Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Weekly Email News
EMAIL ADDRESSES:To reach Alyce – [email protected]
To reach Stacey – [email protected] Office Phone Number: 814.361.2464
District Office Fax Number: 814.361.2465
JOHNSTOWN DISTRICT OFFICE HOURSMonday – Thursday 7:30 am to 1 pm
Wednesday December 6, 2017
510 Locust StreetJohnstown, PA 15901
Johnstown District ofthe United Methodist Church
ATTENTION PPRC CHAIRPERSONSWe need you to log into your church dashboard on the wpaumc.org website to make a selection in regards to a change in appointment for your church for 2018! You will find this question on the first page that you come to once you login to the dashboard. This is very important and needs to be done by January 8, 2018. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact Stacey at the District office and she will help you.
“THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS TOUR”IS COMING TO EBENSBURG ON DECEMBER 14, 2017
The road tour aims to unwrap the true meaning of Christmas. People in search of a more meaningful Christmas will have an opportunity to connect with “The True Meaning of Christmas Tour.”
The United Methodist Church is hitting the road in 16 states this year to offer free hot cocoa, opportunities to lend a helping hand and an invitation to join with others to unwrap the true meaning of Christmas.
Ebensburg United Methodist Church will host the come-and-go event in Ebensburg at the Cambria County Courthouse from 12 pm to 3 pm. An easy to find, bedecked tour truck will be the centerpiece of the festivities. The whole community is invited.
There will also be a collection of items for United Methodist Human Services to make hygiene kits to pass out to local residents who are in need of them. Items being accepted are toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and soap.
LIVE NATIVITYThe annual Live Nativity will be held on Dec 8 from 5 PM til 8 PM ad Nov. 9 from 2 PM til 8 PM at Greenhouse Park at Tire Hill. Presented by the Conemaugh Township Area Ministry, it includes churches of all denominations celebrating the birth of Jesus. It features the Christmas story told by people portraying Biblical characters in the town of Bethlehem. The Wise Men, angels, villagers, Mary & Joseph with the newborn King are among others looking forward to you and your family visiting. The marketplace will be bustling with baked goods, various wares and merchandise available for purchase. Refreshments are provided as well. Dress for the weather and walking! Golf carts will be available for those needing accommodation. Don't forget to bring your "taxes" for admission! Canned and nonperishable food as well as monetary donations will be accepted for St. Francis Caring and Sharing food pantry.
ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE AT GROVE AVE UMCWe will host a Blue Christmas: A Service of Healing on December 18th at 7pm.
GROVE AVE “SANTA PROJECT”Grove Ave. UMC will be collecting gently-used or new items for children to include: toys, blankets, coats, boots, hats, and gloves. We plan to distribute these items to our community neighbors prior to Christmas during our Food Pantry hours. All donations can be dropped off to the church office: Mon.-Thur. 8:30am-1:30pm or Fri. 8:30-12:30pm. You may call the church office for more information: 814-539-8684.
Luella Krieger “Visitors from the Past”Grove Avenue United Methodist Church invites you to see Luella Krieger perform Mary, Mother of Jesus on December 10th at 2:00. If you haven’t seen her perform before you don’t want to miss it. A free will offering will be taken. Grove Ave. UMC is located at 501 Grove Ave. (on the corner of Grove Ave. & Ohio St.)
Patton United Methodist Church will be having their Christmas Cantata on December 10, 2017 at 6 pm. The title is “Breath of Heaven” and will be directed by Sue Yeager, Choir Director. Everyone is invited and refreshments will be served afterwards.
Franklin Street Food Pantry is in need of volunteers to carry bags to the street level for food pantry clients. Carriers must be able to navigate stairs and lift/carry 30-40 lbs. The food pantry is open Tuesday mornings from 930AM-1130AM. If you can help, please contact United Methodist Human Services at (814) 539-2633.
HELP WANTED
Choir/Music Director/Coordinator — Bethany of JohnstownBethany UMC of Johnstown at 112 Leventry Road is looking for someone who is interested in joining the staff as the choir or music director/coordinator. This individual will be responsible for working with the pastor and worship planning team to develop music for worship during the year. This individual will also plan music for the summer months when the church choir is on their break. This individual will pick out music and work with the choir to provide music at the 10am worship services and special services through the year. If you know anyone who might be interested they can contact the church office for a detailed job description and more information about the position. The church office number is 814-266-9588.
