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!

MRD Spring Conference & District Moves

The Maumee River District Spring Conference was held at Waterville UMC on Sunday, May 19th. We enjoyed beautiful piano music performed by Rev. Steve Rath and spirit-filled congregational singing led by Mark Kwiatkowski on his guitar. Rev. Haines preached a powerful message around Pentecost with a beautiful spirit-filled altar in the background. We celebrated the clergy that have retired already this year or will be retiring this month. The clergy that graduated or are being ordained were lifted up and the clergy that are moving within the district were announced as well. The Certified Lay Ministers that were renewed were celebrated too. These can all be seen in the attached Spring Conference Bulletin. (Any moves that have happened since the Spring Conference will be added in the next couple of weeks.) Rev. Dee Stickley-Miner gave an informative recap of General Conference. The officers of the Maumee River District were confirmed unanimously.

We would like to thank Waterville UMC and Rev. Teresa Wenrick for hosting us. We all felt welcome and enjoyed the wonderful refreshments! Thank you to all of you that attended the event in support of the upcoming Annual Conference. You are appreciated!

Spring Conference Bulletin

Journey of Life - Laity Retreats

We invite all lay volunteers and staff across West Ohio to join us for a day of rest, rejuvenation, and time together. This year’s retreat will be centered around Exodus 13:21, “The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.” Come be renewed in your call to be a disciple who makes disciples for Jesus Christ.

There are 6 opportunities to attend a Lay Retreat across West Ohio this summer. Each day will begin at 10am and end by 2pm. Check the list below and register today:

• July 23 Hocking River District Lay Retreat @ Central Ave (Athens, OH)
• July 24 Scioto River District Lay Retreat @ First UMC (Greenfield, OH)
• July 25 Great Miam River District Lay Retreat @ Christ UMC (Middletown, OH)
• July 30 Maumee River District Lay Retreat @ First UMC (Perrysburg, OH)
• July 31 Western Lakes District Lay Retreat @ Trinity UMC (Lewistown, OH)
• Aug 1 Olentangy River District Lay Retreat @ Harlem Rd UMC (Galena, OH)

Register HERE

PEER Ministry Trainings

PEER Ministry is coming to the Great Miami River District! PEER Ministry is People Ministry. Using the parable of the Good Samaritan at its core, PEER Ministry gives youth and young adults specific skills in caring for friends. They learn how to listen, ask caring questions, and guide friends through tough choices, changes, and challenges. They welcome people, even those who are not always welcomed. If youth aren’t leading, they are leaving and PEER Ministry helps youth become leaders both in the church and in the world.

Sponsored by The Wesley Foundation in Cincinnati and hosted by Monroe UMC, PEER Ministry’s own National Director and Owner, Lyle Griner, will join us for two days of unparalleled training August 2-3. Come for one day or come for both! Check out www.peerministry.org to learn more about the program and more about Lyle.

Day one, Friday August 2, will consist of PLAN-IT, a one day guided planning event. This day is geared toward your adult leaders and board members tasked with calendaring your ministry year. Using Lyle’s guided planning method, you will walk away with the next 12-18 months of your ministry year planned!

Day two, Saturday August 3, will focus on the PEER Ministry model and training of your adult and youth/young adult leaders. Please bring your student leaders to join your adults in learning the core principles of PEER Ministry for use in your local context.

Wesley Foundation hopes to host 10-12 congregations and student ministries across the district and conference. We hope you will be one of them, and that you’ll invite a friend!

Date: August 2 & 3, 2024

Time: Friday 9:00am-3:30pm; Saturday 9:00am-5:30pm

Location: Monroe UMC (206 East Ave Monroe, OH 45050)

Cost: Tiered pricing

Learn more/Register

Questions: Reach out to Katie Steele at The Wesley Foundation at katie@wesleyuc.org

Braden's Annual Community Picnic

Braden United Methodist Church invites the community to our annual July 4th Picnic in the parking lot.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and even pop up tents and join us as 6PM. There will be food, music, activities for all ages, and fireworks.

Bishop's Bucket of Blessing Challenge

During this year’s Annual Conference session in Bexley, OH, churches and individuals donated 6,183 pounds of kits, buckets, and other supplies for survivors of disasters. In the Bishop’s Buckets of Blessings challenge, the winning district was Olentangy River with 64 Home Care Kits! Other district totals were as follows: Maumee River-55; Great Miami-54; Western Lakes-34; Hocking River-3; and Scioto River-1. A total of 211 Home Care Kits were collected, along with numerous UMCOR Hygiene Kits and other materials. “The real winners, of course, are the people whose hopes will be lifted in the midst of disaster,” Bishop Palmer remarked. All supplies will be distributed through Midwest Mission Distribution Center. THANK YOU, West Ohio, for your generosity and compassion!

