Fruitful Churches

What if every church in the Foothills District increased their average worship attendance by at least one person? What if every church in the Foothills District baptized at least one person in the year? What if every church in the Foothills District brought into membership at least one person by profession of faith? What if every church increased the number of people participating in Sunday School classes, Bible studies, and small groups? What if every church paid their apportionments in full?

How would that change the ministry of your church, if you experienced that kind of vitality? What would God be doing in your community, if you experienced that kind of energy and spirit?

There are six criteria for an Acts 2 Church. An Acts 2 church is a church that “acts” like the church described in Acts 2: 41-47. It is a direct result of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit falling upon the followers of Jesus. The six criteria are:

· Membership increase

· Worship attendance increase

· Baptisms

· Professions of Faith

· Discipleship: classes, groups, and studies

· Stewardship reflected in apportionments and other financial giving

Thirteen churches in the Foothills District met all six criteria in 2005. They are: River of Life, Athens First, Carmel-Sutton, Ebenezer (Muskingum), Gibisonville Mt. Olive, McArthur, Middleport Heath, Morningstar, Stewart, Tunnel, Bremen Calvary, Rolling Plains, and Zanesville Faith. Thirty-one more churches in the Foothills District met 5 of the 6 criteria in 2005.

These are churches that are the healthiest and most fruitful in our district. They are churches of all sizes and locations. They are served by pastors of all kinds, shapes, and statuses. It is possible for every church to grow and bear fruit.

I am eagerly looking forward to the year-end reports to see how many of our churches meet the criteria in 2006. I am even more interested in which churches will commit themselves to growing more fruitful in 2007.

Do you need help? How can we as a district together share our experiences, our skills, and our prayers to help each other bear fruit for the Kingdom?

Tom

District & Conference News

Strength campaign garners $14,000 from special offering

Approximately $14,000 was collected this fall from a special Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow offering. About 60 churches chose to raise money for district development funds by participating in this offering-event organized by the Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow committee. For more info check out the West Ohio Conference web site: www.westohioumc.org

Clusters Gather

Beginning in September all pastors began gathering in cluster groups of their choice. Some developed geographically and others by affiliation – sharing a common need or interest. The intent of the cluster groups is to support and encourage the pastor or ministry leader in their spiritual health and their leadership effectiveness.

All participants are working on plans for personal growth and professional development. Plus each cluster group is expected to join in worship together and prayer for each other. Support your pastor in the cluster group and ask how it is going for her or him.

Mentors and Guides Trained

Nearly 30 persons from across the Foothills District completed training in November to serve as guides and mentors for persons entering the candidacy process. Rev. Cean Wilson, Conference Board of Ministry, led the training.

Candidacy is the route traveled by persons discerning God’s call to ministry. Many pastors and lay persons volunteer their services as guides. Only ordained elders, associate members, and licensed pastors who have completed course of study may serve as mentors.

If you or someone you know is contemplating God’s call to ministry as a pastoral leader, first contact your pastor. Your pastor can help connect the candidate with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry and the District Superintendent.

If you are interested in serving as a candidacy guide and missed this training, call the District office. We appreciate your help.

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.

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%.

Messiah Sing-a-Long

The district is invited to participate in a Messiah Sing-a-Long on Friday, December 8, 8 p.m. in the Sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church, 2 South College Street, Athens. Conducted by Dr. Peter Jarjisian and other area guest conductors, this event is free and open to all. Please bring your own score or borrow one at the church that evening. Parking is available across the street in the parking garage. For questions, contact the church at 593-3977.

Important Dates

Pastor Parish Relations Committee Training

This training is for PPR Committees and other key leaders. Select the date and location most convenient for you. Please call the District office with the location you plan to attend and the approximate number in your team. It will help us make sure there is a chair and a handout for everyone.

Jan 7, 3 p.m. - Gallipolis Grace

Jan 10, 7 pm - God’s Net, Pomeroy

Jan 14, 3 pm - Racine

Jan 16, 7 pm - Belpre Rockland

Jan 21, 3 pm - Marietta Christ

Jan 24, 7 pm - Athens Richland Ave

Jan 28, 3 pm - McArthur

Jan 28, 7 pm - Nelsonville

Feb 5, 7 pm - Logan Trinity

Feb 6, 7 pm - Gibisonville

Feb 11, 3 pm - New Lex First

Feb 18 , 3 pm - Bremen First