Weekly Bulletin March 29, 2017

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1 Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World Weekly Bulletin March 29, 2017 IN THIS ISSUE Leipsic Leadership Series Weekly Prayer Clergy/Laity Retreat Postponed New Life Builders Mentor Training WO Annual Conference Emmaus/Chrysalis Local Church & Community Events WOConnection and Beyond UMW News Resources Classifieds ARE YOU CONNECTED WITH YOUR DISTRICT? Visit our website! Contact us! Like us on Facebook! Leipsic Leadership Series Saturday, April 1, :00 AM 4:00 PM Leipsic United Methodist Church 127 W. Main St., Leipsic, OH 8 Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches Northwest Plains District Website West Ohio UMC Website West Ohio You Tube Lay Ministry The United Methodist Church United Methodist VIM United Methodist Women Church World Service Rethink Church Find A Church MissionInsite UMCom Tech Shop UMCOR S YouTube This coming Saturday we are blessed to have a wonderful speaker coming to the Northwest Plains District for the Leipsic Leadership Series, and I really want to encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Rev Matt Miofsky is the founding pastor of the Gathering, a United Methodist Congregation in St Louis. This is a new church start that was planted in an old church building in urban St Louis after the congregation had closed its doors. In the years since then, the Gathering has grown to over 1000 people per weekend in several different sites. Matt will be using his story to Matt Miofsky lead us in a time of reflecting on how we need to think strategically to connect to our communities as they are, instead of how they used to be or how we want them to be. It is so important for us to be missional communities in the contexts that we serve. Matt has a wonderful story to share how God is using his ministry to bring new people into being followers of Christ, and I am sure we can learn much from hearing him. Friendly Center, Toledo Bread for the World Society of St. Andrew There is still time to register online or just call the district office and come on out. Come with others from your congregation, or come by yourself. We hope you will join us! Stop Hunger Now Upper Room Dailey Devotional Details and registration

2 God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardships as the pathway to peace, taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it. Trusting that He will make all things right. If I surrender to His Will, that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with him forever in the next. Amen. Northwest Plains District United Methodist Church Clergy & Laity Spiritual Retreat April 24-25, 2017 The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein The Retreat House The retreat theme is Spiritual Direction with a blend presentation, conversation and time apart. Topics may include the difference between spiritual direction and forms of counseling, spiritual friendship, what happens in a direction session and the questions of the group. Details and registration available online at northwestplains/event/nwp-clergylaity-spiritual-retreat NWP Life Builders Mentor Training The NWP s District will be sending a group of male Life Builders to Allen-Oakwood Correctional and a group of women to ORW in May. There is still time to join one of these teams. NWP Life Builders Mentor Training is on April 1st at St. Mark's UMC from 10am - 12pm. To participate, contact All In Community Consultant, Reba Collins, at allincommunity@wocumc.org.

3 Lakeside Chautauqua: Sunday, June 4- Wednesday, 7 Each year all clergy members and lay members selected from local churches within The West Ohio Conference attend this event to meet together to worship, fellowship, and conduct the business of the conference. During these sessions, members of the conference hear reports of past and ongoing work; adopt future goals, programs and budgets; and ordain clergy members as deacons and elders. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presides over these meetings and will convene the annual conference on Sunday at 7:30 pm prior to the start of opening worship. Learn more at Still need to register? Click Volunteers needed at Annual Conference Are you planning to attend Annual Conference in June? Did you know that it takes a slew of volunteers helping conference staff to produce the quality work we see every year? Please consider volunteering at the First Aid Station, as a camera operator, with social media, or as a writer for the communications team. First Aid Station: Contact John Wade at medic_503@yahoo.com (EMT, LPN, RN, Paramedic, MD only, please) Camera operators: Contact Joy French at wigalfrench@yahoo.com. Social media and volunteer writers: Contact Kay Panovec at kpanovec@wocumc.org. Represent the NWP District at Annual Conference Every year each District has a number of openings for the election of additional lay members to the Annual Conference. These additional lay members come from the heart of our United Methodist congregations. We invite you, the laity in our churches to consider offering your name to represent our District at Annual Conference. Our goal is to have a diverse group of individuals to represent our district. This means that we will do our best to be diverse in respect to ethnicity, age, demographic context (rural, urban, suburban, small membership church, large membership church) and more. If you are interested in serving in this capacity please contact the district office for more information nwplains@wocumc.org

