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 Church Conferences

Update: The first 3 weeks of Church Conferences have gone well! The connection that people have had with each other has been wonderful. The missions and ministries that have been shared are encouraging. The music has been full of joy and harmony. The snacks, ice cream at one location, have been plentiful and delicious. We are looking forward to seeing the rest of you on November 16th.

Every fall, as United Methodist congregations, we are called to gather to care for our ad-ministry details at our charge/church conferences. Again, this year, we will hold regional in-person Church Conferences on Sundays in October and November. This is a time for us to gather together for worship, celebration, business, and to give thanks for our greater connection.

As a Church Conference, all members are invited to attend and vote. Be sure to check with your pastor to see when and where your church's charge conference will be held. We would love to have you join us and fill our churches to celebrate and honor our connection.

Enroll Now for 2026 HealthFlex Coverage

HealthFlex Annual Enrollment is happening now through Thursday, November 13, 2025. There are no changes to the plan for 2026.

All HealthFlex participants must review and confirm their elections during this enrollment period. If this is not completed, participants will automatically be enrolled in their current medical, dental, and vision plan. To enroll, go to my benefits access.

If you wish to waive coverage, you must complete and return the HealthFlex Waiver Form annually to opt out of coverage.

HealthFlex Group Health Plan | West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

McClure UMC

Baked Steak Supper

The McClure United Methodist Baked Steak Supper season continues on Friday, November 14, serving from 5:00- 6:30. The menu is Baked Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Harvard Beets, Green Beans, Corn, Dinner Rolls, Dessert & Drink, for a donation of $12 or more. Carry outs will be available. The church is located at 430 South East Street in McClure. The phone number is 419-748-8505. Follow this event at https://www.facebook.com/McClureumchurch. 

North Central Jurisdiction IGNITE! Conference

March 13-15, 2026 

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.

Feeding Our Neighbors

As the U.S. government shutdown continues, more than 40 million people are expected to lose food assistance benefits beginning Nov. 1.

To address this growing hunger crisis, Global Ministries has established "Feeding our Neighbors," an emergency food grant program for U.S.-based United Methodist congregations with food ministries, pantries and ministry partners.

Learn more and encourage your church to apply now: https://umcmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Feeding-Our-Neighbors-Grant-Application-PDF-V1.pdf

Day of Thanksgiving and Unity

November 15, Roscoe UMC, Coshocton

You are invited to join laity and clergy from across Ohio to celebrate the second annual Day of Thanksgiving & Unity on Saturday, November 15 from 9:30am-3pm at Roscoe UMC.

The theme for our time together will be “Christ Holds All the Parts Together” grounded in the words from Ephesians 2:21-22. Bishop Lanette L. Plambeck, resident bishop of the Minnesota Conference and the Dakotas Conference, will preach and lead a one-hour plenary in the morning. Rev. Dr. Beth Stroud, assistant professor of History at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, will present in the afternoon. Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will preach the closing worship service.

The cost for the event is just $10, which includes lunch. Click here to learn more and register by the deadline of November 7.

Green Church Mini Grants Reopen

Green Church Mini Grants provide limited funding for a church's "green" projects such as recycling or composting programs; native plants for a pollinator garden; an Earth Day event; or installing energy efficient light bulbs. In order to receive funding, churches must sign the Green Church Pledge and complete a sustainability audit (both provided). Each grant will supply $100-$750 for a green project.

Grant applications for 2026 have reopened! Email Mariellyn Grace at mgrace@wocumc.org for the new grant application form.

Fall 2025 UMCOR Kit Collection Ends Monday!

After spring storms and summer flooding and tornadoes, Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) needs our help replenishing their stock of hygiene and home care kits. From October 13-November 10, these kits - as well as other supplies - can be dropped off at the following locations:

• Hocking River District Office (Southeast)

47 Johnson Rd, The Plains, OH

Drop-off hours: typically Mon-Fri, 8:30am-3:30pm - but call first!

Contact Barbara Conover at 740-677-0136 or hockingriver@wocumc.org for questions

• Lima Trinity United Methodist Church (West/Northwest)

301 W Market St, Lima, OH

Drop-off hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00am-3:00pm

Contact Rev. Jim Nathan at 419-591-8148 for questions or to make other arrangements

• Maumee River District Office (Northwest)

1729 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH

Drop-off hours: Mon-Thurs, 9:00am-4:30pm

Contact Michelle Robinson at 419-897-9770 or maumeeriver@wocumc.org for questions

• Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church (Southwest)

681 Mt Moriah Dr, Cincinnati, OH

Contact Clark Van Scyoc at 513-290-2294 for drop-off information

• Scioto River District Office (South)

260 Mill Street, Chillicothe, OH

Drop-off hours: Mon-Weds, 9:00am-4:00pm

Contact Diana Hall at 740-851-5243 for questions

• West Ohio Conference Center (Central)

32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, OH

Drop-off hours: Mon & Weds, 10:00am-4:00pm



Contact Mariellyn Grace at 380-223-9212 or mgrace@wocumc.org for more information or questions.

