple more questions, your signup is live. Next, you simply invite your group to log on with their name and email address and sign up to bring whatever they wish. A couple of days before the event, they’ll get an email reminding them what they signed up to bring! Signup Genius is completely free to users. It is paid for with small ads that appear on the signups.

This a great way for small groups to better organize their meetings, events and outreach.

3.TAKE THEM A MEAL

When small group members have a baby or are going through a difficult time, one of the best ways to offer support is by providing ready-to-eat meals. Take Them a Meal helps coordinate all details of meal ministry. After talking with the family to learn when they would like to receive meals and what sorts of food preferences and allergies they have, any class member can put together a page complete with driving directions and available days.

Once Take Them a Meal is set up, anyone with the invitation can sign up for a meal slot. They will receive an email reminder with delivery details the day before. Take Them a Meal also offers quick and easy recipes as well as a way to order meals to be sent from their third-party vendors. Like the other tools in this list, this service is free.

4. MY ATTENDANCE TRACKER

If tracking attendance is desirable to avoid overlooking people in need, consider My Attendance Tracker. Though it is designed with the face-to-face classroom in mind, My Attendance Tracker could be used for other purposes as well. Once you set up the group, taking attendance is as easy as logging in and clicking “present” or “absent” for each participant. You can even look at attendance trends over time. There isn’t an app for this program, however the website interface was designed specifically to be used on mobile devices so it's simple and fast. This free tool is definitely worth checking out!

Church Reporting

Statistical Reporting - Year End

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

• Reports were due April 15 - Please complete as soon as possible. Reach out to the district office for any questions or needed help.
• 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.

Rev. Beverly Avers

Mrs. Marjorie Uth

Rev. Howard Preston

Rev. Gene Well

Messiah Lutheran Church: Organist, Pianist - Messiah (4703 Summit Street Toledo, Ohio) is currently seeking a church musician. This position requires the following abilities:

• To read sheet music.
• To play the organ and or piano.
• To be able to play music for a traditional Lutheran worship service along with the flexibility to incorporate contemporary worship music.
• To be willing to work alongside of the pastor and cantor.
• To be willing to work with a future seasonal choir and children’s choir.
• Be available for weekly Sunday morning service and special services.

The interested candidate should contact Pastor Mark Kuhlman at pastormarkmessiahelcatoledo@gmail.com to schedule an interview and audition.

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.