Wpa-email.brtapp.com



PRAYER REQUESTSMary Stewart and family. Multiple family members have serious health issues.Jeff Bobin and family. His father-in-law, Larry Aldridge, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.Joe Patterson and family. His sister, Colleen Sanford, suffered a heart attack and stroke and is continuing her rehabilitation at home with the help of her husband.Jerome Alsdorf who has health concerns.Those who were injured or lost their lives in the Las Vegas tragedy.Those who were affected by the wildfires.IMPORTANT DATES(Check sections for more information.)Wednesday, October 18th – Module Build (Bulletin Board – Ramps of Hope), Jumonville’s Sponsor Dinner (Camp/Retreat Center Events – Jumonville)Thursday, October 19th – Erie-Meadville District Clergy Meeting (District Notables), Harvest Turkey Dinner and Bazaar (District Events), WPA Conference Minister’s Chorus (Conference Events), Technology in Ministry Workshop (Conference Events), Celebrating PTS Connections (Conference Events)Friday, October 20th to Saturday, October 21st – Rummage Sale (District Events)Saturday, October 21st – Cochranton Community Party (District Events), 54th Annual Harvest Home Supper (District Events), “Project Winter” (Bulletin Board), Ramp Build (Bulletin Board – Ramps of Hope)Sunday, October 22nd – Church Conferences (District Notables), Erie-Meadville District UMW Annual Meeting (District Events)Monday, October 23rd – One-on-One Meetings (District Notables)Tuesday, October 24th – One-on-One Meetings (District Notables), “Five Wishes” (District Events)Wednesday, October 25th – Word Pictures: An Evening with Storyteller Rev. John M. Scott (District Events), Root of Peace (Conference Events) BIRTHDAYSThursday, October 19th – Anne RodaSaturday, October 21st – Ann ZuraskySunday, October 22nd – Mary Jo TitusWednesday, October 25th – Bryon SwitalaANNIVERSARIESFriday, October 20th – Dave & Rose AckerOFFICE HOURSAndrea Wolf, the new Erie-Meadville District Administrative Assistant, will be available at the office during the following hours each week. Any updates for the weekly bulletin must be submitted by noon on Tuesdays.Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pmTuesday/Thursday: 8:30am – 1:30pmCHURCH CONFERENCESHYPERLINK "C:\\Users\\Erie-MeadvillePC\\Documents\\2017\\Church Conference\\Church Conference Schedule 2017.pdf"CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULECHARGE CONFERENCE SUMMARY FORMThis form is due two weeks before the cluster conference! Use THIS LINK to find all the forms needed for a church conference.ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGSThe schedule for the fall 2017 one-on-one meetings was sent out last month (ONE-ON-ONE SCHEDULE). If there are any conflicts, please contact Andrea Wolf, the Erie-Meadville District Administrative Assistant, at 814-783-0105 or erie-meadville.office@.Interviews will be held at the District Office (341 Main Street, Suite 3, Saegertown, PA 16433). Park in the gravel lot off Alden Alley, which intersects with Main Street. Enter the Haskins Building through a green door on the south wall (the entrance is well marked with signage). Suite 3 is located at the end of the hall on the right.Please be sure that your clergy profile is updated online and a copy of your Clergy Evaluation (due May 15th) and Fund Balance Report (audit) (due March 1st) are in before your one-on-one takes place. Remember to bring a printed copy of your completed clergy profile and the church profile for Cabinet. To find the templates, go to the conferences website () and click on the FORMS tab at the top. As you will see, you need to log in to complete the form. If you need assistance, please call or email Andrea. Please also bring a printed copy of the SELF-CARE COVENANT 2017, provided by the DS. In preparation for its completion, please refer to the HEALTH AS WHOLENESS (HAW) OVERVIEW 2017, which has also been provided by the DS.ERIE-MEADVILLE DISTRICT CLERGY MEETINGThursday, October 19th, Saegertown UMC (620 Euclid Avenue, Saegertown, PA 16433)Register for one of two meeting sessions (11am or 5pm). Each session will be followed by a complimentary meal. Please confirm the meeting time you plan to attend through the District Office at 814-783-0105 or erie-meadville.office@.2018 EQUITABLE COMPENSATION APPLICATIONSIf applicable, 2018 Equitable