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Weekly Email News
EMAIL ADDRESSES:To reach Alyce – [email protected]
To reach Stacey – [email protected] Office Phone Number: 814.361.2464
District Office Fax Number: 814.361.2465
JOHNSTOWN DISTRICT OFFICE HOURSMonday – Thursday 7:30 am to 1 pm
Wednesday March 1, 2017
510 Locust StreetJohnstown, PA 15901
Johnstown District ofthe United Methodist Church
DON’T FORGET TO CALL THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO SIGN-UP!!!!March 17, 2017 we will be having a continuing education event for pastors at Arbutus Park Manor from 10 am to 3:30 pm. Chris Kindle from the WPA Conference Center will hold a seminar on Discipleship. Please note this change: YOU WILL NEED TO CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT! I apologize for any confusion as to where to register ~ Stacey
Rev. Chris KindleWPA Conference Director of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation
Presents
Systematic Discipleship: What’s Your Next Step?We all have churches filled with programs, but how many of us have a church full of
disciples?
Do we know the why of discipleship?
Are we offering a menu or a clear path to discipleship?
Come and be a part of the ongoing discussion of Deliberate Discipleship
When: Friday, March 17 at 10amRegistration begins at 9:30am
Where: Arbutus Park Manor
207 Ottawa Street
Johnstown, PA 15904
Contact the Johnstown District Office before March 7
to register for the event.
Earn .5 CEU for this event
Volunteers NeededRISE – a light dinner followed by a contemporary Worship and Praise Service every Thursday night at the Garfield Street UMC at 6 pm. RISE is a shared ministry of the United for God Cooperative and the Ebensburg UMC. This ministry is growing already we are adding more partners, most recently Homestead Ave. UMC.
You are invited to be part of this new ministry! There are opportunities for everyone to share the love of Christ and to use their gifts. Help is needed in cooking, serving, clean up, welcoming, singing, playing a musical instrument and just worshiping with others. Please let Pastor Carol know if you are
willing to help. You do not have to commit to any particular number of times, just as your schedule allows. The Spirit is rising in Johnstown!
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!JUMP is looking for retired men and women who are seeking a rewarding experience.
PAY: NONE
BENEFITS: 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.
CAMPER FUNDRAISER SPAGHETTI DINNERSouth Fork: First United Methodist Church will hold a Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, March 4 from 4-6 pm. Donation is $7 for Adults, $4 ages 6 to 13, and $2 for ages 3-5. Call 495-9633 for tickets.
South Fork: First UMC in conjunction with the Chan Soon-Shiong Medical Center at Windber is holding a Community Lab Blood Screen for $30. Tests included in the $30 donation: CBC, Hemoglobin, MCV, MPV, Platelets, RBC, WBC, Differential, Albumin, Alk.Phosphatase, Bilirubin, Direct & Total, BUN, Calcium, Chloride, Cholesterol, CO2, Creatinine, Freee T4, GFR, GGT, Glucose, HDL, Iron, LDH, LDL, Phosphorus, Potassium, ALT, AST, Sodium, Total Protein, Triglyceride, TSH, Uric Acid. Additional tests offered: PSA - $20, Hemoglobin A1C - $20, Vitamin D Level - $35
This testing will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 7-9 am at First UMC, 500 Maple Street, South Fork. Please call 814-467-3961 to schedule an appointment. *A 12 to 14 hour fast is recommended. Even if you are not a patient of a Windber Physician, you can participate! No physician order is needed and the information will be sent to your family physician. Walk-ins are welcome! The Mens Bible Group will be serving breakfast for a donation.
FREE Community Movie Night Friday, March 3 at 7 pm at Roxbury St. Paul’s UMC, 160 Derby Street
Featuring: “God Not Dead 2” (PG) - When a high school teacher is asked a question in class about Jesus, her response lands her in deep trouble.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR SPRING HELPSHOP!Johnstown District Help Shop
Saturday, May 6, 2017
"Including Everyone in God's Love"--handicapped accessibility, inclusion, and the local church
Grove Avenue United Methodist Church, 501 Grove Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15902$10 per person -- Continuing education credits available.
