A Letter and Video from Jodie Flessner
Thank you for your work in helping the UMC stay connected. United Methodist Rural Advocates (UMRA) has produced a video [with the help of the West Ohio Communications Team] and a Brochure with a desire to connect with the UMC’s rural churches. We know that many of our rural and small-town churches find it challenging to connect with each other and the resources which will assist them as they seek to thrive.
Much of UMRA’s ministry has been with those on the margins, including populations which have faced racism and environmental injustice. We know we are all richer for these connections.
Please use the video and brochure in any way that you think would help rural people connect. Forwarding this email to Districts which have town and rural churches would be especially helpful. And we would be very grateful if you could connect us with any persons in your Annual Conference who work with rural and small-town ministries.
https://vimeo.com/1133213811/b83f2e6023?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
UMRA Brochure
Blessings,
Rev. Jodie Flessner
Thank you for your work in helping the UMC stay connected. United Methodist Rural Advocates (UMRA) has produced a video [with the help of the West Ohio Communications Team] and a Brochure with a desire to connect with the UMC’s rural churches. We know that many of our rural and small-town churches find it challenging to connect with each other and the resources which will assist them as they seek to thrive.
Much of UMRA’s ministry has been with those on the margins, including populations which have faced racism and environmental injustice. We know we are all richer for these connections.
Please use the video and brochure in any way that you think would help rural people connect. Forwarding this email to Districts which have town and rural churches would be especially helpful. And we would be very grateful if you could connect us with any persons in your Annual Conference who work with rural and small-town ministries.
https://vimeo.com/1133213811/b83f2e6023?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
UMRA Brochure
Blessings,
Rev. Jodie Flessner
Interested in impacting general conference legislation?
You Can Make a Difference at the UMRA 2026 Legislative Consultation
October 13-16, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio
Tired of the denominational rules or policies that negatively affect Local Pastors and smaller churches, especially those in the rural and town & country areas? You can make a difference by attending the UM Rural Advocates Legislative Consultation this October.
Together we will discover the needs of the Local Pastors and smaller churches; then create legislation to present to the 2028 General Conference. While networking with people from various areas and ministries, we will learn how to advocate for the needs of Local Pastors and smaller churches at General and your Annual Conference.
Accommodations are in a group block at a hotel near the airport, with daily breakfast, and shuttle service to and from the airport. Lunch, dinner, and meeting space will be at an area UMC, which makes the cost of attending affordable! Your insights are very important. We hope to see you!
The link for the trifold brochure is below.
Deb Ketcham, UMRA Special Events Coordinator
Together we will discover the needs of the Local Pastors and smaller churches; then create legislation to present to the 2028 General Conference. While networking with people from various areas and ministries, we will learn how to advocate for the needs of Local Pastors and smaller churches at General and your Annual Conference.
Accommodations are in a group block at a hotel near the airport, with daily breakfast, and shuttle service to and from the airport. Lunch, dinner, and meeting space will be at an area UMC, which makes the cost of attending affordable! Your insights are very important. We hope to see you!
The link for the trifold brochure is below.
Deb Ketcham, UMRA Special Events Coordinator
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