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. | | |
2026 Annual Conference Dates Announced
At-Large Lay Members Needed
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The 57th session of the West Ohio Conference will be held May 27 through May 30 at Capital University in Bexley. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will preside. The theme for this year's session is "Abundant Grace," based on the scripture from Matthew 13:14-21:
If you, or anyone you know, is interested in representing the Maumee River District at Annual Conference this year, please complete THIS FORM, get it signed by your pastor, and send it to the district office for consideration. if you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle in the office at 419-897-9770 or mrobinson@wocumc.org.
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. (NRSVA)
Registration begins March 1.
| | West Ohio Conference Opens Nominations for The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award | | |
The West Ohio Conference is now accepting nominations for The Foundation for Evangelism Laity Award, formerly known as the Denman Award. This distinguished honor celebrates laypersons whose exceptional evangelistic ministries help others enter a life‑transforming relationship with Jesus Christ, foster continued discipleship, and demonstrate a daily commitment to Christian witness.
Each year, one award recipient is selected within every annual conference of The United Methodist Church, as well as from other denominations across the Wesleyan tradition. In recognition of The Foundation for Evangelism’s origins as a lay-led movement, the award program has been refreshed and expanded to highlight laity of all ages who are actively sharing the gospel and inviting others into a transformed life in Christ within their communities.
Regional award recipients from all participating Wesleyan‑tradition bodies will also be considered for one of twenty national grants of $1,000 to support and strengthen their ongoing evangelism ministries.
More information about the award is available at: FoundationForEvangelism/laity-evangelism-award.
A fillable nomination form can be accessed here: Laity Evangelism Award | West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church
For questions or guidance regarding submissions to the West Ohio Conference, please contact:
Julie Carter – jcarter@wocumc.org
All nominations must be received by March 15, 2026, to be considered for the 2026 award cycle.
| | UMVIM Team Leader Training is April 18 at Ashland | |
Are you considering leading a mission journey or disaster response team? The Ohio Episcopal Area is offering Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader Training on Saturday, April 18, from 9am to 3pm at Ashland First United Methodist Church. With an experienced team leader as your 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. Cost is $15 per person, including lunch and materials. Deadline to register is April 15. For more information, email Mariellyn Grace, Director of Mission Engagement for the Ohio Episcopal Area, at mgrace@wocumc.org. Register here: https://eastohio-reg.brtapp.com/TeamLeaderAshland
| | Frankly Speaking - HB 338—Andy’s Law | | |
Tuesday, March 3 at 6:30pm! (Note the time change)
Our speaker for Frankly Speaking on Tuesday, March 3 is Mr. Zach Ruppel. Zach is a formerly incarcerated individual who is a passionate advocate for restorative reentry practices and ending permanent punishments for a conviction. He is employed as a Policy Analyst at JustLeadership USA.
Zach will speak with us about House Bill 338 called Andy’s Law and how if this law is passed it will impact those currently incarcerated.
Please be aware that for this Frankly Speaking we will begin at 6:30 p.m. adjusting our time to Zach’s schedule. He has another work commitment at 7:30 p.m. Here is the link to join: https://wocumc.zoom.us/j/86240001092
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).
| | Expanding Connection Book Club - The Defiant Middle | | |
For every woman, from the young to those in midlife and beyond, who has ever been told, "You can't" and thought, "Oh, I definitely will!"--this book is for you.
Women are expected to be many things. They should be young enough, but not too young; old enough, but not too old; creative, but not crazy; passionate, but not angry. They should be fertile and feminine and self-reliant, not barren or butch or solitary. Women, in other words, are caught between social expectations and a much more complicated reality.
Women who don't fit in, whether during life transitions or because of changes in their body, mind, or gender identity, are carving out new ways of being in and remaking the world. But this is nothing new: they have been doing so for thousands of years, often at the margins of the same religious traditions and cultures that created these limited ways of being for women in the first place.
In The Defiant Middle, Kaya Oakes draws on the wisdom of women mystics and explores how transitional eras or living in marginalized female identities can be both spiritually challenging and wonderfully freeing, ultimately resulting in a reinvented way of seeing the world and changing it. "Change, after all," Oakes writes, "always comes from the margins."
Join friends from around the Ohio Episcopal Area at 7pm on Tuesday, March 17 for an insightful conversation. For more information contact jcarter@wocumc.org
| | Statistical End of Year Reports | | |
Pastors, Treasurers, Finance Chairs, Office Administrators and Administrative Council/Leadership Team Chairs - you should have received an email on February 4th or 12th with instructions for completing year end reports. If you did not receive the email, please contact Michelle at the district office.
Some things you'll want to know:
• Reports are due Friday, April 17, 2026.
• Make every effort to complete the information online.
• Have your church’s GCFA# ready, which can be found in the attachment sent with the email this afternoon.
• Use this link and input your GCFA# and this password: Stats2025#
• Once you’re in the system, you’ll establish new credentials for accessing your church’s information. Note that multiple people in the same church can have access, which should make it easier to complete the reports in a timely manner.
If you have any questions, contact Jack Frost at jfrost@wocumc.org.
