Monday February 15, 2010

● News

Virgin HealthMiles is offering some bonus HealthMiles
The XXI Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver have begun. Are you going for the GOLD by stepping it up during the games? Virgin HealthMiles is offering some bonus HealthMiles: Get as many steps as you can during the Olympics,

• Take 150,000 total steps or more, win a gold, and get 250 bonus HealthMiles
• Take 135,000 - 149,999 total steps, win a silver, and get 100 bonus HealthMiles
• Take 120,000 - 134,999 total steps, win a bronze, and get 50 bonus HealthMiles.

The end date is Sunday, February 28. Upload by midnight Sunday March 7th. (Bonus HealthMiles will be awarded on Monday March 8th)

During the games, track your progress on the LifeZone by the dial... so start moving now! Good luck!If you have not enrolled, it’s not too late - join TODAY! Enrollment instructions ►

Central Conference Pension Initiative Define
$25 Million Challenge Goal
To provide for the needs of retired clergy outside the U.S., the CCPI leadership recently established a challenge goal of $25 million, reflecting the needs discovered through on-site visits to each of the growing 19 Episcopal areas served by this initiative.  United Methodist members and friends can support the CCPI and may make a donation or pledge.
More information►

Russia Initiative – Kursk Art Exhibit and Auction
The Kursk art exhibit and online auction, “Russian Landscapes #2,” that features work by artists from Kursk, Russia, will be on display from February 3 through March 4 in the Crandall Art Gallery at Mount Union College.  The proceeds from the auction will benefit upcoming international art projects at Mount Union.  For more information ►

One Great Hour of Sharing Calls the Church
to Share the Goodness of Life with Those Who Hurt
One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS), a United Methodist Special Sunday, is March 14.  This Special Sunday with offering enables the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to respond to disasters around the world by covering the costs of its doing business.  Read article and find support materials about One Great Hour of Sharing ►

MTSO Doctor of Ministry Program
Clergy or laity who have completed an MDiv degree or equivalent are invited to peruse offerings in the next level of education.  MTSO is partnering with Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Columbus) to offer a DMin in the following specialty areas:  Leadership for Transformational Change, Pastoral Theology and Care (new), and the Mission and Practice of Preaching (new).  Students move through the program in small cohort groups, meeting twice a year for one intensive week of class for 3.5 years.  Then cohorts support each other through the project writing phase for their final DMin thesis.  Tuition for the whole degree stands at $12,000, payable in interest-free increments throughout the 4-year period.  If you are interested in a conversation about this professional doctorate, please contact 740-362-3343  or visit this site for more information.

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. For more information and the nomination form ►

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.

● Appointments

Bishop Hopkins has made these following appointments

Bishop Hopkins has made this ad-interim appointment:

• Rev. Brian Hassel to Waterford UMC on Three Rivers District effective March 1, 2010. 

Bishop Hopkins intends to appoint the following effective July 1:

• Rev. Sondra Snode to Ontario UMC on Mid-Ohio District
• Rev. O. French Ball to Caledonia UMC (as retired supply pastor) on the Mid-Ohio District.

● Communications

Haiti Update – Response and Resources
United Methodist Communications continues to provide news coverage, Read the latest infomation on how the church is responding ►

Please note changes in InfoServ
InfoServ, the official information service of The United Methodist Church, will become exclusively an e-mail and online information service effective April 1, 2010.  At that time, telephone support services will be discontinued.   You will be able to submit questions via e-mail at infoserv@umcom.org.  Answers to the most frequently asked questions are also available online at www.infoserv.umc.org. In addition, other customer-friendly options such as live chat and leaving a callback number will be explored during the transition period.  Depending on the demand, some limited hours for telephone availability may be offered after April 1.

The following are interesting items
● Speaking of Rethinking Church, this is a great article about how two pastors have started a church without walls.  ● Making a Hands-on Difference for Haiti:  a blog by Anne Dilenschneider, poet, essayist, spiritual director and leadership consultant.   ● In honor of Black History Month, a slide show of the works of Ken Thompson is available. 

● Camps News

Bulletin Inserts Are On Their Way!
If you have not already, you should be receiving a supply of bulletin inserts at your church.  Would you be willing to choose an upcoming Sunday and share them with your congregation?  We appreciate your help in “getting the word out” about our camping ministry.  Do you need more inserts?  Please contact the Camps Office at 800-831-3972, ext. 108 or camps@eocumc.com.

