PRAYER REQUESTS
The Samalenge family, whose Cambridge Springs parsonage was
destroyed by a fire on Saturday, December 1st.
Sandylee Rose, wife of Ed Rose, who has been hospitalized in
Pittsburgh with leukemia.
Jerome Alsdorf, who has some health concerns.
BIRTHDAYS
Wednesday, January 23rd Eun-Young Han
Thursday, January 24th Shirley Deemer
Friday, January 25th Brenda Wade
IMPORTANT DATES
(Check sections for more information.)
Wednesday, January 23rd Conference Prayer Ministry Event
(Conference Events), We Have to Talk (Conference Events)
Saturday, January 26th Cornhole Tournament (District Events)
Sunday, January 27th to Tuesday, January 29th Spiritual
Formation Retreat (Conference Events)
Wednesday, January 30th Email Marketing for Churches (Conference
Events)
ANNIVERSARIES
THE MIGHTIEST FORCE IN THE WORLD
Recently a group of us met for prayer at Saegertown UMC. It was
the first regional meeting of our new Annual Conference Prayer
Ministry. Rev. Adam Stump and Rev. Chris Kindle led the group
through a concert of prayer focusing on the ministry of our Annual
Conference. It was a spirit-filled time of confession and
intercession. I was touched by the simplicity and sincerity of the
prayers offered. We prayed for our Annual Conferences leadership
and goals. We prayed for faithfulness. We prayed that our Church
might experience revival.
It was good to be together. It was good to experience the bond
of peace and unity in Christ. I am grateful for this project that
holds such potential to bring healing and power to us. One of my
personal faith heroes, Frank Laubach, called prayer The Mightiest
Force in the World. He believed that his ministry as a missionary,
evangelist, and social reformer was propelled by energy received
through prayer. He believed that he had witnessed the power of
prayer change world events and stem the tide of evil. It seems to
me that now, more than ever, we need the mighty power of God that
is wrought through prayer.
The Conference Prayer Ministry extends two invitations to us.
First, we are encouraged to start small prayer cells that could
meet weekly to pray. For instance, as few as three people might
agree to meet together during a meal time for fasting and prayer.
It does not have to be a face-to-face or a fasting prayer meeting.
It could take place through a conference phone call or over the
internet. A second component of the project is regional meetings
such as the one I attended in Saegertown. Chris and Adam have
committed to lead these gatherings. The next one on our district
will be held on Tuesday, February 26th at Edinboro UMC at
6:30pm.
Resources and suggestions for starting and leading a cell group
are available. Please contact Rev. Adam Stump via email at
[email protected].
Dennis
STATISTICAL REPORTS (EZRA)
This is a brief reminder that year-end statistical reports are
due by the end of January. John Wilson, Conference Secretary, sent
a detailed email to senior pastors in December. If you have any
questions, please contact him at
[email protected].
SUPPORTING THE SAMALENGES
Those interested in supporting the Samalenges can send monetary
donations to the District Office (P.O. Box 488, Saegertown, PA
16433). Please make checks payable to Erie-Meadville District with
the name Samalenge in the memo section. If you have any questions,
please contact the District Office at 814-783-0105 or
[email protected].
ATTENTION CHURCHES!
Please complete the following tasks as soon as possible.
Church Email: If the church email that is listed on the
dashboard is that of a pastor or another church leader, please
create a separate church email and then update the dashboard to
reflect this change. The easiest way to accomplish this would be to
create a free email address, such as a Gmail account. The hope is
that a separate email will make communication with churches easier
despite future pastoral changes.
Church Leadership: If any of the church leadership has changed
with the New Year, please update the dashboard to reflect the
change(s). Please include contact information for the leaders,
especially email addresses.
Church Conference Minutes: Please send a copy of the Church
Conference minutes to the District Office.
2019 Church Budget: Please send a copy of the 2019 Church Budget
to the District Office.
ATTENTION PASTORS!
Please complete the following tasks as soon as possible.
Clergy Clearances: Please send current copies of your clearances
(PA Criminal History report from the PA State Police, Certification
from the PA Department of Human Services, and Federal Criminal
History report from the FBI) to the District Office.
CLERGY SPOUSE GATHERINGS
Clergy spouses, mark your calendars for the third Thursday of
each month at 10am to gather with Deborah Swineford and other
clergy spouses.
