Foothills District UMC Inside this issue: Footnotes from the Foothills Foothills Ice Cream Social at Lakeside Laity Trainings at Annual Conference Kit Collection at Annual Conference Potato Collection for Meals for Millions 5K Walk/Run and WOC Offering to Benefit Light the Way Fellowship of Local Pastors & Assoc Members Luncheon Connectional Ministries Luncheon Opportunities 2 3 4 5 May 2018 Foothills District Spring Conference & Pre-Annual Conference Briefing Sunday, May 6, 2018 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Athens First United Methodist Church 2 South College Street Athens, Ohio Worship and Holy Communion will be led by our District Superintendent, Rev. Dennis Miller. Pastor Tyler Kleeberger will be our evening speaker. He is the pastor of Metamora United Methodist Church. He is also the founder of Farmhouse Sabbath a gathering of neighbors and friends centered around throwing barn parties. Tyler grew up in Northwest Ohio, went to university in East Ohio, had a brief stint in Pasadena, CA, and, after leaving the church, moved back to reimagine the church in the farm fields of northwest Ohio. Tyler is a compulsive writer, a high school football coach, and an [un]aspiring chef with his spouse, Vanessa, and two children. Retired Ministers Association Luncheon WOC Order Of Deacons Gathering Kid and Family Events at Lakeside Boundary Training for Pastors Required FTH Clergy Family Day at Tecumseh Overnight Camp Offered at Annual Conference Spouse Event with Cynthia Palmer 6 7 8 In addition to worshipping together, we will recognize those being ordained, those receiving first-time licenses, those clergy who are retiring, those clergy who are leaving the district, and those clergy being newly appointed to the district. We will also go over information around Annual Conference at Lakeside and will review recommendations up for a vote this year. A time of light refreshments will follow the conference in the welcome center. All clergy and laity in the district are welcome to attend! Conference delegates are strongly encouraged to attend. NO RSVP REQUIRED. Event parking will be located across the street from the church in the Athens City Parking Garage. Parking is free on Sunday. Explore Event at Ohio Wesleyan Uni- Prayer Concerns Children s Ministry Coordinator Position 9 10 May God grant you safe travels to Athens.
Page 2 FOOTHILLS DISTRICT ICE CREAM SOCIAL AT LAKESIDE Foothills District will hold an ice cream social at Lakeside once again this year. We will gather on Monday, June 4 at 8:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Hotel Lakeside. The event is free to all Foothills clergy members and lay members and their families. Plan to come out and enjoy a scoop of ice cream and fellowship with your friends from the Foothills. Annual Conference Laity Opportunities Developing Community with Youth: Loving God, Self, and Others Our discipleship journey is anchored in learning to love God, self, and others. As laity, we have a unique perspective on and commitment to our community. But, how do we, as a Christian, learn to love our community, especially young persons? This workshop will help you learn how to deepen your discipleship journey through reaching into your community and building relationships with younger generations. Presenters: Mitchell Harper, West Ohio Conference Co-Lay Leader & Rebecca Hug, West Ohio Conference Community Engagement Coordinator Location: Wesley Lodge North Seeing in Color, not just Black and White Move beyond seeing your congregation stuck in a place of limited resources and options to embracing the beauty and abundant possibilities of changing lives forever. The biggest obstacle to life changing ministry is often a faded black and white image of a world of living color. Presenter: Rev. Richard Boone, (Church & Community Worker) Horizon Prison Initiative, London Correctional Institution Location: Wesley Lodge South The Abundant Life in Christ; Spiritual and Physical Self Care for Laity Using the image of the vine and the branches we will explore how to be healthy while doing the work of a lay person in the church. All persons are called by God whether we are ordained or lay people. Often times, our lives can be a bit crazy. We work full time, have family responsibilities, and lead in the life of the church. It may seem, then, that there is not enough time to care for ourselves. However, God created Sabbath... the world does not depend upon us, rather it depends upon the life-giving
Page 3 power of God's Spirit and redemptive love. So...what then does it mean to take the time for self-care? Presenter: Kim La Rue, Spiritual Director Location: Drackett Hall North Encouraging/Empowering Laity and their Call There are as many "calls" as there are laity in the West Ohio Conference. This workshop will encourage and empower the laity to better define their call, own their calling, lean into their call, live out their call, and adjust their call as the Holy Spirit continues to shape and mold us. The laity's personal mission statements and the collective call to action will help design the future of God's Kingdom here on earth. Come and experience a reaffirmation of your call or perhaps a deeper meaning to your call in fellowship with other laity! Presenter: Mary Shumard, (Certified Lay Minster) West Ohio Conference Co-Lay Leader Location: Drackett Hall South Register at www.westohioumc.org/conference/laity-learnings Registration is required for the Laity Learnings and the Luncheon as space is limited. The deadline to register is May 25 th. Register at the following link: https://www.westohioumc.org/conference/laitylearnings KIT COLLECTION AT LAKESIDE We are collecting Kits! A truck will be located at South Auditorium to collect cleaning buckets, hygiene kits and school kits. Here is a link with the drop off schedule that also includes kit content instructions and packing instructions. https://www.westohioumc.org/ac/2018/kitcollection If you would like to volunteer to receive kits, you can contact Jeff Walker at jwalker@alink.com POTATO COLLECTION The UM Men are reminding everyone coming to annual conference to bring your 10 pounds of potatoes. We will have our Meals for Millions truck at Otterbein North Shore [by west entrance] from Friday evening, June 1 through Tuesday, June 5 for you to drop off your 10 pounds of potatoes. Tater will be walking the aisles to accept your donations to help feed the hungry.
