Leipsic Leadership Series - The Northwest Plains District of the West

910 E. Third St., Ottawa, OH 45875
Telephone: 419.523.9901 / 800.589.7828
Fax: 419.523.3479
Email nwplains@wocumc.org
Website: www.nwpumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE
Weekly Bulletin
March 23, 2016
Leipsic Leadership Series
Weekly Prayer
A Call to Prayer
TARRP Event
Spiritual Formation Retreat
Emmaus
Local Church & Community Events
News from around the Connection
Resources
Classifieds
Leipsic Leadership Series
Saturday, April 23, 2016
9:00 AM—4:00 PM
Leipsic United Methodist Church
127 W. Main St., Leipsic, OH
Northwest Plains District Website
West Ohio UMC Website
West Ohio You Tube
Lay Ministry
Local Church Officer Job Descriptions
The United Methodist Church
United Methodist VIM
United Methodist Women
Church World Service
Rethink Church
Find A Church
MissionInsite
UMCom Tech Shop
Church Communications Training
UMCOR’S YouTube
Friendly Center, Toledo
Bread for the World
Society of St. Andrew
Stop Hunger Now
Upper Room Dailey Devotional
Presenter: Dr. Leonard Sweet
Clergy and Church Leaders
The Leipsic Leadership Series provides the opportunity to hear leading
voices in the area of building leaders for the 21st Century church. This
year the speaker is Dr. Leonard Sweet and he will be focusing on the
need for the leader to be driven by Vision.
Dr. Sweet’s latest book, “From Tablet to Table”, will be available to all
participants on the day of the event.
This event is co-sponsored by the Leipsic United Methodist Church
and the Northwest Plains District.
Register online at http://www.northwestplainsdistrict.org/district/
northwestplains/
Cost is $35.00 (includes seminar & lunch)
Scholarships are available. Please contact the district office for
details—800.589.7828|419.523.9901.
Most merciful God, in silence we bow our heads before you. What you endured on our
behalf leaves no room for excuses and self-justification, no possibility of repaying the
favor. As we keep watch beneath your cross, let us experience the awe that comes from
knowing you have loved us with so great a love. May we proclaim with the centurion
the good news that Jesus is truly the Son of God, who gave his life for our salvation.
Amen.
Let us remember in prayer those grieving the loss of their loved one, and
remember in thanksgiving the life and ministry of:
Bertha “Irene” Hatfield, 90, who died March 16. Irene was preceded in death in 2002 by her husband,
Rev. Clifton W. Hatfield, who was an Elder in the West Ohio Conference. She is survived by children
Lucian, Steve, Jennifer Hatfield and Rosemary Wilson, (Dave); grandchildren Eric and Angie Wilson,
Bethany Brant, Michael, Clifton, Jacob, Jonathan, Jasen Hatfield, Chris Westenbarger, Jill Baechle, Lisa
Henahan and Amy Hatfield; 14 great grandchildren; one great great grandson.
Irene was a strong, ever-present member of various churches including Union Chapel United Methodist
Church, where her husband served as pastor for 14 years.
Obituary. A celebration of life service will be held at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home, 185 North Main
Street, Waynesville at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22.
Expressions of condolence may be made online at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home
Updated resources on the Northwest Plains District Website:
 The Book of Discipline 2012 Free Edition
 Clergy Evaluations
 General Conference Resources
 Lay Servant Trainings for 2016-2017
Please continue to check back monthly for more resources.
Town and Rural Resources Program
From Charity to Changing Lives
April 9, 9am-4pm at John Stewart UMC, Upper Sandusky
Enabling others is part of the disadvantage of charity. Learn how to move beyond enabling to help
improve and change lives. Dr. Mike Linger will present how toxic, demeaning, and dependent charity
can be and how the House of the Carpenter helps with immediate needs, yet moves people beyond
receiving basic charity toward changing lives. Rev. Debra Ketcham will also share a format which has
improved and changed lives in amazing ways. Each participant will come away with specific ways to
shift away from charity to being ‘change agents’ which improve lives. Cost is $20.00/person or $15.00/
per person with three or more from the same church/charge. Find brochure here or contact
revdsk@frontier.com or 614.580.2382. Deadline is March 28.
