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.

United Methodists see loss, offer relief as wildfires rage

As wind-blown wildfires ravage Los Angeles County, United Methodists are doing what they can to offer shelter and address immediate needs.

They are also starting to count their own losses — which include the destruction of church members’ homes and the buildings of at least two United Methodist churches.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in my life, and I’ve been through two earthquakes and other fires,” said the Rev. Garth Gilliam, superintendent of the California-Pacific Conference’s North District. “I’ve never seen the vast scope of blocks and blocks of homes just gone.”

Read more from Heather Hahn, United Methodist Communications

To support this and other U.S. disaster response and recovery efforts, donate to UMCOR here

New Emerging Generations Resources

With a new year, some new and exciting things are happening within the area of Emerging Generations.

·   New Emerging Generations tab on the West Ohio Conference website. This is where you can find information about ministries connected to children, youth, and young adults. Check back often as this page will grow as the year goes on.

·   Looking for a Family Ministry based Lenten Devotional? It's on the Emerging Gen website ready for your congregation. It's also available in several different languages.

·   Emerging Generations Connections is a new monthly way for those working with children, youth, and young adults to connect with upcoming events, resources, and support one another through stories of celebration. 

If you would like to be added to the distribution list for the Emerging Generations Connection email or would like assistance in any other area that engages children, youth, or young adults contact Rev. Ann Marie Carley, West Ohio Director of Camps, Retreats, and Next Gen Engagement at amcarley@wocumc.org or 380-223-9369.

Register Soon! - Bishop's Day on the District

We would love for you to all join us for Bishop Jung's time in the Maumee River District. The event is open to ALL Laity and Clergy, currently serving or retired. Grab your friends and ministry partners and get registered today so we can have a wonderful, warm welcome for Bishop Jung.

Bishop Hee-Soo Jung has announced Day on District gatherings for clergy and laity. The theme is “Healing and Restoration in Community,” with the scripture Mark 2:1-12 as a guiding principle.

Clergy sessions will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. Bishop Jung highly encourages all clergy to attend as district strategy and visioning will be part of the agenda. Retired clergy are welcome as well. If you cannot attend the date assigned to your district, please contact your district superintendent and select another district event to attend.

Laity sessions will begin with dinner at 5:00 p.m. and will conclude by 8:30 p.m. The schedule includes worship, Bible study led by Bishop Jung and a visioning and ministry conversation.

For more information and registration, CLICK HERE

Foundation for Evangelism Grants

The Foundation for Evangelism Equipping the Local Church grant initiative seeks to empower pastors, laity, and smaller local congregations to dream, take risks, and partner with God in the transformation of lives and communities.

Grants will be "awarded to small and medium church congregations, or clusters of churches working together, in a Wesleyan-tradition denomination. The grant is intended to help launch an experiment or initiative to share the Gospel in word and deed, build relationships, and invite others into a discipleship journey with Jesus."

For the 2025 grant cycle, up to 50 grants of $5,000 or $10,000 will be awarded. Applications are open through February. Click here for more information.

Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader Training

Are you planning a mission journey in 2025 or beyond? Consider this leader training being held at Aley UMC on March 8, 2025. 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. Click here to learn more and register.

Carpooling available to

Commemorate MLK Day on January 19th

Click HERE for carpooling information.

The East and West Ohio Conferences of The United Methodist Church are coming together to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a joint worship service on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church in Pepper Pike. Themed “Living the Dream: Bold Faith, Hopeful Future,” the event hosted by Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will focus on building Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community rooted in justice, love, and hope.

The service, scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., will open with gathering music at 3:45 p.m. and feature retired Bishop Julius C. Trimble, General Secretary of the General Board of Church & Society of The United Methodist Church as the keynote speaker. Known for his commitment to justice and reconciliation, Bishop Trimble will offer a message of inspiration and challenge.

Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and seek to embody his dream for a bold faith and hopeful future.

Join Us For The Day of Service January 20th

Join the East and West Ohio Conferences of the United Methodist Church as we honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day of service across all 10 districts. This is an opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to unite and embody the spirit of love, justice, and service Dr. King championed.

Whether through volunteering at a local food pantry, assisting with community clean-up efforts, mentoring youth, or supporting other impactful projects, everyone can make a difference.



Let's turn this National Day of Remembrance into a day of action! Visit Day of Service for service opportunity suggestions in your area, or gather your family and friends to create your own opportunity to serve. We can continue Dr. King's dream of building a beloved community together.

VIEW THE MISSION SITES HERE

Ohio Minimum Wage Increases

Please note that Ohio's minimum wage has increased from $10.45 to $10.70 per hour, effective January 1, 2025. As a result, new labor posters reflecting this increase must be posted by the effective date (January 1, 2025). While these posters can be costly, free downloadable labor posters are available. Please see the following link to access and print the required poster. Please post the updated Ohio minimum wage poster as soon as possible.

Download Ohio Minimum Wage Poster.  

Ottawa Trinity UMC - 42nd Christmas School

77 preschool children of all faiths from the Ottawa-Glandorf area met December 2 – December 6 for the 43rd annual Ecumenical Christmas School at Ottawa Trinity United Methodist Church.

“We were so excited that we could share the Christmas story with these children,” co-coordinator Nancy McBride expressed. “The children’s energy and enthusiasm truly get us in the Christmas spirit.”

During the week, the children learned about the true meaning of Christmas through songs, creative play, stories, crafts, and games. They heard about Gabriel’s visit to Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, Jesus’ birth, the visits by the shepherds and wise men (including the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh), and angels singing to the newborn King.

