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PRAYER REQUESTSClergy, clergy families, and churches in transition.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ at First Presbyterian Church in Fairview, whose church was destroyed in a fire the night of Saturday, July 21st.
Connie Hoeke’s mother, Lois Bennett, who recently moved to a personal care home and is under hospice care.
Jerome Alsdorf, who has health concerns.
BIRTHDAYSSunday, July 29th – Joe Samalenge
Tuesday, July 31st – Ellen Lyman
IMPORTANT DATES(Check sections for more information.)
Wednesday, July 25th – Pre-Church Conference Briefing (District Notables), Parent Café (District Events)
Friday, July 27th – 6th Annual Faith Night (Conference Events)
Saturday, July 28th – Social Principle Conversations (Conference Website Links & Conference Events)
Saturday, July 28th to Sunday, August 5th – 2018 Cherry Run Camp Meeting (Bulletin Board – Cherry Run Camp)
Sunday, July 29th to Wednesday, August 1st – Discipleship Journey Retreat (Bulletin Board – Jumonville)
Monday, July 30th to Wednesday, August 8th – Second Wilderness Canoe Trip (Conference Events)
Tuesday, July 31st – Champion for God (District Events), Online Master’s Degree in Youth Ministry Application Deadline (Bulletin Board)
Wednesday, August 1st – District Office Closed (District Notables), Reflective Leadership Grants Application Deadline (Bulletin Board)
Wednesday, August 1st to Friday, August 3rd – Academy for Clergy with Disabilities (Conference Events)
ANNIVERSARIESFriday, July 27th – Mary & James Stewart
This evening, I sat on the deck of the district parsonage and drank in the beauty of that spot. What a blessing! We are particularly enjoying the beautiful flower garden left to us by Joe and LuAnn. We had nothing to do with planting this garden. It is a sheer gift to us and a reminder of the legacy of that good couple among the people of the Erie-Meadville District.
I have lived a blessed life as a United Methodist pastor. In each appointment, I was aware of how much I had inherited from those who had gone before me. I always studied their successes and tried to build on them. This will be my approach as we work together to build on the wonderful ministries you have developed under Joe Patterson’s leadership.
Certainly a key aspect of Erie-Meadville’s identity is encouraging our pastors and people to be disciple makers. That has been a core value in my own ministry and I am excited about coming along side of you to work on the challenges of creating a discipleship plan that fits your ministry setting. Each Church is unique. Each community we live in is distinct. What works in one setting will not necessarily transfer to another. But the amazing thing about God’s plan is that you have been placed in your congregation and community to discern how to do this work. You each have unique gifts and backgrounds that God will empower with the Holy Spirit. I am praying for you as you continue this work of transforming your community by making disciples of Jesus. This legacy is an ancient one. It goes back to the Risen Christ who directed His disciples to go into all the world. Obedience to that call means creating plans and strategies in many different and diverse places. The nations of the world are full of a variety of customs and cultures, enough to fill an encyclopedia! Yet Christ is very clear in His command. All these various nations are called to become the Kingdom of God.
At the risk of sounding like a TV personality, how is your unique plan working for you?
Grace and Peace,
Dennis
CLERGY EVALUATIONS OVERDUE!Clergy evaluations were due on Tuesday, May 15th. If you have not yet completed and submitted them, please do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact Andrea at the District Office.
CLERGY MOVING EXPENSESClergy who are moving to new appointments in 2018 need to email their moving expenses to Kathleen Lasky, Conference Benefits Officer, at [email protected]. You may be surprised to learn that the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will require treating your moving expenses as income. SEE STATEMENT
PRE-CHURCH CONFERENCE BRIEFINGSTwo Pre-Church Conference Briefings have been scheduled for the Erie-Meadville District. The first is on Wednesday, July 25th at 7:30pm at Weis Library and the second is on Wednesday, August 8th at 10am at Conneaut Lake. Clergy, please plan to attend one; an email was also sent out.
DISTRICT OFFICE CLOSEDPlease note that the District Office will be closed on Wednesday, August 1st and Thursday, August 2nd.
