IN THIS ISSUE Upcoming Charge Conferences-Important

Dates

Weekly Prayer

West Ohio Missionaries do Virtual Visits

A Call to Prayer

Contact Us

COVID-19 Resources

Gov. DeWine

Family Camping

Grants

Re-entry Kit Challenge

Annual Conference Summary

First UM Church

Check out Fall Classes

NWP Directors of Pulpit Supply

Lay Servant Ministries Courses-Fall classes

SIGN-UP today

Lay Classes Registration forms

Emmaus

SPRC Training & Limk

Local Church and Community (2)

Light The Way Campaign

Disaster Response

Classifieds (2) Resources

Northwest Plains District Website

West Ohio UMC Website

West Ohio You Tube

Lay Ministry

The United Methodist Church

United Methodist VIM

United Methodist Women

Church World Service

Rethink Church

Find A Church

MissionInsite

UMCom Tech Shop

UMCOR’S YouTube

Friendly Center, Toledo

Bread for the World

Society of St. Andrew

Stop Hunger Now

THE MISSION of the West Ohio Conference IS TO EQUIP LOCAL CHURCHES TO

MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD… A

world of JUSTICE, Love, and Peace filled with people GROWING

in the likeness of JESUS CHRIST

ARE YOU CONNECTED WITH YOUR DISTRICT?

Visit our website! Contact us! 800.589.7828

Like us on Facebook!

September 21, 2020

NWP CHARGE CONFERENCE

Is well on it’s way

Important dates to remember:

September 15 - If you have not notified the district of-fice yet, please do so and provide you conference

date, time, and Presiding Elder November 23 — By this date, all charges confer-

ences need to be completed December 4 — By this date, online data entry must be

submitted into the system

REMEMBER IMPORTANT DATES

BELOW:

Page 2 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." John 7:37–38, NIV Dear Father in heaven, we thank you for sending down powers from on high in-to our earthly life. We thank you for sending us a higher nature in which we can live for others because we are living by what we receive from you. May we be simple, childlike, and trusting. When anyone despairs of himself, show him the way to the Savior so that he can find trust. Show to us the way of trust, trust for ourselves and for all people, because it is your will for all to receive help. Amen.

West Ohio Missionaries do Virtual Visits

In the next few months, multiple United Methodist missionaries with ties to West Ohio will be itinerating virtually. These one-hour ZOOM sessions allow churches, mission committees, and individuals to get to know missionaries and learn more about their ministries. Registration is required ahead of time for each session. October 22, 8:00 pm: Willie Berman – Manos Juntas, Mexico; Deborah Dornon – Tansen Hospital, Nepal (Register Here https://gbgm.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlf-GprjktHdTO2lxIJHYT4j3t6mnYI9Lj) October 29, 12:00 pm: Margaret Madison – Church for All People, Columbus (Register Here https://gbgm.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtd-yqpj4pGdwe8YtWaRYnnrgcfjE4WDNs) November 12, 11:00 am: Katie Peterson – Eastbrook Mission Barn, Pennsylvania; Lester Dornon – Tansen Hospital, Nepal (Register Here https://gbgm.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0sdeyqrz4jE9Iv_j4EZe78ZHEJEcS9C_N3)

For more information on West Ohio missionaries, visit the West Ohio website here (https://www.westohioumc.org/conference/missionaries).

Let us remember in prayer those grieving the loss of their loved one, and remember in thanksgiving the life and min-istry of: Martha Holtz who died Saturday, August 15, 2020. She was married to the late Rev. Paul Watson who was a pastor from the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. He served appointments at Vaughnsville, Cridersville, Lima Blue Lick and Whitehall churches. Preceding her in death was her first husband, Rev. Paul Watson, husband, Orville Holtz, and then husband, Ellde Wagner; sisters, Mary Alice Fouts Hudson and Ethel Mae Fouts Clark; and brother, Albert Earl Fouts. Surviving are her sons, Gerald Estell & Maria Watson, Leonard Lee & Betty Watson; daughter, Karen Colleen Watson Wies-singer & John Sawyer; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great grandchildren; and 1 great-great-great grandchild. Her funeral service was held on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Page-Theus Funeral Home in Leesburg, Florida.

