May 1, 2008

Black Theologian Day Reservations Must Be Made by May 2:
Black Theologian Day will be May 12 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. at the Aldersgate UMC,Warrensville.  Christian Washington, managing director of REAL Coaching, Inc. of Houston, Texas will be the guest theologian.  Reservations for this day are required and must be made by May 2 at sgriffin@eocumc.com or (800) 831-3972, ext. 132.  Washington started REAL Coaching  in 2004 as the first “rapid solutions” consulting practice that focuses on faith-based and non-profit organizations.  Washington worked for The WildWorks Group as a lead facilitator.  His work has ranged from complex strategic planning and organizational development, to customer focus groups with a diverse group of corporations and non-profit organizations.

Youth Annual Conference 2008 Early Bird Registration Ends May 16:
Don't forget that the Early Bird Registration price ends May 16.  All you want to know about YAC 08 found here.   If you have questions or if there are ways that we can help your group become part of YAC '08 please (800) 831-3972, ext. 116 on Tuesday or Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. or contact (800) 831-3972, ext. 132 Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Peace with Justice Sunday:
On May 18 United Methodist churches will celebrate “Peace with Justice Sunday” by receiving a special offering. The offering enables the denomination’s voice in advocating for peace and justice at home and around the world.  Peace with Justice Sunday gifts empower compassionate people to advocate for human rights, buy fair-trade products, care for the environment, demonstrate for important causes, eradicate poverty, feed the hungry, mediate conflict, provide health care, seek affordable housing and model nonviolence. The Special Sunday offering funds global outreach through the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society (GBCS) and annual conference-related peace with justice ministries that transform lives.  Peace with Justice Sunday is a way people can give from a place of faith, according to Adrienne Fong, Peace with Justice coordinator, California-Nevada Conference. “I know there are many times people give to non-faith organizations that do human rights, peace and environmental justice work, but if they knew they could give from within the church,” she emphasized, “I think they would.  It makes me really proud to be United Methodist because we address so many issues through the Special Sunday offerings, especially Peace with Justice.”  Half of the Peace with Justice offering goes to the GBCS for grants to special programs.  The other half remains with annual conferences for peace with justice ministries.  Every annual conference has a peace with justice coordinator, and a committee headed by that coordinator determines how the conference money will be used.  Six ways to celebrate and promote Peace with Justice Sunday: 1) Plant a community peace garden and harvest food that can be donated to a local food bank or shelter.  2) Contact Habitat for Humanity and encourage members of your church to participate in a “Faith Build.”  3) Create a peace minicamp for school-age children in your congregation.  Provide training in peaceful conflict resolution and anti-bullying.  4) Establish a Bible study at a local prison.  Ask Sunday school classes to provide volunteers to lead weekly studies and discussions.  5) Plan a congregational peace rally.  Invite Sunday school classes in all age groups to make signs about peace and justice issues close to their hearts; post the signs throughout the church.  6) Dedicate a church service to peace and justice issues.  Use hymns like “We Shall Overcome” and “Let There Be Peace on Earth” to punctuate the importance of world peace.  Ask children to share prayers for peace that they have written.

Tickets for Special Events Must be Purchased Before Annual Conference
This year, the Lakeside Association is holding to their policy that requires a guaranteed number of reservations 14 business days prior to each event date.  Because of this policy, special event tickets will not be for sale during annual conference.  To purchase tickets for an event, please call the Conference Office, 1-800-831-3972 , ext. 133.  The deadline for purchasing tickets is Friday, May 30.

Allen Laferty Elected Vice Chair of ACLL
At its recent meeting in Fort Worth, Texas the Association of Conference Lay Leaders elected Allen Laferty of East Ohio as their vice chairperson.  Allen will serve a two-year term for this association of lay leaders from across our United Methodist denomination.

United Methodists Receive $5 Million To Help End Child Malaria Deaths
As it commemorated World Malaria Day on April 25, The United Methodist Church announced it will receive a $5 million grant from the United Nations Foundation, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to help eliminate malaria and other diseases of poverty.  Bishop Thomas Bickerton revealed the grant at the United Methodist General Conference, the denomination’s top legislative body meeting in Fort Worth through May 2.  “We hope to use this $5 million to support a fundraising and educational campaign to help end deaths of children from malaria.  The goal is to raise $100 million over the next several years for programs in Africa to fight malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and to support the Global Fund,” said Bickerton.  The United Methodist Church is embarking on a global health initiative aimed at combating diseases of poverty. The denomination has recently entered into an expanded partnership with the United Nations Foundation to help end malaria deaths.  "The United Nations Foundation's Malaria Partnership is proud to be working with The United Methodist Church to help eliminate malaria deaths," said Elizabeth McKee Gore, executive director of partnership alliances at the UN Foundation."The church's 11.5 million members have already been sending anti-malaria nets and saving lives through the Nothing But Nets campaign.  We are looking forward to continuing to fight malaria through the Malaria Partnership."  The people of The United Methodist Church are founding partners in Nothing But Nets, a campaign to prevent malaria by sending life-saving insecticide-treated mosquito nets to children and families in Africa. More than $18 million has been raised to date and more than 700,000 nets have already been delivered to families in Africa.

