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DISTRICT DATES (Subject to Change)
Apr 1 District Council District Office 5:30
Apr 8 LLP South Mentoring Group Creekside 10:00
Apr 23 Superintendency District Office 11:00
Apr 29 District Clergy Dialog North Punxsy First 12:00
Apr 30 District Clergy Dialog South Indiana Trinity 8:00
May 5 District Conference Marion Center 2:30
May 9 Ramps District Office 4:00
May 13 Trustee District Office 6:00
May 13 Location & Building District Office 7:00
May 18 dCOM Punxsy First 8:30
May 20 District Clergy Dialog North Punxsy First 12:00
May 28 District Clergy Dialog South Indiana Trinity 8:00
June 17 District Clergy Dialog North Punxsy First 12:00
Indiana District Newsletter 3/26/19
June 25 District Clergy Dialog South Indiana Trinity 8:00
July 8 LLP South Mentoring Group Indiana Grace 10:00
July 23 Regional Clergy Breakfast - Indiana Eat-N-Park 8:00
July 23 Regional Clergy Lunch - Kittanning Thee Log Cabin 12:00
July 23 District Clergy Supper – Punxsy Anchor Inn 7:00
July 24 Regional Clergy Lunch - Punxsy Anchor Inn 12:00
July 25 Regional Clergy Breakfast - DuBois Eat-N-Park 8:00
July 25 Regional Clergy Lunch - Brookville Denny’s 12:00
NEW NEWS
Punxsutawney Area Lenten services
Date Location Preaching Scripture
March 31st Cloe Cub Jones Mark 1:14 -15
April 7th Frostburg Carole Bergman Mark 1: 17
April 14th Punxsy Grace Erica Wellner Luke 4: 20-21
Help the Smith Center!
The Ruth M Smith Center in Sheffield appreciates your donations of items from
paper towels to double wide strollers. When you donate them, money in the
Center’s budget can be re-directed to other needs. See the Smith Center Wish
List.
Deaf Culture Workshop
Caleb Wysocki, a local ASL interpreter will lead a workshop on Thursday, April
11 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Otterbein room at Christ United Methodist
Church, 44 Highland Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102. It will cover topics such as
deaf community and culture, the basics of sign language, resources to support
deaf vocation and education, and the deaf community in Pittsburgh. It’s
sponsored by The Nyadire Connection’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Sponsorship
Program. All are welcome. Click here to register online.
Clergy Retirement Seminar
For Clergy Retiring in 2019: Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the
United Methodist Center - Hickman Room, 1204 Freedom Rd, Cranberry Twp.,
PA. Contact Alexis Soohy at [email protected]
Connect youth studies with weekly adult worship themes
Creative small group or Sunday school lessons, written by top United Methodist
youth leaders, are available that link faith formation settings for youth with
weekly worship themes from Discipleship Ministries. New lessons have just been
posted for Lent and Easter, and more than a year of content is available to
create your own series. Download
Spring symbols remind us of Resurrection
The birds, bees and flowers that abound in spring can inspire people of faith.
Explore some of the legends surrounding these signs of new life. Read more
Get Them Talking: Forgiveness
As Lent begins, consider having a conversation with your family about being
forgiven and forgiving others. See the latest installment in our series of discussion
starters. Get ideas Follow Get Them Talking series
WPA Ministers Chorus Concerts
Featuring the Women’s, Men’s and Combined Choirs.
April 25: Concert at Calvary UMC, 34 Clarke Avenue, Uniontown, PA.
(Retreat at Jumonville Apr 24-25)
May 23: Greenwood Susquehanna Conference Altoona
June: Annual Conference, Grove City College, Grove City, PA
September 19: Fallowfield UMC, 3993 Leach Road, Atlantic, PA
October 17: Salem UMC, 350 Manor Rd, Wexford, PA
November: East Brady UMC, 418 Kelly Way, East Brady, PA
March 19, 2020: New Brighton UMC, 1033 Sixth Avenue, New Brighton,
PA
Free Security and Emergency Preparedness & Protecting Your Youth
Seminar for all WPAUMC Churches/Ministries. Three dates and locations to
choose from. Register See attached flyer.
