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 Webinar - Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane

The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio is pleased to offer a live Zoom webinar at 6:00 p.m. on April 11 featuring Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, CFRM, ECRF, Director of Stewardship and Generosity at UMC Discipleship Ministries. The webinar will focus on one of the Foundation’s stewardship standards: creating an intentional discipleship system.

Dr. Sloane describes his presentation this way: “The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This goal has the best chance of being successful in congregations that have intentional discipleship systems in place and a clear image of what a maturing disciple looks like. Across the church, we need to see generosity for the key ingredient it is in a maturing disciple of Jesus Christ.”

Attendees will learn the value of having an intentional discipleship system(IDS) and a shared commitment to it; see the connection of mission, values, and vision as they support the congregation’s IDS; and explore how a deeper intentionality in our disciple making helps us clarify to people outside the church who we are as United Methodists.

Registration is not required. A link to join this Zoom presentation can be found at https://umfwestohio.org/foundation-program-calendar-2024/. Contact Susan Black for more information at sblack@wocumc.org.

Grief and Next Steps Seminar

Rev. Elaine J Sturtz, a LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), Pastor, Former Hospice Chaplain, Author (Books available to purchase), will be holding a seminar for anyone who has experienced any type of loss or grief. The Focus will be; how to live in this different life, defining grief, how to take next steps into life.

There is no cost or registration required

Saturday, April 20, 2024

10 AM – 12 PM

Peace United Methodist Church 235 Diley Road, Pickerington, OH

www.livinginthedifferent.com       ejsturtz7@gmail.com

Mission u Registration Starts April 1

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

Where to find General Conference News & Info

Next Month, General Conference, the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church, will convene in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 23-May 3, 2024.

Although General Conference is a business meeting to review legislative law, policy and budgets, it also includes time for passionate worship, an exhibition of general church agencies, and fellowship with our brothers and sisters across the global connection.



For more information on the West Ohio Delegation, answers to frequently asked questions, and news updates, click here. This webpage will continuously be updated as more information becomes available.

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.

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

Register Now for West Ohio Annual Conference and Events

The 55th 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. Information regarding meals, housing, and special events is posted on the conference website.

Click here to register for Annual Conference. 

Click here to register for the Clergy Spouse Brunch with Mrs. Palmer. 

Click here to give to the Love Offering for Bishop and Mrs. Palmer.

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.     

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).  

Is Your Congregation

Looking to Grow Younger?

Generate

Saturday, April 13 :: 9am-4pm at OWU

Hurry! Ticket sales end April 3rd

What is Generate?

Generate is a one day event designed to help your congregation grow younger. Younger can range from reaching young families to reaching those who consider themselves former church goers, currently in their golden years or mid-life. You can bring a team of three people for the price of 2 and you will leave with your next step toward growing younger! Learn more about our keynotes by clicking here

Cost:

• $75 for a single ticket
• $150 for a team of 3 ticket

Ticket includes:

• Three dynamic keynotes
• Time to vision with your team
• Lunch, snacks, and drinks throughout the day
• A follow up coaching call to see you through your congregation's first steps

Questions? Contact Ann Marie Carley (amcarley@wocumc.org)

Click here to learn more and register

Learn about Creation Care during Earth Day Connect A-Round Table

On Earth Day, Monday, April 22, from 5:30-6:30pm, you are invited to Connect A-Round Table for a virtual conversation on creation care.

The panel of speakers will include Bob Downs, founding member of the West Ohio Creation Care Task Force (CCTF); Rev. Ryan Grace, current chair of CCTF and pastor of the Urban Farm Church in Columbus; and Rev. Jessica Stonecypher, a Deacon who is a vocational agriculture instructor and chair of West Ohio's Net Zero team.

Bring your dinner and break bread with us as we learn more about caring for God’s earth! Registration link is below.

Register now...

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.

Insurance Considerations for Leasing and Renting Church or Ministry Property

Sharing space with other organizations and ministries is a great way to extend your relationship with the community, provide assistance to those in need, and perhaps generate some additional revenue or resources. Doing so may also introduce new insurance exposures for your church to deal with.

Read more...

Rev. Irene Moore

Rev. Clarence Dinnen

Scioto Ridge UMC: Director of Youth & Young Adults - The Director of Youth and Young Adults is responsible for the leadership, planning, and implementation of the ministry with and to the Middle School youth (6-8 Grade), High School youth (9-12 grade), and young adults (Post-high school graduation to 30 years old) of Scioto Ridge United Methodist Church. The director will build leadership teams of servants that help in the spiritual formation of youth and young adults. For a full job description, please visit: www.srumc.org/employment

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.