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GREENSBURG DISTRICT CONNECTOR e-NEWSMay 16, 2018 Next issue: May 30, 2018(Please submit articles for the next newsletter by Monday, May 29, 2018)
Note: To make viewing the newsletter easier to locate new/updated information, please look for *NEW* next to the title or search for “*NEW*” in the search bar.
DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION:307 Freeport Street, Delmont, PA 15626 Phone: 724-461-7178 Fax: 724-461-7428Pat Nelson, DS: [email protected] Lori Begg: [email protected] District Website: http://www.wpaumc.org/districtsClick here to view previous editions of the Greensburg District e-news Click here To view the online Greensburg District Calendar
UNITED METHODIST CONFERENCE CENTER CONTACT INFORMATION:1204 Freedom Road, PO Box 5002, Cranberry Township, PA 16066-0002 Phone: 724-776-2300 Website: www.wpaumc.org Email: [email protected] Click here to subscribe to the Conference and/or other District e-newslettersClick Here to view the Western PA UMC Conference e-News weekly publication for Conference wide news (the District e-news does not include all of the Conference wide information)
In Microsoft Word, you can click on the words below to easily navigate (“jump”) to the following sections of the newsletter:
Calendar
Birthdays/Anniversaries/Joys/Concerns
Articles pertaining to 5 Areas of Focus
Clergy Corner
Help Wanted
Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Camping Information
This and That
Greensburg District Calendar of Events
Date EventMAY 2018May 17-20 UMW 19th Quadrennial Assembly of UM Women (Columbus, Ohio)May 23 Depression Hurts @ Monroeville UMC 6:30-8 PM- see details below in newsletterMay 24 Deadline to register for District Helpshop (June 2- Murrysville First UMC)May 24 *NEW* Camping & Retreat Initiative Prayer Walk- at various UM Camping & Retreat locations- see below for
detailsMay 31 *NEW* Community Meeting to Discuss Opiod Help Services Available- Scottdale Public Library- 6:30 PMJUNE 2018Jun 2 District Help Shop- Murrysville First UMC- more details & registration belowJun 4 Mental Health First Aid Course 8:30 AM-5:30 PM- Clarion County- see below for detailsJun 6–9 Annual Conference note dates are: Wednesday- Saturday (Grove City College); Jun 6 Leadership Day @ Annual Conference- Speaker: Nancy Beach, Leadership Coach, 1-5 PM evening Bible
Study (details in future Conference e-news editions and the Conference website:Jun 7 Clergy Spouse Brunch- click here for invitation or see details below in the newsletter.Jun 9 *NEW* Indoor Flea Market, Bake Sale & Lunch to benefit Women’s ministries.- Monroeville UMC 8 AM-1 PMJun 16 Make-Up Clergy Ethics Training- 9 AM-4 PM, Cost $25, Conference Center. See
register. Jun 27-28 Young Preacher’s Festival- Leawood, KS. Click here for details. JULY 2018Jul 6-8 “Unstoppable Women” Conference- Olmsted ManorJul 10 Training Opportunity for Church Admins/Secretaries: Pre-Charge Briefing 10 AM-12 PM @ District
Office. RSVP by July 3rdJul 11 Pre-Charge Briefing for Clergy @ District Office- 10AMJul 12-15 Mission u-California University of PA (Sampler Day: July 14, 2018)Jul 14 *NEW* ERT Re-Certification Class -8:30 AM-12:30 PM, Latrobe UMC, $25pp, RSVP to Rich ZiegenfusJul 16-20 Uth 4 Missions @ Jumonville (note: new location!) Jul 19 Pre-Charge Briefing for Clergy @ District Office-6 PMJul 27 6th Annual Faith Night at PNC Park- Pirates vs. Mets. 7:05 PM -This is on a Friday night! See details
below. AUGUST 2018Aug & Sept Clergy One-on-One Meetings (sign up will be at Pre-Charge Briefings in July)Aug. 12-18 (tentative dates)
Fundraising bike ride from Pittsburgh to DC to raise money for camperships. Contact Rev. Chris Kindle for more details or to help plan it! [email protected]
Aug. 17-26 Westmoreland County Fair Hospitality Tent Volunteers Needed; Contact Rev. John Gerber at [email protected] or 814-688-4124 for information or to volunteer
Aug. 26 Clergy Family Picnic- 4-9 PM; Contact Rev. Chris Livermore to RSVP.SEPTEMBER 2018Sept 5 Greensburg District UMW Day Apart - Camp Allegheny- Speaker: Luella Krieger
Date EventSept. 9 Butler DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Eric Park- location: tbdSept. 15 Pittsburgh DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Dawn Hand- location: tbdSept. 22-Oct. 1 Honduras Mission Trip- click here for details & application.Sept. 28-30 Autism Family Retreat- Jumonville. Click here for details Sept. 30 Erie-Meadville DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Dennis Swineford- location: tbdOCTOBER 2018Oct 6 Greensburg District UMW Fall Meeting- Leechburg First- speaker TBAOct. 7 Johnstown DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Sung Chung- location: tbdOct. 13 *NEW* Greensburg District Helpshop- New Stanton UMC- Cost: $15/ppOct 27 WPA Conference UMW Annual Fall Meeting in the Franklin DistrictDECEMBER 2018Dec 28, 2018-Jan 15, 2019
Mission of Peace- Youth Mission trip to the Philippines
MAY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIESHappy Birthday and Anniversary to those clergy families celebrating this month! If your information is mistaken or not included, please contact Lori at [email protected] to update your information! Thanks!
BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES4- Carol Decker6- Lois Keiper9- Stephen Bane12- Dotty Fallisi
17- Daniel Chung18- Bonnie Marie Judy23- Nicole Gallagher31- Susan Seth
1- Rev. Tony & Dotty Fallisi25- Rev. Jonathan & Erin Hartland
JOYS & CONCERNS Brady Hunker is a high school student who attends New Stanton UMC and is a member of the Conference
Ministry Team. He is battling a rare form of cancer that was believed to be in remission and could use some prayers and words of encouragement! Please keep him in your prayers and send cards of encouragement to:
Brady Hunker- 201 Windy Hill Court Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666 Dominic, a Mt. Pleasant HS student, is also suffering from a rare form of cancer and needs your prayers. *NEW* Tammy Hay, former Connellsville District Administrative Assistant, suffered a stroke last year and is
finally home with 24/7 assistance needed. She was able to be home for her son’s 12 th birthday! Please continue to cover Tammy and her family in prayers for her and her family. You can contact Tammy at her home address: 208 Union Street, PO Box 153, Dickerson Run PA 15430 or cell: 724-434-8770.
Rev. Ron Fleming is dealing with some asthma & respiratory difficulties. Please keep him in your prayers.
GREENSBURG DISTRICT APPOINTMENTS CHANGES (EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST)Click here to read all WPA Conference Appointments
Rev. Beverly A. Spore-from Connellsville District to Leechburg First UMC. Rev. Dawn L. Check- from Butler District to Greensburg Otterbein UMC. Rev. Joseph J. Yurko- from Franklin District to Youngwood: Christ UMC Rev. John E. Ciampa- from Harrison City: Community UMC to retirement Rev. John W. Seth- from Youngwood: Christ UMC to retirement Rev. Sung S. Chung- from Greensburg: Otterbein UMC to Johnstown: DS Rev. Jerrad R. Peterman- from Leechburg First to Harrison City: Community *NEW* Congratulations to these persons who have completed Licensing School:
o Paul Funk (Hillside UMC)o Lynette Moran (Lower Burrell: Bethel)o Chris Morris (Latrobe)
NEWSLETTER INFORMATION ALIGNED WITH THE FIVE AREAS OF FOCUS **1. Developing Principled Christian Leaders2. Creating New and Renewed Congregations3. Engaging in Ministry with the Poor4. Promoting Abundant Health5. Dismantling Racism
To read more on the Five Areas of Focus, click here. Send us your info on these areas of focus in your church and share the news.
** Newsletter also includes: “Clergy Corner” , “Youth & Young Adult Ministry”, “Camping Information”, “Help Wanted”, and "This 'n That" section at the end of the newsletter.
****************************************1. DEVELOPING PRINCIPLED CHRISTIAN LEADERSERT RE-CERTIFICATION TRAININGEvery 3 years ERT’s are required by UMCOR to be re-certified. If you were last certified in 2015 and want to maintain your certification a class is scheduled for Saturday July 14, 2018 at 8:30 am at Latrobe UMC on Main St., Latrobe, PA 15650. This is a four-hour class. Parking is available on the side street of the church. Prior registration is required. You may do so by forwarding your name and phone number to Rich Ziegenfus as listed below, who will follow up with you for more detailed information. The cost is $25.00 which can be paid the day of the class. Please arrive by 7:45am to complete the registration process. Contact information is listed below should you have any questions.
Richard P. Ziegenfus Phone: 724-238-3158 Fax: 724-238-3153 e-mail: [email protected]
*NEW* PARTICIPANTS OF LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES SCHOOL (SPRING CLASSES OF 2018)
Lay School Ministry classes were held on Saturday mornings in April with graduation occurring Saturday, May 5 th. Fifty-five student graduated. Please extend your congratulations to the students below. Click here to see more photos. Just click on the title Lay School Ministry Spring 2018.