NEW CLERGY MEET-AND-GREETNew clergy, mark your calendars! Dennis and Deborah would like to invite the district’s new clergy to a meet-and-greet/ice cream social on Friday, August 10th at 7PM at the District Parsonage. Invitations will be sent out at a later date.
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENCY COMMITTEE MEETINGThere will be a District Superintendency Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 4th at 7PM at the District Office. A reminder email will be sent out to members of that committee at a later date.
CHAMPION FOR GODTuesdays in July (17th, 24th, and 31st), 6pm to 7:30pm, Diamond Park (Meadville, PA 16335)Join us in Meadville’s Diamond Park for an exciting evening of fun for the whole family as we explore what it means to be a champion of God through story, music, crafts, and snacks. Open to all ages, we encourage you to come even if you are only able to attend one of the Tuesdays. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Sponsored by First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, Stone United Methodist Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church. Preregistration is encouraged by Friday, July 13th. Sign-up sheets are available at all of the sponsoring churches or online at goo.gl/jq4PzA. For more information, call 814-333-2161 or 814-724-6736.
PARENT CAFÉ: CONVERSATIONS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY STRONGWednesday, July 25th, 6pm to 8pm, Stone UMC (956 South Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335)Parent cafes are based on the Strengthening Families Framework and the Five Protective Factors where parents come together, socialize, share parenting ideas, and learn ways to strengthen their families. Dinner and childcare are provided. Led by Christin Smith (Going Places) and free/open to everyone in the community. For more information or to RSVP, call 814-807-0052 or email [email protected].
COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIALFriday, August 3rd, 6pm to 8pm, Stone UMC (956 South Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335)Join us on the side lawn of the church for an evening of ice cream, entertainment, and fun. All are welcome!
RESCHEDULED: CAR SHOWSunday, August 8th, 5pm to 8pm, Weis Library UMC (6020 Heidler Road, Fairview, PA 16415)Cost is $2 for car show participants. Proceeds benefit the Weis Library UMC youth.
MESSY CHURCHThursday, August 9th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)Messy Church creates the opportunity for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children to enjoy expressing their creativity, sit down together to eat a meal, experience worship, and have fun within a church context. Join this once-a-month worship experience. For more information, call 814-864-3271.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: “QUEST FOR TRUTH”Sunday, August 12th to Thursday, August 16th, 5:45pm to 8:15pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)Each night, children will follow archeologist Dakota Joe and his dog, Digger, as they dig into God’s word on their quest for truth. Open to children ages 3 (must be toilet trained) through 12. Dinner will be offered at 5:15pm Monday through Thursday for the children coming to VBS and their families. To register, call the church office at 814-864-3271.
RESCHEDULED: SITUATION IN JERUSALEMDATE TBA, Meadville Grace UMC (828 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335)Tina Whitehead, a volunteer missionary to the Middle East from our own Western PA Conference, will share about the situation in Jerusalem. All are invited to hear her presentation. Light refreshments will follow. A love offering will also be received.
UPDATED AC2018 RESOURCESThe Annual Conference summary report, photo albums, and video pages have been updated since the week after conference. These resources, along with the pre-conference journal and daily proceedings, may be used in congregational reports. Links to all resources, as well as several report booklets, are available at www.wpaumc.org/AC. NEWS REPORT PHOTOS
LOST AND FOUNDSome items that were left behind at Grove City College have found their way to the UM Conference Center. There may be more to come next week. If you are missing something, call the center at 724-776-2300. Also, Jaye Beatty found a medical-related item in a small black zippered bag that was left in the Prayer Room. The owner can email her at [email protected].
HOW TO SET PASTOR’S SALARYThe guidelines for 2019 are being mailed this week. To see the information now, click HERE.
ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN YOUTH MINISTRYSouthwestern College, a UMC school in the Great Plains Conference, is offering an affordable, Wesleyan-based, and entirely online Master’s degree in youth ministry. Go to www.beadisciple.com/masm/youth or https://ps.sckans.edu/master-arts-specialized-ministries to learn more and apply. Students can enter the program at any time, but “Intro to Ministry” starts Monday, August 13th and is a great place to begin the course rotation. Students should apply no later than Tuesday, July 31st if they want to be in that end-of-summer class.