Town and Rural Resource Program is a consortium of clergy from East and West Ohio Conferences
dedicated to providing educational opportunities and ministry enhancement programs to town and
country congregations across the state of Ohio. TARRP's mission is to create workshops/academies/
training that develop stronger leadership in town and country places, so there is more effective proclamation, nurturing, and outreach taking place, all for the transformation of the world in Jesus' name.
TARRP trainings are offered to you at a greatly reduced cost, provided by your apportionment dollars
through grants from East and West Ohio Conferences and the General Board of Global Ministries
Clergy/Laity Spiritual Formation Retreat
The Northwest Plains Spiritual Formation Team invites you to a Spiritual Formation Retreat to be held April 25-26 at the Spiritual Life
Center, Maria Stein, OH (located in Mercer County).
We have invited Rev. Dr. Dwight Judy, Professor Emeritus of Spiritual
Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston,
Illinois, and retired Elder in The United Methodist Church to lead the
retreat.
Come away for a time of retreat. Experience personal renewal as Christ’s love again meets our own
heart’s deepest longings. In our noisy and anxious culture, we invite you to a time of quiet. Join us for
respite and inspiration through Centering Prayer and “praying the scriptures” together. Teresa of
Avila’s methods of prayer will guide us, leading us through the Prayer of Quiet into Divine Presence.
Perhaps the “peace of God which passes all understanding” will visit us (Phil. 4:7).
Registration information at http://www.northwestplainsdistrict.org/district/northwestplains/event/
nwp-clergylaity-spiritual-retreat
Emmaus Events
Findlay Emmaus Gathering (always the third Tuesday) Sidney Emmaus Gathering (always the second Tuesday)
Tuesday, April 19, 7 pm
Tuesday, April 12, 7 pm
St Marks UMC
First UMC
800 S. Main St., Findlay
230 E. Poplar St., Sidney
419.422.4236
937.492.9136
http://www.findlayemmaus.org/
http://www.sidneyemmaus.org/
Emmaus Walks ~ A Journey with Christ
While they were talking and discussing. Jesus himself came near and walked with them. - Luke 24:15
A program of the Upper Room division of the General Board Discipleship which calls forth and
renews Christian discipleship. The Walk to Emmaus is a three-day experience, a highly structured
weekend, which takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a life-style. The program is
designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and through them their families,
congregations, and the world.
Findlay Emmaus Walks @ St. Marks UMC, Findlay, OH
Women's Walks
Women's Walk #98
Women's Walk #99
Dates
June 23-26, 2016
October 6-9, 2016
Men's Walks
Men's Walk #75
Dates
November 3-6, 2016
Sidney Emmaus Walk @ First UMC, Sidney, OH
Women’s Walks
Women’s Walk #69
Women’s Walk #70
Dates
July 7-10, 2016
October 13-16, 2016
Men’s Walks
Men’s Walk #65
Men’s Walk #66
Dates
August 4-7, 2016
November 3-6, 2016
Bryan Emmaus Walks @ Wesley UMC, Bryan, OH
Women’s Walks
Women’s Walk #86
Women’s Walk #87
Dates
July 7-10, 2016 (Maumee UMC, Maumee, OH)
November 10-13, 2016
Men’s Walks
Men’s Walk #70
Dates
October 13-16, 2016
St. Andrew’s UMC, Findlay
Girls Flight #47
Boys Flight #46
July 6-10, 2016
July 22-24, 2016
Greene Street UMC, Piqua
Girls Flight #62
Boys Flight #62
July 8-10, 2016
July 29-31, 2016
LOCAL CHURCH
AND
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Identity of Jesus examined at Lifetree Café map
The historical Jesus will be considered at Lifetree Café on Thursday, March 31, 7-8pm.
The program, titled “Who Was Jesus—Really?” features a filmed interview with Greg Stier, author of Outbreak , and Richard Lawrence, author of The Jesus-Centered Life.
Admission to these 60-minute events is free. Lifetree Café is located in The Bachwell Center for Music and
Dance at 116 N. Washington Street, Van Wert, Ohio.
Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual,
comfortable setting. Questions may be directed to Van Wert First United Methodist Church at 419.238.0631
or firstchurch@wcoil.com.
Maundy Thursday Service at Westside UMC, Lima map
March 24, 7:00 pm
Pastor Bill Cronk sermon titled: "What Makes Good Friday Good"
Communion will be observed
Public Welcome!
Free Community Breakfast at Westside UMC, Lima map
Saturday, March 26, 9:00 -11:00 am
Public Welcome!
Community Meal at Pandora UMC map
The Pandora United Methodist Church will be hosting a FREE Community Meal on Wednesday, March 30,
5:30 to 7:00 pm in the church fellowship hall, 108 E. Washington Street, Pandora. The meal this month is
provided by Sprunger Insurance. The menu is spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, dessert, and beverage.
Yada, Knowing God Seminar, May 20-22 at Silver Creek UMC map
Don and Kathy Hershman
Friday evening: Worship and Prayer @ 7 pm (Free and Open to the public)
Don and Kathy Hershman will begin with Don leading us Friday evening with Prayer and Worship
Saturday Seminar: Begins at 9 am worship (snacks and meal included)
Last session on Saturday is scheduled for 3:15 -5:30pm
Cost is $20 per person (CEU’s may be available for an additional $5) Scholarships are available upon request.
Saturday evening healing service: 7pm (Free and Open to the public)
Sunday morning service: 9 am at Silver Creek UMC (Free and Open to the public)
Don and Kathy will bring the message and a time of Prayer and Worship to conclude their visit.
The Hershmans have taught in various Conferences and Districts of the United Methodist Church as well as
Aldersgate Renewal Ministries national conferences.
To register for Saturday’s seminar or for more details, please phone Pastor Mark Bishop at 419.788.5698,
mark_bishop@frontier.com.
LOCAL CHURCH
AND
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Join us for an over-the-top underground
adventure on...
April 2, 2016 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Paulding United Methodist Church
Contact: Peggy Emerson, 419.296.2709
peggyjemerson@gmail.com
April 9, 2016 from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Celina St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Contact: Matt Overman, 419.586.6621
moverman@spcelina.org
Embark on a VBS Adventure That Will Light Their Way!
Group’s VBS FunShop—Training With a Twist!
This is your team’s chance to learn about Group’s Cave Quest VBS, and get connected with other
VBSers from area churches. At our VBS FunShop, we’ll help jump start your VBS! You’ll learn
time-saving and budget-stretching tips from Group’s VBS veterans.
This hands-on-training gives practical pointers on everything VBS—including what’s new, fundraising, recruiting, decorating, and cleanup! You’ll learn to plan, coordinate, do effective follow-up,
and pull off your church’s best VBS ever! And you’ll experience a full day’s worth of station rotations and receive exclusive decoration tips and ideas!
Plus, these networking sessions help you coordinate sharing high-cost items and decorating
resources with other churches in our area. Learn how to transform your church into a colossal
cave without having to mine for gold!
Advance Online Registration: $20 per person until March 26 through group.com/vbsfunshop.
Registration at the door: $28 per person.
BONUS:
• Exclusive giveaway for participants
• Win FREE Group products
If you are using Cave Quest this year, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to make some new
friends in ministry or reunite with your VBS buddies. Join our spelunking team and get lots of
rock-solid tips for your 2016 VBS! See you there!
NEWS
FROM AROUND THE
CONNECTION
Creating a Legacy Seminar April 16
Does your church have a legacy-building plan designed to equip your future
ministry? Join us for a seminar dedicated to helping you understand why the
development of a proactive planned giving program is essential to your future.
Held at the West Ohio Conference Center, Saturday, April 16, 10:00am–3:00
pm. Information and registration http://tiny.cc/yk029x.
Harry Denman Nominations Sought
The awards honor United Methodists in each conference whose exceptional
evangelism brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.
Each year, annual conferences join the Foundation for Evangelism in recognizing one youth, one clergy member
and one layperson in their conference. Be praying about this opportunity. The WOC will announce the deadline
soon.
