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. | | MRD/WLD Leadership Day - New Date! | | |
The MRD/WLD Leadership Day that was scheduled for last Sunday was postponed due to the weather. The new date is Saturday, February 7th from 1:30-5:30. If you were already registered, we are going to assume that you will be joining us on February 7th, unless we hear from you that you can not make it.
If you were not registered, but would like to join us on February 7th, there is still time to get registered! There will be a keynote speaker at 1:30 followed by 3 workshops of your choice. Please go to the WEBSITE for more information and to register.
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Bishop Jung's Day in the District is a little bit different now!
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will spend Saturday, February 21st, 2026 in the Western Lakes District with clergy and laity from Western Lakes and Maumee River Districts. Clergy are highly encouraged to attend. (Please choose a different meeting if you can't attend the one in your district.) Retired clergy are welcome too! The events will take place at Lima Shawnee UMC, 2600 Zurmehly Rd. Lima, OH.
Clergy and laity will attend together! Everyone gathers at 9:00 am. Worship for all at 9:30 am. Clergy and laity will have a separate time/training. Lunch 12:00 pm. Time with clergy and laity together 1:00 – 3:00 pm.
More details and updated registration available HERE
Registration ends February 16th. We hope to see you there!
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Frankly Speaking - February 3rd
Join us next Tuesday evening, February 3rd from 7:00-8:00 pm. Our speaker will be Amanda Schiffer. Amanda is soon to celebrate one year from being released from prison. She will share with us the challenges she faced during her reentry, the joys, celebrations and all the learning that has come over this past year. We are excited to hear from her, and experience through her, about her 11 months back home to NW Ohio!
Click HERE to join us by Zoom next Tuesday!
| | Clergy Taxes: An Overview 2026 Monday, February 9th 12:00 PM | | |
For a decade, Discipleship Ministries has offered a February webinar to help clergy get a clearer picture of their taxes. The key ingredient in that offering was Don Joiner, a retired staff member of the agency, as well as a Certified Financial Planner and a Clergy Tax preparer. Don’s sudden death in October 2024 came as a shock to all of us, but we decided to continue the information session as best as we could without Don’s expertise. Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship & Generosity, will be joined by Janet Jamieson, CPA, clergy spouse, and recently retired CFO of Discipleship Ministries. Together, they will give an overview of what you might expect as you prepare your 2025 Federal Tax Return. We will also help you see the way to savings that might bring a more secure and satisfying retirement!
Register Here
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Afro-Zion: Our Future Is Now
A Sacred Gathering for Black Leadership, Renewal, and Courageous Ministry
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Black clergy, lay leaders, seminarians, and justice-involved ministry leaders are invited to A Sacred Gathering for Black Leadership, Renewal, and Courageous Ministry.
Afro-Zion: Our Future Is Now is a three-day sacred retreat for Black clergy and lay leaders across Ohio who are discerning what faithfulness looks like in this moment. The retreat begins on Wednesday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m. and ends on February 13 at noon.
This gathering creates space for rest, strategy, and renewal—honoring the legacy of Black Methodist leadership while equipping leaders for the future of the church and our communities.
Rooted in scripture, African-centered spiritual practices, and Wesleyan theology, Afro-Zion centers the lived experiences of Black leaders navigating ministry in a time of cultural upheaval, institutional change, and prophetic possibility.
Click HERE to learn more and register.
| | Wesley Camp & Retreat Center Launches “For the Love of Camp” Campaign to Send Kids to Camp in Summer 2026 | |
Wesley Camp and Retreat Center today announced the launch of the For the Love of Camp campaign, a two‑month fundraising effort dedicated to providing camperships for children and youth when the center reopens in summer 2026. With a goal of $10,000, the campaign will help ensure that every child—regardless of financial circumstance—has the opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of camp.
After several years of planning, prayer, and construction, Wesley Camp and Retreat Center is preparing to welcome campers back to a campus that has undergone extensive upgrades designed to create a safe, sustainable, and deeply welcoming environment. Improvements include maintenance facility upgrades, safety enhancements, cabin, lodge and dining hall renovations, trail and worship space upgrades and more.
