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MISSIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Mission Opportunities (In EOC)

Upcoming All In Community events can be found here.

Church Disaster Response Contact Orientations, Multiple Dates, Online
In 2024, the Disaster Response Committee asked each church to identify a disaster contact person in the event of a local disaster. This is because when disaster strikes, the appointed pastor will most likely be very busy and in need of someone to assist them. About 170 churches named a disaster contact and since this is a new leadership position, the committee is hosting online orientations. These orientations are open to anyone who might be interested in becoming their church’s disaster response contact in the future.

• Northern Waters District on March 25 at 7:00 p.m.
• South Forest District on March 29 at 9:30 a.m.
• Central Valley District on April 6 at 4:00 p.m.

To receive the link to the online orientation, please register below. Questions about EOC and local church disaster response should be sent via e-mail to Tom King, Disaster Response Committee chairperson.

Registration and Details

Poverty Simulation | April 5 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Loudonville UMC, 124 N. Market St., Loudonville, OH 44842

Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. CAPS is an interactive, immersive experience. It sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. This simulation is free, but you must register by April 2. This event needs about 15 facilitators and at least 30 people registered to be successful. Ages 13 and up are welcome so this would be a great activity for youth groups. Keep in mind: this is a simulation, not a game.

Registration and Details
Flyer

Green Church Training | April 23 in Ashland
Green Church Training provides a solid foundation for moving your church toward green solutions. The training includes Biblical, Wesleyan, and United Methodist teachings on creation care; tips for forming a Green Team at your church; and plenty of ideas and suggestions for creative ways to green your church - plus time to plan and dream with your church team! The training must be attended by at least two people from each church (either two lay or one lay, one clergy). After completing the training, churches will either create a Green Team (if they do not already have one) or complete a green project at their church.

The training will take place at Ashland First UMC on April 23 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Cost of the training is $50 for a church team of two people; additional church members are welcome to attend at $10 per person. Dinner will be provided. Please register all participants from your church at the same time. The last day to register is April 15. Contact Melanie Thomas by e-mail with any questions.

Registration and Details
Flyer

Poverty Simulation | April 26 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Mentor UMC, 8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060

Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand. The Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. CAPS is an interactive, immersive experience. It sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. This simulation is free, but you must register by April 24. A light lunch will be provided. This event needs about 15 facilitators and at least 30 other participants to be successful. Ages 13 and up are welcome, so this would be a great activity for youth groups! Keep in mind: this is a simulation, not a game.

Registration and Details
Flyer

Mental Health First Aid Training | April 29 in North Canton
Did you know that people who are religious are more likely to seek mental health services from a faith leader than a mental health professional? Faith leaders are often the first sought out when individuals are dealing with trauma, substance abuse, or mental health issues. When equipped with information and insight, churches and faith-based organizations have a significant role in assisting people toward accessing mental health treatment from a trained mental health professional.

The training is sponsored by EOCUMC Missions & Community Engagement and will take place at the EOCUMC Area Center in North Canton on April 29 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Clergy and laity are welcome. There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided, but you do need to register in advance. We need a minimum number registered to move forward with the training and no-shows may receive an invoice from the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Collaborative. Upon successful completion of the training, you will be certified/recertified in MHFA. Contact Certified MHFA trainer Meghan DeGregory of Thrive 10:10 by e-mail with any questions.

Registration and Details
Flyer

Gay Street UMC is Midwest Mission Collection Site
Gay Street UMC recently became the first permanent collection site in Ohio for Midwest Mission. Donors can take items there year-round and they will be delivered to Midwest Mission. Gay Street UMC is located at 18 N. Gay Street, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

Learn more about the Gay Street UMC Midwest Mission Collection Site.

Visit the Connectional Ministries Facebook page for more missions news and events.