Read more http://foundationforevangelism.org/grants/harry-denman-evangelism-award/
Young Preachers Festival and Conference
July 21-22, Leawood, Kansas
Raising up the next generation of young preachers For The United Methodist
Church
The Young Preachers Festival is part of a movement to raise up the next generation of young preachers for The United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood Kansas, is honored to host this second
annual event in partnership with the General Board of Higher Education Ministry (GBHEM).
You are invited to this do not miss gathering designed for young leaders 16-34 who are exploring their call to ministry or current leaders looking to take their preaching gifts to the next level.
Info and registration—www.youngpreachersfestival.org, sharechurch@cor.org—913.232.4139.
Facebook.com/umyoungpreachers and
@umyoungpreacher
2016 West Ohio Annual Conference
This year's session is again held at Lakeside Chautauqua and will begin on
Sunday, June 5 at 5:30 pm with Laity Session and end with Closing
Worship on Wednesday, June 8 at 5 pm.
To register, go to westohioumc.org and click on Register for Events.
More information about this year’s session http://
www.westohioumc.org/ac/2016.
RESOURCES
Holy Thursday — On this night, Christians commemorate the supper Jesus
shared with his disciples before his crucifixion, when Jesus washed the disciples'
feet and instituted the sacrament of the Holy Communion. Worship resources
from Discipleship Ministries http://www.umcdiscipleship.org/worship/churchcivic-holidays/holy-thursday-2016.
Every day to us is Easter: Experience resurrection all year long
On Easter, many United Methodists sing, “Every day to us is Easter, with its resurrection song.” These words open the last verse of “Easter People Raise Your
Voices” (United Methodist Hymnal #304) penned by United Methodist pastor the
Rev. William M. James. The hymn reminds us that we celebrate renewal every day.
Read more http://tiny.cc/k8b99x.
Support Global Health Through Turbo Tax
The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) is offering a Turbo Tax
discount for the denomination.
According to GCFA, “a portion of your purchase price will be donated by Turbo Tax
to support a global health initiative as part of the Four Areas of Focus of The
United Methodist Church. This is an initiative led by the General Board of Global Ministries in an effort to protect children globally from preventable causes of death and diseases through prenatal and pediatric care in
some of the most remote areas in the world.”
Complete your taxes online and support the Global Health Advance #3021770.
VBS: 10 TIPS FOR BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL VOLUNTEER TEAM
1. Pray before enlisting team members, and then pray for team members regularly.
2. Be interested in them personally, not just the job they can perform. It’s all
about relationships.
3. When a team member responds to an idea or responsibility negatively, don’t
assume the person’s negative reaction is about you. Do not let negativity derail you, your team meetings and
your team. Read more http://tiny.cc/yyf99x.
Housing Available at Lakeside for Annual Conference
Behind Hoover Auditorium—2nd or 3rd floor accommodations. 3rd floor has 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths,
with kitchen privileges. $315 per week. If interested please contact Pastor Rick Barnett at
419.783.8168.
Pianist/Organist
Spencerville Trinity United Methodist Church is looking for a pianist/organist to serve in our 8:30am
traditional worship experience, beginning sometime in mid-May. If you are interested please contact
Pastor Justin Fuhrmann at 419-647-4451 or pastor@spencervilletrinity.com
Contemporary Worship Leader
St. Paul’s UMC in Findlay is seeking a worship/band leader who has a strong faith in Christ for our
contemporary service. This is a part time position which includes the following responsibilities:
 Lead the praise band in rehearsals and during Sunday morning worship
 Must be able to lead vocally as well as instrumentally (guitar, keyboard, or other instrument)
 Coordinate and plan the music for the service in conjunction with the pastors.
Please send resume to office@stpaulsfindlay.org with Worship Leader Search in the subject line.
For more information, please contact Barry or Laurie at 419.422.4131.
Praise and Worship Leader
Vaughnsville Community United Methodist Church is in need of a part-time Praise and Worship Leader
for the contemporary worship service. Worship Leader will need to lead with a keyboard or guitar.
Interested persons should contact Rev. Tom Brown, 419.604.3854.
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 Deb via e-mail deblee@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. Amy Haines, Assistant to the DS: ahaines@wocumc.org
Debra Lee, Office Administrator: deblee@wocumc.org
Sandy Pergram, Administrative Assistant: spergram@wocumc.org