Page 4 West Ohio Annual Conference Light the Way 5K Walk/Run Tuesday, June 5, 2018, 7:00 am Light the Way Offering Tuesday, June 5 Join us once again for the West Ohio Annual Conference 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Light the Way Campaign. Each participant will be chip timed, receive a t-shirt and goodie bag and a chance to share in the post-race celebration. Registrations received by May 1st will be guaranteed their shirt size. The cost for the 5K Walk/Run is $15.00 for an individual age 13 and over and $30.00 for one or more individuals from the same family. Participants 12 years and under are free when registering with an individual or family. Please visit www.signmeup.com/125299 today to register. The Light the Way campaign is set to raise $5 million and is already making a difference. Six new churches launched within the last several months, over 50 people have been baptized into the family of Christ within these new faith communities, and more than 770 people have participated in Traction Tracks, specialized trainings to help revitalize ministries throughout West Ohio. These are just a few examples! The calling is clear and our opportunity is huge. People hunger for the gospel of grace of which we have been made stewards. New churches and revitalized congregations are the best means to respond faithfully to the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Your congregation may participate by contributing to the Light the Way offering on Tuesday, June 5 at Hoover Auditorium. 2018 Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members Luncheon June 5 Tuesday, June 5, 2018-12:00 pm to 1:00pm in the Fern Room, Hotel Lakeside Greetings all Members of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Associate Members! We are looking forward to making collegial connections with you over lunch at annual conference! Deadline to register and pay: May 15. The Rev. Roger Grace and Rev. Vernagaye Sullivan will share some thoughts with us on local pastors. A brief time of Q & A will follow. The Menu is: Shredded BBQ Pork or Shredded BBQ Chicken, Side Salad, Cookie, and water. Salad is the only gluten free option available at this time. Cost $13.00. Make your reservation at: https://www.westohioumc.org/conference/event/2018-fellowship-localpastors-and-associate-members-luncheon
Page 5 There are many opportunities to Plug-in to the various ministries across the conference through the Connectional Ministries lunch and learn events at Annual Conference. Laity Luncheon 12:00pm @ Wesley Lodge Laity are uniquely called to be a part of God s Kingdom. Join us, as we listen to Co-Lay Leader Mary Shumard share how each person can recognize, support and encourage laity in the West Ohio Conference. Registration is required. Reservation: A Documentary on Native Cultures 12:00pm @ Orchestra Hall Many images of Native peoples found in our society today are far from the truth. Join Rev. Ryan Grace and his wife, Mariellyn, as they present their recent documentary on native cultures now, and throughout history. Registration is required for lunch only. Freedom Schools Luncheon 12:00pm @ Wesley Lodge North Join us to learn how Freedom Schools are making an impact across the conference. Speak with our current leaders for support on developing a new Freedom School hosted by one or more congregations. Registration is required. Immigration Simulation Luncheon 12:00pm @ Drackett Hall North All are invited to experience the immigration process in the United States to learn more about what some of our brothers and sisters who are refugees and immigrants go through in their journey. Registration is required. All In Community: Prison Ministry 12:00pm @ Drackett Hall South Many congregations are moved to ministry with those impacted by incarceration and their families. It can be difficult to know how to begin without guidance. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of our special guests from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and Kindway EMBARK. Registration is required. For a complete list and full descriptions, go to: www.westohioumc.org/ac/2018/listofevents West Ohio Conference The United Methodist Church
