Monday, February 1, 2010

● News

Photo: U.S. Department of State

Response to Haiti Earthquake
Bishop Hopkins has asked that East Ohio United Methodist churches take a special offering in response to the disaster in Haiti.  You may submit donations to East Ohio Conference Advance #418325. Be sure to write “Haiti Earthquake Response” on the memo line.  Please visit the conference website at www.eocumc.com for the latest information regarding the United Methodist response and ways you may be helpful including volunteers-in-mission opportunities.  Additionally, the United Methodist Committee on Relief needs Health Kits.  You will find information regarding the specific items needed and where to send the kits once they have been assembled at www.eocumc.com.  Please check our website and www.umcor.org frequently for the latest updates.

Bishop’s 3Cs Mission Initiative Update
Camphor Mission, where Rev. Kathy and Dr. Dan Dickriede are partners in mission, hosted over 500 people for a week preparing for their annual conference in February. Entire article ►

UMVIM Trips with Bishop’s 3Cs Mission Initiative
As a part of the Bishop’s 3Cs Mission Initiative the conference is offering opportunities for persons to participate in UMVIM Trips to Sierra Leone, Russia and Zimbabwe for 2010.  Find out more ►

Join Bishop and Elaine Hopkins on a trip to Oberammergau
The world famous Passion Play at Oberammergau occurs only every 10 years and 2010 is the year.  More information ►

2010 Historian of the Year
The U. M. Historical Society of Ohio will recognize at its Annual Meeting on April 24, a deserving individual who has contributed to the East Ohio Conference through research and writing of local church history or conference history.  Nominations along with supporting evidence of historical writing and research should be submitted by March 1 to Dr. Al W. Hall, chairman, Commission on Archives & History, 273 Park Place Drive, Wadsworth, OH 44281.  330-334-4296.

UMCOR Celebrates 70 Years of Hope
In 1940, Bishop Herbert Welch issued a challenge to establish a “voice of conscience among Methodists to act in the relief of human suffering without distinction of race, color, or creed.” For 70 years, United Methodists have responded to that challenge, spreading hope to God’s most vulnerable people, through UMCOR. Read article ►

● Treasurer's News

Set Your Sights on Rewards
Earn HealthMiles! January 1, 2010, full-time active clergy enrolled in the Comprehensive Protection Plan (CPP) as well as full-time Conference responsible employees enrolled in the Conference Health Benefit Plan are eligible to enroll in the new physical activity program – Virgin HealthMiles (VHM).

At the end of the first week of January, 30% of the conference’s eligible participants enrolled in the program. It’s not too late - join TODAY! GO to www.virginhealthmiles.com/login. At the bottom of the login page, click on “enroll here”.  (The company name is East Ohio Conference). Follow the steps through the log-in process. If you have any difficulty enrolling or have any questions, contact VHM at the 1-866-852-6898 or contact VHM by email via their site.

● Camps News

2010 Summer Camp Event Listings
and Registration Materials Available Online Now!
East Ohio Camps is excited to announce that the 2010 Summer Camp schedule, information, and registration materials are available online at www.EOCSummercamps.org.  Once you find the event that is right for you, online registration will be ready to go on January 20th.  We can’t wait until you register to join us for Summer Camp 2010.  Please contact us at camps@eocumc.com or 800-831-3972, ext. 108 or 120 with any questions or for more information. 

Your East Ohio Camps Staff: Gary Jones, director of Camping; Margaret Nichols, Camps administrative assistant/registrar; Eric Dingler, director – Camp Aldersgate; Bill Graham, director – Camp Asbury; Julie Lautt, director – Camp Wanake.

