Issue VIII, Vol 12 Editor: Joy Snyder Three Rivers Current A A Publication of of Three Three Rivers Rivers District Union Union of of the the United Methodist Church www.eocumc.com/threerivers SEPTEMBER 2016 FROM THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT As I make my way through consultations with our district churches SPRCs and pastors, I get a fairly comprehensive overview of the church we have. It brings to mind an article a few months back in Christian Century (March 30,2016), where Craig Barnes talked about the difference between the kind of church we want and the kind of church we often get. Most of us are looking for the kind of church where whatsoever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable (Phil. 4:8) is the norm. And most every church hits the mark some of the time. But Barnes speaks the truth that there are also times when the church doesn t meet that standard and that this probably is a disappointment to Jesus. Some people feel that way more about denominational institutions than they do about the local church. It s understandable given the kind of processes needed to allow everybody to be heard while trying to come to an agreement on, well, pretty much any issue. Once we ve worked through the processes of the next task force, commission, or committee and receive the results of their work, Barnes says, we may feel like someone who has unwrapped an ugly knitted sweater on Christmas morning: Gee, thanks; I can t imagine the time you must have put into this. But as Barnes points out, Jesus doesn t just love the church he wants; he loves the church he gets. In fact, he died for it. Quoting Deitrich Bonhoeffer from his book Life Together, Barnes relates nothing is more dangerous to authentic community than our dreams for it. We should never settle for a flawed church. But we should love the church we have even while we work to become the church that we are called to be. LET S GET IN SHAPE! In order to help promote healthy lifestyles, we re inviting the pastors of the Three Rivers District to participate (for fun and health) in a 6-Week Healthy Living Challenge. Starting the week of October 3, you will be encouraged to choose each day to (1) drink 32 ounces of water; (2) stop eating by 9 pm; (3) eat one serving of fruit; (4) eat two servings of vegetables; (5) keep a food journal; (6) take ten minutes to relax; (7) exercise for 30 minutes; (8) sleep at least seven hours. Participants will be able to earn points in each category and keep track on a grid sheet we provide. (After week ONE, each week will have one of the above-mentioned components highlighted for double points that week.) You keep your own score. Nobody will be asked to turn in their sheets. This will be on an honor system. You will send an email by midnight Sunday reporting the points you earned that week. On Monday morning we will send participants a report of standings for the district so you can see how well you are doing! We are starting out with pastors as a pilot program, but you may want to encourage your congregations or family members to try this as well. Just provide copies of our forms to those who want to participate, assign someone to receive the weekly reports from your group, and have fun getting healthy. An email will be sent to pastors which includes the blank forms to track results, as well as a Q&A sheet. It will also be available for download on the district website. 1
BISHOP HOPKINS SAYS GOOD-BYE WELCOME BISHOP TRACY MALONE Bishop Tracy S. Malone has been assigned as the resident bishop of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church effective September 1. She was serving as the district superintendent of the Chicago Southern Region of Northern Illinois. You can learn more about Bishop Malone at the gathering to be held September 18 at Christ UMC located at 648 Oak St, Newcomerstown, 43832. There will be opportunity to greet our new Bishop and her family during a time of fellowship and refreshments following the program. Newcomerstown Christ UMC Sunday, September 18 3-5:00 p.m. I want to say good-bye to my close friends in the East Ohio Area and say how much I ve enjoyed serving you over the last 12 years. You can view retiring Bishop John L. Hopkins' farewell address here. He and his wife Elaine have moved to a suburb of Indianapolis, not far from two of their sons and their families. "Dr. Tracy Smith Malone is just a wonderful gift of