April 24th at 2:00 pm – Christ UMC, 100 Lincoln St. Youngwood, PA
15697
April 25th at 6:00 pm – Dutilh UMC, 1270 Dutilh Rd, Cranberry Township,
PA 16066
April 26th at 1:00 pm – Clarks Mills UMC, 3813 Hadley Rd, Clark Mills, PA
16114
Facilitators/Sponsors: Kevin Nugent, Senior Risk Control Consultant, Church
Mutual and John Allen, Regional Representative, Church Mutual
Pastoral Transitions Seminar
Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Place to be determined.
Contact Susan Moudry at [email protected]
VIM Team Leader Training
Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the United Methodist Center
- Hickman Room, 1204 Freedom Rd, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066. Contact Sandra
Matoushaya at [email protected].
Accessibility at YOUTH 2019
All Are Welcome. Read more
Only the Primary Adult Leader can register students. This means the Primary Adult Leader
must have everyone’s information before they start registration. Register The event sells
out after 8,000 people register.
If you have specific registration questions, contact Event Manager at
Use the code “YOUTH19” during Lent (that means from now until Easter) to
get the early bird rate of $319 (the best price there has been or will be) for
YOUTH 2019!
Regular – $359 (ends March 31, 2019)
Late – $419 (April 1, 2019- May 31, 2019)
Youth 2019 Volunteers Still Needed: Click here to become a volunteer!
2019 Canadian Wilderness Canoe Trips
July 14-23, led by Revs. Scott Hamley, Doug Burns, and Craig Lindahl
July 29 to August 7, led by Rev. Drew Myers and Lindsey Myers
For seven days and nights travel through a rugged and beautiful land of lakes,
rivers, and forests in Ontario. We look for wildlife and camp on the lake shore.
Around the campfire, we learn about God, the wonders of his creation, and what
it means to follow Jesus in community. This trip is physically demanding and
involves primitive camping. Previous canoeing and camping experience is helpful,
but not necessary. The cost includes canoeing and camping equipment, most
meals and transportation. Open to adults and teens at least 15 years old. If you are
19 or older, you must have a passport. Contact Rev. Scott
Hamley, [email protected] or Rev. Drew Myers,
Scholarships Available
Undergraduate college students or those entering college for the 2019-2020
academic year may apply for WPAUMC Board of Higher Education
Scholarships! The deadline is April 30. Get more info about scholarships. Get
application here
How do we pray when we are divided?
Divisions abound in the United Methodist Church family following the special
called General Conference. To create safe space – holy ground – for the healing
and transformation that is needed, The Upper Room recommends a series of
resources for church members on this journey of healing and transformation.
The resources include “How Do We Pray When We Are Divided?” an article by
Stephen V. Doughty to help to grapple with the uneasiness of conflict as we
continue to pursue prayer. For a complete list of resources, go to
https://bit.ly/2STXniE .
UM News
your official source of in depth, thought provoking, global news about The
United Methodist Church. Whether it's the boots on the ground response to
natural disasters or the transforming beauty of the human experience, UM News
is there. Stay connected to UM News articles, commentaries and more by
subscribing to email updates via the Daily or Weekly Digest. Subscribe today
Internal Church Communications
Online training course: The course explores the tools and techniques needed to
create a holistic communication plan tailored for your congregation, which
includes consistent messaging, working with volunteers, emails and newsletters.
Enroll now
2019 Website Development Grants
for local United Methodist churches and church entities who do not currently
have a website. Apply now
Grants include:
• One year of webhosting and domain name registration
• Free WordPress online training and support
• Free pre designed templates for easy development of your new website
• Access to Google apps (email, calendar and storage)
Spring cleaning
Speaking of spring, here are five steps to spring clean your church website!
Key Observations for Reaching Latino/a Populations
The growing Latino and Latina population in the United States is transforming
the religious landscape, reshaping virtually every Christian tradition. Drawing on
the work of Juan Francisco Martínez, a scholar of the history of Latino/a
Protestantism, Lovett Weems reports on trends in Latino/a ministry that are vital
to any congregational or denominational leader with a heart for the newcomer in
our midst. Read more now.
Cross-Cultural Pastor as Spiritual Bridge Builder
HiRho Y. Park has studied how pastoral leaders can be more effective in cross-
racial and cross-cultural ministry contexts. These pastors can be bridge builders,
she says, by practicing their faith, proclaiming the Word of God, and leading
from the woundedness of suffering and racism. Read more now.
