volume 10 march 2018 issue 3 - northwest plains district · harrod/maysville hurches rev. harles...
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 10 March 2018 Issue 3
DISTRICT STAFF
District Superintendent Barry Burns [email protected] Ass’t to the Dist. Supt. Lynda Lockwood [email protected] Office Administrator Debra Lee [email protected] Financial Secretary Kim Tumblin [email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE: A word from our DS………….…..1-2
Emmaus……………..………………2
Prayer List……..……………..……..2
Farewell………………..……………3
Coming Events...…………………3-6
Connectional Giving…....................7
Spring Conference…………………8
Dear Friends,
The season of Lent provides us an opportunity to enter a
season of reflection and self -examination. There are always
those places we could do better, where we could be more
Christ-like, where we could love more fully, but too often we
just don’t go to that place where we can see ourselves as we
really are.
As I read the Lenten texts each week, watch the news
unfolding each day, see the pain and brokenness in our communities, I can’t
help but pause and reflect.
I realize that first, I have much to confess to God. I confess that I have grown
callous to so much gun violence in our country. I confess that when I should be
giving voice to the voiceless, I have remained silent far too often. I confess that
I have sat back, far too often, doing nothing when I should have been leading
prophetically in the face of the many injustices in our world today.
But then, this inward journey of reflection must lead me to an outward
journey of action if I am going to follow where Christ is leading. The example
of Christ for the church has always been a “both/and” kind of journey. It is
both the inward journey of reflection and the outward journey of action. It is
both a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and a deep commitment to social
justice. It is both loving God and loving our neighbor.
As we move through the rest of this season of Lent, and then move into the
celebration of Easter, I invite you to join me on giving ourselves completely to
loving God completely and loving our neighbors as they are, where they are.
Peace,
“Oh God, bless us during this season of spiritual
renewal. Fill our minds and hearts with love, that we may be a sign of Jesus to all those living
in our midst. Amen.”
Rev. Barry Burns Northwest Plains
District Superintendent
Northwest Plains District United Methodist Church
910 E. Third Street Ottawa, OH 45875
Telephone: 419.523.9901 800.589.7828
FAX 419.523.3479
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
www.northwestplainsdistrict.org
March 29, 2018
Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I announced that after 36 years of working for the Lima District and Northwest Plains District, Deb Lee has made the decision to accept a different job closer to her home. Deb has served the district extremely well in these years, having an impact far beyond this actual office. She has worked with 8 different Superintendents over the years, making us all look far better than we deserve. I personally grieve this transition because of what we will lose, but am happy that she is making the decision that is right for her. Please keep Deb in your prayers because this is not easy after all these years. Her last day here in the office will be March 15, 2018. My gratitude to her is beyond measure!
Because of that, we are now looking for someone to fill that roll moving forward. If you know someone with administrative gifts and a servant’s heart that might be interested in applying for this position, they can find a job description on our web site, or have them contact me and I will send them one. We want to fill this post as soon as we can find the right person for the job.
Thanks,
Barry Burns
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 community, if you took another three-day retreat, or if your contact information has changed, please send the information to me. Brad Martin, Emmaus Community Spiritual Director | [email protected]
The district staff will be praying each week for 3 different appointments (church and pastor):
Week of March 4 Findlay Howard UMC Rev. David To Findlay Journey at Christ UMC Rev. Trevor Wright Findlay Powell Memorial UMC Rev. Hugh Bowland
Week of March 18
Page 2 Northwest Plains Compass March 2018
Week of March 11 Findlay St. Andrew’s UMC Rev. Jeff Motter Rev. Becky Schofield Motter Findlay St. Marks UMC Rev. Mark Hollinger Rev. David Charles Findlay St. Paul’s UMC Rev. Tom Mellott
Week of March 25 Hardin-Wyandot County Charge Rev. Brian Arnold Rev. Doug Pummell Harpster Soo-Hea Park Harrod/Maysville Churches Rev. Charles Fuerstenau
Findlay Zion UMC Rev. David To Grand Lake UMC/Montezuma Campus Rev. Mick Whistler Rev. Matt Overman Rev. Diane Mendelson Grover Hill Zion UMC Rev. Mike Waldron
March 2018 Northwest Plains Compass Page 3
Ohio Flood Relief Financial Contributions to aid in Ohio Flood Relief
should be labeled “West Ohio Disaster Fund” and can
be sent to the West Ohio Conference Center, 32
Wesley Blvd., Worthington, OH 43085. Watch for
future communications around volunteer opportuni-
ties. If you’d like to receive direct updates please c
ontact Kris Shoaf, [email protected], and ask to
receive those E-mails.