Page 3 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Northwest Plains District is Available by Phone & Email The Northwest Plains District remains closed to visitors but the work of the staff continues. You should expect responses by telephone and email. Messages left in the general voicemail will be forwarded to staff the same day. Thank you.

Corona Virus Resources CAN Town Hall Resources Rev. Linda Middelberg and Rev. Karen Cook recently held Town Hall meetings in the district on returning to wor-ship.Click here to see the resources and best practices that were shared during those meetings. This information in-cludes a sample congregational survey, proposed reopening plan template, social distancing seating capacity calcula-tions, etc. Suggested Guidelines and Considerations for Returning to Worship To print or download these guidelines click here. Cokesbury Offers Worship Supplies including, masks, sanitizers, signage, etc. See more here. One Stop Corona Virus Resources kept UPDATED can be found here. CDC Guidance for Communities of Faith can be found here. State of Ohio Best Practices for Places of Worship can be found here Planning for Church Life After Covid-19 from UM Communications, read the article here. Worship Supplies If you are not able to obtain single-serve communion cups and other worship supplies from Cokes-bury, we have had luck with Concordia Supply, https://www.concordiasupply.com/.

Speaking of safe practices, did you know that Mike DeWine wrote a letter to faith communities, encouraging safe practices when gathering for worship? "The virus spreads much more rapidly indoors than it does outdoors...When everyone is wearing a mask -- and social distancing -- the protection is the greatest... Our institutions of faiths are at the core of our great state and country. Thank you for all you do to serve God and to serve His people." Read the full letter

Page 4 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Family Camping Available Through Fall at all 3 West Ohio Camps

Camping is a great way to safely escape with family for fun exploring the great outdoors. West Ohio Camps is offering family cabin rentals and campsites through the fall. What better time than now to get away from your busy lives and experience the very nature God created with your loved ones. Everything will be done as a family. Lodge together, Canoe together, take a guided night hike together. We have a variety of lodging and camping options to fit your needs. You can choose to provide your own meals or eat in our dining hall. Camps Otterbein and Wesley have Wi-Fi access and can be perfect get-away for working parents and students online. Camp Widewater has outdoor camping and tent camping, as well as Wi-Fi ac-cess indoors. Schedule now for fall hikes, changing colors and crisp night campfires. Go to our website for more details: https://www.westohiocamps.org/camp/news/family-cabin-rentals

Apply Now for 2021 West Ohio Revitalization/Capacity Building Grants West Ohio Revitalization Grants are provided to qualifying churches that are in the process, which is unique to each congregation, of strategizing specific plans for increasing fruitfulness and transformation. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2020. (2021 West Ohio revitalization/capacity building grant awards are dependent upon 2021 conference budget financial viability, and may be reduced or paused at any time — should unforeseen future circumstances so require.) https://www.westohioumc.org/2021-revitalization-capacity-building-grant.pdf

Re-entry Kit Challenge a Huge Success Thank you all so much for making the COVID-19 Reentry Hygiene Kit Challenge a HUGE success. Sixty five groups contributed 2,300+ full kits with masks and an additional 2,400 plus masks! In addition, several groups have indicated they are still in process of making kits, some of our ODRC partnering institutions are asking if we will have more masks and kits to contribute. The planning team wishes to encourage these good works to continue, and efforts have begun to continue collecting kits for distribution to local prisons. Thank you again. The planning team is deeply grateful for your efforts. With joy, Reba Collins All-In Community Consultant

2020 West Ohio Conference Annual Session Summary

The 51st session of the West Ohio Annual Conference was a virtual gathering of nearly 1,600 clergy and lay members. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presided over the conference under the theme, “Be Not Afraid, God Is With Us.”

Using the 23rd chapter of Revelation, Bishop Palmer preached about the un-certain times facing our nation, world and global church.

“In spite of the chaos; in spite of the wars; in spite of the rumors of war; in spite of the repression and suppression; in spite of tribalism; in spite of ani-mus; in spite of our enmity; in spite of our alienation, God says, ‘I’m going to make a home among you.’ What a God! God does not abandon us. God is with us,” Palmer said.