Registrar: Karen Kinkade, 814.266.2514340 Hostetler Road, Johnstown, PA 15904
January 17, 2017
Dear Pastors of the Johnstown District of United Methodist Church
In 2015, the Martha and Mary House was opened to assist residents in Cambria County with obtaining temporary housing. The Martha and Mary House is more than just a homeless shelter, we are a program. Our residents meet with staff to create goals, plan what steps they need to complete to obtain the lives they want, gain self-confidence, attend workshops, and learn the necessary skills needed to be self-sufficient.
Homeless individuals contact us when they are in need of housing. Staff will complete a small screening process via the phone with them or a partnering agency to obtain pertinent information. This information along with background checks, probation checks, and residency information allows us to assist them and bring them into the house. If we are unable to assist someone, staff will offer other suggestions.
During our screening process, staff asks which county they reside in. Individuals coming into the Martha and Mary House need to be a resident of Cambria County for the past 90 days. In addition to getting phone calls from homeless individuals in Cambria County, we receive phone calls from all other Pennsylvania people looking for a place to stay. Individuals can be denied due to criminal background and residency. If the shelter is full, they are placed on a waiting list. New residents moving into the shelter move in Monday thru Friday between 9 am and 3 pm, with other arrangements available by a case by case status.
Since becoming the Director in June of 2016, we have been working to partner with other organizations and churches to assist with obtaining funds needed to place someone in a hotel which costs $50 per night when the shelter is full, we cannot get them in for a day, or we are unable to assist them. This partnership would allow us to set up a fund to be used at the discretion of the Director and the church as to how best to assist someone. Assisting someone with coming into the Shelter on a holiday can be tricky because of the necessary documentation we need to have to bring someone into the shelter. Sometimes this could take an extra day or two depending on the situation and how long it takes the individual to gather their documentation.
Please know that your generosity will help many residents at the Martha and Mary House on their new journey. I look forward to discussing this with you in further detail. I can be reached at 814-254-4413. May God continue to bless you!
Sincerely,Danielle BowersDirector/Lead Case Manager
Bethel Hollsopple: Notes and News- A women's Bible study group has been started, led by Kayla Jenkins. They will be held the second and 4th Thursdays of the month at 7 PM. All are welcome.- Bethel will be having a Community Soup Day on Saturday March 11 from 11 am til soup kettles are empty. From bubbling bean to zippy zucchini, we'll have a delicious variety along with home-baked bread and desserts.- We will be hosting the Conemaugh Township Area Ministry Good Friday service from noon til 3.
We are thanking God for parents who are bringing their children to church. It's heartwarming to see their eagerness to learn and participate.
Spanish Worship Broadcast and Your MinistryFor well over a year, the District has sponsored the broadcast of a Spanish language
devotional program “Fuente de Paz”. The program is aired on Sunday evenings, 8:00PM, on Atlantic Broadband Channel 9, “Local Origination”. To date, the Fuente de Paz program features scripture reading, and sermon in Spanish, often with special music, usually performed by Pastor Marilu Ickes accompanied by Keiko Hurst. At times, guest speakers from Latin America have been featured speakers. Children’s groups and school choirs have also contributed songs and readings.
So far, this may seem like a mere program review. How could the Fuente de Paz programs contribute to the ministry of your church? Let us suggest some possibilities:
1. Do you have high school or college students who are studying Spanish? This would provide them a chance to hear more spoken Spanish, and build their vocabulary of faith language.
2. The same students could come to a filming and offer Scripture readings or a song.3. Does your local High School have a Spanish Club? Club members could also work up a song
and appear on television. Spanish teachers might welcome such an invitation from local clergy.
4. Many of the sermons are also presented again in Prison Chapel services in our Prison Outreach Ministry. Viewing this program provide a rare opportunity to get an idea of what goes on in this important Conference ministry.
5. People who are hoping to participate in VIM missions who want to brush up on their Spanish could tune in on Fuente de Paz broadcasts.
6. Finally, Pastor or lay speakers who can read Scripture or preach in Spanish would be welcome to participate.
If you would like to discuss these or any other ideas with David Stains, call (814)539-0532 or 539-0044 (Parsonage).
“SILVER RING THING” OUTREACH AT CONEMAUGH TWP. HIGHSCHOOL My name is Theresa Wolf and I serve as a youth leader down at Kaufman Mennonite in Davidsville. Folks from Common Grounds Outreach @ CT, North Star Youth Outreach, Emmanuel Church, Laurel Highlands FCA, Young Life Johnstown, United Youth Network of Johnstown, Oakland United Methodist Church, Johnstown Christian School, Maple Spring Church of the Brethren, and us here at Kaufman are partnering together to host an event called Silver Ring Thing (www.silverringthing.com)
in March 2017. The date is Wednesday evening March 22nd, 2017. The tentative location is Conemaugh Township High School Auditorium. I hope to connect with you soon, and if you'd like to meet and discuss this or anything, I'd love to!
