News
Thursday, May 21, 2020
The Conference is navigating a challenging financial landscape, and our position reflects good financial stewardship in recent years. We have maintained reserve levels as directed by the Council on Finance and Administration. Conference staffing levels (excluding Camps and Retreats) are down 20% from recent year peaks and sound investment management have worked together to make this happen.
Nevertheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has combined with underlying denomi... (read more)
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Correctional facilities across the country have been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and West Ohio is no exception.
As returning neighbors are released from prisons and jails, they bring with them a higher risk of spreading the virus within their community. They also have fewer resources to protect themselves and others from the coronavirus, which is why All In Community, along with the West Ohio Conference United Methodist Women and West Ohio's Disaster Re... (read more)
Thursday, May 21, 2020
In downtown Columbus, Manna Café has become a place of community to share a hot meal with an offering of prayer and Holy Communion.
Manna Café at Broad Street United Methodist Church provides weekly meals sponsored by organizations or groups and served by countless volunteers.
As COVID-19 began to unfold in early March, Manna Café did not stop ministry to their neighbors; they modified. A boxed lunch consisting of a sandwich, soup, dessert and bottled drink "to... (read more)
Thursday, May 21, 2020
The Rev. Diane Dyson doesn't wear a clergy collar. If she did, no one would see it these days because of everything else she has on.
Her work garb for 12-hour-plus shifts includes an N95 mask, face shield, protective cap, gloves and floor-length gown.
"I don't want to whine but it's hot and heavy," Dyson said. "It's nice to leave at the end of the day and get some fresh air."
Dyson is a United Methodist deacon and registered nurse who since mid-March has been c... (read more)
Thursday, May 21, 2020
As Ohio lifts the stay at home order, transition can remain a challenge. OhioHealth has resources available to help you navigate life after self-sheltering.
Click here for tools and information for you and your family.
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
On May 13, 2020, the West Ohio Conference delegation to the upcoming General and Jurisdictional Conferences endorsed Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson as an episcopal nominee (Bishop) for the North Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church.
The election of Bishops takes place during Jurisdictional Conferences every four years. Both the 2020 General Conference and 2020 North Central Jurisdictional Conference have been delayed. Official dates for the rescheduled c... (read more)
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
The enormity of a global pandemic can make some feel helpless. A team of women at Springboro First United Methodist Church decided to push that feeling aside and launch a project.
Two or three women began to make masks. The Rev. Amy Haines, lead pastor,said, "I don't remember when it started, but based on the church Facebook activity, it began in early March. People felt the need to do something. Making masks was something they could do."
The masks have been ma... (read more)
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
Going On Now: SPRING into a great deal!
The United Methodist Financial Credit Union is partnering with Enterprise Car Sales to give our members a better vehicle buying experience! Receive $400 when you purchase a vehicle with Enterprise and finance it through United Methodist Financial Credit Union. February 14, 2020 through June 14, 2020. Let's get started! Contact one of our loan officers to discuss getting pre-approved today!
*Terms and Conditions. To receiv... (read more)
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
United Methodist Women decries the February shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia, and laments that arrests in his killing were only made last week after a videotape of his final moments went viral although local law enforcement was in possession of this evidence for weeks. The organization also expresses concern in the death of Sean Reed, who live streamed his own killing by police in Indianapolis, Indiana, police officers shooting him more tha... (read more)
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
While I've long paid attention to global United Methodist news for the sake of this blog, the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed me to be more thorough in searching for the online presence of every United Methodist central conference, episcopal area, and annual conference outside the United States. In the process of surveying these sources for information about United Methodist responses to the pandemic, I've learned something about the ways in which The United Met... (read more)