4 Northwest Plains district UMC MISSION TRIP TO HENDERSON SETTLEMENT Sunday, May 7 Saturday, May 13, 2017 Be a part of a mission project! Don t miss out! Get on board! Where is Henderson Settlement? HS is near the Kentucky/Tennessee border about 35 miles east of Interstate 75. What is the schedule? Participants need to be at Henderson Settlement before the 7:00 PM orientation on Sunday, May 7. (Eat your evening meal before arrival.) Everyone will depart for home after breakfast on Saturday, May 13. What will we be doing? There will be construction/maintenance crews (ladies welcome). There is also work to be done in the greenhouse, library, food pantry, senior center and community store. What is the cost? $360/person with accommodations in the mission dorm. $440/person for more private housing (Baldinger Dorm, Zuki House). (3 meals Monday Friday and breakfast Saturday.). Travel and food to and from Henderson Settlement is the responsibility of the participant. No additional insurance is available your own insurance is the only insurance in effect. What is to be expected? Weather hot to cool, rain possible. Be prepared. Clothing work clothes. Area 50%+ unemployment, coal mining, forestry, mountainous How do I sign up? Complete and return the registration form with your deposit of $50/person by March 10. Remaining balance due by April 14. Please make check payable to: Northwest Plains District Henderson Mission Trip. Send check and registration to: Northwest Plains District Office, 910 East 3 rd St., Ottawa, OH For more information, contact Ruth Pease at A planning meeting for all registered participants will be held to determine who is driving/riding and to answer all other questions. This meeting will be on Sunday, April 30, 2:00 pm at Trinity UMC, 220 S. Walnut St., Van Wert, OH Henderson Settlement Mission Trip Registration May 7 13, 2017 Name(s) (First and Last Names) Address: City/State/Zip: Telephone Church name Housing: Mission Dorm ($360) Baldinger Dorm, Zuki House ($440) Work area interest: (Construction/maintenance, electrical, plumbing, painting, gardening, etc.)

5 Emmaus Events Findlay Emmaus Gathering (on the third Tuesday) Sidney Emmaus Gathering (on the second Tuesday) Tuesday, April 20, 7 pm Tuesday, April 11, 7 pm St Marks UMC First UMC 800 S. Main St., Findlay E. Poplar St., Sidney NW Ohio Emmaus Gathering (on the fourth Saturday) Saturday, April 22, 6:30 pm Delta UMC 101 Northwood Dr., Delta Emmaus Walks ~ A Journey with Christ While they were talking and discussing. Jesus himself came near and walked with them. - Luke 24:15 A program of the Upper Room division of the General Board Discipleship which calls forth and renews Christian discipleship. The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience, a highly structured weekend, which takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a life-style. The program is designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and through them, their families, congregations, and the world. Findlay Emmaus St. Marks UMC, Findlay, OH Women's Walks Dates Women's Walk #101 June 8-11, 2017 Women's Walk #102 October 12-15, 2017 Men's Walks Dates Men's Walk #77 November 2-5, 2017 Sidney Emmaus First UMC, Sidney, OH Women s Walks Dates Women s Walk #72 July 20-23, 2017 Women s Walk #73 October 19-22, 2017 Men s Walks Dates Men s Walk #68 August 24-27, 2017 Men s Walk # 69 November 2-5, 2017 Bryan Emmaus Wesley UMC, Bryan, OH Chrysalis is a three day experience of spiritual renewal open to members of any Christian denomination, ages 15 to 24. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a new way. Chrysalis is meant to inspire, challenge, and equip youth for Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work. St. Andrew s UMC, Findlay Girl's Flight #49 - July 7-9, 2017 Boy's Flight #48 - July 21-23, Greene Street UMC, Piqua Girl s Flight #64 July 7-9, 2017 Boy s Flight #64 July 28-30, 2017