Courses and Facilitators: Basic Course. . .led by Rev. Kim Foos & Mr. Rich Ziegenfus Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts…led by Revs. Tom Kennedy & Justin Judy Lay Servant Leader…led by Rev. Sang Choi & Mr. Paul Huey Leading Bible Study...led by Rev. Tim Williams Leading in Prayer…led by Rev. William Meekins, Jr. & Mrs. Patty Blosat You Can Preach…led by Rev. Michele Nagle & Ms. Cynthia Hill
*Certificate of Completion, ** Certified Lay Servant, *** Certified Lay Speaker
DISTRICT HELPSHOPS- SPRING
Basic Class: *Mary Ann Busdosh *Kathy Carroll *Deborah Cislo *Criss Crider *Gerald Hawk *Eric Lash *Rodney Little *John Lutman *Robert A. McDonald *Robert Dippolito *Blaine Morris *William Pack *Brian Summy
Discovering Your Spiritual Gifts Class: **Darl Brendlinger **Constance Gazza **Daryl Mains *Adam Sweigart
Lay Servant Leader Class:**Tammi Bentley *Nancy Jones *Judy Molter *Walter See **Charles Snyder **Judy Snyder **Cheryl Spengler *Nancy Stotler
Leading Bible Study Class:**Lydia Axmacher**James Blosat *Taylor Brooks**John McCombs
Leading in Prayer Class: **Pam Allen **Carol Boesch **Claudia Dias **Walter Karda *Paula Nader***Scotty Ritenour *Ed Sandsmark *Martin Schlauch **Lori Shaffer *Nell Wiancko
You Can Preach Class: **Nicholas Gorzo **Lori Hughes **Tim Jordan **Todd Libengood *Damian McGraw *Patty McGraw *Gary Nowading **Randy Ord *Caryl Randolph **Rebecca (Becky) Robinson *Michael Scott *Mandy Thomas *Bill Utterback *Robert J. Wise
June 2- Murrysville First UMC- Registration is open! Click here to register & for more details. Registration ends May 24th!Cost: $15/per person9:00 AM-3:30 PM (Note: participants may register for morning or afternoon or both. Only 1 course may be taken in the morning and 1 session in the afternoon).*NEW* Save the date: next offering: Oct. 13th: New Stanton UMC
There will be opportunity for the lay people in your congregation to participate in a number of training workshops to assist in the leadership ministry of your church. All laity are encouraged to come; clergy are welcome, too. The options offered at the June 2 event will include:
Communications/Social Networking
Discipleship Map 2.0 - Where to Begin with Discipleship
District & Conference Youth Opportunities
Laity in Church (Roles/Opportunities)
Lay Servant Ministries United Methodist Women
Implementing School Partnerships
Zimbabwe Partnership
Dismantling Racism Safe Sanctuaries
****************************************2. CREATING NEW & REVITALIZED MINISTRIES
*NEW* CAMPING & RETREAT INITIATIVE PRAYER WALK
Thursday, May 24 (Aldersgate Day)
Western Pennsylvania United Methodists are invited to join in prayer on Thursday, May 24 (Aldersgate Day) to lift up our Camping and Retreat Ministries and everyone involved in them. A Prayer Walk, with two-hour segments scheduled consecutively at the camps and ministry sites, is
planned so that those in each area have an opportunity to visit and join in. Others are encouraged to pray wherever they are throughout the day.
Prayer Walk segments are scheduled from:
8-10 a.m. at Wesley Woods 10 a.m. - Noon at Jumonville Noon - 2 p.m. at Olmsted Manor 2 - 4 p.m. at Camp Allegheny 4-6 p.m. at Healthy Village Learning Institute in McKeesport 6-8 p.m. at At the Lake Ministries on Lake Erie
You can find all the information at https://www.wpaumc.org/newsdetail/join-in-may-24-prayer-walk-11256750
For questions, contact Elizabeth Lennox, Visual Communications & Social Media Coordinator, WPA UMC at [email protected] or 724.776.2300 x275
OLDER ADULT MINISTRY
Older Adult Ministry is being developed in the Greensburg District and you are invited to participate as we explore ways to be in ministry "by, with, and for" older adults. Please contact the District Office if you are interested. In the meantime, please read the commentary on a recent "Nuts and Bolts" event that was recently held on the Greensburg District.
NUTS AND BOLTS OF BABY BOOMER MINISTRY
Rev. Dr. William Randolph presenting Class Attendees
On April 15-16, 2018, there were 20 persons (both lay and clergy) from around the WPA UMC, along with a pastor from the Susquehanna Conference of the UMC who met at the Delmont: Faith UMC in Delmont, PA to learn from Rev. Dr. William Randolph.
The Greensburg DS, Rev. Pat Nelson, who has a UMC specialized certification in Older Adult Ministries, organized the event because of the need for resources to be shared with and for training to be extended to local churches. In order to effectively continue the mission of the church for making disciples of Jesus Christ with people of all ages, it is essential that churches be equipped to include Baby Boomers and Older Adults in their ministry portfolios.
As the leader and facilitator of this practical and engaging event for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Ministries, Rev. William Randolph provided everyone with the resources needed to address the needs, concerns, and opportunities for ministries that are coming with the “age-tsunami” of baby boomers and older adults in our Congregations. Will helped us to see that aging faithfully is a lifelong process of growing up into the role as Sages and Mentors which requires resources, training, and visioning, which is provided best by our faith communities. The five workshops Will presided over included: Nuts and Bolts of Developing Boomer and Older Adult Ministries, Digging in the Details of the Baby Boomer Age-Tsunami, the Faith Formation of Older Adults, Developing Older Adult Ministries with Limited Resources, and Planning Older Adult Ministry in Specific Church Contexts.