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
East Ohio Camps 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.

Summer Ministry Opportunities at One of our Camps
Do you know someone who should be in ministry this summer at one of our camps?  Summer help for the ministry at Aldersgate, Asbury and Wanake is presently being sought.  Positions are available in lifeguarding (age 17+), counseling (age 18+), health care, housekeeping, food service, lawn care, and maintenance.  Visit the East Ohio Camps or contact one of the sites for an application and information: Aldersgate, 330-627-4369, Eric@campaldersgate.org, 3276 Dyewood Road, Carrollton, OH 44615, or www.campaldersgate.org; Asbury, 330-569-3171, campasbury@alltel.net, 10776 Asbury Road, Hiram, OH 44234 or www.campasbury.org; and Wanake, 330-756-2333, wanakeinfo@verizon.net, 9463 Manchester Rd SW, Beach City, OH 44608, or www.campwanake.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! 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

Religion & Race Scholarship
The Religion & Race Scholarship information and application can be found here on the conference website.

● Mission Opportunities

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. Lorna Jost, the NCJ UMVIM Coordinator has received names and emails from many persons and would ask that you go to this link and register your intent to volunteer in Haiti in the future, along with your skills and aptitudes for being a United Methodist Volunteer In Mission.  Once a week this database will be forwarded to the Jurisdictional Coordinator so we keep everyone in the loop.  Even if you have already made contact with Lorna please go online to register as the data base included more information.

Iowa Flood Relief
Sponsored by West Ohio Conference, June 20 - 26, cost $250.00.  Contact (740) 225-9081 for a brochure or sign up at  pstambazze@yahoo.com.  The type of work opportunities will include: clean-up, drywall-hanging, painting, door and trim work, plumbing, flooring, electrical, etc.

● Resources

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

• Here and Now...There and Then by Beth Moore is an 11-session lecture series on the book of Revelation.  Read more ►
• Twisting the Truth – How can we learn to discern in a culture of deception?  In this 6-session curriculum, Andy Stanley's straightforward insights will help you exchange the falsehoods of our day for the life-changing truths of Scripture. Read more ►
• Faith, Hope, and Luck: Discover What You Can Expect from God – Andy Stanley reveals the difference between faith and hope; offers a biblical definition of faith; and deconstructs Read more ►
• Effective Stewardship – In this 5-session DVD study hosted by Dave Stotts, you'll learn how to become a faithful steward who thinks critically and biblically about the responsibilities that God has entrusted to you.  Read more ►
• Apprentice; Walking the way of Christ – Join bestselling author Steve Chalke in this five-session DVD study where you will learn to go beyond the divide of secular and religious culture to discover the ancient art and discipline of apprenticeship. 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

Crazy Heart Rated R ►
Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor-Glader
"Jeff Bridges ... as great as his performance as country singer Bad Blake is in this film (and it is very good), this movie seems just about average in its story. ... But, if you like Jeff Bridges and country music, Crazy Heart is worth a viewing. "

● 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.

The General Board of Discipleship is seeking a Director of Stewardship for the Discipleship Ministries Division.  The deadline for receiving applications is March 5.  Persons wishing to make inquiries should send their resume to recruit@gbod.org or they may call (615) 340-7108 or (615) 340-7107 to discuss the position or seek other information.  The General Board of Discipleship is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. 

● New Event Listings

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 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 Passion Play
Lafayette UMC , 6201 Lafayette Road, Medina, OH  44256  will present the passion play “Tetélestai”.  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.  Doors open one hour before the performance.  There is no admission charge; free will offerings will be welcomed at the end of each performance. 

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 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.    For further information and registration form.

February 28
Liberian Mission Event – “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”
Mentor UMC is hosting a showing of the film, “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”  Come and learn about Liberia’s devastating war and be moved and changed by the amazing story of a group of women who fought for peace.  Please join us at 6:00 p.m., Mentor UMC, 8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor, Ohio.  The event is free of charge. Child care is available. For additional information, contact 440-255-3496 or visit www.mentorumc.org

March 1
Christian Scripture and Disability: Confronting the Challenges
A continuing education event will be held from 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 cost is $20, which includes lunch.  Reservations are made through glolin456@aol.com,  RevSally@aol.com, or phone (419) 798-1819.

