Below you'll find upcoming events, helpful information, and mission highlights for the West Ohio Conference and Maumee River District. Please visit our website using the link below for additional resources and info, but remember that it is a work in progress with the new districts and website updates!

The District Office will be closed next Wednesday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth.

Deconsecration Service at Camp Widewater

set for June 15th

Former campers, employees, camp counselors, and supporters of Camps Widewater and Otterbein are encouraged to attend deconsecration services this summer. A deconsecration service is a special worship service to honor the land and facilities of a church held property before its closure. We will offer thanks to God for all of the wonderful memories that we have shared at these two West Ohio Camps. There will be an opportunity for a prayer walk, as well as light refreshments. Please bring a lawn chair and dress for warm weather as this service will occur outside, weather permitting. 

The services are set for Saturday, June 15, at 2:00pm at Camp Widewater and Sunday, June 16, at 4:00pm at Camp Otterbein.

MRD Spring Conference & District Moves

The Maumee River District Spring Conference was held at Waterville UMC on Sunday, May 19th. We enjoyed beautiful piano music performed by Rev. Steve Rath and spirit-filled congregational singing led by Mark Kwiatkowski on his guitar. Rev. Haines preached a powerful message around Pentecost with a beautiful spirit-filled altar in the background. We celebrated the clergy that have retired already this year or will be retiring this month. The clergy that graduated or are being ordained were lifted up and the clergy that are moving within the district were announced as well. The Certified Lay Ministers that were renewed were celebrated too. These can all be seen in the attached Spring Conference Bulletin. (Any moves that have happened since the Spring Conference will be added in the next couple of weeks.) Rev. Dee Stickley-Miner gave an informative recap of General Conference. The officers of the Maumee River District were confirmed unanimously.

We would like to thank Waterville UMC and Rev. Teresa Wenrick for hosting us. We all felt welcome and enjoyed the wonderful refreshments! Thank you to all of you that attended the event in support of the upcoming Annual Conference. You are appreciated!

Spring Conference Bulletin

All in Community - Ministry Monday

Cultivating Nurturing Attributes with Self and Others

This month during All In Community’s Ministry Monday information session, we will be introducing our newest coordinator to our team, Dr. Camisha Chambers.

“The nurturing work emerging from All In Community continues to be deeply rooted in the life of Christ, with a new focus following his example of facing trauma and offering teachings on how to rise above it based on Biblical and scientific principles. This work is for all of us, emphasizing the value and inclusion of every individual.” 

Join Dr. Chambers as she shares some exciting opportunities she will be providing this year to help you grow in cultivating nurturing attributes with self and with others on Monday, June 24, beginning at 7:00pm on ZOOM.

Cost: FREE ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED, click HERE  

Please see the flyer for more information. Questions and requests for the ZOOM link can be directed to Jami Nathan, AIC Ministries Coordinator, by email (jami.nathan.22@gmail.com) or phone (419-591-9717)

30th Yesterday’s Treasures Garage Sale 

They say someone’s junk is another persons treasure. Come find out for yourself! Trinity United Methodist Church, 137 N. Pratt Street, Ottawa, will hold a Yesterday’s Treasures Garage Sale on Wednesday, June 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., AND Friday, June 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday will be the Bag Sale on selected items. Anything and everything will be offered – surprises galore. Trinity is handicap accessible. NO EARLY BIRD SALES

35th Annual Interfaith Blood Drive

Interfaith (partnered with Monroe St UMC) is the oldest on-going Interfaith blood drive in the nation & beyond. Interfaith unites people of all ethnicities, races, faiths & genders in peace to save lives. The 4th weekend in June we work together to help cover the blood needs of our citizens over the July 4th holiday. The blood drive will be held on Sat June 29 from 8 to 2 at Grace Lutheran Church 4441 Monroe St. We are having a free raffle for a year membership to the Y & a family package to Cedar Point.

This is our 35th Anniversary. We are celebrating this milestone with a Free gala event. The venue is at Grace Lutheran Church on Sunday June 30 at 5:30. The entrees will represent six different ethnicities; Chinese, Hindu, Italian, Jewish, Mexican & Middle Eastern. After dinner, a warm, inspiring, hopeful & entertaining program with eight faiths & ethnicities will regale us via the Arts, singing, dancing, instrumental & special readings. Following this program, we will indulge in a delicious ethnic dessert bonanza. Reservations are a necessity as we can only accommodate 200 people. To make a reservation for the Gala call Joe Z 419-476-4651. If you have any questions or want more information about the Blood Drive & or Gala call Devorah at 419 356 5280 or email at shalom1836@bex.net.      

West Ohio Annual Conference Celebrates that "God is Able"

The 55th session of the West Ohio Annual Conference was held May 28-June 1 on the campus of Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presided over the conference under the theme, “God is Able,” drawing inspiration from Ephesians 3:20-21.