Click here for instructions on how to make UMCOR Cleaning & Hygiene kits. MMDC also accepts these simpler Home Care Kits. Additionally, the supplies on this list are needed by MMDC.

This is the time of year that we start thinking about the holidays and that includes Operation Christmas Child. Many of our district churches take part in this wonderful ministry, reaching thousands of kids throughout the world just through our district. Thank you all for your part in this ministry! One of our local churches is a hub for this mission and was just featured in the Toledo Blade. Read below for more:

By MELISSA BURDEN

BLADE STAFF WRITER

Christian Kohler, a member of Waterville United Methodist Church, was busy Sunday filling decorated shoeboxes with gifts for a boy he doesn’t know. “I also did this last year,” the 11-year old said. “This time I decided to pack a box for a boy between the ages of 10 to 12. I think I know what they would like.” Dozens of volunteers of all ages took part in the church’s Operation Christmas Child ministry after church.

Run by Samaritan’s Purse, a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization, the program sends decorated shoeboxes filled with items to children all over the world. Local churches in more than 100 countries hand out the shoebox gifts at festive outreach events.

The Waterville UMC event has been run and organized by Anne Stevens for the last 29 years. “We started collecting shoeboxes in 1997,” Ms. Stevens said. “It began with our classes packing eight boxes. We have been a collection site for NW Ohio, Great Lakes Region since 2012 for National Collection Week, which always is the third week in November.” The congregation packs an average of 200-250 shoeboxes, Ms. Stevens said. Last year they did 294 boxes.

“Shoeboxes come from many churches in the area, as well as individual families and friends,” Ms. Myers said. Once the individual shoeboxes come into the church, volunteers count and pack them into cartons. Once packed, the cartons get stacked, Ms. Myers said.

Pastor Teresa Wenrick said the decades long participation in the program is a testament to the church members and their faith. “People continuing to make boxes is a true representation of everybody giving through the body of Christ,” she said. “Old and young people are helping to pass on the love of Christ.”

Don Sigman, of Maumee, said he has helped pack boxes all 29 years. “I find it important to do,” Mr. Sigman said. “It is always great when you do things for other people. It is important to help people.”

The church is a collection center for other churches in northwest Ohio to drop off their boxes as well, Ms. Myers said.

This year boxes may be dropped off at the church, 7115 Waterville-Monclova Road in Waterville, between Nov. 17-24.

Daily drop off hours are on the church website at watervilleumc.org.

Contact Melissa Burden at mburden@theblade.com.

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

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Join Foundation Program Manager, Maddy DeWitt, on November 11^th at 6:00PM over zoom as she helps unravel the mystery of planned giving for your congregation. All churches and individual members are welcome to join this legacy giving presentation. To access the zoom link, click the link on the graphic, or click here: Join Zoom Meeting.

November Expanding Connection Book Club:
"My Body Is Not a Prayer Request"

November 18 from 7-8:30pm on Zoom

The November book club gathering will discuss "My Body Is Not a Prayer Request: Disability Justice in the Church," a powerful and thought-provoking book by Amy Kenny. Amy is a disabled Christian and advocate for disability justice. In this work, Kenny reflects on her personal experiences within the church to highlight the unintentional ableism often present in Christian communities. She challenges the notion that disabled bodies are inherently broken or in need of fixing, instead emphasizing the sanctity and value of all bodies as reflections of God's image.

The book calls for a reimagining of how churches engage with disability, advocating for a disability-centered approach that celebrates diversity and includes disabled individuals as integral members of the faith community. Kenny's writing is both deeply personal and prophetic, offering a vision of justice, inclusion, and belonging for all.

This book is an essential read for anyone interested in disability advocacy, faith, and creating more inclusive spaces in religious communities.

Please register by clicking here and if you have questions contact Julie Carter at jcarter@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. 