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Saturday, January 26th, 11am, Erie Summit (1510 Townhall Road,
Erie, PA 16509)
Cost is $25 per team, which includes lunch. Registration and
payment are due by Wednesday, January 23rd. A $7 lunch will be
available for spectators. Check-in is at 10:30am. For more
information or to register, contact Mandy Barney at 814-460-6955 or
Sue Martin at 814-860-0812. Proceeds benefit the Won by One to
Jamaica mission team.
THE HISTORY OF LOVE AND MARRIAGE
Friday, February 8th, 5:45pm to 8pm, Erie First UMC (707
Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16501)
Come and celebrate Valentines Day with us! This
storytelling-dinner program by Rev. John M. Scott tells how Love
became the reason to get married. Hors doeuvres start at 5:45pm in
the Fellowship Hall followed by a sit-down roast beef dinner at
6:15pm. A one-hour story program will follow dinner at
approximately 7pm. Cost is $12 per person or $20 per couple, $6 per
youth with parents, $3 per kid (age 4 to 12) with parents, and FREE
for kids age 3 and under. During the program, childcare will be
provided for kids through age 5. Proceeds will support Wesley Woods
camperships for City-of-Erie Youth and Rev. John M. Scott.
Reservations are needed (no at-the-door tickets). Please call the
church office at 814-452-3300 by Thursday, January 31st to RSVP
with your name and number attending. A note from Rev. Scott: I did
this program at a Wesley Woods dinner and it was very well
received. I will present the story of how love became a reason for
marriage and then a Troubadour will offer a tale of love and
marriage. Please join me in a journey of love and laughter.
PRAY FOR ZIMBABWE
United Methodists in Zimbabwe request prayers for peace amid
violence that has taken lives, shuttered businesses, and led the
government to block the internet. Students from Carnegie-Mellon
Universitys Engineers without Borders group who were at the Nyadire
UM Mission returned home on schedule just before the protests. The
Mission and its hospital are reportedly unaffected by the unrest.
READ STORY
SPECIAL SUNDAYS
The dates for 2019 Conference and church-wide Special Sundays
(weekends) with offerings have been updated on the Conference
website. Find them at www.wpaumc.org/SpecialSundays.
IN FOCUS IN 2019
The January 2019 issue of In Focus, a monthly 12-page magazine
with news, feature stories, and information on upcoming events
related to the Five Areas of Focus, has been mailed to WPAUMC
clergy and church leaders. Most stories and photos are submitted by
volunteer reporters working with their District Superintendents and
the Conference communications office. Please share your copies with
others in your congregation. GET JANUARY ISSUE IN PDF FORMAT
RESERVED PARKING COULD COST YOUR CHURCH MONEY
Provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 require
non-profit organizations to treat transportation fringe benefit
expenses as unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) for 2018. The
IRS issued guidance on the issue on Monday, December 10th and the
UMC General Council on Finance Administration (GCFA) followed up
with a white paper that includes answers to frequently asked
questions and instructions for churches to assess their own
situations. Learn more at www.wpaumc.org/FinanceAnnouncements. SEE
DOCUMENTS
A WAY FORWARD
The final report of the Commission on a Way Forward was
officially released in all four official languages of the General
Conference: English, French, Portuguese, and Swahili. The report
will be presented to the 2019 special General Conference. PRESS
RELEASE ENGLISH REPORT LETTER
WAY FORWARD FEEDBACK
The last of 20 listening posts led by members of the WPA Way
Forward Task Force was held on Sunday, December 2nd. Many attended
the events to learn about legislation submitted for the 2019
special session of General Conference in February and to give
feedback. Those who did not attend a listening post, but would like
to offer feedback may do so using a link on the Way Forward page of
the website: www.wpaumc.org/A-Way-Forward.
JUDICIAL COUNCIL RULING
The United Methodist Judicial Council has ruled that the One
Church Plan is largely constitutional, while the Traditional Plan
had more problems that must be addressed to pass a constitutional
test. Because the Connectional Conference Plan would require
constitutional changes, the Judicial Council said it lacked
authority to review it. LEARN MORE
GC2019 DCA NOW ONLINE
The Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate (ADCA), the
official journal of the General Conference of The United Methodist
Church, will be available in a bound and printed format by Monday,
November 26th, but a PDF of the 2019 ADCA is accessible online now.