Rev. Will Randolph has a history of ministry with WPA both as a local church pastor and as a chaplain at a local retirement community. He is an elder from the Western North Carolina Conference and recently was the director of Aging and Older Adult Ministries through the UMC Discipleship Ministries. When that position was eliminated due to budget constraints, Will returned to WPA and is currently serving as the chaplain at another retirement community in Oakmont, PA. He is still actively involved in providing resources and training to churches interested in older adult ministries. Discipleship Ministries also continues to provide online resources for local churches and clergy interested in continuing their ministry to older adults.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIR HOSPITALITY TENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Westmoreland County Fair Hospitality Tent Volunteers Needed; Contact Rev. John Gerber a [email protected] or 814-688-4124 for information or to volunteer. Click here for more details.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FOLLOW UP MANUAL IS AVAILABLE! (John and Christine Zimmerman)
A while back we surveyed local churches about evangelism practices and attitudes. We discovered that Vacation Bible School is the number one evangelistic outreach of churches today. We also discovered that few have an effective follow up plan and that there are no resources available for a follow up plan....until now!
This 25-page manual is a one-of-kind comprehensive resource to help churches implement a follow up plan for the unchurched kids who attend VBS. It can simply be introduced into any VBS program as a compliment to the planning materials.
Don't let another VBS go by wishing that you would have thought about follow up with all the great kids that came to VBS! Click here to be directed to the ABOUT FACE website. Click here to order the book. Paperback Price: $5.99
THE ROAD TO DISCIPLESHIP (Rev. Chris Kindle, WPA Conference Staff-Discipleship and Spiritual Formation)
Discipleship Digest, a monthly email newsletter, written by Rev. Chris Kindle, WPA Conference Staff of Discipleship and Spiritual Formation, helps create conversations and generate questions regarding Discipleship, Spiritual Formation and Safe Sanctuaries. In his email newsletters, Chris provides many
resources to help you think strategically about your discipleship process. Click here to learn more and find many resources. To sign up for the newsletter, click “Sign Up for Newsletters” (see screenshot below) on the Conference Website: www.wpaumc.org. Enter your name and email address. An email will be sent to your email address and there will be all the Conference wide newsletters to select (see screenshot below). Select the one titled “Discipleship and Spiritual Formation”
****************************************3. ENGAGING IN MINISTRY WITH THE POORMISSION TRIP TO HONDURAS- Application due: June 1stSaturday, Sept. 22- Oct. 1, 2018
We in the WPA Conference have an ongoing relationship with the UM mission in Honduras. Besides the history of UMVIM teams that contributed to the founding and growth of the mission since Hurricane Mitch,the mission has enjoyed a series of seminars from David Stains over the years, and worship events. Bishop Cynthia has also made an official visit to affirm our interest and relationship. The current mission is to complete construction of a rural church. If you wish to volunteer, please send in the completed application to: Dr. David Stains, 722 Lawrence St. Johnstown, PA 15904. email [email protected] by June 1, if possible. This is the Conference Encounter with Christ Committee's major project of the year. In any case, please pray for the mission, and those who participate. Click here for application.
****************************************4. PROMOTING ABUNDANT HEALTH*NEW* SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDER (SUD) MEETINGThursday, May 31- 6:30 PMScottdale Public Library (106 Spring Street, Scottdale, PA 15683)This is the first community meeting being hosted by Ruth Zalonis and the Abundant Life Task Force to address the substance abuse issues in the area. The meeting is being hosted by Ruth Zalonis, Parish Nurse and member of the Abundant Life Task Force. Rush is committed to providing people with information and resources to alleviate the intense suffering and cost to those with SUD and their families. Please plan to join Ruth to address this issue.
*NEW* DEPRESSION HURTSMay is Mental Health Awareness Month. The advocacy team of Monroeville United Methodist Church will focus on depression as the theme for a Mental Health Awareness program. The community is invited to learn more about this serious illness at a special program offered on Wednesday, May 23, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., at Monroeville United Methodist Church, 219 Center Road in Monroeville. The session is free and open to everyone who wants to know more about the effects of depression. Bruce Bennett will speak about his long, difficult struggle with depression and his road to recovery. Counselors Andrew King and Crystal McFadden from Christian Counseling Associates of Western PA will also be on the program. In any given one-year period, about 18.8 million American adults suffer from a depressive illness. Although the economic cost is high, the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depressive illnesses often interfere with day-to-day functioning and cause pain and suffering not only to those who have the disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person, with all segments of society at risk. Also, depression many times leads to suicide. Call Monroeville United Methodist at 412-372-7474 for more information.