God who is coming to serve among you, Hopkins said. LAY SERVANTS ACADEMIES Lay Servants need to renew their certification every 3 years. Three Rivers Classes are typically offered in March of each year. Or you may attend one of the Academies offered by the conference office. If you are uncertain of your status contact the Three Rivers Lay Director, Jackie Lewis at 330-279-2191. The Academy will be using the book, Let the Whole Church Say Amen! as they study "Leading in Prayer." Register early. There is homework assigned with these courses that needs to be completed prior to class. Click on the links below or contact the district office for registration form. SOUTH ACADEMY To register. October 1 at Newcomerstown Christ UMC NORTH ACADEMY To register. October 15 at Wadsworth UMC INTERPRETER Reminder to Lay Servants to complete their Annual Report Available on the district website or through your church office. These are to be signed by your pastor and submitted prior to your charge conference The bi-monthly Interpreter is published with one goal in mind: To inspire the people of The United Methodist Church. Each issue delivers a look at faithful United Methodists and dynamic congregations, tips for creative ministries and studies of faithful leadership. Each church will receive up to five FREE print subscriptions (provided through World Service Fund) and unlimited digital subscriptions for church members. Pastors receive one complimentary subscription also. If you do not know your church ID contact Joy at the district office. New/returning subscribers: visit www.umcom.org/enrollnow. 2
Rooted: Clergy Spouse Retreat Connected in Christ; Connected with Each Other October 14 & 15 in Canonsburg, PA Cost ranges between $45-$175 depending on length of stay/accommodations. Register by Sept 23 and save $25. Contact district office or Sue Call if interested in carpooling. If you did not receive you brochure in the mail, please contact the district office or click here to view brochure and download registration form ******************************************************************************************************** Fall-for-All Clergy Retreat 2016 November 14, 15, 16, 2016 Where Do We Go from Here? The United Methodist Movement in the East Ohio Conference Featured Speaker: Dr. Paul W. Chilcote, Academic Dean and Professor of Historical Theology & Wesleyan Studies at Ashland Seminary. The Carlisle Inn at Sugarcreek (1357 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, OH 44681) All Clergy Are Invited--Students through Retirees! Elders, Deacons, and Licensed Local Pastors Workshop Leaders: Rev. Steve Court, Director of Connectional Ministries for East Ohio Conference. Rev. Kelly Brown, director for Congregational Vitality for the East Ohio Conference. Please View complete schedule & brochure here You will receive 2 CEUs for attending all sessions Conference (two nights and meals*): Single Room ($300) or Double Room ($190) Commuters * some meals included with full conference package Speaker Fee ($30) plus option to add lunch and dinners (cost listed below) Optional Overnight Wednesday additional $110 with Breakfast Only Included Registration available on line or through the district office. Registration Due: October 14, 2016 Questions: Contact Brian Oglesbee (330-968-7360) or brianoglesbee55@gmail.com HUMILITY HELPS IN REDUCING CONGREGATIONAL CONFLICT Fostering humility, intellectual humility in particular, is a way to reduce congregational conflict, according to a report in Christian Century citing recent studies. Research suggests that the more pastors are perceived to be intellectually humble, the more likely they are to be forgiven by people who took offense at something they said or did. The study also cited similar findings regarding other congregational leaders. This was especially the case in one study for perceived transgressions in the area of religious beliefs, values, or convictions, core areas of religious identity that have the potential to tear congregations asunder. According to researchers, intellectually humble individuals are able to present their own ideas in a non-offensive manner and receive contrary ideas without taking offense. [excerpted from an article in Christian Century, Aug. 17, 2016, p.18] "Nearest the Throne itself must be the footstool of humility."-- James Montgomery 3
