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.

Dear Beloved in Christ,

I come to you today with a heavy heart. It is impossible to escape the news of what is happening in Springfield, Ohio and especially to Haitian immigrants in the area. Students on every level have been affected by school closings due to bomb threats. It is difficult to imagine what it must feel like to be a resident of Springfield at this time. 

As Christians, we believe in Jesus Christ who calls us to welcome the stranger and to love our neighbor. It is for this reason that I call upon United Methodists to join me in prayer for the people of Springfield. I offer this prayer to you.

O God, you are the hope of all the ends of the earth, the God of the spirits of all flesh. Hear our humble intercession for all races and families on earth, that you will turn all hearts to yourself. Remove from our minds hatred, prejudice, and contempt for those who are not of our race or color, class or creed, that, departing from everything that estranges and divides, we may by you be brought into unity of spirit, and the bond of peace. Amen. ---The United Methodist Book of Worship, (pg. 526).



Peace,

Bishop Hee Soo Jung

The Ohio Episcopal Area

2024 United Women in Faith Fall Celebration

All women across the West Ohio Conference are invited to the United Women in Faith's Fall celebration on October 19 from 10a-12p at Zanesfield UMC, 2880 Main Street, Zanesfield, OH. This year's speaker is Ms. Jami Nathan, the All in Community Ministries Coordinator. Her topic is "Harmonizing with the Invisible". Refreshments will be served.

Please call Brenda Coleman at 937-335-6071 or email clmnbrenda@aol.com for reservations by October 14th. Please provide your name, your contact info and your church name.

Building harmonious communities and embracing the invisible to restore hope and support healing in communities within Ohio. 

Annual Charge Conferences

It's almost Charge Conference time! Information about this year's Church Conferences has been sent out to churches/pastors. If your church did not receive the information, please let me know. The forms, printable and online, are available on the West Ohio Conference website under MyChurch/Charge Conference/2024. Please make sure that you are using the correct URL for the website. The updated site is https://www.westohioumc.org. It should contain the www.

We are holding Regional Church Conferences this year. There are 8 different locations that churches can choose to attend. Pastors, if you have not selected your date yet, please consult with your church leaders and get signed up soon. a few of the locations are filling up fast!

There are several new clergy and church office staff that may be new to Church Conferences and all that they entail. Michelle will be holding a training to go over these steps and the online form process. Please let her know if you would be interested in this training by emailing her at mrobinson@wocumc.org.

Pastor Appreciation Month is coming

October is Pastor Appreciation Month with the second Sunday designated as Pastor Appreciation Day. It is a time to say “thank you” to the people who may be most visible as preachers and teachers, but who, in reality, are on-call 24/7 standing with congregants and others to offer spiritual and other support in times of confusion and transition, times of heart-wrenching sorrow and times of overwhelming joy. They laugh, cry and pray with those whom they shepherd and serve.

Established as a worldwide recognition time in 1992, the call to honor the contributions of pastoral leaders can be traced back to Paul, who advised congregations to give “double honor” to the elders who managed the affairs of the church well, “especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timothy 5:17, NIV). Click here to read more and get ideas to show your love to your pastor and leaders. Click here for free graphics. 

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) Sat, 11/02/2024 - 09:00 - 1:00pm

Stonybrook UMC 485 Cherry Bottom Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230

Contact Mariellyn Grace at mgrace@wocumc.org

Price $35.00 Deadline to register: October 28



Read more here

Fall 2024 UMCOR 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.....continue reading

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:

• September 19, 1-2pm Central – Financial Well-Being Register Now
• 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.

Conference Trustees Announce Group Utilities Purchasing Plan with Integrity Energy

West Ohio Conference Trustees are pleased to introduce your church to Integrity Energy. Integrity Energy is a broker that will help minimize your utility expenses by comparing your current rates and contracts with the best available in the market. With demand for energy increasing quickly because of the expansion of data centers and other economic development, rates are forecast to increase significantly in 2025.



While there is no obligation to work with Integrity Energy, it makes sense if they can reduce utility expenses so you have more resources for your mission. Click here to learn more about Integrity Energy. Click here to read about what will drive energy prices in 2025.

Frankly Speaking with Four Friends

Learning what it is like to know you are being released and leaving prison

This is a brand new ministry from All In Community called Frankly Speaking with Four Friends, hosted by Rae Lynn Schleif and Jami Nathan. Every first Tuesday of the month we are hosting a Zoom meeting open to everyone and inviting two persons who have experienced incarceration and reentry to share their stories and teach us through their experiences. 

This next conversation is Tuesday, October 1, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Two of our speakers will be sharing their personal experience of learning what it is like to know you are being released and leaving prison. The emotional and mental adjustments, the leaving friendships on the inside, and preparing for release and what comes next. These stories are personal and powerful. 

All of our speakers are involved in giving a part of their time in some way; from supporting others who are currently incarcerated, to mentoring those going through the reentry process as they move towards stability.

Each month we will have a different topic. First Tuesdays Frankly Speaking conversations are free and we invite you to come and learn from those who have first-hand personal experience. You can join by the QR code here or this zoom link. https://qrco.de/bfJyoa

Frankly Speaking FLYER

2025 WOC Go Grants

West Ohio Go! Grants are open to resource new innovative ministry ideas that help West Ohio churches develop relationships beyond the walls of our buildings and within our communities.

If you or your church are eager to explore a fresh perspective of ministry, you are encouraged to apply.