*NEW* MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSEMental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course on Monday, June 4 that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. From 8:30 am – 5:30 pm at Clarion County MH/MR, 214 South 7th Ave, Clarion, PA 16214. Instructor: Jen Bankard at [email protected].
FAQ’s https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/faq/ . Online registration
Here is a way to find out about trainings and trainers near you: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/find-a-course/
****************************************5. DISMANTLING RACISMTOOLKIT TO ADDRESS HATE & VIOLENCEAfter “Unite the Right” rallies in Charlottesville and other cities, white supremacy, nationalism, violent extremism, and hate in America have been laid bare. Church leaders have spoken out against it and the General Commission on Religion and Race has compiled a toolkit of resources that may be useful for individuals, a small group, or congregation on the themes of white supremacy, hate, and violence post-Charlottesville. Click here for more information.
WPAUMC ANTI-RACISM RESOURCESIn 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. Click here to downloaded the list from the Conference website Discussing Racism page.
LIVING TOGETHER WELL IN A DIVERSE WORLDHow can United Methodists can lead in living together well in an increasingly diverse world. Five leaders offer some way to do it. Click here to read more.RACISM RESPONSE: EMBRACE LOVE – THEY ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHTUnited 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
************* CLERGY CORNER *************CLERGY EVALUATIONS, CONTINUING EDUCATION & PARSONAGE INSPECTION FORMS- WERE DUE MAY 15TH
* NEW * Evaluations: All clergy were emailed the evaluation form links in April and those links will direct you to completing the 3 online forms. The evaluations must be completed online and submitted online. Please use the links sent in April (or mailed to you by the District Office or Ben Harsch).
Continuing Education: Click here to view the continuing education form, print out and submit to the District Office. An attachment of the form is also at the bottom of this email.
Annual Parsonage Inspection: Click here to view the continuing education form, print out and submit to the District Office. An attachment of the form is also at the bottom of this email.
CLERGY MOVING EXPENSES As the church enters a season when appointments change, pastors move to new appointments may be surprised to learn that the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will require treating their moving expenses as income. The Rev. Ken Sloane of Discipleship Ministries, explains. Read commentary See latest GCFA statement
MISSED THE CLERGY TAX WEBINAR? View the recorded webinar Clergy Taxes: Don’t Live in Fear! Handouts of the slides are available for download in a 3-up format for note taking.
PASTORS ACADEMY 2018: The May 21-23 retreat at Olmsted Manor will focus on Radical Discipleship, Public Witness, and Liturgical Politics: The Social and Political Implications of the Gospel. Dr. Jennifer McBride, author of Radical Discipleship and an associate dean at McCormick Theological Seminary, will be the leader. Get details and register
*NEW* ORIENTATION TRACK A AND BOrientation Track A AND B on June 6 at Grove City. Any candidates who are finishing up group mentoring should try to attend Track B in the afternoon. A representative from United Seminary will be on hand to discuss their options. Financial aid information will be shared by Bill Hastings.
CLERGY ETHICS TRAINING (MAKE-UP SESSION)Saturday, June 16th from 9AM-4 PM @ the Conference CenterCost: $25All clergy who missed the previous trainings are expected to attend the full session in order to meet their convental expectation. This includes elders, deacons, local pastors (full and part time), extension ministers or anyone serving as clergy. The training is valuable and required by the Book of Discipline. The small fee is to cover a book and lunch. Click here to register.
SAVE THE DATE! PRE-CHARGE BRIEFINGS There will be 2 opportunities to attend the Pre-Charge Briefing. All clergy are expected to attend one of these sessions. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Wednesday, July 11 @ 10 AM- District Office Thursday, July 19th @ 6 PM- District Office
Please note: There will be a special opportunity for Church Secretaries/Administrative Assistants to attend a training on completing the required forms for Charge Conference. See below:
ATTENTION: TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS & SECRETARIES1. Pre-Charge Briefing (for Admins/Secretaries only)
Tuesday, July 10, 201810AM-12 PMGreensburg District OfficeRSVP to [email protected] by Tuesday, July 3rd
ATTENTION LOCAL PASTORS!Please use the following address for correspondence to Sara Wrona regarding Local Pastor Issues such as mentor reports and Course of Study registrations: Rev. Sara Wrona, First UMC, 134 Custer Avenue, Vandergrift, PA 15690.
CLERGY EXCELLENCEThere's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment
*NEW* UMC SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at http://scholarship.umc.org/
*NEW* SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR DEACONS A new scholarship for those pursuing deacon ordination has been set up with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry added for those pursuing deacon ordination. It honors Rubie Butterworth, who dedicated her life to serving through the church. Lean more.
*NEW* APPLY FOR A VITAL WORSHIP GRANTThe Vital Worship Grants program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship focuses on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship. Grant proposals can be submitted by emerging and established churches; seminaries, colleges, and schools; hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations. The grants are funded by the Lilly
*NEW* ANTI-RACISM GRANTSThe 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.