West Ohio Annual Conference Celebrates that "God is Able"

The 55th session of the West Ohio Annual Conference was held May 28-June 1 on the campus of Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presided over the conference under the theme, “God is Able,” drawing inspiration from Ephesians 3:20-21.

Addressing the 1100 members of the conference, Bishop Palmer said, “When the flunk is on you, God is able. When you think you’ve hit it out of the park, God is able. When you are ready to hang it up, remember God is able.”



Worship included powerful preaching from Bishop Palmer, Rev. Jessica Stonecypher, a Deacon and vocational agriculture instructor and Rev. Ken Woode, a member of this year’s retirement class. The 100-member Annual Conference Choir, the Ginghamsburg Praise Band, a string quartet, the Milton Ruffin Gospel Chorale and the Brass Band of Columbus brought people to their feet in praise and thanksgiving.

Read the full Annual Conference Summary...

Register Now for the – Love Your Neighbor Tour

Registration is open for the Micah 6:8 - Love your Neighbor Tour to Montgomery, AL, to visit the Legacy Museum September 24-27, 2024. This museum is a walk through 400 years of American history from enslavement to segregation and mass incarceration.

This event, inspired by Bishop’s Leadership Summit with Bryan Stevenson, is designed to educate, to give an opportunity to see and reflect how dominant world views have been formed over time, and to see the world through the eyes of our indigenous and black brothers and sisters in Christ. For more information, click here

Avoid a Higher HealthFlex Deductible in 2025

Attention all individuals and spouses covered by the HealthFlex active (non-retired) healthcare program! It is crucial that BOTH of you complete the Health Check Questionnaire by August 31 to avoid a higher plan deductible in 2025.

To get started, you must first join VIRGIN PULSE by clicking here. This is a quick, easy, and confidential way to complete the Health Check Questionnaire and boost your overall well-being.

Once you’re in, you’ll gain access to a range of wellness resources, including the opportunity to:

• Earn up to $410 per year by participating in HealthFlex well-being programs.
• $100 by taking your annual/Biometric Exam with Quest Blueprint for Wellness Screening.
• 8 free counseling sessions per concern through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Optum.
• FREE Telemedicine and Behavioral Health Service offered by MDLive.
• Access to Chronic Disease Prevention and Diabetes Management offered by Omada.
• And discounts on Weight Watchers membership.

Read more...

30th Yesterday’s Treasures Garage Sale 

They say someone’s junk is another persons treasure. Come find out for yourself! Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 N. Pratt Street, Ottawa, will hold a Yesterday’s Treasures Garage Sale on Wednesday, June 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., AND Friday, June 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday will be the Bag Sale on selected items. Anything and everything will be offered – surprises galore. Trinity is handicap accessible. NO EARLY BIRD SALES

All in Community - Ministry Monday

Cultivating Nurturing Attributes with Self and Others

This month during All In Community’s Ministry Monday information session, we will be introducing our newest coordinator to our team, Dr. Camisha Chambers.

“The nurturing work emerging from All In Community continues to be deeply rooted in the life of Christ, with a new focus following his example of facing trauma and offering teachings on how to rise above it based on Biblical and scientific principles. This work is for all of us, emphasizing the value and inclusion of every individual.” 

Join Dr. Chambers as she shares some exciting opportunities she will be providing this year to help you grow in cultivating nurturing attributes with self and with others on Monday, June 24, beginning at 7:00pm on ZOOM.

Cost: FREE ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED, click HERE  

Please see the flyer for more information. Questions and requests for the ZOOM link can be directed to Jami Nathan, AIC Ministries Coordinator, by email (jami.nathan.22@gmail.com) or phone (419-591-9717)

35th Annual Interfaith Blood Drive

Interfaith (partnered with Monroe St UMC) is the oldest on-going Interfaith blood drive in the nation & beyond. Interfaith unites people of all ethnicities, races, faiths & genders in peace to save lives. The 4th weekend in June we work together to help cover the blood needs of our citizens over the July 4th holiday. The blood drive will be held on Sat June 29 from 8 to 2 at Grace Lutheran Church 4441 Monroe St. We are having a free raffle for a year membership to the Y & a family package to Cedar Point.

This is our 35th Anniversary. We are celebrating this milestone with a Free gala event. The venue is at Grace Lutheran Church on Sunday June 30 at 5:30. The entrees will represent six different ethnicities; Chinese, Hindu, Italian, Jewish, Mexican & Middle Eastern. After dinner, a warm, inspiring, hopeful & entertaining program with eight faiths & ethnicities will regale us via the Arts, singing, dancing, instrumental & special readings. Following this program, we will indulge in a delicious ethnic dessert bonanza. Reservations are a necessity as we can only accommodate 200 people. To make a reservation for the Gala call Joe Z 419-476-4651. If you have any questions or want more information about the Blood Drive & or Gala call Devorah at 419 356 5280 or email at shalom1836@bex.net.      

