Daylight Saving Time Ends on November 4-fall back one hour A Message from Butler District Superintendent, Rev Eric S. Park This is a link to a sermon I preached on Sunday evening at our Butler District monthly worship gathering. I share it in the hopes that those who read it will experience it as a word of grief, an expression of repentance, a glimpse of a countercultural Way, and an articulation of Gospel hope. As we continue to grieve together over recent acts of violence in our country, my prayer is that a compassionate and transformative neighborliness will find new and vibrant expression in our midst. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Butler DS Eric Park reflected on a world where many people are nurtured in “the rhythms of hatred” and a story that Jesus told. Read more Butler District BUCKET LIST E-news November 1, 2018 Volume VII
Transcript
Daylight Saving Time Ends on November 4-fall back one hour
A Message from Butler District Superintendent, Rev Eric S. Park
This is a link to a sermon I preached on Sunday evening at our Butler District monthly worship gathering. I share it in the hopes that those who read it will experience it as a word of grief, an expression of repentance, a glimpse of a countercultural Way, and an articulation of Gospel hope.
As we continue to grieve together over recent acts of violence in our country, my prayer is that a compassionate and transformative neighborliness will find new and vibrant expression in our midst.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Butler DS Eric Park reflected on a world where many people are nurtured in “the rhythms of hatred” and a story that Jesus told. Read more
MMonday, November 5 – 7 PM Superintendency Committee
Thursday, November 8 DCOM – Bitner Room-Conference Center
Saturday, December 1 – Clergy Family Gathering
Sunday, December 2 –Listening Posts - A Way Forward @ First UMC, New Castle 2:30-4:30 PM
ALL COPIES OF CLEARANCES ARE DUE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE November 30, 2018
OCTOBER ONE TO ONE SCHEDULE
– PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CLERGY PROFILE PRIOR TO YOUR ONE TO ONE
November 2—Friday
10:00 a.m. Susan Pickering
(license)
November 6—Tuesday
10:00 a.m. Donna Doutt (license)
1:00 p.m. Darryl Lockie (license)
November 7—Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Jim Young
2:00 p.m. John Phipps
November 9—Friday
10:00 a.m. Harriet Hutton (license)
Local Pastor Mentoring Group
Leaders: Rev Dean Ziegler & Rev Barbara Stoehr
MEETINGS FOR THIS CONFERENCE
YEAR: [NOTE NEW AFTERNOON TIME OF
2 PM] November 8, December 13,
February 7, and April 11, all Thursdays
CLEARANCES FOR PASTORS
The District office will need a copy of all three of your clearances by Nov 30, 2018. Previously, we did not require you to send us a copy, but the requirements have changed. Also, if you have moved into our District from another District, you will need to get an updated FBI Clearance Report and provide it to us. Your old report will not be accepted. Any questions, please feel free to contact Thelma at the District office.
Clergy Family Open House
Invitations have been sent via email and US Postal Service.
Please take a moment to read the invitation and RSVP with the time you willvisit the district parsonage.
CLEARANCE LINKS. Here are the three links: State Police: https://epatch.state.pa.us/Home.jsp Child Abuse: https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home FBI Fingerprint Identity Check: https://uenroll.identogo.com/ For FBI Fingerprints, look at the top of the page where it says "Enter your Service Code to get started." Enter this Service Code: 1KG756 While this code is for DHS Employees, IdentoGO has verified that all pastors in PA are authorized to use this code, (DHS processes our clearances). This code lowers the cost of the FBI Check to $22.60 instead of $50.00. The full explanation of this code can be found here:
1KG756 Employee >=14 Years Contact w/ Children
An employee age 14 or older who would not fall under the child care services/program employee or contractor definition, and who has care, supervision, guidance or control of children or routine interaction with children.
1:00 p.m. Wayne Schar (license)
November 13—Tuesday
10:00 a.m. Tim Goodman
1:00 p.m. Jim Lewis
November 14—Wednesday
10:00 a.m. Josh Nash (license)
1:00 p.m. Bay Allen (license)
November 15-Thursday
10:00 a.m. Debra Flint
1:00 p.m. Sarah Adkins
November 16—Friday
10:00 a.m. Angelique Bradford (license)
1:00 p.m.