Summer VIM home build at Henderson Settlement People are needed to work on a VIM work team
constructing a house for a family in Frakes, KY, over
the summer. Construction will start with framing the
week of May 6 and will end with interior finishing the
week of August 19. Cost is $260/person for the week
for lodging and meals, and they request donations for
supplies if possible. Please contact Ralph and Carolyn
Brandon at 740.344.5581 or sowervimpro-
Mission Team to Nicaragua The annual June mission team to Nicaragua endorsed
by the Ohio River Valley District is now forming. This
ministry originated in 1996 and has continued annual-
ly with both June and November teams. The 2018
June team, June 19-27, will serve in Managua, Nica-
ragua. It will have a number of opportunities for
service to school students at a Christian school,
service with a foundation involved with improving
public health, service with a Nicaraguan Methodist
Church, and others. The theme of these teams is
"Building Christian Relationships.” There will also be
time for worship, sightseeing, and shopping. The June
team is especially suited for students and family
members who have a desire for engagement in
service but cannot participate at other times of the
year. For more detailed information, please request a
brochure and application form by con-
tacting [email protected].
Dear Friends,
When I began working for the former Lima District of The United Methodist Church, I never imagined my service would stretch to over 36 years! But it has and how time flies. "All good things must come to an end" an old saying goes, and the time now has come for me to go. On March 15 I will finish over three and one half decades of full-time employment with the district.
I will be leaving many wonderful memories of working for eight district superintendents, hundreds of pastors, and thousands of lay persons in our more recently configured Northwest Plains District. Most of my adult working life has been devoted to faithful service for the leaders and congregations in this area.
Please know I was not seeking another job after all these years although I know the West Ohio Conference is downsizing. Very recently and unex-pectedly I was contacted by a growing law firm and offered a position as Executive Assistant to the attorneys. The location is considerably closer to my home, the compensation is generous, and the firm definitely wants me to be part of their practice as long as I wish to work.
My resignation as Office Administrator here will offer the district various options for staffing as well as provide me with job security during what-ever transitions may come in the West Ohio Conference.
For 36 years I have conscientiously endeavored to serve the district in all aspects of my working life. I pray God's blessings on the West Ohio Conference and the Northwest Plains District.
Thank you for the privilege of working with wonderful district superintendents, pastors, lay persons, and congregations.
Sincerely, Deb Lee
Page 4 Northwest Plains Compass March 2018
Breakthrough Prayer Initiative (One-Session Training)
Every new movement of church renewal always begins through prayer, asking God to bring new possibilities and hope. Learn how to lay a foundation of churchwide prayer that will move your congregation from looking down and in, to up and out! Identical Traction Track single sessions are available at the following locations. Learn more about the Breakthrough Prayer Initiative here http://tiny.cc/74woqy. Registration links for sessions are below: Saturday, March 17, 9 am-2 pm; Host location is Forest Park United Methodist Church, Lima (NWP District) Register here http://tiny.cc/t8woqy.
Sunday, March 18, 2-7 pm; Host location Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan (NWP District) Register here http://tiny.cc/raxoqy.
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. • Nancy Replogle is responsible for the southern part of NWP District including Allen, Auglaize, Hardin, Mercer,
Van Wert, and Wyandot counties. She can be reached at 419.771.3472 or by email at [email protected].
