Weekly Email News

EMAIL ADDRESSES:To reach Sung – johnstown.ds@wpaumc.org

To reach Stacey – johnstown.office@wpaumc.orgDistrict Office Phone Number: 814.361.2464

District Office Fax Number: 814.361.2465In the event of a Pastoral Emergency you may contact Sung at 724.272.1085

Wednesday August 22, 2018

510 Locust StreetJohnstown, PA 15901

Johnstown District ofthe United Methodist Church

One-to-One Schedules & Church Conference ScheduleThis year’s One-to-One Appointment Schedule & Church Conference Schedule has been given out to our clergy. *Please note if you need to make a change for either schedule, you are to make arrangements for the change and then contact the District office to let us know of the change so we can mark our schedules accordingly. All One-to-One Appointments will be held in the District office at 510 Franklin Street, Johnstown, Pa 15901. You may park your car in the lot next to the church. Do not park on the street, as you will most likely end up with a parking ticket.

A WAY FORWARD TASK FORCE

Johnstown District Listening Posts Thursday, August 23 – Ebensburg UMC, 6:30-8:30 PM and Sunday, October 21 – Grove Avenue UMC, 2:30-4:30 PM. A Way Forward: The final report of the Commission on a Way Forward was officially released yesterday in all four official languages of the General Conference: English, French, Portuguese and Swahili. The report will be presented to the 2019 special General Conference. Read press release Read report in English Register for WPA Way Forward Listening Post As our denomination moves toward a special session of the General Conference called by the Council of Bishops for February 23-26, 2019, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has established a Way Forward Task Force to provide ways for individuals in the Western PA Annual Conference to hear accurate information about the Commission on a Way Forward's work and express their thoughts, hopes, dreams and concerns about the Council of Bishops' recommendation of the One-Church Model. The Special Session of the General Conference was called to receive and act on a report from the 32-member Commission on a Way Forward, which was authorized by General Conference 2016 and appointed by the Council of Bishops to examine paragraphs in The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality, propose possible revisions, and explore options to strengthen the unity of the church. See the Commission on a Way Forward's report to the General Conference in English here.The WPAUMC Way Forward Task Force has planned 20 “Listening Post” events (two   in each of our 10 Districts) to allow clergy and laity to meet in-person and engage in facilitated, small group discussions around a series of specific questions (e.g., What hopes do you have concerning the One Church Plan?).

Please Register for a Listening Post Event  

Delegates Discuss Way Forward: Dozens of General Conference delegates recently gathered in Nashville to build relationships and discuss plans for The United Methodist Church’s future. Way Forward Translations Coming Soon! The organizers of General Conference say they expect translation of the report from the Commission on a Way Forward from English into three other official languages will be completed by July 30. After the work is done, the report can be made public.

UNITED METHODIST HUMAN SERVICES5 X 1000 – A small way to make a big difference!

You can spend your hard-earned money a lot of different ways. We all want to do good with our money, but sometimes there isn’t much left at the end of the month.

What if you could make a difference without breaking the bank?

$5 doesn’t seem like much, right? But just imagine if you could multiply it by 1000. The impact would be undeniable! We’re looking for 1000 people to commit to changing lives.

Your $5 monthly gift will help put shoes on children’s feet and food on the tables of families and senior citizens. You’ll help provide hats, gloves, diapers, hygiene kits, and necessary care items to those who need them. You’ll help empower people struggling in economic instability to build brighter, more secure futures for themselves and their families. This just might be the best $5 you spend each month! Visit umhumanservices.org/5x1000 to start changing lives today!

CLEANING BUCKETS NEEDED!Because of the widespread flooding that we are receiving throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, specifically around Pittsburgh suburbs, we have exhausted our cleaning buckets at the Eastbrook mission barn.

On behalf of the disaster response ministries and the Eastbrook Mission Barn, I am issuing an urgent request for cleaning buckets and hygiene kits; with priority being placed on cleaning buckets.

If each district would be able to collect 100 cleaning buckets this would alleviate concerns about having enough supplies in this initial response.

