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, but remember that it is a work in progress with the new districts and website updates! | |
Summary of the Special Session of the
2023 West Ohio Annual Conference
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The West Ohio Annual Conference Special Session convened Saturday, October 28, at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presided over the conference with nearly 800 clergy and lay members in attendance.
The day began with a powerful worship service with the combined effort from the Annual Conference and Ginghamsburg Worship Teams. “The power of worship and prayer infused the day,” said Bishop Gregory V. Palmer.
Rev. Dr. Tim Bias, Olentangy River District Superintendent, presented the sermon based on Hebrew 12 reminding participants that they are encouraged by a great cloud of witnesses.
“When you leave this place, you will be entering the mission field where people need hope,” Bias said. “Don’t give up, keep going!"
Read more...
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2024 HealthFlex Annual
Open Enrollment Is Here!
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November 1 – 16 is open enrollment for HealthFlex. To do so, go to BenefitsAccess.org to make your healthcare and health savings account (HSA) elections.
If you have any trouble enrolling online, contact the Annual Enrollment Support Center at 1-844-688-1375, Monday - Friday from 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (CST).
If you do not enroll by November 16, your coverage will default to the H5000 medical plan, Exam Core or one eye exam only, no dental, and no personal contributions to the Health Savings Account (HSA).
Read more...
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Adam Hamilton is coming to the MRD with a discipleship opportunity for clergy and laity! | |
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Rev. Adam Hamilton is touring Ohio with the release of his upcoming book, "Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith.” This is an incredible opportunity to learn from a successful author of church resources and pastor of one of the most influential churches in America, The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City. Each stop will be 90 minutes with a short presentation followed by a Q & A about the book. The event is free, but registration is required. Books will be available to purchase on site.
JANUARY 17, 2024
FINDLAY: St Marks UMC | 800 S Main Street, Findlay | 9-10:30AM
Click here to register
About Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith (releases December, 2023)
Does your faith make room for questions?
Everyone has doubts. Where is God when bad things happen? Does God hear our prayers? Is there a heaven? How can we know? Often we treat such questions as the enemy of faith. But uncertainty doesn’t mean our belief is lacking. Doubt can be a path to a deeper, richer encounter with God.
In Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith, join best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton as he discusses some of our most significant sources of doubt and shows how a steady trust in God can emerge from them. You will delve into questions like:
“Does God exist? How can I know?” “Is the Bible true?” “Why do prayers go unanswered?”
Hamilton approaches these sources of doubt with honesty and insight, drawing on the rich wisdom of the Bible, Christian tradition, and his experience walking with thousands of people on their spiritual journey. Whether you’re a longtime Christian or someone brand new to faith, this book will lead you to a trust in God that is unafraid of hard questions. Wrestle with doubt and find faith—belief and trust, not certainty; mystery rather than simple answers.
Books will be available to purchase at each stop.
If you’d like to be part of Bishop Palmer’s Leadership Clinic with Adam Hamilton discussing “The Future of the UMC,” that is a different event and you can find more information below.
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Braden UMC Hosts Multifaith Meeting sharing the Be SMART® Gun Safety Program | |
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A multifaith group from Toledo and the surrounding area will gather in a continuing series of meetings designed to help reduce gun violence in our communities.
This gathering of faith-based organizations will take place on Sunday, November 19th at 1:00 p.m., at Braden United Methodist Church, 4725 Dorr St. Toledo, OH.
This is third on an ongoing series of meetings arranged by The Multifaith Coalition to Reduce Gun Violence. The upcoming meeting will feature a seminar on the BeSMART® Gun Safety Program. The campaign was developed by Everytown for Gun Safety, the parent organization for Moms Demand Action. BeSMART® was launched to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce child gun deaths. The campaign focuses on education and awareness about child gun deaths and secure gun storage.
The need is urgent. Firearms are the #1 cause of death of people younger than 18 years of age in America. According to the CDC, an average of 17 young people die from firearms every day in the U.S. The BeSMART® Gun Safety Program can be part of the solution.
Rev. Cecil Thompson of Braden UMC is a member of The Multifaith Coalition to Reduce Gun Violence. This volunteer-led group has grown to include almost thirty houses of worship in the Toledo area. The Coalition came together from a belief that people of faith are uniquely positioned to help reduce the outbreak of gun violence we are experiencing.
“Houses of worship are places of refuge and healing where we can provide lifesaving information such as this BeSMART® program,” Rev. Thompson said, “Some of our congregation members have been directly and indirectly affected by gun violence. As believers, we stand with our communities in this effort to reduce gun violence in our neighborhoods. Our commitment is to provide education, hope, and comfort as we, collectively, overcome despair.”
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement working toward public safety measures to protect people from gun violence, with an emphasis on passing stronger safety legislation. They are the on-the-ground grassroots organization for Everytown for Gun Safety, its parent organization. Moms Demand Action has chapters in every state and most large cities, including Toledo.