Addressing the 1100 members of the conference, Bishop Palmer said, “When the flunk is on you, God is able. When you think you’ve hit it out of the park, God is able. When you are ready to hang it up, remember God is able.”



Worship included powerful preaching from Bishop Palmer, Rev. Jessica Stonecypher, a Deacon and vocational agriculture instructor and Rev. Ken Woode, a member of this year’s retirement class. The 100-member Annual Conference Choir, the Ginghamsburg Praise Band, a string quartet, the Milton Ruffin Gospel Chorale and the Brass Band of Columbus brought people to their feet in praise and thanksgiving.

Read the full Annual Conference Summary...

Lay Servant Ministries - The BASIC Course

This course is foundational for all courses in Lay Servant Ministries. Participants are encouraged to discover and employ personal spiritual gifts as God intended and to consider the importance of exercising servant leadership, developing future leaders, remaining rooted in consistent spiritual practices, and being part of a group that holds members accountable in their discipleship. This Basic Course is the first step for those seeking certification as Lay Servants.  (See attached flyer for more information)

Dates/Times: TWO options for taking the class: In-person OR ZOOM

6:30-8:30 PM for each session:

July 23, 25, 28, 30, August 1, 2024

(In-person) location: 6400 Inner Blessing Way, Centerville, OH 45459

Cost: $30.00   ~OR~ Zoom Cost: $15.00

Contact: Lesley Moore - lmoore@wocumc.org - 567-221-7013 or Glen Lash - grlash1015@gmail.com

Students will need to purchase their own text:

Lay Servant Ministries, Basic Course Participant’s Book, Sandy Jackson with Brian Jackson, available at Amazon.com, Cokesbury.com, and store.upperroom.org.

Flyer - for more information

Register Here

Additional LSM offerings coming soon

Lay Ministry is the work of mission or ministry to which each believer is called. As Christians we are all called to this ministry or priesthood – not just clergy. Each of us has a responsibility to proclaim the Good News and reach out to others in love.



Embracing Personal Prayer: Tuesdays from July 16-August 6, 5pm-7:30pm on Zoom only. Sponsored by the Western Lakes District. Register

Lay Pastoral Care Giving: August 18, 20, 22, 25, 27 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom only. Sponsored by the Great Miami River District. Registration coming soon.

United Methodist Polity: Friday, August 23 from 6-8pm (Zoom) & Saturday, August 24 from 9am-5pm (either in person at the Hocking River District office or by Zoom). Registration coming soon.

Public Prayer: September 8, 10, 11, 15, 17 from 6:30-8:30pm on Zoom only. Sponsored by the Great Miami River District. Registration coming soon.

Introduction to Lay Servant Ministries (Basic Course): Friday, October 11 from 6-8pm (Zoom) & Saturday, October 12 from 9am-5pm (either in person at the Hocking River District office or by Zoom). Registration coming soon.

A reminder: Even if you have completed the Basic Course and all of the Core Courses, you need to take an Advanced Course every 3 years as part of maintaining your certification. Not sure what you need next? Contact Michelle at the district office - 419-897-9770 or mrobinson@wocumc.org

Register Now for the – Love Your Neighbor Tour

Registration is open for the Micah 6:8 - Love your Neighbor Tour to Montgomery, AL, to visit the Legacy Museum September 24-27, 2024. This museum is a walk through 400 years of American history from enslavement to segregation and mass incarceration.

This event, inspired by Bishop’s Leadership Summit with Bryan Stevenson, is designed to educate, to give an opportunity to see and reflect how dominant world views have been formed over time, and to see the world through the eyes of our indigenous and black brothers and sisters in Christ. For more information, click here

Monroe Street Freedom School 2024 -

Can You Help?

Monday, June 10 through Friday, July 19 Monroe Street Freedom School returns this summer with reading instruction, STEM enrichment opportunities, and outdoor activities.

We appreciate all who have volunteered and supported Freedom School in the past.  As in previous years, we need many people to help with lunch, to read with children, and to staff the sign-in table. Come join this exciting ministry!

Volunteers can sign up online. CLICK HERE to access more detailed information and to sign up for the dates and times that work for you.

Financial donations may be sent to Monroe Street Neighborhood Center, 3613 Monroe Street, Toledo OH 43606. Please write “Freedom School” on the memo line.

Questions? Contact Barbara Coleman, Volunteer Coordinator, at babc1743@gmail.com or 419-410-1169.

CLICK HERE page 1 page 2 for a flyer with more information about Monroe Street Freedom School. You are welcome to make copies of this flyer as needed.

CLICK HERE for PowerPoint slides that you can use with announcements.