Denman Awards
The Conference Evangelism Team is soliciting nominations of laity, clergy and
youth for 2019 Harry Denman Evangelism Awards. Nominate someone you
know who consistently shares the Good News of God’s Love. Nominations due
by April 29. Get details.
GC2019 FAQs and Review Chart
Many United Methodists have questions after General Conference 2019. Ask The
UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, offers answers
to frequently asked questions and a chart of petitions under review. Read the
FAQ See list of GC2019 petitions under court review
Wespath Pension FAQs
Wespath, the United Methodist pension agency, has updated answers to
frequently asked questions related to the special General Conference. Read FAQs
Flood Recovery Volunteers Needed
The Susquehanna Conference is working with the Susquehanna County Long
Term Recovery Committee (SCLTRC), the New Milford UMC, and VOAD
partner organizations to provide help to residents of Susquehanna County who
were affected by flooding in July/August 2018. The area is in Northeastern PA
about 35 miles north of Scranton and 25 miles south of Binghamton, NY.
Volunteer teams will be needed through the summer to help with debris removal,
small home repair, appliance repair/replacement, roofing, electrical, and
plumbing. To volunteer a team or for more info, contact Doug Hoy, Susquehanna
Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, at 717-766-7441, extension 3402 or
https://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Kits
Cleaning Buckets
needed to help those affected by flooding throughout the Midwest. Completed
buckets, ingredients or monetary donations are welcomed at the Mission Barn,
one of its satellites or the Conference Center in Cranberry Township. Links to
Relief Kit/Bucket instructions, as well other information, are available at
wpaumc.org/missionbarn.
BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK
27 Marcy Cunkelman
30 Gerry Jack
1 Mary Ann Jones
ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK
MARCH
Commit 2019 Confirmation Tours 2019: Space is limited. Registration is open
Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30 at the Conference Center
Confirmation Classes are invited to bring some of the “ingredients” for UMCOR
school kits that will be assembled during the gatherings. Particularly needed are
round-tip scissors (not plastic), Crayons in boxes of 24, rulers and pencil
sharpeners (with caps). See a video and full list of kit ingredients under Relief
Supplies at UMCOR.org.
District Youth Committee – Needs members
Come help us make plans for some district youth events in the coming year. Our
next meeting is Saturday, March 30, 3:00-4:00 pm at Mt. Zion UMC 16 Denton
Ave, Dubois. This meeting will be for planning our July 2019-June 2020 calendar
UMCOR Sunday
UMCOR Sunday is March 31. This special offering directly affects the ability
of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) to respond immediately
to disasters and other calamities. Did you know that the UMCOR doesn’t receive
apportionment funds? Because of gifts received through offerings like UMCOR
Sunday (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing), UMCOR is able to cover its
administrative costs. UMCOR Resources
Share the importance of UMCOR Sunday. Show your congregation this
presentation about the wonderful work that UMCOR does on behalf of The
United Methodist Church. See UMCOR Sunday Video.
Ask someone who has experienced UMCOR’s work first-hand or the
congregation’s mission coordinator to share the offering talk on March 31. Send
out an email adapting the text from one of these newsletter samples.
Thank you for being part of the United Methodist connection that supports UMCOR’s
overhead costs so that when there is a disaster, they can respond immediately with
lifesaving resources.
APRIL
2019 NEJ Mission Academy
will be held at the Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover, MA from
April 1-4, 2019. The theme is "When Helping Helps." and the focus will be on
ministry initiatives that are responsible, sustainable, and asset-based. Sponsored
by UMCOR and UMVIM, Learn more and register
Jumonville Events to Put on Your Calendar
Sunday, April 21, 2019 Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, May 5, 2019 Jumonville Spring Dinner
July 20-27, 2019 77th Annual Family Week
August 16, 2019 16th Kidz2Kamp Golf Fundraiser
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2019 Singles Labor Day Weekend
September 15-18, 2019 M&M’s Reunion
Contact the Jumonville office at 800-463-7688 or e-mail us at
[email protected] for more information or check the Jumonville website at
www.jumonville.org .
