Clergy Connection

The Foothills District

Clergy Connection

Volume 1, Issue 4 Home Newsletter Archive November 2006

LEADERSHIP

Dear pastors,

It is the end of October. I have met with nearly all of the pastors in 1x1 and we have only a handful of charge conferences remaining. In the past four months I have criss-crossed the district many times; a few times in one day. I have had many opportunities to observe and assess the vitality of our churches.

There are many reasons to celebrate. Churches are passionately engaging their communities to connect with broken and hurting persons. Leaders are testing innovative models and learning new ways to impact their neighborhoods for the sake of Christ.

There are some grounds for concern. Some churches are caught in the “Happiness Trap;” the unending dilemma of trying to keep all the members happy. Some churches so fear change, they unwittingly resist growth.

I know the critical key is visionary leadership: both clergy and lay. That is why Brent and I are pushing for a focus on fruit – the fruit God is calling us to produce in the coming year. We are grateful for your hard work and are praying that God will multiply the effectiveness of your leadership. There are too many wounded and weary people in our towns waiting for the Good News.

If you are uncertain what to do next, or if you find your key leaders unresponsive to your leadership; give us a call. Brent and I are committed to helping you become the most effective leader you can become.

Tom

NEWS

Church Leaders Oppose Issue 3

Bishop Ough. “Thousands of Ohio children from our poorest families will go hungry and inadequately clothed because their parents’ paychecks will go into state sanctioned slot machines. This is bad economics and irresponsible government.” Quoting the United Methodist Discipline, Ough condemned gambling as a means to produce tax revenue. “We are called to resist the practices and systems that exploit other human beings, leaving them impoverished and demeaned,” said Ough. “We promote governmental standards and personal lifestyles that will make unnecessary and undesirable the resort to commercial gambling as a recreation, as an escape, or as a means of producing publicity.”

Ohio churches may endorse issues, but not candidates, say legal officials. “Churches and pastors are legally permitted to advocate for issues on the ballot, including use of yard signs,” said Rev. John A. Bouquet from the Ohio Roundtable. He encouraged Ohio pastors to take a stand against Issue #3 from their pulpits.

Bouquet and other religious leaders spoke at a press conference recently organized by the Ohio Council of Churches. “Federal IRS guidelines say churches cannot endorse individual candidates running for election,” said Bouquet and other officials representing the Ohio Council of Churches. Issue #3 would change the state constitution and open the way for increased legalized gambling in Ohio.

Credit Union Open to Church Members

Members of local United Methodist churches are now eligible for benefits and free membership to the West Ohio United Methodist Credit Union. “Originally chartered in 1939 to serve the needs of clergy, the West Ohio United Methodist Credit Union has now expanded to include all those who attend a United Methodist Church within the West Ohio Conference, said Director Russ Abbott.

The credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that operates solely for its membership. It is located at 431 Ohio Pike - Suite 100, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255.

“We offer an array of financial services. Member checking is designed to cost you less than those at other financial institutions. Home banking through our website allows you access to your accounts without charge, 24 hours a day and all at the click of a mouse,” said Rev. Rachel B. Miller, Vice President of Church Services. “Savings, money markets, certificate accounts and IRA’s offer members access to a variety of high yield savings options that are designed to meet their unique needs,” said Miller. Worldwide ATM access allows members to access cash wherever and whenever it’s needed. Two visa card options are available.

“We also offer a complete line of lending with member loans, first mortgage loans and commercial loans. Whether you are buying for the first time or refinancing we can help,” she continued. For more information, contact Miller at 1-800-373-1059 or visit the website: www.umethodist.com.

Candidacy Guides and Mentors Trained

The Foothills District will be holding a training session for candidacy guides and mentors. This event will be held on Thursday, November 16 with L. Cean Wilson of the WOC Office Of Ministry leading the sessions.

All clergy, including local pastors, and laity are eligible to become candidacy guides to walk along side people who are feeling called by God, to help them discern and clarify that call.

Spiritually mature, responsible laity in your churches who might consider participating in this ministry are encouraged to attend as well. We need you to talk with these folks and recommend them for the training.

We need Elders who are willing to help candidates continue in the process by becoming mentors.

If you have already received the training as either a guide or mentor, but have not facilitated the process in the past year, you need to come for a refresher. The process is ever evolving, so you need to keep informed.

Both sessions will be held at the Foothills District Office and the training for mentors will be from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Training for guides will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Please e-mail or call the Foothills District Office with your reservations.

