Hocking Hills Retreat Center (HHRC) Update
We are continuing to make great progress at Hocking Hills Retreat Center! Here’s an update on projects we’ve been working on:
- For the first time in nearly 30 years, we will host our own SCO Teen Camp at our own campgrounds!
- Cabins 1 – 4 are done and in use.
- Cabins 5 – 8 are nearing completion and will be done by the end of May if not sooner.
- Shower House 1 is done and in use.
- Shower House 2 is nearing completion and will be done by the end of May if not sooner.
- The Lake is completely filled and will be stocked with 600 largemouth bass, 1,200 blue gill, 600 perch, 600 crappie, 100 catfish, 600 red eared shell crackers, 600 hybrid bluegills and LOTS of minnows. This is scheduled to happen on Wednesday April 22nd. Still to come is a dock, kayaks, beach area, and shelter house.
- MVNU partnered with us to put in 3 half-court basketball courts sporting their logo. This will be completed by summer camp.
- We have started and will have completed the first phase of a low rope initiative course designed for character and team building.
- We have partnered with Hocking Hills Canoe Livery to provide a 50% discount to RVers for camp meeting. In addition, all HHRC Campers will receive a free canoe trip down the Hocking River and a free game of Gelly Ball.
- The construction documents for the New Dining Hall are being prepared as we speak. We’ve partnered with a commercial kitchen designer to help make sure the kitchen is set up perfectly as we expect to be busy and operational 365 days a year.
- We are updating administratively and will be using new software called Campwise to help us stay organized and professional, and to provide an easy interface for leaders, campers and parents to register, communicate and pay registration fees.
- We are currently constructing our new web page. You can check out the progress at www.hockinghillsretreatcenter.org. It should be done by District Assembly.
- Also, please go to the Hocking Hills Retreat Center Facebook page and “like” us so you can help spread the word!
- Please be praying for God to provide a buyer at full asking price for the District Office property in Grove City.
- Finally, we will be rolling out a fund-raising strategy and social media campaign at Assembly. Keep your eyes out for that and pray about how you might support this effort!
Thanks to everyone who has supported HHRC financially and with your time and labor!
Rob Paugh
HHRC Development
Thankful for the early spring rain that has helped fill the pond!
Rutland Church
It was a joy to worship with our Rutland Church family alongside Pastor Robbie and Dawn Keene last Sunday. We are truly blessed to have them serving on our district ministry team.
May God continue to bless them!
Volunteers Needed:
Parade of Nations
Do you have someone in your congregation who regularly attends and represents a nation outside the United States? We would be honored to have them participate in our April 26 Ordination Service Parade of Nations. Please reach out to Mark Ledford at Pastormark@westervillenaz.com.
SCO District Assembly Ordination Service
Sunday, April 26 – Childcare
We’re pleased to offer childcare during the Ordination Service this year for children who are potty trained through 4th grade. To ensure we’re ready to care for your child, please complete the required registration here:
If you have any questions, contact Darla Batson at dbatson@sconaz.org.
SCO Camp Meeting July 12-19, 2026
Camp Meeting, held at the HHRC, is the can’t miss week of the summer – a powerful, family-focused experience hosted by our district. Every day is packed with inspiring worship, uplifting messages, fun activities, and meaningful connection for every age. It’s a chance to step away from the routine, recharge spiritually, and create unforgettable memories together in a Christ-centered environment. Put July 12-19 on your calendar!
This Saturday, April 18, NMI/NYI Conventions
Below is your guide for the day.
We’re excited to have Dr. Stan Reeder, USA/Canada Regional Director, join us on Tuesday, August 11 to help us through the art of navigating crucial conversations both within the church and beyond. His insight and leadership will make this an invaluable LDI experience.
Register below – you don’t want to miss this important training day!
Crucial Conversations with Dr. Stan Reeder – South Central Ohio District
Ministry Team Retreat
October 2-4, 2026
We’re thrilled to share that our next Ministry Team Retreat is set for October 2–4 in the peaceful beauty of Amish Country. We are honored to welcome Rev. Dale Schaeffer (Steph), District Superintendent of the Florida District, as our guest speaker for the weekend.
Prepare for a meaningful time of rest, fellowship, and spiritual renewal. It’s the perfect opportunity to step away from the busyness of ministry. Watch for additional information and registration coming soon.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness:
Practical Steps to Achieve Loan Forgiveness Workshop
Tuesday, May 19th at 9 pm (EST)
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal student loan program that forgives the remaining balance of any federal student loan after 120 payments for borrowers who work in the public sector-including pastors! However, too many pastors have struggled to access PSLF due to the program’s complexity.
This 1-hour workshop, sponsored by The COMPASS Initiative, is designed to teach pastors how to:
- Start counting qualifying payments
- Ensure that payments meet program requirements
- Understand what counts as qualifying employment
- Request loan forgiveness after making 120 payments
Space is limited so follow this link to register today! Unfortunately, this workshop cannot be recorded for later viewing so please sign up today!
April 18: NMI/NYI Convention – Circleville Heritage Church
April 17 – 18: MVNU Women’s Auxiliary Spring Conference
April 26: SCO Ordination Service – The Naz (Grove City) Childcare registration here:
April 27: SCO District Assembly – The Naz (Grove City)
May 9: MVNU Graduation
May 16: Missions Workshop – HHRC
June 14 – 17: Middle School Camp – HHRC (completed 6th grade through completed 8th)
June 17 – 20: High School Camp – HHRC (completed 9th grade through completed 12th)
July 1 – 7: Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC)
July 12 – 19: District Camp Meeting
July 19 – 22: Children’s Camp (4th through 6th grade)
July 23 – 25: Children’s Camp (1st through 3rd grade)
August 11: Crucial Conversations – HHRC Register here:
Crucial Conversations with Dr. Stan Reeder – South Central Ohio District
October 2 – 4: Ministry Team Retreat (MTR) Amish Country
Pastor Bill (Laura) Roth (McArthur) as he undergoes chemotherapy for cancer.
Pray with us that God will help us plant many new congregations in the next 5 years, both within the I-270 outer belt and across the district. Who might God be calling? Where might God be calling?
A Prayer Guide for District Assembly:
April 14 – Chaplains, Evangelists, and Educators
April 15 – NYI Teen Camps: June 14-17, 17-20
April 16 – Kids’ Camps: July 19-22, 23-25
April 17 – The Ordination Service on Sunday, April 26
April 18 – HHRC and plans for future development
April 19 – A willingness to step out of our comfort zone and attempt the impossible
April 20 – Mount Vernon Nazarene University President, Carson Castleman, as he shares the mission of MVNU
April 21 – SCO Family Camp Meeting: July 12-19
April 22 – Hunger for the presence of God in our churches
April 23 – That a renewed emphasis on discipleship will result in more disciples
April 24 – A vision to start new works across our district
April 25 – Our District Assembly theme – The Next Yes
April 26 – That the Ordination Service will be a celebration of The Call
April 27 – District Superintendent, Eddie Estep, as he reports to the Assembly
Cornerstone – Dr. Greg Mason, Interim Pastor
South Point – Rev. Wayne Searls, Interim Pastor
Lower Lights Community – Dr. Dennis King, Interim Pastor (effective May 31)
SCO District Website Mount Vernon Nazarene University
SCO District Calendar LifeLong Learning Registry
SCO District NDI Give via CDM – Online
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