Lakeside Institute:

Camp Like No Other!

 

Lakeside Institute is a camp like no other. Located inside the gates of the Lakeside Chautauqua community, Lakeside Institute has been helping youth and young adults, ages 14-20, further their personal faith journeys for over 100 years!

The theme for camp this summer is “Finding the ME in the WE.” Using Luke 1:28 and the story of Mary as an entry point, youth will explore what it means to claim their God-given identity, while also remaining deeply connected to the larger community where they have been called.

While Lakeside Institute runs through East Ohio Conference, there is a long history of involvement from West Ohio as well. Hilliard UMC has several leaders on staff, including one of the deans (April Andrick) and this year’s chaplain (Rev. April Blaine). The leadership works to create an accommodating and inclusive environment for all young people, including LGBTQIA+ youth.

Campers stay in Wo-Ho-Mis and nearby cabins on the grounds of Lakeside. Youth are welcome to come on their own, or with others from their church. Dates for the 2024 Lakeside Institute are July 21-27. Come and join the fun at Lakeside Institute this summer!

Discover FX Days

Discover FX is coming to your district! You’ve heard about Fresh Expressions popping up all across West Ohio. Here is your chance to explore how fresh expressions could revitalize your church and reach people in your community. Is God stirring something new within you? Fresh Expressions are an effective way to build relationships, serve the people within your context and community, and revitalize your church.

Fresh Expressions are about going outside of the norm, going beyond the typical boundaries of ordinary church to build human community with and among people with whom the church has forgotten, ignored, marginalized, or dismissed. 

Discover FX is a 5-hour immersion into what Fresh Expressions are and how to launch your own expression of church. After the training, optional coaching sessions will be available via zoom to walk with you through launching a fresh expression of church.

Discover what FX can do for your church in a convenient location in your district and learn from your colleagues who are already doing Fresh Expressions in your region.

Training is from 9:30am - 2:30pm and lunch is included.

Cost is $50/person or $25/per team member (Pastor + at least one layperson is recommended)

(assistance available if needed)



Space is limited at each site.

Register Here – Bowling Green First, July 23rd

Register Here – Ada First, September 3rd

Faith Resources Available from West Ohio Connectional Ministries

If you are looking for a way to connect with emerging generations and their families, Faith on the Fly cards can help. Faith on the Fly cards are a set of short devotions, prayers, and activities families can do together to explore their faith and grow deeper in love with Jesus.

To connect with young children and families looking for ways to incorporate prayer into their lives, Preschool Prayer Cards can help. These prayers are easy, fun, and can be said at mealtime to help incorporate prayer throughout the day.

If you are seeking Faith on the Fly or Preschool Prayer Cards, email amcarley@wocumc.org. Requests must be received by June 30.

Upcoming Lay Servant Ministries Classes

Lay Ministry is the work of mission or ministry to which each believer is called. As Christians we are all called to this ministry or priesthood – not just clergy. Each of us has a responsibility to proclaim the Good News and reach out to others in love.



Embracing Personal Prayer: Tuesdays from July 16-August 6, 5pm-7:30pm on Zoom only. Sponsored by the Western Lakes District. Register

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries (Basic Course): July 23, 25, 28, 30 & August 1 from 6:30-8:30pm (Zoom or in person in Centerville ). Sponsored by the Great Miami River District. Register

Lay Pastoral Care Giving: August 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom only. Sponsored by the Great Miami River District. Registration coming soon.

United Methodist Polity: Friday, August 23 from 6-8pm (Zoom) & Saturday, August 24 from 9am-5pm (either in person at the Hocking River District office or by Zoom). Registration coming soon.

Public Prayer: September 8, 10, 11, 15, 17 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom only. Sponsored by the Great Miami River District. Registration coming soon.

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries (Basic Course): Friday, October 11 from 6-8pm (Zoom) & Saturday, October 12 from 9am-5pm (either in person at the Hocking River District office or by Zoom). Registration coming soon.

A reminder: Even if you have completed the Basic Course and all of the Core Courses, you need to take an Advanced Course every 3 years as part of maintaining your certification. Not sure what you need next? Contact Michelle at the district office - 419-897-9770 or mrobinson@wocumc.org

New Resource for Congregations Looking to Grow Younger!

Last month over 160 leaders from 45 different congregations across West Ohio came together at Ohio Wesleyan University for Generate 2024. There were six different generations represented during this transformational day of learning, listening, and launching a movement of growing younger. There will be many more stories to share from this day as churches across West Ohio continue to take their next steps in growing younger.

