News
Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021
Each year, the United Methodist Church celebrates the ministry and witness of laypersons everywhere through a special service.
Laity Sunday is a special Sunday defined by General Conference to "celebrate the ministry of all Christians" (2016 Book of Discipline ¶ 264.2). Traditionally observed on the third Sunday in October, Laity Sunday is one way we express the deep conviction that all are called to participate in God’s mission and live this calling through th... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021
During the summer of 2020, lay leader Linda Elam Young earned certification in Spiritual Formation from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Her pastor, the Rev. David Meredith of Clifton United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, encouraged her to complete the process.
With two degrees in education and counseling and a certificate from the Academy for Spiritual Formation of the Upper Room, Young has led many retreats, workshops and classes, both wit... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021
By Rev. Dr. Suzanne Allen, Regional Missional Specialist
We live in a world where we continually feel vulnerable. It doesn’t matter that in many ways we are the safest we have ever been. Facts and statistics don’t stop worry. The scam phone calls, the reports on the news, and the phishing e-mails don’t help.
We worry about ourselves, but even more, we worry about those we love. We would never forgive ourselves if something happened to them on our watch. We appl... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021
October is Clergy Appreciation month. Pastors and church leaders work hard to spread the Word and support those they serve. Now it is time for them to relax and renew with an adventure!
All youth leaders, church staff, and clergy are welcome to join Camp Otterbein for a day of rock climbing and fellowship in beautiful Hocking Hills. No experience or gear necessary. We have you covered.
Not one for heights? That’s OK, you can hike along with us and enjoy the fel... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021
The United Methodist Men of the West Ohio Conference will hold a men’s retreat at Camp Wesley in Bellefontaine, OH, on Friday, October 29, at 6:00pm through Saturday, October 30, at 4:30pm.
The event will feature two renowned speakers with a strong background in men’s ministry as well as testimonies from leaders in our jurisdiction and local churches. There will also be several activities to engage participants and provide them with resources to energize men’s... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 12, 2021
I’ve sat in front of this blank screen for quite a while trying to answer the question, “Do you believe God has a plan for your life?”
The knee-jerk response is, “Yes” followed by bible passages like Jeremiah 29:11 that states: I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.
If I could leave it at that, this would be the shortest article I’ve ever written. But something k... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021
On Saturday, September 25, Clintonville -Beechwold Community Resource Center (CRC) and North Broadway United Methodist Church celebrated the CRC’s golden anniversary with their Octoberfest Fundraiser in the parking lot of the church. The event included food trucks, live music, games for children and contests for adults.
The Clintonville Community Resource Center was founded in 1971 by several North Broadway members to respond to the needs they saw. Social chall... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021
No matter how humble or unassuming they may be, most people get a warm glow inside when someone says “thank you” for what they’ve done or expresses appreciation simply for who they are. Clergy and others who fill pastoral roles are no exception.
October is Pastor (or Clergy) Appreciation Month with the second Sunday designated as Pastor Appreciation Day. It is a time to say “thank you” to the people who may be most visible as preachers and teachers, but who, in... (read more)
Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021
You say I'm not from here and they say I'm not from there. But I say I am from there y soy de aquí.
I don't belong to the culture I live in, and I feel out of place in the culture I'm from. My American peers say I'm Hispanic/Latinx and my Hispanic/Latinx community says I'm American. When I'm home, in the USA, I feel like something is missing. When I am home, in Puerto Rico, I feel a sense of disconnect. "Will I always feel like this?" I ask myself. Will I alway... (read more)