Weekly Bulletin November 17, 2015

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1 910 E. Third St., Ottawa, OH Telephone: / Fax: nwplains@wocumc.org Website: IN THIS ISSUE North Katanga Story Weekly Prayer Charge Conference Reminder Important Forms Don t forget to RSVP County Gatherings for Clergy Lakeside 2016 Emmaus Local Church & Community Events West Ohio Conference & Beyond Resources Classifieds Northwest Plains District Website West Ohio UMC Website West Ohio You Tube Channel Lay Ministry Local Church Officer Job Descriptions The United Methodist Church United Methodist VIM United Methodist Women Church World Service Rethink Church Find A Church MissionInsite Apportionment Support Materials UMCom Tech Shop Church Communications Training UMCOR S YouTube Channel Rural Ministry Support Friendly Center, Toledo Bread for the World Society of St. Andrew Stop Hunger Now Upper Room Dailey Devotional Weekly Bulletin November 17, 2015 A world apart; together in Christ: The North Katanga story You and members of your congregation are invited to hear the rest of the story. Join us to hear an update from Gaston Ntambo, pilot for Wings of the Morning Aviation Ministry. Sebastien Kasongo, director of the Kamina Children s Home will also share We are saddened to inform everyone of the death of Jeanne Ntambo s father on November 4, Because of his sudden death, Jeanne will be staying home in the Congo, instead of coming to Ohio. We invite you to keep Jeanne, Gaston and their family in prayer as they grieve the passing of her father. Wednesday, November 18, :00 pm Leipsic UMC 127 W. Main St., Leipsic map Click here for complete schedule.

2 God of mercy, whose presence sustains us in every circumstance, in the midst of unfolding violence and the aftermath of terror and loss, we seek the grounding power of your love and compassion. In these days of fearful danger and division, we need to believe somehow that your kingdom of peace in which all nations and tribes and languages dwell together in peace is still a possibility. Give us hope and courage that we may not yield our humanity to fear.., even in these endless days of dwelling in the valley of the shadow of death. We pray for neighbors in Paris, in Beirut, in Baghdad, who, in the midst of the grace of ordinary life--while at work, or at play, have been violently assaulted, their lives cut off without mercy. We also remember Burundi and South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Yemen and Syria and the Central African Republic and the United States and all places where violence recently occurred that did not make the news. We are hostages of fear, caught in an escalating cycle of violence whose end cannot be seen. We open our hearts in anger, sorrow and hope: that those who have been spared as well as those whose lives are changed forever may find solace, sustenance, and strength in the days of recovery and reflection that come. We give thanks for strangers who comfort the wounded and who welcome stranded strangers, for first responders who run toward the sound of gunfire and into the smoke and fire of bombing sites. Once again, Holy One, we cry, how long, O Lord? We seek forgiveness for the ways in which we have tolerated enmity and endured cultures of violence with weary resignation. We grieve the continued erosion of the fabric of our common life, the reality of fear that warps the common good. We pray in grief, remembering the lives that have been lost and maimed, in body or spirit. We ask for sustaining courage for those who are suffering; wisdom and diligence among global and national agencies and individuals assessing threat and directing relief efforts; and for our anger and sorrow to unite in service to the establishment of a reign of peace, where the lion and the lamb may dwell together, and terror will not hold sway over our common life. In these days of shock and sorrow, open our eyes, our hearts, and our hands to the movements of your Spirit, who flows in us like the river whose streams makes glad the city of God, and the hearts of all who dwell in it, and in You. In the name of Christ, our healer and our Light, we pray, Amen. Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Laurie Ann Kraus, Coordinator, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PCUSA) Charge Conference Reminder: If your conference was prior to November 10, please complete your online submittal by November 22! Any questions/concerns, please Amy at ahaines@wocumc.org.