Below is some info on the ministry:
https://vimeo.com/silverringthing/review/140703428/535f7019be
https://vimeo.com/silverringthing/review/172121327/562cae7354
https://vimeo.com/silverringthing/review/167469169/71ddaeca07
HISTORY
The Silver Ring Thing program was created in 1995 by Denny and Amy Pattyn as a response to the escalating numbers of teen pregnancies in Yuma, Arizona, and was moved to Pittsburgh, PA in 2000. Since that time, SRT has hosted more than 1,200 events in 9 countries, reaching 650,000+ total attendees. Of this number, more than 241,000 students have received rings as a symbol of their commitment to remain pure and abstain from sex until marriage. From it's inception, SRT has recognized that behavior change comes through heart change- that the guilt and pain of sexual immorality presents an open door for the Gospel. To date, more than 121,000 students have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior through SRT events worldwide!! Mission “to create a culture shift in America where abstinence becomes the norm again rather than the exception.”
The partnership we are looking for has 4 main elements and we would love to talk with you about any of these that you might be called to:1. Over the coming 4 months we will be asking prayer partners to pray each week for something specific.
2. Promotion and commitment to bringing students from your ministry. We are asking ministries and churches to make a commitment in a real way vs. just hanging up a poster. That is, saying that we as a youth group or ministry group are attending this event and by helping students to get there. Also, by reaching out to the parents of your students to encourage the parents to attend the special workshop for parents occurring simultaneously at the same venue.
3. Financial partnership: the event costs $3000, and we have about $1900 committed so far. We are asking ministries that are able to, to commit any amount. So far, it ranges from $100 -$500 from 5 partners. We continue to reach out for more.
4. Volunteer partnership: we need about 25 adult volunteers on the day of the event. We have about 15 committed so far if you have adults who would like to serve we would love to have them join in! Best in Christ,
Theresa [email protected]
Pastor Jeremy W. BarkleyAssociate/Youth PastorOakland UMC
"For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
Encounter with Christ UMVIMMission to Colombia August 15-23
In August of 2017, the Conference Committee on Encounter with Christ in Latin America has set it focus on Brisas del Mar, Colombia, as the location for a VIM Mission. As always, we have the cooperation of the Conference of the Evangelical Methodist church of Columbia, acting as our guides and hosts.
Brisas del Mar has been a significant center of ministry and mission for some time. Not many years ago, the drug cartels controlled this part of Colombia, and the local population suffered extremely at their hands. The Methodist Church reached out to these people, and even to their oppressors. When this area became pacified, the Church had gained wide respect for its involvement, and used its good name to foster ministries in health, education, and church work.
The purpose of our proposed mission in Colombia is to do construction and improve the facilities in Brisas del Mar. Details of the actual building plans will develop with the ongoing correspondence with the Colombian Church leaders.
Those who are interested in participating in this mission should complete the attached from and mail it to the Mission Team Leader, Dr. David Stains, at 518 Fronheiser Street, Johnstown, PA 15902. If you have questions, you are welcome ot call at 814-539-0044 or 539-0532. Email at [email protected]. Realistically, you can probably expect total expenses to be about $2,000.00.
I hope the Lord opens doors for us to work together. Pastor David Stains
“MESSY CHURCH”Park Ave UMC will sponsor "Messy Church" the last Saturday of every month from 3-5 pm. This is an event that highlights the family. There is a time of welcoming, a craft or game time, a time for celebration and each month we will be serving a meal and the best part is it is absolutely free. Call the church for more details at 814-288-4725. We'll see you at "Messy Church".
CLERGY REMINDERS:UPCOMING DEADLINES:All clergy - please give this your immediate attention. Please check "Required Annual Forms" on the WPAUMC website for more information. Of course, all of these deadlines can be met BEFORE the deadline!
