Monday February 1, 2010

● News

Response to Haiti Earthquake
At present the great need for UMCOR, as we work in Haiti, is for monetary donations and Health Kits. ... Your support is needed to help UMCOR’s relief supply depots shelve a reserve of relief supplies in preparation for future disaster needs. Read article ►

Volunteering in Haiti
Mission Volunteers in conjunction with the Jurisdictional UMVIM Coordinators and GBGM staff have recommended and instituted a National Database for volunteers wishing to go to Haiti, when we are invited in.
Find out more ►

New General Secretary for General Board of Global Ministries
The executive committee of the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, acting on behalf of the full board, elected Thomas Kemper of the Germany Central Conference as the general secretary of the agency, effective in mid-March. A press release on the election has been posted on the Global Ministries website.

141 SOW (Sermons of Wesley)
The Conference Council on Ministries (Office of Racial-Ethnic Ministries) recently launched a pilot project entitled 141 SOW (Sermons of Wesley). Racial-ethnic constituencies make for the primary targeted audience but anyone wanting to know more about the teachings of John Wesley and how to make practical application of particular sermon content is invited to attend any/all classes at convenient locations. Scholarly instruction related to 141 SOW will be delivered throughout 2010. For specific information regarding instructors, locations, times, and venues visit 141 SOW or find it on the eocumc web site pulldown menu /ministries/racial ethnic/141SOW.

Nominations Sought for 2010 Van Bogard Dunn Ecumenical Award
The Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns (COCUIC) announces the opening of nominations for the 2010 Van Bogard Dunn Ecumenical Awards. Two awards are given annually, one to a layperson and one to a clergy member of East Ohio Conference. Nominees should be persons who have demonstrated concern for the unity of the Body of Christ (the Church) by involvement in local, district, conference, and ecumenical activities that promote unity and understanding between persons of different faiths or denominations. Nominations must be received by March 1. For more information and the nomination form ►

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. Trip information available here ►

Join Bishop and Elaine Hopkins for a Trip to Oberammergau
The world famous Passion Play at Oberammergau occurs only every 10 years and 2010 is the year. You are invited to join Bishop John and Elaine Hopkins as they journey to Oberammergau on July 13. 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.

● Camps News

Loving Well, the Beth Moore Retreat at Wanake
February 1 is the early registration date for Loving Well, the Beth Moore Retreat at Wanake February 12-14. The price goes up after February 1. You may now register online here.

Cabin Fever Cure
Register now for the “Cabin Fever Cure” Youth Connection Weekend, February 12-14. Youth groups are invited and encouraged to attend. Check out the details here. You may now register online here.

Send in the Clowns
Catch the excitement of clown ministry. Register this week for Send In The Clowns: A Clown Ministry Workshop February 19-21. Want to explore clowning? Are you already a clown in ministry and want to learn more? Check out the details here. You may now register online here.

Wanake’s Confirmation Retreat
Register now and take advantage of the early bird price for Wanake’s Confirmation Retreat (register by February 15th and save). You can now register on line or by mail. Check out the details here. You may now register online here.

Summer Camp
You can register for summer camp now and save! On line registration is open and there are many great opportunities at East Ohio Camps three sites to choose from! Check out Aldersgate, Asbury and Wanake online or in person on a camp preview day (see below) or a day of your choice (contact the site and set up a visit).

Summer Camp Preview Days and Open Houses
As a way to help children, youth, and adults experience our East Ohio Camps the three campsites will be hosting summer camp preview days and open houses with refreshments, tours, information and activities. Dates and places include:

• Camp Aldersgate – February 15 with activities from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., April 10 with activities from 10:00 a.m. – 4;30 p.m. and May 30 with activities from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.;
• Camp Asbury – February 7 with activities from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and April 18 with activities from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.;
• Camp Wanake – February 28 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., March 27 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. includes Wanake’s Resurrection Egg Hunt at 2:30 p.m., and April 25 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

For more information contact 800-831-3972, ext. 108 or check the camps out on the web at www.EOCSummercamps.org.

● 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.

Collide - March 20
Collide is an interactive worship event for youth and their leaders based on Acts 2:44 and will be held March 20 at Church of the Savior UM in Canton featuring The Jesus Painter, Mike Lewis. More 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

Cox/Otterbein Scholarship Fund
Applicants from any local church in the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church seeking graduate preparation for certification and/or ordination as Deacon may apply for funds. Certification can include: Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Music, Church Administration, Camp & Retreat Ministries, Medical studies or other areas of certification sponsored by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Applications for the next school year must be in the hands of the Trustees by April 15. All applications will be processed in May and applicants will be informed regarding the funding decision by July 1. Applicants can receive up to $2,000 total for their academic career with no more than $1,000 per year. For an application contact: Rev. Barbara Deibel, 347 High Grove Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44312-2643, 330-784-3279, or bgdeibel@neo.rr.com.

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/.