CLICK HERE
2019 ERIE-MEADVILLE DISTRICT UMW DATES
Saturday, April 6th: UMW Spring Mission Study at Wattsburg UMC
(9904 Jamestown Road, Wattsburg, PA 16442)
Theme: Missionary Conferences of the Methodist Church;
presenter: Rev. Pam Gardner
Registration begins at 8:30am; plan to bring a bag lunch
Thursday, July 18th to Sunday, July 21st: Mission u at
California University
Information will be in the Erie-Meadville District UMWs spring
newsletter, Contact
Saturday, September 28th: Day Apart at Wesley Woods, 9am to
2pm
Information is in the Erie-Meadville Districts UMWs fall
newsletter, Contact
Sunday, October 20th: Annual District UMW Meeting at Fairview
UMC (4601 Avonia Road, Fairview, PA 16415), 2pm to 4:30pm
FREE MANUAL ORGAN
Please announce to your congregations that a Yamaha Electrotone
two-manual organ is available for free at Spartansburg UMC. Contact
Rev. Cindy Gray (814-665-1855) or Cindy Hickernell (814-654-7381).
Anyone who will pick it up can have it! Pictures are available.
MOVED RECENTLY?
If you have changed your address and work or volunteer in a job
that requires clearances, including pastors, church staff, and
volunteers who have contact with children, you must get new
clearances using your new address. Learn more about clearances at
www.wpaumc.org/safesanctuaries.
EMPLOYMENT/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNSHIPS
WPAUMC offers summer internships for seminarians and students
who may be discerning a call to ministry. DETAILS
ERIE CHRIST UMC CHILDRENS MINISTSRY DIRECTOR
Erie Christ UMC is seeking a director of childrens ministry.
This is a part-time, salaried position. For a job description or to
submit a resume, please contact Ron Geisler at
[email protected]. The church would like to have the position
filled by Friday, March 1st.
ERIE KINGSLEY UMC OFFICE COORDINATOR
Erie Kingsley UMC is seeking an office coordinator. The position
requires a minimum of 15 hours per week with a working knowledge of
Word, Publisher, and PowerPoint. Please send a resume and
references to Pastor Harold Blair at 1405 East 41st Street, Erie,
PA 16502 or [email protected].
ERIE TRINITY UMC MUSIC/WORSHIP LEADER
Erie Trinity UMC is seeking a music/worship leader for the 10am
service (see the job description attached to this email).
Interested candidates can send their cover letter and resume to
Trinity UMC, Attn. Secretary, 3952 Pine Avenue, Erie, PA 16504 or
[email protected].
COCHRANTON UMC CHOIR DIRECTOR
Cochranton UMC is seeking a choir director to lead an adult
choir for the 11am traditional worship service. The choir directors
responsibilities include directing a mid-week evening rehearsal,
working with the church organist to recruit musicians/singers for
summer services when the choir does not sing, and directing the
choir for special services such as Christmas Eve worship. To apply,
send a letter detailing qualifications/experience to
[email protected].
ERIE ASBURY UMC CHILDRENS GROUP LEADER
Erie Asbury UMC is hiring a childrens group leader to work with
children in grades pre-K to 5. The part-time position requires
recruiting children, interacting with families, and
planning/coordinating activities. If interested, please send a
resume and cover letter to [email protected].
OLMSTED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jody Larson has announced that he will retire as executive
director of Olmsted Manor this summer after 40 years of service to
the retreat center. Jody informed the board of his decision last
year and a search for his successor is underway. DETAILS
JUMONVILLE SEEKS CEO
Our camp and retreat facility in Fayette County seeks a
president/CEO. The position is year-round, full-time and includes
salary, on-site family housing, meals for the family while the
dining hall is open, family hospitalization coverage, and pension
after one full year of service. Get details at
www.jumonville.org/president.
BE A GLOBAL MISSION FELLOW
If youre a young adult who wants to make a difference, consider
serving as a Global Mission Fellow. The two-year program is open to
adults age 20 to 30 and the application period for the 2019 cohort
just opened. LEARN MORE
CLASSIFIEDS SECTION OF WPAUMC WEBSITE
GO HERE
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Both lay and clergy will find information about events, ongoing
programs, and continuing education opportunities, as well as
scholarship applications, on our newly updated WEBPAGE. If you have
an event that youd like to see listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at
[email protected].