● Youth News

Conference-wide Confirmation Retreats
There is still time to register for the Camp Wanake and Camp Aldersgate Confirmation Retreats.  The 2009-2010 Confirmation Retreats will focus on “The Three Simple Rules” looking at the topics of missions, The Social Principles, worship and the means of Grace!  The weekend includes Bible study, games, interactive learning, worship, and more!  Dates and locations of the retreats are: Camp Wanake on February 26-28, 2010; and Camp Aldersgate on March 5-6, 2010 or March 6-7, 2010.  The Confirmation Retreats are a shared ministry of East Ohio Camps and East Ohio Youth.  Registration information.

Save the Dates
Mark your calendars for the following youth events:

• Youth Annual Conference and Cedar Point on June 11-13;
• a 40th Anniversary Reunion of CCYM on July 10;
• and the Adult Youth Leaders Workshop and Retreat on August 13-14 at Camp Asbury.
  

● Grants/Scholarships/Internships

Board of Higher Education Scholarships Are Online

• Racial Ethnic Merit Scholarship
• Merit Scholarship
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Scholarship

Please check this scholarship web page for scholarship details.  The forms are in a PDF format for easy access and downloading.  You may also complete the forms on line and submit via the internet.  Please follow the directions on our website for submission.  The scholarship application and accompanying materials must be postmarked by March 18 in order to be considered by the East Ohio Conference Board of Higher Education.

Information on scholarships and loans available through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry office in Nashville can be found at http://gbhem.org/.

Peace with Justice Day Grant
February 12 is the deadline to apply for a Peace with Justice grant from the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS).  Funding for this program is generated through the Peace with Justice Special Sunday offering of The United Methodist Church. Read more ... 

A grant form is available or contact mscott@umc-gbcs.org or 202-488-5643.  For more information or to request an application form contact mharrison@umc-gbcs.org or 202-488-5645.

Dealine extended for Ethnic Young Adult Summer Internships
The deadline to apply for a 2010 Ethnic Young Adult (EYA) Summer Internship in Washington, D.C., is has been extended to February .  The EYA program is for young adults, ages 18-22, who have an interest in exploring issues of public policy, social justice advocacy and social change. Find out more ►

● Mission Opportunities

Operation Classroom
Operation Classroom of the Minnesota Annual Conference announces two mission trips to Africa. The cost of each mission trip is $3500, which includes all transportation, housing and meals, visas and everything else other than the individual's passport and immunizations.  Sierra Leone, Kabala,  March 10 - 25 to begin constructing a new school building.   Contact team leader at 952-829-7179.  Liberia, Camphor Mission, February 25 - March 15 to work on the guest house.  Contact team leader at 612-598-7743.   

UMVIM North Central Jurisdiction
United Methodist Volunteers in Mission of the North Central Jurisdiction has recently added UMVIM Opportunities (Teams & Projects & Training) to their website.  A number of teams are requesting help in getting more participants.  Visit umvimncj.org and click on the “resources” drop down for both project and future team listings.  These lists are updated at least once a month and are for those looking for a specific team to join or a team needing more participants!

● Resources

The Window
The January/February issue of The Window is now available. Information in this edition includes Congregational Development Newsletter,  In  the Spirit of Economic Justice Workshop, MTSO Mission and Evangelism Institute, Camps Open Houses and Summer Recruitment Flyer, Self-Care Covenant Workshop, UMM Congress Registration Information, Sierra Leone UMVIM Trip Information, Scholarship Information, Epworth Center News, and Media Center Membership. 

If you are not on The Window mailing list and wish to be please send your email address to lmartin@eocumc.com.  By doing this you will be notified each time The Window is updated.

AIDS Toolkit Ready
A hot-off-the-press educational tool kit is now available on the UMC Global AIDS Fund website: www.umglobalaidsfund.org.  Thanks to General Board of Global Ministries staff and many others who worked diligently to develop this excellent resource!  The downloadable kit, “Working Toward an AIDS-Free World: An Educational Kit for United Methodist Churches,” includes resources and information to educate congregations and their communities about HIV/AIDS.  The resource includes: the ABC’s of AIDS, myths and facts about HIV/AIDS, global and jurisdictional HIV statistics, PowerPoint presentations, surveys, worship resources, and much more to help strengthen a local church AIDS ministry.  Remember that East Ohio is attempting to raise $1 per member of each local church in support of our UMC Global AIDS Fund – Advance Special #982345.