Nursery Coordinator Wanted Grove Ave. UMC, 501 Grove Ave., Johnstown, PA is hiring an eager, passionate, and skilled NURSERY COORDINATOR. Position is for 3.5 hours per Sunday (8:45am – 12:15pm) and for occasional special services throughout the year. Compensation is $30 per Sunday and $25 per special service. Applicant must be at least 21 years old, unless in possession of an Early Childhood Education/Development certification/degree. Applicant must be able to pass background clearances (paid for by the church). For a complete job description, please go to the following link: http://www.groveaveumc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Nursery-Coordinator.pdf . Interested applicants can submit resumes and three references (one personal and two work-related) via email to [email protected].
CLERGY FAMILY CHRISTMAS GATHERINGPlease save the date for this year’s Johnstown District Clergy Family Christmas Gathering, which will take place on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the Oakland United Methodist Church. Dinner will be catered by Anthony’s restaurant with the menu as follows: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baked Lasagna, Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Haluski with Bacon, Salad, Rolls & Butter. Dessert will be Christmas cookies and ice cream. Invitations will be mailed out soon. Please mark your calendar so you can join us for this event.
2018 TRIP TO ISRAELJoin Retired Pastor, Jon Gulnac, on his last time hosting a trip to Israel, on April 16 – 26, 2018. If you are interested in a brochure and information regarding the trip, please feel free to contact Jon at 814-495-8096. The cost is $3,348.00 per person.
CHRISTMAS CHORAL CONCERTThe Westmont Presbyterian Church will be holding a Christmas Choral Concert on Sunday, December 10 at 7 pm. A reception will follow the concert. All are welcome to attend!
ADVENT PRAYER SERVICE AT GROVE AVE UMCWe will host a Blue Christmas: A Service of Healing on December 18th at 7pm.
GROVE AVE “SANTA PROJECT”Grove Ave. UMC will be collecting gently-used or new items for children to include: toys, blankets, coats, boots, hats, and gloves. We plan to distribute these items to our community neighbors prior to Christmas during our Food Pantry hours. All donations can be dropped off to the church office: Mon.-Thur. 8:30am-1:30pm or Fri. 8:30-12:30pm. You may call the church office for more information: 814-539-8684.
Volunteers NeededRISE – a light dinner followed by a contemporary Worship and Praise Service every Thursday night at the Garfield Street UMC at 6 pm. RISE is a shared ministry of the United for God Cooperative and the Ebensburg UMC. This ministry is growing, already we are adding more partners, most recently Homestead Ave. UMC.
You are invited to be part of this new ministry! There are opportunities for everyone to share the love of Christ and to use their gifts. Help is needed in cooking, serving, clean up, welcoming, singing, playing a musical instrument and just worshiping with others. Please let Pastor Carol know if you are willing to help. You do not have to commit to any particular number of times, just as your schedule allows. The Spirit is rising in Johnstown!
STAIR/CHAIR LIFT FOR SALEIf you or someone you know is in need of a stair/chair lift, please see the information that follows: 11 step stair lift, max. 309 pounds, 3 years old. Paid $3,000 asking $1,000 and is located in Ferndale. Serious inquiries only, contact Grace Divins at 814-371-2843.
Pastors & LaityWould you like to have a picture drawn of your church(es), home, barn, business, etc? Many of us are not aware that we have a professional artist among our Johnstown district! Gregory Stiver, Pastor of Christ United Methodist Church in Moxham, is an artist and specializes in pencil drawing churches & buildings! If you are interested in having something drawn, please contact Greg at 814-410-2064 or 724-970-4444 or email: [email protected]. Greg has done many, many drawings in the last few years and has a portfolio to show for it. These drawings are great for churches celebrating Anniversaries also. Prices are very reasonable!
“MESSY CHURCH”Park Ave UMC will sponsor "Messy Church" the last Saturday of every month from 3-5 pm. This is an event that highlights the family. There is a time of welcoming, a craft or game time, a time for celebration and each month we will be serving a meal and the best part is it is absolutely free. Call the church for more details at 814-288-4725. We'll see you at "Messy Church".
VOLUNTEERS WANTED!JUMP is looking for retired men and women who are seeking a rewarding experience.