GROVE CITY COLLEGE LAUNCHING PROJECT TO SUPPORT RURAL
PASTORS
Grove City College received a nearly $1 million grant to help
establish the Project on Rural Ministry. Its an outreach to support
pastors in rural areas as they serve their congregations and
communities. LEARN MORE
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
UMC 2019 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
The online application for fall scholarships through the UMC
General Board of Higher Education and Ministry is now available.
DETAILS
2019-2020 SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are available through the UM Higher Education
Foundation for United Methodist students who need help with tuition
expenses at UM-related colleges and seminaries. A variety of
scholarships are offered to UM students who meet specific
designations, such as state or conference of residence, area of
study, or career goal, etc. See available scholarships HERE.
LAY SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS
A new form is available on the Conference website for lay people
to apply for grants for educational events. SEE FORM
YSF GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE
Local UM youth groups can apply for Youth Service Fund grants
from our Conference. The grants must be used for a youth-led event
or ministry. You can find the application here:
www.wpaumc.org/youth.
COMMUNICATIONS GRANTS
United Methodist Communications offers grants to local churches
to assist in marketing. One offers assistance for websites and
another is for customized marketing-related services for new
churches (less than two years old). LEARN MORE
POVERTY TEAM GRANTS
The Conference Poverty Team has a new form for local churches
and agencies to apply for funding for projects and ministries with
the poor. Get more information at www.wpaumc.org/povertyteam.
APPLICATION FORM
SCHOLARSHIPS
There are a variety of scholarships at
www.umc.org/resources/scholarships and at
www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.
SEMINARY FINANCIAL AID
Applications are available at www.wpaumc.org/BOOM.
KEYSTONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Churches, be sure to check out your packet from Keystone Federal
Credit Union and make sure you have updated your Corporate
Resolution and Account Authorization Forms. Members, all United
Methodist members can join and take advantage of these great
services: fee-free checking, savings, picture deposit, mobile and
online banking, REWARDS Visa credit card, back-to-school loans, and
much more. Forms and information are available at
www.keystoneumfcu.org. To raise awareness in your congregations,
please use THIS. To become a member, please complete this FORM. If
your church did not receive the packet, please contact Keystone
Federal Credit Union at 724-252-3200 or [email protected].
www.euma-erie.org
EUMAS OUR WAY HOME GALA
Please join us for EUMAs annual Our Way Home Gala on Friday,
March 1st at 6pm at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center
(7794 Peach Street). At your EUMA, we work each day to be
instruments of Gods peace as we end homelessness. We will highlight
EUMAs staff and volunteers and, of course, introduce you to those
we serve. You and our United Methodist churches are changing lives
and ending homelessness through your partnership with EUMA come
celebrate with us! For more information and to make your
reservation online, visit
www.euma-erie.org/news-events/events/our-way-home-gala/. Churches,
please share the attached bulletin insert.
MINISTRY NEEDS
The following is a list of current EUMA program needs. If you
can help, donations can be dropped off directly to the program
locations. Thank you!
All-ministry needs include white kitchen garbage bags,
dishwasher pods, and liquid laundry detergent. These items can be
dropped off at The Refuge (1027 East 26th Street).
Rainbow Connection Thrift Store (1516 Buffalo Road) needs winter
gloves for the voucher assistance program.
http://allgodschildrenministries.org
SPRING MISSION TRIP
Have you ever felt called to serve God in a place far from home?
Have you ever really wondered what life is like in a developing
nation? If so, you may be one of the people we are looking for. All
Gods Children Ministries is planning a mission trip to Guatemala
from Friday, March 8th to Friday, March 15th. We will be building a
house; working in an orphanage; distributing wheelchairs, clothing,
and food to some of the most desperately poor in our hemisphere.
You will have an opportunity to visit and form relationship as we
share the love of Christ in the beautiful mountains of Guatemala.
For more information or to sign up, please email
[email protected] or call 440-812-4624. The trip is
registered with the WPA Conference and information is also
available online at the WPAUMC website under Volunteers in Mission
(VIM).
RAMPS OF HOPE
http://allgodschildrenministries.org/programs/ramps-hope
CAN YOU HELP?
