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Weekly Email News
EMAIL ADDRESSES:To reach Sung – [email protected]
To reach Stacey – [email protected]
District Office Phone Number: 814.361.2464District Office Fax Number: 814.361.2465
In the event of a Pastoral Emergency you may contact Sung at 724.272.1085
Wednesday December 12, 2018
510 Locust StreetJohnstown, PA 15901
Johnstown District ofthe United Methodist Church
Rev. Sung’s Schedule:Dec. 17 – Sung in office amDec. 18 – Sung out of officeDec. 19 – Sung in office amDec. 20 – Sung out of officeDec. 21 – Dec. 22 – Sung on VacationDec. 23 – Sung on Vacation through Dec. 31
IN THE EVENT YOU SHOULD NEED DS ASSISTANCE DURING THE TIME WHEN REV. SUNG IS ON VACATION, YOU MAY CONTACT ROBERT ZILHAVER, CONNELLSVILLE DS AT
724.628.3453
CLEARANCES FOR PASTORSClearances were due in the district office by October 31, 2018. Previously, we did not require you to send us a copy, but the requirements have changed. Also, if you have moved into our District from another District, you will need to get an updated FBI Clearance Report and provide it to us. Your old report will not be accepted. Any questions, please feel free to contact Stacey at the District office. A special thank you to Rev. Shane Siciliano for providing the information below to share with other pastors!
Here are the three links:
State Police: https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp
Child Abuse: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
FBI Fingerprint Identity Check: https://uenroll.identogo.com/
For FBI Fingerprints, look at the top of the page where it says "Enter your Service Code to get started."
Enter this Service Code: 1KG756
While this code is for DHS Employees, IdentoGO has verified that all pastors in PA are authorized to use this code, (DHS processes our clearances). This code lowers the cost of the FBI Check to $22.60 instead of $50.00.
The full explanation of this code can be found here:
1KG756
Employee >=14 Years Contact w/ Children
An employee age 14 or older who would not fall under the child care services/program employee or contractor definition, and who has care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children.
SPARK 2019The Johnstown District will hold a Pizza Party on Saturday for lunch at the hotel!
Please mark your calendars so you will be able to attend.
Attn: Local Church TreasurersThe Conference Board of Pensions is pleased to announce a reduced healthcare billing rate to the local churches for 2019. The 2019 blended rate of $1536.00 a month for full time appointed clergy which was communicated earlier in the fall has been reduced to $1385.00 a month. This is a savings of $151.00 a month to the local church.
The CBOP is continuously evaluating what steps and measures we can take to reduce healthcare costs to the local church. It has been determined the CBOP is in a position at this time to absorb the cost of administrative expenses and healthcare premiums for our special participants; surviving spouses, CPP disability, student pastors and retirees with 40 years service.
The CBOP recognizes the financial challenges facing many of our local churches and remains committed to identifying ways to offer affordable, quality healthcare to our clergy and their families.
Questions or concerns please contact Kathleen Lasky at: [email protected]
The CBOP wishes you and your family a wonderful, blessed Christmas!
UNITED METHODIST HUMAN SERVICES5 X 1000 – A small way to make a big difference!
United Methodist Human Services serves all of Cambria County and adjoining parts of Somerset, Bedford, and Clearfield Counties. Through faith in Christ and community partnerships, they develop relationships that empower and transform individual lives, families, and future generations.
You can spend your hard-earned money a lot of different ways. We all want to do good with our money, but sometimes there isn’t much left at the end of the month.
What if you could make a difference without breaking the bank?
$5 doesn’t seem like much, right? But just imagine if you could multiply it by 1000. The impact would be undeniable! We’re looking for 1000 people to commit to changing lives.
Your $5 monthly gift will help put shoes on children’s feet and food on the tables of families and senior citizens. You’ll help provide hats, gloves, diapers, hygiene kits, and necessary care items to those who need them. You’ll help empower people struggling in economic instability to build brighter,
more secure futures for themselves and their families. This just might be the best $5 you spend each month! Visit umhumanservices.org/5x1000 to start changing lives today!
CLEANING BUCKETS NEEDED!Cleaning buckets drop off location in Johnstown is Elton: Zion UMC. Please contact the church to make sure someone will be there to accept the buckets before dropping off. Church office phone number is (814) 266-1512.
