Western Reserve District Newsletter

Transcription

1 Western Reserve District Newsletter District Superintendent Rev Sondra Snode Administrative Assistant Jerri Shultz 71 North Park Place Painesville, OH April/May / Office Hours Mon-Thurs 9-4 Today, it did not feel like spring as I filled my tank with gas. The wind was strong and cold, and snow flurries swirled! My hands were freezing since I had already shed my winter coat, with gloves, for a lighter jacket. Yet, although it may not have felt like spring, the calendar assures me it is! I suppose it does not always feel like Easter. I m thinking of the diagnosis that interrupts your life. Or the evening news story of an airplane s crash due to, of all things, a deliberate act of a co-pilot. Families deal with loved ones addictions. Death affects us all. Racial, economic, political, and even religious divides exist. Many situations lead to hopelessness and despair. It may not always feel like Easter yet it is always Easter. One of the most powerful scenes in scripture is the women s arrival at the tomb. Expecting to perform burial rituals, and mourn their hope buried within a tomb along with their loved one, victory was discovered instead. Easter! From the women s initial discovery until today, God acts. God offers grace and mercy, hope and peace, power and life. When evil seems to gain an upper hand, Easter proclaims God is always victorious. When grief threatens to undo us, Easter refreshes and restores bringing peace and comfort. When life becomes too much to bear, Easter lifts our load and empowers us to keep going. God offers his love through Jesus, who came to live among us, die to redeem us, rise to offer us life eternal Easter! We are Easter people. Jesus brings victory to all. So may we, His people, Easter people, be those leaving the empty tomb anxious to share the good news of Jesus. Because even when life is chaotic and almost too difficult to endure, even when it may not feel like Easter He lives! Sondra

2 SCRAPPERS Portage Faith s Methodist Men are real scrappers. There is value in metal junk. This Fundraiser is an ongoing project. If you have or hear of someone with any old appliances or anything metal; even a vehicle would be welcomed. Please contact Tom Kennedy at or Ron Lance at General Conference 2016 Six clergy and six lay delegates will be elected at Annual Conference 2015 (June 15-18) to represent East Ohio at General Conference, to be held May 10-20, 2016 in Portland, OR. General Conference 2016 Lay Delegates Nominees for lay delegate to General Conference 2016 were received by the district from each charge conference in the fall of Those nominees, and any made from the floor of each district s spring 2015 conference, will be placed on a ballot. The district will elect, by ballot at the spring district conference, its nominees for election (endorsement) as lay delegates to General Conference Nominees must be willing to attend the full session of the General Conference, if elected. Voyages of Paul: October 1-12, 2015 Spiritual leaders Bishop John & Elaine Hopkins and Bishop Gregory and Cynthia Palmer This is a 12 day journey with Educational Opportunities that will take us to historic sites in Rome, Sicily, Greece and Turkey. We will see Ephesus, Athens, Corinth, Naples and many other sites where Paul traveled as he took the Gospel from Jerusalem to Judah, Samaria and the ends of the known world (Acts 1:8). We Gentiles might never have known about Jesus were it not for the Voyages of Paul. Rev. Winkler will be serving as a Tour Host and invite you to join them. Please contact the District Office if you would like more information about this trip.

3 District Office Happenings? CABINET in April - 13, 14, 15, 23 and 24th. CABINET in May 13, 14, 15, 27 and 28 th. April 11 th Spring Conference at Mayfield UMC 9am. April 18 th UMW Spring Middlefield UMC 8:30am. April 23 & 24 th Retreat (Office Closed) May 4 th District District Office 10am May 11 th Black Theologian Aldersgate UMC May 25 th 28 th (Office Closed) If I have missed your special day. Please me so I can correct it. jerri@wrdistrict.org Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!!! April Birthdays 4 th Christine Germaine 13 th Hazel Partington 18 th Loren Gisselbeck 25 th Samara Jenkins & Allen Frantz May Birthdays 7 th Patti Baker 11 th Bige Combs 13 th Aletta Burkholder 19 th David Partington April Anniversaries None May Anniversaries 9 th Chuck & Jeanne Oplinger 16 th Antwone & Samara Jenkins

