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Franklin District NewsNotes 10-12-2017

Many links are included in this publication. If you have trouble with the blue link….hold the Ctrl key down and click on the link.

New & Updated items in this issue of NewsNotes:

• Memorial Service – Pg 1

• Disaster Spiritual Care - Pg 4

• Regional Order of the Elder Meetings – Pg 4

• UMW Mission Bazaar – Pg 5

• “Rev it Up” Event – Pg 6

• Strategies for Year-End Giving – Pg 7

• Summer Internships – Pg 8

• Temporary Hold on Cleaning Buckets – Pg 10

• Disaster Response Update for WPA – Pg 10

• How UMCOR Works – Pg 10

• United Methodist Now Newsletter – Pg 11

• Bishop Quiz – Pg 11

• Executive Director Needed – Pg 11

• The NEW Upper Room Online – Pg 11

• Contemporary Worship Handbook – Pg 11

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October Birthdays this week:

15 Mrs. Nan Sheesley

16 Rev. Walt Hehman

19 Rev. Tim Storms

October Anniversaries this week:

17 Pastor Cindy & Mr. Jack Weber

18 Rev. & Mrs. Jeff Canter

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Prayer Concerns:

-Pastor Denise Mains’ son, Mitchell. He has a heart infection that has gone to his brain, causing strokes. He

is in very critical condition. He’s 32 with a wife & 6 yr old daughter. Please surround the family with prayer.

-Rev. Keith Diehl-health issues

-Rev. Dan Grimes-health issues

-Las Vegas shooting victims, their families and families of the deceased

-San Juan UMC members who have family members missing in Puerto Rico

-All those affected by hurricanes, flooding and wildfires

-Rev. Walt and Barb Hehman – Walt’s declining health

-Rev. Bruce Merritt (retired) severely injured in a fall. Cards: 7387 River Pine Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

-Rev. Fay Barca - hospice care

-Nathan Storms, son of Rev. Tim & Eileen Storms (retired) has pancreatic cancer

-Tammy Hay, Connellsville District Administrative Assistant, recovering from a stroke

-Collette Charnik, Washington District Administrative Assistant – knee replacement

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October is Pastor Appreciation Month:

-5 Gifts for Your Pastors for Pastor Appreciation Month (and all the time)

-Five ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month

-What NOT to Get Your Pastor for Pastor Appreciation Month

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New- Memorial Service: For Rev. Joe Martin’s mother who passed away on August 30th will be on Saturday, October 21 at 2 pm at Bethel UMC, 2656 State Route 417, Franklin, PA 16323. [pic]

If the Shoe Fits, Wear it… on Thursday, October 12th at 7 pm at Sharon First UMC, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon, PA 16146. Join us for an evening filled with love, laughter and praise to our Lord. Lisa Allen, from Proverbs 31 Ministries, will illustrate our different “shoe” personality styles. Worship & Music by Pastor Doug Dyson, Pastor Angelique Bradford and the New Wilmington Presbyterian Worship Team. Donation $5. Proceeds benefit Aware - Partners in the prevention of violence. Register or call 724-983-0200.

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BELONG. Youth Retreat at Wesley Woods Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15. God knows you and He loves you anyway. Ages 6th – 12th grade. Cost $95/person (Zipline and Airsoft $10 extra/person.) Starts at 5 pm on Friday and ends at 1 pm on Sunday. Register[pic]

Western Pennsylvania Christian Ashram from Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15 at Jumonville Retreat Center, Hopwood, PA. Many daily disciplines of the Ashram are incorporated into this weekend event.

Email the Registrar for more information. Families are encouraged to attend together!

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Cherry Run Camp Fall Work Days are Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15. We will be meeting at camp at 8:00 AM. Lunch and dinner will be provided.  We will close on Sunday with breakfast followed by worship. We will be painting, raking leaves, winterizing and completing several other tasks. There will be jobs for people of all skill sets. We will have the dorms open for anyone who wishes to stay Saturday night. Anyone under the age of 18 who wishes to stay Saturday night must be accompanied by a guardian. We will not be providing counselors for this weekend. RSVPS to Ryan Dinger at ryanpdinger@ are appreciated.