3 Pastor and Church Profiles Last week an /letter was sent out asking every pastor and every Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee in the West Ohio Conference to complete a new profile for the Cabinet. Please try and complete the forms by December 15 th. Completing this form does not mean that you desire a move. Those who have requested a move have already contacted the district office. Think of it instead as another tool in the Cabinet toolbox when they begin to make appointments and have to consider moves that have not been requested-- they no longer have to rely solely on memory! We ask that you give an honest snapshot of your ministry/your congregation. These profiles will then be updated every year. The reservation deadline for the Clergy and Spouse/ Guest Christmas Gathering is November 20th. County Gatherings for Clergy As winter approaches, we want to be safe when we gather for our county clergy gatherings. If the breakfast host county is under a level 2 or 3 by 7:00am, the breakfast will be cancelled. If the lunch host county is still under a level 2 or 3 by 10am, the lunch will be cancelled. Nov 4 1st Wednesday 8:30 am Auglaize County R J s Coffey Cup, 901 Defiance St., Wapakoneta 11:30 am Mercer County Orchard Tree, 501 Grand Lake Rd., Celina Nov 5 1st Thursday 8:30 am Williams County Four Seasons, 233 S. Main St., Bryan 11:30 am Defiance County Sherwood UMC, 512 Harrison St., Sherwood *Nov 10 1st Tuesday 8:30am Hancock County Scrambler Marie's, 516 S. Main St., Findlay 11:30am Allen County Old Barn Out Back, 3175 W. Elm St., Lima Nov 17 3rd Tuesday 8:30 am Putnam County Henry s, 810 N. Locust St., Ottawa Nov 18 3rd Wednesday 8:30am Van Wert County VW Hospital, 1250 S. Washington St., Van Wert 11:30am Paulding County Fiesta Habaneros, 209 N. Williams St., Paulding Nov 19 3rd Thursday 9:00am Hardin County Henry's, 995 N. Detroit St., Kenton 11:30am Wyandot County East of Chicago Pizza, 200 S. Sandusky Ave., Upper Sandusky *Date changed from stated time

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5 Emmaus Events Findlay Emmaus Gathering (always the third Tuesday) Sidney Emmaus Gathering (always the second Tuesday) Tuesday, December 15, 7 pm Tuesday, December 8, 7 pm St Marks UMC First UMC 800 S. Main St., Findlay 230 E. Poplar St., Sidney 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 #97 February 4-7, 2016 Women's Walk #98 June 23-26, 2016 Women's Walk #99 October 6-9, 2016 Men's Walks Dates Men's Walk #74 March 10-13, 2016 Men's Walk #75 November 3-6, 2016 Sidney Emmaus First UMC, Sidney, OH Women s Walks Dates Women s Walk #68 February 11-14, 2016 Women s Walk #69 July 7-10, 2016 Women s Walk #70 October 13-16, 2016 Men s Walks Dates Men s Walk #64 March 10-13, 2016 Men s Walk #65 August 4-7, 2016 Men s Walk #66 November 3-6, 2016 Bryan Emmaus Wesley UMC, Bryan, OH Women s Walks Dates Women s Walk #85 March 10-13, 2016 Women s Walk #86 July 7-10, 2016 (Maumee UMC, Maumee, OH) Women s Walk #87 November 10-13, 2016 Men s Walks Dates Men s Walk #69 February 11-14, 2016 Men s Walk #70 October 13-16, 2016 St. Andrew s UMC, Findlay Girls Flight #46 January 22-24, 2016 Girls Flight #47 July 6-10, 2016 Boys Flight #45 February 26-28, 2016 Boys Flight #46 July 22-24, 2016 Greene Street UMC, Piqua Girls Flight #61 January 16-18, 2016 Girls Flight #62 July 8-10, 2016 Boys Flight #61 February 13-15, 2016 Boys Flight #62 July 29-31, 2016 Maumee UMC, Maumee Boys Flight #32 November 20-22, 2015