November 20—Tuesday
10:00 a.m. Allan Brooks
1:00 p.m. Todd Davis
November 21—Wednesday
9:00 a.m. Kenn Jacobs (license)
2:00 p.m. Bonnie Rupp (license)
November 27—Tuesday
10:00 a.m. Mark Ongley
1:00 p.m. Joshua Demi (license)
November 28—Wednesday
10:00 a.m. Barbara Stoehr
1:00 p.m. Thom Scott (license)
OCTOBER CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
-PLEASE UPDATE YOU CHURCH PROFILE PRIOR TO YOUR CHURCH CONFERENCE
– REMEMBER TO UPDATE YOUR CHURCH LEADERS ALSO!
Church Conference: Don’t forget to send a copy of your Church Conference minutes to the District Office!
ALSO – Please remember to update you leaders on your church dashboard. For login information, call the district office. The district and conference use these leader addresses on a regular basis, so please remember to update.
November 1—Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Baridford/Springdale Charge @Bairdford
November 3—Saturday, 10:00 a.m. New Wilmington & Pulaski @ Pulaski
November 4—Sunday, following worship BF: Central UMC
November 6—Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Nixon UMC
November 7—Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Baden UMC
November 8—Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Wurtemburg/Koppel Charge @
November 10—Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Harrisville/Forestville Charge @Harrisville
November 11—Sunday, following worship Monaca UMC
Local Pastor Mentoring Group
Leaders: Rev Dean Ziegler & Rev Barbara Stoehr
MEETINGS FOR THIS CONFERENCE
YEAR: [NOTE NEW AFTERNOON TIME OF
2 PM] November 8, December 13,
February 7, and April 11, all Thursdays
November 12 – Monday, 7:00 p.m. Christ Community UMC
November 13—Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Cabot UMC
November 14—Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. Savannah/Croton Charge @Croton
November 15—Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Concord UMC
November 17—Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Ellwood City/Homewood Charge @
November 18—Sunday, following worship Butler: First
November 19—Monday, 7:00 p.m. NC: First/King’s Chapel Charge @ First
November 20—Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. Harmony/Zelienople UMC
WORLD FAMOUS TURKEY DINNER-Branchton UMC at 490 Branchton Road, Slippery Rock, will be holding their famous turkey dinner on Saturday, November 3, from 3:30 to 6:30. Dinner includes turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, corn, beverage, roll and dessert for only $9.00. Eat-in or take out available. Why get up at 6:00 am on Thanksgiving morning, prepping the
turkey, preparing the stuffing, listening to Uncle Dave's stories you have heard for 25 years...just order pizza on Thanksgiving and enjoy your turkey dinner here with us at
Branchton.
FAITH COUMMUNITY: Rochester, Faith on 68 and Riverview Churches
Friday, November 2 - Family Night @ Faith on 68 - 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Tuesday, Nov. 6 - Riverview United Methodist Church's famous soup sale. This event's varieties are potato,
ham & bean, and chicken & rice. Still $7/quart. Sale begins at noon and concludes when sold out. Want your favorite variety? Pre-order at [email protected] or by calling 724-843-3620. Leave name, phone number, variety of choice, and quantity .
Wednesday, Nov. 7 - It's S.E.N.I.O.R.S. First Wednesday at Riverview United Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome to join us at 11:00 am for "worship light" with Communion, followed by a soup lunch, and (just in time for Veterans Day) a presentation by The Yellow Ribbon Girls, a local organization that supports our serving military. Come for the fellowship, the food, and the pleasure of a great day out. Contact [email protected] or call 724-843-3620 for more information. Riverview United Methodist Church will be an entry at the Veterans Day Chili Cook-off at the Center at the Mall at the Beaver Valley Mall on November 9th from noon until 2:00 pm. They will also be promoting their S.E.N.I.O.R.S. Wednesday program at their “sampling” table. Please be sure to come by, sample, and vote. The top four winners each get $100!