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MISSIONAL OUTREACH: Discover the Best Practices for Expanding Missional Outreach at the free ACTIVATE

Conference which will be held at South Harborcreek UM Church, 7929 McGill Road, Harborcreek, PA on Saturday, October 14 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Lunch is provided. To register, call our church office at (814) 899-5962. This Conference will empower your outreach with strong biblical foundations and principles to develop a customized biblical outreach plan to make disciples of Jesus Christ. You'll learn the principles of forming local and global Kingdom partnerships and fund your outreach by faith.

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Butler District Fall Lay Servant Ministry School: “Leading Worship” will be Saturdays from 1:00 – 5:00 pm on

October 14, 21 & 28 at Aliquippa: First UM Church, 2816 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001. NOTE: If attending this school, it is your responsibility to make sure that the Franklin District Office receives a copy of your certificate of completion. Fall 2017-ALIQUIPPA FIRST Lay Servant Ministries-Brochure.pdf

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Red Bird Missions Appalachian Craft Fair on Saturday, October 14th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at First UMC, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon, PA. Shoppers will find handmade crafts, jewelry, collectable dolls, Christmas crafts and more. All artisans are residents living in and around the coalfields of southeastern Kentucky. Red Bird Mission helps alleviate the unemployment rate in this area by featuring the local artists and their work.

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Chicken Breast ‘N Stuffing Dinner on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 4 – 6 pm at Grace UM Church of Rocky Grove, 350 Front Street, Franklin. Menu includes chicken breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, applesauce, drink and dessert. Price is by donation. Take outs available. Benefits the annual work mission trip to Oak Hill, West Virginia. For more information: 814-758-3343

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Racial Justice Grants: The deadline is October 15. Applications are available for grants to help UM young people with a passion for racial justice to initiate projects that can influence their church, community and world. Three agencies and the Connectional Table are collaborating to provide up to $2,500 per project. To apply Read Discipleship Ministries press release.

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Laity Sunday 2017: “Therefore, Go! with HOPE Through Hospitality” on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Often when we think of hospitality, we think of it through the lens of how we receive guests in our midst. But the reality is, we practice hospitality wherever we are, even when we are outside our home or church. Resources

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Churches are encouraged to celebrate UMVIM Awareness Sunday on October 15 on Laity Sunday (see above). The General Board of Global Ministries has prepared resources to help enhance your celebration. Download bulletin inserts, social media posts, litanies and much more at volunteer. 

The work of UMVIM volunteers includes construction and renewing of mission facilities, conducting medical clinics, witnessing, holding Bible school for children and serving in disaster relief efforts around the world. 

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.”

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Ruck the Bay  on Sunday, October 15, 2017 is a 15K Military-Style Ruck March/Walk in honor of our local fallen heroes and to end Veteran homelessness. Registration at 1 pm with the Ruck at 2 pm at Presque Isle State Park, Beach 11, Erie. Proceeds will benefit Erie United Methodist Alliance’s (EUMA) Liberty House.

For more information, contact the EUMA office at (814) 456-8073 or SGT Kelly Whitney at 814-602-3602.

Ruck the Bay participants will complete the 15K (or optional 5K) carrying a loaded rucksack/backpack, and will observe memorials at every kilometer honoring those who have lost their lives in service to our country. Participants are encouraged to fill their rucksack with items to donate to Liberty House.

Registration through day of event: Individual: $35; Team of 4+: $30

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Clergy College at Jumonville: Dr. Steve Martyn associate professor of spiritual formation at Asbury Theological Seminary, will be the guest teacher. Sunday dinner, October 15 - Tuesday morning, October 17. Open to all clergy. Topic: “Focused Ministry: Fulfilling God’s Purposes for the Church”.   Learn more [pic]

Franklin District Retirees Lunch on Wednesday, October 18th at 11:30 am at Sugarcreek UMC, 443 Sugarcreek Drive, Franklin, PA. Retirees, Spouses and Surviving Spouses are invited to share a meal and fellowship. RSVP to the Franklin District Office at franklin.office@ or 814-437-5857.

