Monday March 1, 2010

● News

8.8 magnitude earthquake strikes Chile
The United Methodist Committee on Relief is responding to the needs of people affected by the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Chile early on Saturday. Read: UMCOR Responds to Earthquake in Chile. Financial support can be made to Chile Emergency Advance #3021178.

Haiti Update
UMCOR has received over 350,000 health kits to date. Thanks and keep on sending them.  Tom Hazelwood, Associate General Secretary for UMCOR has asked that layettes and birthing kits may also be made and sent.  UMCOR has also received over $12 million in financial donations thus far.  The Methodist Church of Haiti has invited the five Jurisdictional UMVIM Coordinators to attend their annual conference which began at the end of February in Les Cayes.  While there the UMVIM Coordinators will also work on some team logistic assessments with the hope of being able to start scheduling UMVIM teams as soon as possible.  If you would like to be a part of a Haiti UMVIM team please register here.

A Message from Bishop John Hopkins
and The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church
God’s creation is in crisis. We, the Bishops of The United Methodist Church, cannot remain silent while God’s people and God’s planet suffer.  This beautiful natural world is a loving gift from God, the Creator of all things seen and unseen. God has entrusted its care to all of us, but we have turned our backs on God and on our responsibilities.  The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church is encouraging local churches to use resources for studying God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action.  A study guide, foundation document, and other materials for the study are available here.

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.

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.  Dennis and Dee Dee will be available for speaking or getting together with small groups in local churches June 17 – 24.  If interested in scheduling them, please contact Ed & Linda Clark, epc378@aol.com or 330-297-4238.  

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.  More information ►

Change the World—Starting With Your Community
What if…on one weekend all around the world, United Methodists came together to work with their local communities?  What if…as we serve people locally, we unite globally to eliminate a preventable, treatable disease that kills one child every 30 seconds? 

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.  Congregations are invited to schedule a community-based workday, and use World Malaria Day sermon starters (coming soon) on Sunday. Find out more ►

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. 

137th Chautauqua Season
137th Chautauqua Season at Lakeside will include a number of guest preachers and chaplains.  The list includes: 

• June 20-25, Rev. Diane K. Johnson, East Ohio Conference deacon; 
• June 27- July 2, Dr. Marva J. Dawn;
• July 4-9, Lutheran Bishop Robert A. Rimbo;
• July 11-16, Dr. Joel C. Hunter;
• July 18-23, Bishop William Willimon;
• July 25-30, Bishop Woodie White;
• August 1-6, Bishop Sally Dyck;
• August 8-13, Rev. Dr. Paul Numrich;
• August 15-20, Rev. Dr. Colin Honey;
• August 23-27, Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway;
• August 29, Rev. Robert E. Butcher
• and September 5, Bishop John Hopkins. 

For more information visit www.lakesideohio.com or call 866-952-5374

● Appointments

Bishop Hopkins intends to appoint the following effective July 1:

• Rev. David Baker to Cuyahoga Falls UMC on the Canal District
• Rev. James Cooper to Caldwell UMC on the Southern Hills District

View listing of all announced appointments to date ►

● Treasurer's Office

Congratulations VHM Gold, Siver and Bronze Winners!!
The Conference will list the names of the Olympic winners on the new HealthMiles blog by the middle of March. It’s not too late for you to enroll!!  Go to www.virginhealthmiles.com  and sign up today to receive your pedometer and start logging your steps to earn HealthMiles.  If you are experiencing issues with your pedometer, be sure to contact VHM immediately (you can find the phone number on the VHM website).  Pedometers have a 1-year warranty. 

Total HealthMiles earned through February 28 is 465,750!! 

● Communications

New blog! A new "eocumc health blog" has been launched to help those who are enrolled in the Virgin HealthMiles program and for those who just want to improve their health. Check out the HealthMiles blog and keep checking as we post Virgin HealthMiles participation updates, share new resources and converse about our health challenge experiences.

Today's post is about the upcoming 5K (3.1 mile) walking event, "Walk for Hunger" on May 8 sponsored by the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, the largest direct emergency food provider in Cuyahoga County. Wouldn't it be fun to earn HealthMiles while helping those in need? Check out today's post.

Recent news stories on eocumc.com

• United Methodists asked to participate in socially responsible investing survey
• “GOT FISH” workshop helps churches reach out to their communities
• O2 Rethinks Church with a Tailgate Party
• Town and Country gives small church support through compass groups and districts

● 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).

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.  It will be held at Camp Wanake on Saturday, May 16 with a director’s class and mass practice, followed by an evening concert. 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 ►

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.

NCJDMYP Motown Mission Week 2010
Motown Mission Experience in Detroit, Michigan is excited to help host the North Central Jurisdiction Division on Ministries with Young People Mission Week - July 11-17!  We are a United Methodist connected mission trip destination for youth and young adult groups focusing on "economic disaster recovery" work in the Motor City. 
Find out more about this mission week ►

● Grants/Scholarships/Internships

Board of Higher Education Scholarships Are Online:

• Racial Ethnic Merit Scholarship
• Merit Scholarship
• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil Rights Scholarship
• Religion & Race Scholarship

Please check the conference website for scholarship details.  The forms are in a PDF format for easy access and downloading.  You may also complete the forms online 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.