Mitchell Harper and Shannon Spencer were affirmed as conference lay leaders for the 2021-24 quadrennium. Their work will focus on building relationships and sharing Christ’s love throughout the conference. Tracy Chambers will continue at Director of Lay Servant Ministries for another four-year term. A complete list of committees and leadership teams may be found at westohioumc.org.

Bishop Palmer commissioned two West Ohio laywomen, Katelin Hansen and Kristyl Shoaf, as deaconesses. The order of the deaconess is for laity called by God to a full-time vocation in ministries of love, justice and service. Bishop Palmer commissioned one associate member, two provisional deacons and six provisional elders. He ordained four deacons and eight elders.

Other business included:

The three recommendations before the annual conference passed with overwhelming support.

Recommendation #1 – 2021 Budget • In 2020, we declare clergy benefits fully funded. For the first time, perhaps since the 1969 merger, we will not be ap-

portioning for clergy benefits.

• The United Methodist Foundation of West Ohio, created earlier in 2020, replaces the Council on Development. The Foundation is already on its way to self-sufficiency.

• Because of the above and other efficiencies, West Ohio will apportion $ 15,660,000, which includes General Church Connectional Support. This represents a 6% reduction.

Recommendation #2 – Pension and Health Benefits

• Clergy serving at least half time will be eligible for the Clergy Retirement Security Plan (CRSP).

• The Past Service Rate (PSR) for pre-1982 plan participants remains unchanged at $ 611.

Recommendation #3 – Commission on Equitable Compensation

• Minimum salaries for clergy will increase at a rate of 2%. The committee is aware the cost of housing and clergy bene-fits is increasing but understands the need to make sure clergy and their families are cared for.

The conference recognized the missional contributions of the Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey and the Rev. Stan Ling. Nilson Kib-bey will move into a new ministry setting at the end of the year. Ling will retire after serving the conference Council on De-velopment and newly formed Foundation.

Membership stands at 140,309 and worship attendance at 84,629 with an additional 10,561 online worshipers and 2,440 professions of faith.

The 52nd session of the West Ohio Annual Conference is scheduled for June 6-10, 2021.

By Amy Graham and Kay Panovec

In case you missed it, stream 2020's Annual Conference on YouTube here! Bishop Palmer's vision for anti-racism in West Ohio is especially powerful.

Page 5 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

First UM Church announces Retirement and New Organist Gloria Wendel has held the position of organist at First United Methodist Church in Van Wert since 1960. During that time, she has been a valued church musician, worship coordinator, handbell director, choir accompanist, children’s and youth choir director, community arts advocate and music supporter. As a professional organist, she has been an active and respected member of the American Guild of Or-ganists (AGO,) The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, American Guild of Eng-lish Handbell Ringers (AGEHR.) She also served as Chair of the West Ohio Conference worship divi-sion and on the Board of Discipleship for 8 years as well as chairing the West Ohio conference worship committee. Additionally, she accompanied the West Ohio Conference Ministers Choir which toured the West Coast of the U.S., was a member of National Council for the UM Church, and in 2016, played or-gan for the Procession of Bishops for the United Methodist General Conference in Portland, Oregon. She was responsible for coordinating and helping design and raise funds for the current pipe organ at First UM Church, working with organ builder and installer Robert Noehren from the University of Michi-gan. After 60 years of dedicated and loyal service to the congregation of First UM Church in Van Wert, she has decided to officially retire from the position, although she will continue to fill in as needed. Gloria and her husband, Larry are longtime members of First UM Church. First United Methodist Church is pleased to announce Scott Turner as the new organist. Scott is a grad-uate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Music Education. He currently teaches music K-12 at Ayersville Local Schools. Scott studied organ with Gloria Wendel and piano with Annette Hoverman and has been a summer re-placement organist for the past two years at First Church. In addition to his music teaching and key-board skills, he also plays clarinet, trumpet, and is a gifted composer. In addition to numerous smaller ensemble compositions, he has had larger works performed by The Ohio State University Band and Van Wert High School Concert Band. His composition “Until” has been recorded by the Rhode Island Re-cording Ensemble for their 2020 album “Radiant Dance.” Gloria Wendel is very pleased to have one of her students replace her on the organ bench. A future cel-ebration is being planned to honor Gloria Wendel and her many contributions to First Church and the community. First United Methodist Church offers two worship services: a casual service currently at 8:30 a.m. and a traditional worship with organ at 10:00 a.m. on Sundays. Pastor Chris Farmer and the congregation of First Church warmly welcome you.