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Jumonville’s Sponsor Dinner on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the South Hills Country Club. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Bishop of the WPA Conference of the United Methodist Church, will share her enthusiasm for the ministry of Christian Camping that takes place on the Jumonville Mountaintop.

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Join the Celebration! RSVP by October 12. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and President David Esterline of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary invite you to a reception celebrating the relationship between PTS and the UMC. It’s Thursday, October 19 from 6:30 to 9 pm at Calvary UMC on Pittsburgh’s North Side.

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WPA Conference Minister’s Chorus on October 19, 2017 at Mount Hope UMC. Contact Don & Shirley Bloomster (814-927-8692), Pat Cleary (254-241-0680, wpcleary@) or Lola Turnbull (814-745-2231, pastorljt@) with any questions. Next concert: November 16, 2017 at Brookville First UMC.

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Mission Bazaar, Soup Lunch, Bake Sale and Multi-vendor Show on Saturday, October 21 from 10 am – 3 pm at Grace UM Church, 100 Central Avenue, Oil City. Proceeds benefit 27 missions supported by Grace United Methodist Church. Vendors include:

• Mary Kay

• John McCullough Photography

• Norwex

• Pampered Chef

• Grace Church Crafters

• Vickie Conn – Jewelry

• Paparazzi

• Agnes & Dora

• Courtney Reynolds

• Handcrafted Jewelry

• Tupperware

• Stamping Up

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Alissa Cooper Sande at Calvary UM Church, 115 East First Street, Oil City on Sunday, October 22, 2017 during worship at 10:45 am. Alissa will be speaking about her mission work through Heart for Uganda.

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Addressing Opioid Addiction: Faith community leaders are invited to breakfast and a workshop on Friday, October 27 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to learn how to address addiction in the church and community.

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Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) Annual Fall Meeting on Saturday, October 28 at Faith Delmont UMC, 305 Freeport Street, Delmont, PA 15626 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Speaker: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi.  All women welcome! Contact Diane Miller at diane.miller2747@

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New- Disaster Spiritual Care: The American Red Cross is offering a Disaster Spiritual Care Fundamentals course for clergy on Saturday, October 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at their office at 2801 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  The course will equip clergy with the knowledge and skills required to offer support to families in the case of a disaster. The Red Cross hopes to assemble local spiritual care teams who can be deployed to disasters as needed. To register, contact sandi.wraith@.

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“The God Diagnosis”-By Dr. Greg Viehman on Sunday, October 29th 3 pm & 7 pm at Hickory High School, 640 N. Hermitage Rd. Hermitage, PA. Tickets are free but we need a count of people. R.S.V.P. by October 14th via phone at 724-981-9450 or email at hickoryumc@. Sponsored by the Shenango Valley Cluster

Dr. Viehman was an atheist doctor, who set out to disprove God. While doing so he found so much evidence to something greater and knew something was missing in his life. This is a tale of his journey. He has written 2 books and the one he will speak about is "The God Diagnosis." Please join us. [pic]

New- Regional Order of the Elder meetings are scheduled over the next several weeks. All Elders, under appointment or retired are invited to attend the meeting of their choice based on convenient date and location. Registration is necessary. Times for the meeting are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The dates are as follows:

• October 30th at Charter Oak

• November 2nd at Oakland UMC Johnstown

• November 10th at Dutilh Cranberry Twp.

• November 17th at Allegheny College Meadville 

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2018 Equitable Compensation Forms are due - Wednesday, November 1 (where applicable)

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Braddock Road Preservation Association's French & Indian War History Seminar from November 3-4, 2017. Passion, Spies, Murder and Intrigue: How Western PA Events Ignited a World War.

Highlights of the seminar include an optional Friday bus tour of the Forbes Road and a visit and dinner at Fort Ligonier. Saturday speaker sessions feature numerous national and international pre-Colonial experts and scholars. The seminar is designed to examine the critical role our region played in French and Indian War history through hands-on engagement and discussion. Click here for more details. [pic]

Exploration 2017: Adults age 18-26 are invited to Exploration, a three-day event November 3-5 in Portland, Oregon. It is held every two years to help young adults explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church. This year’s event will be held Young adults who have a sense that God might be calling them to ordained ministry, who have wondered what ministry in The United Methodist Church is all about, who would like help sifting through issues involved in an ordained vocation, or who want to learn more about The United Methodist seminaries and theological schools should attend this event. .