MISSION UPDATE FROM DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO July in Kinshasa means cooler, dryer weather with open windows to hear the bird song and the soccer (football) games. We have been living in the Democratic Republic of Congo for six months give or take some time in South Africa and the US. It has been a busy time, settling into our routine on the Diaconie wing of the Eglise du Christ au Congo, where we share an office with Global Ministries missionary, Innocent Afful and Rev. Jeff Sikabwe from the Anglican Church. As the Eglise du Christ au Congo is the Protestant church body in the Congo that coordinates ministries with the poor, we meet with faithful disciples following Christ into their communities. This week we will be at a school in Lingwala where a small church has been sustaining classes through the second grade for children from the nearby police camp. We visited a workshop arranged for women from over 20 denominations who are learning income producing vocational skills and micro-finance training that they will take back to their home churches. We would like to purchase a vehicle that can be used to transport UMC mission teams and other missionaries in Kinshasa. The car will also provide increased security. If you would like to be part of meeting this need, you can give online or place your donation in your local church offering with memo of Advance # 04791A & "Vandersommers vehicle".) Visit our blog umcmissioncongo.com where we post weekly updates and photos. Once again thank you for your support and prayers, Aaron and Mary Vandersommers 4 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SMALL TOWNS & BIG CITIES Significant differences exist between small towns and larger cities when it comes to being on mission. Some have a positive effect on mission; others, a negative effect. This list isn t comprehensive, but it s a good starting point for analyzing and discussing the unique factors that affect mission in a small town. Small towns desperately need normal, everyday people like farmers, factory workers, and small business owners who act like missionaries to reach their neighbors for Christ. Editor's Note: This is the introduction to a 4 part series that will appear in THE CURRENT that are excerpts from Aaron Morrow's book, Small Town Mission. Mr. Morrow is one of the pastors of River City Church in Dubuque, Iowa and is associated with M.A. Moody Bible Institute. Next month's focus will be on FACTOR #1: The Religious Non-Christians. http://gcdiscipleship.com/2016/07/31/4-differences-between-small-towns-and-big-cities/ 4
WOMEN'S RETREAT Newcomerstown Christ UMC is hosting an overnight retreat and Bible Study. They have opened the registration to the women of Three Rivers. One of the greatest challenges for women in our culture is taking time to cease from all the activities and just breathe. We are in bondage to busyness. By neglecting time for tranquility, serenity, and repose, we limit our Christ-likeness and miss out on some of God's greatest gifts. If you are weary, wornout, and exhausted, then the concept of Sabbath will change your life. We will be discussing this theme as we dig into the "Breathe" study on December 2nd and 3rd at Salt Fork Lodge. We will spend the weekend laughing, connecting with friends, worshipping, praying and much more while working through five powerful video sessions, where author and Bible Teacher, Priscilla Shirer will help us embrace the gift of Sabbath and the peace that comes with it. Cost is $120/person with 2 ladies/room; $90/person = 4 ladies/ room; or $55/person without overnight stay. The price includes all retreat session and materials, refreshments and meals on Saturday. For more info contact Chasity Opphile at 740-498-8134 Registration must be received by October 16 with full payment. BETH MOORE SIMULCAST Gambier Epworth UMC (200 Wiggin St, Gambier 43022) is hosting a Beth Moore simulcast (live video feed) on September 17 from 10a - 5:15p. Doors open at 9a. Tickets are $15.00. Buy 2 tickets and get 3rd one FREE. Lunch is included in the price. A gift shop will be available including Beth Moore products. Payment can be made at the door by cash or check, but you must send an RSVP by Sept 13 to mariagingerfelix@gmail.com or 740-427-2490 so lunch can be planned. Please leave your names, phone #, and how many seats requested. UMW THREE RIVERS DISTRICT FALL MEETING All Around the World September 17, 2016 at Roscoe UMC 475 High St, Coshocton, OH 43812 Registration at 8:45 a.m. Meeting begins at 9:15 a.m. REGISTRATION FORM Name of Registrants Church Contact Name & Phone Please send $7 per person (lunch included) with this registration form to Martha Stuller, TR UMW Treasurer, 1 Fairway Dr, Mt. Vernon, OH 43050 (Questions? 740-392-0464). Make checks payable to Three Rivers UMW, Registration deadline is September 12th. FREE childcare available - Please indicate name and age of child. You must provide a sack lunch for each child. 5
