Footnotes from the Foothills

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1 Foothills District UMC Inside this issue: General Conference Information and Links Spring District Business Meeting May 9 On Day Adventure Camps Super Heroes VBS Program/ Curriculum through Nationwide Children s Hospital Meigs Coop Mortgage Burning Foothills Spouse Gathering at Lakeside Annual Conference Special Events Devotional for Parents of Newborns by our own Joe & Alyssa Graves Mission U 2016 Festival of Sharing Dates Set ERT Training 8 Former DS, Roger Grace to be Recognized Prayer Concerns Choir Music Available 9 10 Footnotes from the Foothills From the Desk of the DS And Are We Yet Alive? By Dennis W. Miller, Foothills District Superintendent May 2016 Every four years the United Methodist Church holds a very special gathering of its leaders from around the world. This gathering is called General Conference. The delegates, no more than 1,000 total, are elected from their geographic regions and come together from around the world. This quadrennium, the General Conference meets May 10-20, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. In a tradition that dates to back centuries, major Methodist gatherings often begin with the Charles Wesley hymn, And Are We Yet Alive? Perhaps, in the near future, the answer will again be a resounding Yes! Last month, however, I was saddened to read our latest statistical report. In 2015, the West Ohio Conference experienced a net loss of 6,895 members. Membership in the conference is at a rock-bottom, all-time low since my days as a teenager in MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship). In 1984, our United Methodist membership in West Ohio stood at 341,159. Today in 2016, our membership stands at 168,895. This represents a loss of 172,264 members over the past thirty-two years. The trend in West Ohio is happening throughout American Methodism. In fact, since 1972, our denomination has reported a net loss of 4.9 million members from approximately 12.1 million to 7.2 million. All this has occurred while our country s population has continued to grow. To put things into better perspective, in 1972, 1 out of every 17 Americans was a baptized member of the United Methodist Church. That ratio now stands at 1 out of 45. Is there any hope? I believe there is! In spite of our challenges, I remain optimistic. I am proud and grateful to be a United Methodist pastor because I believe United Methodists have an understanding and approach to the gospel to which twenty-first century people will respond. Therefore, as one who possesses a deep love for the church of Wesley and a passion for our denomination s revitalization, I believe we need to do three things: First, we must recapture a sense of identity. We must regain the vision that John Wesley and the early Methodists had. We must claim the sense of our doctrinal boundaries and realize that the acceptance of theological pluralism is unhealthy. While it is true that the distinguishing marks of a United Methodist are probably best illustrated by a commitment to the basics of Christianity and by a Christian lifestyle rather than by assenting to a particular litmus test of beliefs, today some United Methodists have crossed over the line and embraced unorthodox beliefs and doctrines that strike at the root of Christianity."

2 Page 2 Because of this, I believe it is time we reaffirm and confess our faith in Jesus Christ as the unique Son, Savior, and Lord. At my ordination several years ago, I was asked by the Bishop before several hundred clergy and lay delegates at Lakeside, Are you persuaded the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain all things necessary for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and are the unique and authoritative standard for the Church, faith and life? I responded proudly by saying, I am so persuaded by God s grace. Then I was asked, Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church, defending it against all doctrines contrary to God s Holy Word? I boldly declared, I will, with the help of God. It is my prayer that all ordained clergy will remain faithful to their vows of ordination and do their very best to revive those suffering from doctrinal amnesia and recapture a sense of identity. With this sense of identity, we must also recapture our sense of mission. Early Methodist preachers were determined to spread scriptural holiness throughout the land. They did this by stressing the significant need for God s redemptive and Spirit-filled life. A popular phrase among many early Methodist circuit riders was, I first preach Sinai, then I preach grace. Having recaptured a vision for souls, the message of holiness and social reform will also be recaptured. Secondly, we must repent as a denomination for ministering in the flesh and not in the Spirit. For too long we have placed our security and trust in ourselves. I recall a seminary professor of mine saying to our class years ago, When United Methodists are faced with a problem, it is very easy for us to look to an organizational solution for the answers instead of looking to God. In doing so, we have built up a sense of denominational pride. We need to pray God will humble us and make us a denomination whose only desire is to seek the face of Jesus. I also believe that United Methodist clergy need to repent of our selfishness. Many of us (and I include myself) have become like the priests of Eli who were people-pleasers and concerned only with their own needs and desires. In addition, many of our laity frequently place personal preference over purpose. They continue to ask, What can the church do for me, instead of what can I do for God and His church. They often cry, Bless me! Bless me! and constantly sing, I shall not be moved when it comes to adopting a Wesleyan model of changing ministry methods to reach unsaved friends and family. I am convinced that God will only bring revival and renewal when we repent of these things. Finally, we must open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit and allow God to direct our future. We must be like little Samuel in the tabernacle who said, Speak Lord, for your servant is listening. We must allow the Holy Spirit to shake us out of our comfort zones and open us up to new ministry possibilities as we recapture our Wesleyan heritage (renewal of prayer, fasting, small group discipleship and Christian conferencing). In doing so, our focus will shift from selfish ambition to seeking justice, healing and hope for the millions of people living in poverty, oppression, violence and despair. Truth be told, revivalism has always been part of our Methodist heritage. After years of religious frustration, on May 24, 1738, John Wesley experienced a renewal in his own life that birthed a movement, eventually changing the course of human history. What Wesley once knew only in his head, he now knew in his heart. Ablaze with the Spirit, the world instantly became his parish. His divine Holy Spirit moment at Aldersgate became the catalyst for societal reform. Fighting injustice of all kinds, those known as Methodists shook the moral, economic, cultural, and political foundations of 18th century England. One by one, as hearts were strangely warmed by the love of God, a Church arose to confront the evil forces of immorality and transform a corrupt system of oppression, while reaching out to the poor and marginalized. Today many historians argue that the Wesleyan renewal saved England from a potential civil war and tremendously influenced 19th century American culture and ethics. What God did through the early Methodists, God wants to do today! Charles Wesley s question remains our question today: And Are We Yet Alive? My prayer for this month s General Conference in Portland is: Do it again, God, do it again!