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Help Wanted: The Upper New York Conference is seeking a Director of Missional Engagement. Details.

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New- Mission Bazaar: The Sugarcreek United Methodist Women will hold their 46th Annual Mission Bazaar at the Church, 443 Sugarcreek Drive, Franklin on Saturday, November 4th from 10 AM to 4 PM.  There will be Home Made Soups, Pies, Crafts, Baked Goods and Grab Bags available.

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ERT Trainings: In response to the need and requests, three more Early Response Team (ERT) trainings have been scheduled in Western PA in the next month. This is an UMCOR certified training for Disaster Response ministries of Volunteers in Mission. They will be on Saturday, November 4 at First UMC in Kane; and Saturday, November 11 at Garden City UMC in Monroeville. Get details and register at disasterresponse.

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“More Church Leaders/Stronger Church Leaders” Conference & Live Stream on Saturday, November 4 from 10 am – 1 pm Eastern. Churches with vital growing ministries learn to leverage leadership potential within their congregations. Learn strategies to identify and support new leaders and build and maintain effective ministry teams. Discover a more synergistic and fruitful way of being in ministry together. Presenters: Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., Dr. Ann A. Michel & Rev. Stephanie Remington

Attendees may participate in person at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC or via live stream from their own computer or mobile device. Learn more and register

Sessions:

• Finding the Leaders Your Church Needs to Thrive

• Simple Strategies for Raising Up New Leaders

• Benefits of the Team Approach to Ministry Leadership

• How to Lead a Team Effectively

• Harnessing the Power of Synergy

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Engaging & Serving Your Community with Rev. Jeff Campbell of Discipleship Ministries.

Sunday, November 5 and Monday, November 6, 2017

Clergy and Laity both are invited to Jeff’s presentation at Olmsted Manor Retreat Center beginning Sunday at 3:00 pm and ending Monday afternoon. Hosted by the Kane District. Download Flyer

$30—for Single room (includes 3 meals plus room)

$20—for Shared room (includes 3 meals plus room)

$5—for Sunday only (includes evening meal)

$15—for Commuter Rate

For reservations contact Anne@ or 814-945-6512

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Online Lay Servant Workshop: Your Ministry of Leading Worship 101 Course Dates: November 6 – December 8, 2017. This online course will focus on basic understandings of worship, gaining skills for lay servants planning and leading worship and fulfilling requirements for Lay Speaker Certification. This class is approved by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries, and is the “worship” class required for Lay Speaker Certification. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. Details

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Christian Unity Gathering: “Resilience, Resistance, and Persistence” is the theme for the Christian Unity Gathering of the National Council of Churches in Silver Spring, MD on November 8 - 10. The event also includes a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. To register

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Franklin District School of Lay Servant Ministries from 6-9 pm on Friday, November 10 and 8 am – 5 pm on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Emlenton UMC, 1303 Kerr Avenue, Emlenton, PA 16373. Advanced registration is required. Late registrations will not be accepted. $25 before Monday, October 23. Questions: Paula Grucza, Director 724-974-9137 or paula.grucza@.

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Braised Steak Dinner on Saturday, November 11 from 4 – 6 pm at Grace UM Church of Rocky Grove, 350 Front Street, Franklin. Menu: braised steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, applesauce, drink and dessert. Price by donation. Take outs available. Benefits the annual mission trip to Oak Hill, WV. 814-758-3343

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Examine Implicit Bias: Learn what implicit bias is, how it affects our behavior, and what we mean by the terms race and racism during a workshop facilitated by members of the Conference Anti-Racism Team on Saturday morning, November 11 at Trinity UMC in McMurray. Get details and register. [pic]

New- Rev It Up will be held November 13-15, 2017 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Hotel, Pensacola, Florida. This is a wonderful event Wespath holds for young clergy ages 25-39 throughout the United Methodist Denomination.  This year, the Western PA Conference Board of Pensions is pleased to announce we will be offering 10 scholarships for clergy in our conference wishing to attend this event. These scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. The scholarships are for those attending for the first time.

