Capitol Area South District

     Weekly Updates                          August 28, 2015


Registration deadline is next Friday, Sept. 4





Continued prayers for those who are recuperating:
Rev. Eugene Brundige
Rev. Don Wallick 

Saundra McElfresh, wife of Rev. Roger McElfresh (New Salem) had surgery this past week.

Prayers for Nepal - read prayer request here.
The New Church at 
Easton Community 
will have Come and See Events on Saturdays, 8/22 and 9/12, 6:00 p.m. featuring Great Music, Message, Ministry Opportunities and provide avenues for making new friends.   
Address: 3035 Stelzer Rd, Columbus, OH  43219

Otterbein University would like to extend an invitation to local congregations in the Capital Area North and South Districts to come to campus for your planning meetings and events. We have meeting spaces for planning and leadership retreats and other gatherings, available to local churches free of charge, with meal service available at our Campus Center Cardinal's Nest for a reasonable cost per person. Otterbein's campus is a beautiful place to get away, gain a new vantage point, and have a great time together. To make a reservation, or for more information, please contact the University Chaplain, Judy Guion-Utsler, at [email protected].
UM Community Ministries
Is your missions team dreaming about starting a new ministry, or expanding an existing ministry?   UMCM 2016 Grant applications are available by clicking on grants.   Check it out.  The Local Church Outreach and Ministry Partnership Grant Applications are due October 1, 2015 - firm deadline.  If you have questions about your ideas or want more information, please contact Roger Grace at 614-228-1010, or [email protected] .
We are not of one mind when discussing human sexuality and the United Methodist Church. Specifically, the issues of ordination and homosexuality have proven to be particularly divisive.
    This September, all clergy and laity of the West Ohio Conference are invited to participate in a respectful, grace-filled conversation called Circles of Grace around these issues. We pray these conversations are the beginning of a way forward as we strive to minister together in unity rather than division.
    Please prayerfully consider being a part of these intentional opportunities for dialogue. Any learnings from this Circles of Grace process will become a resource to the Annual Conference's life, including the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegates as well as the Extended Cabinet and the Board of Ordained Ministry. 
     Circles of Grace conversations will be held at the following locations, beginning promptly at 7pm and lasting two hours:
  • September 27 - Grove City UMC
  • September 28 - Jackson Christ UMC
  • September 29 - Middletown Christ UMC
  • September 30 - The DOCK at Findlay St Mark's UMC
October 24-26, 2015
UM Church for All People 
Community Development for All People
This experiential training will focus on:  
Embracing Diversity - Building Relationships Deep & Wife
Creating a Racially Diverse/Income Diverse Congregation
Diverse and Welcoming Worship to Strengthen Your Community
Launching Outreach Programs that Use Local Assets to Address Community Concerns
Engaging Partners that Support and Sustain Your Ministries
Housing Development 
Scholarships Available.  Register HERE
The cost of mission and ministry has increased while at the same time giving patterns have changed in the culture and as a result, in the church. What advances would your church experience in its mission and ministry with additional revenue from Biblically-based giving from your members? 
In September, the West Ohio Conference Council on Development will sponsor three workshops led by  Rev. Dr. Clif Christopher, a United Methodist elder from the Arkansas Conference.  More information and registration are available here .
Registration Form

Please share these updates with others in your congregation!

Articles welcome before noon on Thursday.