Western Reserve District Newsletter October/November District Superintendent Administrative Assistant Office Hours Sondra Snode Jerri Shultz Mon Thurs 9:00-4:00 sondra@wrdistrict.org jerri@wrdistrict.org Friday closed One of my favorite Sundays of the year is World Communion day. It is a day to remember that all around the globe followers of Jesus gather to celebrate Christ s Lordship. Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even further by dying a criminal s death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2: 5 11) God came to be among us and offer Himself to us that we might know strength in weakness, peace in chaos, hope in uncertainties, and life in death. It is good to remember God s promises and faithfulness. God s communion table is open to all so we gather and remember. And then we go into the entire world to not just proclaim this truth. But we go to live into this truth. We offer forgiveness, we are bearers of peace, we sow seeds of kindness, we are leaders in the pursuit of justice. Yet Christ sends us. He feeds us, nourishes us, and empowers us as we remember. Christ sends us to share the good news of salvation; the good news of God s love freely offered for all. As I travel around our district, I celebrate the many ways we are seeking to share Christ s love with others; the ways we are inviting and welcoming others to Christ s feast. Yet honestly, I grieve that there are still stories of inward focus and negativity and power struggles for control. World Communion Sunday reminds us that Jesus is the one who invites us, loves us, redeems us, unites us, sends us, empowers us. John Wesley called communion a means of grace an opportunity to experience God s love in a real and meaningful, a transforming way! May we feast of the holy meal throughout October and BE Christ s people for the world. The world not just each other Blessings, Sondra
Western Reserve District Financial Secretary Job Description We are still looking for someone to fill this position. Please send resume to: Western Reserve District Office of the UMC 71 North Park Place Painesville OH 44077 Description: The Financial Secretary is a 5 hour per month position accountable to the District Superintendent Skills: Strong attention to detail Working familiarity with QuickBooks Communicate with Finance Committee and District Superintendent and others in district as needs arise using the district provided email account Maintain files and records to facilitate the annual audit Duties: Incoming Funds: Receive, record, and deposit all incoming funds in a timely manner Expenses: o Prepare checks for budget approved line items o Ensure checks are signed by the District Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair, or District Superintendent o Mail signed checks and payment forms in a timely manner o Track EOC reimbursable items and submit forms for reimbursement o Contact District Finance Chair and DS to seek advice and consent for unplanned/ unbudgeted expenses above a nominal threshold o Record all payroll-related transactions (as reported from Conference) and monitor to ensure that all tax payments and Workers Comp. payments are timely Monthly: o Balance bank statement o No later than the 15 th of the following month prepare and email financial report to finance committee, including: Balance Sheet Actual Expense vs. Budget Checks Written (for Finance Chair and D.S. only) Brief summary of any unusual results or items Annually: o Attend Finance Committee meeting(s) o Assist Finance Committee in preparing annual budget for approval Other duties as assigned by District Superintendent or Finance Committee Benefits: The Financial Secretary salary is $2400 per year. Additionally there is a $100 expense line item.
Are you interested in meaningful opportunities to make an impact in our communities? Volunteers Needed! Become an OhioGuidestone Volunteer! Are you passionate about working with children and families in need? Become an OhioGuidestone Volunteer! OhioGuidestone offers a wide range of opportunities for you to volunteer your services, your skills, and your smile. Just to name a few: Baking and/or preparing a meal Directing a choir Tutoring for different needs and ages Providing office support and much more... Volunteers are needed throughout Cuyahoga, Lake, Lorain, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas Counties. If you enjoy sharing knowledge, wisdom, and experience with youth of all ages, consider partnering with us today as we impact the world, one person at a time. Contact our Volunteer Recruiter at 440.260.8324 or volunteer@ohioguidestone.org
2-1-1 2-1-1 is a free community service that provides information about social, health and government resources 24 hours a day. Simply dial 2-1-1 to be directed to helping agencies that provide: Food, clothing, housing and utility assistance Services for older adults and people with disabilities Family support, children and youth services and parenting Substance abuse and mental health treatment Employment programs Tax assistance, budgeting and credit counseling Volunteerism and donation programs Community Voice Mail Call 2-1-1 or visit them online at 211neohio.org Hospice of the Western Reserve Hospice of the WR is looking for volunteers. Visit patients and families: socialization, vigil in the final hours, caregiver respite, spiritual care, Veterans outreach, transportation/shopping/errands, light housekeeping, meal preparation etc. Why Volunteer??? Give Back Pay it Forward Help Others Share Your Talents Explore New Interests and Experiences Be a Role Model Strengthen Your Community Connect to Others!! Learn more at hospicewr.org/volunteer 216-255-9090