Gallup Poll Gives Methodists Highest Positive Ratings
Methodists have the highest positive ratings of religious and spiritual groups in the United States, new research by the Gallup Panel shows. Here is the link for the poll results.

APPOINTMENTS:
Rev. Pat Allen-Lintella to Burbank and Trinity UMCs in the Firelands District.
Rev. RuthAnn Bosley to Asbury and Sandy Valley UMCs in the Tuscarawas District.
Rev. Jeff Croft to Galena and All God’s Children UMC in the Mid-Ohio District.
Rev. Nancy Parsons to Main Street UMC in Byesville in the Southern Hills District.
Rev. John Wolf to Southington UMC in the Mahoning Valley District.

Media Center News: 
Pastors who attended Duke Divinity School, have praised the classes taught by Dr. James “Mickey” Efird and suggested the Media Center carry his video Bible studies.  He is unquestionably a master teacher with southern wit and charm. Designed to use in Sunday school classes or small groups, each Efird Bible Study is divided into 20-minute video segments, providing maximum flexibility while requiring a minimum of prep time.  The studies are for groups who want to seriously delve into the Bible.  The studies were recorded as Dr. Efird presented them to live church audiences.  Several years ago, the Media Center purchased Efird’s study of Revelation, and The Passion Narratives in VHS.  More recently we purchased The Birth Narratives in DVD.   Now we have added all four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and the much needed studies of Wisdom Literature on Job, Ecclesiastes, Ruth and Jonah, Esther, and finally Song of Solomon, Daniel Wisdom Teachings, Apocrypha Wisdom, and Gospel Wisdom.  We recently placed many other new resources in the Media Center.  To reserve resources or to learn more about these and other resources, call the Media Center at 800-831-3972, ext. 139, e-mail ray@eocumc.com, or check the online catalog.

News from Your Credit Union
The Credit Union’s Annual Meeting/Brunch is May 17 at Faith United Methodist Church in North Canton, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  All Credit Union members who plan to attend should make their reservations by Friday, May 9.  Don’t miss out on a wonderful meal and informative meeting.  Please contact (800) 831-3972 ext. 104, or complete the reservation form on line at www.eoccu.org.

From General Board of Discipleship:
Two Hymns for Mother’s Day:"God, We Praise You for the Women" Dan Damon is a United Methodist pastor in Richmond, California, and a gifted musician, piano player, composer, arranger, and hymn writer.  In this hymn he has put his gifts to the task of writing a Mother’s Day hymn that celebrates mothers, their roles and gifts, reflecting the demands placed upon them and the strength they often exhibit.  Another hymn is “Arise All Mighty Women”, "Arise All Mighty Women. This text by Lisa Quoresimo is based on Julia Ward Howe’s original “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” which led to the creation of Mother’s Day as we know.  It uses the music of another hymn text by Howe, “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” (UM Hymnal no. 717).  Lisa Quoresimo is the music director at Temple UMC in San Francisco.

Please Pray For:
The family of Rev. Ivan F. Dornon, retired elder, who died April 23.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Healthcare Summit:
The Ohio Council of Churches will sponsor a Healthcare Summit May 13 at North Broadway UMC in Columbus.  It will be designed to give the faith community information about potential solutions to the uninsured and underinsured health care problem in Ohio.  For information or registration contact (614) 885-9590, ext. 15.  

Revitalizing Your Church through Worship Seminar:
Design worship to reach your unique mission field, teach worshippers about outreach, build an enduring climate to enhance worship changes, grow worship teams that multiply, encourage a culture of radical hospitality in worship, and coach worshippers toward a personal sense of mission.  This seminar will be held May 16 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. and May 17 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Lakewood UMC, 15700 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107.  Registration is limited to 20 churches.  The lead pastor and the worship leader must attend.  For more information.

A Healing Weekend, sponsored by the West Ohio Conference will be held May 16-18.  The weekend will include group discussions, workshops, worship and music.  Some titles from the workshops include:  Long-Term Survivor Discussion, Power of Positive Thinking and Medical Massage. Healing Weekends are designed for persons living with HIV/Aids as well as friends, families and caretakers. For more information contact (419) 514-8006 or kathie.king@attt.net

Become a Coach: Coaches Serving Ministry Professionals will be offered by the Gault Center for Christian Leadership at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio on May 30 – 31, September 26 – 27, and November 15.  This introduction and orientation to coaching will help interested participants discover the value and place of coaching in their Christian ministry.  Registration deadline May 5.  For more information call (740) 362-3340 or visit www.gaultleadershipcenter.org.