Saturday, September 17 9:30am-4pm East Ohio Conference 8800 Cleveland Ave NW North Canton, OH 44720 The cost for this event is $10 per person which covers workshop materials and lunch. Each church is encouraged to bring a team of people. To register email Kelly Brown at kbrown@eocumc.com. FOUNDATIONS- Understand the core definition for discipleship, differentiate between discipleship and Christian Education, describe six dimensions of a life lived as a disciple, moving disciples toward maturity, and introduce the Discipleship Growth Survey as a tool to support personal and congregational growth. MOVEMENTS- Differentiate between membership and discipleship, identify catalysts for spiritual growth, explore the practices necessary to move a disciple toward maturity between phases of development. DISCIPLESHIP A CONTACT SPORT- Discipleship is not a one-size-fits-all but it does require a relational component. Explore various relationships, the value of each, and they fit into the discipleship process. EQUIPPING FOR TRANSFORMATION- Discover what types support work best various phases of development. Understand the five components every disciple needs to grow and how the church can help. BUILDING AN INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS Identify the key elements of a transformational discipleship process, identify strengths and gaps in their current context, and build a plan for moving forward. SAFE SANCTUARIES FOR TODAY S WORLD:... A LOT HAS CHANGED. Plan to take part in this child protection event on Thursday, September 15 from 9a-3p at Canton Faith UMC. Melanie Gordon, of United Methodist Church Discipleship Ministries, will be the keynote speaker and a member of the day s panel discussion. The event will also feature workshops that will focus on starting a safe sanctuary policy, using safe sanctuaries as an act of hospitality, and building a safe social media presence for your ministry. The deadline to register yourself and your team is September 9. Register today. Cost is only $10 and includes lunch. Location: Faith UMC, 300 Ninth Street NW, North Canton, OH 44720 ENERGIZE 2K16 November 4 from 7-10p 648 Oak St, Newcomerstown, 43832 Energizing Worship, EPIC after Party with Bubble Soccer, and Karaoke. Fun Snacks: Make your own Mac & Cheese and Make your own Pie Door prizes and lots of fun at this free uplifting youth event. Questions? contact Chasity 6
KEN WILLARD COMING TO THREE RIVERS DISTRICT AND EAST OHIO Ken Willard, using his businesses management and leadership skills, has translated them into several Christ-centered books including the Healthy Church Initiative curriculum that helps churches recognizes their strengths and weakness in order to create vital congregations. As a certified church consultant and Christian leadership coach, he shares ways to develop discipleship and mission-minded strategy by encouraging and equipping leaders within the church body with passion to expand God's kingdom. Mr. Willard will be in East Ohio the last weekend in October conducting seminars as described below. TIME MANAGEMENT FOR THE CHRISTIAN LEADER SEMINAR Thursday Oct. 27 at Camp Wanake 9463 Manchester Ave. SW Beach City, 44608 Friday, Oct. 28 at the East Ohio Area Center- 8800 Cleveland Ave. NW, North Canton, There's nothing we can do to add more hours to the day, so we ve got to find a way to use our time more effectively and efficiently. Abingdon Press author Ken Willard will take us through some of the key concepts from his book. Each section will include practical applications along with a strong focus on biblical principles. Choose between two dates and locations listed above. Sessions run from 9:30am - 4pm This interactive seminar will cover areas such as strategic & personal planning, prioritizing & productivity. Additionally there will instruction on how to replace (not remove) bad habits. Do you know your "margins"? What is the space between your load and your limit? The cost for this event is $10 