Compensation Forms are due Wednesday, November 1st. Find the form HERE.The WPA Conference District Administrative Assistants meet together regularly to receive updated information and learn more about how they can best assist our pastors and churches. Tuesday, September 12th was one of those days. They discussed charge conference and PASTOR 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 between “Cash Housing” and “Housing Allowance Exclusion.” It is the Administrative Assistant’s job to report the salaries and enter the figures in our data system. From there, it is used to report pension information. If you have any questions, don’t guess; call your district office for clarification!HARVEST TURKEY DINNER AND BAZAARThursday, October 19th, starting at 4:30pm, Phillipsville UMC (11469 Phillipsville Road, Wattsburg, PA 16442)Roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry relish, squash, applesauce, bread, pie, and beverage. Adults $10, children (6-12) $5, 5 and under FREE. Takeout is available.RUMMAGE SALEFriday, October 20th and Saturday, October 21st, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road West, Erie, PA 16509)Hours of the rummage sale are 9am to 5pm on Friday and 9am to noon on Saturday.COCHRANTON COMMUNITY PARTYSaturday, October 21st, 5pm to 7pm, Cochranton Fire Hall (113 East Adams Street, Cochranton, PA 16314)Deckard’s UMC is hosting a Cochranton Community Party! The band The Bitter Past will be playing and admission is a donation. Food will be available and all proceeds will be given to the local schools for materials that the teachers are now required to provide. This is a teen-friendly event so no alcohol or tobacco will be permitted. Come and join the fun!54TH ANNUAL HARVEST HOME SUPPERSaturday, October 21st, 5pm to 7pm, Franklin Center UMC (7471 Old State Road, Edinboro, PA 16412)Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans, squash, coleslaw, dinner rolls, pie, and beverage. Adults $10, children (6-12) $5, 5 and under FREE. Tickets available at the door. Takeout is also available. Building is handicap accessible. For more information, call 814-734-4691 or 814-734-7020.ERIE-MEADVILLE DISTRICT UMW ANNUAL MEETINGSunday, October 22nd, 2pm, Blooming Valley UMC (24740 State Street, Meadville, PA 16335)The program will be about the Elizabeth A. Bradley Mission Fund and a beneficiary, All God’s Children Ministries Respite Care, Sarah Deemer, Respite Care Coordinator. An ingathering will be held for The Refuge. Suggested items include: twin bed linens (new or gently used), men’s socks, men’s boxers (medium and large), toilet bowl cleaner, gift cards to Home Depot or Lowe’s. For more information, call 814-774-3993.“FIVE WISHES”Tuesday, October 24th, 6pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)How do you begin that awkward conversation with your family? How do you communicate your end-of-life decisions to your loved ones or ask them to share with you concerns and wishes for their own end of life? What are Advance Directives? How do you write a living will? Please join the Stephen Ministry Team as they review the “Five Wishes” document and discuss the above mentioned issues. For more information, call 814-864-3271.WORD PICTURES: AN EVENING WITH STORYTELLER REV. JOHN M. SCOTTWednesday, October 25th, 7pm, Erie First UMC (707 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16501)This hour of storytelling will deal with issues adults encounter, but children 10 and older may find the stories interesting. All funds received will go to hurricane relief efforts in the Florida Keys. For more information, contact Pastor John Scott at jscotterie@. CREATIVE CRAFTERS DAYSaturday, October 28th, 9am to 8pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)Perfect day to scrapbook, quilt, sew, make cards, crochet, knit, read, or work on any kind of project. Make it your time! Cost is $35 and includes lunch and dinner. Proceeds benefit the Summit UMC Won by One to Jamaica mission trip. RSVP and payment due by Sunday, October 22nd to Mandy Barney (814-460-6955 or mbarney9@). CHICKEN AND BISCUIT DINNERSaturday, October 28th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Sugar Lake UMC (6680 Sugar Lake Road, Cochranton, PA 16314)Cost is donation. There will also be a bake sale.100TH ANNIVERSARY CHURCH TOUR AND CHICKEN SUPPERSunday, October 29th, 4pm to 