“We’re building something new at Wesley,” said Rev. Ann Marie Carley, Director of Camps, Retreats and Next Gen Engagement for West Ohio. “A place that is safe, sustainable, and Christ-centered—where kids can meet God in nature, grow in faith, and be transformed by community.”
Camp Changes Lives—And Donors Help Make It Possible
The For the Love of Camp campaign invites donors to invest not just in a place, but in the lives of the young people who will gather there.
“When you support Wesley, you’re not just donating to a camp. You’re investing in faith that sticks, leaders that last, and stories that begin under the stars and around a fire.”
To break down the financial barriers that keep many children from attending camp, the campaign will raise funds for camperships. A full campership costs $550, but since many families apply for partial scholarships, a single gift has the potential to impact multiple campers.
“We want the summer of 2026 to be the beginning of something extraordinary,” said Rev Carley. “Not only for Wesley as it reopens, but for every young person who steps onto this holy ground.”
How Many Kids Could You Send to Camp This Summer?
Donors are encouraged to consider how many children they can help send to camp by contributing to the For the Love of Camp campaign. Whether it’s a partial scholarship or sponsoring an entire cabin’s worth of campers, every gift moves West Ohio closer to the goal of ensuring all kids have access to the transformative power of camp.
Donors can give at the West Ohio Conference website www.wocumc.org/donate or mail a check to: UMF West Ohio c/o For the Love of Camp, 32 Wesley Blvd. Worthington, OH 43085.
Churches with unused campership funds can contact Susan Black at the United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio to discuss how to release these funds to support th campaign. Call 380-223-9257 or email at sblack@wocumc.org.
Find about more about Wesley Camp and Retreat Center HERE
| | Expanding Connection Book Club - The Personal Librarian | | |
Join in the fun and learning from and about diverse characters, both in the discussion group and the book! In February the group will gather on February 17th at 7pm on zoom. Even if you haven’t read the book, join the lively conversation. Do you want to know more? Email jcarter@wocumc.org
In her twenties, Belle da Costa Greene is hired by J. P. Morgan to curate a collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. Belle becomes a fixture in New York City society and one of the most powerful people in the art and book world, known for her impeccable taste and shrewd negotiating for critical works as she helps create a world-class collection.
But Belle has a secret, one she must protect at all costs. She was born not Belle da Costa Greene but Belle Marion Greener. She is the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard and a well-known advocate for equality. Belle’s complexion isn’t dark because of her alleged Portuguese heritage that lets her pass as white—her complexion is dark because she is African American.
The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives.
Date: Tue, 02/17/2026 - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Contact: Julie Carter
Email: jcarter@wocumc.org
Event URL: Register Now!
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HOPE Letters - Ministry Monday
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HOPE Letters Ministry is a signature initiative through All In Community that is endorsed by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to provide a mentorship through correspondence opportunity for its residents as they prepare to return home after their incarceration experience.
Ministry Mondays are opportunities for learning about specific All In Community ministry pathways both connectionally and within local congregations that radiate out into the community at large. In this session of Ministry Mondays, we will hear from current mentors on how participating in this ministry has had an influence in their lives as much as it has had on the mentees inside state correctional institutions in Ohio. Additionally, pathways for involvement will also be shared.
Monday, February 23, beginning at 7:00pm on ZOOM.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION is APPRECIATED at https://qrco.de/bfia1a
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).
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Champion Your Support of Children, Youth &
Young Adults Through UMFWO Grant Program
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Many churches find their congregations growing older with fewer young families and children attending church on a regular basis. For this reason, UMFWO’s new grant program, Championing Children, Youth and Young Adults, officially opens February 1st.
The Foundation wants to support churches and ministries that are working to reverse current trends by creating intergenerational, Christ-centered communities that nurture children (0-12), youth (13-18), college-age (19-23), and young adults (24-29), through a holistic approach.
The new program will award grants of $1000-$5000 for programs that equip and empower lay and clergy leaders with the resources needed to create new, and/or expand existing programs to achieve a transformative vision for youth.
