Monday, March 15, 2010

● News

Haiti Update
The United Methodist Committee on Relief opened a field office in Port-au-Prince and is hiring full-time staff as part of a five-year plan to help rebuild Haiti after the January 12 earthquake.  Anthony Jones, who has 20 years of experience with humanitarian relief agencies, has been hired as an emergency response consultant.  He will be in Haiti for the next two months to meet regularly with the Eglise Méthodiste d'Haiti as well as the U.N. and other local and international partners to further develop UMCOR's short- and long-term humanitarian relief and recovery strategy for Haiti. Read article ►

Statement from the UMVIM Jurisdictional Coordinators
Greg Forrester, Northeast Jurisdiction, Lorna Jost, North Central Jurisdiction and Paulette West, Southeast Jurisdiction returned on Friday, March 5, from their site visit to Haiti. Read statement and plans for volunteer teams ►

Chile Earthquake Response
In response to the February 2010 earthquake that struck Chile, The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) will be working with local communities to rebuild.  UMCOR is now better able to help when earthquakes and tsunamis or other disasters hit the area.  UMCOR works in shelter and infrastructure reconstruction, water and sanitation, income generation, health and nutrition, education and community development.  To provide support for the Chile Earthquake relief send donations to the East Ohio Conference, PO Box 76019, Cleveland, OH 44101-4755.  Mark the check for Chile Earthquake Fund # 3021178.

Annual Conference Registration Information
The housing/registration packets for the 2010 Annual Conference have been mailed.  New this year is on-line registration. For questions or more information please contact vaccarob@eocumc.com.

April Stewardship E-news
The April 2010 Stewardship e-news is available here.

National Gathering for UMC Young Clergy
UMC Young Clergy desire to know if there is interest in a national gathering of young clergy.  They are looking at a possible event to be held in October 2010 at Church of The Resurrection in Kansas City.  If you are a young clergy and would be interested in such a gathering please register your interest by completing the form at http://bit.ly/cfLStf. 

United Methodist Related Ohio Wesleyan University Receives Presidential Award for Community Service Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) was named as one of six Presidential Awardees in the 2009 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college and university can receive for its commitment to service-learning and fostering civic engagement. Read article ► 

Culture of the Call Church Award
The Foundation for Evangelism announces the new “Culture of the Call Church Award.”  The purpose of this award is to recognize one local congregation of The United Methodist Church each year that has a history of having young people age 35 or younger respond to God's call to full-time Christian service as a result of their being active in the life of that church.  Find out more about the award and process for nomination.

Change the World—Starting With Your Community:
On April 24-25, United Methodists around the world are invited to participate in Change the World,a weekend event that coincides with World Malaria Day on Sunday, April 25.  A special offering is encouraged to support the fight against malaria.  United Methodists are known for their commitment to social action.  Be one who makes a change and together, we can change the world.  To get involved go to rethinkchurch.org/changetheworld.

2011 World Methodist Conference:
The next session of the World Methodist Conference is August 4 – 8, 2011 in Durban, South Africa.  Any East Ohio Conference clergy or laity interested in attending the conference should contact the office of Bishop John Hopkins by phone (1-800-831-3972, ext. 112) or by e-mail to bishop@eocumc.com.

Missionaries Are Available for Speaking Engagements
Dennis and Dee Dee Heffner, missionaries from McCurdy Mission School in N.M. will be attending East Ohio Annual Conference in June and will be at the mission fair on Wednesday night along with Mariellyn Dunlap, a missionary from Carrollton, OH serving as Church and Community Worker in Columbus, OH.  The Heffners will be available for speaking  in local churches June 17 – 24.  If interested in scheduling them, please contact epc378@aol.com or 330-297-4238.

● Appointments

Bishop Hopkins intends to appoint the following effective July 1:

• Rev. Denise Marikis to Mt. Vernon Gay Street UMC, Three Rivers District
• Rev. Thomas Joyce to Fields UMC, North Coast District
• Rev. Lenora Peters to Bucyrus Mt. Zion UMC, Mid-Ohio District
• Rev. John Partridge to Barnesville First UMC, Southern Hills District
• Rev. David Sperry appointed to medical disablilty leave effective March 1.

View listing of all announced appointments to date ►

● Treasurer's Office

Annual Audit forms are due March 31
The Annual Local Church audits are due to the conference Treasurer’s office by March 31.  A form for completing the audit is available online at www.eocumc.com. 

● Communications

Recent news stories on eocumc.com

• Fourth year in a row East Ohio pays 100% General Church Apportionments
• Tallmadge UMC Youth take a leap of faith
• Cuyahoga Falls First adapts new themes for Lent

● Camps News

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).

