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IN THIS ISSUE Leadership Training Days
Clergy Tax Assistance
Weekly Prayer
Year-End Reports Due
Members At-Large to AC
Clergy Day Apart
Lay Servant Ministries
Emmaus/Chrysalis
Local Church & Community Events
WOConnection and Beyond
Resources
Classifieds
Northwest Plains District Website
West Ohio UMC Website
West Ohio You Tube
Lay Ministry
The United Methodist Church
United Methodist VIM
United Methodist Women
Church World Service
Rethink Church
Find A Church
MissionInsite
UMCom Tech Shop
Church Communications Training
UMCOR’S YouTube
Friendly Center, Toledo
Bread for the World
Society of St. Andrew
Stop Hunger Now
Upper Room Dailey Devotional
Saturday, February 18, St. Mark’s UMC, Findlay
Saturday, February 25, Trinity UMC, Van Wert
For details and registration, click on the date that you’re planning to attend.
CLERGY TAX ASSISTANCE DAY
Tuesday, February 21, Winebrenner Theological Seminary map
Guest Accountant: Robin Ridge, CPA and President of Ridge & Company,
Findlay (www.ridgecpas.com)
Schedule a personal 15-minute appointment to have your specific
ministry-related tax questions addressed.
Appointments available between 9:00am and 3:00pm.
Schedule now by contacting Lisa Cross at 419.434.4208 or [email protected] (no drop-ins, please).
FREE consult courtesy of Ridge & Company, Certified Public Accountants and Winebrenner Theological Seminary.
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World
Weekly Bulletin February 15, 2017
ARE YOU CONNECTED WITH YOUR DISTRICT?
Visit our website! Contact us! 800.589.7828
Like us on Facebook!
Heavenly Father, we only have to look to the church at Ephesus to see how easy it is for
Christians, both individually and corporately, to leave our first love and to allow the love that
we had for You and for others to wear thin and to grow cold. Father forgive us for the way
that we have allowed this to happen throughout the whole Body of Christ, which has all too
often become a place to criticize our brethren or slander others who do not think exactly as
we do.
Revive us Lord and may the love that so permeated the early church, where we discover that
Christians loved in thought word and deed – begin to spread once again throughout the
Body of true believers. May we return to a time when love within the Church of God begins
to shine forth – as we become salt and light to a needy world.
Forgive us Father that our love for You and the Lord Jesus has worn so thin and rekindle a
fire of love that sweeps through the Church today so that in the essentials of our faith we
may have unity, in the inessential things we may display liberty and in all areas of our
Christian life may we demonstrate true godly love, in Jesus name we pray. Amen
Lay Members At-Large to Annual Conference Every year each District has a number of openings for the election of additional lay members to the Annual
Conference. These additional lay members come from the heart of our United Methodist congregations. We
invite you, the laity in our churches to consider offering your name to represent our District at Annual
Conference. Our goal is to have a diverse group of individuals to represent our district. This means that we
will do our best to be diverse in respect to ethnicity, age, demographic context (rural, urban, suburban, small
membership church, large membership church) and more. If you are interested in serving in this capacity
please contact the district office for more information [email protected] | 1.800.589.7828.
Reminder: Year-end Report Data Submission Deadline is February 15 Your Year End Reports need to be entered by Wednesday, February 15, 2017 into the Ezra database. You should
have received your paper copies from Jack Frost at the Conference office in December. Questions about your year
end reports need to be directed to Jack at the Conference office at 614-844-6200.
Lay Servant Training Opportunities
Finding Your Spiritual gifts Led by: Rev. Debbie Kaylor
Saturday, March 4, 2017, 8:30 AM—4:30 PM Trinity UMC, Ottawa
Examine the biblical passages referring to spiritual gifts, discover your spiritual gifts through an assess-ment and spend some time brainstorming how you can best use your gifts to build up the kingdom of Christ. We will also spend time considering how our passions and our personalities may impact how we use our gifts. This course qualifies as a re-certification course for Lay Servants and is also open to all other interested persons. Details and registration
Leading A Disciplined Life Led by: Rev. Dr. AK Hoover
Saturday, March 4, 2017, 8:30 AM—4:30 PM Trinity UMC, Ottawa
Richard Foster writes, “The classical disciplines of the spiritual life call us to move beyond surface living into the depths. They invite us to explore the inner caverns of the spiritual realm. They urge us to be the answer to a hollow world.” Using Foster’s work as a beginning point, we will identify inward, outward, and corporate spiritual disciplines that we desire to more fully and consistently practice. Students will be invited to develop a personal Rule of Life and Service and a plan for support and accountability in remaining faithful to their Rule. This course qualifies as a re-certification course for Lay Servants and is also open to all other interested persons. Details and registration
NWP Directors of Pulpit Supply Pastors, if you are in need of Sunday morning pulpit supply and would like to arrange for a Lay Speaker to fill in for you, please contact our District Directors of Pulpit Supply. Nancy Replogle is responsible for the southern part of NWP District including Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Mercer, Van Wert and Wyandot counties. She can be reached at 419.622.3873 or by email at [email protected].