3 Page 3 Please keep all of the 864 delegates attending the United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Oregon, in your prayers as they prepare and then attend May The full delegation list from West Ohio and their respective legislative committees can be found at Stay up to date with the latest news and information by following one of the following social media feeds. The main website is umc.org/gc2016. The Facebook page is United Methodist General Conference. Follow on Twitter at #UMCGC. There is also a mobile app on both apple and android. The worship services, addresses, and plenary sessions will all be live streamed. On Tuesday, May 10, 5-6:30 p.m. EDT our conference will be represented by the choir from First UMC, Van Wert, as they sing during the opening communion service. On Wednesday, May 11, at 11:30 a.m. EDT, our very own Bishop Palmer will be delivering the Episcopal Address on behalf of the Council of Bishops. Remember that no matter what happens in Portland, our local congregations will continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in worship, service and study here in SE Ohio. May we continue to be the body of Christ, connected together. Foothills District Spring Business Meeting The Plains United Methodist Church 3 N. Plains Rd., The Plains, OH Monday, May 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. The Foothills District Spring Business Meeting will be held at The Plains UMC on Monday, May 9 at 7:00 p.m. All pastors, lay members to Annual Conference, District At-Large members, Youth At-Large members, Members by virtue of office and all other lay persons are invited to participate. We will approve our district leadership teams, our 2017 budget, and present information about annual conference. Book of Reports for Annual Conference will be available. The meeting should conclude by 8:00

4 Page 4 Summer Camp One Day Adventure West Ohio Camps offer a day camp experience for children who have never been to camp or those who just love spending the day at a camp. On June 8, 9 or 10, Camps Otterbein, Wesley and Widewater will run One Day Adventures for children ages T he cost is $20 for the day and includes lunch, snack and beverages. The day runs 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with swimming, archery, games, hiking, worship and campfire. Bring swim suits and towels. Parents may stay for the day or come back by 3:30 for a Meet the Camp Director session. Parent or guardian may register their children at camp, or in advance by going to the website westohiocamps.org. Call for more information. The Foothills District of the United Methodist Church and Nationwide Children s Hospital are preparing to embark on a common journey working together to improve health outcomes for all the children and families in our region. This new venture will unfold throughout the entire year of 2016 with specific elements focusing on home, church, school and broader community wide awareness. As part of this venture we will be offering a VBS program titled Christian Super Heroes in Training. The programming incorporates current research in the areas of health and wellness with Biblical principles around the areas of health and life. The curriculum and supplies necessary to implement the VBS will be provided free of charge. If you are interested in receiving additional information or to sign your church up to participate in the VBS please contact Josh Tissot at jtissot@4allpeople.net. Meigs Coop to Hold Mortgage Burning The Meigs Cooperative Parish will have an open house and a mortgage burning on May 15th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Everyone, especially those who have supported the Cooperative Parish over the years is invited and encouraged to attend this special celebration! Hope to see you there. The Coop is located at 260 Mulberry Avenue, Pomeroy, Ohio

5 Page 5 Foothills & Shawnee Valley Clergy Spouses at Lakeside Monday, June 6 Noon-1:30 Join Rachel Miller and Susie Watson for a light lunch and time of fellowship. We ll have a special gift for you as well! We hope to see you there! Location: 221 Park Row, Lakeside 2nd house over from Hotel Lakeside facing the lake. Please RSVP to your district office by May 23 so we can plan accordingly.