Lent Resources
The General Board of Discipleship and United Communications both will offer resources for pastors and other worship leaders to use throughout Lent.  Liturgy for the special services during Lent, as well as explanations of Lenten symbols and ideas for family devotions are at the GBOD website.

Purchase Fair Trade Palms for Palm Sunday
Fair Trade palms harvested from the forests of Mexico and Guatemala are for sale to Christian congregations in the United States and Europe.  The North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (NACEC) and the University of Minnesota Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Agricultural Management (CINRAM) are working together with the Rainforest Alliance TREES program, Smartwood, and TransFair to certify palms harvested from the forests of Mexico and Guatemala for sale to Christian congregations in the United States and Europe.  For more information and how to order.

The Roberts Wesleyan College Wind Ensemble
John Lawrence, pastor of Chippewa Church at the Lake UMC, is privileged to announce The Roberts Wesleyan College Wind Ensemble is seeking 2-3 churches (or schools) in northeast Ohio to host them on their Winter Tour between February 12 - 15 for concerts. The ensemble is 65 members strong, and is an outstanding performing ensemble. They are also looking for overnight accommodations on certain dates.  Contact  518-225-7235 or janette.labarre@gmail.com. If interested, please call soon as there are very few dates left.

Free Worship, Music, Preaching Planning Calendar for 2010:
The General Board of Discipleship is pleased to make this planning calendar for 2010 available that contains the Revised Common Lectionary citations for every Sunday and major day of the church year, as well as United Methodist observances and special days and holidays from the secular and civil calendars.  Print them and give them to your pastors and musicians, worship leaders and planners, choir directors and members, Sunday school teachers, and committee members.

Media Center Resources
The Media Center recently acquired these DVD resources: 

• Ultimate Choice –   Based on the popular Ultimate Choice television series, this multi-tiered program helps your teens get real with their faith by taking an honest look at the struggles of their peers. Read more ►
• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Pastor Peter Scazzero unveils what's wrong with our conventional means of "spiritual growth" and offers seven biblical, reality-tested, transformational steps that will help you live out your faith with authenticity, awareness, and a hunger for God.  Read more ►
• iWorship Voices of the Faithful – This is the companion of Beth Moore's 365-day devotional Voices of the Faithful. Read more ►
• Mudhouse Sabbath – Designed to be a course in Christian formation, this resource will challenge you to encounter the Jewish context that nurtured Jesus; to explore spiritual practices of hospitality, mindful eating, prayer and fasting, and mourning; and to deepen your Christian faith by incorporating these things into your life. Read more ►
• 40 Days of Love – In this 6-session DVD study, Rick Warren shares practical guidance on how to love like Jesus---with patience, kindness, truth, and forgiveness.  Read more ►

To reserve these or other resources, call the Media Center at 800-831-3972, ext. 139 or send an e-mail to sarnold@eocumc.com.  Browse the resource catalog.

● Message in the Movies

Up in The Air Rated R ►
Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor-Glader
"... Up in the Air is being advertised as a comedy – and there are many witty moments to be found in both the dialogue and the performances – but its themes are sober ones:How do you measure success?  How are we defined by our jobs? Where is happiness found? ..."

● Positions Available

Half-Time Director of Youth Ministries for East Ohio Conference beginning July 2010.  Job description information and application is available on the web site.  Deadline for receiving applications is March 1.

● New Event Listings

February 3-4
Moll Lectures
The Moll Chair presents, Dr. William S. Green.  Green is a historian of religion with interests in ancient Judaism, biblical studies, and the theory of religion.  Opening lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening, February 3, and will be delivered in the new Center for Innovation and Growth, 340 Front Street, Berea, Ohio  44017. The second and third lectures follow on Thursday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  The second lecture will be delivered in the Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary Street, Berea, Ohio 44017.  The final session will be a panel discussion and will be delivered in the Strosacker College Union, Sandstone 3, 120 E. Grand Street, Berea, Ohio 44017.  This event is free and open to the public.