*NEW* CLERGY SCHOLARSHIP GRANTSThe Office of Loans and Scholarships at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry on Wednesday awarded more than $1.66 million to 206 recipients of the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship was created to help United Methodist clergy avoid excessive educational loan debt, minimize financial stress and build financial acumen. Learn more.
************HELP WANTED*************SEEKING EMPLOYMENTA local Greensburg person is seeking employment in any of the following areas: Organist/Pianist/Choir Director. If you are seeking someone with these skills, please contact Mary Jo Young at 412-793-3701
******YOUTH &YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY*****UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN: The Unstoppable retreat for young women (high school - mid-20s) is scheduled for July 6-8 at Olmsted Manor retreat center. The cost is just $25 because Unstoppable Scholarships are available. Email
Laramie ([email protected]) or Denise ([email protected]) for scholarship details. Visit the Unstoppable Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/umwunstoppable/
YOUTH EVENTSCheck out all the Youth Events from the Conference: https://www.wpaumc.org/youthevents
Uth 4 Missions (a missions event for youth groups) is July 16-20 at Jumonville (new location). Both work sites and outreach sites will be available. Cost is $220/person. Registration will open this Spring.
YOUTH MISSION U, for youth in grades 6-12 will be held at California University of PA from July 10-15. Plan to attend; bring a group from your church. Registration will open soon. Get details at wpaumc.org/youthmissionu
The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries, a division of Discipleship 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. Read press release
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! The next national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Plan now for your youth to attend. The national gathering for UM Youth takes place every four years.
For questions, check out the Youth Events Page on the Conference website or contact Amanda Gilligan, Coordinator of Young People’s Ministries, at [email protected] or (724) 776-2300 ext. 224
******CAMPING INFORMATION*****CAMPING & RETREAT MINISTRIESCamping & Retreat Ministries are an important part of our life together. See what opportunities are available!
CAMP ALLEGHENY o 2018 Calendar of Events Click here . Check out these upcoming events:
May 18-20 -Adult Wrangler Weekend May 20- Open House Alumni Picnic Aug 24-26 Women’s Retreat- for more information, click on the attachment to this email
o Website: https://www.campallegheny.org/ JUMONVILLE
o 2018 Calendar of Events: https://jumonville.org/coming-events/o Check out these upcoming events:
May 20- Summer Camp Open House 3:30-5 PMo Website: https://jumonville.org/
WESLEY WOODSo 2018 Calendar of Events: http://www.wesleywoods.com/o Website: http://www.wesleywoods.com/
OLMSTED MANORo 2018 Calendar of Events: http://www.olmstedmanor.org/events.htmlo Website: http://www.olmstedmanor.org/
FUNDRAISER BIKE TRIP PITTSBURGH TO WASHINGTON, D.C. TO BENEFIT CAMPING INITIATIVEAug. 12-18 (Tentative dates)Come ride 300+ miles from Pittsburgh to DC to raise money for Camperships. If you want to be part of the planning process or are interested in going, contact [email protected].
************** THIS 'N THAT **************PASTORAL RESOURCES AVAILABLERetiring Pastors, John Ciampa (Harrison City: Community) and John Seth (Christ: Youngwood) have many books to offer that would make great resources for another pastor. Please contact John and John if you are interested in learning more about the materials they have available. Click here to email Rev. John Ciampa. Click here to email Rev. John Seth.
*NEW* LAITY LEADERSHIP ACADEMYThe purpose of this academy is to provide a group of laity with a multi-session, systematic opportunity to be equipped in local church leadership in order to develop new paradigms in their personal and corporate lives that can assist their congregation to be thriving and faithful.
The time commitment for the Academy is eight gatherings over a two year period. In addition to these gatherings we ask that each participant engage in independent study and reflection on various related topics.
Topics:Module 1 Build a sense of covenant and exploring the Biblical and theological basis of stewardship. Module 2 Strategic PlanningModule 3 Leading with Vision, Mission, and Core ValuesModule 4 Effective leadership development through recruiting, developing, and deploying volunteersModule 5 Engaging Mission Minded Millennials Module 6 Conflict ResolutionModule 7 Communication, marketing, and telling your story
Module 8 Legacies: Effective congregation endowment development
A small group morning session with an afternoon session with a larger group for clergy and laity.
Contact Rev. Ed Bailey, Executive Director, United Methodist Foundation of Western Pennsylvania
*NEW* JOY SPANG RECEIVES DENMAN EVANGELISM AWARD
DENMAN EVANGELISM AWARD is an award that is given annually to a clergy person and a lay person in appreciation of their work of evangelism after the fashion of lay person Harry Denman. Evangelism happens in many contexts and many settings: it impacts and engages all generations, and requires relationships among a variety of persons. What distinguishes The Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient is the commitment to consistently introduce others to the Good News of Jesus Christ in all ministry settings. Their ministry is exceptional for the number of new Christ Followers who credit encounters with this person as critical in helping to start or reignite their faith journey.