JAM at Faith Early Education and Child Care Center is looking for qualified people to work approx. 20-35 hrs/week at our faith-based center. Must have at least a high school diploma and 2,500 hours of child care experience. Salary based on experience. Contact us at [email protected] or call 878-313-3373
Chippewa United Methodist Church (CUMC) -Nov /Dec Activities/Events
Pickleball is a paddle sport (similar to a racquet sport) that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a Wiffle Ball, over a net. It is a great way to stay healthy and fit. Our Community Life Center, 118 McMillen Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 is available for singles and doubles players of all ages. The cost is $5/player. Already have a group that meets, we have other available court times for rent. You just need to contact the Community Life Center to schedule. Please remember you don’t have to be an expert or you don’t have to have a partner, beginners and single players are welcome. Come and experience fellowship with others by playing pickleball. Please contact our Community Life Center at 724-843-4032 ext 3 for scheduling, others times, and more information.
We all need prayers and it is nice to know that you can pray with someone. Please come and join our Prayer & Witness Team on Thursday evenings from 6:30 pm-7:00pm @ 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA. This dedicated group of prayer warriors will welcome you and help you in your prayer journeys.
Do you like to crochet? If so, we provide prayer shawls to members within the congregation and the community who are going through medical treatments. No wool, please. All shawls are blessed by the Pastors. Please contact the
Church office @ 724-843-4828 to find out how you can give back to others.
Griefshare, a Recovery Support Group, for people grieving the death of someone close is held on Thursdays through December 6 @ the CUMC, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, Pa from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Griefshare is a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. It is a class where you will learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. To register, please contact the Church office @ 724-843-4828.
An Advent Bible Study based on Adam Hamilton’s book, Faithful - Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph will begin on Wednesday, November 28 th and continues Wednesdays through December 19. Two times are available to attend: 11 am and 7 pm. The study will be held in the Wesley Room in the Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls. This 4 week study examines Christmas through the eyes of Joseph and teaches us how to learn to accept and glorify God’s will even when our situation makes it difficult to do so. Sign up by contacting the church office at 724-843-4828 or by signing up in the Welcome Centers.
United Methodist Women (UMW) are celebrating 150 years in mission. The CUMC women are having a World Thank Offering lunch and program in the church’s fellowship hall on Wednesday, November 14 from 12:00pm-1:00pm. The UMW respond to Christ’s call and work for racial justice, the elimination of poverty, educational equality, human rights and much more. If you are a woman who wants to get involved, you can sign up in the church’s welcome center or by contacting the church office. Please bring a dish to share and a love offering designated to the World Thank Offering.
Our annual Kids Christmas Town will be held at the Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA, on Saturday, December 1 from 9:00am-12noon. We will have breakfast with Santa $5.00/person, pictures with Santa (4x6 photo @ $5 each), our Santa’s Gift Shop where children can purchase gifts for others and our Christmas Town Crafts where kids can make ornaments to take home.
Our 15 th annual Christmas Bazaar will take place on Saturday, December 1 st from 9:00am-3:00pm at our Community Life Center, 118 McMillen Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA. We will have 70+ vendors, a baked goods sale, silent auction and our CLC Café will serve lunch from 10:30am-2:30pm. A complete list of vendors can be found on our website. Join in fellowship with others and purchase a gift for yourself or a loved one.
Join us for our Nativity Showcase & House Tour on Sunday, December 9 th from 2:00pm-6:00pm. The Nativity showcase is being held at our Community Life Center, 118 McMillen Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA. There is no cost for this event. Tickets available by donation will be available for the House Tour at our Christmas Bazaar, in our Church Welcome Centers or by calling the church office. Only 150 tickets will be available.
Please visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org or contact the Church office at 724-843-4828 with any questions.
Zion UMC, Sarver Thanksgiving Dinner and Live Nativity Events!
Clergy Health Insurance Rate: The CBOP approved the 2019 monthly health insurance rate to the local churches. The blended rate for full time clergy for 2019 will be $1536.00 a month. Included in this cost are medical, vision and dental. This represents a 1.7% or $25.00 a month increase for 2019. The 2019 member monthly cost share will remain the same at: $20.00 single / $35.00 two persons / $70.00 family.
How to Set Pastor’s Salary: The guidelines for 2019 are being mailed this week. To see the information now, click here.
BENEFITS
Open Enrollment for all conference plans (Active Employees UPMC Health Plan and Retired Clergy Medicare Plans) October 1 – November 30, 2018.Visit the Benefits page at https://www.wpaumc.org/benefits
YOUTH
Commit 2019 - Confirmation Tour dates released!