February 11
Valentine Dinner Theatre 
The Malone University Chancel Players and Alliance Salem United Methodist Church will present a Valentine Dinner Theatre at the church, located at 14113 Salem Church Street N.E in Alliance.  A catered dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. with the Chancel Players performance to follow.  The public is welcome to attend.  Cost for the catered meal plus theater, $18.00.   Advance tickets via email order churchhelp@aol.com.   For more information or to make a reservation, contact the church at (330) 821-1699.  The Malone Chancel Players is a group of four students who perform faith-based drama in schools and churches as well as for various community organizations. 

February 12-14
Loving Well:  A Weekend With Beth Moore for Women:
Come to Wanake and dig deep into the scriptures.  Beth Moore will guide us via video sessions as we explore what it means to live out Jesus’ command to “Love one another!”  Study, discussion, fun, worship, meeting new friends, and fellowship are all a part of the weekend as we explore 1 John 4:7-8.  Wanake will supply all the meals, materials and leadership.  You bring your Bible, and, if you wish, a friend!  Come ready to be challenged and return home renewed.  For more information.

February 13
Chocolate Jazz Concert
Strongsville UMC will sweeten up Valentine's Day weekend with a "Chocolate Jazz" concert by musician David Wells.  Wells has performed at annual conference; playing the flugelhorn and trumpet performances.  The concert is at 8 p.m.  Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and include the chocolate buffet.

February 15,22 and March 1
Webinar Series on The Gospel of Luke
The Drew Theological School Center for Continuing Education will present this three-part series of 75 minute webinars on the following dates: February 15 will be “Luke: Gospel of Prayer,” conducted by Stephen Moore, professor of New Testament Studies; February 22 will be “Luke: Gospel of the Poor,” also conducted by Stephen Moore; and March 1 will be “Luke: Gospel of Women?,” conducted by Althea Spencer-Miller, assistant professor of New Testament.  Each webinar will begin at 11:00 a.m. and you may sign up for one or all of the seminars.  Cost is $15 for each or $40 for the series.  .4 CEU will be available for the completion of all three webinars.  Register online.  For more information, contact nvanderveen@drew.edu or 973-408-3084.

February 19-21
Clown Ministry
Check out this weekend of learning, outreach, and “clowning around.”  Learn the basics or expand your knowledge.  Meet others who clown and network.  Share tips, try new ideas, and enjoy the fellowship of others who share your interest.. For more information.

February 20
Self-Care Covenant Workshop
The East Ohio Conference Health and Welfare Task Group on Clergy and Congregational Wellness is hosting this Self-Care Covenant Workshop at Brecksville UMC.   Cost is $25 for the workshop.  Seating is limited; thus, registration is on a first-come first-serve basis.  For more information.

February 20, April 24 and October 21
Evangelism Academy 2010: “Got Fish?”
All clergy and laypersons are invited to attend.. All 3 sessions will be held at North Canton Grace UMC from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with registration at 8:30 a.m.  The $5.00 registration fee for each session includes lunch. The first session on February 20, is a workshop, “Reaching Our Neighborhood”.  The morning session, “Find Fish!” will be a training session on the demographic tool, MissionInsite, lead by  Rev. Dirk Elliot.  In the afternoon, “Go Fish!” will be an interactive session on how to reach people for Jesus Christ lead by Ken Willard, author and educational consultant for Leadership Base Camp, corporate trainer and layperson from the Missouri Conference. The second session on April 24 will feature  Rev. Dr. Paul Borden, director of Growing Healthy Churches in Northern California.  The third session will be held October 2.   For more information contact dodgej@eocumc.com.   The Evangelism Academy 2010 is sponsored by the conference Evangelism Committee. 

