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PRAYER REQUESTSMichael Super, son of Mike and Dottie Super, returned to work on Tuesday, September 24th. Thank you for all the prayers; they worked! Michael is a walking miracle.
The family of Hal Kelly (retired), who passed away on Saturday, September 14th.
BIRTHDAYSWednesday, October 2nd – RaeLynn Belknap & Samuel Fehl
Sunday, October 6th – Terry Shaughnessy & Harry Zurasky
Tuesday, October 8th – Joyce Davis
Wednesday, October 9th – Gail Donaldson
THIS WEEK(Check sections for more information.)
Thursday, October 3rd to Saturday, October 5th – Book Sale (District Events)
Saturday, October 5th – Stuffed Pork Chop Dinner (District Events), Missions Dinner and Auction (District Events), Healing Communities Training (Conference Events)
Sunday, October 6th – World Communion Sunday (Conference Events)
Monday, October 7th – Erie Lawrence Park UMC Safe Sanctuaries Training Registration Deadline (District Events)
Wednesday, October 9th – Saegertown UMC Safe Sanctuaries Training Registration Deadline (District Events)
ANNIVERSARIESWednesday, October 2nd – John & Pamela Donner
Friday, October 4th – Harold & Jerri Blair
Monday, October 7th – John & Marcy Scott
Recently, I was able to watch some of Ken Burns’ newest documentary, Country Music. This was the background music of my childhood. It often played on the radio as my dad worked in his shop or drove me from place to place. It was fun to be reminded of some of the voices and personalities that filled the airwaves of my past. Burns makes some astute observations about music and human nature. The documentary frequently returns to an underlying theme. Driven by economic factors, country music has always struggled with a trend to become indistinguishable from the broader pop music market. And yet, when it begins to lose its unique sound, voices arise that call the music back to its roots and preserve its integrity.
It made me think of church. It seems to me that the Church has always faced this same struggle of being shaped by the prevailing culture around it. Left to our own devices, we begin to lose the uniqueness of our message. We live in a deeply divided culture with many competing voice proclaiming different versions of truth. The culture around us is one of confrontation and condemnation of those who disagree with us. This cultural noise seeps into the Church and we find ourselves wanting to be at odds with each other.
In the midst of a busy Church Conference season, I have been reflecting upon what it means for us to Seek First the Kingdom of God. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us back from the distraction of anxiety and worry. He says seek first God’s Kingdom and God’s righteousness and everything necessary will be provided (Matthew 6:34). The voice of Jesus directs us to what is basic and essential, the reign of God. If God is King, then God’s values and dreams for our world must direct our words and actions.
The Kingdom of God is a place of unity and peace. Paul describes how Christ has torn down the dividing wall of hostility that naturally exists between persons. Christ has created a new humanity by reconciling us and making peace through the power of the cross (Ephesians 2:16-19). God’s goal for God’s people is that we might be one. This theme is repeated again and again throughout scripture and is enshrined in Jesus’ “high priestly” prayer for His followers in John 17:21, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe…”
In the midst of a divisive culture, may this voice rise among us.
Peace,
DennisP.S. Please notice the great opportunity for Evangelism Leaders Training available in our district (Monday, October 14th to Friday, October 25th). ↓
DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSEDThe District Office will be closed on Friday, October 18th and Monday, October 21st.
SIGN UP NOW! EVANGELISM LEADERS TRAININGConference Evangelists John and Christine Zimmerman will offer evangelism training for up to 15 people in the Erie-Meadville District. The course is a combination of ten hours of online contact through www.beadisciple.com and a daylong gathering on Saturday, October 26th from 9am to 2pm at Saegertown UMC (620 Euclid Avenue, Saegertown, PA 16433). DETAILS
ANNUAL CORPORATION MEETINGChurches, Amy Bentz, our Conference Chancellor, reminded the Cabinet that it is important for incorporated churches to hold an annual corporation meeting. If you need help with this, please contact Andrea at the District Office. Also, to determine if your church is incorporated, visit the State Treasurer’s Office website and submit your church’s Employer Identification Number (EIN).
ATTENTION CHURCHES ! Please complete the following overdue 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 church leadership has changed, please update the dashboard to reflect this change. Please include contact information for the leaders, especially phone numbers and email addresses.
Church Property Deeds: Please send copies of your property deeds, including those for the church/churches, campus, parsonage, and other properties to the District Office.
ATTENTION PASTORS ! Please complete the following overdue 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.
THIRD THURSDAY CLERGY SPOUSE GATHERINGSClergy spouses, mark your calendars for the third Thursday of each month at 10am to gather with Deborah Swineford and other clergy spouses at the district parsonage (3700 Kinter Hill Road, Edinboro, PA 16412).
