News
Thursday, Apr 16, 2020
Standing in pulpits, preaching to their congregations week in and week out is nothing new for most United Methodist ministers. Suddenly, however, the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic has removed all familiarity. Physical distancing protocols are being strictly encouraged.
Those pastors continuing to bring the gospel and messages of hope to their congregations now find themselves staring into laptop or smartphone cameras, sharing God's Word to....well, the air... (read more)
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2020
Today, Bishop Gregory Palmer announced the postponement of the 2020 West Ohio Annual Conference in an email sent to its members. The postponement was made due to safety concerns regarding the coronavirus and governmental restrictions on large gatherings. More than 2,000 people attend the yearly conference.
“Over the past several weeks, we have all made changes for the safety of others as well as ourselves,” Palmer said. “And now, out an abundance of caution, I... (read more)
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2020
Hand-sewn fabric masks are being put to good use at OhioHealth! Today we started providing hand-sewn masks to patients in our outpatient oncology locations. We appreciate the support the community has shown during this difficult time.
Even with all the donations we have received, we are in need of more hand-sewn masks so that we can provide them to additional patients with compromised immune systems if they don't bring masks of their own.
If you or someone yo... (read more)
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2020
In the West Ohio Conference mission field, a significant number of Ohioans are directly involved in the criminal justice system as a person who has experienced incarceration or a family member with an incarcerated loved one. Both returning neighbors and families of the incarcerated are experiencing a heightened economic and social vulnerability due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
All In Community recognizes that justice-involved persons need extra supp... (read more)
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2020
Generators are urgently needed for Lupandillo Hospital in North Katanga, DR Congo, a United Methodist hospital that provides healthcare for over 2 million people. With the COVID-19 crisis looming, Lupandillo continues to operate without electricity, hindering their capacity to care for people who are critically ill.
While the hospital has received donations of vital equipment such as ECG and x-ray machines, incubators, and oxygenation machines, they cannot... (read more)
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2020
The Pandemic Lockdown has moved your church online. Even when it is over, nothing will be the same. Whether you're using Facebook for the first time or you're excellent at Instagram, you need a plan to grow your social media skills, so that you can love and serve your congregation and beyond.
The FX Social Media Academy will give you the tools you need to:
Help your church feel connected again
Master communication methods you can use for counseling and disci... (read more)
Tuesday, Apr 14, 2020
By Sam Rodriguez, West Ohio Director of Faith Formation and Community Engagement
We often do not have much time to think about what we need to do when an emergency arises - we just do it. This, I imagine, has been true for many churches recently, both big and small. All this talk about change is focused on the need to adapt and accommodate to effectively continue the ministry of the Church in this time of rapid change. Recently I was reminded of a strategic pap... (read more)
Thursday, Apr 9, 2020
The economic impact of COVID-19 is felt by businesses and churches alike. Federal and state legislation has been enacted to help ease the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conference Chief Financial Officer and Director of Administration Bill Brownson held a Facebook live event to provide information and advice in the midst of this fast-evolving environment. To view this event, click here.
Reliable information may be found on the websites of these trus... (read more)
Thursday, Apr 9, 2020
Social isolation during a pandemic can have damaging effects on mental health. Residents of nursing homes and those who live alone are are especially high risk.
The Rev. Scott Miller, Wilmington United Methodist Church, and Pastor Julie Rudd of the Wilmington Friends House, a Quaker community, had planned to bring their choirs together to create a social-distance ensemble. The ensemble was created to sing outside shut-ins' homes in the community.
On Monday, Mar... (read more)
Wednesday, Apr 8, 2020
Looking for a way to connect with your congregation online? Zoom is the perfect solution. Local churches with less than 100 in average worship attendance can now request a free Zoom web conferencing license provided by United Methodist Communications and the General Council on Finance and Administration that will be active through January 28, 2021(a ~$142 value.)
Interest Form