Stephen Brooks is responsible for the northern part of NWP District including Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and Williams Counties. He can be reached at 419.519.3319 or by email at [email protected].
Note: Stephen is unavailable February 1 through April 10. During this time, for pulpit supply, please contact Larry Zuvers at 419.636.2329| [email protected].
Emmaus Events
Findlay Emmaus Gathering (on the third Tuesday) Sidney Emmaus Gathering
Tuesday, February 21, 7 pm Tuesday, March 14, 7 pm
St Marks UMC First UMC
800 S. Main St., Findlay |419.422.4236 230 E. Poplar St., Sidney |937.492.9136
http://www.findlayemmaus.org/ http://www.sidneyemmaus.org/
NW Ohio Emmaus Gathering (on the fourth Saturday)
Saturday, February 25, 6:30 pm
Delta UMC
101 Northwood Dr., Delta |419.822.4195
http://www.nwoemmaus.com/
Emmaus Walks ~ A Journey with Christ
While they were talking and discussing. Jesus himself came near and walked with them. - Luke 24:15
A program of the Upper Room division of the General Board
Discipleship which calls forth and renews Christian discipleship.
The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience, a highly structured weekend, which takes a New Testament look at
Christianity as a life-style. The program is designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and through
them, their families, congregations, and the world.
Findlay Emmaus Walks @ St. Marks UMC, Findlay, OH
http://www.findlayemmaus.org/
Women's Walks Dates
Women's Walk #101 June 8-11, 2017
Women's Walk #102 October 12-15, 2017
Men's Walks Dates
Men's Walk #76 March 16-19, 2017
Men's Walk #77 November 2-5, 2017
Sidney Emmaus Walk @ First UMC, Sidney, OH
http://www.sidneyemmaus.org/
Women’s Walks Dates
Women’s Walk #71 February 23-26, 2017
Women’s Walk #72 July 20-23, 2017
Women’s Walk #73 October 19-22, 2017
Men’s Walks Dates
Men’s Walk #67 March 23-26, 2017
Men’s Walk #68 August 24-27, 2017
Men’s Walk # 69 November 2-5, 2017
Bryan Emmaus Walks @ Wesley UMC, Bryan, OH
http://www.nwoemmaus.com/
Chrysalis is a three day experience of
spiritual renewal open to members of any
Christian denomination, ages 15 to 24. It is
an opportunity to meet Jesus Christ in a
new way. Chrysalis is meant to inspire,
challenge, and equip youth for Christian
action in their homes, churches, communi-
ties and places of work.
St. Andrew’s UMC, Findlay
Boy's Flight #47 - February 24-26, 2017
Girl's Flight #49 - July 7-9, 2017
Boy's Flight #48 - July 21-23, 2017
http://www.findlaychrysalis.org/
Greene Street UMC, Piqua
Boy’s Flight #63 February 18-20, 2017
Girl’s Flight #64 July 7-9, 2017
Boy’s Flight #64 July 28-30, 2017
http://www.westohiochrysalis.com/
(on the second Tuesday)
Local Church and Community Events
Origin of Crop Circles Explored at Lifetree Café map
Research on the cause and after effects of crop circles will be explored at Lifetree Café on Thursday, February 16, 7-8 pm.
The program, titled, “Crop Circles: They’re Not What You Think,” features a filmed interview with Nancy Talbott, a leading international crop circle researcher. During the interview, Tal-bott describes witnessing the formation of a crop circle firsthand.
“This tube of light lit my room up as if I were on Broadway and lit the field up, only for an in-stant,” she says. “Then it disappeared. Before I could think much about it, another came.”
During the program, participants will have the opportunity to discuss their thoughts on the cause of crop circles.
Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Lifetree Café is located at The Bachwell Center, 116 N. Washington Street, Van Wert, OH. Please park behind the courthouse and enter on Court Street.
Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual, comfortable setting. Questions about Lifetree may be directed to First United Methodist Church at 419.238.0631 or [email protected].
Note: Topic for February 23 is “Spiritual but not religious. The Author of The Shack Weighs In.”
The Pandora United Methodist Church will be hosting a FREE Community Meal on Wednesday, February 22, 5:30-7:00 pm in the church fellowship hall, 108 E. Washington Street, Pandora map. The meal this month is provided by Hilty Memorial Nursing Home. The menu will be fried chicken, parsley red potatoes ,mixed vegetables, dinner roll, strawberry shortcake and beverage.
All You Can Eat Pancake Tuesday at St. Mark’s UMC, Lima map
Pancake and Sausage Supper (includes pancakes, sausage and beverages) Tuesday, February 28, 4:30-7:00 PM Adults $7.00 | Children under 12 $3.00 (tickets available at the door) St. Mark’s Church is located at 1110 N. Metcalf St., Lima.
Free Tax-Aide Assistance for Seniors
Beginning this month, middle and low-income taxpayers can receive free help filing their 2016
tax returns from trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers.