Alpha At Your Church
Alpha is a ten-week practical introduction to the Christian faith.  Each week there is a simple meal, a video presentation, and small group discussion.  Churches of every size and setting are using Alpha to reach new people with the Gospel.  Come to Wildare UMC in Cortland on May 31 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to learn more.  $10 per person or $15 per church.  Lunch is included.  Please call (330) 499-2330 or e-mail dtailwind@aol.com to register by May 23.  This event is sponsored by the East Ohio Conference UMC Evangelism Team.

Elevation! Worship Leaders Retreat
June 16-20, 2008, this retreat is for worship leaders Check the registration brochure for non-participant companion rates!  The retreat will be held at the Zephyr Point Conference Center.  Cost of $595 includes tuition, meals and housing.  For more information and registration email worshipworkshop@aol.com; phone: (877) 387-7977; or visit http://www.marciamcfee.com 

Blessed to Be a Blessing - A National Conference for Christian Educators and Preachers:
The Christian Educators Fellowship and Preaching from the Center joint conference, "Blessed to Be a Blessing,"  will bring together two events – the CEF national conference and Preaching from the Center (sponsored by the General Board of Discipleship) in Albuquerque, NM - Hyatt Regency Hotel and Albuquerque Convention Center, October 24-27.  Clergy and laity, professional staff and volunteers, preachers and those involved in any form of Christian education are invited.  Details available here.  Use the code CEFPFTC01 when you register by April 30th and save $40 off your registration!  Additional discounts are already in effect for students and churches that bring three or more participants, CEF members, and others.

SCHOLARSHIP/INTERN/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:

Mabel D. Russell - Black College Fund Award:
The Mabel D. Russell – Black College Fund Award provides a minimum award of $1,000 to eligible applicants.  Applicants must be a member of The UMC for at least one year, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher, be a citizen or permanent resident of the U.S., and be enrolled or planning to enroll in one of the historically Black Colleges and Universities of The UMC.  This fund was established in 1978 as a bequest in the Last Will and Testament of Mabel D. Russell to provide scholarship assistance to students attending institutions supported by The Black College Fund of The United Methodist Church.  Deadline for applications is May 15.  Download an application

EAST OHIO CAMPS

Still Time for Camp Asbury Open House:
Camp Asbury will hold their Open House on May 4 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.  You can expect camp tours, refreshments, some question and answer time with the staff, and maybe some fun camp activities.  If you need directions call (800) 831-3972, ext. 108 for maps and directions.  See You At Camp!!

CAMP PROMOTIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
Looking for ideas on how to promote the camping program?   East Ohio Camps have excellent, easy access materials for encouraging summer camp attendance in your congregation or neighborhood.  Find a children’s sermon, a skit, materials for a camping Sunday worship service (liturgy, hymns/songs, scripture, etc.), newsletter and bulletin blurbs, a Sunday school lesson (about prayer), an after-school program or youth group session (about prayer), and promotional ideas.  Need more information or brochures?  Contact (800) 831-3972, ext. 108 or nicholsm@eocumc.com

Family Camp Memorial Day Weekend
CAMP-O-RAMA is a camping experience for families of all sizes and stages at Camp Wanake Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-26.  Relax with family and fellowship with friends.  Pitch a tent, park the RV, rent a cabin, or book a retreat center room.  Cook your own meals, swim, canoe, hike, rock climb, and enjoy a wagon ride.  For more details or a schedule, contact Wanake at WanakeInfo@verizon.net, call (330) 756-2333  or visit Wanake. 

Attention Handbell Choirs:
Wanake Rings!  Wanake’s First Handbell Festival still has a few openings for choirs.  Enjoy the first Camp Wanake Handbell Ring on Saturday, May 31 from 12:30 - 7:30 p.m. with your handbell choir.  Our conductor is Melissa A. Emerson, associate music director at the Messiah UMC, Westerville.  The event will begin with set up and a Director’s Class at 12:30 p.m., followed by a 1:30 p.m. practice.  Following dinner the 6:30 p.m. evening concert is open to the public.  Cost is $15 per person, plus $25/choir.  For registration and more information contact Wanake at WanakeInfo@verizon.net or (330) 756-2333.

Introduce Your Congregation to Camp with “One Day Adventure”
This introductory day of camp is for children and teens entering 1^st-9^th grade in the fall of 2008 (just finishing K-8^th grade).  The One Day Adventure includes games, a cookout, Bible study, swimming, and hiking.  Older campers will also get to plan their day including the additional options of canoeing and rock climbing.  The date is Tuesday, June 17, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with a parent program at 4:00 p.m. that will last about 30 minutes.  There will be an optional wagon tour of camp available following the 9:00 a.m. check-in for parents and after the program at 4:30 PM for families.  The cost for the day is $5/child.  If you would like to register one child or wish to bring a large group, please contact the Wanake office at WanakeInfo@verizon.net or (330) 756-2333 by June 3.  Each camper must register and complete both registration and health forms.