4 East Ohio Summer Camp 2015 A week at one of our East Ohio Camps events is a powerful, life-changing experience. What is the power of camp? Transformed Lives - At camp, young people have the mental room to consider some of the most important issues of life, and to discover the truth that God loves them and has an amazing plan for their lives. Nature and Adventure - East Ohio Camps are set in some of the most beautiful spots in Ohio. Campers explore nature, participate in new adventures and test their limits in a healthy environment surrounded by the beauty of God s creation. Temporary Community - In a setting separate from their daily routine, with an opportunity to shed the expectations and pressures of others, campers are freed up to truly be themselves. Lifelong Friendships - Good friends who exert positive peer pressure can make all the difference in a kid s life. Friendships with caring adults and other campers can last a lifetime and provide a connection that helps young people navigate the challenges of life. Adult Mentors - At camp, caring adults, counselors and mentors help campers think through decisions and experiences in a way that will prepare them for their future. Register by May 1, 2015 to help us plan the best possible summer program. Staffing decisions and planned events are based on projected numbers of campers. Register early to help us provide the highest quality summer camp experience possible. Register today! DISTRICT CAMPERSHIP FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS Financial aid is available to any camper from a Western Reserve District United Methodist Church attending any East Ohio Conference coordinated program camping event. Maximum district financial aid per camper is $50. District camperships and conference camperships may be received for the same event. or call Jerri at the District Office. jerri@wrdistrict.org or for an application. The IRS has set the business mileage rate for The standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven; 23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

5 Please pray for these Churches and Pastors as they face a variety of transitions Intended Appointments/Changes of Status Rev. Jim Cox, Ashland Christ to Retirement Rev. Mike Namy from Ashland First to Ashland Team Ministry: First/Christ UMC s Rev. Jon Priebe from Three Crosses to Ashland Team Ministry: First/Christ UMC s Rev. Brandon Keck from Medina Associate, Canal District to Three Crosses: a UM Fellowship Rev. Sarah Macdonald, Bucyrus Woodlawn to Retirement Rev. Tom Gruver from Thompson, Western Reserve District to Bucyrus Woodlawn Rev. Susan Lausch, Lexington Church of the Cross to Retirement Rev. Glenn Hamilton from Warren Grace, Mahoning Valley Dist. to Lex: Church of the Cross Rev. Jeannie Winters, Chesterville & Harmony Chapel to Retirement Rev. Dan Wilson from Fowler/Otterbein Charge, Mahoning Valley Dist. To Chesterville & Harmony Chapel Pastor Pat Fruth, Iberia & Sixteen to Retirement Pastor Gloriann Geib, Scioto & Harmony to other vocation Rev. Gary Miller, Williamsport to Retirement Pastor Erin Porter, from Ashley & Sparta to Sandusky Columbus Ave, Firelands District Rev. Don Kraps, Bucyrus Associate to Uhrichsville First, Tuscarawas District Rev Gerald Kalb, Painesville, Western Reserve District, Retirement Rev David Mckinnon, Kinsman, Western Reserve District, Retirement Rev Jared Priset, Aurora, Western Reserve District to Church of the Lakes, Tuscarawas District Rev Jan Yandell, East Shore, North Coast District to Painesville, Western Reserve District Rev Daniel Drew, Chardon, Western Reserve District, Retirement Rev Ray Kovsch, Retirement Rev Thomas Snode, Shoregate, Western Reserve District to Chardon, Western Reserve District For more Conference Happenings. Visit The Window Annual Conference Ministry Fair is moving! To help avoid rain, wind, heat and bugs this year it will be held inside Wesley Hall and in the areas around Wesley Hall. The day and time will remain the same, Wednesday evening, June 17, from 7:30 9:00 p.m. (following the 7:00 ballot). Hope to see you there!

6 Youth Annual Conference YSF Coin Challenge All teens and adult leaders coming to Youth Annual Conference, be sure to start collecting your coins for our District Coin Challenge. New twist this year, dollar bills will take OFF ounces for opposing districts! All monies raised will go towards our Youth Service Fund (money raise by youth for ministries for youth).