7pm, West Springfield UMC (13790 Chestnut Street, West Springfield, PA 16443)Come tour the church and then savor a delicious buffet-style dinner of chicken, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, green beans, applesauce, beverages, and a takeout slice of celebratory cake. Free will donations are accepted. Handicap accessible.LEADERSHIP BEYOND REGIONAL CONFERENCEThursday, November 9th to Saturday, November 11th, Camp Fitch (12600 Abels Road, North Springfield, PA 16430)Offered by the International Leadership Institute, this conference equips leaders and spreads the Gospel through eight core values, including intimacy with God, visionary leadership, multiplication of disciples, and faithful stewardship. Registration begins Thursday, November 9th at 4pm. The conference starts at 5pm on Thursday and ends at 7:30pm on Saturday. Cost of registration is $75 (scholarships are available) and includes materials, lodging, and meals. Checks should be made out to “Asbury United Methodist Church (Note: ILI Conference)” and mailed to Gordon Evans (4390 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506). For more information, contact Gordon at 814-882-0657.EARLY CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGSaturday, November 11th, 10am to 3pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)Get some early Christmas shopping done at Summit UMC’s vendor and craft fair. Lunch is available for purchase. Sponsored by the Won by One to Jamaica mission team. For more information, call 814-864-3271.FREE SONG BOOKSTrinity UMC at Conneaut Lake is offering soft cover song books from several of the past years’ performances of the Living Christmas Tree. They are available for free. If you are interested in any or all copies, please contact the church office at 814-382-1121 or tumclake@. The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am to 1:30pm. Please respond before November 1st. The titles and number of copies are listed below.The Hope of Christmas – Choral Book (58 copies), Dave Williamson and Phil BarfootChristmas is Coming (Sing for Joy!) (43 copies), Deborah Craig-Claar and Gary RhodesDown from His Glory: The Love Story of Christmas (68 copies), Mike Speck and Lari GossThe Arrival: Celebrating the Joy of His Birth (58 copies), Marty HambyChristmas – In His Presence: The Timeless Story of His Coming (17 copies), Marty Hamby and Deborah Craig-ClaarBISHOP CALLS FOR 59 DAYS OF PRAYER AFTER VEGASBishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi urged every United Methodist in Western PA to commit to 59 days of prayer for the families impacted by the massacre in Las Vegas. READ HER STATEMENT“PROJECT WINTER”WANTED: Donations of new or gently used warm winter coats for distribution to school-age children (small through extra large) at Woodcock UMC, 23048 Gravel Run, Saegertown, PA 16433 on Saturday, October 21st from 9am to 1pm. Coats, hats, gloves, and voucher for boots or shows available. Voucher can be redeemed at The Shoe Department #1049 (Staples Plaza), 16236 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, PA 16335. Student must be present to receive items. No cost to student families. For donating or information, call 814-382-4128.LOVE, INC. OF CRAWFORD COUNTY LUNCHEONLove, Inc. of Crawford County is meeting to express appreciation for its church partners and to encourage more community involvement. The luncheon is on Thursday, October 26th from 11:30am to 1pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335. The keynote speaker is Debbie Miller, executive director of Love, Inc. Titusville, with additional speakers from the local Love, Inc. Please RSVP by calling 814-724-1417 and leave your name, organization affiliation, number attending, and contact phone number.ONLINE LAY SERVANT WORKSHOPYour Ministry of Leading Worship 101 is Monday, November 6th to Friday, December 8th. 