Schedule:
March 8th - at Wesley Woods
March 15th - at Jumonville
March 22nd - at Camp Allegheny
March 29th and 30th - at Conference Center
Youth Speakers: Are you a youth who has something amazing to say about your faith? Why not say it from the YOUTH 2019 main stage?! We are now taking applications to fill four open slots for youth speakers at YOUTH 2019. Expenses paid for and a small honorarium for your work. Click here to apply!
First, scholarships. We offer financial assistance for both individuals and groups. Applications are open now. Apply soon, because when the money is gone, it's gone.
Youth 2019 Volunteers Needed: Be a part of YOUTH 2019. Become a volunteer! We are excited to announce our volunteer program. Needed are service volunteers (worksites), backstage volunteers (worship and Bible study) and gathering volunteers (vast variety of jobs). Click here to become a volunteer!
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. Get details and register.
Young People’s Ministry Grants: The first grants to help young people with a passion for racial justice initiate projects that can impact their world have been awarded to groups in Oklahoma and the Philippines. Learn more
Funding Education: United Methodist students don’t have to worry as much about rising federal student loan interest rates. Through its Office of Loans and Scholarships, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) offers them the lowest interest for student loans in the U.S. Learn more.
Youth Leader? Like us on Facebook for updates and info: Western Pa UMC Youth Leaders.
The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries, a division of Discipleship 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. Read press release
Youth Mission u: Registration is open for the July 16-21 sessions of Mission u at California U of PA. Get brochure with details and register at wpaumc.org/youthmissionu.
Why Come to YOUTH 2019? What is so important about YOUTH 2019? What is so great about worshiping with so many other Methodist youth? Well, we can think of a few reasons... READ MORE The national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. The national gathering for UM Youth takes place every four years. YOUTH 2019 Media Kit! Get more details! YOUTH 2019 Hotels: Click here to read more. Midwest road trip tips for those driving to KC. Click Here For More Y19
Registration Details!
YOUTH 2019 Registration is Now Open! Register here: http://youth2019.com/register/
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
UMW News: The Fall newsletter of the Conference United Methodist Women is available now on the UMW page of the WPAUMC website. See what’s happening.
WPA Conference Annual United Methodist Women (UMW) on Saturday, October 27 at 9:30 am at Oakland UM Church, 1431 State Rd 428, Oil City, PA 16301. Registration begins at 8:45 am. Contact Diane Miller for more information: [email protected]
Legislative Process for GC2019 Decided: The Commission on General Conference has decided on a process to help delegates to the 2019 special session do the legislative work together. Read more
Way Forward Listening Posts: If you haven't attended a Listening Post yet, don't forget to register for one near you. Get schedule and details
CONFERENCE NEWS
Operation Dispatch: A new event for youth. November 3 from 10 am-3 pm at Healthy Village Learning Institute in McKeesport. Youth will help out by painting and doing other various jobs. Free lunch! Register at https://wpa-reg.brtapp.com/OperationDispatch
Youth Service Fund Sunday is Sunday, November 4, 2018. The Youth Service Fund of the Western PA Conference has financially assisted many youth programs in our Conference, our nation, and our world. Our annual conference encourages local congregations to receive a special offering to support youth mission projects. This special Sunday is a good time to highlight youth ministries in the congregation.
Year-End Giving Strategies: Pastors and church leaders are invited to learn seven strategies to encourage year-end giving through a webinar offered by The UM Foundation of Western PA. It’s scheduled for 10-11 a.m., on Thursday, November 8. Register.
Franklin District Ministry & Fellowship Day on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Grace UMC,
210 South Broad Street, Grove City, PA. Brought to you by the Franklin District Council. Keynote Speaker: Ruben Alvarez. In 2016, God brought him and his wife to Dallas, Texas and now he is serving full time at Casa Linda Church as their Associate Pastor. Pastor Ruben is in charge of the Embrace Outdoor Area, and his work is to be in connect with the community and embrace them with the love of Christ. See attached brochure.