To make the application process more accessible and less time-consuming, applicants will first complete a Letter of Intent, which is a shortened list of questions that will help mitigate the amount of information all applicants need to initially provide. After the LOIs are reviewed, some applicants will be invited to complete a full application. To learn more about this application process, please click here: Championing Children Youth & Young Adults.
The LOI will close on March 1st, with the opportunity to attend a special Zoom seminar on Thursday, February 5th at 2:00PM, to discuss how to submit a successful grant application. Contact Maddy DeWitt at 380-223-9229 or mdewitt@wocumc.org for more information.
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VBS Mini-Grants Available through UMFWO
2026 Spring Grant Cycle
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As a part of the Foundation’s new grant program, the VBS mini-grant application will open on February 1st, thanks to the generosity of major donor, Ketha Robbins. In 2017, Ketha invested her resources into an endowment with the Foundation, as a way to honor her family’s legacy and love of vacation bible school. Since then, over 41 mini-grants have been awarded to churches across West Ohio. The Foundation is honored to continue offering this grant opportunity. Grants of $250-$1000 will be available for curriculum materials, supplies, staff costs, or other expenses related to the production of Vacation Bible School programs in West Ohio churches. Special consideration will be given to those serving rural and underserved communities.
Applications are due by March 15th, with the opportunity to attend a special Zoom seminar on Tuesday, February 24th at 2:00PM, to discuss how to submit a competitive VBS grant application. Contact Maddy DeWitt at 380-223-9229 or mdewitt@wocumc.org for more information.
To learn more about the VBS mini-grants, including access to the Zoom link and application link, please click here: 2026 VBS Mini-Grants.
For more information about the Foundation’s new grant program, please click here: 2026 UMFWO Grant Program.
| | Clark St UMC - Lasagna Dinner - POSTPONED to Wednesday, April 15th | | |
Clark Street UMC is hosting a Lasagna Dinner on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The event will be held at Clark Street United Methodist Church, 1133 Clark Street, Toledo, OH (off Fassett St. between Oak St. & Miami St.) Suggested Cost: $15.00 (adults); $7.50 (children 3-10). The monies raised will go toward the missions of the church. For questions, please reach out to Pat Davis - 419-666-3147.
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| | 2026 Annual Conference Dates Announced | | |
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:
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.
| | 2026 Laity Discernment Retreat - corrected dates | | |
Do you feel God's call on your life but are uncertain how to discern that call or what to do next? Consider participating in next year's Laity Discernment Retreats. They will help you learn about call, discernment and what it means to be "called by our baptism." You'll learn ways to intentionally enter into a time of prayer about discernment and discover Spiritual Rhythms that can help guide your journey. You'll also learn the variety of ways you can serve both in your church and community.
Each virtual 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 for you to read, reflect, and practice Spiritual Rhythms that will lead you to a better understanding of your own call.
Dates (please plan to attend all 3 sessions):
• Monday, February 2, 2026, 6:30-8:30pm
• Monday, February 9, 2026, 6:30-8:30pm
• Monday, March 23, 2026, 6:30-8:30pm
Learn more/register here.
| | Serve at Urban Mission this Summer | | Urban Mission Ministries in Steubenville is excited to invite youth groups to take part in the J.O.S.H.U.A. Program—an opportunity for young people to make a meaningful impact close to home. J.O.S.H.U.A., which stands for Journeys Of Service Helping Upper Appalachia, is designed to bring groups together for hands-on service projects that meet real needs in Eastern Ohio. Work could include neighborhood cleanups, small building/repair, and painting projects where participants experience firsthand how serving others can transform both a community and the hearts of those who serve. Youth groups will grow in teamwork, leadership, compassion, and faith as they work side by side to make a difference. To learn more, contact Cynthia Lytle at 740-282-8010 or clytle@urbanmission.org. | | Reclaiming Evangelism: Evangelism as an Invitation to Community | |
Seminar coming 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.
| | UMFWO Launches Competitive Grants Process | | |
The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio will launch a competitive grants process beginning in January 2026. The new program focuses on providing financial support for established programs and program expansion of local churches, ministries and organizations across West Ohio; and for pastoral scholarships. In 2026, grant funds will support: 1) existing programs and program expansion that benefits children, youth, and young adult ministries; and 2) clergy development and wellness support.