“Bring a Friend to Camp” Contest
Would you like to opportunity to win a Nintendo Wii or the chance to win one of ten i-tunes gift cards? Share your Camp brochure with a friend who has never attended an East Ohio Camps event before and encourage them to go to camp with you.  If they attend, your name will be put in a drawing to win a Nintendo Wii or an i-tunes gift card.  The drawing will be held on August 31. 

On top of the chance to win, you will receive a $10 “Bring a Friend” discount on the cost of your event.  Invite a friend who has never been to East Ohio Camps to sign up for an event. On their registration form, indicate that they are a new camper and include your name and the event number that you are attending.  We will then credit your account with a $10 discount.  Print registration form at www.EOCSummercamps.org, put your name and information on it and get recruiting.  Want more brochures? - email to camp@eocumc.com or call 1-800-831-3972 ext. 108.

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 – 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 – April 18 with activities from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.;
• Camp Wanake – 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 Camp
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.

Additional Youth Summer Camp Opportunities!
East Ohio Camps offers additional opportunities for youth at locations including Lakeside and Malone College.  Lakeside is a gated community on the Marblehead Peninsula on Lake Erie. It has been the long-standing place to gather for Lakeside Institute and Reach Out.  Malone College, located in Canton, is a beautiful campus and home of CYF(Christian Youth Fellowship.) These programs include in-depth Bible Study and worship, mission projects, seminars and workshops. To find out more about CYF, Reach Out and Institute go to summer camp offsite youth events.

Wanake Rings – Handbell Festival
Come and be a part of Wanake Rings a one day mass hand bell festival on May 16. Find out more ► 

● Youth News

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 ►

Youth Annual Conference – June 11-13
The Theme for the 2010 YAC is “Greater Things to Come.”  Special guest artist for YAC will be Joe Castillo, an inspirational sand artist.  You can learn more about Joe by visiting his website at www.joecastillo.com.  Cost for YAC will be $36 Early Bird Registration, housing $20 per person, per night, and Cedar Point tickets $30 pre-sale. 

CCYM 40th Anniversary Reunion
The Fortieth Anniversary Reunion of CCYM will be July 10.  If you ever served on East Ohio CCYM as an adult or youth and would like information on the reunion, please send your name and email or snail mail address to  kpbrown@oumconline.com.

NCJDMYP Motown Mission Week 2010
Motown Mission Experience in Detroit, Michigan, North Central Jurisdiction Division on Ministries with Young People Mission Week - July 11-17.
Find out more about this mission week ►

●Scholarships

Board of Higher Education Scholarships Deadline is March 18th!
Please check the Conference website for scholarship forms.  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. 

Cox/Otterbein Scholarship Fund
Applicants from any local church in the East Ohio Conference 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.  For an application contact bgdeibel@neo.rr.com.

● Mission Opportunities

Volunteer-In-Mission Opportunity: "To Russia With Love", November 1-15.  Travel to the Renewal Orphanage in Dmitrov, Russia located north of Moscow, home to 120 physically handicapped orphans ages 5 to 20. Team members will reside in the orphanage, interact with children, deliver gifts, supplies and clothing and buy needed items for the children and orphanage. Trip includes three days of sightseeing in Moscow.  For more information contact (330) -719-2902 or Kathyrnpcm@aol.com.     

● Resources

Native American Ministries Sunday is April 18
Native American Ministries Sunday recognizes and supports the contributions of Native Americans to the church and society. The observance, approved by the 1988 General Conference, is one of six special church wide Sunday offerings.  Your generous gifts help develop and strengthen Native American ministries within the annual conference and provide scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist schools of theology and other schools approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church.  Download offering envelopes and materials related to Native American Sunday.

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

• Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage by Mark Gungor.  Attend this hilarious, no-holds-barred weekend marriage seminar – in the travel-free comfort of your church!  With his trademark humor and entertaining illustrations, Mark makes learning the dynamics of male/female relationships fun, effective, and memorable; 6 sessions. 
• iMarriage; Transforming Your Expectations” by Andy Stanley. Standing at the altar, we all had a picture of what our marriage would look like. The problem is this picture of marriage results in expectations that we unload on our spouse.  The weight of these expectations will rob your marriage of love and joy.  In this series, Andy Stanley explains that you must

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

Alice in Wonderland Rated PG ►
Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor-Glader
"It seems that we are living at a time when films can be visually rewarding and also dramatically bland.  Such is the case with Alice in Wonderland; I found it at times to be entertaining, boring, irritating, and intriguing."

Recently the question was asked:
Why is the UMC commenting on R rated movies?
Here’s Bruce's answer ►

● Positions Available

• Director of Worship Ministries
  Wadsworth UMC. Part-time:  10-15 hours per week. 
• Education Coordinator
  Bay UMC, part-time position (12 hrs/week.
• Youth Coordinator
  Bay UMC, part-time position 12 hrs/week.
• Volunteer drummer
  Greentown UMC.
• Secretarial position
  Southeast Cleveland United Methodist Ministries: St. Paul UMC and Mt. Pleasant UMC.  18 hours per week. 
• Summer intern,
  Nehemiah Mission.
• Youth Young Adult Minister
  Uniontown UMC, half-time position. 
• Youth Director
  Granger UMC, part-time.
• Treasurer/Director
  New York Annual Conference

For full details regarding job openings.