Contact Kathleen Lasky at kathleen.lasky@ or Alexis Soohy at alexis.soohy@.

The Conference Board of Pensions will reimburse up to $600.00 for your attendance; this cost is towards registration, hotel (2 nights) and airfare. You would be responsible for meals not included in registration, airport parking and other incidental expenses incurred. If you would like to attend, contact Kathleen Lasky for a reimbursement form. Complete the form and return it with your receipts after the event has concluded.

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EUMA Fall Tour on Tuesday, November 14th, from 9am to noon. You are invited to join Erie United Methodist Alliance for their annual tour. Participants will enjoy a morning of fellowship, refreshments, and a guided tour of EUMA’s The Refuge, Liberty House, Rainbow Connection Thrift Store, and more. The day starts at Glenwood UMC and concludes there for lunch. Interested individuals and groups can RSVP for this event by calling 814-456-8073 by Thursday, November 9th. [pic]

New- Strategies for Year-End Giving: The United Methodist Foundation of Western PA will be offering a free webinar entitled Seven Strategies for Year-End Giving which aims to equip pastors and church leaders with practical skills to assist followers of Jesus in making gifts this Christmas season. The webinar will be held at

10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15.  Register using the event link at .

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WPA MLK Racial Justice Scholarship: Individuals active in racial justice ministry who are pursuing ordination or licensing as a local pastor may apply for the new Martin Luther King Jr. Racial Justice Scholarship. It is offered by the Pittsburgh and Greensburg districts. The deadline is Wednesday, November 15. Get application with details. Get application in PDF.

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UMC #Giving Tuesday is November 28. Connect your passion with God’s mission. Give through The Advance-Advancing Hope in Christ’s name. Get started at .

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Clergy Health Benefits News: Open enrollment for 2018 healthcare will end Thursday, November 30, 2017. All members will receive a kit, which will include cost-sharing information, the enrollment application and any required forms, including instructions for completion. All members will be required to complete the necessary application/forms in order to remain covered by our UPMC health plan in 2018. Details: benefits.

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Holy Spirit Seminar: On Friday, December 1, United Theological Seminary will host its 6th annual Holy Spirit Seminar. Guest speakers Guillermo Leon Mighty and Adria Ortiz Núñez, co-pastors of Havana Central Methodist Church in Cuba, will explore Holy Fire: Holiness and the Holy Spirit. Get details.

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Global Migration Sunday: On Sunday, December 3, United Methodist churches are encouraged to participate in a day of prayer and special offering to support displaced people around the world. Thomas Kemper, top executive of the UMC Global Ministries, said the mission of Global Migration Sunday is threefold: Learn, pray, respond. Read more. Find resources at .

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Olmsted Christmas Open House: Sunday, December 3 & 10, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. both evenings. Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and punch next to the fireplace, or take a tour of the freshly decorated manor. We hope you will join us for an evening of celebration and fellowship. Click to Download Flyer

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2018 & 2019

Saving Labels? If people in your church are among the many who are saving Labels for Education for a pre-school such as the one at the Ruth M. Smith Center, be sure that they know that the program ends as of January 2, 2018. Ruth M. Smith needs to receive any labels saved for it by December 15 to submit before the program ends. Learn more at .  Visit Ruth M. Smith Center website

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Orientation 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 jflrd425@.

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Bahamas Mission Team: Anyone over age 18 is invited to join a team that will travel January 7-13, 2018 and serve in home repair, community ministry and/or disaster response. Bahamas Methodist Habitat staff have just returned to Eleuthera and are evaluating projects in Bahamas and other parts of the Caribbean. Cost is $1400. Young adults under 35 are eligible for a $500 discount. ? Apply by October 10 by sending the WPA VIM Team application to Missions Coordinator Stephanie Gottschalk. Get application here. [pic]

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SPARK, the annual weekend gathering at Pittsburgh’s Sheraton Station Square, is set for January 19-21. 2018.  SPARK is our annual retreat for youth in grades 6-12 and 2018 is our tenth year! See the line-up of leaders, breakout sessions and the guide for newcomers at SPARK.