• Stephen Brooks is responsible for the northern part of NWP District including Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Pauld-ing, Putnam, and Williams counties. He can be reached at 419.519.3319 or by email at [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE: Larry Zuvers will cover the northern part of NWP District the month of March while Stephen Brooks
is out of the district. Larry can be reached at [email protected] or 419.636.2329. Stephen will resume Pulpit Sup-
ply after April 8, 2018.
Lay Servant Training Events
"Leading in Prayer" led by Rev. Jeff Motter,
will be offered on Saturday, April 7, 8:30am-
4:30pm, at Trinity UMC, 137 N. Pratt St., Otta-
wa, Ohio. The FIRM deadline for registration is
April 2, 2018. If we do not receive 10 registra-
tions, the class will not be held.
“Sacraments: Baptism & Holy Communion”
led by Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, will be
offered Saturday, April 7, 8:30am-4:30pm, at
Trinity UMC, 137 N. Pratt St., Ottawa. The FIRM
deadline for registration is April 2, 2018. If we
do not receive 10 registrations, the class will
not be held.
Please help get the word out. If you, or some-
one you know, would be interested in partici-
pating, please register today!
March 2018 Northwest Plains Compass Page 5
Clergy Gatherings
Allen Luncheon 11:30am 13 10 Old Barn Out Back, Lima
Auglaize Breakfast 8:30am 14 11 RJ’s Coffey Cup, Wapakoneta
Defiance Luncheon 11:30am 20 12 Sherwood UMC, Sherwood (note date change)
Hancock Breakfast 8:30am 13 10 Scrambler Marie’s, Findlay
Hardin Breakfast 9:00am 22 19 Henry’s Restaurant, Kenton
Mercer Luncheon 11:30am 14 11 Orchard Tree, Celina
Paulding Luncheon 11:30am 21 18 Fiesta Habaneros, Paulding
Putnam Breakfast 8:30am 20 16 Henry’s Restaurant, Ottawa
Van Wert Breakfast 8:30am 21 18 Van Wert Hospital Cafeteria (Conf Room D)
Williams Breakfast 8:30am 15 12 Four Seasons, Bryan
Wyandot Luncheon 11:30 am 22 19 East of Chicago Pizza, Upper Sandusky
County Time March April Location
Resilience: Flourishing in Ministry During Anxious Times is the
theme for the 2018 West Ohio Clergy Day Apart, offered Thursday, March 8, from 9:30 am-3:30 pm at
Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church. Retired Bishop Janice Riggle Huie will be the guest speaker for
the day. Register today! https://www.westohioumc.org/2018ClergyDayApart
Northwest Plains District Clergy Day Away
Led by: Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards Friday, April 6, 2018, 9am-3pm Trinity UMC, 137 N. Pratt St., Ottawa, OH
We will begin the day at 9am and conclude at 3pm. There is no cost for the day and lunch is included.
Please telephone the District Office (800.589.7828) to make your reservation or you can register online at https://www.northwestplainsdistrict.org/district/northwestplains/event/nwp-clergy-day-away.
Taylor is a well-known teacher and leader in the area of worship and sacraments. So, he will be leading this day around a deeper understanding of our sacramental theology. This is an excellent opportunity for all of our pastors, licensed and ordained, to explore our understanding of the sacraments. Until recently, Taylor has worked for the General Board of Discipleship and is now a consultant in this very area of work.
Taylor Burton-Edwards
Page 6 Northwest Plains Compass March 2018
Northwest Plains District Clergy & Laity Spiritual Formation Retreat “Remembering the World Before God: Becoming Communities of Intercession”
April 23 & 24, 2018 The Spiritual Center of Maria Stein, OH
2365 St. Johns Rd., PO Box 95, Maria Stein, Ohio 45860 http://spiritualcenter.net/
We have invited Dr. Don E. Sailers to lead our upcoming retreat and will explore what it means to join the continual intercession of Jesus Christ. Sessions will include interactive work on psalms of lament, hymns, responses, and new forms of prayer. Concrete proposals will be made for local congregations — from Mark Stamm’s book, “Devoting Ourselves to the Prayes.”