6 Local Church and Community Events The Healing Power of Music Explored at Lifetree Café map The power of music to affect our moods, enhance our mental state, and aid in our physical wellbeing will be explored at Lifetree Café on Thursday, March 30, 7-8 pm. The program, titled Unlocking the Mystery of Music: New Findings on How Music Heals and Relieves, features a filmed interview with Sarah Johnson, a neurologic music therapist. The power of music does come on many different levels, and it s probably different for every person, Johnson says. It grabs our attention and is a very motivating stimulus to listen to. During the program, participants will have the opportunity to discuss how music can help them accomplish personal goals. Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Lifetree Café is located at the Bachwell Center, 116 N. Washington Street, Van Wert, OH. Please enter on Court Street and park behind the Courthouse. Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual, comfortable setting. Questions about Lifetree may be directed to First United Methodist Church at or firstchurch@wcoil.com. Topic for April 6: Living After a Suicide. The Pandora United Methodist Church will be hosting a FREE Community Meal on Wednesday, March 29, 5:30-7:00 pm in the church fellowship hall, 108 E. Washington Street, Pandora. map The meal this month is provided by Sprunger Insurance Company. The menu will be spaghetti, bread sticks, salad, cake, and beverage. Community Choir Opportunity The Pandora Area Churches are offering the opportunity for folks to participate in a Community Choir for the Pandora Community Good Friday Services on April 14 hosted at the Pandora United Methodist Church this year. The Community Choir will rehearse on the following dates at the Pandora United Methodist Church: Thursday, March 30, 7:00 PM; Thursday, April 6, 7:00 PM; Wednesday, April 12, 7:00 PM. This year the Pandora Community Choir will be under the direction of Rev. Duane Kemerley. Music will be available at the first rehearsal. For more information, contact Rev. Kemerley at pastor@pandoraumc.com or Mobile & Text. Senior Luncheon ~ Westside United Methodist Church 604 Gloria Dr., Lima Friday, April 7, 12:30 pm Bring a covered dish to share & table service. Michael Schoenhofer from the Mental Health Recovery Services will share "Let's Talk", guiding parents & grandparents on how to communicate with their children and grandchildren about drugs, alcohol, suicide, and the young person's strengths. The public is always welcome!

7 Local Church and Community Events A Matter of Balance Offered at Westside UMC Family Life Center, 604 Gloria Dr., Lima map St Andrews s Church is located at 120 W. Sandusky St., Findlay, OH. If you need more information please contact the church office at "A Matter of Balance" is a free 8-week class starting Wednesday, April 19-June 7, 10:00 am-noon sponsored by Area Agency on Aging 3. Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restricting their activities. A MATTER OF BALANCE is an award winning evidence-based program led by Dancie Mohler designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. To register call: dmohler@psa3.org or bcronk@midohio.twcbc.com Journeying through the Seasons of Life A Caring Points Women s Retreat at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein map Friday, April 21-Saturday, April 22, 2017 Every woman s journey with Christ is unique, changing with the vagaries of life. The bonds women forge, the deep friendships that are formed as they encourage one another along life s way can be deep and lasting. Mentoring relationships, like mother/daughter relationships, whether biological or spiritual, can have a significant effect on our spiritual formation. Andee and Katie will guide you through exploring the highs and lows that come with life s changing seasons, sharing the impact these relationships have had on their spiritual journeys and identities in Christ. This special weekend retreat includes 4 meals, overnight accommodations, activities, and motor coach transportation from the Leipsic UMC to the retreat center and back. Cost is $50 per person. The bus will leave Leipsic at 2pm on Friday and return to Leipsic on Saturday around 10pm. Space is limited and reservations are required. Open to all women regardless of church affiliation. Deadline to register is April 7, If you have any questions, need further information, or would like to register, please contact Dena Weatherly at Harpster UMC Soup and Sandwich Supper Wednesday, April 26 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Soup, Sandwiches, Salads, Desserts. Come and Enjoy! Cherokee Street, Harpster, OH map Handicap Accessible.