Cooks are being sought to help us provide meals for construction
teams around the district. We are building one to two ramps each
week and are looking for those who are willing and able to take
food out to our worksites to feed our teams and provide the
opportunity for fellowship with those we serve by building
residential ramps for our neighbors in need.
Respite
Carehttp://allgodschildrenministries.org/programs/respitecare
Check out their websites for more information on upcoming
events! Some camp/retreat center events can be found in the
Conference Website Links and/or Conference Events sections.
http://www.olmstedmanor.org/
https://jumonville.org/
https://www.campallegheny.org/
http://www.wesleywoods.com
CHERRY RUN
CAMP
http://cherryruncamp.org/youth/
UPCOMING
EVENTS
View the Calendar
NEWS
BLOGS
CLASSIFIEDS
ENEWS
INFOCUS PUBLICATION
JOYFUL NOISE PUBLICATION
OBITUARIES
PHOTO GALLERIES
REWIND
SUBSCRIBE TO PUBLICATIONS
HELPFUL LINKS
APPOINTMENTS
CALL TO MINISTRY
CAMPING
CLASSIFIEDS
CLERGY RESOURCES
LEADER DEVELOPMENT
OBITUARIES
ONLINE PAYMENTS
HISTORICAL RECORDS
MISSION NEWS
ENEWS ARCHIVE
SAVE THE DATE: 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE WILL BE THURSDAY, JUNE 6TH
TO SATURDAY, JUNE 8TH!
GC2019 REGISTRATION
Guests and observers to the 2019 Special Session of the General
Conference may now pre-register online. General Conference will
meet in St. Louis, Missouri at the Americas Center from Saturday,
February 23rd to Tuesday, February 26th. LEARN MORE
CONFERENCE PRAYER MINISTRY
This year, WPAUMC is beginning two different prayer initiatives.
The first is a 40-Days of Prayer initiative for the special General
Conference occurring in February. More information about this will
be released soon. The second initiative is called the Conference
Prayer Ministry. Each month from January to May, there will be five
prayer gatherings at or near the centers of our Annual Conference.
The centers, which are St. Marys, Oakdale, Punxsutawney,
Saegertown, and Somerset, are all areas that people in our AC can
reach within an hour to an hour and a half of driving. The
schedules for January and February are as follows:
Monday, January 7th, Saegertown
Wednesday, January 9th, St. Marys
Tuesday, January 15th, Crossroads Main
Tuesday, January 22nd, Somerset Grace
Wednesday, January 23rd, Punxsutawney First
Tuesday, February 5th, Warren Grace
Monday, February 11th, Meyersdale
Tuesday, February 12th, McMurry Trinity
Tuesday, February 19th, Marion Center
Tuesday, February 26th, Edinboro
The schedules for March through May will be announced in
February. Each night begins at 6:30pm and will run about an hour
and a half until 8pm. If you have any questions, please contact
Chris Kindle at 724-630-3965 or Adam Stump at 412-855-6920.
40 DAYS OF PRAYER FOR GENERAL CONFERENCE
Beginning Tuesday, January 15th, local church members throughout
Western Pennsylvania began 40 days of praying a special prayer each
day until the special session of General Conference in St. Louis.
LEARN MORE
WE HAVE TO TALK!
Wednesday, January 23rd, 4pm to 6pm, East End Cooperative
Ministries (6140 Station Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206)
Soon after the shootings at Tree of Life Synagogue in
Pittsburgh, 150 clergy and faith community leaders representing six
world religions, four Jewish and 22 Christian denominations
gathered at the Jewish Community Center of Pittsburgh to talk. Now,
inspired by ideas that arose in that gathering, Christian
Associates of SWPA and the JCC offer another opportunity for clergy
to come together and move toward actions to bring healing and
wholeness to their communities. RSVP HERE
SPIRITUAL FORMATION RETREAT
Sunday, January 27th to Tuesday, January 29th, Olmsted Manor (17
East Main Street, Ludlow, PA 16333)
The Rev. Howard Greenfield will lead a Spiritual Formation
Retreat focusing on unavoidable losses experienced in life and
ministry. Participants will discuss Dr. M. Craig Barnes book When
God Interrupts Finding New Life through Unwanted Change, clarify
personal support systems, and see how to navigate unwanted changes
while caring for others in ministry. DETAILS AND REGISTER
EMAIL MARKETING FOR CHURCHES
Email continues to be the most effective way to reach people,
says UM Communications. Learn to use email to better connect with
your congregation through a 1pm webinar on Wednesday, January 30th.