March 1 – Fund Balance Report – Submit to District Office
March 31 –2016 Worker’s Compensation – Send to Conference Center – Attn: Holly Sawyer
May 1 – Spring Equitable Compensation Applications – Submit, if applicable, to District Superintendent
May 15 -2017 Clergy Evaluation – Submit to District Office
May 15 –Continuing Education Report Form – Submit to District Office
May 15 –Annual Parsonage Inspection – Submit to District Office
District Prayer Chain- Dorothy Weaver- Kathy McKee- Shawn Crum- Dan Dembinsky- Rev. John Mize’s Father- Rev. Greg Stiver Family- Rev. Doreen Griffith- Stan & Gene Mickolick- Laura Williams- Our Country and our Leaders- All Pastors and Laity in the Johnstown District
Alyce’s Schedule: March 06 – Alyce in officeMarch 07 - Alyce in officeMarch 08 – Alyce in officeMarch 09 – Alyce in officeMarch 10 – March 11 – Conference Call @ 9:30 amMarch 12 – Roxbury St. Paul CC after worship
Save the date! Annual Conference 2017 is June 8-11, 2017
Conference News and Events
CAMP ALLEGHENY PAINTING PARTY FUNDRAISER!You are invited to attend a painting event where guests follow along with a talented artist to create a master piece of their own to take home! Please join us to help raise funds for Camp Allegheny and have fun making a special memory with your family and friends! March 10, 2017 from 7-9 pm. Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to get acquainted and meet your fellow “pARTiers”. Snacks and
drinks will be provided by Camp Allegheny. Cost is $35 for Adults and $25 for Kids (up to 14 years old). A percentage of proceeds will benefit Camp Allegheny’s Campership Fund. For more information and to register, please call Camp Allegheny at 814-754-5122 or 814-754-4336. Registration deadline is March 3, 2017.
Zimbabwe Partnership Presentation March 5 at Johnstown: Bethany UMC
The Zimbabwe Partnership was officially formed on June 11, 2010, when Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area (ZEA) and the former Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference (WPAUMC) signed a covenant agreement in the spirit of Chabadza, a Shona word that describes a community spirit of helping someone you know who is already at work.
The Greensburg District is partnered with the Johnstown District and has raised over $18,000 for the Orphans and Vulnerable Children. Plan to welcome Sandra Matoushaya, our Zimbabwe partnership coordinator, to worship with us on Sunday, March 5 as she shares with us the work of the partnership. We ill receive a special offering as part of that worship to send with Sandra to help with the efforts of those working in this partnership.
Harry Denman AwardsAt Annual Conference each year, the Evangelism Team honors three persons who possess a desire to increase the Kingdom of God with the Harry Denman Award. The Categories are: Clergy, Youth and Laity. The Team encourages congregations to nominate candidates for these awards now so they may be recognized at our 2017 Annual Conference.
What distinguishes a Harry Denman Award recipient is an on-going commitment to introduce others to the good news of Jesus Christ in various ministry settings. They will be recognized for help numbers of people ignite or re-ignite their faith journey. Does your pastor fit that description? Is there a youth or lay-person in your church who needs to be considered? Then please, begin the nomination process.
You can download nomination forms from the following website: www.foundationforevangelism.org. The Evangelism Team asks for all nominations to be in by May 5. We need time to make our selections and order the awards from the Foundation of Evangelism. If you have nominated someone before and they were not selected, please try again.
Help the Evangelism Team honor folks who deserve recognition for the Kingdom-work they are performing. If you have question or trouble downloading the forms, call Pastor Al Kimmel at 814-758-3667. Submit your nomination via email at this address: [email protected] or send them to Pastor Al Kimmel, Herminie UMC, 3365 Pike Street, Herminie, PA 15637. Please mark “Denman Award” on the envelope.
OLDER ADULT RETREAT Olmsted ManorJuly 17-21, 2017 (Mon. dinner – Friday lunch)
Theme: “Stained Glass Windows: Letting God’s Holy Spirit Shine!”Deans: Mrs. Lois Hiles and Mrs. Glenda Merritt
Bible Teacher: Rev. Bruce K. MerrittMusic Director: Robin SwankCost: Tuition: $16.00 + Room and Board: $264 = $280
Price includes class, 4 nights stay, 12 meals, evening entertainmentCamperships available for first time attenders!
For more information: Olmsted ManorP.O. Box 8, Ludlow, Pa. [email protected] www.olmstedmanor.org
Glenda and Bruce Merritt1268 Fells Church Rd, Belle Vernon, Pa. [email protected]
Thank you for any publicity that you can give this retreat. It is a week of Bible teaching, worship, fun, good food, and fellowship. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!
