AUGUST 21, 2017

EOC News

Communications

In Case You Missed It – News on the Conference Website

Missions

Emotional & Spiritual Care Training Cancelled
The August 28 ERT Emotional & Spiritual Care Training has been cancelled due to low enrollment.

Sierra Leone Mudslide
Massive flooding and mudslides in Freetown, Sierra Leone killed hundreds of people on August 14, 2017.

“Our hearts go to families and all those who survived the disaster. We stand by them and support them with our prayers, presence and assistance to help them go through this period of pain, trauma and grief with dignity.” Bishop John Yambasu said in a statement to his ministry partners in the East Ohio Conference.

Health Benefits

2018 Health Benefits Plan
During the first week of October, the Center of Health will host HealthFlex workshops throughout the conference to provide in-depth information regarding the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and the Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) buy-up option for 2018.  In addition, valuable information will be provided regarding the tax advantage savings accounts and vision & dental benefit choices.

All are welcome to attend any of the following 2 ½ hour workshops:

Tuesday, October 3

  • 9:00 am: Wildare UMC, 7211 N. Park Ave Ext.,Cortland,  44410
  • 1:30 pm: Montrose Zion UMC, 565 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Akron, 44333

Wednesday, October 4

  • 9:00 am: Ashland Christ UMC, 1140 Claremont, Ashland, 44805
  • 1:30 pm: Newcomerstown Christ UMC, 648 Oak St., Newcomerstown, 43832

Thursday, October 5

  • 9:00 am: Cambridge First UMC, 641 Steubenville Ave, Cambridge 43725

A video of the workshop will be available on the conference website during the week of October 9.

2018 Health Benefits Plan Information

For the most updated information including the new dental plan option, please use this link.

Clergy

September 20
“Confronting the Idolatries of Racism” – Lectionary Study Group

14th Annual Preaching and Theology study group for theological reflection opens its 2017-18 season.

The plan: To use lectionary epistle lessons for theological reflection and discussion in confronting the idolatries of racism. The study group is open to elders, diaconal ministers and local pastors, seeking and welcoming theologically diverse participants for theological reflection on key worship texts lifted from the lectionary’s epistle readings.
For more information and to register.

Clergy Appreciation Month
is a designated time for congregations to celebrate the ministry and presence of their pastors (and families) and to offer appreciation to all clergy (elders, deacons, local pastors, chaplains, extension ministers, etc.) for their sacrificial dedication to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Clergy Appreciation Month is usually scheduled in October, but can be planned for anytime that is convenient for the congregation and the community.  For more information.

Training Event

October 5 and 19
Community Clergy/Laity Training to Aid Veterans
Do you have a passion to help veterans? Do you feel more can be done to help veterans and their families? Do you know veterans suffering from PTSD and depression?

This training will provide you with materials and resources.  Learn how to create a safe place, develop trusting relationships and listen without judgment. Hosted by Ridgewood UMC in conjunction with the Ohio National Guard and the VA’s National Chaplain Center.   For more information.

Ministry

Deborah Jamerson Retiring After 32 Years of Service
Deborah Jamerson has announced that she will retire on August 31. Currently the administrative coordinator for the Conference Council On Ministries (CCOM), Jamerson previously served many years in the Department of Financial and Administrative Services, when it was known as the Treasurer’s Office.

“Deborah has a passion for Christ and love for the local church in our United Methodist connection,” said the Rev. Steve Court, director of Connectional Ministries. “Her years of service in receiving funds for ministry has developed relationships with people in all of our churches and mission sites. She will be deeply missed.”

In addition to her work at the Area Center, Jamerson has served on many local church, district and conference committees as well as the board of directors for the United Methodist Financial Credit Union.

“It has been an interesting journey throughout the years,” she wrote in her retirement letter. “I’m not retiring from life, just a job.”

You may share notes of appreciation by emailing deborah@eocumc.com prior to August 31.

Advocacy

November 16-18
Why Water Matters Summit: A Call For Justice
Ecumenical summit offering workshops, worship and keynote presentations from UM bishops, Native American activists and ecumenical faith leaders.

Provides a theological foundation for environmental action, engaging in communication with government and commercial agencies to create actions plans for water sustainability. For more information.

Pastoral Care and Counseling

August 21, 2017 Resources
In this edition we feature:

  • The Gifts of Being
  • Smart Phone, Lazy Brain
  • True Self and False Self
  • Audio Meditation: Relax into Your Breath
  • Are Dietary Supplements Really Necessary?
  • Six Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep
  • Listings of our Spiritual Directors

Contact Us
If you have any questions or issues you would like for us to address, or would like to get email alerts when new resources have been posted, please contact Howard Humphress or use our quick contact form.

Media Center

The Media Center recently acquired the following resources:

Call the Media Center at (800) 831-3972 x 139 or send an e-mail to sarnold@eocumc.com. Browse the resource catalog at  www.rqmweb.com/eocumc

Message in the Movies

Photo by Lionsgate Films

The Glass Castle “There’s a lot of good stuff going on in this film, but the last half-hour piles on a few too many confrontational scenes back-to-back. This dramatic choice undercuts the subtle effectiveness of the film’s first ninety minutes. The decision to show the real Walls family at the end of the movie, talking and laughing about their wacky upbringing, is effective in creating a safe place for the film to land, but is a misstep that undermines the pathos that was created by the film’s talented cast.  After my screening, I heard several people in the audience commenting to one another that they were thankful that their family wasn’t as unhinged as the Walls family. Perhaps, but all families are unhinged in their own way.”

For full review by Rev. Bruce Batchlor-Glader

Classified/Items Available

  • Senior Accountant, East Ohio Conference
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk, East Ohio Conference
  • Director of Christian Education and Program Coordinator, Brunswick UMC
  • Communications Coordinator, Westlake UMC

Details of the above classifieds/items wanted can be found here. 
To submit job postings and items available please email lois@eocumc.com

Events – August 21-September 5

Follow this link to the events calendar. 
To submit a calendar event.

Dates to remember

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The next scheduled edition of the E-News will be September 5, 2017.  Deadline for submission is August 30.