DETAILS AND REGISTER
TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH
Friday, February 8th to Sunday, February 10th, Olmsted Manor (17
East Main Street, Ludlow, PA 16333)
Rev. Paul and Sue Fields will lead a marriage retreat for
couples looking for some time away and a chance to focus on their
relationship. DETAILS
WESLEY WOODS WINTER YOUTH RETREAT
Friday, February 8th to Sunday, February 10th, Wesley Woods
(1001 Fiddlersgreen Road, Grand Valley, PA 16420)
Registration is open for this winter youth retreat led by Jay
Trainer of Infuzion. Cost is $95 per person. DETAILS AND
REGISTER
CLERGY TAXES WEBINAR
Clergy face some unique challenges when it comes to things like
social security payments, estimated tax payments, housing
allowances or exclusions, and reimbursed expenses. Your tax
preparer may not understand the unique situation of clergy and
finding one who does can save you substantially in money and
aggravation. Join us on Monday, February 11th at 10am CST as Rev.
Don Joiner, a certified financial planner, helps us navigate the
preparation of taxes under the new tax laws as well as plan for a
sound financial future. REGISTER
MTSO SCHOOLER INSTITUTE ON PREACHING
Tuesday, February 12th to Wednesday, February 13th, MTSO Campus
(3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware, OH 43015)
Author, scholar, and renowned preacher Frank A. Thomas will
offer Schooler Institute on Preaching participants insights from
his latest book, How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon, and upcoming
book, How to Survive a Dangerous Sermon. The Schooler Institute
will be held from 9:30am to 3pm on Tuesday and 9:30pm and 2pm on
Wednesday. Thanks to the generosity of the Schooler Family
Foundation, the Schooler Institute is offered to the public without
cost, as is lunch both days. Advance registration is required and
available at www.mtso.edu/schooler. One continuing education unit
is available for a $25 processing fee.
OUTWARD MINDSET TRAINING
Anyone who wants to effect change and make a positive difference
can benefit from understanding and operating from an outward
mindset shifting from a focus on personal objectives to
consideration of the impact on others. Learn how by attending one
of five Developing an Outward Mindset workshops offered in the
Conference. DETAILS AND REGISTER
Tuesday, February 19th: Crossroads Oakdale Campus
Saturday, March 2nd: Somerset Grace UMC
Thursday, March 14th: Punxsutawney First UMC
Saturday, March 30th: Saegertown UMC
Thursday, April 4th: St. Marys UMC
CLERGY TAX SEMINARS
If the prospect of filing your Federal Income Tax return fills
you with dread or you simply want to get the latest info attend the
UM Foundation of Western PAs Clergy Tax Seminar in February. The
seminar will be offered in two locations at the downtown Holiday
Inn in Johnstown on Friday, February 22nd and at the UM Center in
Cranberry Township on Wednesday, February 27th. Details are
available at www.umfoundation.org/seminars.
FUNDS MANAGEMENT FORUM
Monday, February 25th, 2pm, UM Conference Center (1204 Freedom
Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066)
The UM Foundation will host a Funds Management Forum for account
holders and anyone interested in learning more about its Funds
Management program. The Foundations new investment manager,
Merrill-Lynchs Humphrey-Kelly Group, will present the program. The
event will also be available via webcast. DETAILS AND REGISTER
EXPONENTIAL 2019
Monday, March 4th to Thursday, March 7th, Orlando First Baptist
Church (3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805)
Discipleship Ministries Path 1 has 100 tickets available at the
discounted price of $99 for Exponential, an event for church
planters. The theme is Made for More: Mobilizing Gods People, Gods
Way. The $99 price will be available until Saturday, December 15th,
but the 100 Path 1 tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis.