March 6
Requiem Concert
The combined choirs of Westlake UMC and First UMC of Cuyahoga Falls will present Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem  as part of the WUMC Performing Arts Series at Westlake UMC.   The work will be performed with chamber orchestra with the chorus totaling about 90 singers.  Andy Call is the conductor and Dean Wagner is the organist.  Performance is at 7 p.m.

March 6-7  
City Hope Concert
Various artists, puppet show, and clown ministries will be featured at City Hope UMC, 1345 Gibbs Avenue NE, Canton, OH 44705 from 3:30 – 6:00 p.m. and on March 7 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.  For more information contact 330-456-9661.  There is no cost for the concert but a free will offering will be taken.

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 12-13
Exploring the Call
The Board of Ordained Ministry, The Order of Deacons and the Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry of the West Virginia Annual Conference will sponsor WWG (Wrestling with God): Exploring the Call will focus on hearing and responding to one’s call to ministry. The overnight event will take place on the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV. The event begins at 7:00 p.m., Friday with gathering worship.   Attendees will hear from a panel of church professionals about the spectrum of ministry.  Workshops will further participants’ understanding of the call, and small groups will provide time for reflection.  $25 fee includes all meals. Materials will include a list of area hotels and accommodations and floor space will be available at Wesleyan at no charge. For other questions contact SusieEchols2@verizon.net or (304) 358-3610.

March 15
The Mission and Evangelism Institute at MTSO
The 2010 Mission and Evangelism Institute jointly sponsored by MTSO, West and East Ohio Conferences will be held 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.  Information and registration details.

March 20
In the Spirit of Economic Justice – Ohio Poverty, A Call to Action
The East Ohio Conference Church and Society Committee and the United Methodist Women are joining together to sponsor this day of reflection and learning at Uniontown UMC from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.  Dr. Yvonne Zimmerman, assistant professor of Christian Ethics at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio will be the keynote speaker.  There will also be workshops on How We Can Impact Ohio’s Legislative Process, Health Care Services, Hunger Net Ohio, and Support Services for the Unemployed.  Cost of the event is $15 with a registration deadline of March 10.  For more information and registration or contact  800-831-3972, ext. 132.

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. 

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. These tools will grow your congregation larger in both size and significance.  Your team will also establish new contacts, friendships and peer networks. 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 16-18
Caring For Creation
The third annual Caring for Creation conference will be held  at Mount Sequoyah Conference and Retreat Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.  Workshops ranging from Sustainability Ethics: Discovering the Holiness of Place to Creating Your Green Team: A Model for Action along with The Biblical Basis for Creation, Food Insecurity?, Practice of Political Advocacy and The Kid Connection to Environmental Stewardship will be offered .  Keynote speaker is tRev. Canon Sally G. Bingham, a priest and canon for the environment in the Episcopal Diocese of California. Other speakers are John Hill, director for Economic and Environmental Justice of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, Rev. Pat Watkins, a missionary with the Board of Global Ministries and Dr. Jay McDaniel, professor of religion and director of the Steel Center for the Study of Religion and Philosophy at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.  For information about workshops, schedules, leadership and fees, visit  www.mountsequoyah.org

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

May 15
Wanake Rings – Handbell Festival:
Come and be a part of Wanake Rings a one day mass hand bell festival.  Event will include a director’s class and mass practice, followed by an evening concert.  Dinner for participants will be provided.  Festival conductor, Melissa A. Emerson, is the director of music at the Powell UMC, Powell, OH.  Registration is limited to 10 choirs. Cost is $25 per choir and $15.00 per person. Early registration discount of $10.00 on the $25/choir fee for registrations postmarked on or before Saturday, March 27.  For more information contact (330)-756-2333 or wanakeinfo@verizon.net.

July 18-23
PAUMCS Certification Institute:
The Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) Certification Institute is being held at Emory University The registration fee for the institute is $315.00. 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.  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.

● Please Pray for

• Please pray for the family of Mrs. Charlene R. Mathias, surviving spouse of Rev. Albert Mathias, who died January 16;
• Please pray for the family of Rev. Harold T. Milford, retired elder, who died January 20;
• Please pray for the family of Rev. Dr. Abraham Brandyberry, retired elder, who died February 2.

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