BABY COMFORT STATION AT THE FAIRIt is time to set things up for the comfort station at the Crawford County Fair. This ministry was started about 15 years ago to provide a place for parents to change and/or feed their babies while visiting the fair. Last year, about 600 families used the tent and it has proven itself to be a welcoming place! Our job is simply to wipe down changing tables and provide a smiling face for those weary parents. The tent will be in place from Saturday, August 18th to Saturday, August 25th and it is asked that our churches sign up to staff the tent for one day from noon to 10pm. Each church that signs up is responsible for their own shift schedule and volunteer recruitment/management. If your church would be willing to sign up for one of the days or if you would like more information, contact Chris Grubbs at [email protected].
17 th ANNUAL LAST SWING GOLF TOURNAMENT Saturday, September 8th, Riverside Golf Course (24537 Highway 19, Cambridge Springs, PA 16403)Consider becoming a partner with Wesley Woods in raising funds to provide children an outdoor experience where they can learn about the love of Jesus and where adults can get away for rest and to recharge in the beauty of God’s creation. A letter with more details and an event sponsor form are attached to the email. For additional information, contact Rev. Matthew Judd, tournament chair, at 724-316-2631 or [email protected].
LISTENING POST WITH BISHOP MOORE-KOIKOI ON THE WAY FORWARD TASK FORCEAs our denomination moves toward a special session of the General Conference called by the Council of Bishops for February 2019, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has established a Way Forward Task Force to develop a process to allow individuals in the Western PA Annual Conference to express their thoughts, fears, hopes, and concerns about the Bishop’s recommendation to the General Conference. The purpose of this special session of the General Conference shall be limited to receiving and acting upon a request from the Commission on a Way Forward based upon the recommendations of the Council of Bishops. The task force has planned 20 “listening post” events (two in each district) to allow individuals to meet in-person and engage in facilitated small group discussions around a series of specific questions. These events are open to both clergy and laity. To register, click HERE.
September 10th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Conneaut Lake: Trinity September 23rd, 2:30pm to 4:30pm, North East: Park
2018 ERIE-MEADVILLE DISTRICT UMW DATESDate Event LocationSeptember 22nd Day Apart Wesley WoodsOctober 21st District Annual UMW’s Meeting Erie Asbury UMCOctober 27th Conference Annual UMW’s Meeting Butler District
FREE VBS ITEMSContact Meadville Grace at 814-724-6312 or [email protected] to arrange pickup or possible delivery.
Cave Quest: large stalactite/stalagmite decorations for stage, halls, or rooms Maker Fun Factory: battery-operated free-standing logo display (approximately 4.5x5 ft.); five large mascot posters mounted to cardboard
LAITY ACADEMY FOR STEWARDSHIPThe United Methodist Foundation of Western PA invites laity to participate in a Laity Academy for Stewardship and Leadership, a two-year program that kicks off with an event at Lakeside Chautauqua. LEARN MORE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
PART-TIME RESPITE CARE COORDINATORAll God’s Children Ministries is seeking a part-time respite care coordinator. Please see the AGCM section below for more details.
CLASSIFIEDS SECTION OF WPAUMC WEBSITEGO HERE
2017 RENTAL/HOUSING ALLOWANCE INFO2017 Rental/Housing Allowance information has been posted on the Benefits page of the Conference website. It is listed near the bottom of the page under “miscellaneous” and includes legislation and a worksheet. Go to www.wpaumc.org/benefits.
2018 REVISED COMMON LECTIONARYDiscipleship Ministries offers a two-page listing of Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings and liturgical colors for 2018 Sundays and special days. DOWNLOAD
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
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTBoth 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 you’d like to see listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at [email protected].