Clean Up Day

The renovations at the Foothills District Office are almost complete. What is needed now is some cleaning: washing windows, dusting shelves, touch up painting, vacumming, mopping, and washing counters. Sherri has set aside Wed, Nov 8, for office cleaning. If you would like to help, contact Sherri at 888.868.1225 or office@foothillsdistrict.

In the spring the Athens District Trustees approved a plan that improved lighting, replaced carpet, and generally retooled the office for improved traffic flow and security. Stop in and view the improvements.

An open house is in the works and will be announced soon.

2007 Health Care Rates Announced

The 2007 Health Care Insurance rates were just announced.

Single – 6,756

Family of 2 - 13,380

Family of 3 or more 16,416

These are approximately a 7% increase over 2006, considerably less than the standard in other areas. Pastors can check the calculator on the district web site to determine the appropriate amount for personal deductions.

CRSP 2007 Pension Plan

The 2004 General Conference authorized a new pension plan to be launched Jan 2007. If you are already retired, these changes will not affect you. Active pastors will want to learn how the changes will affect them. Five meetings will be offered across the conference. All meetings are 7-9 pm.

Nov 13 @ Findlay St. Andrews

Nov 14 @Arcanum Grace

Nov 15 @Athens Richland

Nov 16 @Columbus Livingston

Nov 17 @ Waverly Grace

There will be no change in the method for pension billing. The new pension plan will bill at the same level as the old MPP – 12%. However, in 2007 CPP will decrease from 4.4% to 3%.

District Apportionments Distributed

The office staff has mailed the 2007 Foothills District apportionments to pastors and treasurers. Due to transition issues, there were many extra details to manage this year. We apologize for the delay. Some notes for your information.

There is only one district apportionment. In past years the Newark District divided the operations portion of the budget from the missions side of the budget. The Foothills District is currently functioning on a unified budget.
The Athens District Trustees approved a plan to spend down reserves to limit significant increases to former Newark District Churches. Working out these details took longer than anticipated.
We are uncertain of any funds left over from the former Newark District assets. Consequently, we are proceeding prudently in adapting to the various mission and operational responsibilities of our new district.

If you have questions, please contact us. We’ll do our best to help!

Tenth Annual Legal Forum, November 3, 2006, presented by The West Ohio Conference Board of Trustees and Law Clinic at Ohio Northern University. The forum is being held at the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, OH. For more information contact Mary Ellen Pennisi, 800/43/-0028 or mepennisi@wocumc.org.

Pumpkins, Praise, and Punchlines…

Camp Otterbein is hosting fireside fun, Sunday, Nov 19. Gather between 4-5 pm. Eat at 5 pm. Meal is $10. Jo Lee and his amazing camp improv known as “Jo Time” will entertain after the meal. The funds will help replace sound and electronic equipment recently stolen from Camp Otterbein and not covered by insurance. Please RSVP to Camp Otterbein (740.385.5712) by Nov 12. Click here to view brochure.

SOWER Continues

SOWER (Sharing Our Witness - Enriching Relationships) was a VIM project of the old Newark District and is now a West Ohio Conference VIM project. Sower constructs small homes for families in need in conjunction with the Henderson Settlement Work Camp Program of the Red Bird Missionary Conference. Since 1999 SOWER has constructed 6 houses for individual families as well as helped complete two staff/transitional housing units on Henderson Settlement property.

In addition to the 70 volunteers, Sower leaders have set targets to raise $36,000 per home built. Cost to workcampers is $200 per person which covers room and board at Henderson Settlement. For more info, contact Ralph Brandon 740-344-5581 or rcbrandon@ee.net.

Director, Camp Wesley

The Camp and Retreat Ministry of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church is seeking a Director for Camp Wesley in Bellefontaine, Ohio. This person will be integral in continuing the tremendous growth at Camp Wesley as it serves as one of the regional camp and retreat centers for the area. Responsibilities include oversight of the entire operation including, summer program development and implementation, developing relationships with the community and partnerships with local churches, providing hospitality and program for guests of the camp throughout the year, and overseeing facilities and kitchen operations. Desired skills include a deep and passionate Christian faith, creative and visionary leadership, excellent relational and communication skills, a knowledge and commitment to the ministry of the United Methodist Church and applicable experience in Camp and Retreat Ministry. Remuneration includes salary, housing, health insurance, and pension. Applications will be accepted through November 15, 2006 while the position will begin in early January 2007. For an application packet or more information, contact Jody Oates, 32 Wesley Blvd., Worthington, Ohio, 43085, 800.437.0028/joates@wocumc.org. Also see their web site for a further glimpse of the ministry www.westohiocamps.com.