PAY: NONE
BENEFITS: Investment in your community; serve God by doing ministry to help the less fortunate
Current JUMP leaders are aging and dealing with health limitations. They will help with permits, design, materials transport, and paperwork.Priority for jobs goes to handicap needs, followed by home repairs addressing safety issues. Teams are generally 3 to 5 people and most jobs are completed in 2 to 3 days. We need team leaders and team workers, hopefully with some fix-it experience, but we will train any interested individual.This is a part-time volunteer effort. JUMP has tools but bringing your own is encouraged. Access to a small truck or van is also helpful but not necessary.For more information, call Franklin Street UMC at 535-8288.
DOES ANYONE HAVE EMPTY FLOOD BUCKETS?Can you let us know if you have any empty flood buckets that aren’t being used around your church? We do have some churches wanting to fill them but do not have the buckets. Thanks!
FERNDALE UMC STARTING SATURDAY EVENING SERVICESThe Ferndale United Methodist Church will be starting a Saturday evening worship service beginning on September 23, 2017 at 4:30 pm and will continue every other Saturday evening. For more information, please contact Ferndale UMC.
CLERGY REMINDERS:UPCOMING DEADLINES:All clergy - please give this your immediate attention. Please check "Required Annual Forms" on the WPAUMC website for more information. Of course, all of these deadlines can be met BEFORE the deadline!
Church Profile for Cabinet – Must be updated online prior to Charge Conference.
Church Parsonage Form – Must be updated prior to charge Conference.
District Prayer Chain- Catherine (Dolly) Chechak, sister of Rev. John Snyder- Rev. Ray Beal, Interim Pastor of Alum Bank, having a procedure done at Cleveland Clinic.- Daniel Mark Bobrowicz, son of Rev. Arlene Bobrowicz, who just found out he has pelvic cancer- Connie Knipple, wife of Pastor Terry Knipple, having surgery on December 15, 2017 - Theo, Great Nephew of Deb Miller- Brandy Hillberry- Gene Mickolick- Dottie Walker- Cheryl Adams- Our Country and our Leaders- All Pastors and Laity in the Johnstown District
District Joys
Alyce’s Schedule: Dec 11 – Alyce in office am Dec 12 – Alyce in office am Dec 13 – Alyce in office amDec 14 – Christmas Bus Tour in Ebensburg Dec 15 – CabinetDec 16 – Dec 17 – Hastings UM Church 125th Anniversary Worship w/Bishop
Conference News and EventsCamping & Retreat Ministry Initiative
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi announced at the 2017 Annual Conference that the conference is being called to raise $5 million in four years for our Western PA Camps and Olmsted Retreat Center. (That is double what we raised for Imagine No Malaria!) In a spontaneous offering, $9,251.52 was collected after she made the announcement preceded by her rappelling from the balcony to the conference floor – in high heels! The Youth added $1,985. Making a total of $11,236.52 to kick off the initiative. Watch for more details as this initiative unfolds.
From Bishop Cynthia Moore-KoikoiIn times like these, our response must be grounded in prayer. I urge every United Methodist in Western Pennsylvania to commit to pray for the next 59 days for the families who were impacted by this violence.
I am still in a state of disbelief regarding the massacre in Las Vegas. I have been vascillating between disbelief and feelings of anger, grief, and profound sadness. I have tried to make sense of a senseless act and that has left me frustrated. I have cried out to God asking how many more times we have to wake up to hear news of such devastation.
I wish that as your Episcopal leader I had words that could provide comfort and peace. I wish I could provide an environment where we all feel safe at all times. I can not.
But I refuse to be paralyzed by this senseless massacre. I will put feet and hands to my prayers. I will continue and ask you to uphold, advocate for, and demand adherence to our Social Principles pertaining to gun violence. I urge you to read and follow Our Call to End Gun Violence, which was adopted by our 2016 General Conference and is Resolution 3428 in the 2016 Book of Resolutions.
In times like these, our response must be grounded in prayer. I urge every United Methodist in Western Pennsylvania to commit to pray for the next 59 days for the families who were impacted by this violence. I suggest that you pray each day by name for a different family who lost a loved one and for healing for those still hospitalized and those who witnessed this mass shooting. I also urge you to pray for the family of the perpetrator of this massacre. And as you are praying, intercede on behalf of all of those in Western Pennsylvania who have been impacted by gun violence. Pray, act, pray, act, pray.
They shall sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken.
