News
Thursday, Mar 21, 2019
Jesus met fishermen Simon and Peter as they cast their nets into the sea and called them, instead, to fish for people. Traveling through Jericho, he met Zacchaeus and, to the astonishment of many, invited himself to the tax collector’s house. Jesus met the Samaritan woman as she drew water from the well and called her to repentance and new life.
Jesus didn’t sit in the synagogue waiting for people to come to him. He went out and met people where they were. He c... (read more)
Thursday, Mar 21, 2019
Since 1940, when UMCOR's forerunner was established to meet the needs of those suffering overseas at the onset of World War II, we've continued to respond to those in desperate need-today throughout more than 80 countries around the world. The response of UMCOR isn't something "they" do, it's something "we" do. That's because your generous giving to UMCOR Sunday (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing) is what allows UMCOR to act as the arms and legs of Christ's ch... (read more)
Thursday, Mar 21, 2019
In a 3 to 0 decision, the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals found that the clergy cash housing allowance under section 107(2) of the Internal Revenue Code is constitutional. The Court issued its decision March 15, 2019, in Gaylor v. Mnuchin-the case in which the Freedom From Religion Foundation has been challenging the constitutionality of the clergy cash housing allowance under Code section 107(2). A copy of the decision is here. Wespath and its Church All... (read more)
Thursday, Mar 21, 2019
Please be in prayer for the country of Mozambique in Africa, which was recently hit by a cyclone in the north and central regions. The United Methodist Church there is unable to communicate with two of its districts, Sofala and Manica, and the most devastated city, Beira, is where the Mozambique North office of the UMC is located. Although the death toll is currently under 100, officials estimate that as many as 1,000 are likely dead, and hundreds of thousands... (read more)
Thursday, Mar 21, 2019
This will be our second year to host Camp Connect, being offered to children of families attending the West Ohio Annual Conference this year. It will be held at Camp Widewater in Liberty Center, OH. The camp is open to all kids ages 7-17 who desire a first-time experience or a short two-day camp. The mission is to have fun in God's outdoor creation while also worshiping and learning a biblical message - plus enjoying air-conditioned lodging.
The price is $80 pe... (read more)
Thursday, Mar 21, 2019
Beloved in Christ Jesus:
I am inviting us to come together as The West Ohio Conference in the study of Galatians: Gospel of Grace over the weeks of the Easter season. While we are not united in our thinking on all matters, we can all be united in our commitment to turn to the scripture for guidance. As we read, study, and discuss scripture together, we trust the Holy Spirit to move in our midst and to speak to us through the living word of God. I hope you will... (read more)
Monday, Mar 18, 2019
Bishop Gregory V. and Mrs. Cynthia Palmer will be leading two educational trips to Europe, this year and next.
First, from October 1-9, 2019, they will lead the Wesley Heritage Tour through England. Stops will include Epworth, Oxford, Bath, and of course, London.
For more information, click here.
Then in 2020, Bishop and Cynthia will lead the Alpine Odyssey, a nine-day European adventure to see the Oberammergau Passion Play, from July 27-August 4. Since 1634, t... (read more)
Wednesday, Mar 13, 2019
Beloved in Christ Jesus:
I hope you are off to a good start in Lent. Lent for many is a time of reflection and preparation. We are invited to deepen our life in Jesus Christ and prepare for the feast of Easter.
This year Lent came in on us on the heels of our Special General Conference. I think that is great timing for United Methodists individually and collectively. Since the General Conference adjourned, its effects are consuming lots of air, energy and even... (read more)
Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019
“Let me tell you how valuable a letter is to an inmate,” starts James Clay, former Horizon Ministry Initiative leader and new member of Grace UMC. Last July, James came to Grace UMC and stayed partly because he connected with a support group for families with incarcerated loved ones lead by Deacon-in-Residence, Rev. Amelia Boomershine. It was at this time that the H.O.P.E. group began to feel the itch to serve others walking on a similar path. James’ new presen... (read more)
Sunday, Mar 10, 2019
Bishop Gregory V. Palmer is appointing the Rev. Calvin Alston Jr. to serve as the Shawnee Valley District superintendent. This appointment is effective July 1, 2019.
“Rev. Alston brings to this ministry a tremendous depth of faith in Jesus Christ and the church,” Palmer said. “His life is bathed in prayer. He has an extraordinary ministry tool box born of serving churches of varying sizes, urban and rural and culturally diverse. He has never had a flock he didn... (read more)