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The West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church presented its annual Go Awards, honoring nearly 80 Go Grant and Greenhouse Grant recipients and spotlighting congregations and leaders shaping new ministry across the conference. The exciting event took place on Sunday February 1st in Worthington.
Several of the Maumee River District churches were awarded grants this year. The churhces awarded grants are listed below. You can read more about these awards along with the full story and pictures HERE.
Bishop Gregory Vaughn Palmer Award for Social Transformation and Justice
Inaugural Resilient Church Award
Beyong Barriers | Go Grant Recipients:
- Edgerton UMC - Digital Ministry: Seen. Heard. Loved
- Maumee UMC - Cabin Fever
- Toledo Campus Ministries - Firm Foundation for Future Ministries
- Swanton Trinity UMC - Replace existing patio and ramps on side of building
Community Engagement | Go Grant Recipients
- Defiance St Paul's UMC - Fresh Start Breakfast Church
Emerging Generations | Go Grant Recipients
- Sylvania First UMC - Common Table
- Bowling Green Trinity UMC - UMSO Faith in Motion
- Waterville UMC - Next-Gen Youth Group
Go Green | Go Grant Recipients
- RiverPoint Ministries UMC - Church recycling efforts
| | Information Meeting for Wisconsin UMVIM Journey
is March 8 | | |
An informational meeting on this year’s Climate Justice Mission Journey to Wisconsin will be held on Sunday, March 8, at 1pm – both online and in-person (Columbus). The long-term recovery journey will assist in clean-up and rebuilding of homes that were flooded in the Milwaukee area last summer. Dates for the mission journey are July 13-18, 2026, and housing will be provided by a local church. Cost per person is $200, or $500 per family. To receive the link for the informational meeting, fill out THIS FORM (Climate Justice Mission Journey Interest Form – Fill out form) or email Mariellyn Grace, Director of Mission Engagement, at mgrace@wocumc.org.
| | UW Faith Spring Celebration | | |
Maumee River District United Women in Faith 2026 Spring Celebration, The Hands and Feet of Christ (1 Corinthians 12: 14-18; 27), will be held on Saturday, March 14 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at Maumee United Methodist Church,
405 Sackett St., Maumee, OH 43537. Breakout sessions will be held for participants to learn more about the following roles/topics: President, Treasurer, Membership, Nurture and Outreach, Nominations, Mission u, and UWF 101.
Cost $15 per person. Make checks payable to: MRD UWF
Send REGISTRATION & check to: Miriam Kuhn, 15363 Twp Rd 207, Findlay, OH 45840. mmkuhn81@gmail.com, 419.957.3627
Due by March 11, 2026
| | Update - 2026 Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation | | |
A Gathering of Purpose, Connection, and Grace**
You are warmly invited to join Bishop Hee-Soo Jung and fellow laity from across the Ohio Episcopal Area for the 2026 Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation—a two‑day opportunity to be renewed, inspired, and equipped for ministry in a world that is rapidly evolving.
This year’s convocation centers on the theme of leading with abundant grace. Bishop Jung will guide us in exploring how lay people can embody hope, cultivate belonging, and serve as catalysts for spiritual transformation within their communities.
We are also delighted to welcome Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History. Dr. Boggan will offer plenary sessions that weave together historical insight and practical application, helping us imagine how the church’s rich story can illuminate new, more just, and more vibrant pathways forward.
Throughout the event, participants will have meaningful opportunities to build relationships, learn from one another, and celebrate the many ways laity lead with courage and creativity. Dedicated affinity group time will allow attendees to gather around shared passions—whether social principles, storytelling, history, youth and young adults, historic black churches, or many other options—and dream together about what’s possible.
We encourage you to invite others who would benefit from encouragement, community, and fresh vision for ministry.
Event Details
Dates: March 20–21, 2026 (Begins Friday at 5:30 pm and concludes Saturday at 3:30 pm)
Locations: William Street United Methodist Church, 28 W William Street, Delaware, OH
and Asbury United Methodist Church, 55 W Lincoln Avenue, Delaware, OH
Meals: Dinner and lunch included. (Snackle boxes return this year!)
Lodging: A hotel block is available at Sheraton Suites Columbus Worthington.
Booking link: (Book your group rate for Bishop’s Laity Leadership Convocation Mar2026) (Booking deadline: March 6, 2026) For rooms with more than one bed, call the hotel directly. Other hotels in Delaware are available but are not included in the room block.
Registration: On the registration form, please select which day(s) you plan to attend:
- Friday (3/20)
- Saturday (3/21)
- Both days (3/20 & 3/21)
Mobility Needs: Please indicate any mobility accommodations needed during registration so our team can support you.
Registration Deadline: March 6, 2026
Register here: Register Now!
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Drive-Thru Ash Wednesday
What a perfect day for a Drive-Thru Ash Wednesday. Pastors Diane Mendelson from Hope UMC and Beth Horvath from Aldersgate UMC teamed up to "Ash" passersby, the community and even some folks from their own churches who don't particularly like to drive at night. It was certainly a day blessed by God...weather-wise, for the folks that came and for a father and daughter who were especially blessed by God!
God is good...all the time!