Tax-Aide volunteers will be available to meet with persons at the Allen County Council on Aging,
Inc. and at other locations in Allen County. To schedule an appointment please call the Allen
County Council on Aging office at 419.228.5135. You will need to bring your 2016 tax docu-
ments and your 2015 tax return to your appointment.
The Allen County Council on Aging, Inc., provides adult day care, help with chores, information,
referral and assistance, individual outreach, group outreach, senior services resource special-
ists, transportation and caregivers’ program to residents age 60 and older. All services are
rendered on a non-discriminatory basis.
5 Constitutional Amendments Head to Vote
General Conference delegates had their say last year. Now, it's up to annual con-
ference voters to determine whether five amendments will become part of The
United Methodist Church's constitution.
In the coming months, the voters will consider changes that address matters of
gender equality, inclusiveness in membership, delegate and bishop elections, as
well as bishop accountability.
To be ratified, a constitutional amendment first requires at least a two-thirds
vote at General Conference, which happened in May 2016. Then, it must win at
least a two-thirds majority of the total voters at annual conferences around the
world. Read more http://tiny.cc/0qz7iy.
West Ohio Connection and Beyond
LAKESIDE
FOR
YOUTH
CLICK HERE
FOR
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
http://
www.lakesideforyouth.com/
Resources
5 Ways Church Leaders Grasp Momentum By: Dan Reiland
Next to God’s favor, there’s nothing a leader desires more than momentum.
Momentum is a force that is greater than the sum of all your leadership energy,
effort and resources combined.
Momentum is not a mystery—it contains elements like vision and competence,
but it cannot be manufactured upon demand.
Momentum is the spiritual “X Factor” that propels your church forward at a rate
that is difficult to explain. You work hard, but God’s hand is evident in the
momentum of any real substance. The more we understand momentum, the better we can lead toward it. Here are five
thoughts to strengthen your leadership grasp of momentum. Read More http://tiny.cc/ldz7iy
Metrics: A Tool for Learning, Not Judging The current focus on setting numerical goals for ministry and reporting results
is not new, though now greatly expanded. In the past, virtually all goals
churches set related to money. The clearest example is the annual budget: it is
a goal the church works all year to achieve, monitors closely, and reports
regularly on progress.
The most important benefit of defining numerical goals is that goals become
the opportunity to shape planning your church already needs. Read More
http://tiny.cc/wvz7iy
10 Ways to Improve Your Prayer Life By Susan Hogan
Moses went to a mountaintop to hear God. Jesus fled to the desert.
But for many Christians, their most regular place for praying is whatever pew
they sit in on Sundays. Work, children, chores and other duties make stopping
for prayer seem a luxury.
In today's culture, some even joke that that Charles Wesley's quote "pray and
never faint," refers to passing out from an overloaded schedule.
"We forget to intentionally make space for prayer," said Betty Kay Hudson of
First United Methodist Church in Lancaster, S.C. That's not the way it's sup-
posed to be. Souls, like vines, tend to grow wild and weak when untended.
No matter the season on the church calendar - Advent, Lent, Easter, Pentecost -- or all of the times in between, prayer is
the gasoline that fuels Christians.
"Prayer is the catalyst," says the Rev. Jeffrey Kersey, a United Methodist minister in Lexington, S.C.
Prayer, like tennis, takes practice to become accomplished. Spiritual guides and sages, pastors and other church mem-
bers are filled with advice and counsel. Here's some of that wisdom condensed into 10 tips about prayer: Read More
http://tiny.cc/ka07iy
Lima Area Freedom School Seeking Site Coordinator and Student Leader Interns
Lima Area Freedom School is a partnership ministry in Lima offering a summer literacy program for elementary
and middle school youth. We are currently looking to hire a Site Coordinator for a new site and also a number of
Student Leader Interns. The positions are all seasonal, paid positions. For more information or to apply go to our
website at http://limatrinityumc.org/freedom-school.aspx or contact our Executive Director, Rev. Megan Croy at
[email protected] |419.227.0800.
Gospel Magic Presentation Offered Mr. Tim Mabis, who attends Payne St. Paul UMC, is available to bring his Gospel Magic presentation to North-west Plains District churches during Sunday morning or evening worship services. Tim has been doing this for a number of years for many different denominations. If you are interested in hearing more about this special min-istry, please contact Tim at [email protected]. Stackable Chairs Needed
Ney UMC is in need of 50 stackable chairs that are in excellent –very good condition. If there is a
church that would like to donate to this need, please contact Greg Johnson at 419.553.7835 |
Do you have news or something interesting to share? Know of anyone who would like to be added to our Weekly Bulletin e-mail list? Contact Deb via e-mail [email protected] or call 1.800.589.7828.
When e-mailing the district staff, please use the e-mail addresses listed below:
Rev. Barry Burns, District Superintendent: [email protected]
Debra Lee, Office Administrator: [email protected]
Sandy Pergram, Administrative Assistant: [email protected]