The spring cycle opens on Feb. 1 and will offer mini-grants for VBS programs, as well as grants for transformative church and campus ministries that nurture children, youth, college-age and young adults.
The fall grant cycle opens Sept. 1 and provides individual grants for clergy seeking renewal; and for individual clergy and Licensed Local Pastors seeking educational or personal development opportunities including coaching.
In addition to these two cycles, in May of this year grant applications will be received for the Alford-Cantlin Fellows program in conjunction with MTSO. Admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree program is required to be eligible for this fellowship.
More information is available here and applications will open for the spring cycle on February 1. Questions can be sent to UMFWO Program Manager Maddy DeWitt at mdewitt@wocumc.org.
| | Marketplace For All People | |
The Marketplace for All People is a ministry of St Paul's United Methodist Church, Toledo. Marketplace just got a new Executive Director and was featured on 13ABC News.
Read the story or watch a video HERE
| Hope UMC: Turning Discipleship Outward in Whitehouse | | |
Shared from WOC T.R.E.E.S. Newsletter - At Hope United Methodist Church in Whitehouse, Ohio, discipleship is moving beyond Sunday mornings and into the heart of the community. Inspired by John Wesley’s belief that “the world is my parish,” Hope UMC is proving that the Church comes alive when faith looks outward.
Hope UMC’s lead pastor, Warren Clifton, describes how active participation in community engagement has created joy, strengthened faith, and enhanced hope within the congregation and individuals outside the church.
Two ministries—Wiggles and Giggles and Senior Connection—grew out of a Disciple III Bible study, where members prayerfully asked how they might share Christ’s love in new ways. Their answers have transformed Hope into a vibrant community hub.
Once each month, Hope hosts Wiggles and Giggles, a family-friendly worship service designed especially for childcare families. With music, laughter, and a shared meal, it creates a space where young families can experience God’s love in ways that fit their busy lives. What began with a Go Grant from the West Ohio Conference has blossomed into a joyful gathering that bridges church and community.
Another Go Grant helped spark Senior Connection, a warm weekly ministry for older adults that meets every Saturday morning. What started small has become a gathering of companionship, care, and faith—a space where neighbors connect and no one feels alone.
These ministries have grown alongside Hope’s many community partnerships. The church hosts a thriving childcare center, serving 150 children, Cub and Boy Scout troops, the Hope Chest clothing closet, and a “Little Pantry”, offering free groceries every Saturday. The gym buzzes nightly with local teams, and each year, the congregation joins the Rotary Club for a Build-a-Bed project, providing beds and linens for children who have none.
The church is prayerfully discerning a capital campaign to make Hope’s space better-suited for its outward-facing ministries. “We’ve learned that when we open our doors and our hearts, God multiplies what we offer,” he says.
Hope UMC shows what happens when a church embraces community engagement as its true calling. Through worship, service, and shared compassion, this congregation reminds us that hope is more than a name; it’s a mission.
| | Please send any Celebrations or Special Ministry stories that you would like to share with the District to Michelle at mrobinson@wocumc.org. | | Journey to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Set for February 6th | | |
The East Ohio Conference is sponsoring a day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, Michigan on February 6, 2026. You are invited to meet at and ride a charter bus from Mentor United Methodist Church, North Olmsted United Methodist Church, or Sylvania First United Methodist Church to the museum. Together, we will spend the day learning, meeting new friends, and fellowshipping. Lunch will be served on the bus.
January 30 is the deadline to register for this opportunity. Find Schedule and Registration HERE
| | Elliston Zion Souper Bowl of Caring - February 8th | | |
Ellistion Zion UMC would love to invite you and your congregation to their Annual SOUPER BOWL of CARING Event at their church, located at 18045 W William St., (Off Elliston Trowbridge Rd.) Graytown, Ohio 419-862-3166. This afternoon of food and fellowship will begin with their SOUP, SALAD AND CHILI LUNCHEON beginning at 11:30 AM featuring a variety of home made soups, salads, Gary's Chili and Mike's Homemade bread!