The forum is open to members of all Northwest Ohio faith-based organizations.
RSVP by November 15th to: Braden United Methodist Church, 419-386-2700
bradenUMC@sbcglobal.net Click here for Printable Flyer
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NYT Bestseller Kate Bowler to Join
Bishop Palmer for Clinic
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New York Times bestselling author and award-winning podcast host, Kate Bowler will be Bishop Palmer's guest on his Leadership Clinic on Thursday, January 25. Bowler is the author of “Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I’ve Loved.”
The week of this clinic, Bowler's latest book, “Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day! Daily Meditations for the Ups, Downs, and In-Betweens”, will be released and will be given to each person registered for the clinic.
To learn more about Kate or to register for this online clinic, click here.
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Hamilton Scheduled for Leadership Clinic - Virtual space only | |
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Author and United Methodist Pastor, Rev. Adam Hamilton will be featured in the upcoming season of Bishop Palmer’s Leadership Clinics. On Tuesday, January 16, Hamilton will be featured at Bishop Palmer’s Leadership Clinic, live and in person at the Church of the Redeemer United Methodist Church in Reynoldsburg, Ohio from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM EST. Hamilton will share his perspective around the topic “The Future of the United Methodist Church”, followed by an interview with Bishop Palmer and questions from the audience.
Space is limited to 250 attendees for this in-person event. A virtual and “stream later” option will also be available. Each registration will receive a complimentary copy of Hamilton’s upcoming book, Wrestling with Doubt, Finding Faith.
Rev. Adam Hamilton is the founding pastor of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, one of the fastest growing, most highly visible churches in the country. Resurrection is a multi-site church, currently with six campuses in Kansas and Missouri. The Church Report named Hamilton’s congregation the most influential mainline church in America, and he preached at the National Prayer Service as part of the presidential inauguration festivities in 2013. Hamilton is the best-selling and award-winning author of several books including The Call, 24 Hours That Changed the World, Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, Prepare the Way, and Luke, all published by Abingdon Press.
Registration opens on Wednesday, October 18, 2023. Go to https://westohioumc.org/Clinics to register.
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Annual Steak Supper - Gilboa UMC | |
ANNUAL STEAK SUPPER GILBOA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11TH 5:00 – 7:00 PM Menu Includes: Baked Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Green Beans, Tossed Salad, Buttered Dinner Roll, & DESSERT ~ FREE WILL DONATION ~ DINE-IN OR CARRY-OUT !
This fund raiser is sponsored by the Gilboa United Methodist Church Trustees to support the maintenance of the church. Thank you in advance for your support!! Our doors are always open, come worship with us!! Our church is totally handicap accessible for your convenience!
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After a year that saw record-breaking disasters occurring around the world, Midwest Mission Distribution Center (MMDC) – our North Central Jurisdiction UMCOR supply depot – needs our help replenishing their stock of hygiene and menstrual hygiene kits. From October 16 through November 10, hygiene and menstrual hygiene kits can be dropped off at the following locations, to then be picked up by MMDC:
· Chillicothe Trinity UMC, 24 S Mulberry St, Chillicothe (South/Southeast)
o Drop-off hours: Mon-Thurs, 9am-3pm
o Contact Trish Barber at 740-412-1529 for questions or to make other arrangements.
· Monroe UMC, 206 East Ave, Monroe (Southwest)
o Drop-off hours: Tues-Thurs, 10am-2pm
o Contact Edna Miller at 513-539-7290 for questions or to make other arrangements.
· Lima Trinity UMC, 301 W Market St, Lima (West/Northwest)
o Drop-off hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-3pm
o Contact Rev. Jim Nathan at 419-591-8148 for questions or to make other arrangements.
· West Ohio Conference Center, 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington (Central)
o Drop-off hours: Mon, Weds, Thurs, 10am-4pm
o Contact Mariellyn Grace at 380-223-9212 for questions or to make other arrangements.
Instructions for how to make hygiene and menstrual hygiene kits can be found here: https://umcmission.org/relief-supplies/
Cleaning kits (flood buckets) will also be accepted at the drop-off locations.
For more information, contact Mariellyn Grace at mgrace@wocumc.org.
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Final Women of Faith meeting for MWD | |
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The Maumee Watershed District United Women of Faith will be “LOOKING BACKWARD, LOOKING FORWARD” at their final meeting on Saturday, November 4th before they merge with the NWP chapter. Their meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will include lunch. The cost is $12 per person. Please print and complete the registration form below. Any questions can be sent to Marsha Klingbeil at mklingbeil@daviscollege.edu or Vicki Barnes at 419-388-7795.
The meeting will be held at Bowling Green Trinity United Methodist Church, 200 N. Summit St, Bowling Green, Ohio
Registration Flyer
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A Day Apart For The Set Apart -
Registration Ends Friday, November 3rd!