2025 Go Grant Categories

• Building Bridges
• Community Engagement
• Emerging Generations
• Green Church
• Leadership Development

Applications are available to submit online by October 15, 2024.

For more information and an application, click here.

All In Community - Fall Offerings

Please see the attached flyers for information on events that the All in Community Team will be hosting this fall.

Lunch, Learn & Live Well Workshops

Resilience Clergy Retreats

Trauma Resilience Worship Arts Workshops

HUGE INDOOR YARD SALE

The Church of St. Andrew UMC Yard Sale

3620 Heatherdowns Blvd.

Saturday Sept. 21

8:00 until 3:00

You will find Antiques, jewelry, many tools, furniture, appliances, and much more than a usual yard sale. There be a table of FREE items! The ladies will have a bake sale.

Everything will be priced for quick sale. We will consider all reasonable offers on furniture and appliances all day. We will be accepting donations starting Monday, 9/16. Bring your items to the church between 9:00 and 2:00, or call Tom Yurysta: 419-350-2889, or Paul Wood: 419-356-9002 to arrange a pickup.

Come for lunch and stay for the sale:

MENU

 Breakfast Rolls                                 $1.25

 Homemade Pulled pork sandwich  $3.00

 Homemade Sloppy Joe sandwich   $2.75

 Paul’s famous Potato Wedges        $2.00

 Soda or Bottled water                      $1.25

Coffee or iced tea  (Free refills)         $1.25  

Toledo CROP Hunger Walk - September 22

The Toledo CROP Hunger Walk, partnered with Church World Service, raises funds to end hunger and poverty around the block and around the world, one step at a time. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised stays in our community to support the good work of Rocket Fuel - the food pantry that serves students in need at the University of Toledo.

Join us on Sunday, September 22nd for an experiential event with educational activities along the route and a beautiful walk around the University of Toledo campus. Meet at the Toledo Campus Ministry building at 2086 Brookdale Rd, Toledo, OH at 1pm for registration. The walk begins at 2pm.

For more information on the walk or Church World Service, please see the printable flyer HERE.

September Ministry Monday

All In Community’s Ministry Monday information session in September will feature Jonathan Platt, Executive Director of Storychain. Join us for a conversation on how Storychain is transforming families by helping parents read bedtime stories to their children to nurture them and care for them . . . even from inside prison walls.

Monday, September 23, beginning at 7:00pm on ZOOM.

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED here: https://qrco.de/bfK0Dv 

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).  

Hope UMC - Trash to Treasure Sale

Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 28 from 9-3pm for Hope UMC’s Trash to Treasure Sale. Over the years we’ve collected a lot of stuff at Hope UMC. You’ve heard it said, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”…well, we’ve got lots of treasures…and we’d like to share them with you! Stop by Hope UMC, 4069 W. Sylvania Ave. and pick out your treasures! If you have questions, contact the church office. (419-475-5036)

Printable Flyer

Installation Service For Bishop Hee-Soo Jung 

Please join us as we welcome Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and his spouse, Rev. Im-Hyon, to the West Ohio Annual Conference at his installation service on October 12 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1581 Cambridge Blvd, Columbus. The service will begin at 4:00 pm. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has been assigned to The Ohio Episcopal Area, which includes the East and West Ohio Conferences. His assignment began September 1, 2024.

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.

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

Apportionment E-Statements Now Available!

The Conference is now offering apportionment statements by e-mail.

·      Service begins 11/1/24. 

·      To receive your first e-statement in November, sign up by 10/18/24. 

·      After the initial 10/18 deadline, registration will remain open indefinitely; however, your first emailed statement will not begin until the following month after you’ve signed up.

·      Once registered:

•  Paper statements are no longer sent to your church by mail.
• Treasurers as well as lead pastors are automatically added to the e-statement distribution list. 
•  If a treasurer relationship is not listed for your church in our main database, please reach out to your district to set one up. This is needed to receive e-statements.

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

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

Treasurers:

To sign-up, register and/or sign on to our website at Homepage | West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church (westohioumc.org). Then go to MyChurch in the upper righthand corner > Choose Apportionments from the red menu > Choose Apportionment Statements.  

Education and Engagement Opportunities through the UMFWO

Financial Leadership for Churches – this comprehensive course with content similar to our Generosity Abounds program is offered through Garrett Theological Seminary. It is pricey but you can get 2 CEUs and take another person. Call us if you want to attend and we can discuss scholarships. There is also a $500 incentive program for attendees who qualify.

Cultivating the Craft of Asking - develop your skills and confidence in asking donors for financial support. Through the five online sessions, you will learn techniques to help you deepen donor relationships to connect vision to mission while actively making progress on your own ministry goals – from a capital campaign to funding mission work. Provided through Myte Ministries.

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.



Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries (Basic Course): Friday, October 4 from 6-8pm (Zoom) & Saturday, October 5 from 9am-5pm (either in person at the Hocking River District office or by Zoom). Registration

Justice in Everyday Life: October 12 & 19, 2024 - Sponsored by Western Lakes District - Registration

Leading Worship: October 18-19, 2024 – Sponsored by Olentangy River District - Registration

Living Our United Methodist Beliefs (United Methodist Heritage): November 3,5,7,10,14, 2024 – Sponsored by Olentangy River District. Registration opens 9/27/24

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

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.     

Rev. Kenneth Jenkins

Margaret "Susan" Cottrill

Rev. Danny Dahl

Patricia Edwards

Rev. John Hickman, Jr.

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.