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!

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.

YWCA Milestones: A Tribute to Women

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.

All In Community Leadership Lab: Personal Leadership March 9th 9am-5pm

Doing justice-involved ministry is hard. Leading it is even harder. All In Community provides an anchor of support and guidance on the journey. All In Community Leadership Labs are environments for Matthew 25 co-laborers who minster with justice-involved persons and/or who are transforming their own justice-involved journey. Together, we are learning and growing in our mission of restoring hope, supporting journeys toward healing, and transforming lives and communities to reflect Kingdom values of justice and belonging.

Led by justice-involved persons and All In Community leaders. Leadership Labs provide theological exploration, reflective practices, tools and resources, and mutual learning environments for more affective leadership. Breakfast and lunch are provided.



PERSONAL LEADERSHIP LAB

In the Personal Leadership Lab, the focus will be on identifying, or re-discovering, the personal values from which we lead and our barriers to leading from our values. In the afternoon, we will discover our Working Genius. Everyone has two God-given geniuses that are our “sweet spots” for finding meaning and joy in our ministry labors. Knowing our geniuses and the geniuses of those we lead helps us be good stewards of God’s people.

Learn more and register here

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.

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.

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.

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 will open March 5. There will be limited guest seating; however, the conference is expected to be livestreamed on the home page of the West Ohio Conference website: westohioumc.org. More details will be made available in NewsNET, the conference website, and social media channels.

District At-Large Membership Positions

The district has several At-Large Member positions available. 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.

Annual Conference Legislation Deadline is March 1st

As stipulated in our conference rules, all legislation must be submitted to and received by the Conference Secretary Chris Clough by 11:59pm, Friday, March 1, 2024. Any legislation received after that date will be returned. The maker of that legislation can decide if they want to ask to suspend the rules for consideration of the Annual Conference body. Legislation should be sent to: Conference Secretary Chris Clough at cclough@wocumc.org.

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...

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...

Go Grant Awards!

GO Grants resource innovative ministry ideas that help West Ohio churches develop relationships beyond the walls of their buildings and within their communities, to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

On February 4, churches from across the West Ohio Conference gathered in Columbus to celebrate what God is doing through 100+ new ministries across the conference. Seven West Ohio teams across five budgets aligned to support these new dreams which will also provide research & development for ideas that can be shared in a variety of contexts. Click here to see all the award recipients.

Our district was well represented at the celebration with many great ministry ideas! The district churches received over $110,000 in grant awards! Congratulations to the following Maumee River District Churches who received a GO Award and thank you to the churches that applied but did not receive a grant. You are also doing amazing work for the Kingdom!

• Aldersgate
• Bowling Green First
• Bowling Green Trinity
• Camino de Vida
• Church of St Andrew
• Maumee
• Napoleon Christ
• Refuge 461
• Riley Creek
• RiverPoint Ministries
• Sylvania First
• Toledo Campus Ministry
• Toledo St Paul's
• Woodville

Congratulations! to Pastor Marcella Ciccotelli and her team at Riley Creek UMC for winning the West Ohio Foundation's Breakout Vision of the Year Award at Bishop Palmer's Go Grant Award's Night! Check out Riley Creek United Methodist Church Facebook page to see their submission video and CLICK HERE to see an article in their local paper

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

Bryan Stevenson of "Just Mercy"

Leadership Clinic March 11 - Online

Bryan Stevenson, founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI), a human rights organization will be the featured guest for Bishop Palmer's Leadership Clinic on March 11, 2024.

Under his leadership, EJI has won major legal challenges eliminating excessive and unfair sentencing, exonerating innocent death row prisoners, confronting abuse of the incarcerated and the mentally ill, and aiding children prosecuted as adults. Mr. Stevenson has received over 50 honorary doctoral degrees and numerous awards.

He is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Just Mercy, which was named by Time Magazine as one of the ten Best Books of the year. Just Mercy was adapted as a major motion picture. Mr. Stevenson is also the subject of the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary True Justice. He is a graduate of the Harvard Law School and the Harvard School of Government.

The first 200 to register will receive a copy of Just Mercy.

Learn more and register at WestOhioUMC.org

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. Questions? Contact Ann Marie Carley (amcarley@wocumc.org). Reserve your tickets today!

Church Reporting

Statistical Reporting - Year End

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

These reports are due by April 15^th, and online submission is preferred. Providing accurate information is essential, as this reporting affects how your 2025 apportionments are calculated. You can access all information that you need to complete those reports here. 

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.

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. Douglas Upton Mrs. Carolyn Edwards Rev. Grayson Atha

Mrs. Marjorie Uth

After 28 years of dedicated service to Wesley UMC in Bryan, our Office Manager Barb Gorrell is retiring! Her last day is Feb. 29. We want to say “thank you” and “happy retirement” to Barb! 

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.