AUGUST 27, 2018

EOC News

Special Session of the General Conference

way forward icon

The East Ohio Conference Delegation Offers Listening Posts
The 2019 Special Session of the General Conference has been called to address a way forward for The United Methodist Church on the matter of human sexuality.

As East Ohio delegates to this Special Session, we recognize the importance of the decisions that will be before us and the impact these decisions will have on each United Methodist church and member. We invite you to attend and share your thoughts and concerns at one of the five scheduled listening posts that will be held throughout the East Ohio Conference.

We would appreciate participants registering in advance to help with our planning but registration is not required to attend the posts.  You may register here.

Health Benefits

REMINDER! HealthFlex Participants
HealthFlex participants and covered spouses must complete the Health Quotient between August 1 and September 30, 2018 to avoid paying a higher medical plan deductible in 2019—$250 extra (individual deductible) or $500 extra (family deductible). Primary participant and covered spouse must both take the HQ by September 30 to avoid higher deductible. Instructions to complete the Health Quotient.

Missions

Liberia presentation, Mary and Patrick EOC Welcomes GBGM Mary Zigbuo Randall Mantor from Ganta Mission Station – Sept. 13 – 23
Many from the EOC have been greeted at Ganta Mission Station in Liberia by Mary Zigbuo. GBGM Missionary Mary works with the health board and the Liberian Conference’s Department of Connectional Ministries.  With her background in counseling and as past administrator for both the Department of Education for the Liberia Conference and Ganta United Methodist Hospital, Mary has a variety of experiences to share.  Together with husband Patrick, past director of Nursing and Administrator at Ganta Hospital, we have the opportunity to learn firsthand about Liberia following the Ebola crisis and how we can continue our partnership with Ganta Mission Station.

Now it is our turn to offer radical hospitality to Mary and Patrick.  You are encouraged to meet and greet them at the following locations:

  • Sun., Sept. 16 @Aldersgate UMC – 10:45 a.am.
  • Sun., Sept. 16 @Brecksville UMC 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Tues., Sept. 18 @ ”Bread on the Bridge” Nehemiah Mission – 5:30 p.m.
  • Weds., Sept. 19 @ Kennonsburg UMC – 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
  • Thur,. Sept. 20 @ Macedonia UMC‘s Community Meal at 4:30 p.m., speaking at 6:30 p.m.
  • Sat., Sept, 22 @ Green Valley UMC (Canal District UMW) – 9:30 a.m
  • Sun., Sept. 23 @ University UMC – 9:00 am.

Multicultural Vitality

Black Clergy gathering2018 Bishops’ Retreat with Black Clergy
Bishop Tracy S. Malone and Bishop Gregory V. Palmer invite clergy from their respective East Ohio and West Ohio Conferences to be part of the 2018 Bishops’ Retreat with Black Clergy.

Live Well – Be Well is the theme of this year’s retreat, which will be held at Mohican State Park in Loudonville from 3:00 p.m. Sun., Sept, 23 through 1:00 p.m. Tues., Sept. 25.

The theme continues the bishops’ focus on living one’s best life while emphasizing financial health, professional clergy health, and maximizing the potential of one’s congregational health.

Participants should anticipate a time of physical, spiritual, and emotional renewal, as well as connecting with old and new friends.

Read article | Register

Congregational Vitality

The creative Worship Conference Logo

Creative Worship Conference
Sept. 28, at FIRST NEW PHILADELPHIA
Sept. 29,  at JOHNSON UMC

Cost: $20 per person (includes lunch) two people or more it is $15.

We live in a culture obsessed with screens. From the smartphones and tablet devices, we carry everywhere we go, to the large screens in our living rooms; the world around us has shifted to a communication form that the church is still struggling to fully understand. Regardless of worship style, it’s imperative that the church learn to embrace and master the use of image and creativity in the way we communicate the gospel in worship.

Spend the day with creative worship specialist, author, and worship coach Jason Moore in an event designed for churches of all sizes, budgets, and means.

Whether your church has screens in worship, you are thinking about it, or have decided against them, this seminar has something for you. Best experienced as a team, The Creative Worship Conference is filled with ideas that any church can implement. Learn time-tested methodologies that transcend the traditional vs. contemporary wars and that will result in a more connected worship experience. Laugh, be inspired and walk away with clearly defined next steps. Deep, meaningful, transformative worship is within your grasp.

Register here. Contact kbrown@eocumc.com

Advocacy

Online Course: Faith Communities’ Response to Domestic Violence
Dr. Martha Banks, a member of Christ Woodland UMC in Akron, is offering a course to assist churches in responding to domestic violence.  The course is offered online across 2 weeks, Sept. 24 – Oct. 5, 2018.

This workshop will focus on a Christian response to domestic violence. We will look at the history of domestic violence and learn who is involved, who is affected, and who is vulnerable. We’ll also explore the purposes, types, and consequences of such violence, and the urgency of responding whenever such violence is suspected. Biblical references will shape the discussion of ways for the church to educate members, support victims, and hold abusers accountable.

By the end of the course, students will have access to resources for responding to domestic violence as individuals, pastors, and churches, and will be equipped to support programs that provide education about domestic violence and support victims.  The focus is on saving lives.

This course has been endorsed by the Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) in the East Ohio conference. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU.  No book is required for the course; all materials will be provided and are included in the course fee. Price: $70

Registration and additional information

Young Peoples Ministries

Preactically Honest LogoPractically Honest
Young People’s Ministries is gearing up to launch a Podcast called, Practically Honest: a podcast that addresses practical and relevant topics in an honest way for those that live and work with young people.  Publish date is September 10 and all information will be in the next E-news as well on all social media platforms.  The topic for the first one is, “You are not alone! Let’s talk networking”.  Get ready for this great training tool.