Page 6 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Page 7 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21 2020

Oh by the way . . . . . . . . . . . . Check out the next page!

NEW

LAY

CLASSES

BEING

OFFERED

THIS FALL

Do any of these interest you?

• Introduction to Lay Ministry (Part 1&2) • Polity (Part 1&2)

• Opening Ourselves to Grace • Story Telling

SIGN-UP TODAY!

(Details on following page) (Registration forms on pages 7 & 8)

Lay Servant Training Events

Lay Servant Ministries is one of the most significant lay leader-

ship development programs already available within the United

Methodist connection. Through this system of equipping and

empowering, lay servants have the opportunity to grow as

disciples of Jesus Christ who then go and make other disciples

“Introduction to Lay Ministry (Part 1) led by Rev. Ruth

Carter-Crist will be offered October 17, 2020 at 8:30am-noon

1:00pm-4:30pm, via ZOOM FIRM deadline for registration is

October 2, 2020. Register form can be found on the next couple

of pages or a District /Conference Websites. Reading material

will be required prior to class.

“Polity (Part 1) led by Rev. Duane Kemerley will be offered

October 17, 2020 at 8:30am-noon 1:00pm-4:30pm, via ZOOM

FIRM deadline for registration is October 2, 2020. Register

form can be found on the next couple of pages or a District/

Conference Websites. Reading material will be required prior to

class.

“Opening Ourselves to Grace led by Rev. Dr. Susan Allen will

be offered October 17, 2020 at 8:30am-noon 1:00pm-4:30pm,

via ZOOM FIRM deadline for registration is October 2, 2020.

Register form can be found on the next couple of pages or a Dis-

trict/Conference Websites. Reading material will be required

prior to class.

“Introduction to Lay Ministry (Part 2) led by Rev. Ruth

Carter-Crist will be offered October 24, 2020 at 8:30am-noon

1:00pm-4:30pm, via ZOOM FIRM deadline for registration is

October 9, 2020. Register form can be found on the next couple

of pages or a District /Conference Websites. Reading material

will be required prior to class.

“Polity (Part 2) led by Rev. Duane Kemerley will be offered

October 24, 2020 at 8:30am-noon 1:00pm-4:30pm, via ZOOM

FIRM deadline for registration is October 9, 2020. Register

form can be found on the next couple of pages or a District/

Conference Websites. Reading material will be required prior to

class.

“Story Telling led by Janet Steele will be offered October 24,

2020 at 8:30am-noon 1:00pm-4:30pm, via ZOOM FIRM dead-

line for registration is October 9, 2020. Register form can be

found on the next couple of pages or a District/Conference Web-

sites. Reading material will be required prior to class.

Please help get the word out. If you, or someone you

know, would be interested in participating, please reg-

ister when the time is open to do so!

NWP Directors of Pulpit Supply

Pastors, if you are in need of Sunday morning pulpit supply and would like to arrange for a Lay Speaker to fill in for you, please contact our District Directors of Pulpit Supply.

• Linda Hoover is responsible for the south-ern part of NWP District including Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Mercer, Van Wert and Wyandot counties. She can be reached at 567-204-0329 or by email at bhoo-ver1@woh.rr.com.