The award DENMAN AWARD is sponsored by the Foundation for Evangelism in the United Methodist Church, and one of the awards was presented on Saturday, May 5, 2018 to Joy Spang of Delmont: Faith UMC. In the opinion of the WPA Evangelism Committee (and the Faith UMC), Joy embodies the life and spirit of Harry Denman, She, along with her team at the church, encourages people in their life and faith journey. Joy Spang was the unanimous choice to receive this award.
According to the Foundation for Evangelism:"The man with one suit... it sounds like the opening line of a tall tale. For many people across the US, and even around the world, that crumpled, driven, faithful man was the person who introduced them to Jesus Christ. His name was Harry Denman and he was a friend to taxi drivers, missionaries, housewives, students, pastors, world leaders and the United Methodist Church. A force to be reckoned with, Denman’s service and commitment to Methodism spanned more than 60 years. He wrote, “The only way we can see Christ is to see him wrapped in a person. Evangelism can only been seen in a person. We need to become a package of love, a package of faith, a package of Christ. Then we will be a package of evangelism.”
The Greensburg District salutes Joy Spang as she continues to humbly carry out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ in a way that encourages and empowers other to "become a package of love, of faith, and of Christ." Congratulations!
*NEW* INDOOR FLEA MARKET, BAKE SALE AND LUNCHSaturday, June 9, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Monroeville UMC United Methodist Women will host a Flea Market, Bake Sale and lunch at 219 Center Road in Monroeville. If you wish to rent a table to sell your crafts, "fleas," or other items, please call the church at 412-372-7474 or email [email protected]. Tables are $20 each. If you come to the Flea Market you will have a chance to see over 30 vendors, buy homemade bake sale items and buy lunch (the menu items include hot dogs, sauerkraut, haluski, mac 'n cheese, and beverages). All proceeds go to the United Methodist Women for missions. For questions and information, please contact Betty Henderson, Coordinator of Communication Ministries, 724-733-4768
*NEW* AT THE LAKE MINISTRIES
She’s in the Water! Congratulations to At The Lake Ministries! The JoAnn M was lowered into the water of Lake Erie, marking a milestone for a new ministry that will offer persons living with a variety of disabilities to enjoy fishing or cruising on the lake. Watch!Stay up-to-date and “like” the At The Lake Ministries Facebook page.
At the Lake Ministries Dinner on Saturday, May 19th. Details to be announced
NEW UMC HANDBOOKThe new United Methodist Church Handbook, which covers the next four years, is available, providing a detailed overview of the denomination’s beliefs, mission, structure, and history. The handbook is a free, go-to resource for anyone in search of information about the church and is helpful for leaders and new members. GET HANDBOOK
6TH ANNUAL FAITH NIGHTThe 6th Annual Faith Night will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 following the Pirates-Mets game at 7:05 p.m. Enjoy discounted tickets for the Pirates-Mets game and stay after the game to hear Manager Clint Hurdle and your favorite Pirate players and coaches share their personal experiences with how their faith has impacted both their lives and their careers in baseball specifically. Being that Faith Night is being held on a Friday for the first time, we expect the event to be
even more popular than ever! Therefore, it is highly recommended securing seats with a deposit. Groups of 15 or more can secure a block of seats with a deposit, then will have until June 11 to give your final ticket count and pay the balance. Contact Chad Glover at [email protected] or 412-325-4756.
*NEW* WORST DAY EVER…(a new perspective)
Please read this wonderful article (twice as instructed!) It might just change the way you are viewing your day! This article was posted in a recent edition of the McMaster’s UMC newsletter. See article on next page.
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2018- A BRIEF SUMMARYDistrict Conference 2018 was held on Saturday, April 21 at 10 a.m. at the Faith UMC in Delmont. About 70 people were present, and the Lord showed up and showed off! If you were there, please share the resources and information you heard and received. If you weren't there, the printed booklet is on the district website. You can download your own copy at https://www.wpaumc.org/greensburg.