8 West Ohio Connection and Beyond MTSO Faculty Lecture ~ March 29 John Kampen will present a faculty lecture, Matthew and the Pharisees: History or Fake News? at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. The lecture begins at 7:00 pm March 29 in the Alford Centrum on the MTSO campus. Kampen will apply a sectarian analysis to portions of Matthew Chapter 5, which chronicles the Sermon on the Mount. He will show that common perceptions of Pharisees, Rabbis and synagogues in first century Judaism are inaccurate. An eminent scholar of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the New Testament and Jewish history, Kampen is published widely on subjects as diverse as the Gospel of Matthew, anti-semitism and African-American use of the Bible. Live video of this lecture will be offered at Habits of the Heart Coming Up this May A great opportunity for lay persons and clergy. Habits of the Heart is an introductory 4-week class on the spiritual disciplines. This e-course on Spiritual Disciplines is sponsored by CenterQuest Lifelong Learning Community (LLC) and Living Streams Flowing Water ( Registration is now Open! Check it out: conta.cc/2mklvqi Web Page: Please direct questions to Rev. Dr. Brenda Buckwell at Brenda@livingstreamsflowingwater.com. UMCOR Academy ~ April Held at Camp Warren, Decatur, IL. This Academy is open to those who desire to further their knowledge in UMVIM- UMCOR Disaster Response. We welcome volunteers who desire to work with survivors of natural disasters in the most vulnerable populations of the country. Come and meet those who work in Disaster Response and those who would like to serve! Information and Registration Retired Ministers Association Spring Luncheon The West Ohio United Methodist Retired Ministers Association will be having their Spring Luncheon on April 4, beginning at 10 am, at the North Broadway United Methodist Church, 48 E. North Broadway, Columbus, Ohio. map All Retired United Methodist Pastors and Spouses are invited. Please send your reservations and checks to The Rev. Darrel Loar, 6000 Riverside Drive, Apt. A409, Dublin, Ohio The cost is $10 per person. You can also send your reservations to Cean Wilson at catfishlcw@outlook.com and pay at the door. West Ohio Conference United Methodist Women Racial Justice Spiritual Retreat Racial Justice is a key mission work priority for United Methodist Women, with an event planned every other year to help keep us focused and sharpen our awareness. Guest speakers and music will lead us into a time of refection, discussion and action plans. Key Note Speaker: Reverend Karen Cook Also featuring L. Cean Wilson and Ethel Johnson along with special guest, Vickie Shurelds Date: April 29, 2017 ~ Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM check in 9:30 Where: Warehouse Hilliard UMC, 3691 Main St/ 5445 Scioto Darby Rd., Hilliard, Ohio map There is no registration fee, however the registration deadline is April 19 to Sylvia Kempton. Box lunch provided, contributions accepted to cover cost of lunch. Please send your name, district, , phone and dietary restrictions to Sylvia Kempton at kemptonss@yahoo.com.

9 Resources What are the church s views on cremation, organ donation? The Bible does not speak about the issue of cremation vs. burial, but usually assumes that bodies will be buried. If a body was burned, it was usually either a sign of disrespect for the person or a punishment for sin (Genesis 38:24; Leviticus 20:14; 21:9; Joshua 7:25), though sometimes cremation may have occurred after a plague or large massacre (Amos 6:9-10). At the time of Jesus, cremation was widely practiced by the Romans, occasionally by the Photo by MaryW, courtesy of Pixabay. Greeks, but rarely by Jews and Christians (because of their belief that the bodies of believers would one day be physically resurrected). With the spread of Christianity, cremation disappeared almost entirely as a practice in the West, until about 200 years ago (an exception seems to be during times of plague and war, when large numbers of bodies needed to be taken care of quickly). Read more Photo by Kathryn Price, United Methodist Communications Photo by Mike DuBose, UMNS Does the church have an official Bible? The United Methodist Church does not have an official version or translation of the Bible. Only the General Conference can designate specific ritual texts or other liturgical or teaching resources as official. Protestant denominations never designate a single Bible translation for use. Rather, United Methodists affirm the usefulness of a number of translations and versions as being helpful for study, teaching, memorization and other purposes, since each sheds a slightly different light in translating or paraphrasing the original languages and manuscripts. Read more How can I help with disaster relief? The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) provides emergency food, shelter and medicine after natural and man-made disasters, provides humanitarian relief to refugees and displaced persons and works to overcome world hunger and poverty. Contributions to UMCOR may be sent a variety of ways. One hundred percent of your taxdeductible gifts go to the emergency response or Advance project that you designate. Read more Summer Outreach events: 6 ways to start planning Chances are your attendance takes a dip or a dive during the summer months. But unless your neighbors take three-month vacations, they re around, and they re often less busy than they are during the school year. So, give them a good reason to come to church or a fun event during June, July and August. And to maximize your success, start the planning now. Read more

10 Lima Area Church Seeking Worship Leader Bath Community in Lima, Ohio is looking for a worship leader for Sunday mornings and occasional special services beginning in May. Hourly pay includes rehearsals each week and Sunday mornings. Must play an instrument and work well with a praise team. If interested in a full job description or more details, contact Eric Pheneger at Lima Area Freedom School Seeking Site Coordinator and Student Leader Interns Lima Area Freedom School is a partnership ministry in Lima offering a summer literacy program for elementary and middle school youth. We are currently looking to hire a Site Coordinator for a new site and also a number of Student Leader Interns. The positions are all seasonal, paid positions. For more information or to apply go to our website at or contact our Executive Director, Rev. Megan Croy at pastormegantumc@gmail.com Do you have news or something interesting to share? Know of anyone who would like to be added to our Weekly Bulletin list? Contact Deb via deblee@wocumc.org or call When ing the district staff, please use the addresses listed below: Rev. Barry Burns, District Superintendent: bburns@wocumc.org Debra Lee, Office Administrator: deblee@wocumc.org Sandy Pergram, Administrative Assistant: spergram@wocumc.org