BOOK SALEThursday, October 3rd to Saturday, October 5th, Erie Lakewood UMC (3856 West 10th Street, Erie, PA 16505)Calling all book lovers! Come check out our wide variety of books. All proceeds support mission and outreach projects. Hours of the sale are 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, 11am to 8pm on Friday, and 8am to 2 pm on Saturday. For more information, call the office at 814-833-4131.
STUFFED PORK CHOP DINNERSaturday, October 5th, 4pm to 6pm, Geneva Faith UMC (15439 State Highway 285, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316)Menu includes stuffed pork chops, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, applesauce, green beans, dinner rolls, and homemade desserts. Admission is via free-will donation. Takeout will be available. Proceeds benefit Operation Christmas Child shoebox shipping costs. The band Seventh Day will be playing while you wait to be seated. For more information, call 814-720-9946.
MISSIONS DINNER AND AUCTIONSaturday, October 5th, 6pm, Waterford Asbury UMC (27 West 2nd Street, Waterford, PA 16441)The spaghetti and meatball dinner includes salad, bread, and dessert. The auction starts at 7pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 3 to 12), and FREE for children under 3. For reservations, call the office at 814-796-6012.
SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAININGSaturday, October 12th, 9am to 12pm, Saegertown UMC (620 Euclid Avenue, Saegertown, PA 16433)The UMC General Conference requires training to protect children, youth, the elderly, those who work with them, and our churches. Safe Sanctuaries training is required for ALL staff, ministry leaders, and volunteers. Registration is required! To register, contact the office by calling 814-763-6685 or emailing [email protected]. Please register by the end of the day on Wednesday, October 9th.
SAFE SANCTUARIES TRAININGMonday, October 14th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Erie Lawrence Park UMC (4015 Niagara Place, Erie, PA 16511)If you have not already attended a Safe Sanctuaries training session or you have new people in your church who are volunteering or employed to work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults, this training is for you/them! To reserve your spot and assure there are enough materials for you, please call the office at 814-899-9851 by Monday, October 7th.
56 TH ANNUAL HARVEST HOME SUPPER Saturday, October 19th, 5pm to 7pm, Franklin Center UMC (7471 Old State Road, Edinboro, PA 16412)Menu includes Swiss steak, mashed potatoes/gravy, squash, corn, green beans, coleslaw, dinner rolls, pie, and beverage. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6 to 12), and FREE for children under 6. Tickets are available at the door. Takeout will also be available. Building is handicap accessible. There will be a homemade pie auction throughout the evening! For more information, call 814-734-4691.
HOW TO SET YOUR PASTOR’S SALARY FOR 2020The updated document on how to set your pastor’s salary is now available. It can be found on the Conference website.
2020 WORSHIP PLANNING RESOURCESThe two-page listing of Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings and liturgical colors is now available. This 2020 resource includes Sundays and Special Days, along with space for your own notes. DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR The 2020 Worship and Music Planning Calendar is also available. This resource is the full music and worship planning calendar for each Sunday in 2020. DOWLOAD THE CALENDAR
2020 GENERAL CONFERENCE
WHAT TO EXPECT AT GC2020General Conference organizers chose “…and know that I am God” as the theme for the gathering in May. READ THE STORYOrganizers hope to improve proceedings at GC2020 with measures, including stricter requirements for credentials. READ THE STORY
2020 DELEGATIONA report on the balloting for 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conference delegates, with a list of those elected, is available HERE.Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn was elected to chair Western PA’s delegation to the 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. LEARN MORE
NEW REGISTRATION AND CREDENTIALING PROCEDURESThe Commission on the General Conference voted this week to implement new registration and credentialing procedures for General Conference delegates to safeguard against the possibility of unauthorized voting. READ THE STORY
2020 DELEGATION REPORTWPAUMC’s delegation for the 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences met and issued a report on their session. READ FIRST REPORTREAD SECOND REPORT
GENERAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMENGeneral Commission on the Status and Role of Women approved GC2020 legislation in late July. READ PRESS RELEASE
N.E.W. PLAN = FOUR DENOMINATIONSAmong the legislation proposed for the GC2020 is one that would split the UMC into four denominations. READ THE STORY
NOMINATIONS FOR BISHOPAt least one new bishop is expected to be elected at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in July. The WPAUMC General/Jurisdictional Conference delegation is seeking nominations of ordained elders to consider as it begins a process of endorsing a candidate or candidates. LEARN MORE
WHAT’S NEXT FOR GC2020?With the deadline to submit legislation to the 2020 General Conference past, Heather Hahn of UM News reports on the process ahead as a fuller picture emerges of what options will be before the denomination’s top law-making assembly. READ THE STORY
UNAUTHORIZED VOTINGGeneral Conference organizers have determined enough improper voting likely took place at the 2019 special session to nullify a key vote on how congregations can leave The United Methodist Church. READ THE STORY
NEW LOCATION FOR UMC RESOURCESPlease note that your new source for leadership products, resources, and more is www.umcgiving.outreach.com. Orders can no longer be fulfilled from the former online store at www.shop.umc.org.