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Reflective Bench Ministries is inviting all Clergy to a Day Apart. It will be a day of learning, exploration, discovery and hope. The event will be held at Maumee UMC on Thursday, November 9th from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Please see the FLYER for more information and a link for registration.
For questions or more information, please reach out to Rev. Dr. Douglas Widdowson at ReflectiveBenchMinistries@gmail.com
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Anything Sale, Unity United Methodist, 1910 E. Broadway St., Northwood, OH - 30 vendors will be selling Christmas crafts, collectibles, Raggedy Ann dolls, Precious Moments, books, Avon, placemats, tote bags, etc. November 10 and 11, 2023, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Bake sale, and soups, sandwiches will be available.
Click here for Printable Flyer
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Online Legacy Planning Seminar Nov. 12 | |
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The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio will be offering a seminar on estate planning and legacy giving on November 12 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. All congregations and their members are welcome to attend. No registration required. The seminar will cover basic estate planning and legacy giving options. Participants can join the seminar at this link: Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting URL: https://wocumc.zoom.us/j/86291369665
Meeting ID: 862 9136 9665
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Sharing around a table is one of the most uniquely human things we do. No other creature consumes its food at a table. When we share around the table with each other, we are reminded that food is more than fuel.
Gathering around a table is the most important place of human connection; fellowship while sharing a meal. We shouldn’t be surprised, then, to find that throughout the Bible God has a way of showing up at tables. In fact, it’s worth noting that at the center of the spiritual lives of God’s people in both the Old and New Testaments, we find a table: the table of Passover and the table of Communion.
Connect A-Round Table is a time to gather on zoom, share a meal together, and connect over subjects that peak interest. Each Connect session includes a 45-minute round table discussion with a panel discussion followed by a Q&A. The session will conclude with creating actionable steps to the topic being discussed. Everyone is encouraged to bring a meal with them to each session.
Our first Connect A-Round Table is scheduled for Wednesday, November 29 at 6:00 pm. The topic for that evening is call. Each of us has a calling but do we know what it is? Come to learn more able what a call is, learn how to identify your call and the call in others.
If there is a topic you are interested in, please submit those ideas to jcarter@wocumc.org.
Click here to register
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Confirmation Event With Bishop Palmer March 3 | |
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Save the Date!!! Attention all confirmation teachers, students, and church leaders! On March 3, 2024, Bishop Gregory V. Palmer will be hosting a very special confirmation event for all confirmands of West Ohio.
To register for updates about this event or ask questions, contact Director of Camps, Retreats, and Next Gen Engagement Rev. Ann Marie Carley amcarley@wocumc.org. More details around this special event will be coming soon!
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MyChurch is up and running! There are updates being added daily! Thank you for your patience! | |
Maumee River District Charge Conferences | |
Receive Free Steaming for Advent Studies When You Sign Up for Amplify Media | |
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Whether you want to experience Advent through the sights, sounds, and smells of the season, or explore the events surrounding Jesus’ birth from the points of view of those biblical figures who don’t take center stage, you can invite your congregation or small groups to encounter the season differently this year with these new studies from Matt Rawle and West Ohio's Rachel Billups!
Click here to preview Experiencing Christmas or An Unlikely Advent. Then, subscribe to access these studies and hundreds more resources for Advent and beyond.
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Mission Team Leader Training is November 11 | |
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Thinking about leading a mission journey in 2024? Now is the time to prepare! Join West Ohio for a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader Training on Saturday, November 11 from 9am-1pm. With experienced team leaders as instructors, 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 of the training is $35 per person and includes lunch. To Register CLICK HERE Questions? Contact mgrace@wocumc.org.
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SCRAP METAL DRIVE - Ottawa Trinity UMC | |
CHANGE IN PLANS
SCRAP METAL DRIVE EXTENDED - YEAR ROUND SERVICE!
Do you have an antenna down from a storm? Got sheet metal, or a chain-link fence you’ve wanted to take down? Here’s your chance to do good while cleaning up from a storm or cleaning out the garage, attic, basement, shed, backyard, etc.
Trinity United Methodist Church’s Scrap Metal Drive - All METAL accepted. A dumpster is located in the parking lot at Putnam County Council on Aging, 1425 E. Fourth Street Ottawa, waiting for your cast-offs. ABSOLUTELY NO TV’S, COMPUTER MONITORS, PAINT, TIRES, MATRESSES/BOX SPRINGS or AEROSOL CANS ACCEPTED. All proceeds will go to Trustee projects at Trinity United Methodist Church. Call 419-523-6496 for more information.
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Ottawa Trinity: Administrative Assistant - Trinity UMC in Ottawa is hiring a part time administrative assistant. 16 hours per week. Currently the hours are 9am-1pm. Starting salary will be $15/hr. For more information call the church at 419-523-6496, email umcpastormarcella@gmail.com or message them on their Facebook page. | |
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. | |
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 | | | | |