Because of the widespread flooding that we are receiving throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, specifically around Pittsburgh suburbs, we have exhausted our cleaning buckets at the Eastbrook mission barn.
On behalf of the disaster response ministries and the Eastbrook Mission Barn, I am issuing an urgent request for cleaning buckets and hygiene kits; with priority being placed on cleaning buckets.
If each district would be able to collect 100 cleaning buckets this would alleviate concerns about having enough supplies in this initial response.
Funds for cleaning buckets could also be forwarded to the Eastbrook Mission Barn. Funds for general disaster response should be forwarded to the conference treasure. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call 814-442-5899.
Thank you for everything you are doing and for all of your support, we continue to seek God’s will as we help those who have been affected by natural disaster.Peace and blessings, Calvin CookWPA Disaster Response Ministries
UNITED METHODIST HERITAGEMy name is Sarah Harris, and I currently write a newsletter article for Westmont UMC titled “Our Christian Heritage.” I would like to write monthly articles for your local churches titled United Methodist Heritage. The articles will focus on United Methodist history and John Wesley's theology in order to help educate laity of their denomination's history and theology. You may reach me at 814-288-5204 or [email protected]. Sarah is our Johnstown District Librarian.
JOHNSTOWN DISTRICT LIBRARYIf you are looking for a place for extra books that you may have lying around your church, District Librarian, Sarah Harris will be accepting donations of books for our new District Library. You may bring the books to the library at Grove Avenue United Methodist Church. Please just call the church office before making a trip to be sure someone will be there to accept them.
Volunteers Needed!
Franklin Street Food Pantry is in need of volunteers to carry bags to the street level for food pantry clients. Carriers must be able to navigate stairs and lift/carry 30-40 lbs. The food pantry is open Tuesday mornings from 930AM-1130AM. If you can help, please contact United Methodist Human Services at (814) 539-2633.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!JUMP is looking for retired men and women who are seeking a rewarding experience.PAY: NONEBENEFITS: Investment in your community; serve God by doing ministry to help the less fortunate
Current JUMP leaders are aging and dealing with health limitations. They will help with permits, design, materials transport, and paperwork.
Priority for jobs goes to handicap needs, followed by home repairs addressing safety issues. Teams are generally 3 to 5 people and most jobs are completed in 2 to 3 days. We need team leaders and team workers, hopefully with some fix-it experience, but we will train any interested individual.This is a part-time volunteer effort. JUMP has tools but bringing your own is encouraged. Access to a small truck or van is also helpful but not necessary. For more information, call Franklin Street UMC at 535-8288.
HELP WANTED:Bethany United Methodist Church in Johnstown is seeking a new choir director. If you are interested, please contact the church office at 814-266-9588 for more information.
The New Florence UMC (located at 200 9th street new Florence) is looking for a piano player to play for Sunday worship (10:30am), and choir practice.
To obtain a full job description you can contact Pastor Sharon Hamley at [email protected] or call the church office at 724-235-9961
UPCOMING EVENTS:
LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE – DECEMBER 21 AT 7 PMLife isn’t always clean and tidy.
The Christmas season can be a particularly hard time for folks suffering from broken relationships and grief due to death or distance, those with job losses, a worrisome diagnosis or health concerns.The service is open to anyone who wants to get a break from the noisy clamor of advertising and commercialism of Christmas.
Regardless of where you find yourself this Christmas season, the Longest Night service offers a quieter, contemplative service of music, Scripture, candles, prayer, reflection, gentle silence and communion.
We will have a time of fellowship in the social hall after service for those who wish to stay. Grace United Methodist Church is located on SR 36, 5428 S Main Street in Westover, Pennsylvania.
Blue Christmas at BethanyBethany UMC at 112 Leventry Road will conduct their annual Blue Christmas Service on Friday, December 21 at 6pm. This service is offered to those who find Christmas to be a season where they struggle to find the joy others feel. It has been, over the past years, a service that is able to provide comfort to those who are grieving and suffering the loss of a loved one. Come and join others as we share together with the God of creation that does not abandon us but comforts us in our time of
sorrow. Together we will seek the comfort of God’s presence through the Word, prayer, hymns, and candle light. You will be blessed!
