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.

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.

Ohio Methodist Historical Society

Annual Convocation, October 11-12

You're invited to the 185th Convocation and Annual meeting of the Ohio Methodist Historical Society (OMHS). Two days of activities will be hosted by the First United Methodist Church of Springboro.

Folks from all branches of Methodism and the Wesleyan tradition are welcome as well as those interested in the history of Ohio and the underground railroad. Click here to learn more and register.

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 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. 

All In Community Resilience Clergy Retreat

Jesus’ story reflected so much of our everyday lives. He was surrounded by and encountered deeply traumatic situations and highly traumatized people. And if we dare to be involved in ministry work, it’s safe to conclude that experiencing some form of trauma is inevitable. However, there is hope for us all. A resurrected person is a resilient person. Jesus IS alive, and because we are resurrected with Christ, we, too, can live a resilient life.

Resilience is not about being the toughest, strongest, or having the most 'grit'. It's about acknowledging our complete dependence on the triune God and accepting that we cannot navigate life on our own. A resilient life is a gift from God, and it's a gift that's accessible to everyone

This one-day workshop recognizes the beauty in every individual, as well as, the pain we experience as pastors in walking with justice-impacted persons. In this retreat, we will recognize the special burdens carried in this area of ministry and learn resilience with a simple approach of identifying and strategizing. We will identify the variety of traumas that have impacted our human nervous system, local churches, and surrounding communities and strategize ways to become resilient through customized, evidence-based educational and interactive sessions.

Time: 10AM-3PM Cost: $20 for meal and materials

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

Registration Links:

• October 3 (Wedgewood UMC, Akron): Register HERE Deadline to Register is Sept 26
• October 22 (Bexley UMC, Columbus): Register HERE Deadline to Register is October 14

Trauma-Resilience Worship Arts Workshops 

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

• October 15 (Bexley UMC, Columbus) Register HERE Deadline to Register is October 9
• 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

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

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

Mrs. Kay M Kinney

Rev. Kenneth Jenkins

Margaret "Susan" Cottrill

Rev. Danny Dahl

Patricia Edwards

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.