• Larry Zuvers is responsible for the northern part of NWP District including Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Paulding, Putnam, and Williams counties. He can be reached at 419.636.2329 or by email at lzuvers@gmail.com

Page 8 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

SIGN-UP NOW for—Fall classes

Basic Course and Polity is a com-bined total of $30 – forms have been

updated

Page 9 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Page 10 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Findlay Emmaus Walks @ St. Marks UMC, Findlay, OH

http://www.findlayemmaus.org/

Women's Walks /Dates

October 8 – 11, 2020—CANCELLED

Men's Walks/Dates

November 5 – 8, 2020—CANCELLED

Sidney Emmaus Walk @ First UMC, Sidney, OH

http://www.sidneyemmaus.org/

Women’s Walks /Dates

#82 - 10/15/2020 - 10/18/2020—POSTPONED

2/18/2021—2/21/2021 7/15/2021—7/18/2021 10/07/2021-10/10/2021

Men’s Walks/Dates

#76 - 11/05/2020 - 11/08/2020 - POSTPONED

3/18/2021—3/21/2021 11/4/2021—11/7/2021

NW Ohio Emmaus Walks @ Widewater, Liberty Center, OH

http://www.nwoemmaus.com/

Women’s Walks /Dates

Men’s Walk/Dates

Chrysalis is a three day experience of

spiritual renewal open to members of

any Christian denomination, ages 15 to

24. It is an opportunity to meet Jesus

Christ in a new way. Chrysalis is meant

to inspire, challenge, and equip youth

for Christian action in their homes,

churches, communities and places of

work. 2020 events have been canceled.

2021 are listed below.

St. Andrew’s UMC, Findlay

Girls Flight #53

Feb. 19,20,21, 2021

Girls Flight #54

July 30,31, Aug 1 2021

Boys Flight #53

March 5,6,7, 2021

Boys Flight #54

July 9,10,11 2021

http://www.findlaychrysalis.org/

Greene Street UMC, Piqua

http://www.westohiochrysalis.com/

Delta UMC, Delta

http://www.nwoemmaus.com/

The Walk to Emmaus is a global ministry of the Upper Room dedicated to supporting the spiritual formation of Christians and the development of Christian servant leaders for the local church. If you would like to experience this spiritual retreat or learn more about it contact Brad Martin.

I am also looking for clergy who are interested in serving in the Northwest Ohio Emmaus Community. The clergy listing needs updating. If you took your walk in another communi-ty, if you took another three-day retreat, or if your contact information has changed, please send the information to Brad Martin, Emmaus Community Spiritual Director |

bmartin4477@gmail.com

Page 11 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Page 12 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

SPRC TRAINING DETAILS COMING OUT

SPRC TRAINING VIA ZOOM

7:00 – 8:00 PM

OCTOBER 5 – ALLEN COUNTY OCTOBER 7 – AUGLAIZE COUNTY

OCTOBER 12 – DEFIANCE OCTOBER 14 – HANCOCK

OCTOBER 19 – HARDIN OCTOBER 26 – MERCER

OCTOBER 28 – PAULDING NOVEMBER 2 – PUTNAM

NOVEMBER 4 – VAN WERT NOVEMBER 9 – WILLIAMS NOVEMBER 11 - WYANDOT

Mission Opportunity for Building a House in the Henderson Settlement Area during the late Summer and Fall of 2020

What: SOWER (Sharing Our Witness - Enriching Relationships) is a conference wide construction mission to build new housing in the area served by Henderson Settlement. Objective: To construct a house from the foundation up for a family in need Where: Henderson Settlement, Frakes KY (Part of the Red Bird Missionary Conference) When: Aug.9 - 15 & 16 - 22; Sept. 13-19 & 20-26; Oct. 11-17 & 18-24 of 2020 Cost: $260/volunteer (covers room and board at Henderson Settlement) Materials: Funds/pledges are needed to cover the materials cost Contact: Ralph and Carolyn Brandon - 740-344-5581 or sowervimproject@gmail.com

The Pandora United Methodist Church will be hosting a FREE Community Meal on

Sept. 30 5:30 – 7 pm at the church, 108 E. Washington Street, Pandora. The meal this month is provided by

Ted’s Market. The menu BBQ pork sandwich, baked potato, applesauce and dessert.

THIS WILL BE DRIVE THROUGH ONLY.

