FIVE THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT CHRISTMAS

1. John Wesley never published a Christmas sermon
2. Charles Wesley wrote a popular Christmas song
3. Nativities are filled with symbolism
4. Joseph and Mary's journey
5. Red kettles have United Methodist links

Read Joe Iovino's full article here

Printed with permission from United Methodist Communications ||  ResourceUMC.org/UMCom

INFORMATION FOR THREE RIVERS

The last edition of the Three Rivers Current will be December 15. It is recommended that clergy, churches and laity subscribe to the East Ohio E-news to receive the latest announcements and UMC news. [Scroll to the bottom right corner and find the FOLLOW NEWS VIA EMAIL box. Enter your email address to receive the EOC e-news twice a month.]

As we transition to fewer district offices we are consolidating supplies. These extra items are free to churches/clergy that want to come to the TR office on December 6 and 7 between hours of 10am - 3pm.

The Three Rivers phone number, email, and the TR Facebook page will be discontinued in January 2024. The new South Forest information will be shared soon. You are invited to start following the new South Forest District UMC page found here

The Three Rivers Office will be closed on Monday, Dec. 4 and Tuesday, Dec. 5

Joy will be working in the Cambridge office and attending events with the EOC staff.

Brick River Database Open to Local Church

An email was sent out from the East Ohio Conference to clergy, church treasurers and SPRC chairs on how to log-in and create a password on Brick River (BR). This database s the program that will be used to enter church leadership among other tasks. The Three Rivers goal date for entering your church leadership is now December 12.

Joy also sent out a follow up email with further instructions. IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE EITHER OF THESE IMPORTANT EMAILS, PLEASE CONTACT JOY. There is a link to a 15 minute tutorial video in the body of the email that will help you create your passcode and explain how to navigate the BR system.

THANK YOU THREE RIVERS LEADERSHIP & CLERGY IN HELPING WITH THIS WORK!

If you have questions or trouble, please do not hesitate to contact me or Brenda Vaccaro.

Leadership Interest Survey

The East Ohio Conference Leadership Committee is always seeking people interested in sharing their skills by serving on committees, commissions, and boards of the Conference. Thank you in advance for your willingness to serve. If you have questions about serving or the survey, please e-mail Melanie Thomas, Connectional Ministries office administrative assistant. View and complete the Leadership Interest survey.

Isleta UMC Christmas Treats Sale

Sat. Dec. 9 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Isleta's 15^th annual “Christmas Cookie & Candy Sale”will be held in the church basement on Sat. Dec. 9 from 8 - 11:00 a.m. With hundreds of delicious treats to choose from, you can make up your own assortment of favorites. Price is $8.00 per pound.

Isleta UMC is located at 58608 CR 9, Newcomerstown.

Clergy Spouse Retreat

Click here for more information

Online Tickets are not currently on sale. Contact Event Organizer about ticket availability.

“ABIDE” Youth Leaders Retreat – January 19-20

Youth workers, pastors, volunteers, and teams who work with youth and young adults in The United Methodist Church are invited to the Youth Leaders Network 24-hour retreat beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19 and concluding at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20. We will explore practical ways to grow in discipleship, using simple tools to help both students and leaders mature in faith. This will be a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who have a passion for student ministry where you can build relationships, share ideas, and grow together. Our theme this year is “ABIDE” (John 15:5). Come and enjoy fellowship and support with intentional time set aside to be renewed and refreshed. The retreat will be held at the Embassy Suites Akron Canton Airport (7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton) and the cost per person to attend is $85 for a double-occupancy room, $165 for a single-occupancy room, or $35 for commuters.

Learn more and register on the Events Registration page of the EOC website.