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
REFLECTIVE LEADERSHIP GRANTSClergy or lay leaders of Christian organizations whose work is at a pivotal moment can apply for up to $15,000 to support space and time away from daily obligations to determine how to faithfully move forward. They are available through Duke Divinity School’s Leadership Education program. The application deadline is Wednesday, August 1st. DETAILS
JUSTICE GRANTSApplications are due Friday, August 10th for two different grants administered by the General Board of Church and Society. The Human Relations Day and Ethnic Local Church grants are open to local churches and organizations. DETAILS
RACIAL/ETHNIC MINISTRY GRANTSApplications for grants of up to $10,000 to help local United Methodist churches build ministries that strengthen and support racial and ethnic church concerns are due on Saturday, September 1st. The grants are available from UMC Discipleship Ministries to strengthen the ethnic local church. DETAILS
NEW PEOPLE/NEW PLACES GRANTSThe Conference’s Parish and Community Development Committee is implementing a new process for awarding its “New Places/New People.” The deadline is Friday, September 28th. Decisions on grants will be made as soon as possible after the deadline. DETAILS AND APPLICATION
BISHOPS OFFER ECUMENICAL MINISTRY AIDThe Council of Bishops is offering financial assistance for ecumenical and interreligious ministry in the form of grants to Annual Conference groups, training for young adults, and a scholarship for The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. DETAILS AND APPLICATION
SCHOLARSHIPSThere are a variety of scholarships at www.umc.org/resources/scholarships and at www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.
SEMINARY FINANCIAL AIDApplications are available at www.wpaumc.org/BOOM.
www.euma-erie.org
19 TH ANNUAL RIDE FOR THE REFUGE Registration is now open for the 19th Annual Ride for The Refuge, a charity bicycle ride to end homelessness for families with children at EUMA’s The Refuge on Labor Day (Monday, September 3rd). The Ride is a bicycle event featuring great tours through scenic countryside, water/snack stops along the way, sag wagon services, and our Rider’s Picnic. Each Ride location (Shades Beach in East Erie County and Albion Borough Park in West Erie County) offers routes of various distances and difficulty levels – appealing to everyone from the recreational rider to the bicycle enthusiast. For more information and registration, visit www.euma-erie.org or see the attached registration brochure. Event details include:
Registration at 7:30am Ride at 8am for 50 mile and the Bill Baxter Memorial 100 km and 8:30am for 25 km and 50 km Pre-register by Wednesday, August 22nd for a discount off the participation fee and a Ride for The Refuge t-shirt
EVERY CHILD DESERVES A HOMEPlease help EUMA make home a reality for over 200 children expected to be sheltered and cared for at EUMA’s The Refuge this year by donating to our mission through Erie Gives. On Tuesday, August 14th from 8am to 8pm, the Erie Community Foundation will match a percentage of each donation of $25 or more that you make to EUMA when you give online at www.eriegives.org. You can also help by sharing the attached material and this video (https://youtu.be/RqpuBHp54Us) with your congregations. Thank you in advance for your support of this effort!
http://allgodschildrenministries.org
PART-TIME RESPITE CARE COORDINATORAll God’s Children Ministries is seeking a part-time respite care coordinator. Key qualities include: understanding the needs of families of children affected by disability; basic knowledge and experience in planning and implementing children’s Christian education; and a willingness to make needed adaptations in programming to address individual needs. Key competencies include: organizational skills; volunteer recruitment and management; and a love of children. Interested applicants should contact Rev. Debbie Hills at [email protected] or 440-812-4624.
RAMPS OF HOPEhttp://allgodschildrenministries.org/programs/ramps-hope
T-SHIRTS FOR SALEThere have been several requests for new Ramps of Hope t-shirts. Email Rev. Debbie Hills at [email protected] with how many you would like and the size(s) you need. T-shirts are $12 each. If you pay by check, please make it payable to AGCM (cash is fine, too!).