Dear Youth Leaders, Hopefully your youth group is excited to participate in Project Feed again this year! Just a reminder that it is coming up next weekend. Both days will begin promptly at 2:00 and should be finished by 4:30. Saturday, November 11, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Newcomerstown West Elementary 517 Beaver St Newcomerstown, OH 43832 Sunday, November 12, 2:00-4:30 p.m. Wadsworth Middle School 150 Silvercreek Rd Wadsworth, OH 44281 Please remember the cost is $10 at the door, or $5 with a canned food. The money goes directly to the cost of the meals packed. We are hoping to pack 50,000 meals again this year between the two days. Do NOT bring anything valuables into the schools. There will be (unmanned) tables to lay coats. Do not wear any rings, bracelets, long necklaces or earrings. All hair must be covered (Hair nets are given, but baseball caps can be worn.) Bring along any change you have for your District's coin challenge for our YSF fundraiser. Looking forward to serving alongside your youth groups! Blessings~ Kaye Wolfinger Director of Young People's Ministries Young People's Ministries http://www.eocumc.com/youngpeople "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" Prov. 16:3
Christmas Musical and Blue Christmas Service Sunday, December 3 rd @3pm Holiday times can be difficult for those who have lost a loved one, a relationship, a job, or health. Join us for a Christmas Musical, "Christ Was Born For This and a Blue Christmas Service: A Time for Healing and Hope. PLACE: Chapel United Methodist Church 2019 Hubbard Rd., Madison Call 440-428-3981 for more information Wonderful refreshments and fellowship following the service!
Youth Service Fund Coin Challenge with a New Twist Due to the overwhelming response the last couple of years for our Coin Challenge at Youth Annual Conference, (we raised $3,584.55 in 2017) we are needing to update our procedure. We can no longer find a financial institution that will accept all of the coins and the weight of all the buckets has become a bit overwhelming. So, we are launching Coin-a-Palooza. Districts and local churches will now be encouraged to donate coins during any and all their special events throughout the school year. The change will then be given to the District Youth Coordinators. The coordinators will then send checks into the Conference office, and we will keep running tallies through the year on the Conference website. The winning District will be recognized on Saturday of Youth Annual Conference in June. The Coin-a-Palooza logo can be attached to any collection container. Choose from two container sizes: (4 x11 ) or (8.5 x11 ). When sending checks, use the YSF donation form. Container logos and YSF donation form may be downloaded here: http://www.eocumc.com/youngpeople/ysf.html Thank you for supporting this fundraiser!
THE EAST OHIO CONFERENCE MEDIA CENTER Looking for informative, entertaining curriculum for small groups, Sunday school, or your worship service? The East Ohio Conference Media Center offers an extensive collection of videos and curriculum produced by top authors such as Adam Hamilton, Philip Yancey, and Max Lucado. The Media Center staff is available to consult with you to find the right media resources for your program and/or group. Other items available to East Ohio members include VBS kits, DVDs, LCD projectors, and screens. All videos in the Media Center are licensed for church use. Any church in Ohio may join the Media Center for a once-a-year, affordable membership fee and resources may be reserved up to a year in advance. Pick up and returned items either in person at the Area Center or use mail service. Contact Susan Arnold, director of the Media Center at sarnold@eocumc.com or call 800-831-3972 ext. 139. Browse the resource catalog at www.rqmweb.com/eocumc. Recently acquired resources include: Fail; What to do When Things Go Wrong examines the life of the weeping prophet and how he persevered and trusted God during extremely trying times. Make a Difference; Following Your Passion and Finding Your Place to Serve highlights opportunities and outcomes of making a difference in this world. Embracing Exile; Living Faithfully as God's Unique People in the World discovers what faithfulness looks like even when the surrounding culture does not affirm Christ as Lord. Five Means of Grace; Experience God's Love the Wesleyan Way will consider how each of the five means of grace help us as communities of faith to pray more deeply and live more missionally as followers of Jesus Christ.
The EOC Way Forward design team developed a process for having intentional, meaningful conference-wide conversations about our identity, purpose, and mission as a Church as we think about the challenges that our differences around human sexuality present us at this time in The United Methodist Church. All clergy and laity are invited, and encouraged, to participate in any of the following Conversations on a Way Forward hosted at these EOC churches: 6 p.m. - Nov. 14 @ Canfield Western Reserve 10 a.m. - Feb. 3 @ Thoburn 2 p.m. - Feb. 4 @ Willard First 6 p.m. -Feb. 5 @ Lakewood 9 a.m. - Mar. 3 @ Church of the Lakes Registration is required for each conversation location. Register here.