If you missed this event or lost your notes, you can now find the resources shared during the day and hear what others thought by visiting www.generateohio.org. Not only will you find the notebooks and slides shared during Generate, additional resources like summer camp options, connecting with our family ministry networks, and micro-grant information is available. Stop by often as resources are being added frequently. 

Free Tools to Help Manage Small Groups

One of the most important aspects of church life is a vibrant small-group and Sunday school ministry. You can find many free tools to help leaders increase their effectiveness in facilitating these vital programs.

1. REMIND 101 EASY MASS TEXT

Texting is growing as a primary mode of communication and an excellent way to quickly transmit details or changes to people. However, it can be difficult to manage group texts on your phone as members join or leave. Remind 101 solves your texting problems. By texting a code like “@FUMC” to a specific number, members join the text group. Whoever has access to the account can then text the group from any smartphone or web browser. You can even schedule texts ahead of time to remind people of important tasks! And, it’s absolutely free!

Need other ideas for communicating with your small groups? Here are some tools to help you do just that!

2. SIGNUP GENIUS

Signup Genius is the digital version of passing around a list of needed items. A couple of clicks allows you to set important event information, such as the date and time. The next step is creating a list of supplies or tasks. All you need to do is list the paper goods, desserts or other things needed along with the number of each item. After a couple more questions, your signup is live. Next, you simply invite your group to log on with their name and email address and sign up to bring whatever they wish. A couple of days before the event, they’ll get an email reminding them what they signed up to bring! Signup Genius is completely free to users. It is paid for with small ads that appear on the signups.

This a great way for small groups to better organize their meetings, events and outreach.

3.TAKE THEM A MEAL

When small group members have a baby or are going through a difficult time, one of the best ways to offer support is by providing ready-to-eat meals. Take Them a Meal helps coordinate all details of meal ministry. After talking with the family to learn when they would like to receive meals and what sorts of food preferences and allergies they have, any class member can put together a page complete with driving directions and available days.

Once Take Them a Meal is set up, anyone with the invitation can sign up for a meal slot. They will receive an email reminder with delivery details the day before. Take Them a Meal also offers quick and easy recipes as well as a way to order meals to be sent from their third-party vendors. Like the other tools in this list, this service is free.

4. MY ATTENDANCE TRACKER

If tracking attendance is desirable to avoid overlooking people in need, consider My Attendance Tracker. Though it is designed with the face-to-face classroom in mind, My Attendance Tracker could be used for other purposes as well. Once you set up the group, taking attendance is as easy as logging in and clicking “present” or “absent” for each participant. You can even look at attendance trends over time. There isn’t an app for this program, however the website interface was designed specifically to be used on mobile devices so it's simple and fast. This free tool is definitely worth checking out!

Church Reporting

Annual Reporting

The information for the church and clergy Annual Reports has also been updated recently and is available for access. These reports include the Fund Balance Report, Trustee Legal & Property, Parsonage Inspection, Clergy Self-Assessment and SPRC Assessments. They can be found on the district website on the Resource tab or by clicking HERE. They were due June 1st. If your reports are submitted/uploaded, thank you! If they are not, please get them submitted as soon as possible.

For questions about these reports contact Michelle at the district office, mrobinson@wocumc.org.

SCRAP METAL DRIVE - 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. All proceeds will go to Trustee projects at Trinity United Methodist Church. Call 419-523-6496 for more information.

ABSOLUTELY NO TV’S, COMPUTER MONITORS, PAINT, TIRES, MATRESSES/BOX SPRINGS or AEROSOL CANS ACCEPTED.     

Rev. Dale Guckenberger

Rev. Debra Sue Berry

Rev. Linda Hedden

Director of Communications: Scioto Ridge UMC - Scioto Ridge is looking for a fulltime, Director of Communications. The Director of Communications oversees all web-based, print, video and social media communications of the church. She/He is responsible for implementing the marketing strategies of the church, as well as helping to develop those strategies. If you or someone you know might be interested, please review the Job Description and send a resume and communications portfolio with video and/or digital content to Pastor Jason at pastorjason@srumc.org.

For more information, and a job description, visit www.srumc.org/employment. 

Director of Children and Family Ministry: Epworth UMC - Active 1000-member congregation seeking full-time (40 hrs. week) director to oversee ministry for children and families including Christian education. Strong Christian commitment, ability to recruit and train leaders and familiarity with Christian Education and Sunday School in the local church is important. Leadership skills and innovative spirit a must. Annual salary commensurate with experience plus expenses, pension, and health benefits. Send resume to Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43615 Phone: (419) 531-4236      EMAIL: office@epworth.com

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.