An accomplished musician, theologian and scholar of liturgics, Saliers is the author of 15 books on the relationship between theology and worship practices, as well as more than 150 articles, essays, chapters in books, and book reviews. He co-authored A Song to Sing, a Life to Live with his daughter Emily Saliers, a member of the Indigo Girls.
Retreat Schedule: Monday, April 23 Registration 1:00 pm Session I 1:30 Dinner 5:30 Session II 7:00
Retreat Rates: Registration is limited to 50 Attendees $100 per person within Northwest Plains
$180 per married couple residing within Northwest Plains District (sharing a room)
$150 per person residing outside of the Northwest Plains District.
$200 per married couple residing outside of the Northwest Plains District (sharing a room)
Registration fee covers 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, and snacks.
Northwest Plains District Clergy & Laity Spiritual Formation Retreat Registration Deadline: April 9, 2018
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
Church ______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone _______________________________ Email _______________________________________
Dietary Restrictions ____________________________________________________________________
Make check payable and mail to: Northwest Plains District UMC, 910 E. Third St., Ottawa, OH 45875.
Tuesday, April 24 Breakfast 8:30 am Session III 9:30 Lunch 12:00 pm
If you have questions or need
additional information, please
contact: Dr. Barbara Lee,
Dr. Don E. Sailers
March 2018 Northwest Plains Compass Page 7
2018 CONNECTIONAL GIVING
MOVING FULL STEAM AHEAD
On track with District Giving (16% or more as of 2/27/18) District 100%
Arcadia Elida Zion Erastus Fort Recovery Hamilton Bethel Hepburn Landfair Lima Forest Park Melbern Melrose Mercer Middle Creek Middle Point Mt. Blanchard Mt. Zion (Hardin Co.)
New Knoxville
Alger First Antwerp Ayersville Bryan Wesley Carey Memorial Chattanooga Continental Christ Continental United Cridersville Defiance St. Paul’s Edon Elida St. Pauls Evansport Farmer Findlay St. Marks Findlay St. Paul’s Findlay Zion Grant Hicksville Grace Leipsic Lima Family of Faith
Lima Trinity Mark Center McComb Mt. Zion (Hancock Co.) Mt. Zion (Paulding Co.)
Ney North Creek Ohio City Paulding Pleasant Chapel Pulaski Sherwood Spencerville Trinity St. Marys Wayne Street Vanlue Christ Van Wert Bethel Van Wert First Van Wert Wesley Vaughnsville Community Waynesfield West Independence
Conference Giving
The West Ohio Conference has received apportionment checks from our Northwest Plains District
churches, but due to an accounting software conversion, conference apportionment giving reports
are not available at this time. We thank you for your patience, your understanding, and most of all
for your faithfulness in giving.
2018 Apportionment Statements
Northwest Plains would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your payments toward the 2018
District Apportionment.
FYI for pastors and treasurers: please note that you will not receive apportionment statements until
the ‘report module’ in the new accounting software is up and running. You can, however, still send in
your payments. All 2018 payments will be reflected on the statement that you will receive in the near
future. We thank you for your patience, your understanding, and most of all for your faithfulness in
giving.
Blessings, Kim Tumblin
Financial Secretary, Northwest Plains District
Payne St. Paul Rhinehart Rockport Salem (Wyandot Co.)
Stryker Twin Oaks Van Buren Wapakoneta First Wapakoneta Salem Westminster Wharton Williams Center Asbury Williams Center Calvary Willshire Union
Northwest Plains Compass The Northwest Plains Compass is published monthly. News releases relating to the Compass should be emailed to:
[email protected] or mailed to: Northwest Plains Compass, Northwest Plains District United Methodist Church, 910 E. Third St., Ottawa, OH 45875.
For telephone inquiries, dial 1.800.589.7828.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 16 Ottawa, Ohio 45875
NORTHWEST PLAINS DISTRICT THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 910 E THIRD ST OTTAWA OH 45875 Return Service Requested
Save the date! Northwest Plains District
Spring Conference
Sunday, May 20, 2018
2:30 pm Gathering Time
3:00 Business of the Conference
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church 218 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, OH Everyone is welcome to attend!