CHURCH COMMUNICATORS FACEBOOK GROUPLiz Lennox, WPAUMC Social Media Coordinator, recently created a closed group for church communicators (social media managers, newsletter writers, administrators, media directors, etc.) on the WPAUMC Facebook page. The purpose of the group is to share resources, inspiration, and advice. If you would like to join the group, use the following link: www.facebook.com/groups/wpacommunicators.
EVANGELIST AVAILABLE TO SPEAKConference Evangelist and Christian author Ken Wilson is available to speak, teach, or lead a seminar at your church. Ken is lay leader at Harmony-Zelienople UMC and was named as a WPAUMC evangelist at the 2018 Annual Conference. DOWNLOAD FLYER
2019 ERIE-MEADVILLE DISTRICT UMW DATES Sunday, October 20th: Annual District UMW Meeting at Fairview UMC (4601 Avonia Road, Fairview, PA 16415), 2pm to 4:30pm
FREE MANUAL ORGANPlease announce to your congregations that a Yamaha Electrotone two-manual organ is available for free at Spartansburg UMC. If interested, 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.
VINTAGE CHAIRS AVAILABLEMeadville Stone UMC has two sets of vintage chairs available. The first set includes 11 red velvet club chairs, 35 inches high, with wooden arms. The second set includes 11 off-white heavy vinyl chairs with hobnail decoration, 30 inches high, barrel-shaped. If you are interested, call the church office at 814-724-6739. You will be responsible for pick up.
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
COCHRANTON UMC CHOIR DIRECTORCochranton UMC is seeking a part-time choir director to direct an adult choir for an 11am traditional Sunday worship service September through May. Additional responsibilities include choosing music and directing a mid-week rehearsal as well as special services, such as Christmas Eve. Summer responsibilities include working with the organist in scheduling special music for Sunday worship service June through August. Interested persons can send a letter of application detailing qualifications and choir directing experience to [email protected] for consideration.
CLASSIFIEDS SECTION OF WPAUMC WEBSITEGO HERE
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTLaity 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 you’d like to see listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at [email protected].
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
MISSION SUPPORT GRANTSThe application form and guidelines to apply for 2020 Mission Support Grants from the Conference are now available. The deadline to apply for the grants is Monday, October 21st. An evaluation form must also be submitted if the applicant received a grant in 2019. DOWNLOAD THE FORMS
YOUTH SERVICE FUND GRANTSLocal 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.
POVERTY TEAM GRANTSThe 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. SEE APPLICATION FORM
SCHOLARSHIPSThere are a variety of scholarships at www.umc.org/resources/scholarships, www.umhef.org/scholarship-search, and at www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.
SEMINARY FINANCIAL AIDApplications are available at www.wpaumc.org/BOOM.
www.euma-erie.org
5 TH ANNUAL RUCK THE BAY Pick up your ruck and follow me to the 5th Annual Ruck The Bay on Sunday, October 13th at Presque Isle State Park, Beach 11! Walk, ruck, or run our 10K course with a donation-filled rucksack, observing memorials of fallen military heroes and helping to end veteran homelessness. Ruck The Bay features music, food, and activities and is open to everyone. Proceeds benefit EUMA’s Liberty House shelter for homeless veterans. Registration starts at noon and The Ruck step off is 2pm. For more information or to register, visit www.ruckthebay.com. Attached is an event flyer and bulletin insert to share with your congregation. Thank you!
EUMA IS HIRINGEUMA is looking to fill several positions within the agency, including two newly created job positions for EUMA Resident Assistant for Residential Youth Living Program and Truck Driver/Facilities Assistant. To view all job listings, visit https://euma-erie.org/about-euma/employment-opportunities.