YOUTH 2019
YOUTH 2019 is a national gathering of over 4000 United Methodist teens and their adult leaders.  Join thousands for 4 days of discipleship, worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and life-changing fun! Expect inspiration, support, and challenges to grow authentically as a world-changing disciple of Jesus Christ.  July 10-14, 2019 in Kansas City Missouri.  Find out more info here.  If your group would be interested in journeying on a charter bus, email kayew@eocumc.com.

Pastoral Care and Counseling

Bi-weekly Resources
In the August 27 issue:  Introducing 2018-2019 Spiritual Enrichment (Formation) Groups: “Be Peace”

  • A Way Forward: Fully Awakening to Appreciative Relationships
  • Book: Everyday Spirituality: Cultivating an Awakening
  • Awakening: What Happens after the “Ah-ha!”
  • Video: Waking Up All the Way
  • Video: Enlightened Beings Share Their Awakening, Mystical Experiences
  • Preventing Sleep Problems
  • Schisandra and Ashwagandha: The Keey to ZZ’s
  • Listings of our Spiritual Directors

Contact Us
If you have any questions or issues you would like for us to address or if you would like to receive e-mail alerts when new resources have been posted, please contact Howard Humphress at hkhumphress@gmail.com or use our quick contact form.

Media Center

The Media Center recently acquired the following resources:

  • Affirm; God’s Call/The World’s Need/Your Purpose is a discipleship refresh from confirmation. With an emphasis on following Jesus and spiritual practices Affirm is great to help students grow stronger and go deeper with their relationship with Christ.
  • Elijah; Spiritual Stamina in Every Season examines the life of the prophet Elijah, an ordinary man who did extraordinary things for God in the midst of the highs and lows of life. Learn his spiritual stamina secrets, including habits related to making decisions, caring for the soul, accepting his circumstances.
  • Know How We Got Our Bible traces the history of the Bible from its beginnings to the present day, highlighting key figures and demonstrating the reliability of Scripture.
  • God’s Messy Family; Finding Your Place When Life Isn’t Perfect looks at the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau. You’ll recognize a pattern to their lives: they are called, they mess up, and God continues to redeem them. Find out how your “messy” family fits into God’s family and how you are part of God’s plan for the world.

To reserve these or other 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

Something New
Message in the Movies is now posting official movie trailers (when available) alongside Rev. Bruce Bathcelor-Glader’s movie review. You now have the opportunity read his review and view the trailer all in a One-Stop-Shop! To remind you of this great resource, each weekly review is also posted through Facebook and Twitter.

Message in the Movies banner (colorful film strip

The Rider
On DVD, Redbox, Video on Demand, Streaming Services.
The Rider is a spiritual film that never speaks about God or religion, but reminds us of the beauty and wonder all around us. The film is honest about the wounds that we all carry with us and the healing that takes place when we reach out to others struggling alongside of us.

This is one of the best films of the year. Read full review and view trailer

Ohio PAUMCS

Ohio PAUMCS Annual Conference
The Ohio PAUMCS (Professional Administrators of the United Methodist Connectional System) invites all Church Secretaries, Administrators, Office managers to our Annual Fall Conference at Ginghamsburg Church in Tipp City, Ohio on Tues., Sept. 25. The conference theme is “Taking Care of Yourself and Others” offers topics on “Finding Balance in Service”, Addiction Challenges for the Church & Community” with great speakers. Registration is now open and includes a continental breakfast and lunch!

View flyer for more information.

Credit Union

Labor Day Closing
On Monday, September 3 all offices of The United Methodist Financial Credit Union will be closed in observance of Labor Day. Members may check share account balances, pay bills, and transfer funds anytime through our website www.umethodist.com or our mobile app.

Recreational Vehicles
With the sun setting on summer, let us help you fuel your fall fun! We offer loans on campers, boats, motorcycles, and more! Contact one of our loan officers for more information.

  • North Canton: Christine Fairhurst (800) 831-3972 ext. 104
  • Cincinnati: Christine Smith (800) 373-1059 ext. 12
  • Indiana: Jason Fishburn (317) 296-7177

News Around the Districts

North Coast District: The United Methodist Church of Berea is Celebrating Its’ 175th Anniversary
All are invited to hear bishop Gregory V. Palmer, Bishop of the West Ohio Conference and former pastor of the United Methodist Church of Berea from 1993 – 2000, who will preach on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 10:30 am during the 175th Anniversary Celebration Worship Service.

Two churches, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the German Methodist Church merged to become what became the Methodist Church of Berea.  The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first church in Middleburgh Township located near the south side of Rocky River Drive.  It burned to the ground in 1899.  It relocated to the corner of Seminary and Spring Streets in 1900.  The German Methodist Church (now the location of the B-W University Chapel) and the Methodist Episcopal Church merged their congregations in 1948 to form the Methodist Church which remains at the corner of Seminary and Spring Streets.

Events: August 13 – August 26

Click to view East Ohio Conference Calendar.

To submit your event to the East Ohio calendar use this form.
(The East Ohio Conference only accepts East Ohio United Methodist local church, conference and general UM events for listing on the conference calendar.)

Classifieds

Details of listings may be found here. 

Positions Available

  • Recreational Ministries Coordinator, Church of the Lakes
  • Organist/Pianist/Accompanist, Wooster UMC
  • Choir Director and Pianist, Newtown Falls UMC
  • Accompanist or Organist, Firestone Park UMC
  • Executive Secretary to the Bishop, East Ohio Conference Area Center

To submit a classified ad please email sue@eocumc.com

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The next scheduled edition of the E-News is Monday, September 10, 2018.  Deadline for submission is Wednesday, September 5. Send articles to sue@eocumc.com