6 LOCAL CHURCH AND COMMUNITY EVENTS Community Meal, Pandora UMC, 108 Washington St., Pandora map WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 5:30-7:00PM The Pandora United Methodist Church will be hosting a FREE Community Meal in the church fellowship hall. The meal this month is provided by the First National Bank of Pandora and the menu is BBQ pork sandwich, cheesy potatoes, green beans, dessert and beverage. Marriage Tips From a Divorce Coach, Lifetree Café, 116 N. Washington St., Van Wert map THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 7-8PM Insights for making marriages last will be revealed at Lifetree Café on Thursday, November 19. The program, titled Marriage Tips From a Divorce Coach: How to Have a Lasting Relationship, features a filmed interview with Sue Brans, a relationship expert who helps couples determine if they should stay in unhappy marriages or leave. Many couples find that things aren t going the way they want, but they don t know what to do about it, says Brans, who offers practical insights on how to strengthen a troubled marriage. Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Lifetree Café is located in The Bachwell, 116 N. Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio. Please enter through the handicap accessible entrance on court Street. Parking is available in the Courthouse lots. 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. The will be NO Lifetree Café on Thanksgiving, November 26. Siberian Solstice performing at St. John s UMC, 205 N. High St., Columbus Grove map SUNDAY NOVEMBER 22, 7PM St. John's United Methodist Church we will holding its annual Siberian Solstice from Defiance, OH. All are welcome to attend this FREE event. A love offering will be taken at the end of the evening. Community Thanksgiving Service, Trinity UMC, 211 E. Third St., Delphos map The Delphos Ministerial Association is sponsoring a Community Thanksgiving Celebration on Sunday, November 22 at Trinity UMC, Delphos. The worship service will begin promptly at 5PM followed by a free meal sponsored by the Delphos Ministerial Association. So that those attending can sit and fellowship with one another carry-outs will NOT be provided. Siberian Solstice performing at Kingsley UMC, Mendon Rd., Van Wert map Siberian Solstice, a musical group from N.W. Ohio providing an exciting contemporary set of Christmas music as originally performed by the nationally acclaimed group Tran-Siberian Orchestra, will perform a free concert on Sunday November 29 at 7:00 pm at Kingsley UMC. The community is invited to join us for this unique Christmas musical experience. A free-will offering will be taken.

7 LOCAL CHURCH AND COMMUNITY EVENTS Glory Way Quartet to Perform at New Beginnings UMC, 140 E. Maple St., Deshler map SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 9AM This southern gospel group will share their four-part harmony with music and invite all to join as they sing their praises to the Lord. Free will offering will be taken. Meet and greet following. Annual Christmas Dinner & Bazaar, Trinity UMC, 211 E. Third St., Delphos map WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2 GENERAL STORE OPEN 4-7PM DINNER SERVED 4:00-6:30PM Sponsored by United Methodist Women Tickets will be available at the Church Office ( ) or at the door the day of the dinner. Menu: roast beef or ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, chicken & noodles, green beans, slaw, applesauce, homemade pies, rolls and coffee. Christmas Bake Sale Extravaganza, New Knoxville UMC, 109 S. Main St., New Knoxville map SATRUDAY, DECEMBER 5, 10AM-1PM The United Methodist Women of New Knoxville UMC will have lots of homemade treats available for you to purchase for your holidays. Cookies, yeast breads, cakes, candies, sweet breads, rolls, pies, snacks, zwieback all those Christmas favorites! A lunch stand with soups and sandwiches will also be available during the sale. All proceeds will be used for mission work. 43rd Annual Christmas Tree Festival The Majesty of Christmas, Allen County Museum, 620 W. Market St., Lima map DAYS AND HOURS WED THU FRI SAT SUN DEC 2 10AM-5PM DEC 3 10AM-5PM DEC 4 10AM-8PM DEC 5 10PM-5PM DEC 6 12PM-5PM The Christmas Tree Festival was founded in 1972 by the late Helen Mack for the purpose of providing a traditional holiday event for all member of the Lima community. The event is sponsored by the Lima Area Church Women United, Allen County Historical Society and Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District. Centennial Celebration, Alger First UMC map Alger First UMC will be turning 100 years old, and you're invited to the celebration! The celebration is on January 10, We'll be hearing from former pastors, missionaries sent out by the church, and even Bishop Palmer! The service will begin at 10am with a luncheon following the service at approximately Noon. If you'd like to stay for the luncheon, please RSVP by December 20, Send RSVP to edrowe@wcoil.com.