Respite Care http://allgodschildrenministries.org/programs/respitecare
SEEKING VOLUNTEERSRespite care volunteers are being sought for one or two Saturday afternoons a month. Options are to help as an ongoing or occasional volunteer. Please contact Sarah Deemer for more information at [email protected].
http://www.olmstedmanor.org/
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DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY RETREATSunday, July 29th to Wednesday, August 1st
Join Rev. Lance and Amy Tucker for a discipleship journey. It will be a time for refreshing and rejuvenating for your soul. We will enjoy fellowship,
reflection, and discussion to deepen our own personal spiritual journey. Topics will include a spiritual gifts inventory for help discerning personal spiritual strengths. There will be evening campfires, time at the cross, free time for hiking, reading, journaling, and experiencing the prayer walk. Come away from the chaos of the world for a bit; leave refreshed, renewed, uplifted, and encouraged with the knowledge that no disciple walks the journey alone. Participants will stay in the Inn so space is limited to nine rooms.
2018 SUMMER CAMPThe new 2018 summer camp brochure is ready for you! You can either view it online (HERE) or get it in the mail. If you attended camp in the last couple of years, your family will get a brochure in the mail very soon. And if you need extra copies of the brochure for either your family or your friends, you can call the Jumonville office at 724-439-4912 and they will mail them to you or send them directly to your friends if you give them their contact information. Brochures are also being sent to the churches. Feel free to check out the 2018 summer camp schedule on the Jumonville website. Remember, you can register online so you don’t have to wait until you get your brochure in the mail.
SUMMER CAMP GIFT CERTIFICATESComplete an online form HERE and you will receive the gift certificate in the mail so you can give it as a gift. That person’s summer camp account will be credited with the amount of the gift certificate. You can also download the form HERE. Simply print the file, complete it, and mail it to Jumonville with your check. They will follow up by mailing your gift certificate to the address that you provide.
https://www.campallegheny.org/
WOMEN’S RETREATFriday, August 24th to Sunday, August 26th
This weekend is designed to let women refresh and renew their walk with the Lord. It is filled with worship, a wonderful speaker, great meals, and free time activities. Come enjoy fun and fellowship on the mountaintop. Open your hearts to a weekend of encouragement, faith building, and God’s love. For more information, email [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also call Camp Allegheny at 814-754-5122. You may download the registration form (HERE) and mail it plus the deposit to the address on the form.
http://www.wesleywoods.com
WELCOME TO WESLEY WOODS!To make visitors feel more welcome and at home, Wesley Woods wants to replace all of its signs with some that are easier to read, accurate, and more exciting. You can help by making a financial donation or sharing your ideas, resources, or talents. To do so, contact Kira Argot, Wesley Woods’ program director, at [email protected].
CHER R Y RUN CAMP
http://cherryruncamp.org/youth/
2018 CHERRY RUN CAMP MEETINGSaturday, July 28th to Sunday, August 5th
Cherry Run Camp is in need of volunteers to work at the camp in varying capacities. Volunteering at the camp would be a wonderful short-term mission work project for teams or individuals. Helpers are needed in the two weeks prior to camp and kitchen help is needed the week of camp. For more information or to schedule a day or two to work at the camp, please contact Mr. Dennis Mahle at 814-648-1676.
UPCOMINGEVENTS
SOCIAL PRINCIPLE CONVERSATIONSJuly 28th, August 2nd
Conference Center
CANOEING THE MOUNTAINSSeptember 21st
Cranberry Commons UP Church
PREACHSeptember 24th – 25th
Dutilh UMC
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 6 TH TO SATURDAY, JUNE 8 TH !
JOIN A CLERGY COMMUNITY OF PRACTICELooking for an opportunity for accountability, learning, and encouragement with fellow clergy? Did we mention 4 CEUs? Clergy Communities of Practice begin in a few weeks! Don’t miss your chance to sign up; some of the groups are almost full. For more information, contact Susan Moudry. SIGN UP
BE A COACH!The East Ohio and WPA conferences are co-sponsoring a coaching cohort for clergy and lay people interested in earning International Coaching Federation (ICF) certification as a ministry coach. Certification requires attendance at three training modules (May, September, and November 2018) and practice of coaching skills under guidance of a certified coach. The trainings will be held at Boardman UMC near Youngstown, OH. For more information, visit www.empowercoaches.com or contact Amy Wagner at [email protected].