Early Response Training: Edinboro UMC will host an UMCOR Early Response Team Training on Saturday, November 17. Individuals and groups are welcome to attend. Early Response Team volunteers are not first responders, but go when invited to areas affected by disasters to begin initial clean-up without causing harm before the recovery phase begins. Get details and registe r
Mediation Skills Training Institute: from Monday – Friday, November 12-16, 2018 in Richmond, Va.
Are you experiencing conflict in your church or community? Conflict is a normal part of life so prepare now. Click here to register online. Click here for a registration brochure.
Workshop and Conference Sponsored by the Voyagers from Wednesday, November 14 –Thursday, November 15, 2018 for Leaders and Coaches: Clergy, Educators and Therapists
The Voyagers are a gathering of clergy and church leaders exploring Bowen family systems theory and its application to congregations by Rabbi Edwin Friedman. We believe that the factual approach of Dr. Murray Bowen and the creative
use of theory by Dr. Edwin Friedman provide a new understanding of human functioning for life, leadership, coaching, and ministry.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 – Bowen Theory Introduction and Application. 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.
Location: Westin Hotel Buffalo, NY from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Cost: $60/Students-$35
Thursday, November 15, 2018 – Conference with Dr. Michael Kerr. Theme – Bowen Theory’s Secrets: The Hidden Life of Families. Dr. Michael Kerr, the director of the Bowen Theory Academy and the former director of the Bowen Center in Washington, DC, will present a one-day conference focusing on the insights of his new book entitled, “Bowen Theory’s Secrets: The Hidden Life of Families.” 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. Location: Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: $95/Students-$65 (Both days: $125/Students-$80 includes lunch)
For information and early bird registration, contact Rev. Robert Spilman, CPE Supervisor, Retired, ACPE, 363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226 [email protected] / 716-479-7933 Voyagers website
United Methodist Student Day is Sunday, November 25, 2018. Churches are encouraged to use United Methodist Student Day to raise awareness of scholarships and loans available to help young people of faith further their education and make a difference in the world. Offerings received on UM Student Sunday fund loans and scholarship funds for United Methodist college, university, and graduate students. Videos, bulletin inserts, Facebook graphics, a PowerPoint presentation and other resources to promote UM Student Day are available at umcgiving.org.
#GiveUMC on Giving Tuesday on November 27: United Methodists will come together as a part of this movement to advance vital ministries around the world. There are hundreds of ways you can to #GiveUMC.
Momentum for Change, will be hosted on Wednesday – Friday, November 28-30 by the Mississippi Annual Conference at Christ UMC in Jackson. Fulfill your calling to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Join district superintendents, pastors, annual conference staffs, bishops and leaders at the Route 122 Conference, the church’s annual networking and equipping gathering. Information and Registration
GC Delegate Elections: At annual conference in June 2019, members will elect delegates to the 2020 General and Jurisdictional conferences. Guidelines and eligibility requirements are listed in a document available at wpaumc.org/conferencesecretary. If you are eligible and Interested in serving as a delegate, fill out the online nomination form on the Conference website before Dec. 31, 208. See form.
Top Ten Tips For Completing Your Pastor's IRS Form W-2 on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 10:00 am EST. This webinar is designed for local church treasurers and those responsible for completing their pastor’s Internal Revenue Service Form W-2. Register After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Orientation to Ministry: The next orientation has been scheduled for Jan. 5, 2019 at Charter Oak UMC. Registration will open online soon. Contact the Rev. Janet Lord at [email protected]
Are you feeling a call to ministry? If you are, and just not sure what that means, then come to the next Orientation to Ministry. This discernment process will help to answer all of those questions.
Save the dates: SPARK 2019 will be January 11-13, 2019 at the Sheraton Station Square. This retreat is for youth in 6th – 12th grades. DJ: Big Al. Speaker: Duffy Robbins. Details to be announced at a later date.
Only Two Days Left to get the early bird discount for SPARK, the January 2019 youth weekend. For details, go to wpaumc.org/spark.
Casting A Prayer Vision for 2019 with Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl on Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 9am-2pm at Indiana Grace UMC, 712 Church Street, Indiana, PA. Worship following at 7 pm. To register individuals or groups, email [email protected] .