Safe Harbor Receives Grant

The National Foundation to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse has made a major forward-looking gift of $15,000 to Morgan County (Ohio) based Safe Harbor Resources, to seed a unique deployment plan for Safe Harbor’s suite of child protection inquiries and interventions. The gift was inspired by results of a joint-development project of Malta United Methodist Church and Safe Harbor over the last two years.

Volunteers in Missions to Russia: July 5-16, 2007

This group will tackle various work projects at both the orphanage and church buildings with materials and tools assembled and ready upon arrival. They will also worship with the Samara congregation, share Bible Study with adults and children, share experiences of pastoral and congregational care in times of grief and hardship, and visit the children of the orphanage at their summer camp. Carol Harper is leading this trip and her first team meeting will be February 3, 2007. Cost is approximately $2900 plus fundraising for the projects. For more info, contact Carol Harper, 937-392-9255/513-377-1407 or harperec@peoplepc.com

Spouse Email

Would you prefer your spouse receive his/her own emails directly? Send their email address to Cathy Hanover (chanover1@verizon.net) or Susie Watson (watsonfamily@ohiohills.com).

Festival of Sharing Recruiting

The conference is looking for folks who would be willing to serve on the Festival of Sharing Committee. The committee meets about once every other month during the day at the West Ohio Conference office at 32 Wesley Blvd. In Worthington. The meetings generally last about 3 hours. If you are interested, please contact Jack Frost at 1-800-437-0028.

UPCOMING DATES

Jan 31 – Stewardship Seminar with David Bell at Jackson Christ UMC, Jackson.

Pastor Parish Relations Committee Training

This training is for PPR Committees and other key leaders. Select the date and location most convenient for you.

Jan 7	3 pm	Gallipolis Grace	Feb 5	7 pm	Logan Trinity
Jan 10	7 pm	God’s Net, Pomeroy	Feb 6	7 pm	Gibisonville
Jan 14	3 pm	Racine	Feb 11	3 pm	New Lex First
Jan 16	7 pm	Belpre Rockland	Feb 18	3 pm	Bremen First
Jan 21	3 pm	Marietta Christ	Feb 25	3 pm	Malta
Jan 24	7 pm	Athens Richland Ave	Feb 27	7 pm	Crooksville First
Jan 28	3 pm	McArthur	Mar 5	7 pm	Somerset
Jan 28	7 pm	Nelsonville	Mar 6	7 pm	Rolling Plains
			Mar 13	7 pm	Zanesville Coburn

November 7 Cast Your Vote! If you want to know more about the election

process go to Ohio Votes- www.ohvotes.org

November 10-11 Conflict Transformation in the Local Church at the Methodist

Theological School in Ohio (Part II- March 2-3 and Part III- May

4-5, 2007) For info call 740-362-3340

November 19 Pumpkins and Praise at Camp Otterbein

May 23 Clergy Session. This will be an all day session!! It will have a

mandatory sexual ethics training/renewal piece in the afternoon.

July 22-28 Local Pastors School at Widewater Retreat Center

Regional Needs

1) Good Works (Athens)- 12 Passenger Van, spray cleaners, umbrellas, bleach, zip lock freezer bags, food and volunteers to cut hair, lay carpet and tile

2) The Life Well (Zanesville)- Volunteers for the Free Store, COAT HANGERS! and folks who are willing to transport/ work with kids

3) Meigs County Cooperative Parish and God’s Net are selling engraved pavement bricks as a fundraiser. Please call them at 740-992-7400

4) Jackson Area Ministries- Work Trip Volunteers (November 4-11) to New Orleans. Call 1-888-237-3141

5) Morgan County United Ministries- Blankets, Winter Coats and other winter items

6) Care Outreach Ministry (Vinton County)- Volunteers for the Food Distribution Day (4^thTuesday of each month from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.) and volunteers for the Thrift Store (T,W,R from 9:00 a.m.-Noon) as well as monetary donations.

7) Belpre Area Ministries – Paper products, Soaps, Toothpaste and Toothbrushes

Links

Upper Room Ministries- www.upperroom.org

Interpreter- www.interpretermagazine.org

Volunteers in Mission- www.gbgm-umc.org

United Methodist Committee on Relief- www.gbgm-umc/umcor

West Ohio Conference- www.westohioumc.org

United Methodist Church- www.umc.org

Lewis Center for Church Leadership- www.churchleadership.com

Monday Morning Insight- www.mondaymorninginsight.com

The Alban Institute- www.alban.org

www.leadershipjournal.net