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Apply to be a Global Mission Fellow!  Young adults can apply now to be a Global Mission Fellow and serve two years in mission through the United Methodist Church. Deadline: January 21, 2018. Learn more.

Email questions to Stephanie.Gottschalk@.

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New- Summer Internships: Seminary students, undergrads, parents... It's time to think about summer internships! Applications are due January 31, 2018. For more information and to apply for College Ministry Discernment or Seminary Ministry internships, visit internships.

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Older Adult Ministries Seminar: Will be offered on April 15-16, 2018, so mark your calendars now and plan to attend! Details to be announced. [pic]

UMW Gears Up for Assembly: The Power of Bold is the theme for the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for May 18-20, 2018, in Columbus. A promotional video and other resources are already available. The early registration fee is $295 with a November 30 deadline. Regular registration is $330. Includes two healthy lunches. Registration closes April 9, 2018.  Learn more  Watch video. [pic]

2018 Annual Conference: Wednesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 9, 2018. (Not on Sunday)

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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. YOUTH 2019 Media Kit!

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Organist wanted: First United Methodist Church, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon, PA is seeking an Organist.

 

▪ Two services Sunday 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

▪ Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.     (Memorial Day through Labor Day)

▪ Weddings, Funerals and Special Holiday Services. Currently using a Letourneau Tracker Pipe Organ 

Please send resume to Organist Search Committee c/o Sharon First United Methodist Church at

or fax 724-983-0201.

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Pianist needed at Cherrytree UMC: Our congregation at the Cherrytree United Methodist Church 2724 State Route 8, south of Titusville, needs a pianist for the Sunday morning worship service at 10 am.

We are currently using the CDs for the United Methodist Hymnal but we would really appreciate a pianist to make our worship time more meaningful. We are a small congregation of 15 to 20 and we love to sing.

Would you know of anyone in your church or community who would like to earn some money by playing once a week? Please reply to this email or contact Rachel Roxberry at 814 694-6217 for details and compensation.

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How to Set Your Pastor’s 2018 Salary! The annual guide for setting your pastor’s salary is posted on the Conference website. See document. WHEN SETTING THE PASTOR’S SALARY - Please make sure that all of the clergy salary information is 100% correct when it is entered on the Charge Conference Summary Form. There is a DIFFERENCE in “Cash Housing” and “Housing Allowance Exclusion”. Please make sure it is correct. It is the District Administrative Assistant’s job to gather the salaries and enter them in our data system. It is used to report pension information. If you have questions, please don’t guess, call your district office!

  Setting the Pastor’s salary  Pension Calculator

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Fall Work Teams Needed: Camp Allegheny could use your help with many different projects this fall.  We can use work teams of 1 to 21 for any number of days, 1-101 days.  Please call the office 814-754-5122 and ask for Rob or email him at Rob@. 

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Leadership Development webpage. Both laity and clergy will find information about events, ongoing programs, online learning opportunities, as well as scholarship applications on our updated web page. If you have an event that you’d like listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at susan.moudry@.

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Rethink Church: Advent resources: Unwrap the true meaning with us this Christmas. Resources include both lectionary and non-lectionary based Advent sermon starters and more. Outreach materials are available in both printed and downloadable versions. Choose from four Rethink Church-branded designs.

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New- Hold Up on Flood Buckets! UMCOR Disaster Supply Network officials sent a thank you for all the congregations and groups who have contributed cleaning buckets and reported that their main supply depot was full. As of October 8th, the Mission Barn also had a good supply of verified kits. If you are thinking of launching a collection effort, please hold off for now. If you've already started, the Mission Barn or its satellites will accept them. Meanwhile, the Mission Barn can always use volunteers. Get details at missionbarn. [pic]

New- WPA Donations for Disaster Response: From September 1 - October 9, WPAUMC churches and individuals donated $225,906 to UMCOR's U.S. Disaster Response, $1,550 to International Response and $11,343 in undesignated UMCOR gifts. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is distributing emergency funds through the Conferences affected by the September/October flooding.