Project on Rural Ministry (PRM)
a five-year grant-funded initiative that focuses on the unique circumstances of
pastors serving rural and small town communities in western Pennsylvania,
northern West Virginia, eastern Ohio, and southwestern New York. We're
looking for solo and senior pastors to partner with us, and we hope you will
consider applying to participate. Take a look at the Project on Rural Ministry's
new website to learn more. You can read more about the application process and
requirements here. We're collecting applications until April 26. Please help us
spread the word! (Emails were sent to pastors with complete info)
2019 Olmsted Events Celebrating 50 years!
Register for an Event
Apr 28 – 30 Mini Mission u w/ Rev. Lisa Grant Details
May 3 – 5 Beginner Fly-Fishing School w/ Gary Kell Details
May 10 – 12 Spring Women’s Retreat w/ Jennifer Phillips
May 13 – 15 Pastors’ Academy w/ Dr. Timothy Slemmons
Jun 23 – 27 Church Music Workshop “Come Sing to the Lord”
Jul 21 – 23 Church Professionals’ Retreat w/ Donna Doutt
Aug 9 – 23 Discover Olmsted Days w/ Olmsted Staff
Aug 25-27 Writing Workshop w/ Rev. Bill Kemp
Sept 29-Oct 1 Fall Women’s Retreat w/ Michele Huey
Oct 4 – 6 Beginner Fly-Fishing School w/ Gary Kell
Nov 10 – 12 Rest & Renewal Retreat w/ Rev. Kim Barker-Brugman
Nov 15 – 17 Youth Ministry Training w/ Perkins School of Theology
Dec 1 & 8 Christmas Open House: “Olmsted Fashioned Christmas”
Space is available throughout the year for personal or group retreats, meetings,
and events. Olmsted Manor Retreat Center: olmstedmanor.org | 814-945-6512
WORSHIP!
APRIL 29-30, 2019 WORSHIP! is a companion event to PREACH! At this
event, there will be keynotes and breakouts specifically focused on planning
worship in small-membership congregations. This event is primarily for clergy
and musicians/worship leaders, with a Monday evening session for all laity. Info
MAY
NEJ Commission on Archives and History Annual Spring Conference
“By Water and Spirit” Tuesday-Thursday, May 7-9, 2019 at Johnstown: First UMC,
436 Vine St, Johnstown, PA 15901. Schedule.
Registration: Includes all meals from dinner on Tuesday evening through lunch
on Thursday, including all taxes and gratuities, and all expenses related to the
Wednesday bus tour. Per Person
Early registration, by April 10, 2019 $175
One Day Registration (Wednesday Bus Trip only) $95
Registration after April 10, 2019 Add $25
Cancellation Policy: To receive a refund, please cancel by May 1, 2019.
Accommodation arrangements must be made separately by contacting the
Holiday Inn Johnstown – Downtown at 800-433-5663. Mention “NEJ Spring
Meeting” to get the special rate.
The meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend as well
as representatives from all of the conferences in the Northeastern Jurisdiction
(NEJ). 1 CEU for attending all sessions. Register. Information: Ed Herald
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
Utica UM Church in Sterling Heights, MI from May 13-17, 2019. Acquire contact
hours that can apply towards Continuing Education credits. To register submit
the registration form on this brochure, or register online at Brown Paper Tickets (a
small service fee applies for online registration). The deadline for a $200 tuition
discount is April 12, 2019. Learn more
Want to Change the World?
Learn how to advocate for change at the 2019 Faith and Politics Conference hosted
by United Methodist Advocacy in Pennsylvania on Change the World Weekend,
May 18-20, in the Harrisburg Area. Learn more.
JUNE
WPA UM Annual Conference
Thursday, June 6th thru Saturday, June 8th Clergy: Plan your vacation, weddings,
mission trips, etc. around these dates and plan to attend
2019 Faith Night at PNC Park
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.
JULY
2019 Wesley Pilgrimage
Plan to be part of the 2019 Wesley Pilgrimage in England to explore historic sites
while walking in the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley and the people called
Methodists. The 10-day event, co-sponsored by The Upper Room on July 8-18,
2019, will be led by Rev. Steven Manskar, former director of Wesleyan
Leadership at Discipleship Ministries, and Dr. Paul Chilcote, professor of
Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary. For
more information, go to https://bit.ly/2iUPRE4.
The national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in
Kansas City, Missouri. It takes place every four years.