Apply for a Vital Worship Grant: The Vital Worship Grants program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship focuses on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship. Grant proposals can be submitted by emerging and established churches; seminaries, colleges, and schools; hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations. Deadline: January 10, 2019
Wesley Heritage Tour: A limited number of spaces are available for individuals to join the April 7-16, 2019 tour of John Wesley’s England with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and members of the 2019 ordination class. Get brochure.
2019 FAITH NIGHT AT PNC PARK: 7th Annual Faith Night next season is going to be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019. It will be a 4:05 pm game vs. the San Diego Padres. With it being an earlier presentation and on a Saturday, we’re expecting the largest turnout that we’ve ever had. Group reservations of 10 or more will begin next week. It is highly recommended making your
group reservation as soon as possible do to the popularity of this event. You don’t need to know the number of tickets right now. They are just taking deposits towards a block of seats (10 or more seats). You’ll then have until Friday, May 17 to let them know your final number, at which point you’ll also pay the balance. For group reservations: Chad Glover 412-325-4756.
Young Adult Holy Land Pilgrimage: Young adult leaders age 18-35 are invited to apply to be part of an August 4-14, 2019 pilgrimage to the Holy Land sponsored by the UMC Young People’s Ministries. One person from each jurisdiction will be selected. The deadline to apply is Nov. 9 and an endorsement form signed by the Bishop or a District Superintendent is required. Learn more
Judicial Council Ruling: The United Methodist Judicial Council has ruled that the One Church Plan is largely constitutional, while the Traditional Plan had more problems that must be addressed to pass a constitutional test. Because the Connectional Conference Plan would require constitutional changes, the Judicial Council said it lacked authority to review it. Learn more.
GC2019 Registration: Guests and observers to the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference, The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly, may now pre-register online. General Conference will meet in St. Louis, Missouri at the America’s Center February 23-26, 2019. Learn more
Exponential 2019: Discipleship Ministries’ Path 1 has 100 tickets available at the discounted price of $99 for Exponential, an event for church planters that will be held March 4-7, 2019 in Orlando, FL. The theme is Made for More: Mobilizing God’s People, God’s Way. The $99 price will be available until Dec.15, but the 100 Path 1 tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about ExponentialRegister here
CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER EVENTS
Stay up-to-date and “like” the At The Lake Ministries Facebook page.
At The Lake Ministries is Now Accepting Reservations!We are still developing our website in order to schedule reservations through the website, so in the meantime, we are now ACCEPTING REGISTRATIONS through EMAIL!!! If you would like to schedule or inquire about a trip, email [email protected]!
Reach New Disciples with the "Taking Church to the Community" Video Tool Kit: Explore strategies your congregation can use to reach beyond its walls with worship, community events, ministries, and service. The Tool Kit features engaging videos, presentations, and supplemental materials and is designed for both self-study and for use with groups in your church. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.
Wesley Woods Camp Wish List: If you, your church, or someone you know may be able to help fulfill these needs, please contact the office to see how you can become a partner in ministry with Wesley Woods.
For more information or to register for a retreat, click here www.olmstedmanor.org .
Share your memories from Olmsted. In celebration of the retreat center’s 50th anniversary, they are collecting stories of the amazing experiences had at Olmsted and they are inviting everyone to come and make a memory in 2019. Share your story by sending it to Olmsted, PO Box 8, Ludlow, PA 16333.
