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.

Bishop Jung to Host All-Ohio Day of Thanksgiving and Unity on November 23rd

On November 23, 2024, Bishop Jung invites all Ohio United Methodists to join together for an inspiring day of prayer, worship, and learning. With the theme "Hearts Strangely Warmed,” the day will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Worthington United Methodist Church located at 600 High St, in Worthington and will conclude by 3:30 p.m.

The event, centered around Romans 5:1-5, will focus on hope, endurance, and the transformative power of God’s love. Attendees will explore how these principles align with the core mission of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Read more and register here

2025 Virtual Laity Discernment Retreats

Do you feel God's call on your life but are uncertain how to discern that call or what to do next? If so, then this is the Retreat for you! At the Laity Discernment Retreats, we will talk about call, discernment and what it means to be "called by our baptism." We will learn ways to intentionally enter into a time of prayer about discernment and we will discover Spiritual Rhythms that can help guide our journey. We will also discuss the variety of ways Laity can serve both in our churches and in our communities.

In 2025, the virtual laity discernment retreat will consist of two, two-hour ZOOM sessions, followed 6 weeks later by a two-hour ZOOM debriefing. In the 6 weeks between sessions, there will be opportunities to read, reflect, and practice Spiritual Rhythms that will lead you to a better understanding of your own call.

"I would recommend a Laity Discernment Retreat to someone who is searching or has questions about how they can serve their community or their church. It can help guide them through the process, provide resources and help provide a sense of peace about what they can be doing right now." -Twila Boyd, 2019 participant

Dates (please plan to attend all 3 sessions):

• Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
• Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 6:30-8:30pm
• Register Now!

For more information, contact Kim LaRue at kimlarue@powellumc.org. 

Apportionment E-Statements Update!

We previously announced that The Conference is now offering apportionment statements by e-mail and wanted to share additional information as well as some minor changes. Please carefully read the following: (changes are shown in red.)

      To register:

1.   If a treasurer relationship is not listed for your church at westohioumc.org, please reach out to your district administrator to set one up. This is needed to receive e-statements. Registration and appropriate permissions are required as well, which your district administrator can also assist you with. 

2.   Once step 1 is complete, Go to “MyChurch” in the upper righthand corner > Choose “Apportionments” from the red menu > Choose “Apportionment Statements.”

    Once registered for e-statements:

• Paper statements are no longer sent to your church by mail.
• Treasurers will automatically receive statements by email. 
• To add additional emails to the distribution list, such as your pastor or accounting firm, please email Rhonda Tyree at rtyree@wocumc.org.

·      This service is optional. If you prefer mailed statements, you do not need to do anything at this time.

·      Please e-mail any questions concerning e-statements to rtyree@wocumc.org. 

Join Us for the Fall Youth Gathering on November 15th!

We are excited to announce that Powell United Methodist Church will be hosting a Fall Youth Gathering on Friday, November 15th, from 6:00-9:30 PM. This event is open to youth across our district and conference, providing a night of food, games, worship, small groups, and a youth panel. Our featured speaker will be Rev. Amy Aspey, who will share a powerful message for our youth.

Please help us spread the word and encourage youth from your churches to register for this impactful gathering. We look forward to welcoming young people from all over the conference as they come together for a night of faith and fellowship.

Registration is open now at the link below: https://powell.breezechms.com/form/915d5e104267

Upcoming youth gatherings will also take place on February 7th and May 9th, so please keep these dates in mind

Toledo St. Paul's Clothing Need

St. Paul’s UMC is in great need of men’s clothing (ALL types of clothing). This need is ALWAYS there. We accept donations Monday 11a-1p, Tuesday (by appointment only), Wednesday 11a-1p, Thursday 11a-1p, Friday 12-1p. If questions or need arraignments, please call the church (419) 243-8284. We are located at 1201 Madison Ave., Toledo, OH 43604. Thank you in advance for your support.

Hurricanes Helene/Milton Response

As we witness the immense devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in the Southeast US, and are fearing the destruction from Hurricane Milton in Florida, know that the conferences in those areas are working around the clock to check in with affected community leaders, clergy, and disaster response teams. 

In the coming days, more information will be available on ways you can help with the recovery efforts across the areas. In the meantime, prayerfully consider the list of ways you can help below. We know that our United Methodist family will show up with abundance to help those whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by this storm. We thank you for your generosity and support. 

Things you can do to support those affected by Hurricane Helene: PRAY, GIVE, PAUSE. Please PRAY for those affected by the recent hurricane and the first responders providing care, safety, and immediate needs. You may GIVE to UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief and finally, PAUSE: do not self-deploy to the area. Due to the nature and magnitude of this disaster, it will take months, maybe even years to recover. Just so you know, you will be needed. Just not yet. We will provide more updates as they become available. Click here to donate.

Maumee River District Grants

As a district, we seek to come alongside local churches and related ministry organizations in their mission to make disciples and reach people with the hope and grace of Jesus. The District Board of Directors will be accepting grant requests through November 15th to be able to partner financially and prayerfully with these churches/organizations for their mission. Please select the appropriate grant application, complete the document, and return it to Michelle at the district office at mrobinson@wocumc.org before November 15th to be considered for a district grant. Please reach out to Michelle with any questions.