LIVE NATIVITY AT GREENHOUSE PARKThe Live Nativity “Music of That Night” will be on Friday, Dec. 14 from 4PM to 8PM and Saturday, Dec. 15 from 2 PM to 8PM at Greenhouse Park, Tire Hill. Since its inception, over 3000 people have attended this family friendly event. It’s becoming part of the Christmas traditions in our area & attracts folks from Erie, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, states bordering Pennsylvania and even further. Featuring the Market Place, baked goods and other items are available for purchase. Free refreshments provided by members of churches of the Ministerium bring a warm, joyous atmosphere. Once again, the “tax” collection of nonperishable food items or monetary donations benefits St. Francis Sharing and Caring in Davidsville. Come and enjoy the Christmas stories and the music with your friends and family!
W.A.C.K. MENUA free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4 pm-6 pm Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave in Windber PA.
The menu will feature Country Fried Steak, Country Gravy & Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables, Fruit, Assorted Desserts and Coffee/Punch.
The meal will be sponsored by The Windber Education Association and served by the Windber Football Team & the Windber Education Association.
All are welcome! The Windber Area Community Kitchen (W.A.C.K.) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
MOUNT OLIVE: SIDMAN CHURCH MEN’S GROUP FATHER SON EVENTDecember 29, 2018
11:30 – 12:30 pm Lunch12:30 – 2:30 pm Presentation
Mount Olive: Sidman United Methodist Church will be hosting a Father/Son event on Saturday, December 29, 2018. The event will run from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm and include a light lunch followed by a fly tying and fly fishing seminar offered by Holsinger’s Fly Shop. Mount Olive UMC is located at 599 Fairview Avenue, Sidman, Pa 15955.
Church and Leadership email addressesThe Conference would like church emails that will make communication with churches and church leadership easier despite future pastoral and leadership changes. If the church email that is listed on the dashboard is that of a pastor or another church leader, please create a separate church email as soon as possible and then update the dashboard to reflect this change. The easiest way to accomplish this would be to create a free email address, such as a Gmail account. The account will need to be monitored frequently.
When entering church leadership in the database, include email addresses, when possible. This makes it much easier for the Conference to contact leaders with important information that pertains to their particular office.
ONLINE PAYMENTS CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE WPA UMC CONFERENCE CENTERThe Conference now offers a greatly expanded online payment capability! This service will allow churches and individuals to submit payments electronically, instead of mailing checks to the Conference Center. Separate web pages with online payment instructions have been set-up for Camping & Retreat Ministries, At the Lake Ministries, Pension & Healthcare, and Local Church Remittance. More information can be found at the conference website at http://www.wpaumc.org/onlinepayments
NEW YOUTH PROGRAM AT HOMESTEAD AVENUE UMCHomestead Avenue UMC has started a new youth program called GYM – Growing Youth Ministry! The program is an after school program for children and is held every Thursday from 4:30 – 6 pm. During this time, children will be fed dinner, learn a Bible lesson, have assistance with any homework they might have, and numerous other things. Pastor Gus Hautz can pick-up and take home children if needed in a van used by the C.E.M. program. There is no cost for the program but Homestead Avenue would be happy to accept any donations of non perishable food to help feed the kids. Also, if you know of teenage children who may need volunteer service hours, we would love to have them volunteer at the program. If you are an adult and would like to help out with the program, please give Pastor Gus a call at 814-288-9773, as he would be happy to hear from you! Please note that the program will not take place during times that children are not in school for a scheduled day off or due to a snow day.