6 Page 6 Upcoming Annual Conference Events Name of Event: Shawnee Valley and Foothills Ice Cream Social Date: Monday, June 6 Time: 9:00-10:30 p.m. Location: West Pavilion Deck Name of Event: Evangelical Fellowship of West Ohio Annual Dinner (EFWO) Date: Tuesday, June 7 Time: 6:30 p.m. (following the conclusion of the Ordination Service) Location: Wesley Lodge North and South Contact info for Dennis and Rachel Miller while at Lakeside: Stone s Throw Bed and Breakfast 221 Park Row Dennis cell Rachel s cell New Devotional and Journal for Parents of Newborns The first year with a newborn is a year filled with joys, confusion, sleepless nights, doubts, fears, and love. With everything that's happening in your little one, just as much is happening in you. Joe and Alyssa Graves have created a journal and devotional as a way to not only track your progress through the first year, but as a way to help you remember that your ultimate job as a parent is in the faith development of your child and that while your child is learning to crawl and barely speaking audible words, God's Spirit is at work in their life and in yours. Read more:

7 Page 7 REQUEST FOR FUNDING FOR THE HISPANIC COMMUNITY TO ATTEND MISSION U West Ohio Conference United Methodist Women and West Ohio Conference United Methodist Church has in the past been able to assist the Hispanic community in attending Mission U. Each returning student pays a portion of their registration fee. We had 30 adults and 20 youth and children at Mission U last year from the Hispanic community. This year the normal source of funding is not available and I must ask each congregation to assist if you can. Please send your contribution of any amount to our treasurer, Rosemary Dupler at 2425 Blue Valley Road, SE, Lancaster, OH Make your check payable to West Ohio Conference United Methodist Women or WOCUMW and in the memo section write Hispanic scholarship. Thank you. Jeanette Zsambok, Scholarship Coordinator, Mission U FOS Dates Set The 2016 Festival Of Sharing date has been set for Saturday, September 17 at Otterbein University. The Foothills District Office will serve once again as the kit collection site and kits may be dropped off during regular business hours prior to Thursday, September 15, when kits will be picked up to be delivered to Westerville.

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9 Page 9 Roger Grace To Be Recognized for His Contributions to the Rural Church As many of you may know, former Athens District Superintendent, Roger Grace is retiring this year. In addition to his service as District Superintendent, Assistant to the District Superintendent in Capitol Area North and pastor in a number of our Foothills churches, Roger has also been active in United Methodist Rural Advocates (formerly United Methodist Rural Fellowship) his entire career. He has been a champion of our rural churches for many years, helping churches connect to their communities and return to vital, disciple making ministry. He has helped conferences understand the challenges and needs of rural congregations and has been at the forefront of innovations that have had a positive impact on rural churches. The UM Rural Advocates wish to honor Roger for his years of dedicated service by giving him an Honorary Life Membership in the United Methodist Rural Advocates. In order to bestow this honor, they need to raise at least $ Has Roger touched your life through his ministry? Has Roger helped your church find its way through troubled times? Has Roger s graciousness, joyfulness and gentleness helped to lift you up in a time of struggle? If so, would you consider contributing to Roger s honorary life membership? UMRA would also welcome any remembrances or testimonials that you might like to share regarding Roger and his work in rural ministry. This is a time to remember a person who has made a difference in many people s lives. If you would like to share a testimonial, please get them to Jill Philipp at the Capitol Area North District office no later than May 15 so they can be organized for a party to be held in Roger s honor. Send/ to: Jill Philipp, Capitol Area North District, 2929 Kenny Rd., Suite 100, Columbus OH 43221, capitolareanorth@wocumc.org Please send your donations to: UMRA Vice President Rev. Peggy Paige, N7344 County Road 577, Ingalls, MI by May 1 st Please make check out to UMRA - memo: Life Membership Roger Grace/. Thank you for your consideration of this request. Everyone is invited to attend Roger s retirement party Tuesday, May 24 th at 7:30 pm at William Street UMC, 28 W. William St., Delaware OH 43015, which will immediately follow our Capitol Area North District Conference. Lastly this is a SURPRISE so please don t say anything to Roger!

10 Page 10 FOOTHILLS DISTRICT UMC PO Box Johnson Rd. The Plains, OH Phone: Fax: Rev. Dr. Dennis Miller, D.S. Rev. Dr. Steve McGuire, Asst. to the D.S. Sherri L. Rogers, Office Administrator Merv Davis, Treasurer/Bookkeeper Prayer Concerns Prayers for: Vicki Lambert, spouse of Rev. Jim Lambert, Canaanville & Stewart UMC s. The First United Methodist Church in Zanesville is downsizing their music library. Anyone interested in choir music. Most pieces are gently used. We have copies each: cantatas, choir heralds, and other music. Please contact Marilyn at or e- mail: We are fundraising for a new boiler and a donation would be asked for these items. Check us out on the Web: IMPORTANT INFORMATION Office Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m. s: Office - foothillsdistrict@wocumc.org Dennis Miller, DS - dmiller@wocumc.org Steve McGuire, ADS - smcguire@wocumc.org Merv Davis, Treasurer/Bookkeeper - mdavis@wocumc.org Sherri Rogers, Office Admin. - srogers@wocumc.org Nancy Amos, Dist. Disaster Response Coordinatornancy@rollingplainsumc.com