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Maumee UMC Combats
Cabin Fever
Did you catch Maumee United Methodist Church in the Blade? Their Cabin Fever ministry was featured for providing families with a wintertime place where kids can run around and play! Cabin Fever is every Friday at 4:30-6pm in our FLC. And dinner is provided!
| | Please send any Celebrations or Special Ministry stories that you would like to share with the District to Michelle at mrobinson@wocumc.org. | | Clergy Spouse Retreat: March 6-8, 2026 | | |
Spouses of clergy, you're in for a treat! Clergy spouses of the East and West Ohio Conferences are busy planning a wonderful weekend of relaxation, fellowship and reflection just for you March 6-8, 2026. The retreat will take place at beautiful Wanake Camp & Retreat Center in Beach City, OH. Blessings will come your way as you take some time to relax and connect with others who share your unique position. More information and registration for the event will be coming soon.
Mark your calendar and plan to take some time away from your busy family and church events early next year.
Printable Flyer
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North Central Jurisdiction IGNITE! Conference
March 13-15, 2026
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Have you felt a nudge toward ministry? Maybe it’s a gentle whisper… or a strong tug at your heart. However, it shows up, it might just be God calling you! Don't miss this opportunity for discernment, fellowship, education, and support as you explore your call into ministry, March 13-15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Sponsored by the North Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, IGNITE is a powerful gathering for anyone exploring a call - lay or clergy. Whether you're just starting to wonder or actively discerning your next steps, this event is created with you in mind.
Click here to learn more and register.
| | Reclaiming Evangelism Seminar:
Evangelism as an Invitation to Community | | |
Seminar on March 21st. Trinity UMC, 413 E. 2nd St. Defiance, OH 43512. from 10 to noon. All are welcome!
When many of us hear the word evangelism, we think of persuasion—trying to change someone’s mind about what to believe or how to behave. But what if evangelism isn’t about convincing, but inviting?
In this workshop, Pastor and church planter Joe Graves invites participants to rediscover evangelism as an act of hospitality—an invitation to community and belonging. Drawing on the life of Jesus, social psychology, and practical church-planting experience, Joe reframes evangelism as the process of helping people belong first, trusting that belief and behavior will follow.
Through group discussion, reflection, and practical tools, participants will explore:
- What belonging looked like in Jesus’ ministry
- How “belong → believe → behave” changes the way we form communities
- Theological foundation for evangelism as an invitation.
- How to invite people into an authentic community without manipulation or “bait and switch” tactics
- Essential practices for meeting new people, the power of invitation, and radical hospitality
This session is designed for pastors, planters, and leaders who want to extend the table of grace in meaningful, practical ways.
About Joe Graves:
Joe Graves is a United Methodist pastor, writer, and consultant passionate about helping churches rediscover hope and vitality. He serves as the founding pastor of Cityview Church in Columbus, Ohio, and as President of the Ohio Writers’ Association. Joe has launched multiple community initiatives, including the Columbus Violence Reduction Fund and the Little Bottoms Free Store, and regularly teaches on leadership, belonging, and renewal in the church. Joe brings a blend of pastoral heart, creative communication, and practical insight to help faith communities embody the radical hospitality of Jesus.
| | Change The World Conference This Spring | | |
West Ohio Leaders are invited to the Change the World Conference at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio, April 23-24.
The Change the World Conference is a space for pastors, leaders, and everyday disciples to envision ministry beyond yesterday’s models through a time of learning from friends and leaders of Ginghamsburg Church.
Early Bird Registration is $149 and ends Friday, February 6. Seminary students can register for $119.
More Info & Registration HERE
| | Lay Servant Ministry - New Classes Added | | |
Lay Servant Ministries is one of the most significant lay leadership development programs available within the United Methodist connection. Through this equipping and empowering system, lay servants have the opportunity to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ who then go and make other disciples.
Check out the new classes that have been added to the schedule. Most are offered online via Zoom unless indicated. Click each link to learn more and sign up:
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Great Miami River District - The BASIC Course: March 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 2026
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Great Miami River District - Ministry With the Forgotten: April 13, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30, 2026
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Olentangy River District - Discover Your Spiritual Gifts: April 24-25, 2026
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Olentangy River District - Leading Worship: April 24-25, 2026
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Hocking River District - Called to Preach: May 15-16, 2026
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Hocking River Didtrict - The BASIC Course: August 21 & 22, 2026
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Hocking River District - Teaching Biblical Faith: Leading Small Group Bible Studies: October 30 & 31, 2026
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Olentangy River District - Living Our United Methodist Beliefs, Heritage: November 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 2026
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Western Lakes District - Come! I Will Tell You a Story, An Introduction to Biblical Storytelling: November 6-7, 2026
| | 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. | | If you'd like to submit an article, event, or classified ad to be featured in the Maumee River District E-Newsletter, please use the submission form found by clicking here or go to the News & Events section of our website. Each submission will run for (up to) 3 weeks. If you require more than 3 weeks, your article will need to be re-submitted. Please make your submissions each week by no later than 12 noon on Wednesday. Thank you! | | Maumee River District | 419.897.9770 | www.westohioumc.org/maumeeriver | | | | |