Introducing Scott The Painter: Meet Scott! Our YOUTH 2019
artist in residence. Scott is a touring painter, performance artist, and creative
priest who mixes autobiography, biblical narrative, and aesthetics to create art
that speaks to our deepest experiences. Scott will be with us for all of YOUTH
2019. Read more about Scott!
Accessibility at YOUTH 2019 - All Are Welcome. Read more
Announcing Romal Tune - Main Stage Speaker
Romal uses purpose and passion to equip people to heal the wounds of their
past. He bravely offers up his own journey as a case study of raw transparency
and refreshing honesty. Read more about Romal.
Only the Primary Adult Leader can register students. This means the Primary Adult Leader
must have everyone’s information before they start registration. For your convenience, they’ve
created a Registration Information Intake Form. This form will help each Primary Adult
Leader collect the information they need to register their group. Register
If you have specific registration questions, contact Event Manager at
[email protected]. Early Bird – $319 (July 2018-January 31, 2019)
Regular – $359 (February 1, 2019- March 31, 2019) Late – $419 (April 1, 2019-
May 31, 2019)
First, scholarships. We offer financial assistance for both individuals and groups.
Apply soon, because when the money is gone, it's gone. Second, have you read
our blog series on fundraising? We've got some amazing ideas (that have been
tested by real live youth groups) to help you and your group raise money.
Youth Speakers: We are now taking applications to fill four open slots for
youth speakers at YOUTH 2019. Expenses paid for and a small honorarium
for your work. Click here to apply!
Youth 2019 Volunteers Needed: Needed are service volunteers (worksites),
backstage volunteers (worship and Bible study) and gathering volunteers
(vast variety of jobs). Click here to become a volunteer!
Canadian Wilderness Canoe Trips
July 14-23, led by Revs. Scott Hamley, Doug Burns, and Craig Lindahl
July 29 to August 7, led by Rev. Drew Myers and Lindsey Myers
Join us for a week of wilderness canoeing and camping in the north woods of
Ontario. For seven days and nights we travel through a rugged and beautiful land
of lakes, rivers, and forests. Along the way, we look for wildlife and camp on the
lakeshore. Around the campfire, we learn about God, the wonders of his
creation, and what it means to follow Jesus in community. This trip is physically
demanding and involves primitive camping. Previous canoeing and camping
experience is helpful, but not necessary. The cost of the trip includes canoeing
and camping equipment, most meals, and transportation. Open to adults and
teens at least 15 years old. If you are 19 or older, you must have a passport. For
information, contact:
Rev. Scott Hamley, [email protected] or
Rev. Drew Myers, [email protected].
ZIM Camp
Monday, July 22 to Tuesday, August 6, 2019. Opportunity for youth to visit and
fellowship with youth in Zimbabwe and help build relationships through assisting
with District-to-District partnership projects. Youth ages 15 -18 can witness life
in urban and rural settings. Cost includes round-trip flight to and from
Pittsburgh, meals, lodging and transportation. www.wpaumc.org/zimcamp
Deadline March 1.
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Bike-A-Thon Dates
If you're not busy from September 30 to October 6, save the dates to ride in the
2nd Annual Bike-A-Thon from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC. It raises money
to send children and youth to camp! This year’s itinerary includes worship in a
multi-ethnic church in Georgetown and the African American Heritage Museum.
Watch for details. See video
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
Mission of Peace
Join other senior high youth from the Northeast Jurisdiction on a life changing
trip to India. Dates are December 27, 2019-January 14, 2020. More info and the
application can be found here: www.wpaumc.org/mop. Applications are due to
Amanda Gilligan at the conference center by March 1.
OFFICE INFORMATION
D.S. Rev. James N. Pond [email protected] Cell # (724) 322-1718
Admin. Sherry Meterko [email protected] Office Closed Fridays
Office # (814) 938-1742 Fax # (814) 938-6457
Calendar: http://www.wpaumc.org/indianacalendar
Lay Leader: Corona McKee [email protected]
Lay Servant Ministries: Jennifer Gordon [email protected] and/or Ed
Bach [email protected] or check out this link:
www.IndianaDistrictLSM.org
Treasurer: Don Shaffer [email protected] Please send all monies to him at:
4765 Ramsaytown Rd. Brookville, Pa. 15825