Wednesday, Chas and Beth Myers shared some of their 102 nativity sets they had collected from around the world. The children were in awe

The final day, the children helped tell the Christmas story and sang songs they had learned, including traditional ones, such as “Away In a Manger,” and new favorites, such as “Harps, and Halos, Flap Your Wings.” Trinity’s sanctuary was overflowing with parents, family, and friends.

Prior to the afternoon program, four-year-old Isabella Musser played “O, Come Little Children” on her violin.

Ann Koch was the teacher for the afternoon Trees class. She had been a helper for several years, and this year, she stepped up to teach. As a bonus, both her granddaughters, Faye and Eliana, were in her class.

“I have a passion for children and loved learning their personalities,” Ann declared. “My favorite part of Christmas school is their ‘little’ perspective of the Christmas story. They are very sweet and it’s extra special when you have two granddaughters in your class.”

“I like to sing the ‘Ten Little Angels,” Eliana said, shyly.

Her cousin, Faye, added, “I liked singing songs and playing.”

Bailey Powley’s son, Hudson, attended Christmas School for three years. Bailey volunteered to be a helper in Hudson’s class each year.

“We looked forward to Christmas School every year. I looked forward to teaching the kids the true meaning of Christmas, and watching the kids enjoy the crafts, the singing, and the program on Friday,” Bailey related.

Hudson said he liked the crafts and getting to dress up in nativity costumes.

Throughout the week, 13 lead teachers and 24 classroom aides, in addition to three snack coordinators, lent their time and talents to make the event successful.

Ecumenical Christmas School was begun in 1982 by LaDonna Hoffman, Peg Hull, and Nancy Kaufman, and has been a community tradition since that time.

“It is our honor and privilege to provide this program to the next generation of children,” said McBride. “We are so proud that they leave knowing the true meaning of Christmas.”

Trinity’s minister, Pastor Marcella Ciccotelli, concluded, “What could be better than rooms full of preschoolers learning the true Christmas story? It was wonderful! We are so thankful for each person involved and the families who brought their children to learn about and know the Savior of the world.”

By Rebecca Leader

Sentinel Correspondent

Church of St Andrew - Styrofoam Recycling

Church of St Andrew in Toledo started a Styrofoam collection site at their church. Please click on the link below to see what you can do with the unwanted Styrofoam from your Christmas packaging.

https://www.13abc.com/2024/12/02/project-planet-how-recycle-styrofoam-correctly/

Please send any Celebrations or special ministry stories that you would like to share with the District.

Leadership Training 2025

Save the Date! Registration is coming soon.

Plan to join us on Zoom if you’ll be serving on Finance, S/PPRC or Trustees, or to explore the One Board Leadership Model.  

These one-hour training sessions are for new and seasoned leaders. They will help you understand the duties and responsibilities of Finance, S/PPRC, Trustees, and the One Board Leadership Model, respectively. Each session will include time for Q&A so you can serve effectively in your role.

Save the Date for the Live sessions on Zoom:

• Finance: Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025
• S/PPRC: Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025
• Trustees: Friday, Jan 31, 2025
• One Board Leadership Model: Tuesday, Feb 4, 2025

Please Note:

• All sessions will take place on Zoom from 10:30 - 11:30 am on the designated date.
• Please register if you can attend live OR if you’d like to receive access to the recording.
• Each session will last one hour. 
• No in-person Leadership Training Day will take place in early 2025.
• All sessions will be recorded and available on the West Ohio Conference Learning Platform.

Scholarship Information Available

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) Scholarships offers financial aid to United Methodist students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. Every year, an average of $4.5 million is awarded to help students in the United States and abroad pursue their dreams through higher education. With this financial aid, GBHEM is opening pathways for students of all backgrounds to earn their degrees and serve as the next generation of leaders for the church and the world.

GBHEM scholarship applications open in January each year. You may only submit one application per year, which will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of your application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories:

• General Scholarships
• HBCU Scholarships 
• Ministry as a Career Scholarships

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. 

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

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.

Rev. Theron (Ted) Homer Smith

Dr. Phillip W Compton

Mrs. Scottie Sue Crabtree

Rev. Dr. George C. Phillips

Rev. Paul Miller

Sylvania First UMC: Childcare Worker - Sylvania First is looking for a childcare worker for Sunday mornings from 9am-11am who will tend their nursery and assist with children's church. The candidate must be at least 18 years old, have experience working with young children and able to pass a background check. Occasional opportunities for extended hours outside of Sunday mornings is also a possibility. Direct inquiries and/or resume to Heather Robbins at hrobbins@sylvaniafirst.org or 419-882-2205. Job Description

Toledo Hope UMC: The Children/Youth Director is a new part-time position at Hope. This person should have leadership and decision-making skills, be willing to build a team of servants, and love being around young people. If you are interested in more information about this exciting position, please send your resume to: Hope UMC, 4069 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo, OH 43623 or send it via email to SPRC Chairperson Marilyn Waite: m_waite@att.net Questions? Contact Marilyn Waite @ 419-704-3227.

Toledo Hope UMC: Part-Time Treasurer – Seeking an individual who understands the responsibility for the proper receipt, accounting and disbursement of church funds within policies established by the church and conference for adequate financial control. This individual is responsible for the safe and efficient management of the church funds and accounts. If you or someone you know may be interested in this position and want more details, please contact SPRC Chairperson Marilyn Waite at (419-704-3227) or m_waite@att.net or Pastor Diane at (419-475-5036) or pastordmendelson@toledohope.com

The Maumee River District Office is open from 9:00am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday. The office may be 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.