Then, at 12:30 their Annual PING PONG TOURNAMENT will begin. They are always looking for players! (Professionals welcome!! LOL)
All donations will benefit the LIGHT Neighborhood Pantry and the LIGHT MOBILE Food Pantry at Elliston Zion. Both are free choice food pantries serving all of Ottawa County. Proceeds are used share the LIGHT of Christ with our neighbors... one meal at a time! They will be accepting financial donations and donations of non perishable food items, laundry soap and bathroom tissue.
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| | First Green Church Training of 2026 - Registration Open | |
| | The Ohio Episcopal Area presents the 2026 Virtual Green Church Training for local churches, coming Sunday, February 22, from 4:00-7:00pm on Zoom. Green Church Training provides a solid foundation for moving your church toward green solutions. The training includes Biblical, Wesleyan, and United Methodist resources for creation care; tips for forming a Green Team at your church; and plenty of ideas and suggestions for creative ways to green your church - plus time to plan and dream with your church team! The training should be attended by at least two people from each church (either two lay or one lay, one clergy). After completing the training, churches are invited to either create a Green Team (if they do not already have one) or complete a green project at their church. Cost of the virtual training is $40 per church. Scholarships are available for churches with financial need. One participant from each church should register for the whole team; that person will be responsible for passing along information to the other team member(s). For more information, contact mgrace@wocumc.org.
Deadline to Register: Friday, February 20
For more information or to register, click here (link: https://www.westohioumc.org/event/2026-green-church-training-zoom).
| | 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.
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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.
| | The Holy Land, the Holy People Tour - Spring 2026 | | |
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung invites you to join The Holy Land, the Holy People Tour to Israel, scheduled for April 6 – 15, 2026. The tour will be led by The Society for Biblical Studies (SBC), an ecumenical, interfaith, and inclusive organization. SBC seeks to renew the mission of the church by making this experience contextual and grounded in biblical faith.
Your participation will reach beyond geographical, religious, ethnic, and cultural boundaries to new horizons of mission. To learn more about The Holy Land, the Holy People Tour and to sign up for your travel package, click 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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Olentangy River District - The Basic Course: February 20-21, 2026
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Hocking River District - Leading Worship: February 27-28, 2026
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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
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Part-time Maintenance/Grounds Engineer - First United Methodist Church in Bowling Green is hiring a part-time Maintenance/Grounds Engineer. The position is 20-22 hours per week. General maintenance experience preferred. Full job description available HERE. Please send your resume to church.office@fumcbg.org. Deadline to apply is February 6th.
Part-time Worship Music Leader - Journey at Christ Church in Findlay, Ohio is an inclusive worshipping community looking for a worship music leader for their 11 o'clock emergent worship service. This position offers the opportunity for a skilled musician to lead the faith community in worshipping God alongside other musicians in the band. This role involves working collaboratively with the pastor and other musicians in selecting songs that enhance the focus for worship each week. It also involves coordinating band volunteers and the playing schedule as well as leading band rehearsals and worship services weekly throughout the year. It is an ideal position for someone with a heart and call to lead a congregation in praise and worship. For a full job description and to apply, click on the LINK to Indeed. For questions. please email jen.miller@ourjourneycommunity.org or call Pastor Jen Miller at 225-747-0560.
| | West Ohio Foundation Offers Two Academies in 2026 | | |
The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio is offering two academies in 2026. Both clergy and lay people from East and West Ohio are welcome to attend. Registration is required.
Church Stewardship Academy
This four-part series is intended for church leaders involved in stewardship activities in the local church. Improve your understanding of stewardship basics and take your efforts to the next level with these engaging educational opportunities. Sessions will be held quarterly via Zoom at noon on January 14, April 8, July 8, and Oct. 14. Sessions will be recorded and registered participants will receive a link to the recordings. Click HERE for more information and registration.
Church Investment and Legacy Academy
This four-part series is intended for church leaders involved in investment and legacy giving activities in the local church. Improve your understanding of planned giving basics and take your investment knowledge to the next level with these engaging educational opportunities. Sessions will be held quarterly via Zoom at noon on Feb. 25, May 20, Aug. 19, and Nov. 18. Sessions will be recorded and registered participants will receive a link to the recordings. Click HERE for more information and registration.
| | 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 | | | | |