7 Lay Servant Events April 25 Jesus Calls Lay Servants at North Canton Faith UMC $16 Meet Ordinary People Who Do Extraordinary Things Through Christ. Come to North Canton Faith UMC on Saturday, April 25 to meet the Lay Servant of the Year from each of the districts. Each will share a brief part of their journey. This is an amazing time to network with people who walk with Jesus in every day ministry. We will feature keynote speaker Dave Scavuzzo. You do not have to be lay servant to benefit from this gathering! All sinners are welcome! Monday 12 PM 1:30 PM at Annual Conference in Lakeside The Gathering of Lay Servants/ Pastor of the Year Banquet $16 Wesley Lodge South Join us as we celebrate the ministry of all Christians (Lay Servants). We will honor pastors who have an exceptional record of developing servant ministers. Flyer

8 DISTRICT SPRING CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 11 TH AT MAYFIELD UMC 7747 MAYFIELD RD CHESTERLAND, OH Reaching Beyond Ourselves! A Day of Reflection, Renewal & Revival! Registration and Sign In is from 9-9:30am Worship & Business is 9:35 10:45am Class I New Generations 11-12noon Rev Mike Corwin, lead pastor of Bucyrus UMC Lunch from 12:15 1pm (provided) Class II Bridges out of Poverty 1:15-2:15pm Rev Terrie Baker, Three Rivers District Mission Outreach Consultant Child Care Registration must be made by April 1 st. For more information contact Jerri at the District Office

9 District Spring Conference Registration Form Name Church Childcare (circle) YES NO Name of Child Age If requesting Childcare, please bring a bagged lunch. District Spring Conference Registration Form Name Church Childcare (circle) YES NO Name of Child Age If requesting Childcare, please bring a bagged lunch. District Spring Conference Registration Form Name Church Childcare (circle) YES NO Name of Child Age If requesting Childcare, please bring a bagged lunch.

10 Dates for DYC Events & Meetings: Sunday 5/3 - Spring Election Event June YAC 2014 Additional details are available on our Facebook page: Western Reserve District Youth or on the Western Reserve District Page under the Youth Tab. All DYC Meetings are open to any youth or adult who desires to help in the planning and leading of our District Youth Ministries. Questions can be directed to Matt Williamson, District Youth Coordinator at williamson_matthew@sbcglobal.net or Cost: Early Bird Registration: Jan 1-April 24 - $39 Regular Registration: April 25- May25 - $49 (includes a t-shirt, meals not included) Walk-In: $68 (t-shirt and meals not included) What's New? Café YAC Youth Service Fund Fun-raisers View Details Questions: Call Shawndelle at ext 132

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12 Jesus is Calling Us Up Annual Conference 2015 will emphasize ways we can encourage disciples to take the next step in their faith journey. This is the third year of a four-year quadrennial theme based on the mission of The United Methodist Church to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Bishop John L. Hopkins East Ohio Conference Monday Morning: Service of Commemoration and Holy Communion Monday Evening: Retirement Service Barbara Boigegrain GBOPHB General Secretary Tuesday Morning: Worship Service Bishop Jonathan Holston South Carolina Conference Tuesday Evening: Service of Commissioning and Ordination Wednesday Morning: Worship Service Rev. Dr. Charles Yoost Church of the Saviour, North Coast District Thursday Morning: Worship Service Rev. Dr. Jim Ozier North Texas Conference Wednesday Leadership Development Session

13 The United Methodist Church of Painesville Concert Series A Night at the Movies (1923 style) Friday, April 24, :30pm. Organist Dennis Scott will be accompanying the 1923 Harold Lloyd silent film entitled Safety Last!. Dennis hales from Chicago where he plays the organ for several film series at Chicago s Music Box Theatre and the Tivoli Theatre in Downers Grove. The film Safety Last! is a comedy that is family friendly and to be enjoyed by all! Come just us for a fun night not to be forgotten. *No charge for admission. A free-will offering will be taken. United Methodist Church of Painesville 71 North Park Place Painesville, Ohio

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