Abundant Blessings…Pastor Bruce K. Merritt
SHORT-TERM MISSION PROJECT OPPORTUNITY AT CHERRY RUN CAMP The Franklin District camp is always in need of adult volunteers to help with the work of the camp. Working and helping at Cherry Run is a great short-term local mission project for church groups or for individuals. Work one day or as many as you are able. Cherry Run Camp especially needs volunteers to help the week prior to camp to clean and prepare the grounds and buildings for camp. They are also looking for volunteers to serve in the kitchen during camp. They have a camp cook who plans and buys for the camp, but he needs extra hands to prepare and to serve the meals. Individual volunteers or a team of four individuals are needed each day to assist the cook. Your help is greatly sought-after and appreciated. For more information or to volunteer, contact Judy McQueen, Cherry Run Camp Meeting Board Member, at 724-846-7565 or [email protected].
CULTIVATING GOD’S COMPASSIONPittsburgh Theological Seminary invites you to attend “Cultivating God’s Compassion” with Janet K. Ruffing on Friday, March 10, 2017 and/or Saturday, March 11, 2017. Please see complete details in the attached brochure.
5TH ANNUAL FAITH NIGHT AT PNC PARK
Thursday, August 17, 2017. Enjoy discounted tickets for the Pirates-Cardinals game at 7:05 pm and stay after the game to hear from Manager Clint Hurdle and many more Pirates Players and Coaches discuss how faith has impacted their lives, both on and off the field. The Faith Night presentation will last approximately 45 minutes. Early bird pricing for groups of 15 or more. Contact Chad Glover at (412) 325-4756 or [email protected] or Ryan Vizzini at (412) 325-4777 or [email protected]
2017 Confirmation Class Tours
2017 Confirmation Class Tour Schedule
March 16, Thursday - Morning March 17, Friday - Morning and Afternoon March 18, Saturday - Morning April 21, Friday - Morning May 12, Friday - Morning and Afternoon May 13, Saturday - Morning
Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Use the links above to the reservation form for the session you choose. Have a confirmed number of students and adults in your group when you register. Confirmation tour sessions fill up quickly. If you are unable to attend after you register your group, contact Rev. Greg Cox.
Registration begins at 9 am for mornings and 1 pm for afternoons. Sessions run from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm respectively.
Weather Conditions
In the unlikely event of snow or weather cancellations, we will follow the Seneca Valley School Districts for cancellations only. We will also follow up as soon as possible for notices through email. In the event of a delay, we will operate on a normal schedule throughout the day of Confirmation Visits.
Make sure to:
Download the School Release Form Print it out on church letterhead Send it to each student's school to be properly excused from classes on the day of your tour.
Minister's Chorus (Rev. Steve Morse)Rev. Steve Morse is the director of this chorus and would love for you to join him at one of his upcoming concerts.
Upcoming Concerts
March 16, 2017 Franklin: Shippenville UMC
April 20, 2017 Carmichaels UMC May 25, 2017 Combined chorus with Susquehanna Conference- Westside UMC, Clearfield Pa Sept. 21, 2017 Linesville/Harmansburg UMC Oct. 19, 2017 Mount Hope UMC Nov. 16, 2017 Brookville First UMC
New Newsletter Available Now!! Prison Outreach MinistryKeep up with WPA Prison Outreach Ministry volunteers in their latest newsletter. Learn more about the ministry and how you or your church can get involved at: wpapom.org.
GIVE TO WEST VIRGINIA FLOOD RELIEFGive to WV Flood Relief - The Western Pennsylvania UM Conference, is gathering funds under the designation #WV2016 and encouraging local churches to take up an offering or give online.
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.
Follow the Western Pennsylvania Conference on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpaumcCONFERENCE MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities
UMVIM/UMCOR TRAINING ACADEMY Registration is open for the Northeast Jurisdiction’s 2017 Academy, set for March 26-29 at Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center in Cresco, PA. Spring, Summer Volunteers Needed in Connellsville: The Connellsville Flood Recovery Center still has 109 active cases in the aftermath of flooding last August. Volunteer assistance is needed for repair and rebuilding at many of those homes. UM volunteers from several districts, including Erie, Butler, Connellsville, Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Johnstown have helped. Housing and hospitality for teams serving multiple days is available, but one-day teams are common. One team from Latrobe UMC serves once a month! Volunteers can register online at connellsvillevolunteers.org/2016/09/08/how-to-volunteer/ or email [email protected].