Ministry Grant Application

Trustee Grant Application

Information for Ministry Grants

Information for Trustee Grants

All In Community: October Ministry Monday & other Monthly Ministries

All In Community’s Ministry Monday information session in October will discuss how to get involved with Christmas Miracle, an annual event through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) that is held at various state correctional facilities. In conjunction with The Four Seven Ministries out of Cincinnati, ODRC has created a beautiful opportunity for families to experience the Christmas holiday with their incarcerated loved ones. 

Join us on October 28 beginning at 7:00pm to hear details about this year’s plans. You will find out how you can help to make Christmas magical for those who are often forgotten and left out of holiday celebrations.

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://qrco.de/bfQRAo 

Cost:   FREE

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).  

October Ministry Monday Flyer

Hope Letters Ministry Flyer

Four Friends Ministry Flyer

The General Board of Church & Society Grants

Churches are encouraged to apply for a Church and Society grant between now and October 31. They provide grants ranging from $2000-$5000 in the following categories:

• Peace with Justice Grants support programs and projects that witness to God’s demands for a faithful, just, disarmed, and secure world.
• Ethnic Local Church Grants focus on the self-identified needs of ethnic local churches and persons as they address one or more chronic social issues or concerns.
• Human Relations Day Grants support advocacy and community engagement aimed at uplifting the right of all God’s children to realize their potential in right relationship with one another.

To learn more and apply click here. 

Fall 2024 UMCOR Hygiene Kit Collection

After another year of natural disasters occurring in the U.S. and around the world, Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) needs our help replenishing their stock of UMCOR Hygiene and Menstrual Hygiene kits. From October 1-31, 2024, hygiene and menstrual hygiene kits - as well as other supplies - can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Hocking River District Office (South/Southeast)
• Brecon UMC/Great Miami River District Office (West/Southwest)
• Maumee River District Office (West/Northwest)
• 1729 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH
• Drop-off hours: Mon-Thurs, 10:00am-4:00pm
• Contact Michelle Robinson at 419-897-9770 or maumeeriver@wocumc.org for questions
• West Ohio Conference Center (Central)
• 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, OH
• Drop-off hours: Mon, Weds, & Thurs, 10:00am-4:00pm
• Contact Mariellyn Grace at 380-223-9212 or mgrace@wocumc.org for questions

Click here for instructions on how to make hygiene and menstrual hygiene kits. Other items that will be accepted include liquid laundry detergent (100-150 oz.), 0-6 month onesies, pillows (new), twin-size sheet sets, and non-electric tools (new or gently used).

For more information, contact Mariellyn Grace at mgrace@wocumc.org. 

Maumee River District - United Women in Faith 2024 Fall Annual Day

The Maumee River United Women in Faith would like to invite you to attend the first fall meeting and program of the Maumee River District UWFaith in Whitehouse, OH, on October 26th. Join other women who are diligent workers for UWF. Share with each other what your unit has done to keep missions alive in your community, enjoy lunch together and listen to a very informational and inspiring speaker.

At the Fall meeting they will be approving the 2025 Standing Rules, the 2025 Budget and Pledge, and the slate of officers. Please see the flyer and registration form links below for more information.

Flyer

Registration

Trauma-Resilience Worship Arts Workshop

What if people left your worship service with some sense of healing from the pain and suffering of living in today’s world? This workshop is designed for pastors, worship leaders, and music ministers who are responsible for creating worship environments. We will explore ways in which we can use scripture, music, and liturgy to promote resilience among those gathered.

Time: 10AM-3PM

Cost: $20 for meal and materials

Facilitator: Rev. Dr. Camisha Chambers, All In Community Nurturing Communities Coordinator

• November 6 (Wedgewood UMC, Akron) Register HERE Deadline to Register is October 30

Questions or Request for Support? Please reach out to: Dr. Camisha Chambers, Nurturing Communities Coordinator: nurturingcoordinator@gmail.com II 614-966-0281

Engage with UMC Leaders in Upcoming Well-Being Webinars

Wespath and the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) are partnering together to engage leaders and changemakers in the UMC to address systemic issues affecting clergy well-being.

This fall, you are invited to three webinars on clergy well-being. Learn more about each of the five dimensions of well-being, the current state of each dimension based on the 2023 Clergy Well-Being Survey results and various resources available to you.

Clergy input on well-being is essential. Register now for any or all of these sessions:

• October 24, 1-2pm Central – Physical and Emotional Well-Being Register Now Due to Boundary Training - you can register for this event and receive a recording of the webinar to watch at a later date
• November 7, 1-2pm Central – Spiritual and Social Well-Being Register Now  

Your Feedback is Important

How does the UMC impact clergy well-being? What steps could we take to create a work environment more conducive to clergy well-being? Complete this short form to share how the church can be more supportive of clergy well-being.

Wauseon Christ Bazaar, Soup & Sandwich Lunch

On behalf of the Women of Christ United Methodist Church, Wauseon we cordially invite you to shop our Bazaar with Soup and Sandwich Lunch. It will be held at Wauseon Christ United Methodist Church on Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 9a-2p. Proceeds from this event benefit local missions.