8 NEWS FROM AROUND THE CONNECTION Students starting the confirmation process this fall within their local congregation will want to attend a great retreat designed to supplement the confirmation experience. Confirmation Retreats are a fun opportunity for youth to connect with other young believers in a camp and retreat setting. There are three date options and camp locations to choose from. We require that a church group send one adult leader per gender for each six youth. Recommended for: Middle school students in grades 6-9 that are part of a confirmation class at their local church Registration: (click on Upcoming Events) or camps@wocumc.org for groups. Cost: $95 students (early discount for students $79 by March 1, 2016) $39 adult leaders; includes retreat materials, lodging, meals and activities Camp Otterbein Cox Road, Logan, Ohio, Date: Friday, March 4, :00 PM through Sunday, March 6, :00 AM Contact: Scott Seese, , sseese@wocumc.org Camp Wesley 653 Twp Road 37 East, Bellefontaine, Ohio, Date: Friday, March 11, :00 PM to Sunday, March 13, :00 AM Contact: Phil White, , pwhite@wocumc.org Camp Widewater 4050 Old County Road 24, Liberty Center, Ohio, Dates: Friday, April 8, :00 PM through Sunday, April10, :00 AM Contact: Eric Witte, , ewitte@wocumc.org Detroit Flood Recovery, November 19 December 1 The sad reality is that thousands of homes in Detroit are still in need of muck out and sanitation some 14 months after the flood of August 11, To address this great need, The Northwest Detroit Flood Recovery Project of the United Methodist Church and our implementing partner, All Hands Volunteers, are preparing to muck out 100 homes from November 19 - December 1. With your help we can meet our goal! Volunteer Here The Northwest Detroit Flood Recovery Project Office number is If you or others you know are unable to volunteer during the campaign, please contact me to schedule alternative days to volunteer with us. In addition to volunteers, we are also soliciting donations. The cost of mucking out one basement is $ Donations may be sent to the Detroit Annual Conference Treasurer's Office with "Detroit Flood Recovery" in the memo.

9 RESOURCES Discovering Your Call to Ministry Web Class starts January 11 Offered January 11, February 7, Do you know someone who has the nagging feeling there is something more that God wants them to do besides, teach Sunday school, lead worship, be on the church board, or sit in the pew? Share the class that has helped others discover their call to ministry. Weekly assignments which help students explore their call and gifts to ministry can be done at a time that is convenient and meets their schedule. At the end of the course students will be able to share their gifts and call to ministry. The guide and instructor over the four weeks is Carl Ellis an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church, who has taught and mentored hundreds of lay persons moving into new forms of ministry. Rev. Dr. Carl K. Ellis, Lay Academy for Rural church Ministries, cellis@larcm.org, United Methodist Student Day November 29 Digital Advertising Grants for Easter Rethink Church is now accepting applications for their 2016 Easter Digital Advertising Grants. This grant is for local churches who want to raise awareness of their church in the community by means of online digital advertising during the Easter season. These ads will link directly to the church website and will be geo-targeted to each church s community. The grant provides pre-designed static banners that display a seasonal Rethink Church message, the Rethink Church logo, the UMC brand promise and the local church logo. If a church does not have a logo, they can create a brand standard logo for them. The ads will run for two months (February March 2016). A church may see their ads on websites as large as CNN and The Weather Channel as well as on local news websites. They also provide a follow-up report on click through rates and site visits to each church from the advertising period. Click here for the FAQ that should help answer questions about the digital grant process. Visit their website HERE to learn more about our selection criteria and to apply. Deadline to apply is January 7, 2016! Grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis. Churches can only be awarded one grant type of any kind once per year. United Methodist Student Day calls the Church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. (Par , The Book of Discipline 2008) Offerings provide scholarships and loans to deserving United Methodist students. Here are sermon starters, talking points and other resources to help inspire your congregation to share their gifts on Student Day.

10 Organist/Pianist Trinity United Methodist Church in Spencerville is currently looking for an organist or pianist to play during the 8:30am Traditional Worship Service on Sunday mornings (beginning on Nov 29, 2015). The church will pay $50 per week. If you are interested in serving in this way please contact Pastor Justin Fuhrmann at Office Manager Office Manager Position, 35 hours per week, St. Paul s United Methodist Church, Findlay, OH. Must have administration skills and be proficient in MS Word and Publisher. Position description and application at Director of Children s Ministry St. Paul s is seeking a Director of Children s Ministry, 32 hours per week, St. Paul s United Methodist Church, Findlay, OH. Position description and application at Wanted ~ Clerical Robe Rev. Tom Ketzler, recently appointed at Emanuel UMC, is in need of a black clerical robe 53 in length. Tom can be reached at , tomketz@roadrunner.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 Rev. Amy Haines, Assistant to the DS: ahaines@wocumc.org Debra Lee, Office Administrator: deblee@wocumc.org Sandy Pergram, Administrative Assistant: spergram@wocumc.org