A Note from Gary Hale…
My Fellow Believers,
If you did not read my past email Gateway to Christ Ministries is going to have a Christmas Eve Service at the Holiday Inn downtown. Our goal is to reach out to those who have no church, left a church, or never went to any church and bring them to Jesus as his Christmas Gift. I am asking you to partner with us to reach those who are lost and without receiving Jesus are going to Hell. In the last several days God has been crushing me for the lost. I have been crying for those who do not know Jesus asking God to bring them in. Once they receive Jesus we want to send them to churches. This is where partnership comes in. We are going to give them a Bible and we would like to also give them a list of churches who have partnered with us to put on this service. We are also wanting to give all who come a hat, scarf and gloves. New Day has been very generous in giving us 80 Bibles and a box of gloves, scarves, and hats. Though generous it is not quite enough. The ball room seats about 250 people. I am believing that God is going to fill that room and then some. We are opening the door at 5 PM and will serve cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate till we start at 6PM. We are doing a play, having a grandmother read from a child's Bible the story of the birth of Jesus, a short message about receiving Jesus, singing Silent Night and then inviting people to come to the front to receive Jesus into their life. From 7 to 8 we will have a time of ministry and fellowship and we will be serving light snacks to all who stay.
I am asking you to partner with us by donating cookies, scarves, hats, and gloves. For these donations you may call me at 814-619-8257 and I will arrange to pick them up. This entire evening will be free to all who come. We are not taking an offering. If you feel led we will accept financial donations and all money received will be used to fund the event. Checks can be made out to
Gateway to Christ Ministries and sent to Gary Hale, 1721 Tampa Ave, Johnstown 15902. The ministry is a 501C organization.
Thank you and God bless you and your ministry,
Gary Hale
ITEMS FOR SALE AT ROXBURY ST. PAULS1. Baptismal Font- traditional wooden font, wood is light color.2. Organ Chimes- One octave set of Beach Chimes, includes keyboard, transformer and wiring. Contact the Roxbury St. Paul’s UMC at 814 535-5049 or email at [email protected]
HOPE FOR TODAY FAMILY GROUPAre you affected by a loved one’s addiction? Know someone who is? Nar-Anon offers hope for relatives and friends of addicts through a 12-step program.
Hope for Today Family Group is now meeting at First Presbyterian Church, 209 Lincoln Street, Downtown Johnstown on Mondays at 6:30 pm. Meetings last for one hour.
District Prayer Chain- Ruthanne Hollis – surgery on Dec. 19- Rev. Terry Trudgen - Laura Williams – lung cancer- Congratulations to Rev. Jim & Kristen Sands on the birth of their new baby girl. Molly Rose was born at 8:04 am, 6lbs 14 oz, 18 inches long. Mom and baby are all doing well!- Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koi Koi and her family – Bishop’s Father passed away - Daniel Dembinsky – spouse of Rev. Valerie Conrad-Dembinsky- Cheryl Adams- 7 year old, Gabe - Rev. Tom Blackburn- Pastor John Hickman- Rich Mroczka, Missionary in Nicaragua- Rev. Arlene Bobrowicz- Stacey’s Uncle, Michael Karsaba- Daniel Mark Bobrowicz, son of Rev. Arlene Bobrowicz- Gene Mickolick- Our Country and our Leaders- All Pastors and Laity in the Johnstown District
Conference News and EventsSince I've had a few people asking, the next Orientation to Ministry will be on January 5, 2019 at Charter Oak UMC in the Greensburg District. Registration will be open soon through the conference website. Please share with your pastors. THANKS!Janet Lord412-759-5204
College Ministry- If you have students from your church attending college, you may be aware that this is the most likely time that people lose connection with the church. Grace UMC is located in the midst of IUP campus in Indiana, PA and we would like to help students remain connected to the church during their time here at IUP. Please email the church with names and any contact
information you have for your IUP students. We promise to reach out to them with the love and support. Please email us at [email protected]
Prayer Initiative All laity and clergy who feel called to prayer are invited to be part of a special Conference-wide prayer initiative which begins in January and leads up to the 2019 annual conference session. Gatherings for prayer will be held in five different locations around Western PA each month from January through May. An initial training session will be held at the Conference Center in Cranberry Twp at 10 am on Saturday, January 5. Watch for specific details to follow.
Tomorrow - Church Treasurers - Top Ten Tips For Completing Your Pastor's IRS Form W-2 on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 10 am EST. This webinar is designed for local church treasurers and those responsible for completing their pastor’s Internal Revenue Service Form W-2. Register
GC Delegate Elections: At annual conference in June 2019, members will elect delegates to the 2020 General and Jurisdictional conferences. Guidelines and eligibility requirements are listed in a document available at wpaumc.org/conferencesecretary. If you are eligible and interested in serving as a delegate, fill out the online nomination form on the Conference website before Dec. 31, 2018. See form.