February 23-25
Children’s Ministry Forum ’10
The Large Church Initiative and The General Board of Discipleship are joining together to “Fill My Cup, Lord.”  The event will be held February 23-25 in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Even though the event is sponsored by the Large Church Initiative it is for churches of all sizes.  For more information.

February 26-28
Tetélestai
 Lafayette UMC , 6201 Lafayette Road, Medina, OH  44256  will present the passion play “Tetélestai”.  The word Tetélestai means “It is finished,” the last words of Jesus as he died on the cross.  Tetélestai is produced locally by Cleveland Performing Arts Ministries.  Performances are scheduled on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 3:00 p.m.  The play lasts approximately two hours with a short intermission.  A reception follows each performance.  Doors open one hour before the performance.  There is no admission charge; however, free will offerings will be welcomed at the end of each performance.  For more information.

February 27
Self-Care Covenant Workshop
The East Ohio Conference Health and Welfare Task Group on Clergy and Congregational Wellness is hosting this  Self-Care Covenant Workshop at J.I.M.’s Place across from First UMC in New Philadelphia.  Cost is $25 for the workshop.  Seating is limited; registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. For more information .

February 27
2010 Men’s Congress
East Ohio Conference United Methodist 2010 Men’s Congress will be held under the theme of “Leaving A Legacy.”  The event will be from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Tallmadge UMC, 207 North Munroe Road, Tallmadge, OH 44278.  Workshops for the day will include: Developing Leaders for Your Church, What is Calvary Mission, Soul Care Center, Healing Oils of the Bible, and Older Adult Ministry.  Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch and workshops for a cost of $25 for EMS member/spouse if postmarked by February 1 or $30 for non-EMS member/spouse or not postmarked by February 1.  Every attendee is also encouraged to bring a sack of potatoes.  Registration is to be sent to Mr. Rod Erskine, 22827 Lake Road, #5, Rocky River, OH 44116.  For further information and registration form.

March 1
“Christian Scripture and Disability: Confronting the Challenges”
A continuing education event will be from  1, 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Green Valley UMC, , 620 East Turkeyfoot Lake Rd., Akron, Ohio 44319.  Dr. David Watson, assistant professor of New Testament and associate dean of Program Development, United Theological Seminary will be the presenter for this two-session seminar. Dr. Watson will explore how the Bible, especially the New Testament, deals with disability.  This program is open to both clergy and laity.  The seminar is sponsored by United Theological Seminary, East Ohio Conference Alumni/ae.  The cost is $20, which includes lunch.  Reservations are made through glolin456@aol.com, or  RevSally@aol.com, or phone 419-798-1819.

March 12
Retirement Seminar
The Board of Pensions Retirement Seminar for the Class of 2010 will be held at the Sheraton Suites in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, followed that evening with a joint BOP and Board of Ordained Ministries Retirement Dinner. If you are planning to retire in 2010, and wish to attend this event, your retirement letter to the bishop must be received and processed by the bishop’s office no later then Wednesday February 24. For questions, please call 1-800-831-3972 ext 103 or ext 151.

March 15-16
The Mission and Evangelism Institute at MTSO
This is jointly sponsored by MTSO, West and East Ohio Conferences under the theme of “Small Yet Significant – Missional Renewal of the Small-Membership Church.”  Keynoters are Dr. Anthony Pappas and Dr. Robin Knowles Wallace.  This year’s Mission and Evangelism Institute seeks to strengthen small-membership and rural congregations that face unique challenges due to population shifts and economic changes.  For more information and registration.