MIN ISTRY NEEDS You can help meet specific needs at EUMA and our programs. Currently, staff at The Refuge reports a need for:
Laundry detergentIf you can help, donations can be dropped off at The Refuge (1027 East 26th Street).Additionally, the Rainbow Connection Thrift Store’s voucher assistance program needs:
Men and women’s underwear Women’s socks
If you can help, donations can be dropped off at the store (1516 Buffalo Road). Thank you!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDThe Rainbow Connection Thrift Store is looking for volunteers to help in the clothing room (hanging, tagging, recovery, assisting customers, etc.) any time from 9:30am to 5pm, every day of the week except for Wednesday mornings. If you can help or have any questions, contact Brian Boleratz, store manager, at 814-453-4080.
http://allgodschildrenministries.org
RAMPS OF HOPEhttp://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 Care http://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/
Along with the events listed on the website, Olmsted is available to book for personal/family retreats, small group getaways, and day events.
h ttp s :// j u m on v i l l e .or g /
https://www.campallegheny.org/
http://www.wesleywoods.com
CHER R Y RUN CAMP
http://cherryruncamp.org/youth/
UPCOMINGEVENTS
EVANGELISM TRAININGSeptember & October DatesVarious Locations
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
2019 CAMPERSHIP BIKE-A-THONSupport our bikers during their 215-mile ride from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. from Monday, September 30th to Sunday, October 6th! Each rider has committed to raise at least $500 to send kids to camp. You can donate to one or more on the donation page (HERE), on the mobile donation page (HERE), or by texting the word “funds” to 833-243-0074 and following the instructions.
HEALING COMMUNITIES TRAININGSaturday, October 5th, 9am to 4pm, Church of the Holy Cross (7507 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15208)Pennsylvania Council of Churches Advocacy is hosting this fall training. Healing Communities is a proven, national model developed to engage congregations in restoration and healing of their own members who have been impacted by crime and the criminal justice system. SEE FLYER
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAYIt’s not too soon to start planning for World Communion Sunday, which is Sunday, October 6th. SEE RESOURCES
BACK PORCH RETREATLadies are invited to join the first “Back Porch Retreat” at Olmsted Manor, which offers a unique environment to renew, refresh, reconnect, and recommit. This retreat will be facilitated by Rev. Donna Doutt who will guide the ladies through the retreat as they walk in the light of God’s Word together. This retreat will be held from Sunday, October 13th to Tuesday, October 15th. SEE BROCHURE
AWAKENING CONFERENCECrossroads Church is hosting the Awakening Conference from Sunday, October 13th to Tuesday, October 15th with Tuesday from 10am to 2:30pm as a special day for pastors to refuel, reignite, refresh, and re-envision God’s heart for you and your Kingdom impact! Get up close and personal with best-selling author Jack Deere, who will both encourage you and leave you inspired to a closer walk with Jesus. Because Crossroads has a desire to invest in those who are advancing the Kingdom, this day is their gift to you. This one-time event includes continental breakfast, lunch, worship, prophetic prayer appointments, networking with other pastors, and other surprises to take with you. Space is limited. REGISTER
CHRISTIAN UNITY GATHERINGThe Nation Council of Churches’ Christian Unity Gathering, scheduled for Sunday, October 13th to Wednesday, October 16th in Virginia, will mark the 400th year since the first enslaved Africans reached the U.S. in Jamestown, VA. Participants at the Gathering will join in a public witness at Point Comfort, VA against the legacy of suffering that continues today through systemic racism in our churches, communities, and lives. DETAILS
ELCA-UMC: 10 YEARS OF FULL COMMUNIONCelebrate the 10-year anniversary of the 2009 Full Communion Agreement between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Methodist Church on Sunday, October 20th at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Highland. Bishop Kurt Kusserow of the Southwestern PA Synod of the ELCA will be preaching and Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi will be presiding. Service will include celebration of Holy Communion, recognition of shared ministries, special guest musicians, and refreshments and time for conversation following the service. All clergy and laity are invited to attend. This service will kick off a season of celebrating in which UMC and ELCA churches throughout Southwestern PA are invited to reach out to their nearest UMC or ELCA congregation to plan their own joint worship service, Bible study, fellowship meal, or mission project. SEE FLYER
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH?Friday, October 25th, 9am to 3:45pm, Calvin Presbyterian Church (415 East Grandview Avenue, Zelienople, PA 16063)Spend time with Brian McLaren exploring concepts from his book, The Great Spiritual Migration, to understand “how to be church in an ever-changing world without either putting our heads in the sand or chasing every trend that comes along.” WPAUMC is a cooperating sponsor of the event presented by the Beaver-Butler Presbytery. REGISTER
CONFERENCE UMW ANNUAL MEETINGSaturday, October 26th, 8:45am to 3pm, Bethel Park Christ UMC (44 Highland Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102)Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Pittsburgh District Superintendent Dawn Hand will lead morning and afternoon worship at the Conference UMW Annual Meeting celebrating 150 years of mission and ministry. DETAILS
REVITUP!Wespath’s Revitup for a Lifetime in Ministry is a financial education event for clergy ages 25 to 39. If you are a young clergy member, join them in Baltimore from Monday, October 28th to Wednesday, October 30th to learn strategies that will energize your ministry for years to come. DETAILS
SPARK REGISTRATION OPEN!Sign up your youth for the annual weekend event at Pittsburgh’s Sheraton Station Square. The early-bird discount ends Friday, November 1st. DETAILS
ERT TRAININGEarly Response Team training is scheduled for Friday, November 1st at Mill Run UMC. REGISTER
WESLEY HERITAGE TOURA limited number of spaces are available for individuals to join the Monday, March 30, 2020 to Tuesday, April 7, 2020 tour of John Wesley’s England with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and members of the 2020 ordination class. GET BROCHURE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2020The dates for Annual Conference 2020 were recently confirmed: Thursday, June 11, 2020 to Saturday, June 13, 2020 at Grove City College.