Exponential 2019Monday, March 4, 2019 to Thursday, March 7, 2019, Orlando First Baptist Church, 3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805. Discipleship Ministries’ Path 1 has 100 tickets available at the discounted price of $99 for Exponential, an event for church planters. The theme is Made for More: Mobilizing God’s People, God’s Way. The $99 price will be available until Saturday, December 15th, but the 100 Path 1 tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. LEARN MORE
Wesley Heritage Tour: A limited number of spaces are available to join the April 7-16, 2019 tour of John Wesley’s England with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and members of the 2019 ordination class. Get brochure.
2019 FAITH NIGHT AT PNC PARK – Save the date!7th Annual Faith Night next season is going to be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019. It will be a 4:05 pm game vs. the San Diego Padres. With it being an earlier presentation and on a Saturday, we’re expecting the largest turnout that we’ve ever had. Group reservations of
10 or more will begin next week. It is highly recommended making your group reservation as soon as possible do to the popularity of this event. You don’t need to know the number of tickets right now. They are just taking deposits towards a block of seats (10 or more seats). You’ll then have until Friday, May 17 to let them know your final number, at which point you’ll also pay the balance. For group reservations: Chad Glover 412-325-4756.
PEACEBUILDINGFaith & Facts: Preach with JusticeWhat do the facts say?
- Conflict theorists often use three terms: Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, and Peacebuilding- PEACEKEEPING means keeping people from attacking each other by placing neutral soldiers
– peacekeepers – from the UN or a group of neutral nations. The soldiers do nothing to settle the conflict.
- PEACEMAKING is the process of forging a settlement between the disputing parties.
- PEACHBUILDING is a process that facilitates the establishment of durable peace to prevent the recurrence of violence by addressing root causes and effects of conflict reconciliation, institution building, and political as well as economic transformation.
What do you say?Take Action for justice…Support and promote Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the six special Sundays that provides funding for peace with justice programs in your Annual Conference and the Church and Society Peace with Justice Program.
Join the Peace with Justice Network. The network provides resources and legislative actions to support peacemaking and peacebuilding. Visit action.umc-gbcs.org/joinnetworks to join now.
If you reside in the U.S. urge your Senators and Representatives to support the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act. Call or write them today.
Advocate for robust funding levels for critical accounts within the federal budget that work to prevent violent conflict and atrocities as well help to protect civilians at risk around the world: Peacekeeping Operations, the Complex Crisis Fund (a fund for rapid prevention, stabilization and response activities), and the Atrocities Prevention Fund.
For more information contact: Mark Harrison at [email protected] Board of Church and Society
WPA PRISON OUTREACH MINISTRYThe WPA Prison Outreach Ministry is a mission sponsored and supported by the WPA Conference of the United Methodist Church and is looking to expand into more institutions. They are in need of volunteers and donations to promote their mission work. Churches can donate through an Advance Special Number (CC003300). Click here http://www.wpapom.org/images/newsletter.pdf to view the summer 2018 newsletter. To learn more, go to their new website: http://www.wpapom.org/
CHURCH SAFETYChurch: Safety is becoming more and more of a concern at places of worship. What can church members do to help keep your church safe, yet still welcoming? See some recommendations. Watch video
Church Mutual Insurance Company offers several valuable online resources for safety and emergency response. Look under “Trending Topics” at churchmutual.com.
E-NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CHURCH MEMBERSThe United Methodist Church invites you to check out our new biweekly e-newsletter specially created for all church members. United Methodist Now will highlight examples of Christian living, share inspirational messages and focus on what it means to be part of our connection. Subscribe for free by going to umc.org / The home page has a red block on the right saying “Sign-up for a Free
UMC Newsletter” / Click on it and it takes to a signup screen: United Methodist Now: Inspiration for Daily Living / Scroll down to “Click to Subscribe” / Scroll down & fill in “First & Last Name plus your email.” (Thank you to Georgia from Oakland for clarifying this information.)
