News
Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018
Would you like to learn more about the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference but aren't sure where to look? This page on The West Ohio Conference website is full of information about the February 23-26, 2019 meeting. Meet West Ohio's delegates, pray for the Special Session, read about each of the proposed models, and even pre-register as a guest! You can also find the registration link for Bishop Palmer's Way Forward Gatherings. These gatherings will i... continue reading
Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018
United Methodist Student Day is coming up soon on November 25, and now you have the resources to tell others about it! The United Methodist Student Day Pastor and Leaders' Kit has been updated with all new free resources, available for download here. Posters, bulletin inserts, videos, social media images, and even preaching helps are available. Funds collected on United Methodist Student Day help provide scholarships for students who otherwise would be unable t... continue reading
Tuesday, Nov 20, 2018
It seems like each week we hear or read about a disaster doing major damage to some area of the United States or the world. Just recently, hurricanes battered some parts of the southern United States. Here in West Ohio, we've had our share of major storm damage over the last 10 years - from tornadoes to flooding to high winds. In each case, homes have been damaged or destroyed and lives lost. Does your congregation have a disaster plan? A way to help members pr... continue reading
Wednesday, Nov 7, 2018
The Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits has set details for the 2019 Active and Retiree Health Insurance Plans. Please attend one of the events listed below so you can learn about any changes to the plan and how the changes might impact you. The agenda for each meeting is the same, so attend the one that best fits your schedule. Aetna/Humana, Credit Union and Conference staff will be available to answer questions specific to your circumstances after... continue reading
Wednesday, Nov 7, 2018
On October 30, St. Mark's UMC (Findlay) welcomed over 175 All In Community ministers, community stakeholders, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction staff, and returned neighbors to the Northwest Region Faith-based Reentry Summit. Summit participants learned and grew together with a day full of speakers, workshops, panel discussions, and fellowship. The Summit helped All In Community participants move deeper into ministry by connecting them into a str... continue reading
Wednesday, Nov 7, 2018
The Basement and the Sanctuary
I can still remember the day, a few years ago now. It was an unbearably hot summer day in the deep south of the U.S. Our life’s possessions were in a van, spilling over into a couple of cars and a friend’s truck. We were in the process of moving into the parsonage of the church to which I had been assigned. At some point late in the day I walked across the street to the church’s sanctuary; someone had entrusted me with the keys. I... continue reading
Wednesday, Nov 7, 2018
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free.” (Luke 4:18 NRSV)
Racism is harmful to all of society. And we are alarmed by its recent resurgence in the United States. In the United States the culture of racism, white privilege, and white supremacy controls the thoughts and actions of Anglos as wel... continue reading
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2018
The Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA), the official journal of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church, is set to be available in a bound and printed format by November 26, with a PDF of the 2019 ADCA accessible online now.
The Book of Discipline requires that the ADCA be available to delegates at least 90 days before the opening day of General Conference. For the 2019 Special Session, which officially opens February 24th in S... continue reading
Wednesday, Oct 31, 2018
Passed at Annual Conference 2018, automatic enrollment will become effective 1/1/19. But what is automatic enrollment? Automatic enrollment is a feature in the United Methodist Personal Investment Plan (UMPIP) that automatically enrolls participants at a 3% before-tax contribution percentage. The reason your Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits advocated for this change is because it is a tried and true method to help participants save more money for... continue reading
Wednesday, Oct 31, 2018
Thinking about leading a spring or summer mission team, especially to a location recovering from a recent natural disaster? Becoming trained as a VIM Team Leader or Spiritual Guide NOW is your first step! Volunteers In Mission (VIM) Team Leader trainings are scheduled for:
Saturday, November 17, at The West Ohio Conference office
Saturday, February 16, at Calvary UMC in Jackson
Saturday, March 9, at Miamisburg UMC in Miamisburg
Participants will learn skil... continue reading