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January 19, 2021: ‘Do Not Urge Me to Leave You’

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“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you. ...’ When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her” (Ruth 1:16, 18, NKJV).

I have experienced a bitter spirit like Naomi. As an African-American woman, I have experienced many losses through racism, sexism, classism and misogynoir. Of those losses, it has been the ones I have suffered within my faith community that have been the most devastating because they resulted in misperceptions of God. Like Naomi, my misperception of God evoked anger, disappointment and bitterness. But unlike Naomi, my misperception also led to loss of identity with God.

Members Stay Connected During Pandemic

by Heidi Shoemaker

Who doesn’t love receiving a card in the mail? A text from a friend? Maybe even a call from a dear family member? Though many church facilities have reopened, not everyone has returned to in-person worship. To that end, members have found unique ways to reach out to church family and stay connected to those worshipping from home.

Ohio Conference’s Communication Department asked church members to consider reaching out to members who, for one reason or another, haven’t physically returned to church since the pandemic. It is in times like these where at-home worshippers need to know they are being thought of and prayed for. Suggestions included mailing cards to senior members, texting and checking up on college students or calling friends just to say hello.

Ministry Continues Despite Pandemic Restrictions

Story by Heidi Shoemaker

During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio Conference leadership recognized one thing: Ministry does not stop. Woven into their COVID-19 “Ministry Action Plan” are words of encouragement: “Worship is a way of life and has not, and will not, be canceled. Ministry does not stop because we cannot worship together in a building. Ministry can and will continue because of you.”

Pastors, teachers, church members and students quickly adapted to virtual worship and classes, finding innovative ways to remain connected and share Jesus with others. Pastors met weekly via Zoom, sharing what was working within their regions and seeking guidance for difficult circumstances. Innovation and perseverance flourished across churches and schools during quarantine.