Connectional Giving Online Course Church leaders will discover a Biblical and holistic view of generosity by participating in the Connectional Giving online training course. The learning experience allows a deeper understanding of connectionalism, explains the theological basis for giving, and empowers participants to become missional storytellers who can inspire others to give generously by sharing compelling stories. Connectional Giving is an open enrollment course; students can register for this class at any time. Students will have access to the online course for three months starting from the day of registration. Enroll for Free
Explore new local church services: Every church is vital in our global mission to make Disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. That’s why United Methodist Communications has renewed its dedication to serving local churches by enhancing communication, outreach and marketing services designed just for them. Services can be tailored to fulfill specific needs of individual churches, ranging from social media and website support to advertising and branding consultation. Learn more
Keep Up With Upcoming Events - WPAUMC ConferenceThe website for upcoming events is: http://www.wpaumc.org/events. The Conference Calendar can now be found on the website under “Calendar” instead of “Events”, to save any confusion.
Individual Volunteers in Mission: Change your life by becoming an individual volunteer. Learn more at umcmission.org/Get-Involved
WPAUMC Volunteers in Mission – United Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
1. What teams can I join? www.wpaumc.org/opportunities
2. How do I learn about leading a team? www.wpaumc.org/VIMtraining
3. Once we have a team planned, what do we do?a. Register your team at www.wpaumc.org/RegisterVIMteamsb. Get VIM Insurance at www.umvimnej.org
4. Once our team returns, what do I do? www.wpaumc.org/MissionReport5. Where can I find local church resources?
a. www.wpaumc.org/localchurchmissions b. Contact Stephanie Gottschalk at [email protected] or 724-776-2300, ext.
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6. How do I get involved in Disaster Response?a. Take UMCOR training at www.wpaumc.org/DisasterResponseb. Make sure your local church has a local disaster planc. Volunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellites
7. What if there is a disaster in my church’s community?a. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to their District
Superintendent
b. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin Cook at 814-442-5899
POSITION OPEN AT NEW BEGINNINGS UMCNew Beginnings United Methodist Church (www.newbeginningsumc.org), a medium-size (and growing) church in Boiling Springs, SC (near Spartanburg), is looking for their next Director of Youth Ministry. This person would work in partnership with the Pastor, Youth Council and Church Council to oversee ministry that meets the spiritual needs of youth, ages 12 -20 years that attend New Beginnings as well as those in the community. The director will oversee weekly programming and special events, build relationships with youth outside the church walls, and recruit and equip a team of volunteers.
The director should have a vital, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be committed to living and modeling a godly lifestyle inside and outside of church. S/he should have at least an associate’s degree and three or more years of experience in youth ministry. This person should also have strong interpersonal skills with youth and adults and a general knowledge of diversity and skills to manage diversity. Salary commensurate with experience. Applicants should send their resume and cover letter to [email protected].
Camping & Retreat Ministries – Bishop’s Initiative
FIRST RETREAT OF THE YEAR AT OLMSTED MANOR
We are excited to welcome Rev. Howard Greenfield who will lead a Spiritual Formation Retreat, January 27-29, 2019. This retreat will focus on the unavoidable losses we experience in life and ministry. Participants will engage in discussion and application of Dr. M Craig Barnes book, When God Interrupts - Finding New Life Through Unwanted Change. Our retreat leader, Rev. Howard Greenfield will lead chapter summaries, topical questions, and group sharing. We will better clarify personal support systems and navigating your own "unwanted changes" while caring for others in ministry.
More information and registration is available here: http://www.olmstedmanor.org/spiritual-formation-retreat.ht
As witnessed at the 2017 Annual Conference, Bishop Moore-Koikoi’s initiative to raise $5 million, over the next 4 years, for conference camping and retreat ministries was received with overwhelming acceptance and generosity. This site has been established as one avenue to financially support this strategic undertaking.
Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the brown button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC should give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page.
Conference Special Appeal – At the Lake Ministries
At the Lake Ministries is faithfully dedicated to offering our brothers and sisters in Christ who live with a disability a space in which to foster relationships and build community through faith-based, specialized fishing experiences on Lake Erie. This site has been established to financially support the development of this new fishing ministry and refurbish our vessel, JoAnn M. We can’t do this without the support of the WPAUMC Congregations.
Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the purple button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC are encouraged to give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page.
RACISM RESPONSE: EMBRACE LOVE – THEY ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT. United Methodists seek racial justice: We recognize racism as a sin and seek to eliminate it.