● New Event Listings

April 10
Believe Out Loud Training
East Ohio Reconciling Ministries Network will host this event from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at Uniontown UMC, 13370 Cleveland Avenue NW, Uniontown, OH 44685.  $10 registration is due by March 31 to Joy T. Watts, 3727 Sweitzer St., Uniontown, OH 44685.  Make checks payable to Church of the Redeemer.  Scholarships are available.  For more information, contact joytwatts@sbcglobal.net or 330-699-4421, or doucethomas@yahoo.com or 330-494-3337.

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.  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.   For information about workshops, schedules, leadership and fees, visit  www.mountsequoyah.org

April 17
Ohio Valley Sacred Music Workshop
This event will provide training and encouragement to music directors in the Ohio Valley region in working with adult, youth, and children’s choirs and hand bell choirs in a worship setting.  Workshops will include: vocal techniques, hand bell and choral conducting and ministry with choir groups.  The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Thoburn UMC in St. Clairsville.  Presenters will be Andy and Jennifer Call and H. Dean Wagner.  Cost is $25 per participant (maximum of $50 per church) which includes lunch and a sheet music packet for each participant. Registration deadline is April 1.  For further information contact thoburnum@sbcglobal.net, 740-695-0770, or ovoffice@ovdumc.com, 740-264-1601.

April 24
“Got Fish?” Evangelism Academy
The next "Got Fish?" Evangelism Academy will feature Dr. Paul Borden.   Borden is executive minister of Growing Healthy Churches (formerly American Baptist Churches of the West) and is a  church consultant.  Assaulting The Gates is the third Abingdon publication by Borden.  He is also the author of the books Hit the Bulls Eye and Direct Hit.  This session of “Got Fish?” will be held at Montrose Zion UM from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Cost is $5 per person and the registration deadline is April 16.  For more information and registration.

April 24
ACTS 2010
The East Ohio Lay Speaking Ministries will meet  at Westbrook Park UMC, 2521 12th Street NW, Canton, OH 44708 from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Rev. David Scavuzzo, Western Reserve district superintendent, will be the keynote speaker and Rev. Scott Walsh, pastor of New Leaf UMC, will serve as the worship leader.  Under the theme of “Acts of The Holy Spirit” this event will also recognize Lay Speakers of the Year from each district.  Cost is $15 per person and registrations must be postmarked by April 9.  For more information and registration.

April 24
A Springboard for Social Action
The Methodist Federation for Social Action will sponsor an interactive time of sharing and conversation. Terri Dalton, retreat leader, is an associate director of The East Ohio Conference, Program in Pastoral Care & Counseling and is licensed in Ohio as an Independent Marriage and Family Therapist. The event is scheduled from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at North Canton Grace UMC.  $12.00 (Includes lunch & refreshments).  No one will be turned away for lack of funds.  Contact arconway130@gmail.com by April 16th to register.

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.
For reservations call (800) 831-3972, ext. 123 or via email at vargoj@eocumc.com

May 24-25
2010 Bishop and Elder’s Work Mission
Second annual Bishop and Elder’s Work Mission will be held at the Sower Work Mission.  This is a two-ay event where the elders of East Ohio have the opportunity to do “hands-on” mission work with one another and with Bishop Hopkins.  Cost is $25 and persons must register by April 30.  For registration or questions contact 216-261-1688 or jan@eastshorechurch.com or go to this site.

● Event Listings 3-15 -- 3-31

• March 15-16
  The Mission and Evangelism Institute at MTS
• March 17
  Lenten Program
• March 18
  Origins and Nature of Peacemaking Idea
  
• March 20
  In the Spirit of Economic Justice – Ohio Poverty, A Call to Action
• March 20
  Collide- Interactive Worship
• March 20
  A Day of Rethinking Stewardship
• March 20
  Turn Around Your Church … & Keep It Going
• March 21
  Un Noche en Cuba
• March 24
  Frederick A. Shippey Lecture
• March 27
  Easterfest
  
• March 28
  The Case for Easter

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 Rev. Dr. Harold W. Ewing, retired elder, who died February 28;

• Please pray for the family of Rev. Loman F. Fish, retired elder, who died March 4.

Back editions of E-news will be archived for three months.

• March 1, 2010
• Feb 15, 2010
• Feb. 1, 2010
• Jan. 15, 2010
• Dec. 15, 2009
• Dec. 1, 2009
  

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