UMCOR Needs Health, Bedding Kits: Katie Peterson, new executive director of the Eastbrook Mission Barn, notes that UMCOR has put out a call for health and bedding kits. Get kit details at wpaumc.org/MissionBarn. UMCOR Kits Needed: Cleaning buckets, health kit, and bedding kit ingredients can be gathered by local communities and congregations. UMCOR kits can be received at Eastbrook Mission Barn, at the Conference Center or at one of the official Mission Barn sub-depots. Eastbrook Mission Barn is on call to deploy their kits through the UMCOR Relief Supply Network through their national system. Kits
collected in UMCOR's name are UMCOR property and unverified kits cannot be given out in UMCOR's name by local groups. Can’t Wait for Summer Mission U? Check out the Mini Mission U event May 7-9 at Olmsted Manor. Study subjects are from 2016 Mission u. Learn more Uth4Mission – Summer 2017: Hands on service, worship and fellowship for Youth grades 6 -12 at Pitt at Johnstown. Estimated cost: $275. www.wpaumc.org/youth
Mission U – July 2017: Service and learning for Kids, Teens & Adults at Cal U. www.wpaumc.org/missionu. Registration’s Open for Mission u 2017! Learn about the July 27-30 event for adults, youth and children and download a flyer to share at wpaumc.org/missionu.
UM A.R.M.Y. – Your church can be a youth work camp as Youth and chaperones partner with UM A.R.M.Y. to love your neighbors. www.ne.umarmy.org.
Eastbrook Mission Barn – Ramps, relief supplies and Outreach. ALL ages can serve for one day in the New Castle area. www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn For Mission opportunities, please go to www.wpaumc.org/opportunities. This is the best place to see what is open.
House of the Carpenter Team – June 18-24, 2017 in Wheeling, West Virginia. Join House of the Carpenter in holistic approach to mission and community development. Volunteers engage the community for mercy, justice and spiritual formation. This team will focus on home repair and other tasks. Ages 14 to Adult. Cost $375. Red Bird Family Team – July 9-15, 2017: Volunteers enable Red Bird Mission to builds up the community and witness to Christ. Kids ages 7-12 with adult, Youth (age 13+) and Adults. Estimated cost: $600 for Youth and Adults. Kids: $450. UMCOR Sager Brown Team – July 30-August 5, 2017: Join the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in the work of disaster response and fighting poverty at Sager Brown, their main warehouse and shopping depot. Volunteers engage in local outreach and in preparing relief supply kits as signs of comfort and hop to a community in distress. Age 16+. Estimated cost $2,500. Individual Volunteers in Mission: Change your life by becoming an individual volunteer. Learn more at umcmission.org/Get-Involved
Keep up with UMCOR, Mission News: Effective today, the UMCOR Hotline, which provides updates about the United Methodist Committee on Relief will become a bi-weekly publication. On alternate weeks, UMC Global Ministries’ Connect ‘n Mission will be published. You can subscribe to both publications.
Pastor Rapheal Koikoi on Loan to WPA! Beginning February 1, the Rev. Raphael Koikoi will begin serving a new extension ministry in Western Pennsylvania, but remain a member of the Baltimore-Washington Conference under appointment by Bishop Latrelle Easterling. Read more.
CLERGY DEVELOPMENTVital ministry requires a plan. Let this be a tool to create your continuing education plan. Opportunities are listed here by areas of focus to allow you to target an area where you need to grow.
Our Conference focus for 2016 is Leadership. There are some great leadership development events coming up! Which ones could help strengthen your ministry?
Youth Zim CampApplications are now available for the 2017 Youth Zim Camp. The dates are June 20- July 5, 2017. Get details and application.