Here are a few of the highlights: a. Keynote Address: An Opioid Presentation by Rev. Sue Washburn from the Redstone Presbytery "Addiction Ministry Network." She shared some practical tools and responses a local church can make (regardless of size or economic strength) to help families who are struggling with the opioid crisis in their communities or homes. She can be reached at [email protected] for more information. Another excellent resource to assist with opioid ministry in your church
is from our WPA Conference Evangelist, Rev. John Zimmerman. He provides a 90 minute presentation on possible church responses to the crisis. You can contact him at 814-490-4297. b. We heard a short and informative presentation on the 2019 budget that will be discussed at Annual Conference in June, and heard the good news that the calculations for a local church apportionment giving level has changed. That means that nearly half of the churches on the Greensburg District will have a REDUCTION in their 2019 apportionments! c. We celebrated that 46 (out of 66) churches paid at least 100% of their apportionment giving for 2017 enabling the reach of the UMC in WPA to extend beyond our conference borders! d. We celebrated the ministry of those who are retiring this year and cheered on those with new appointments. The DS also explained the "clergy succession etiquette" document that has been adopted by Cabinet and will be distributed to all retired clergy and to those churches and clergy who will be receiving new appointments. e. We elected new district leadership for 2018-2019 year. We are still accepting volunteers to serve on the some of the leadership committees/teams to help mobilize our district for more effective ministry. Call the DS if you are interested in serving.f. We heard and celebrated the work of the district with reports of work and ministry that was far-reaching in its purpose and very "hands-on" in its care and love for people. g. We watched a video about the Bishop's Camping Initiative and were inspired to give of our time and treasure to help with the important task of introducing people to Jesus. There were a couple of youth from one of the local churches present, and they both claimed that they liked camp and were planning to go this year!h. We took up a special offering that was designated toward our Zimbabwe Partnership with our sister district "Harare West." We received $430.00 that will be used for the next project that the Harare West District identifies.i. Finally, the DS shared some thoughts from the Bishop related to the "Commission on the Way Forward" which essentially informed us that we all need to be in prayer and respectful dialogue and listening to the Holy Spirit at work - even as we stay focused on our main responsibility and privilege as the church: making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE The registration is open and available for all clergy, church delegates, and lay equalization delegates to register! Cost of the event is $100 and churches are encouraged to pay the cost of the registration for the people going to the annual conference from your church. Other things to know:
Annual Conference 2018 will held at Grove City college. For those unable to be physically present as guests, it will be live-streamed. Watch for more information. Check the wpaumc.org website for the schedules, worship services, business, and events going on during our time together.
A new Conference Pictorial Directory will be put together with the members of conference at Grove City. (Some folks had their pictures taken at District Conference and will not have to have another picture taken). Please plan to have your picture taken for the directory, so we can put names/faces together and keep the conference in our prayers.
*NEW* AC Offerings: There will be two special offerings received during annual conference--one for the Camping and Retreat Ministries Initiative and the other for the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. Contributions to the offerings also may be made online at www.wpaumc.org/onlinepayments.
DISTRICT MINISTRY LEADERSHIP TEAMS- HELP NEEDEDDistrict Ministry Teams are in need of your help! Click here to read about our District Ministry Teams to see where you may be interested in serving our district with your gifts. You can also view the attached document: “District Leadership Needs” at the bottom of the email.
WPA CLERGY SPOUSE BRUNCH June 7th9 AM (Registration), 9:30 Brunch Program-NoonLocation: Rathburn Hall, Grove City College (100 Campus Dr., Grove City, PA 16127)RSVP: May 21st
Cost: $15/ppPlease click here for invitation. Invitations were mailed out the beginning of May. Childcare will be provided. Monetary donations will be collected for the Eastbrook Mission Barn. Questions? [email protected]
ACTIVE SHOOTER PREVENTION PLAN One of the passions of the United Methodist Church is in creating safe spaces for people to worship, grow to maturity on their faith journey, and be engaged in our communities. With the tragedies that we hear about on the news, and occasionally in our schools and public places, there are some who are concerned that their congregations or ministry settings may be in jeopardy or be targeted for shootings. Sometimes, the conversation often turns to "locking the doors" - in order to provide a space where people hope to feel safe. While there are many dimensions to the conversation, before making any firm decisions that would create a poor witness of your faith to the community, please do your "homework."
Be in conversation with the police, your insurance company, and review the link that comes from the denomination's insurance company: United Methodist Insurance. It is imperative that the church - your church - not take a reactionary posture, but pray, obtain information, and be in communication with the District Office and/or the Conference Center Director of Connectional Ministries about your potential plans going forward or any questions or concerns you have related to the welfare of your congregation and the ministries to the community you serve. Remember always that our hope is in the risen Jesus - and Jesus is not only greater than any of the sin and tragedy and death that is part of our lives - but Jesus invites us to walk with him into those places where His life-giving light is ready to shine and overcome the darkness of the world. Click the link below, or click here, or see attachment to email for the plan documentation.
http://umcmedia.org/ux/GCFA_assets/Active%20Shooter%20Prevention.pdf
SUMMER 2018 CHAPLAINS IN THE PARK NEEDEDPA Council of Churches, Chaplains in the Parks is seeking individuals to fill our Part-time and Full-time Chaplain slots for Summer 2018. Chaplains need only be a Christian with a heart for serving God who want to bring worship services, provide a listening ear and visit with people from different religious traditions. Students, retired, laity and clergy are all welcome to apply. Please click here to see the attached recruitment flyer and click here to see the letter to Seminaries for more information or view the bottom of this email newsletter for attachments of both documents.
Deb Koretzky, Campground Ministry Coordinator, PA Council of Churches900 S. Arlington Ave. Harrisburg, PA 17109 email: [email protected]
UNITED METHODIST NOW- A NEW BI-WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTERThe 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.
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 webpages 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
HELPFUL LINKS 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
WPA CONFERENCE CENTERwww.wpaumc.org
1-800-886-33821204 Freedom RoadP.O. Box 5002 Cranberry Twp, PA 16066-0002