Thank you so much for your support of Monroe Street Freedom School.

Avoid a Higher HealthFlex Deductible in 2025

Attention all individuals and spouses covered by the HealthFlex active (non-retired) healthcare program! It is crucial that BOTH of you complete the Health Check Questionnaire by August 31 to avoid a higher plan deductible in 2025.

To get started, you must first join VIRGIN PULSE by clicking here. This is a quick, easy, and confidential way to complete the Health Check Questionnaire and boost your overall well-being.

Once you’re in, you’ll gain access to a range of wellness resources, including the opportunity to:

• Earn up to $410 per year by participating in HealthFlex well-being programs.
• $100 by taking your annual/Biometric Exam with Quest Blueprint for Wellness Screening.
• 8 free counseling sessions per concern through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with Optum.
• FREE Telemedicine and Behavioral Health Service offered by MDLive.
• Access to Chronic Disease Prevention and Diabetes Management offered by Omada.
• And discounts on Weight Watchers membership.

Read more...

Lakeside Institute:

Camp Like No Other!

 

Lakeside Institute is a camp like no other. Located inside the gates of the Lakeside Chautauqua community, Lakeside Institute has been helping youth and young adults, ages 14-20, further their personal faith journeys for over 100 years!

The theme for camp this summer is “Finding the ME in the WE.” Using Luke 1:28 and the story of Mary as an entry point, youth will explore what it means to claim their God-given identity, while also remaining deeply connected to the larger community where they have been called.

While Lakeside Institute runs through East Ohio Conference, there is a long history of involvement from West Ohio as well. Hilliard UMC has several leaders on staff, including one of the deans (April Andrick) and this year’s chaplain (Rev. April Blaine). The leadership works to create an accommodating and inclusive environment for all young people, including LGBTQIA+ youth.

Campers stay in Wo-Ho-Mis and nearby cabins on the grounds of Lakeside. Youth are welcome to come on their own, or with others from their church. Dates for the 2024 Lakeside Institute are July 21-27. Come and join the fun at Lakeside Institute this summer!

Discover FX Days

Discover FX is coming to your district! You’ve heard about Fresh Expressions popping up all across West Ohio. Here is your chance to explore how fresh expressions could revitalize your church and reach people in your community. Is God stirring something new within you? Fresh Expressions are an effective way to build relationships, serve the people within your context and community, and revitalize your church.

Fresh Expressions are about going outside of the norm, going beyond the typical boundaries of ordinary church to build human community with and among people with whom the church has forgotten, ignored, marginalized, or dismissed. 

Discover FX is a 5-hour immersion into what Fresh Expressions are and how to launch your own expression of church. After the training, optional coaching sessions will be available via zoom to walk with you through launching a fresh expression of church.

Discover what FX can do for your church in a convenient location in your district and learn from your colleagues who are already doing Fresh Expressions in your region.

Training is from 9:30am - 2:30pm and lunch is included.

Cost is $50/person or $25/per team member (Pastor + at least one layperson is recommended)

(assistance available if needed)



Space is limited at each site.

Register Here – Bowling Green First, July 23rd

Register Here – Ada First, September 3rd

New Resource for Congregations Looking to Grow Younger!

Last month over 160 leaders from 45 different congregations across West Ohio came together at Ohio Wesleyan University for Generate 2024. There were six different generations represented during this transformational day of learning, listening, and launching a movement of growing younger. There will be many more stories to share from this day as churches across West Ohio continue to take their next steps in growing younger.

If you missed this event or lost your notes, you can now find the resources shared during the day and hear what others thought by visiting www.generateohio.org. Not only will you find the notebooks and slides shared during Generate, additional resources like summer camp options, connecting with our family ministry networks, and micro-grant information is available. Stop by often as resources are being added frequently. 

Free Tools to Help Manage Small Groups

One of the most important aspects of church life is a vibrant small-group and Sunday school ministry. You can find many free tools to help leaders increase their effectiveness in facilitating these vital programs.

1. REMIND 101 EASY MASS TEXT

Texting is growing as a primary mode of communication and an excellent way to quickly transmit details or changes to people. However, it can be difficult to manage group texts on your phone as members join or leave. Remind 101 solves your texting problems. By texting a code like “@FUMC” to a specific number, members join the text group. Whoever has access to the account can then text the group from any smartphone or web browser. You can even schedule texts ahead of time to remind people of important tasks! And, it’s absolutely free!

Need other ideas for communicating with your small groups? Here are some tools to help you do just that!