Lay Servant Ministry

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:

• Olentangy River District - Called to Preach: In person November 8 and 15, 2025
• Western Lakes District - Soul Reset: January 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 2026
• Hocking River District - Leading Worship: February 27-28, 2026
• Hocking River District - Called to Preach: May 15-16, 2026
• Western Lakes District - Come! I Will Tell You a Story, An Introduction to Biblical Storytelling: November 6-7, 2026

Rev. Dr. Raymond Wiblin

Rev. Richard "Jerry" Caddell

FREE Whiteboards - The Church of St. Andrew on Heatherdowns Blvd, Toledo has two wall mounted whiteboards that they will give to any church in the district that can use them. They measure about 5’ wide and 4’ high. Contact Paul Wood for details.

Home: 419-865-1934

Mobile: 419-356-9002

FREE Pianos - McClure United Methodist Church is seeking a new home for two upright pianos. One of them (the darker finished) is made by Everett, and the other is a Schilling, made in Oregon, Illinois. Anyone desiring one, or both, of them, will have to move them. They are available free of charge. If you are interested please call 419-748-8505.

Pictures

2025 Family Advent Resources Available!

With Advent right around the corner, we wanted to let you know that the 2025 Ohio Episcopal Area Family Advent Resources are ready and live on the West Ohio Conference website. These resources are designed to be intergenerational and help foster faith-filled conversations and Spirit-lead actions throughout the season. This means there are no age limits on who can utilize them!

The 2025 Family Advent Resources includes: a printable pdf Advent calendar, a printable pdf daily family devotional, and downloadable social media graphics that correlate with the daily devotional. All resources are available in both English and Spanish and were developed utilizing the lectionary resources from Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

As you journey towards Christmas this year, may you remember that you are not alone in the waiting and that we often experience God’s love through our relationships with others. If you have questions about these resources, contact Rev. Ann Marie Carley, Director of Engagement with Children, Youth, and Young Adults for the Ohio Episcopal Area (amcarley@wocumc.org)

Free Discipleship Resource for Pastors

along with Family Devotionals

Pastor Jennifer E. Miller has written a devotional series for adults and children where each week’s readings connect directly to Sunday’s sermon, helping congregations keep engaging the message all week long.

She’s offering her full one-year sermon and scripture plan, sermon notes, liturgy, song suggestions, and graphics for any pastor to use. Email pastorjennifermiller@outlook.com to receive the resources. 

The devotionals can then be purchased from Pastor Jennifer or online at Amazon. Profits will go to purchasing devotionals for foster kids, Lifewise kids, and other kids in need in Northwest Ohio. If purchased on Amazon every 3 books purchased will provide 1 book and if purchased directly from the author every book sold is enough to buy 1 book for a child in need!

These devotionals can be used by families without following the sermon series and can be started anytime of the year.

Free Tools For Church Leaders

Running the day-to-day administration of a local church or ministry often stretches both time and budget. Thankfully, there are several high-quality free ministry (or nonprofit-discounted) tools available to help ministry leaders with design, accounting, presentations, communication, and overall administration. The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) has roundup of some of the most useful tools that can help your ministry run more smoothly. Click here to learn more

Free 2026 Worship Calendar Bundle Digital Download

2026 Worship Planning Calendar

The full planning calendar for each Sunday in 2025, as well as special days and times throughout the year. Helpful for pastors, worship leaders and planners, musicians, choirs, committees, Sunday School teachers, and more. 12-page, 8-1/2″ X 11″ printable PDF calendar in month-at-a-glance format.

2026 Revised Common Lectionary Sundays and Special Days Calendar

This two-page PDF lists the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings and liturgical colors is one of Discipleship Ministries’ most popular worship planning resources. The resource includes Sundays and Special Days, along with space for your own notes.

Click here to download the free calendars

Pay Your Apportionments Online with E-Check

The West Ohio Conference now offers apportionment payments online via e-check. And! they will cover the processing fees!

Before you decide if e-check is a good option for your church, please log into www.westohioumc.org > MyChurch > Apportionments. There you will find a link to the "e-check Good to Know." You will also find the tutorial and link to make your payment. 

If you are a treasurer or someone authorized to make payments on behalf of your church, you will need to be registered at westohioumc.org, have permission to view MyChurch, and editing privileges. Please reach out to Michelle mrobinson@wocumc.org or 419-897-9770 for assistance. 

Resources Available To Celebrate The Advent Season

In two months, the liturgical calendar will begin with the Advent Season, a time of waiting in expectation for the birth of Jesus.



During this season, congregations observe the season through prayer, participating in Advent-focused bible studies and worship liturgy.

Click Here for Resources

WOC United Women of Faith

Ministry of the Laity

Emerging Generations Resource

The New Zenler Platform

Immigration Resources

Clergy Financial Wellness Resource Guide

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.