Thrive - Ministry on the Edge
April 30 – May 2, 2017Double Tree by Hilton, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205Cutting Edge SpeakersInteractive BreakoutsTravel/Lodging - Book Room nowWestern PA Scholarship Form
VIM Connellsville Disaster Response
As the recovery continues in Connellsville, funds are being requested from local churches, pastors and
individuals to the Conference Disaster Response - Advance Special #DR0000911. Gifts can be made online
at wpaumc.org/online payments or sent to the Conference Treasurer's office at 1204 Freedom Rd., PO Box
5002, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066-0002. While Connellsville Area Community Ministries money will go directly
to the victims, funds contributed to the advance will go to other needs like tools, materials, and volunteer
support for the teams who will be working over the coming months in the flood damaged homes. UMCOR has
already granted funds for PT staffing to manage this recovery, and our Conference Mission Coordinator is
working with others to secure father grants for the response office and staff. Volunteers and work teams are
needed to get people back into their houses before cold weather sets in. To sign-up or to volunteer
visit www.connellsvillevolunteers.org or call 724-366-0408.
2017 Conference VIM Teams
Find out how to apply for a team and see new teams as they are announced at wpaumc.org/opportunities . Costs include travel, housing, most meals and VIM insurance.
Contact Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk for more information, [email protected] .
724-776-2300 ext 241
MISSION VIMpossible PILGRIMAGE TO GERMANY - Western PA UMs are invited to join a spiritual pilgrimage, On the Trail of Martin Luther, in Germany from Apr 19-30, 2017. The year marks the 500th anniversary of Luther's Ninety-Five Theses and a major turning point in the Protestant Reformation. Collette, the tour company, will support WPA Volunteer-in-Mission Scholarships to help make VIM service possible for all God's people. Highlights… Mainz, Worms, Gutenberg Museum, Erfurt, Wartburg Castle, Lutherhaus, Eisleben, Dresden, Leipzig, St. Thomas Church, Wittenberg, St. Mary’s Church, Berlin --- For more information contact: Stephanie Gottschalk--(724)776-2300 [email protected]
Mission VIMpossible Pilgrimage to Germany: Western PA UMs are invited to join a spiritual pilgrimage, On the Trail of Martin Luther, in Germany from April 19 – May 1, 2017. This year marks the 500th anniversary of Luther's Ninety-Five Theses and a major turning point in the Protestant Reformation. Collette Tour Company, will support WPA Volunteer-in-Mission Scholarships to help make VIM service possible for all God's people. Cost: $3,990. Luther Trail Webinar: Get details
House of the Carpenter Team – June 18-24, 2017 in Wheeling, West Virginia. Join House of the Carpenter in holistic approach to mission and community development. Volunteers engage the community for mercy, justice and spiritual formation. This team will focus on home repair and other tasks. Ages 14 - Adult. Cost $375.
Red Bird Family Team – July 9-15, 2017: In Eastern Kentucky, chronic poverty makes life a struggle for people in this mountainous area of Appalachia. Volunteers enable Red Bird Mission to builds up the community and witness to Christ. Kids ages 7-12 with adult, Youth (age 13+) and Adults. Estimated cost: $600 for Youth and Adults. Kids: $450.
UMCOR Sager Brown Team – July 30-August 5, 2017: Join the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in the work of disaster response and fighting poverty at Sager Brown, their main warehouse and shopping depot. Volunteers engage in local outreach and in preparing relief supply kits as signs of comfort and hop to a community in distress. Age 16+. Estimated cost $2,500.
ZIM Camp – July-August 2017: Despite widespread challenges, the UMC in Zimbabwe has grown and continues in vital ministry and dynamic worship. ZIM Camp offers youth two weeks a chance to build relationships through District partnership projects, all in the spirit of Chabadza. Ages 15-18. Cost $2500.
Fiji Team – fall 2017 (Dates to be determined): Cyclone Winston devastated parts of the Fijian Islands in February 2016. We are working with our brothers and sisters in the Methodist Church in Fiji and the UMC to meet their ongoing needs with solidarity and encouragement. Cost to be determined.
Olmsted Manor Upcoming Events:
Women’s Retreat with Sue Duffield Ministries“Laugh, Cry, Pray, Give”April 23-25, 2017http://www.olmstedmanor.org/spring-womens-retreat-2017.html Fly Fishing Retreat with Gary Kell, John Swart, and George Lilja“The Secrets to Fly Fishing Success”April 29-May 1, 2017
http://www.olmstedmanor.org/fly-fishing-retreat.html Mini Mission U with Rev. Dr. James Ritchie“The Bible and Human Sexuality”May 7-9, 2017http://www.olmstedmanor.org/mini-mission-u.html Pastors’ Academy with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi“Why Do We Have to Talk About THAT?”May 22-24, 2017http://www.olmstedmanor.org/pastors-academy.html