Upcoming events at Olmsted Manor Event Page
“Overcoming. . .Finding freedom in Christ, learning to hear God’s voice and speak His Word for today.”conference (Prevailing in the Battle Zone) on at Jumonville. Keynote
Speaker: Dr. Rob McCorkle. Register
Sunday, April 21, 2019 Easter Sunrise Service
Sunday, May 5, 2019 Jumonville Spring Dinner
July 20-27, 2019 77th Annual Family Week
August 16, 2019 16th Kidz2Kamp Golf Fundraiser
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2019 Singles Labor Day Weekend
September 15-18, 2019 M&M’s Reunion
www.jumonville.org
DISABILITIES
Taking a Stand for Disability Rights: Members of the Conference Disability Concerns Committee and UM clergy and church members in the Butler District are urging officials in the borough of Koppel to allow construction of group homes for people with disabilities. Learn more
A Disabled God: The Conference Disability Concerns Committee has prepared a Lenten devotional entitled A Disabled God. Download it
View on the Disability Concerns blog
DIVERSITY/DISMANTLING RACISMVital Conversations 4: The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) released the fourth in a series of Vital Conversations video resources, Vital Conversations 4: Race, Culture, the Church, and Human Sexuality, to bring voices of color to the table as the UMC grapples with the concept and consequences of full inclusion. See the resources
WPAUMC Anti-Racism Resources: The Conference Anti-Racism Team (ART) compiled a list of suggestions for Western PA churches to address racism. Download it from the Conference website Discussing Racism page
WPAUMC Anti-Racism Resources: In response to a request from Bishop Moore-Koikoi, the Conference Anti-Racism Team (ART) compiled a list of suggestions for Western PA churches to address racism. It can be downloaded from the Conference website Discussing Racism page.
Tolerance is Not Enough! Christ UMC in Bethel Park will host Tolerance is Not Enough: An Interfaith Response to Hatred and Racism on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 2-4:30 p.m. Featured speaker will be Rabbi Abie Ingber, executive director of the Center for Interfaith Community Engagement at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Pittsburgh area faith leaders,
including Pittsburgh DS Dawn Hand and Dr. John Welch of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will be part of panel addressing regional challenges. Get details and register by Oct. 22. Download flyer.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
UMC SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at http://scholarship.umc.org/
RESOURCES
RESOURCE LINK http://www.wpaumc.org/resources
FOLLOW WESPATH: The denomination’s Wespath Benefits and Investments has a new Facebook page to provide greater access to information about its plans and programs. Check it out at www.facebook.com/Wespath.
NEW RESOURCE PAGE
Responding to Violence: Our denomination offers a variety of resources to help people cope with violent events and learn how churches can respond. See Resources.
Church Security: In the wake of what’s been described as the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history, the murder of 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue Oct. 27, congregations across the nation are expressing concern about security. Church Mutual insurance company offers a variety of free safety resources at churchmutual.com/armedintruder.
Stewardship: Consultant Cliff Christopher says relationship building is the key factor in encouraging donors to give. And while pastors often shy away from talking about money, Christopher says people of faith want guidance on how a disciple uses money. Read more in Leading Ideas.
DISASTER RESPONSE
Disaster Response Update: Both the North Carolina and South Carolina Conferences issued invitations over the past few days for Early Response Teams from the Northeastern Jurisdiction to assist in the cleanup from Hurricane Florence. The invitations were issued before the trajectory and severity of Hurricane Michael was clear. Get updates and details on how to volunteer
MISSION
UMVIM upcoming Missions - United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Opportunities: Zimbabwe (July 22-August 6, 2019)
For Information, visit www.wpaumc.org/Opportunities or contact Sandra Matoushaya at [email protected].
MORE CLEANING BUCKETS NEEDED! An estimated 1500 Cleaning/Flood Buckets were distributed by East Brook Mission Barn. The buckets were distributed to at least eight counties in South Western/Central PA. The supply is now low and we encourage the replacement of these buckets by making your contributions or sending your buckets through East Brook Mission Barn or by being in contact with Katie Peterson. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call 814-442-5899.
Eastbrook Mission Barn – Ramps, relief supplies and Outreach. ALL ages can serve for one day in the New Castle area. www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn
UMCOR Grants: UMCOR’s board of directors approved an unprecedented amount in the form of grants during the annual spring board meeting. More than $46 million was awarded in support of disaster relief and recovery, global health projects, and sustainable development. Learn more.
Top Tips from a Handbook for Mission Volunteers : Read some practical and theological tips for Volunteers in Mission from “A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers.”
HELPFUL LINKS
Clergy Excellence: There's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment.
2019 WPA UM Annual Conference will be Thursday, June 6-Saturday, June 8, 2019.
Clergy: Plan your vacation, weddings, mission trips, etc. around these dates and plan to attend.
Appointments
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DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION
Required Annual Forms Church Dashboard Login Clergy Dashboard Login
Western PA Conference The United Methodist ChurchButler District
1204 Freedom RoadP.O. Box 5002
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-0002Phone: 724-252-3198