New- How UMCOR Works: When disasters happen anywhere, the local churches in the area provide the first response. UMCOR works with the local disaster response coordinators to provide financial assistance, expertise and networking. Here are 5 Ways to Support UMCOR.

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HP Printer Ink available at First UMC, 1102 Liberty Street, Franklin. Color Laser Jet Cartridges are high yield. Call First UMC at 814-432-8161 for more information.

Q3971A Blue (1)

Q3960A Black (1)

Q3972A Yellow (2)

Q3973A Magenta (2)

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UPMC Healthcare Update: Conference Benefits Coordinator Kathleen Lasky reports that, in response to concerns expressed by local churches, the Board of Pensions Executive Committee determined today that the 2018 blended rate charged to the local church for clergy enrolled in the UPMC plan will be $1511 a month, including medical, vision and dental coverage. This is a reduction of $45 a month from the current 2017 rate of $1556.00 a month or a savings of $540.00 a year in 2018. Clergy will share costs in 2018 by contributing $70/month for a family; $35 for two people and $20 for a single person. These cost sharing amounts are each $10 less than the amounts quoted at Annual Conference.

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Truly Free Family Skate: Every Sunday night 4:30 – 6:30 pm at Skate Capital, 255 Old Salina Road, Seneca, PA.

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Schmetterlinge are Coming! A choir of about 50 children from the East German Conference, known in English as The Butterflies, will be touring and offering concerts and music at churches in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Erie, and Indiana, PA. Get details and the full schedule.

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Leadership and the Small Membership Church: Understanding the unique leadership context of smaller congregations is vital to the future of the church, says Lovett H. Weems, Jr. Leaders of small churches need to be sensitive to their unique history and culture, while also bearing hope for the future. Read more. [pic]

5 Indices of Health and Vitality for Small to Mid-sized Congregations: In "To the Point: A New Way to View Small Church Vitality," small church expert Dr. Lew Parks describes five indices of health and vitality for small to mid-sized congregations that contribute to "dynamic equilibrium." Read more now. [pic]

50 Ways to Improve Your Annual Stewardship Campaign: This free resource in our popular 50 Ways series provides effective strategies for improving your stewardship campaign. Topics include: plan carefully; structure your campaign to acknowledge unique giving patterns; know what motivates people to give; ask in effective ways; follow-up; and more. Read now and download free.

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E-Giving Quiz: Will e-giving help your church? Separate e-Giving fact from fiction using this quiz from UMC partner Vanco. Do You Believe Myths About Church Giving?

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New- United Methodist Now: Inspiration for Daily Living newsletter - sign up here.

Current articles:

“You did it for me”: Serving others in tragedy. After tragedies like the recent shootings in Las Vegas, a story Jesus tells about serving others is a useful guide for United Methodists to reach out in love. Read more

How to hear a sermon - Want to make the most of your time in the pew each week? Become a more active listener and you’ll remember the message longer. Learn more

Beacon on Capitol Hill – Right next door to the U.S. Supreme Court is the United Methodist Building. Learn more about the history and ongoing witness of the church’s unique space in the heart of Washington. Video

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New- Quiz: How well do you know our Bishops? You might know the leader of your local area, but how much do you know about United Methodist bishops in general? Here are a few questions to test your knowledge.

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New- Classifieds: Connellsville Area Community Ministries is seeking an executive director. Learn more [pic]

New- The NEW Upper Room: A new website with expanded digital offerings has been launched, including audio files for the daily devotional guide and a new, interactive version of The Upper Room Disciplines. Some services are available only by subscription, but each daily meditation is available free online. Get details [pic]

New- The Complete Contemporary Worship Handbook - by Brian T. Russell is now available at Cokesbury. This handbook is for any pastors or worship leaders interested in either starting a contemporary worship service or bringing new life to an existing service. Order now.

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| | | |

| |What to Expect at Creativity: Orlando? | |

| |Download our Brochure  | |

| |for the schedule, hotel information and more | |

Invite your friends, colleagues and fellow creatives!

Scholarships available. Email:

sarah.rogoish@

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