March 20
In the Spirit of Economic Justice- Ohio Poverty, A Call to Action
Church and Society Committee is sponsoring this event at Uniontown UMC.  Keynote speaker is Dr. Yvonne Zimmerman, assistant professor of Christian Ethics at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Workshops offered will include:  Impacting Ohio’s Legislative Process, Health Care Services, Hunger Net Ohio and Support Services for the Unemployed.  For more information contact bwing@roadrunner.com

March 20
Collide- Interactive Worship
Collide is an interactive worship event for youth and their leaders based on Acts 2:44 and will be held at Church of the Savior UM in Canton.  This event is sponsored by the Conference Council on Youth Ministries and will feature The Jesus Painter, Mike Lewis.  Doors open at 9:00 a.m. with worship at 9:30 a.m., workshops at 10:45 a.m., lunch, worship labs at 1:00 p.m. and closing worship at 3:45 p.m. with persons headed home by 4:00 p.m.  Cost of the event is $5 per person at the door (includes lunch).  For more information contact Sbrown@eocumc.com; 800-831-3972, ext. 116 or Shawndelle@eocumc.com; 800-831-3972, ext. 132.

March 20
A Day of Rethinking Stewardship
Church of the Lakes UMC, Canton will host this event.  Sponsored by the East Ohio United Methodist Foundation, the day features keynote speaker Rev. David Bell who will present two topics:  Overcoming the Money Fear Factor in Church:  Practical Tips on Talking About Money and Encouraging the Joy of Generous Giving:  A Call to Financial Discipleship.  He will also lead a break out session about capital campaigns.  Other break outs include Blessed Details with Rev. Yvonne Conner, North Coast District; Generational Differences in Charitable Giving with Matt Stinson, Mount Union College, How to Successfully Research and Secure Grants from Foundations with Charlie Benko, Laurel Wirtanen-Siloy and Jennifer Hemmerlein, Berea Children's Home and Family Services; Year Round Stewardship with Rev. Bill Buckeye, the conference stewardship chair; and Planned Giving:  Your Future May Depend On It with Brian Sheetz from the East Ohio United Methodist Foundation.  Cost is $7 per person and includes lunch. For complete information and registration.

April 12-15
Large Church Initiative 2010 Conference
University United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas, will be the host for the Large Church Initiative 2010. The goal for the 2010 national training event is to introduce you to leading thinkers, major speakers, cutting-edge systems for making disciples and making decisions that make disciples. More information and registration.

April 15-18
28th Annual PAUMCS Conference
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) will hold it 28th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida.  Educator, speaker and author, Barbara Bruce; educator and Director of InfoServe, Vicki Wallace; and Assistant Director of Records and Statistics, Buena “Beanie” Rankin will be featured presenters.  Early registration and souvenir deadline is March 1.  For additional information go to www.paumcs.org or contact barbking@rochester.rr.com. 

April 24
Trustee Seminar:
A seminar for Local Church Trustees and District Church, Building and Location members will be held at North Canton Faith UMC from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  There will be a variety of topics and workshops offered.  This is a free workshop with lunch included.  Reservations will be taken in March.  Watch for further details in upcoming editions of the E-News.

July 18-23
PAUMCS Certification Institute:
The registration fee for the institute is $315.00. This includes course materials and some meals.   Travel, room, additional meals and any other incidentals are the responsibility of each participant.  Arrangements have been made with Emory University for air-conditioned dormitory rooms at $38.00 for singles, per day and $30.00 per person, per day for doubles.  If someone needs financial help there is a limited amount of scholarships that cover the cost of the registration fee but a written request explaining the need for the scholarship is required.  For more information and registration.

Events calendar
Follow this link to the events calendar for a complete listing of ALL conference, jurisdictional/general church and local events.

● Pray for

Please pray for:

• the family of Mrs. Charlene R. Mathias, surviving spouse of Rev. Albert Mathias, who died January 16.

  The East Ohio UMVIM Trip to Liberia.  Members left on January 26 and will return on February 8.  This UMVIM trip is a part of the Bishop’s 3Cs Mission Initiative on Churches, Classrooms and Clinics.

Back editions of E-news will be archived for three months.

INFORMATION from this E-NEWS may be copied and used in your local church