WORK DAYS FOR WANAKE:
Do you enjoy sewing, crafts, carpentry, or woodworking?  Wanake has projects you can do at home or in your community. Contact the Wanake office at  Wanake@verizon.net or (330) 756-2197.  Then plan to join us this spring for work days on Saturdays, April 19 and May 10. Or plan a work day for your group, congregation or community at Wanake.  We are building a survival hut and packout center this winter and spring. 

Missionaries Needed at Camp Wanake
Wanake is looking for additional people who can give of themselves for a day, a partial week, a week, or an entire summer.  Paid and volunteer positions are available.  Contact Wanake for more information at WanakeInfo@verizon.net or (330)756-2333.

LOCAL CHURCH/DISTRICT: 

Kent State University will be demolishing the Small Group residence halls this summer.  As a result there are 800 wooden beds, possibly desks and dressers that will be land-filled unless needed.  If you know of any agency, mission or ministry that can use some or all of this furniture, please contact (330) 673-5687 or ucm@kent.edu before June 15.  

“The Singing Nuns”, a musical group, will come to the Chapel Coffee House on Sunday evening, May 11, to bring the music of the movie “Sister Act” and more to the informal service.  This should be a fun evening of worship and fellowship.  The Coffee House, at Smith’s Chapel UMC on State Route 83 near Hackney opens at 6:30 p.m. with coffee and goodies, and the informal service begins at 7 p.m.  

Trinity, Ebenezer, Grace, McKendree, Pisgah, Smith’s Chapel, and Reinersville UMCs invite you to a Family Fun Fest to be held June 7 from 10:00 a.m. until late afternoon at Commons & Grove.  Enjoy good music, food, games for all ages, storytellers, a dynamic speaker and more.  Music will include Krusade, Spiritual Road, The Good News Gospel Singers, Jessica Singer, and others.  

Montrose Zion UMC is sponsoring this annual golf outing at Rawiga Country Club on July 28. Prizes will be donated to the 3C’s Mission Initiative, (Churches, Clinics & Classrooms) in the name of the pastor’s local church.  Looking for pastor’s foursomes. The format is best ball. For more information contact (330) 665-9817 or (330) 864-9759.

North Royalton UMC will be hosting One Way Street for a Summerfest/Puppet workshop on August 2 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  You are invited to attend. For more information.


POSITIONS AVAILABLE:


Administrative Assistant to the Director of Connectional Ministries of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church beginning late June 2008.  Computer skills required: Microsoft Word, Excel, Access.  Must be able to use standard office equipment and work as a team.  35 hours per week.  For application and detailed job description call (800) 831-3972, ext. 135 or visit www.eocumc.com.  Send resume to Director of Connectional Ministries, PO Box 2800, North Canton, OH 44720.  Prefer to receive resumes by May 5.

Ashtabula First UMC is looking for a dynamic youth worker for a Christ-centered ministry with youth and their families.  BA and related experience required.  20hr/wk position.  Salary negotiable.  Please contact wattshisname@windstream.net  or 4506 Elm Ave, Ashtabula 44004 with resume or for more information. 

MORE UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION:
can be obtained by visiting our East Ohio Conference web site at www.eocumc.com or: diane@eocumc.com or (800) 831-3972, ext. 135.  Events within the next six months include:  

Aldersgate 2008 Aldersgate ’08 is a national conference on spirit-filled living to be held July 2-6 in Columbus, Ohio.  For information and registration.

SOULfeast 2008, July 20-24 at Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center in North Carolina under the theme of “The Heart of Pilgrimage: Living by the Spirit.”  Visit SOULfeast 2008.

Five-Day Academy for Spiritual Formation sponsored by the West Ohio Conference UMC will be held July 29 – August 3 at the Spiritual Center of Maria Stein, 2365 St. Johns Road, Maria Stein, Ohio, 45860.  Leadership for the academy includes Sister Dawn Mills and Robert Morris, founder of Interweave.  Registration is due by June 1.  For further information contact (419) 782-2657 or bchrisman@adelphia.net.

Worship, Preaching, and Music From The Center
This event for pastors, musicians, and worship leaders sponsored by The General Board of Discipleship’s Discipleship University will be held January 15-18 in Nashville, Tennessee. Event and registration information or contact (877) 899-2780, ext. 7070, or email jmusterman@gbod.org.

SHARE YOUR CELEBRATING STORY
The conference wishes to celebrate the many ministries of our local churches.  We would like to make “Celebrating the Church” a regular feature of the E-News.  If you have an exciting ministry you would like to share please e-mail your story to paulw@eocumc.com.