Page 6 Retired Minister s Association Luncheon June 5 at Wesley Lodge You are cordially invited to the Retired Ministers Association s Annual Conference Luncheon on June 5, 2018! Our annual luncheon will provide a social time, music, and election of officers for the RMA. Reservations are required for the luncheon by May 18. The cost this year is $5.00 per person. The gathering is for clergy and spouse (or guest). Plan to arrive by 12:00 Noon. Please send your reservation and any financial gift to: Rev. Darrel Loar 6000Riverside Dr., Apt. A409 Dublin, OH 43017 The West Ohio Conference Order of Deacons To Gather at Lakeside On Sunday, June 3 rd, 2018 from 6-7 pm, the West Ohio Conference Order of Deacons will convene for food, fellowship, and a time to share about what's happening with Deacons around West Ohio and the Connection. We will have some time to share about our current ministry context and get to know other Deacons in the annual conference. This event is open to Provisional, Full Member, and Retired Deacons as well as those in the candidacy process who are sensing a call to the Order of Deacon. The gathering will take place in Drackett Hall. There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres served and we will conclude in plenty of time to make the opening Worship Service at 7:30 pm. An RSVP is required for planning purposes. The order of deacon refers to both the office in the church to which one is ordained and the covenantal group of one s peers to which one belongs. One also belongs to the Order of Deacons as described in paragraph 306 of the Book of Discipline. The Order of Deacons is a covenantal community designed to mutually support, care for, and hold accountable its members for the sake of the life and mission of the church. The Division of Deacons is a sub-committee of the Board of Ordained Ministry. The primary task is to care for the Credentialing, Certification, Reporting and Ceremonial Recognition needs for the Order of Deacons. For questions, please contact Rev. Benji Sayre, Chair, West Ohio Conference, Order of Deacons at benjisayre@wesleyuc.org or Rev. Rachel B. Miller, Chair, West Ohio Conference, Division of Deacons at rmiller@umethodist.com Location: Drackett Hall, 420 East Sixth St, Lakeside, Ohio 43440 Price: Free Register Now
Page 7 Family Events, Childcare Offered at Annual Conference Registration has begun for this year's Annual Conference events for children, youth, and families. Families can participate for FREE in Family CONNECT events, such as mini golf, pray & play, and a pool party. Kids ages 5-12 are welcome at Kid CONNECT, a time of worship, games, and a service project. Cost is $15 for the three, 1.5-hour sessions. Also available this year is Camp CONNECT for kids and youth ages 7-17. Campers will be bused to and from Lakeside for this overnight camp experience, which costs $80 per person. All events require registration, so click here to register or for more information. In addition, childcare for ages 1 and up is offered by Lakeside Chautauqua at Lakeside United Methodist Church. Cost is $7 per child per session. Registration is required by May 18. Click here for more information. Required Boundary Training for Pastors Boundary training focuses on developing healthy boundaries in ministry and is specific to the role of a pastor. One of the most interesting dynamics is the power difference between a person in a ministerial role and a member of his or her congregation. Other topics include personal and professional health and the use of social media. This training is required for all who are actively serving a church including Elders, Associate Members, Licensed Local Pastors and Supply Pastors and all retired clergy under appointment. The Episcopal Office, Cabinet and the Office of Ministry have worked together to plan and implement this vital training. All materials will be provided for you. The cost is $25.00. Beginning March 16, you can register for one of these events on the conference website. If you are not available for a training held in your area, you may attend any of the other trainings, but you must attend one. If you have trouble registering, please contact Sherri at the district office and she will be happy to assist you. June 7 - Wesley Lodge, Lakeside (following the 2018 session of The Annual Conference) June 27 - Grace UMC, Waverly, SHV/FTH August 25 - Linworth UMC August 29 - Christ UMC, Kettering, MIV/ORV August 30 - Grace UMC, Perrysburg, MWD/NWP September 12 - Reynoldsburg UMC, CAS/CAN Should you have any questions about the event, please contact Susan Thomas at 614-844-6200 or by email at sthomas@wocumc.org.