As followers of Christ, we embrace love and affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God and therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened.Click here to find stories, resources and tools to learn more about the issue of racism and the ways you can advocate for the fair treatment of all people. Topics include:
Ways United Methodists can take a stand against racism Five tips to help address racism with children At Sunday worship, pastors decry racism Rights of Racial and Ethnic Groups White Privilege in the United States Global Racism and Xenophobia
Anti-Racism Grants: The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is eager to provide grants to engage UMC teams with strong, diverse community partners who together will change racist and xenophobic systems, policies or practices in their communities. The application for 2018-2020 grants is online now. Learn more.
Katie Peterson, Deaconess, Church & Community Worker. Katie coordinates the donations and distribution of UMCOR relief supply kits. She assists New Castle UM Churches to enhance ministries in poverty alleviation. This includes building handicap ramps. How to support Katie:
1. Pray – Our prayers are welcome and strengthen her ministry2. Stay in contact – Ask to receive her newsletter and follow her website and Facebook Page3. Seek to participate in the ministry Katie serves. Ask about ways to help with missionary
support.4. Donate to Katies Advance #98242 – 100% of your gifts are used to support missionaries and
they powerfully contribute to the continued health and vitality of United Methodist missionary outreach.
Contribute through your local church, online at www.umcmission.org or by calling 888-252-6174.
Follow the Western Pennsylvania Conference on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpaumc
CONFERENCE MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities
WPAUMC Anti-Racism Resources: In response to a request from Bishop Moore-Koikoi, the Conference Anti-Racism Team (ART) compiled a list of suggestions for Western PA churches to address racism. It can be downloaded from the Conference website Discussing Racism page.
Living Together Well in Diverse World: How United Methodists can lead in living together well in an increasingly diverse world. Five leaders offer some way to do it. Read more.
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
Youth Worker Collective is a new initiative to offer free resources from a community of professionals to help both paid and unpaid United Methodist youth workers get what they need to make teenage disciples for the transformation of the world. Check out youthworkercollective.com/
2019 Scheduled Confirmation Tour DatesFriday, March 8th - at Wesley WoodsFriday, March 15th - at JumonvilleFriday, March 22nd - at Camp AlleghenyFriday and Saturday, March 29th-30th - at Conference Center
YOUTH 2019 The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries is announcing details of the event to give churches time to plan for their youth to attend. The national gathering for United Methodist youth takes place every four years.
The YOUTH 2019 Media Kit is here! We are less than two years away from YOUTH 2019 and there is no better time to start getting your youth excited for all the fun we are going to have in Kansas City. And what better way to do that than with our YOUTH 2019 Media Kit!
Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union – We are your credit union. People helping people! Many services offered. www.keystoneumfcu.org or phone 888-972-0797. As a church member you can join us! Any member of the church can join the Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union. A membership application is available on our website.
HERE ARE SOME LINKS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO YOU: Western PA UM Conference - www.wpaumc.org Clergy Appointments- https://www.wpaumc.org/appointments In Focus Publication - http://www.wpaumc.org/infocus Joyful Noise - http://www.wpaumc.org/joyfulnoise Subscribe to Publications - http://www.wpaumc.org/subscribe Conference Resources - http://www.wpaumc.org/resources Conference Events Registration Page: https://www.wpaumc.org/register Reflections!- wpaumc.org/blogs Imagine No Malaria -https://www.facebook.com/ImagineNoMalaria Discipleship Ministries https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/ People are looking for a church to visit. Help them find you! update-your-find-a-church Special Sundays for 2018: Conference and General Church Special Sundays/Weekends for 2018 are listed
on the Conference website. See the dates at https://www.wpaumc.org/specialsundays Official Journal Online: https://www.wpaumc.org/2017journal
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO YOU:
BISHOPS OFFER ECUMENICAL MINISTRY AID The Council of Bishops is offering financial assistance for ecumenical and interreligious ministry in the form of grants to Annual Conference groups, training for young adults, and a scholarship for The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.
SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at www.umc.org/resources/scholarships and at www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.
SEMINARY FINANCIAL AID Applications are available at www.wpaumc.org/BOOM