Information on scholarships and loans available through the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry office in Nashville can be found at http://gbhem.org/. 

● Mission Opportunities

Grove City UMC, West Ohio Conference
announces two team opportunities

• Jamaica: July 31 - Aug. 7, will build a home for a very impoverished family in just one week.  Cost is $1,300.  Team Leader is Carol Coudle.
• Uganda: Summer 2011, mission opportunities include visits to orphanages, going on a crusade, medical ministry and prison ministry.  Cost is $3,200. Team Leaders are Jan Scharenberg and Dayna McFarland.  
• Email missions@gcumc.org for more information of either team.

Mission Discovery Teams Up with a Mission to Poland
This United Methodist Volunteer In Mission Trip from Illinois Great Rivers Conference has been added to the Mission Discovery list for learning best practices of team leadership while experiencing and sharing the awesomeness of God's Love with children in Poland! We are targeting persons interested in leading youth and young adult teams to international locations in the future.  And we are targeting ALL others interested in learning more about the Methodist Church in Poland!  An experienced team will lead this unique trip whose project involves working with children at a day camp in the rural village of Zaborze. A Native American theme has been used for several years.  For more information click here or contact Ron Fontenot at ronbo3@prodigy.net.

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

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 ►

Resources for Women’s History Month
Worship Resources for Women’s History Month (March)
Find resources here ►

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

• Surprised by Hope - N. T. Wright explores hope, resurrection, heaven, the second coming, salvation, and the church---revealing that what we believe about the future has a direct impact on how we live in the present. More ►
• The Me I Want To Be – Join bestselling author John Ortberg in this five-session video curriculum that will guide you to discover spiritual vitality like never before. 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

Shutter Island Rated R ►
Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor-Glader
"Shutter Island is a big, good-looking suspense movie that is too long, too involved, too explanatory, and too evocative of other films for its own good. "

● Positions Available

The New York Annual Conference, White Plains, NY, is seeking a Treasurer/Director of Administrative Services.  The successful applicant’s tenure will begin June 9.  Interested applicants should request an application packet from apearson@nyac.com or 914-997-1570 Ext. 230.

The General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns is accepting applications for the position of Assistant General Secretary.  The ideal candidate has a passion for and experience in ecumenical and interreligious commitments of The United Methodist Church.  Applications are being accepted until March 12.  For more information and an application visit www.gccuic-umc.org.

● New Event Listings

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.   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 12-13
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): 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.  $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 12-14
UM Players
The UM Players will present “Love Is Murder” on stage at St. Paul-Moore Memorial UMC, 803 Wooster Road W., Barberton on March 12 and 13 at 7:00 p.m. and on March 14 at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5.00 each or $15 for patrons.  Come and enjoy an evening of laughter.  For tickets, contact 330-825-3459 or 330-204-1200.  Proceeds go to local charity.

March 15-16
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.    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. Cost is $7 per person and includes lunch. For complete information and registration.

March 20
 “Turn Around Your Church … & Keep It Going”:
Come and listen to Dr. Ron Crandall, former faculty member at Asbury Seminary, nationally recognized expert and author of several books on “turning around” small membership churches. He’ll share insights on how to turn your small membership church around and keep that turnaround going!  March 20 at Rolling Plains United Methodist Church, 3350 Moxahala Park Road, Zanesville, OH 43701-9441.  Doors open at 9:00 a.m. and the program runs from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p. m.  The program is designed especially for “teams” from local churches to attend.  The cost is $25 per person for up to two people and $15 per person for teams of three or more from the same church or charge.  The cost includes morning refreshments and snacks, afternoon snacks, a copy of Crandall’s book (to be mailed and read prior to attending), all handouts plus a lunch catered by the Rolling Plains UMC.  Attendance is limited to the first 60 people. Deadline for registering is March 5.  For more information or to register contact TARRP1@aol.com or 937-465-3732.

March 28
The Case for Easter
Epworth Center, 301 N Main St., Bethesda will host this live via satellite event from 7-8:30 pm. .  Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg will explore fresh evidence in The Case for Easter.  How credible is the evidence for — and against — the resurrection?   There is no cost for this event, but donations are appreciated.  For more information, contact  (740) 484-4705 or visit www.epworthcenter.org

April 10
Believe Out Loud Training
East Ohio Reconciling Ministries Network invites you to a Believe Out Loud training with national leader Gloria Soliz on  April 10, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the United Methodist Church of Uniontown, 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 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. 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.  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 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.
For reservations 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. Helen L. Pugh, surviving spouse of Rev. Eugene Pugh, who died February 15:

• and for the family of Rev. Kenneth G. Martin, retired elder, who died February 22.

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

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

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