MTSO Harding Scholarship Offers Full Tuition Plus $10,000 a Year
Methodist Theological School in Ohio has opened its competition for the Harding Scholarship, offering full tuition plus a $10,000 annual stipend to a student entering in the fall of 2010. More information here ►

Georgia Harkness Scholarships
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is pleased to provide the Georgia Harkness Merit Awards in memory of the life and service of Georgia Harkness, an outstanding teacher and theologian. The program grants a $5,000 award to those chosen as Georgia Harkness Scholars. An eligible candidate must be a woman over 35 who has received a bachelor of arts or equivalent degree, is enrolled full-time in a University Senate approved school of theology in the master of divinity program and who is a Certified Candidate for ordained ministry as an elder in The United Methodist Church. The award is not available for undergraduate, D. Min., or Ph.D. work. Applications and required documents are due by March 1. More information about this scholarship ►

● 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.   

Jackson Area Ministries’ (JAM) Seed Project Continues for 2010
Congregations, United Methodist Women units, Sunday school classes, youth groups and individuals from your annual conference helped Jackson Area Ministries provide vegetable seeds, tomato plants, seed potatoes and even flowers to over 3,000 families and/or individuals.
Find out more ►

● Resources

Women’s History Month
The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women has again developed bulletin covers and inserts for Women’s History Month (March). They can be found at www.gcsrw.org and are free to be downloaded, copied and distributed. They will be available by February 5.

Ash Wednesday Worship
The General Board of Discipleship has provided a free downloadable Contemporary Service for Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is February 17.

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

• Dare to Be Uncommon – Super Bowl Champion Tony Dungy has spent his life shaping young men. NowDungy is ready to share core truths he wants every man to understand, live by, and pass onto others. Read more ►
• A Life God Rewards – Through this video series and study you'll learn that there is a link between your life here and what happens after you die. Read more ►
• The Life of Jesus – is a continuation of the Deeper Connections series and takes us behind the scenes of main events in Jesus’ life to understand what made him extraordinary and to learn how to draw on his transforming power. Ibe rescued from our failures and spiritual death – 6 sessions. Read more ►
• The Forgiveness of Jesus – Jesus came to take away our shame, to forgive us, and allow us to move from guilt and shame to freedom and forgiveness. As we examine the guilt-laden and burdened people Jesus encountered and set free, we will begin to see that he has the same plan for us today. Read more ►
• The Last Days of Jesus – You’re invited to see the behind-the-scenes truth of the main events of Jesus' death—so that his death can affect our lives...today...right where we live...in the midst of our weaknesses and failures. Read more ►
• God's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions – Does the Bible really answer some of life's most difficult questions? How does God provide direction to the common issues that we face? In this six-session DVD study, renowned pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren takes you inside the Bible to discover answers to six of life's toughest questions. 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

The Lovely Bones Rated PG13 ►
Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor-Glader
"The Lovely Bones is a bestselling novel by Alice Sebold (published in 2002) that finds its voice in Susie Salmon (Ronan), a 14-year-old girl who narrates the story. ... Peter Jackson, director of The Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Beautiful Creatures ... has softened the story somewhat to get a PG-13 rating (it’s still brutal and bloody ..."

● 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 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 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 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; thus, 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 February 27 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.  Keynote speaker will be Rev. Paul White and worship leader is southern gospel recording artist, Jonathan White.  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.

February 28-March 3
2010 Young Adult Pastor Leadership Forum
The General Board of Church and Society will sponsor this Leadership Forum in Washington, DC.  This event is for young adult clergy age 35 or younger –serving full time in a local congregation.  GBCS will pay the cost for participant’s room expenses for four nights, program expenses and meal cost.  The participant will be asked to pay a $120 registration fee and the cost of travel.  Participants must be nominated by their annual conference no later than February 1.  If you are a young adult clergy that is interested in this event please contact paulw@eocumc.compaulw@eocumc.com or (800) 831-3972, ext. 136.

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 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.  A full listing of workshops and labs will be available by February 1.  Cost of the event is $5 per person at the door (includes lunch).  This event is designed to help youth become an active and vital part of worship through learning new worship skills and understanding.  You will leave the day ready to plan your own Youth Sunday or other worship events.  For more information contact Susan Brown at Sbrown@eocumc.com; 800-831-3972, ext. 116 or Shawndelle at 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. You will leave San Antonio with new tools for coaching individual disciples and coordinating institutional decisions. These tools will grow your congregation larger in both size and significance.  Your team will also establish new contacts, friendships and peer networks that can assist you for years to come. For 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
Workshop for Local Church Trustees and District Church & Building Location Committees
North Canton Faith UMC will host this event from 10:00 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Cost:is free with lunch included. Some topics that will be discussed include insurance matters, legal issues, endowments, parsonage standards, building codes and regulations, mergers, closing of churches and more.
To reserve your spot, call (800) 831-3972, ext. 123 or via email at vargoj@eocumc.com

July 18-23
PAUMCS Certification Institute:
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) Certification Institute is being held July 18 – 23. The registration fee for the institute is $315.00. This includes course materials, a continental breakfast Monday through Friday, a couple of lunches and dinners (Sunday & Thursday).  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:

• Please pray for the family of Rev. W. Maurice King, retired elder, who died December 20; and for the family of Mrs. Emily Lenore Tully, wife of Rev. Frank Tully, who died December 25.

• Please also pray for our East Ohio UMVIM Trip to Liberia.  Members leave 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.

• Jan. 15, 2010
• Dec. 15, 2009
• Dec. 1, 2009
• Nov. 15, 2009
• Nov 1, 2009
• Oct. 15, 2009
  

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