-- Micah 4:4
NEW UMC HANDBOOK The new United Methodist Church Handbook for 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. To View New Information
MISSION OF PEACECalling all youth! Mission of Peace applications are available now. Mission of Peace is a yearly trip sponsored by the Northeast Jurisdiction of the UMC. It is on or about Dec. 28, 2018-Jan. 15, 2019 to the Philippines. Up to 4 youth can be accepted from each conference. On this trip, youth will get an immersion experience in another culture. Youth will meet other youth in churches and other civic organizations as well as worship with others in that country. Applications are due March 1 to the conference coordinator of young people’s ministry, Amanda Gilligan. For the application and more info, check out: www.wpaumc.org/mop
Online PaymentsThe 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 have been set-up as indicated by the sections below.
Camping & Retreat Ministries - Bishop's Initiative
As witnessed at the 2017 Annual Conference, Bishop Moore-Koikoi’s initiative to raise $5 million, over the next 4 years, for conference camping and retreat ministries was received with overwhelming acceptance and generosity. This site has been established as one avenue to financially support this strategic undertaking.
Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the brown button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC should give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page.
Camping & Retreat Ministries – Bishop’s Initiative
Conference Special Appeal – At the Lake Ministries
At The Lake Ministries is faithfully dedicated to offering our brothers and sisters in Christ who live with a disability a space in which to foster relationships and build community through faith-based, specialized fishing experiences on Lake Erie. This site has been established to financially support the development of this new fishing ministry and refurbish our vessel, JoAnn M. We can’t do this without the support of the WPAUMC Congregations.
Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the purple button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC are encouraged to give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page.
Olmsted Christmas Open House: Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the staff and friends of Olmsted as we open our doors to celebrate the Christmas season. Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and punch next to the warm fireplace, or take a tour of the freshly decorated manor. Whether you are coming to visit your "home away from home" or are seeing Olmsted for the first time, we hope you will join us for an evening of celebration and fellowship.
New Newsletter Available Now!! Prison Outreach MinistryKeep up with WPA Prison Outreach Ministry volunteers in their latest newsletter. Learn more about the ministry and how you or your church can get involved at: wpapom.org.
EASTBROOK MISSION BARN – Magnet and T-shirt SaleShow your support by purchasing a magnet for the suggested donation of $5 each or $15 each for a t-shirt. All profits will support the mission projects with the Eastbrook Mission Barn. For more information or to place an order, call the Mission Barn at 724-856-8241. Make checks payable to: Eastbrook Mission Barn, 226 Church Lane, New Castle, PA 16101.
Katie Peterson, Deaconess, Church & Community Worker. Katie coordinates the donations and distribution of UMCOR relief supply kits. She assists New Castle UM Churches to enhance ministries in poverty alleviation. This includes building handicap ramps. How to support Katie:
1. Pray – Our prayers are welcome and strengthen her ministry2. Stay in contact – Ask to receive her newsletter and follow her website and Facebook Page3. Seek to participate in the ministry Katie serves. Ask about ways to help with missionary
support.4. Donate to Katies Advance #98242 – 100% of your gifts are used to support missionaries and
they powerfully contribute to the continued health and vitality of United Methodist missionary outreach.
Contribute through your local church, online at www.umcmission.org or by calling 888-252-6174.
Keep Up With Upcoming Events - WPAUMC Conference
The website for upcoming events is: http://www.wpaumc.org/events. The Conference Calendar can now be found on the website under “Calendar” instead of “Events”, to save any confusion.
Follow the Western Pennsylvania Conference on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpaumcCONFERENCE MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities
UMCOR Needs Health, Bedding Kits: Katie Peterson, new executive director of the Eastbrook Mission Barn, notes that UMCOR has put out a call for health and bedding kits. Get kit details at wpaumc.org/MissionBarn. UMCOR Kits Needed: Cleaning buckets, health kit, and bedding kit ingredients can be gathered by local communities and congregations. UMCOR kits can be received at Eastbrook Mission Barn, at the Conference Center or at one of the official Mission Barn sub-depots. Eastbrook Mission Barn is on call to deploy their kits through the UMCOR Relief Supply Network through their national system. Kits collected in UMCOR's name are UMCOR property and unverified kits cannot be given out in UMCOR's name by local groups. UM A.R.M.Y. – Your church can be a youth work camp as youth and chaperones partner with UM A.R.M.Y. to love your neighbors. www.ne.umarmy.org.