Local Church and Community Events

Anyone looking to join the SPRC training for Allen County—please use the below Zoom Link:

Join Zoom Meeting https://wocumc.zoom.us/j/92364456238?pwd=bndmSDJ0V2svanRZODZJRUtKWjYxdz09

Local Church and Community

Page 13 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

SCRAP METAL DRIVE

Ok, so you are home now. Did you clean out your garage or backyard and

acquire a pile of metal to get rid of? Or did you take down a TV antenna, a metal shed, or chain link

fence? Have we got a deal for you! You can get rid of all that old rusty metal for free. Take it to the

lot next to Tri R Guns, 241 East Second Street, Ottawa, OH from NOW through October and

there will be a large container in the parking lot for your items. All METAL is welcome. PLEASE,

NO PAINT CANS, TV’S, BATTERIES, OR TIRES, NO GARBAGE, NO MATTRESSES . The

proceeds will be used for Trustee (building) projects at the church (Trinity UMC Ottawa). Thank

you very much for your support.

Skilled, Adult Volunteers Needed for Dayton Rebuild Many of the repair and rebuilding needs of Dayton’s tornado survivors were put on hold when the pandemic hit. Now, skilled adult volunteers are needed for day-only work in Dayton (no overnights – teams drive in and out each day). Volunteers must follow specific protocols including no more than 10 people per work site (larger teams may be split between sites), maintaining 6 feet between volunteers, wearing masks, not sharing and/or disinfecting tools after use, self-assessing for fever or symptoms prior to arrival, and no volunteers who are immune compromised or have been exposed to the virus. If your team meets these criteria and you are interested in serving tornado survivors in Dayton, email mgrace@wocumc.org for more information.

Campaign Vision and Purpose Our purpose is to multiply the number of vibrant, robust, effective congre-gations and in turn multiply the number of people who are choosing to live in the hope of Jesus Christ, being shaped from the inside out by the justice, love and peace that Jesus brings to us all.

IF we sincerely believe that God is calling us to offer Christ in a Wesleyan way, passionately and respectfully, that is relevant to our cultural context

and inspires hope and new life…

AND we are sincere in asking God to send one more person, family, or child for us to love and disci-ple…

THEN we are called to come together to plant new churches and nurture congregational vitality in order to reach new people of all ages and life circumstances and connect them with Jesus Christ.

For more information on the Light the Way Campaign contact: Rev. Stanley Ling/sling@wocumc.org, Rev. Sue Nilson Kibbey/snkibbey@wocumc.org, Mr. Brad Aycock/bradaycock@wocumc.org

Page 14 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Page 15 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Liberty Chapel Youth Pastor Liberty Chapel is looking for a full-time Youth Pastor. Primary responsibilities would be ministries with Junior High and Senior High Youth along with coordination of ministries at The Rock youth center. Interested persons should send their resume to the church: 9474 County Road V, Liberty Center, OH 43532, 419-533-2881. Atten-tion: Pastor Brad Martin. or to bmartin4477@gmail.com. The Youth Pastor’s main goal is to lead students through teaching scripture, developing youth ministries, and public relations with the congregation and community. He or she will provide regular short-term small group studies for youth to attend. The primary responsibility of this person is with the Junior High and Senior High Teams, but she or he will also provide resources for Children and Middle School Teams. The Youth Pastor will provide leadership in summer to the Junior High and Senior High Youth Ministries which generally includes mission trips among other activities. He or she will also coordinate ministries at The Rock youth center. Liberty Chapel United Methodist Church is a rural congregation near Liberty Center, Ohio. About 200 persons join together for worship and praise each Sunday. There is a good age-spread of children, youth, youth adults, and older adults. The church has a strong evangelical heritage, classic and contemporary worship services, a tradition of youth ministry, a youth outreach center in Liberty Center with after school programming and lots of dreams, and a Wednesday night student ministry with youth and children.

TRINITY VAN WERT IS SEEKING WORSHIP LEADER

Trinity United Methodist Church in Van Wert is looking for a Worship Leader for our Praise Team. This position

consists primarily of 1 weekly rehearsal and 2 Sunday morning worship services and assisting the Youth Director

with the Youth Praise Band. The position is able to be negotiated, but primary responsibilities are:

• Maintaining/developing team atmosphere among the volunteer Praise Team • Scheduling Praise Team members • Leading rehearsals to prepare for Sunday morning • Choosing music for Sunday morning based on Pastor's sermons • Maintaining music database • Working with the Youth Director to develop the Youth Praise Band • Ensuring worship graphics are prepared for worship

While we would like a Leader who is able to lead worship, we have many in our Praise Team that can do so. This position is as much about organization and team building as it is about leading worship. Salary is negotiable in the $110 - $130/week range dependent on experience and availability. Candidates can email resume and references to Jody Bigham, Office Manager. tumcvanwert@gmail.com. 419-238-9541

Free Cantata Books

Middle Point UMC has song books for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Patriotic seasons. Donating. Really good condition. Please call Sandy Moore at 419-968-2443 if interested.