YOUTH 2019Discounted early-bird registration is underway for YOUTH 2019, the national gathering for United Methodist youth and their leaders next year in Kansas City that promises four days of discipleship, worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and life-changing fun. DETAILS AND REGISTER
WILDERNESS CANOE TRIPSOur Conference Camping Ministry is sponsoring two week-long wilderness canoe trips this summer to Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park: Sunday, July 22nd to Tuesday, July 31st and Monday, July 30th to Wednesday, August 8th. Participants enjoy a week of peace and solitude in a rugged and beautiful setting of lakes, rivers, and forests. Lakeside campsites provide the setting for campfires and learning about God, His creation, and what it means to live out the life of discipleship together. Cost is $450 for adults and $420 for youth ages 15 to 17. This includes transportation as well as canoeing and camping equipment. Previous canoeing and camping experience is helpful, but not necessary. Adults 19 and older must have a passport. The first trip is led by Revs. Scott Hamley, Craig Lindahl, and Doug Burns. The second trip is led by Rev. Dave Coul, Rev. Drew Myers, and Lindsey Myers. Registration is through the Conference website at www.wpaumc.org/camping. For questions, please contact Scott Hamley at 724-859-6745 or [email protected].
6 TH ANNUAL FAITH NIGHT Friday, July 27th, 7:05pm, PNC Park (115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212)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 their lives and their careers in baseball specifically. Since Faith Night is being held on a Friday for the first time, we expect the event to be more popular than ever! Therefore, it is highly recommended to secure seats with a deposit. Groups of 15 or more can secure a block of seats with a deposit and then will have until Monday, June 11th to give your final ticket count and pay the balance. Contact Chad Glover at [email protected] or 412-325-4756.
WEIGH IN ON REVISED SOCIAL PRINCIPLESUnited Methodists from across the connection have been invited to weigh in on a revision of the Social Principles. You’re invited to attend one of two sessions scheduled at the Conference Center: Saturday, July 28th from 9:30am to 11:30am or Thursday, August 2nd from 9:30am to 11:30am. LEARN MORE
ACADEMY FOR CLERGY WITH DISABILITIESWednesday, August 1st to Friday, August 3rd, Gallaudet University (800 Florida Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002)The UM Association of Ministers with Disabilities will hold the Disability Leadership Academy: Taking Our Place at the Table. This conference is designed to bring United Methodists with disabilities together for training, conversation, and strategic thinking. EVENT FLYER REGISTER
ADVOCACY FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMFirst UMC in Pittsburgh will host a seminar on advocacy for criminal justice reform on Sunday, August 5th. A portion of the day will also focus on advocacy to reduce gun violence. It is sponsored by the PA Council of Churches and the Mennonite Central Committee. DETAILS
LICENSING SCHOOL/CLM TRAININGSunday, August 5th to Wednesday, August 15th, Olmsted Manor (17 East Main Street, Ludlow, PA 16333)The application for the 2018 Summer Residential Licensing School and Certified Lay Minister Training is now available. DETAILS
EARLY RESPONSE TEAM TRAININGSaturday, August 11th, 9am to 5pm, Nanty Glo UMC (998 Lloyd Street, Nanty Glo, PA 15943)A training session for ERT members will be offered in the Ebensburg area. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER
BIKE-A-THONLike to bike? Like a challenge? Join with bike-minded United Methodists for a five-day, 315-mile bike-a-thon from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. from Monday, August 13th to Friday, August 17th and raise funds for the Bishop’s Camping and Retreat Initiative. Bikers will begin at Boston UMC, travel the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trail, and complete the trip in Washington, D.C. Get details at www.wpaumc.org/bikeathon.
DCOM TRAININGSaturday, August 18th, 9:30am to 11:30am, UM Conference Center (1204 Freedom Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066)Training for new members of District Committees on Ministry (DCOM), new DCOM chairs, and new DCOM registrars will be held soon. It is open to all. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Janet Lord, Coordinator of Ministerial Services, at [email protected].