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. MORE DETAILSGLOBAL MIGRATION SUNDAYOn Sunday, December 3rd, the first Sunday of Advent, 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. Find resources at . READ MOREEMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESMINISTRY COORDINATOR NEEDEDEdinboro UMC, located in a college town, is hiring a full-time Ministry Coordinator. Responsibilities include administrative support of program teams and daily church operations. In addition to organizational skills to enhance current ministries, they are looking for a United Methodist who will assist in creating new places for new people. A passion for leadership development and connecting with the Edinboro community, including the university, will be an asset. Send inquiries for complete position description to pastor@. CLASSIFIEDS SECTION OF WPAUMC WEBSITEGO HEREAPPLY 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. Email Stephanie.Gottschalk@ with questions. LEARN MORELEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTBoth lay and clergy will find information about events, ongoing programs, and continuing education opportunities, as well as scholarship applications, on our newly updated WEBPAGE. If you have an event that you’d like to see listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at susan.moudry@. HOW TO SET YOUR PASTOR’S 2018 SALARY!The annual GUIDE for setting your pastor’s salary has been posted on the conference website and will be mailed to local churches and active clergy.NEW UMC HANDBOOKThe new United Methodist Church Handbook, which covers the next four years, is available, providing a detailed overview of the denomination’s beliefs, mission, structure, and history. The handbook is a free, go-to resource for anyone in search of information about the church and is helpful for leaders and new members. GET HANDBOOKGRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPSWPA MLK RACIAL JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIPIndividuals 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 15th. APPLICATIONSCHOLARSHIPSThere are a variety of scholarships at resources/scholarships and at scholarshipforms. SEMINARY FINANCIAL AIDApplications for the 2016-17 academic year are available at BOOM.euma-EUMA FALL TOURTuesday, November 14th, 9am to noonYou are invited to join EUMA 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. SAVE THE DATEMark your calendar to join EUMA for a special evening at their annual gala, slated for Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center. More information to come.MINISTRY NEEDSAs cold weather approaches, EUMA is seeking sleeping bags (adult-size, cold-weather rated) to distribute to those in need who either can’t find shelter or opt not to seek shelter. Most bags will be given out through EUMA’s medical outreach program, Healthcare for the Homeless Partnerships (please label donations with “HC4HP”). If you can help, sleeping bags can be dropped off at the administrative office (1033 East 26th Street) during business hours of at The Refuge (1027 East 26th Street) during evening/weekend hours. Thank you!RUCK THE BAY“Thanks to everyone who joined us for and supported the third annual Ruck the Bay, held this past Sunday at Presque Isle State Park. Despite, at times, very harsh weather conditions, just over 200 military personnel and civilians marched our 15k and 5k courses to raise money and supplies for EUMA’s Liberty House. Like our Ruck the Bay Facebook page for event updates and photos.” TEAM MEMBERSWe are still seeking team members for an international mission trip to Guatemala from Thursday, February 15, 2018 to Thursday, February 22, 2018. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@. RAMPS OF HOPE BUILDThere are still several more ramps to reclaim. Please contact Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@ if you can help.SEEKING VOLUNTEERSRamps of Hope is seeking volunteers to help get ramps ready for winter. If you would be willing to help with applying sealant, please contact Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@. This is a great project for a few folks to get together to do and is well suited for youth groups.MODULE BUILDWednesday, October 18th, 4:30pm, 1305 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16501Ramps of Hope will have a module build to keep up with the high demand for ramps over the next month.NEXT RAMPSaturday, October 21st, 9am, 2117 Parade Street, Erie, PA 16503The house is second from the corner of East 22nd and Parade Streets. From 26th Street, turn left onto Parade and the house is second from the end from 22nd Street. Coming from the north, the house is on the left, second to last house past 21st Street. This is a good sized ramp and could use lots of help. Respite Care VOLUNTEERSRespite care volunteers are being sought for one or two Saturday afternoons a month. Options are to help as an ongoing or occasional volunteer. Please contact Sarah Deemer for more information at agcmrespite@. MAKING DISCIPLES – SAVE THE DATESunday, November 5th to Monday, November 6thJeff Campbell will be at Olmstead Manor to talk about making disciples. The event will include laity and clergy. More information to follow.OLMSTEAD CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSESunday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 10th, 4pm to 8pm both eveningsJoin the staff and friends of Olmstead as we open our doors to celebrate the Christmas season. Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and punch next to the warm fireplace or take a tour of the freshly decorated manor. Whether you are coming to visit your “home away from home” or are seeing Olmstead for the first time, we hope you will join us for an evening of celebration and fellowship.’S SPONSOR DINNERWednesday, October 18th, South Hills Country Club (4305 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236)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.BRADDOCK ROAD PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION HISTORY SEMINARFriday, November 3rd to Saturday, November 4thThe annual French and Indian War seminar at Jumonville, held the first weekend of November, is now the largest such annual gathering in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the country. It features guest speakers, including some of the top historians and museum directors in the field; slideshows, music presentations, and, in 2000, the premier of a major documentary film; exhibits of period artifacts; displays of antiquarian books and rare print dealers; participation by the National Park Service. MORE INFORMATIONFALL WORK TEAMS NEEDEDCamp Allegheny could use your help with many different projects this fall. They have completed some timbering and have some cleanup to do. This also means free firewood. They are also trying to complete the installation of an outdoor amphitheater, a small roofing project, wiring of some new smoke detectors, and more. They can use work teams of one to 21 for any number of days, one to 101 days. Please call the office at 814-754-5122 and ask for Rob or email him at Rob@. TO WESLEY WOODS!To make visitors feel more welcome and at home, Wesley Woods wants to replace all of its signs with some that are easier to read, accurate, and more exciting. You can help by making a financial donation or sharing your ideas, resources, or talents. To do so, contact Kira Argot, Wesley Woods’ program director at program@. CHERRY RUN CAMP UPCOMINGEVENTSTECHNOLOGY IN MINISTRYOctober 19th505 Galleria Drive, JohnstownWPA UMW ANNUAL MEETINGOctober 28thFaith UMC, DelmontEARLY RESPONSE TRAININGNovember 4th or November 11thTwo LocationsIMPLICIT BIAS WORKSHOPNovember 11th Trinity UMC, McMurraySPARKJanuary 19th – 21st Sheraton Station SquareView the CalendarNEWSBLOGSCLASSIFIEDSENEWSINFOCUS PUBLICATIONJOYFUL NOISE PUBLICATIONOBITUARIESPHOTO GALLERIESREWINDSUBSCRIBE TO PUBLICATIONSHELPFUL LINKSAPPOINTMENTSCALL TO MINISTRYCAMPINGCLASSIFIEDSCLERGY RESOURCESLEADER DEVELOPMENTOBITUARIESONLINE PAYMENTSHISTORICAL RECORDSMISSION NEWSENEWS ARCHIVEWPA CONFERENCE MINISTER’S CHORUSThursday, October 19th, Mount Hope UMCContact Don and Shirley Bloomster (814-927-8692), Pat Cleary (254-241-0680 or wpcleary@) or Lola Turnbull (814-787-5891 or pastorlit@) with any questions. Next concert: Thursday, November 16th, Brookville First UMCTECHNOLOGY IN MINISTRY WORKSHOPThursday, October 19th, 9am to 3pm (registration begins at 8:30am), Perkins Restaurant (505 Galleria Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904)The purpose of this workshop is to support the Conference Core Values and one of our Five Areas of Focus: developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world. Cost is $10, which includes lunch. MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTERCELEBRATING PTS CONNECTIONSThursday, October 19th, 6:30pm to 9pm, Calvary UMC (on Pittsburgh’s North Side)Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and President David Esterline of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary invite you to a reception celebrating the relationship between Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the United Methodist Church. RSVP by Thursday, October 12th. DETAILSROOT OF PEACEWednesday, October 25th, 7pm to 9pm, Pittsburgh Theological SeminaryA Palestinian activist and a Jewish settler will discuss their friendship and their work for peace. 