LEARN MORE
CONFIRMATION TOURS 2019
Dates and locations have been set for Commit 2019 (aka the
confirmation tours). Registration opened at 9am on Tuesday, January
15th for church leaders who want to bring their confirmation
classes to one of the events. DETAILS
Friday, March 8th, Wesley Woods
Friday, March 15th, Jumonville
Friday, March 22nd, Camp Allegheny
Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th, UM Conference
Center
CONGREGATION LEADER TRAININGS
There are a number of upcoming congregation leader training
sessions, starting Monday, March 11th, available to help every
local church have the knowledge, the resources, and the expertise
to be able to contribute to the campaign in the way that best fits
into the ministry of each congregation. Please encourage at least
one person from your congregation to attend one of the trainings
and then apply what they learn to any current or future capital
campaigns or stewardship drives. REGISTER
HERITAGE SUNDAY
This years UMC Commission on Archives and Historys Heritage
Sunday theme, Bold Faith, Audacious Women, highlights the 150th
anniversary of United Methodist Women. The date is Sunday, May
19th. Resources will be available beginning mid-March. Mark your
calendars now!
FAITH NIGHT AT PNC PARK
Saturday, June 22nd, 4:05pm, PNC Park (115 Federal Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15212)
This is the 7th annual Faith Night! It will be a 4:05pm game
versus the San Diego Padres. With it being an earlier presentation
and on a Saturday, we are expecting the largest turnout ever. Group
reservations of ten or more will begin soon. It is highly
recommended that you make your group reservations as soon as
possible due to the popularity of this event. You do not need to
know the number of tickets right now, but you will have to make a
deposit towards a block of seats (ten or more seats). You will then
have until Friday, May 17th to let them know your final number, at
which point you will also pay the balance. For group reservations,
contact Chad Glover at 412-325-4756.
YOUTH 2019
Discounted early-bird registration is underway for YOUTH 2019,
the national gathering for United Methodist youth and their leaders
in Kansas City, MO that promises four days of discipleship,
worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and life-changing fun.
Dates are Wednesday, July 10th to Sunday, July 14th. DETAILS AND
REGISTER
YOUTH MISSION U
Registration is open for the Tuesday, July 16th to Sunday, July
21st session of Mission u at California U of PA. Get a brochure
with details and register at www.wpaumc.org/youthmissionu.
ZIM CAMP
ZIM Camp, which offers youth a chance to visit and fellowship
with youth in Zimbabwe and help build relationships through
assisting with district-to-district partnership projects, is
Monday, July 22nd to Tuesday, August 6th. Youth ages 15 to 18 can
witness life in urban and rural settings. The trip cost is $2,500,
which includes a round-trip flight to and from Pittsburgh, meals,
lodging, and transportation. Watch for additional details.
Dont forget! You can now check a running list of WPA VIM trip
opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities. Also,
opportunities to give/help can be found at UMCOR.
DONATE TO UMCOR
Donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief are often
the best way to help those affected by flooding and other natural
disasters. One hundred percent of your donations go to those in
need. Contribute through your local church or at www.UMCOR.org.
WPAUMC VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION
United Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church
local, regionally, nationally, or internationally.
What teams can I join? www.wpaumc.org/opportunities
How do I learn about leading a team?
www.wpaumc.org/VIMtraining
Once we have a team planned, what do we do?
Register your team at www.wpaumc.org/registerVIMteams
Get VIM insurance at www.umvimnej.org
Once our team returns, what do I do?
www.wpaumc.org/missionreport
Where can I find local church resources?
www.wpaumc.org/localchurchmissions
How do I get involved in Disaster Response?
Take UMCOR training at www.wpaumc.org/disasterresponse
Make sure your local church has a local disaster plan
Volunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellites
What if there is a disaster in my churchs community?
Local pastor reports damage to the church and with their
community to their District Superintendent
Local pastor reports damage to the church and with their
community to Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin
Cook at 814-442-5899
MISSIONSHIELD VIM INSURANCE OFFERED
As healthcare laws change and deductibles grow, it is important
to have coverage for volunteer teams serving in the U.S. as well as
abroad. This Northeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM board has worked with
Seven Corners to make policies available for all VIM teams. Get
forms and details at www.umvimnej.org/mission-insurance.
2019 CONFERENCE VIM TEAMS
CHECK OUT THESE WAYS TO SERVE IN WESTERN PA
UM A.R.M.Y www.ne.umarmy.org
Your church can be a youth work camp as youth and chaperones
partner with UM A.R.M.Y to love your neighbors.
EASTBROOK MISSION BARN www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn
UPDATES
See whats happening at the Eastbrook Mission Barn in their
BLOG.