FEEL LIKE YOU’RE PADDLING UPSTREAM?Friday, September 21st, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church (2662 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066)Spend a day with Todd Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory. Bring a group. WPAUMC is a co-sponsor with the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and the ELCA Synod. FLYER
OLDER ADULT MINISTRIESSunday, September 23rd to Tuesday, September 25th, Olmsted Manor (17 East Main Street, Ludlow, PA 16333)Explore ways to be in ministry by, with, and for older adults. Rev. Dr. William Randolph, who was Director of Aging and Older Adult Ministries for UMC Discipleship Ministries, will lead along with Greensburg DS Pat Nelson, who is certified in Older Adult Ministries. LEARN MORE
PREACH!Monday, September 24th to Tuesday, September 25th, Dutilh UMCFive United Methodist pastors from across the U.S. who are known for their dynamic preaching will preach and lead inspiring workshops at this event, sponsored by the Conference. Details and registration will open soon.
#SEE ALL THE PEOPLEMegachurch pastor and author Jorge Acevedo will be the keynote speaker for Where Compassion and Evangelism Meet, a day-long workshop offered by the Conference Evangelism Team in two locations in late September. Registration will open in July.
Friday, September 28th, Glenwood UMC (in Erie) Saturday, September 29th, Crossroads UMC (main campus in Oakdale)
THE VOYAGERS WORSHOP AND CONFERENCEThe Voyagers are a gathering of clergy and church leaders exploring of clergy and church leaders exploring Bowen Family Systems Theory and its application to congregations by Rabbi Edwin Friedman. A workshop and conference are scheduled for mid-November.
Wednesday, November 14th, 9am to 3pm, Westin Hotel (Buffalo, NY): Bowen Theory Introduction and Applicationo This one-day seminar will introduce participants to Bowen Family Systems Theory and its application to working with families,
congregations, and other institutions in the community. Family of origin work will be presented. Cost is $60 per person ($35 for students).
Thursday, November 15th, 9am to 4pm, Christ the King Seminary (East Aurora, NY): Bowen Theory’s Secrets: The Hidden Life of Familieso Dr. Michael Kerr, the director of the Bowen Theory Academy and the former director of the Bowen Center in Washington, D.C., will
present a one-day conference focusing on the insights of his new book. Dr. Kerr will describe family functioning from a Bowen theory perspective and distinguish it from the traditional psychological approach that focuses on problems within the individual person. Cost is $95 per person ($65 for students) or $125 per person for both days ($80 for students), which includes lunch.
For more information and early bird registration, contact Rev. Robert Spilman, CPE Supervisor, Retired, ACPE (363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226 or [email protected] or 716-479-7933). DETAILS
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.
MISSION TRIP TO HONDURASThe Conference Committee for Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean is organizing a mission trip to Honduras from Saturday, September 22nd to Monday, October 1st. The team will help to complete the construction of a church in rural Honduras. Although people with construction skills would be especially helpful on this team, ANYONE who is interested is encouraged to apply. For more information, email Encounter liaison Jodale Barnhart at [email protected]. APPLICATION
MISSION TRIP TO JAMAICAWould you like to spend a life-changing week in Jamaica with the Won by One mission team? During the week of February 17-24, 2019, a mission team from Summit UMC in Erie will join mission teams from Wattsburg UMC and the Tri-County Church in Dubois for this life-changing mission in the small mountain village of Harmons, Jamaica. For more information, contact Mandy Barney at 814-460-6955.
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 church and with their community to their District SuperintendentLocal pastor reports damage to church and with their community to Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin Cook at 814-442-5899
MISSIONSHIELD VIM INSURANCE OFFEREDAs health care 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.
2018 CONFERENCE VIM TEAMSCHECK 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.
UMCOR KITS NEEDEDAlthough the Eastbrook Mission Barn received a good number of cleaning buckets and hygiene kits during Annual Conference, more are needed. With flooding in southwestern PA and other areas, the Mission Barn has already shipped 500 buckets and close to 1,000 hygiene kits here in western PA.
UMCOR KIT INGREDIENTS CHANGESome of the ingredients in UMCOR kits have changed. In hygiene kits, the number of band aids has increased to ten. In cleaning buckets, instead of including sponges, donors are asked to put in $1.50 for purchase of foam sponges. NEW RECIPES