2020 ZIMBABWE IMMERSIONThe dates for the 2020 Zimbabwe Immersion Program have been set for Monday, July 13, 2020 to Thursday, August 6, 2020 and the application is online now. The deadline to apply is Saturday, February 1, 2020. LEARN MORE
CONSIDER KOREA TRIPThe UM Foundation of Western PA invites clergy and laity to apply to take an educational and spiritual journey to South Korea from Wednesday, September 2, 2020 to Thursday, September 10, 2020. Participants will see firsthand how Methodism, brought to Korea by Methodist missionaries, is thriving as a faithful conduit of strength and grace for a nation. DETAILS SEE FLYER
Don’t 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.
HURRICANE DORIAN RELIEFThe North Carolina Conference has begun to send early response teams to help with recovery efforts from Hurricane Dorian. Some 290 homes on Ocracoke Island alone received flood damage. The teams will be mucking out homes and spraying for mold. To help, donate to UMCOR US Disaster Response.
BAHAMAS RELIEF WORK CONTINUESHurricane Dorian’s hit to the Bahamas has been severe. UMCOR awarded a solidarity grant to Bahamas Methodist Habitat, the disaster ministry of the Bahamas Methodist Conference that’s led by Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk, a WPAUMC elder. The grant provides immediate, emergency short-term funding to address the basic human needs of those affected by this catastrophic storm. To help, donate to UMCOR International Disaster Response.
GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM FORMINGThe WPAUMC Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean is recruiting volunteers to “spread the love” and grow their faith during a Volunteers in Mission (VIM) trip to Guatemala scheduled for Thursday, October 31st to Saturday, November 9th. The team will work with the indigenous Mayan people who live in the Guatemalan Highlands. DETAILS
WANT TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE?One of the best ways to contribute to disaster relief is to donate money to UMCOR. It can often take months before plans are put into place for teams to help with cleanup, but money can be used immediately. Refrain from donating items, such as clothes, because such donations are often more of a hindrance.
CLEANING BUCKETSCompleted buckets, ingredients, or monetary donations are welcomed at the Mission Barn, one of its satellites, or the Conference Center. Links to relief kit/bucket instructions, as well as other information, are available at www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn.
HELP THE SMITH CENTERThe Ruth M. Smith Center in Sheffield appreciates your donations of items from paper towels to doublewide strollers. When you donate them, money in the center’s budget can be redirected to other needs. SEE WISH LIST
WPAUMC VOLUNTEERS IN MISSIONUnited Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – local, regionally, nationally, or internationally.
What teams can I join? www.wpaumc.org/opportunitiesHow do I learn about leading a team? www.wpaumc.org/VIMtrainingOnce we have a team planned, what do we do?
Register your team at www.wpaumc.org/registerVIMteamsGet VIM insurance at www.umvimnej.org
Once our team returns, what do I do? www.wpaumc.org/missionreportWhere can I find local church resources? www.wpaumc.org/localchurchmissionsHow do I get involved in disaster response?
Take UMCOR training at www.wpaumc.org/disasterresponseMake sure your local church has a local disaster planVolunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellites
What if there is a disaster in my church’s community?Local pastor reports damage to the church and with their community to their District SuperintendentLocal pastor reports damage to the church and with their community to the Conference Disaster Response Coordinator
CHECK OUT THESE WAYS TO SERVE IN WESTERN PA
UM A.R.M.Y – www.ne.umarmy.orgYour 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
UPDATESSee what’s happening at the Eastbrook Mission Barn in their BLOG.