2. SIGNUP GENIUS

Signup Genius is the digital version of passing around a list of needed items. A couple of clicks allows you to set important event information, such as the date and time. The next step is creating a list of supplies or tasks. All you need to do is list the paper goods, desserts or other things needed along with the number of each item. After a couple more questions, your signup is live. Next, you simply invite your group to log on with their name and email address and sign up to bring whatever they wish. A couple of days before the event, they’ll get an email reminding them what they signed up to bring! Signup Genius is completely free to users. It is paid for with small ads that appear on the signups.

This a great way for small groups to better organize their meetings, events and outreach.

3.TAKE THEM A MEAL

When small group members have a baby or are going through a difficult time, one of the best ways to offer support is by providing ready-to-eat meals. Take Them a Meal helps coordinate all details of meal ministry. After talking with the family to learn when they would like to receive meals and what sorts of food preferences and allergies they have, any class member can put together a page complete with driving directions and available days.

Once Take Them a Meal is set up, anyone with the invitation can sign up for a meal slot. They will receive an email reminder with delivery details the day before. Take Them a Meal also offers quick and easy recipes as well as a way to order meals to be sent from their third-party vendors. Like the other tools in this list, this service is free.

4. MY ATTENDANCE TRACKER

If tracking attendance is desirable to avoid overlooking people in need, consider My Attendance Tracker. Though it is designed with the face-to-face classroom in mind, My Attendance Tracker could be used for other purposes as well. Once you set up the group, taking attendance is as easy as logging in and clicking “present” or “absent” for each participant. You can even look at attendance trends over time. There isn’t an app for this program, however the website interface was designed specifically to be used on mobile devices so it's simple and fast. This free tool is definitely worth checking out!

Church Reporting

Statistical Reporting - Year End

2023 statistical reporting information was recently emailed out to pastors, treasurers, and administrative council/leadership team chairs.

• Reports were due April 15 - Please complete as soon as possible. Reach out to the district office for any questions or needed help.
• Please make every effort to complete the information online.
• Have your church’s GCFA# ready
• Open this link: https://stats.gcfa.org/Login.aspx and input your GCFA# and the password ACStats2023#
• Once you’re in the system, you’ll establish new credentials for accessing your church’s information. Note that more than one person at a church can establish credentials for inputting data, which should make it easier if in your church different people have access to different data.

For questions around these reports contact Jack Frost, jfrost@wocumc.org. 

Annual Reporting

The information for the church and clergy Annual Reports has also been updated recently and is available for access. These reports include the Fund Balance Report, Trustee Legal & Property, Parsonage Inspection, Clergy Self-Assessment and SPRC Assessments. They can be found on the district website on the Resource tab or by clicking HERE. They are due June 1st.

For questions about these reports contact Michelle at the district office, mrobinson@wocumc.org.

SCRAP METAL DRIVE - YEAR ROUND SERVICE

Do you have an antenna down from a storm? Got sheet metal, or a chain-link fence you’ve wanted to take down? Here’s your chance to do good while cleaning up from a storm or cleaning out the garage, attic, basement, shed, backyard, etc.

Trinity United Methodist Church’s Scrap Metal Drive - All METAL accepted. A dumpster is located in the parking lot at Putnam County Council on Aging, 1425 E. Fourth Street Ottawa, waiting for your cast-offs. All proceeds will go to Trustee projects at Trinity United Methodist Church. Call 419-523-6496 for more information.

ABSOLUTELY NO TV’S, COMPUTER MONITORS, PAINT, TIRES, MATRESSES/BOX SPRINGS or AEROSOL CANS ACCEPTED.     

Rev. Debra Sue Berry Rev. Linda Hedden

Martha Buckalew

Mrs. Lois Brunstrup

Rev. Joyce Fry

Director of Communications: Scioto Ridge UMC - Scioto Ridge is looking for a fulltime, Director of Communications. The Director of Communications oversees all web-based, print, video and social media communications of the church. She/He is responsible for implementing the marketing strategies of the church, as well as helping to develop those strategies. If you or someone you know might be interested, please review the Job Description and send a resume and communications portfolio with video and/or digital content to Pastor Jason at pastorjason@srumc.org.

For more information, and a job description, visit www.srumc.org/employment. 

Director of Children and Family Ministry: Epworth UMC - Active 1000-member congregation seeking full-time (40 hrs. week) director to oversee ministry for children and families including Christian education. Strong Christian commitment, ability to recruit and train leaders and familiarity with Christian Education and Sunday School in the local church is important. Leadership skills and innovative spirit a must. Annual salary commensurate with experience plus expenses, pension, and health benefits. Send resume to Epworth United Methodist Church, 4855 W. Central Avenue, Toledo, Ohio 43615 Phone: (419) 531-4236      EMAIL: office@epworth.com

The Maumee River District Office is open from 9:00am-4:30pm Monday-Thursday. The office is closed on Fridays, but Michelle will still be working from home and available by phone and email. Office appointments can be scheduled on Fridays if needed.