0.2 CEUs available. DETAILSADDRESSING OPIOID ADDICTIONFriday, October 27th, 8:30am to 1:30pm, Pittsburgh Theological SeminaryFaith community leaders are invited to breakfast and a workshop to learn how to address addiction in the church and community. DETAILS AND REGISTERDISASTER SPIRITUAL CARESaturday, October 28th, 9am to 2pm, 2802 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222The American Red Cross is offering a Disaster Spiritual Care Fundamentals course for clergy. 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@. CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW) ANNUAL FALL MEETINGSaturday, October 28th, 9:30am to 2:30pm, Faith Delmont UMC (305 Freeport Street, Delmont, PA 15626)Speaker is Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. All women are welcome. Contact Diane Miller at diane.miller2747@.VIVIAN’S AFRICAN ADVENTURESunday, October 29th, 3pm to 4:30pm, Olive Branch (11160 Perry Highway, Wexford, PA 15090)Vivian Sylvester of Wexford UMC’s Olive Branch gift shop invites you and your friends to the newly expanded Olive Branch to enjoy some authentic African food and hear about her recent mission trip to Zambia. Directions at location.EXPLORATION 2017!Friday, November 3rd to Sunday, November 5th, Portland, ORYoung adults who may sense God calling them to ordained ministry in the UMC are invited to attend this event, which is held every two years to help those age 18 to 26 explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder. LEARN MORECHRISTIAN UNITY GATHERINGWednesday, November 8th to Friday, November 10th, Silver Spring, MD“Resilience, Resistance, and Persistence” is the theme for the Christian Unity Gathering of the National Council of Churches. Featured speakers include Bishop W. Darin Moore of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The event also includes a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. REGISTERREV IT UP!Monday, November 13th to Wednesday, November 15th, Hilton Gulf Front Hotel (Pensacola Beach, Florida)This is a wonderful event Wespath, the United Methodist denomination’s pensions and benefits agency, holds for young clergy ages 25 to 39 throughout the denomination. This year, the Western PA Conference Board of Pensions is offering ten scholarships to clergy who wish to attend the event. The board will reimburse up to $600 for attendance, including registration, hotel (two nights), and airfare. Clergy are responsible for meals not included in registration, airport parking, and other incidental expenses incurred. If you would like to attend, contact Kathleen Lasky at kathleen.lasky@ or Alexis Soohy at alexis.soohy@ for more information or to apply. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are only for those attending for the first time. EVENT DETAILSSTRATEGIES FOR YEAR-END GIVINGWednesday, November 15th, 10amThe 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. Register for the webinar using the event link at .ELDERS GATHERINGSThe Order of Elders will convene in regional meetings this fall. Each elder is expected to attend one of the following sessions. See locations/dates and register HERE.SAVE THE DATEFriday, January 19th to Sunday, January 21st, Sheraton Station Square in PittsburghSPARK 2018 is a retreat for youth in grades 6 through 12 and their leaders.INTERNSHIPSSeminary students, undergrads, parents…it’s time to think about summer internships! Applications are due Wednesday, January 31st. For more information and to apply for College Ministry Discernment or Seminary Ministry internship, visit internships. HOUSING ALLOWANCE CHALLENGEDA federal judge in Wisconsin has struck down as unconstitutional a 1954 law that gives clergy tax-free housing allowances. An appeal to the Circuit Court is likely. The same judge struck down the law in 2013, but that ruling was overturned on appeal. The General Council on Finance and Administration has a webpage with information on the ruling and their legal department’s review. VISIT WEBPAGEONLINE 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 AND RETREAT MINISTRIES – BISHOP’S INITIATIVE: As witnessed at the 2017 Annual Conference, Bishop Moore-Koikoi’s initiative to raise $5 million over the next four 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. 