We ask for your prayers and blessings on our fundraiser and look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 2, 2024. If you are unable to attend, we would greatly appreciate if you could share our event with your congregation via the Printable Flyer.

Volunteers in Mission Team Leader Training

Are you planning a mission journey in 2025 or beyond? Join West Ohio for a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader Training! With an experienced team leader as instructor, you will learn how to plan and lead a mission experience in Ohio, the United States, or around the world. You will also be provided with checklists, timelines, team forms, and practical resources for nurturing the spiritual life of your team. A background check is required.

Cost: $35 (training, materials & lunch)

Date: Sat, 11/02/2024 - 09:00 - 1:00pm

Location: Stonybrook UMC 485 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230

Contact: Mariellyn Grace at mgrace@wocumc.org

Deadline to register: October 28



Read more here

Early Response Team Training & Recertification

The Basic ERT Class is being offered for the whole conference on November 9 in the Hocking River District Office. This 8 hour class will teach you how to assist survivors of natural disasters in their time of need. You will learn how to provide a Christian presence while taking steps to prevent further damage to the family's personal property; this may include tarping, debris removal, cleaning out flooded homes, etc. FEMA recognizes this training to enter a disaster scene.

The recertification class will take place during the morning session and is only for those who have completed the basic course and are within one year of the date their badge expired. Cost is $40 for the basic class; $35 for recertification. The deadline to register is Monday, November 4. Click here to learn more/register.

The New Zenler Platform

The West Ohio Conference provides an on-demand learning platform for local church leaders to engage in training to help them lead successfully. The New Zenler platform includes courses on pastoral transitions and Leadership Labs for justice involved ministries. 

LEARN MORE

Education and Engagement Opportunities through the UMFWO

October 22 at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom: Do you consider your church extraordinary when it comes to stewardship and giving? Would you like it to be? Join Foundation guest Joe Park, President and CEO of Horizon Stewardship, as he speaks on the topic of Stewardship in the Extraordinary Church. Join via Zoom here.

Save the Date! The UMFWO invites you to Save the Date of September 15-16, 2025 for our 2^nd annual Generosity Summit. Next year’s summit will be held at beautiful Maumee Bay State Park Lodge and Conference Center near Toledo, OH. The event will feature speakers from across the Connection on topics to help pastors and church leaders build a culture of generosity in their church. Registration will open in April! Stay tuned! 

The Foundation has lots of other resources we can share with you. Just give us a call to discuss your needs so we can make tailored recommendations. sblack@wocumc.org  380-223-9257

New Clergy Financial Wellness Resource Guide

Financial issues can be a serious problem for clergy at all phases of their ministry and can adversely impact their effectiveness, health, and spiritual well-being. The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio has partnered with the WOC Office of Ministry, the Office of Benefits & HR, Communications and Wespath to create a new resource guide that is meant to be a comprehensive source of information on the many resources available to assist clergy with their financial health. The guide can be accessed online here or can be requested from the Foundation or District offices.

Upcoming Lay Servant Ministries Classes

Lay Ministry is the work of mission or ministry to which each believer is called. As Christians we are all called to this ministry or priesthood – not just clergy. Each of us has a responsibility to proclaim the Good News and reach out to others in love.



Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (United Methodist Heritage): November 3,5,7,10,14, 2024 – Sponsored by Olentangy River District. Registration

A reminder: Even if you have completed the Basic Course and all of the Core Courses, you need to take an Advanced Course every 3 years as part of maintaining your certification. Not sure what you need next? Contact Michelle at the district office - 419-897-9770 or mrobinson@wocumc.org

Rev. Linda Scott

Rev. Dr. T. Mark Dove

Mrs. Kay M Kinney

Epworth UMC - VBS Kits available: Are you looking for free VBS kits from the past 5 years? We have 4 VBS kits from Group publishing that are free to a good home. Please email meredith@epworth.com if interested.

Findlay St Andrew's - Director of Family and Outreach Ministry: St. Andrew's UMC is seeking a passionate and dynamic leader for the role of Director of Family and Outreach Ministry. This 3/4 time position involves developing, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of family ministry, focusing on children and their families. The Director will lead a holistic ministry that encourages family involvement, supports parents in their roles as spiritual leaders, and fosters an inclusive environment where families of all shapes and sizes can thrive. In addition to family ministry, the Director will engage in outreach to the broader community, building relationships, providing support, and creating opportunities for community engagement and service. Interested candidates can submit a resumes to Pastor Amy at amiller@saumcfindlay.org. 

Whitehouse Hope - Nursery Attendant: The ideal candidate will have a heart for working with infants and children to age 3, pass a background check and certifications in infant first aid and CPR. Candidates who are already employees of Hope United Methodist Church or Childcare should be able to fulfill the required hours without incurring overtime pay.

The job is Sunday Mornings 9:30-11:30 at Whitehouse Hope United Methodist Church.

The pay is $15 per hour

The Nursery attendant would report to the Staff Perish Relations Committee Chair

Questions? Please contact Pam Croson at pkcroson@gmail.com or 419-350-2632

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.