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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 HOLIDAY HOURSOffice Closed December 25, 26, 27, January 01 - Open December 28 & Resume normal hours
on January 02
Wednesday December 13, 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 TOMORROW!
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.
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.
SUMMIT CHAPEL UMC CHRISTMAS PROGRAMOn December 17th at 3pm there will be a Christmas Gathering, with a Children’s Christmas Program & Nativity Display. There will be music and Carol singing. A light supper will be provided. Please bring cookies or dessert to share.
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].
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 CONCERT AT ARBUTUS PARK MANORMichael Facciani will present a concert on December 17, 2 PM at Arbutus Park Manor Chapel. The public is invited. Admission is free; an offering will be received.
BLUE CHRISTMAS 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.
W.A.C.K. MENUA free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4 pm-6 pm Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave in Windber PA.
The meal will be served by Windber School Districts' Football Team.
The menu will feature Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Fruit, Vegetables, Assorted Desserts and Coffee/Punch.
All are welcome!
The Windber Area Community Kitchen (W.A.C.K.) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
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".
2017 CONNECTIONAL APPORTIONMENTFinal Day to Submit 2017 Connectional Apportionment is Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Any money received after this date will be applied to your 2018 Connectional Apportionment, even if you mail it prior to January 16th. Money received that is not clearly marked for 2018 will be applied to your 2017 Connectional Apportionment if it has not been paid in full. Do not combine 2017 and 2018 money in one check. Go here to check the most current 2017 apportionment report. 2017 Remittance forms can be found here.
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.
I will be conducting a healing service December 15, 7PM at Oakland United Methodist Church. As some of you know I was on a mission trip to Uganda recently. I can tell you I saw the Lord heal many people. Blindness, other eye problems, hearts, various problems with the body, and many who needed to have evil spirits cast out. It was a wonderful trip to see so many people healed. Just begin to let your faith declare that you are going to be one of them that Friday night. Why not you. Jesus healed them all and that left no one out. I can telly you that He, Jesus, is not going to leave you out either. Hope to see you there. Bring a friend with you. God BlessGary hale
District Prayer Chain- Catherine (Dolly) Chechak, sister of Rev. John Snyder- Rev. Ray Beal, Interim Pastor of Alum Bank- 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 18 – Alyce in office am & CC at Alum Bank pmDec 19 – Alyce on vacation Dec 20 – Alyce on vacationDec 21 – Alyce on vacation Dec 22 – Alyce on vacationDec 23 – Alyce on vacationDec 24 – Christmas EveDec 25 – Merry Christmas!Dec 26 – Office Closed Dec 27 – Office ClosedDec 28 – Office Open – Stacey In OnlyDec 29 – Office ClosedDec 30 – Office ClosedDec 31 – Office ClosedJan 01 – Office ClosedRegular hours resume on January 2, 2018
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
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.
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.
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
Keep Up With Upcoming Events - WPAUMC ConferenceThe 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.
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
Mission Barn Needs a Vehicle! Director Katie Peterson reports that the Mission Barn’s Pathfinder is no longer dependable for transporting UMCOR kits or ramps. They need a 4-wheel-drive pickup, or Expedition or Yukon-style vehicle with at least 6000 lbs. towing capabilities. They'd prefer a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles on it. If you have leads or ideas, email Katie at [email protected] or call 724-856-9241.
ORIENTATION TO MINISTRYOrientation to Ministry, sponsored by the Conference Board of Ministry will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Christ UMC, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin from 9:30 am – noon. The Orientation is a requirement for anyone pursuing licensed or ordained ministry. However, this initial gathering is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the various types of set-apart ministry that exist within the United Methodist Church. Information will be presented about the broad range of opportunities including Certified Lay Minister (CLM), professional certification, local pastor, and ordained ministry.
Registration is required. Register There is no registration fee. Send questions to Rev. Janet Lord, Coordinator of Ministerial Services [email protected].
CHURCH SAFETYStaying Safe at Church: Safety is becoming more and more of a concern at places of worship. What can church members do to help keep your church safe, yet still welcoming? See some recommendations. Watch video
Church Mutual Insurance Company offers several valuable online resources for safety and emergency response. Look under “Trending Topics” at churchmutual.com.
6TH ANNUAL FAITH NIGHT AT PNC PARKThe 6th Annual Faith Night will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 following the Pirates-Mets game at 7:05 p.m. Enjoy discounted tickets for the Pirates-Mets game and stay after the game to hear Manager Clint Hurdle and your favorite Pirate players and coaches share their personal experiences with how their faith has impacted both their lives and their careers in baseball specifically.
Being that Faith Night is being held on a Friday for the first time, we expect the event to be even more popular than ever! Therefore, it is highly recommended securing seats with a deposit. Groups of 15 or more can secure a block of seats with a deposit, then will have until June 11 to give your final ticket count and pay the balance. Contact Chad Glover at [email protected] or 412-325-4756.
2018 Love & Respect Marriage Enrichment Retreat at Jumonville February 9-11, 2018. It starts on Friday at 7pm and ends on Sunday at 11am. It is open to all husbands and wives of any Christian faith. The cost is $375 per couple. This includes a two-night stay in either the Inn or Washington Lodge, four meals, snacks, time in the adventure center, and your workbook. We will be using the study by Dr. Emerson and Sarah Eggerichs from their Love & Respect Marriage Conference. Jumonville office: 724-439-4912. Register
E-NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CHURCH MEMBERSThe United Methodist Church invites you to check out our new biweekly e-newsletter specially created for all church members. United Methodist Now will highlight examples of Christian living, share inspirational messages and focus on what it means to be part of our connection. Subscribe for free.
Youth Worker Collective is a new initiative to offer free resources from a community of professionals to help both paid and unpaid United Methodist youth workers get what they need to make teenage disciples for the transformation of the world. Check out youthworkercollective.com/
YOUTH 2019 The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries is announcing details of the event to give churches time to plan for their youth to attend. The national gathering for United Methodist youth takes place every four years.
CONFERENCE YOUTHThe YOUTH 2019 Media Kit is here! We are less than two years away from YOUTH 2019 and there is no better time to start getting your youth excited for all the fun we are going to have in Kansas City. And what better way to do that than with our YOUTH 2019 Media Kit!
The next national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. Plan now for your youth to attend. The national gathering for UM Youth takes place every four years.
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
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.org