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.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. 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.UPMC HEALTHCARE UPDATEConference Benefits Coordinator Kathleen Lasky reports that, in response to concerns expressed by local churches, the Board of Pensions Executive Committee determined that the 2018 blended rate charged to the local church for clergy enrolled in the UPMC plan will be $1,511 per month, including medical, vision, and dental coverage. This is a reduction of $45 per month from the current 2017 rate. Clergy will share costs in 2018 by contributing $70 per month for a family, $35 per month for two people, and $20 per month for a single person. Complete details will be sent to churches and those covered by the plan.ONLINE COURSE: MAINTAINING BOUNDARIES IN A DIGITAL AGEThis new course in the Keeping Our Sacred Trust series explores issues of clergy ethics in an era of instantaneous electronic communication. It helps spiritual leaders stay healthy and attentive to appropriate boundaries in the midst of new ministry challenges, including social media, texting, and more. DISCIPLESHIPA new resource to help congregations develop an intentional discipleship system includes WPAUMC’s Road to Discipleship map and an article by Rev. Chris Kindle, our director of discipleship. DISCIPLESHIP MAPDon’t forget! You can now check a running list of WPA VIM trip opportunities online anytime at opportunities. Also, opportunities to give/help can be found at UMCOR.MISSION BARN UPDATESee what’s happening at the Eastbrook Mission barn in their BLOG.UMCOR KITSUMCOR 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. WPAUMC VOLUNTEERS IN MISSIONUnited Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – local, regionally, nationally, or internationally.What teams can I join? opportunitiesHow do I learn about leading a team? VIMtrainingOnce we have a team planned, what do we do?Register your team at RegisterVIMteamsGet VIM insurance at Once our team returns, what do I do? MissionReportWhere can I find local church resources?localchurchmissionsContact Stephanie Gottschalk at Stephanie.Gottschalk@ or 724-776-2300, ext. 241How do I get involved in Disaster Response?Take UMCOR training at DisasterResponsseMake sure your local church has a local disaster planVolunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellitesWhat if there is a disaster in my church’s community?Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to their District SuperintendentLocal pastor reports damage to church and with their community to Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin Cook at 814-442-5899MISSIONSHIELD VIM INSURANCE OFFEREDAs health care laws change and deductibles grow, it is important to have coverage for volunteer teams serving in the U.S. as well as abroad. This Northeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM board has worked with Seven Corners to make policies available for all VIM teams. Get forms and details at mission-insurance.2017 CONFERENCE VIM TEAMSContact Stephanie Gottschalk for more information: Stephanie.Gottschalk@ or 724-776-2300, ext. 241HOME CAMP UMC INVITES YOU TO GO TO JAMAICASunday, November 5th to Sunday, November 12thThe total mission trip price of $1,550 includes airfare, accommodations, transportation, food, building material, wages, tips, and taxes. The trip will be partnering with Won by One to Jamaica (), a group with over 25 years of experience in bringing mission groups to Jamaica. A down payment of $100 reserves your spot on the trip. Don’t worry about being the only one from your church on the trip. As a part of God’s family, we are all part of the same group. After attending for the first time last year, this congregation has seen the change that it has made their pastor’s life and he advises anyone that has ever wanted to go on a trip to contact him at rphowe@ or 814-583-7330 if they have any questions or wish to reserve a spot.CHECK OUT THESE WAYS TO SERVE IN WESTERN PAUM A.R.M.Y – ne.Your church can be a youth work camp as youth and chaperones partner with UM A.R.M.Y to love your neighbors.EASTBROOK MISSION BARN – missionbarn ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download