News
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
During Times Like These, it can be challenging to see the work of God happening all around us. People who are simply responding to God's call are transforming their communities and are experiencing transformation themselves.
In the podcast, Times Like These, clergy and laity friends throughout West Ohio share stories that inspire and encourage.
The first episode of Times Like These features Rev. Ryan Grace, lead pastor of Maize Manor UMC and Urban Farm Church... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
West Ohio leaders will have the opportunity to meet, learn and share ideas with experienced ministry practitioners through the Fresh Starts Exchange gatherings. The Exchange provides in-person, collaborative spaces where people explore, and generate contextual ministry solutions together.
Each three-hour Exchange will feature a “guest expert” in the areas of Urban, Multi-Ethnic, Large Church and Rural/Small Church Ministry contexts. The Exchange is open to all... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
The West Ohio United Women in Faith invite you to the 2023 Mission u. This event will be held in-person June 16-18, 2023 at the Bergamo Life-Long Learning Center in Beavercreek, OH.
A virtual Mission u will also be held during the month of July. Mission u is co-sponsored by the West Ohio Conference United Women in Faith and the West Ohio Conference. This year's theme is "Living the Good News...Reflecting God's Love", with an emphasis on the Lord's Prayer as i... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
An exciting opportunity is coming to a town near you! West Ohio Conference Lay staff members – both paid and volunteer – are invited to a day to Sit, Soak, and Shine.
This day of retreat is sure to refresh our local staff members. Below is the schedule of dates and locations of this event.
July 25 – Athens Central UMC
July 26 - Chillicothe Trinity UMC
July 27 - Xenia Faith UMC
August 1 – Bowling Green Trinity UMC
August 2 – Bellefontaine First UMC
Au... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Fear+Less Congregations Initiative (FCI) is a life-changing experience. Learning through an experiential process how our fears impact every conversation, changes how we see and hear other people.
The mission of the Initiative is to move congregations to see the people in the communities they serve, remove barriers of fear to learn from each other and create enriched relationships.
Your congregation is invited to bring a team of clergy and laity to participate... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
The UMFWO is pleased to offer an online clergy cohort of Saving Grace this summer. The course helps clergy strengthen their financial literacy, both personally and as it pertains to church finance.
The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio is sponsoring this 8-week course. Students will complete assignments on their own then meet via Zoom once a week for 8 weeks to watch a video together and discuss the lessons with Saving Grace co-author and WOC clergyper... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
The official date set to celebrate Peace with Justice Sunday is Sunday, June 4, 2023.
On Peace with Justice Sunday, United Methodists focus on seeking peaceful solutions, creating and supporting peace-related ministries in their conference and learning about peaceful, just efforts around the world. Our Social Principles call us to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict. We insist that the first moral duty of all nations is to work... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
After much research, conversation, and attempts at problem solving, Bishop Palmer announced that West Ohio Camps Summer residential programming is suspended for the 2023 season. This decision was not made quickly or without great pain. At the end of the day, we could not secure the staff necessary to live into our core values or provide the care and safety our families and staff expect and deserve.
We understand this has caused great disappointment; yet there... continue reading
Tuesday, May 2, 2023
On Thursday, May 11, the 2023 season of
Bishop Palmer's Leadership Clinics returns with its first installment, featuring former White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry.
McCurry will join Bishop Palmer for a conversation on the topic, "Being United Methodist in the Public Square".
Register today for this LIVE event which will be held in-person at Church of the Messiah United Methodist Church in Westerville (51 N. State Street) 10:00 am- 12:00 pm EST. Registr... continue reading
Tuesday, Apr 18, 2023
Dear Ones in Christ Jesus,
Like many of you, I have thrown up my hands of late in weariness of “thoughts and prayers” as it pertains to gun violence. Certainly, let us continue to pray without ceasing for all those affected by gun violence and by the senselessness of the 116 people who die each day in this country by the pulling of a trigger. Yet as we pray, may we also be people of action, who use our voices and privilege to demand change – both for ourselves... continue reading