Eastbrook Mission Barn – Ramps, relief supplies and Outreach. ALL ages can serve for one day in the New Castle area. www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn For Mission opportunities, please go to www.wpaumc.org/opportunities. This is the best place to see what is open.
Individual Volunteers in Mission: Change your life by becoming an individual volunteer. Learn more at umcmission.org/Get-Involved
WPAUMC Volunteers in Mission – United Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
1. What teams can I join? www.wpaumc.org/opportunities
2. How do I learn about leading a team? www.wpaumc.org/VIMtraining
3. Once we have a team planned, what do we do?a. Register your team at www.wpaumc.org/RegisterVIMteamsb. Get VIM Insurance at www.umvimnej.org
4. Once our team returns, what do I do? www.wpaumc.org/MissionReport
5. Where can I find local church resources?
a. www.wpaumc.org/localchurchmissions b. Contact Stephanie Gottschalk at [email protected] or 724-776-2300, ext.
241
6. How do I get involved in Disaster Response?
a. Take UMCOR training at www.wpaumc.org/DisasterResponseb. Make sure your local church has a local disaster planc. Volunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellites
7. What if there is a disaster in my church’s community?
a. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to their District Superintendent
b. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin Cook at 814-442-5899
Continuing Education Opportunity
SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRYAPPLYING BOWEN SYSTEMS THEORY TO PASTORAL WORK
Directed byThe Rev. Robert C. Spilman, Retired CPE Supervisor
Association for Clinical Pastoral Education
SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRYWESTERN PENNSYLVANIAFEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018
Systems Leadership in Ministry is a pastoral seminar that utilizes Bowen Family Systems Theory and theology to strengthen leadership and self-awareness in any ministry setting with a primary focus on work in the church. The seminar is an outgrowth of the program of Congregation-Based Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) that Rev. Spilman directed in Western NY and PA until his retirement in 2017.
Pastors and lay ministers strengthen their pastoral and leadership skills, address conflict in the church, and work on their personal growth in ministry. The program focuses on
systemic change and leadership development in the church.Seminar in Western PA – Location to Be Determined –
Two Days a MonthLate February to Late June – 2018
Tuition cost: $700 ($550 for CPE program alumni)
Systems Leadership in Ministry includes these creative components: Emphasis on pastoral and leadership issues and use of self in ministry. Family of origin work, consultation on ministry, and theological reflection. Application of Bowen Theory to ministry in the church and world.
Participants explore family and church relational patterns using the systems theory developed by Murray Bowen and applied to church life by Edwin Friedman and Roberta Gilbert. They reflect on their family of origin and its impact on their use of self in ministry. They work to manage anxiety and grow in “defining a self.” A primary text will be Roberta Gilbert’s book: Extraordinary Leadership. For further information and application, contact Rev. Spilman.
The Rev. Robert C. Spilman363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226Tel: 716-479-7933 (cell); 716-839-4316
E-mail: [email protected]
WE WANT YOU!!
CHAPLAINS IN THE PARKS
SUMMER PROGRAM
Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend 2018Good Pay – Interesting Work – Training – Fellowship
EXERCISE ALL YOUR GIFTS AND SKILLS:
Planning creative and meaningful worship services.
Preaching engaging sermons in an ecumenical setting.
Visit and share Christ’s love with people from different religious traditions and life experiences
Create programming for all ages.
Provide a listening ear to those in need in the campground.
Manage your own time and work as a member of a team.
Full-time and half-time positions for service between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends are available. Salary, travel reimbursement, housing and training provided. If you have an automobile, have good health and are available to serve between May 27 and September 2, 2018 contact:
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 211A
Harrisburg, PA 17109-5089Phone: 717.545.4761 Fax: 717.545.4765
E-mail [email protected]
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Internet: www.pachurches.orgMinistry – Campground Ministry
CLERGY DEVELOPMENTVital ministry requires a plan. Let this be a tool to create your continuing education plan. Opportunities are listed here by areas of focus to allow you to target an area where you need to grow. Our Conference focus for 2016 is Leadership. There are some great leadership development events coming up! Which ones could help strengthen your ministry?Spark 2018 – January 19-21, 2018 at Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh. A retreat for youth grades 6-12 and their leaders.
Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union – We are your credit union. People helping people! Many services offered. www.keystoneumfcu.org or phone 888-972-0797