Stoles remaining Women Clergy Alb recently found a home, but various stoles are still available. Free for the taking. Can be picked up here at the District Office. Please call at 419-523-9901 or email at lmoore@wocumc.org.

Page 16 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020

Click on below link to view the job posting for St. Luke's United Methodist Church for an Assistant Di-rector for Student Ministry

http://hireayouthpastor.com/churches/2336/jobs/3055

Apply Now for 2021 West Ohio Revitalization/Capacity Building Grants

West Ohio Revitalization Grants are provided to qualifying churches that are in the process, which is unique to each congregation, of strategizing specific plans for increasing fruitfulness and transformation. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2020.

(2021 West Ohio revitalization/capacity building grant awards are dependent upon 2021 conference budget financial viability, and may be reduced or paused at any time — should unforeseen future circumstances so require.) https://www.westohioumc.org/2021-revitalization-capacity-building-grant.pdf

Just North (United Church of Christ, on Henderson Road in Columbus) is searching for a trained Intentional Interim Minister to work with our congregation for the next couple of years as we transition between Pastor Eric (who we will miss after he retires this year after almost two decades of service) and our new settled pastor. Please share the word and direct any inquiries to justnorthoffice@gmail.com. Here’s a link to the job posting on our conference website.

Resources

Free Active Shooter Prevention Guide

Recently, attention has been drawn to the unthinkable action of active shoot-

ers in a house of worship.

UMI is offering this resource to you as a way to prepare you, your church lead-

ership, the congregation and visitors in the event this should occur. Being pre-

pared helps everyone cope with these realities and begin to re-focus attention on core ministries.

Conducting the ministries of The United Methodist Church takes on many forms. Our first call to ministry is to make

disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This crucial part of our ministry as a denomination begins

in the local church. Everything else we do on a daily basis supports this core commission. (Matthew 28:19)

There are many supportive actions taking place every day to support the local church. One of them is to insure the

church properties so that a church can continue its core ministries in the community.

DOWNLOAD http://tiny.cc/hf6sry

Local Church Officer Job Descriptions

Positions Required in All Congregations Every congregation must make provision for including these functions according to The Book of Discipline of the Unit-

ed Methodist Church, ¶244, ¶249. Positions may be combined except for the financial functions. "The positions of

treasurer and financial secretary should not be combined and held by one person, and the persons holding these posi-

tions should not be immediate family members (¶258.4)."

Nominations and Leader Development Committee (¶258.1)

Pastor/Staff-Parish Relations Committee (¶258.2)

Trustees (¶258.3 and ¶2524 to 2550)

Finance Committee Chairperson (¶258.4)

Lay Leader (¶251.1)

Lay Member of Annual Conference (¶251.2)

Financial Secretary (¶258.4)

Church Treasurer (¶258.4)

Membership Secretary (¶234 and ¶235 to 242)

Leadership Team (also called Church Council, Administrative Board) Chairperson (¶251.3)

LEARN MORE https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/local-church-officer-job-descriptions

Do you have news or something interesting to share? Know of anyone who would like to be added to our Weekly Bulletin e-mail list? Contact Northwest Plains District via e-mail nwplains@wocumc.org or call 1.800.589.7828.

When e-mailing the district staff, please use the e-mail addresses listed below:

Rev. Barry Burns, District Superintendent: bburns@wocumc.org

Rev. Lynda Lockwood, Assistant to the District Superintendent: llockwood@wocumc.org

Kim Tumblin, Financial Secretary: ktumblin@wocumc.org

Lesley Moore, Office Administrator: lmoore@wocumc.org

Page 17 NWP Weekly Bulletin September 21, 2020