Page 8 CLERGY FAMILY DAY This summer, Foothills District clergy and their families are invited to join together for an evening of fun and entertainment. August 3 we will gather at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater, near Chillicothe, and experience the outdoor drama Tecumseh. The historic story depicts the extraordinary life of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homeland in the Ohio country during the late 1700 s. This is an excellent, exciting and action-packed drama. You won t want your family to miss it! If you would like to explore more information about the drama or the facilities, check out their website at http://tecumsehdrama.com/. We will have adult and children s tickets available in the near future and will ask that you register online and pre-pay accordingly. Watch your inbox for more details. Overnight Camp Offered During Annual Conference - June 4-5 For the first time, Camp Widewater is offering an overnight camp during Annual Conference. Open to all campers who desire a first-time experience or just a short two-day camp, whether at conference or not. Have fun in God's outdoor creation while also worshiping and learning. For those at Annual Conference, a bus will pick up kids on Monday, June 4, at 8:00 am on the west side of Hoover Auditorium. They will return to the same spot on Tuesday, June 5, at 5:30 pm. Registration deadline is May 25 with no exceptions and no same-day registration. All forms must be completed by the deadline. A parent must accompany their child at drop-off and pick-up with ID. Please email camps@wocumc.org for more information. SPOUSE EVENT WITH CYNTHIA JUNE 4 Join Mrs. Palmer on Monday, June 4th at Lakeside, 3:00 pm in Wesley Lodge for the annual clergy spouse event. Watch for details in your inbox.
Page 9 This is your call to EXPLORE your Christian life with other high school juniors and seniors for eight days on a university campus. Come experience theological study in a college classroom; serve in the community with different segments of society; and discover God's presence in your life through time in the wilderness. Ohio Wesleyan University, in partnership with the Lilly Endowment, Inc., will be holding a week long Theology Institute for Protestant (Methodist and non-denominational) and Catholic youth who are rising high school junior and seniors. This institute is called EXPLORE: Faith, Service, and Calling and will be held June 10-17, 2018. Through this partnership, we are able to offer this experience for a reduced rate of $240.00 per student. (Contact explore@owu.edu with questions about payment or scholarships.) The goals of EXPLORE are to enrich and deepen the FAITH foundation of each student, help each student clarify and claim their gifts, graces, and charisms for Christian SERVICE in the world, and to develop with each student a practical plan for responding to God s CALLING for their life journey. During this week the students will be engaged in the classroom, serving in the community, and participating in worship and reflection. We invite you to nominate one or more high school youth for this opportunity! We also invite you to share this information with them, their families, and others in your church or community. Application and recommendation forms can be found on our website. For more information, please contact us directly at explore@owu.edu, 1-740-368-3091, or visit our website owu.edu/explore.
Page 10 FOOTHILLS DISTRICT UMC PO Box 67 47 Johnson Rd. The Plains, OH 45780-0067 Phone: 888-868-1225 or 740-677-0136 E-mail: Foothillsdistrict@wocumc.org Prayer Concerns Condolences to the family of Rev. Frank Frazier who passed away on Sunday, April 29. Frank was a retired Associate Member. Cards may be sent to Frank s wife Rosalie and their children at: 30725 Lake Logan Road, Logan OH 43138. Sandy Edgell, wife of David Edgell who serves the Morgan Chapel and Mount Pisgah churches as a Lay Servant. Children s Ministry Coordinator Hocking Hills UMC in Logan, Ohio is seeking to hire a Children s Ministry Coordinator. This is a paid quarter-time position (15 hours per week). Persons applying for this position must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, have a hospitable personality and enjoy being with children. The purpose of this position is to help children ignite a desire for a genuine relationship with Christ while organizing and managing the elements in this ministry to bring about those opportunities. Job duties include, but are not limited to: Responsibility for the oversight and leadership of the children s ministries including Children s Church, Special Events, Vacation Bible School. Recruit, train, pray for, and involve new children s ministry volunteers. Communicate consistently with parents and new families in the church. Other general expectations include: 1. Should be a self-starter, good at multi-tasking and prioritizing projects. 2. This position is a quarter time position, requiring 15 hours of work per week. Sunday morning attendance is VITAL to facilitate the ministries offered at the church on Sunday morning. 3. Help in setting up the ministry area on Sunday morning is also required in this position. To complete an application, please contact: Hocking Hills UMC, 60 E. Hunter St., Logan, OH 43138 Phone: 740-385-4136 Check us out on the Web: www.foothillsdistrict.org IMPORTANT INFORMATION Office Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Lunch 12:00-1:00 p.m. E-Mails: 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