per person which covers materials for the workshop and lunch. To register contact Kelly Brown kbrown@eocumc.com THREE RIVERS -- STRATEGIC MINISTRY PLANNING Saturday, October 29 at Roscoe UMC in Coshocton from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. An intentional process used by church leaders to connect the activities of the church to God's plan and vision for their local ministry. Sponsored by the Three Rivers District, this seminar is designed to help you be more intentional about your church vision. Healthy organizations, churches included, focus on some type of strategic planning. The cost is just $20 first registrant, $15 for each additional member of same church (includes workbook & snacks). Download flyer & registration form under events tab. Register by October 14 Ken Willard will focus on these areas from strategic planning for your church and equipping your leadership. Prayer - the foundation, the focus of the church and prayer-walking the community Church Life Cycles - understanding where the church is now and how to best launch a new life cycle Theology of Change - not conformation but transformation Core Values - the constant, passionate, biblical core beliefs which drive our ministry Mission - a broad, brief, biblical statement of what the ministry is supposed to be doing Managing Conflict -, little troubles can become lethally toxic Vision & Goals- tangible measurements of where God is calling us to go and what to do. 7
SEPTEMBER 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat ** CC = Clergy Consults with Dr. Call at the District office, Pastors confirm appointment times on "Doodle." The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. (Ps 67:6) 1 **CC @ Conesville Branch @ 6p Pr. Chapel @ 7p Conesville & New Moscow @ 8p 2 District office Closed 3 4 5 LABOR DAY District office Closed 6 @ Canal Lewisvle Keene @ 6p West Lafay @ 7p Park & CL @ 8p 7 **CC @ Roscoe Cosh Grace@ 7p Roscoe @ 8p 8 **CC 9 Resume regular office hours 9:00a - 4:00p Mon - Fri 10 @ Millersburg Baltic @ 9a Killbuck & Blissfield @ 7p Millerburg @ 8p 11 12 13 CABINET 14 15 **CC 16 17 3Rivers UMW Mtg @ Roscoe Info on pg 5 18 MEET BISHOP MALONE Details pg 2 19 20 21 22 23 24 Dr. Call Vacation 25 26 @ Tippecanoe W. Union @ 6p Lakeland @ 7p Tippecanoe & P. Grove @ 8p 27 **CC 28 **CC @ Warsaw Nellie Chapel & New Guilford@ 7p Warsaw @ 8p 29 **CC 30 OCT 1 @ Batemantown Waterford & Salem @ 6p Fred'cktown @ 7p Batemantown & Berlin @ 8p 8
OCTOBER 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2 3 **CC 4 **CC @ Otsego Adamsville@ 6p Trinway & Prospect @ 7p Otsego & Bethel @ 8p 5 **CC 6 **CC Conference @ Danville @ 7p 9 10 **CC 11 12 13 14 16 17 CABINET 18 **CC 19 **CC 20 **CC 7 Sticky Faith District Youth Retreat see page 10 dcom Training w/ Conf Bd 1 15 Clergy Spouse Retreat in PA 21 22 8 Conf @ Freeport @ 9:30a Conf @ Brandon @ 9:30a Conference @ Gay St @ 7p Conf @ West Lafayette @ 7p Conference @ Loudonville @ 7p 23 24 **CC 25 **CC Conference @ Coshocton Grace @ 7p 26 **CC 27 dcom Interviews Conference @ Millersburg @ 7p 28 29 Strategic Ministry Planning Workshop at Roscoe UMC (see pg 7) 30 31 SAVE THE DATES: November 15 at 3p Leadership Committee to plan Leadership Event December 6 at 5p Superintendency Committee Meeting January 21, 2017 (NEW DATE) TR District Leadership Event 9
SEPTEMBER 2016 3 Rivers Current 415 Walnut St, Coshocton OH 43812-1533 740/622-8880 local 740/622-8884 FAX 3riversdist@sbcglobal.net Return Service Requested U.S. Postage PAID Permit # 74 Coshocton, OH 43812 Sticky Faith! -- October 7 & 8 Junior and Senior High district youth will learn how to make their faith stick through all stages of life and circumstances. The district youth fall retreat will be held at Camp Zimmerman (located at 10397 Williams Rd SW, Gnadenhutten, OH 446290 and the cost is $10 per student which includes meals, accommodations and retreat materials. Each student should bring an emergency medical form, a Bible, a snack to share, sleeping bag/bedding, toiletries, a flashlight, appropriate clothes/shoes for outdoor activities. Students 6th grade and up are welcome! Joine us for faith building, worship, group activities, and insanity. For more info, contact Chasity, district youth director, at 740-498-814 or bokuvu@yahoo.com IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Youth leaders should send an approximate number of students and adults attending by October 2nd. 10