Funds for cleaning buckets could also be forwarded to the Eastbrook mission barn. Funds for general disaster response should be forwarded to the conference treasure.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call 814-442-5899.

Thank you for everything you are doing and for all of your support, we continue to seek God’s will as we help those who have been affected by natural disaster.Peace and blessings, Calvin CookWPA Disaster Response Ministries

SAVE THE DATE! – PICNIC CANCELLEDJohnstown District Clergy Summer Picnic will be held on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Scalp Level Trinity UMC. Invitations will be mailed out in the beginning of August. We will start the day at 3 pm and eat at 4 pm. Meat and place settings will be provided. We ask that you bring your favorite dish to share and lawn chairs for you and your family.

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT INSTALLATION SERVICEThe Installation Service for Rev. Sung S. Chung will be held on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at the Oakland United Methodist Church at 3 pm. More details to follow!

*NEW* KEYSTONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION- Packets Mailed to all churches!

Churches- Be sure to check out your packet from Keystone Federal Credit Union and make sure you have updated your Corporate Resolution and Account Authorization Forms.  Click here for forms. 

Members- All United Methodist Members can join and take advantage of these great deals:

Back to School Loan, Visa Balance Transfer, Term Share Certificate Rates, Term Share Certificate Form

Additional forms and information for churches and for members available on web site: www.keystoneumfcu.org.                                          

Many great services to offer: Savings, Fee Free checking, Picture Deposit, Mobile Banking & Online Banking, REWARDS Visa Credit Card, MANY types of loans, And much, much more!!!!!

UNITED METHODIST HERITAGEMy name is Sarah Harris, and I currently write a newsletter article for Westmont UMC titled “Our Christian Heritage.” I would like to write monthly articles for your local churches titled United Methodist Heritage. The articles will focus on United Methodist history and John Wesley's theology in order to help educate laity of their denomination's history and theology. You may reach me at 814-288-5204 or sarahrharris2010@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED:

Organist   Job Opening   Grove Ave. UMC (Johnstown) is in search of an organist for its 10:45 am Traditional Service. Organist will be responsible for playing 3-4 hymns as well as choosing and playing a Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude. There is no choir at this time. Bi-weekly pay, 2 paid vacation Sundays. A full job description can be attained by emailing or calling Grove Avenue's Administrative Assistant: groveaveumc@verizon.net / 814-539-8684. 

Church Custodian needed.  Please call Bethel U.M. Church in Salix at 487-7654 for details.

Volunteers Needed!

Franklin Street Food Pantry is in need of volunteers to carry bags to the street level for food pantry clients. Carriers must be able to navigate stairs and lift/carry 30-40 lbs. The food pantry is open Tuesday mornings from 930AM-1130AM. If you can help, please contact United Methodist Human Services at (814) 539-2633.

W.A.C.K. MENUA free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4 pm-6 pm Saturday, August 25, 2018, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave in Windber PA.

The meal will be served by the Windber Business & Professional Women's Club

The menu will feature Pork Chops, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Vegetable, Fruit, Assorted Desserts and Coffee/Punch.

All are welcome! The Windber Area Community Kitchen (W.A.C.K.) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. 

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!JUMP is looking for retired men and women who are seeking a rewarding experience.PAY: NONEBENEFITS: Investment in your community; serve God by doing ministry to help the less fortunate

Current JUMP leaders are aging and dealing with health limitations. They will help with permits, design, materials transport, and paperwork.

Priority for jobs goes to handicap needs, followed by home repairs addressing safety issues. Teams are generally 3 to 5 people and most jobs are completed in 2 to 3 days. We need team leaders and team workers, hopefully with some fix-it experience, but we will train any interested individual.This is a part-time volunteer effort. JUMP has tools but bringing your own is encouraged. Access to a small truck or van is also helpful but not necessary. For more information, call Franklin Street UMC at 535-8288.

EBENSBURG UMC HOSTING SIGHT & SOUND TRIPEbensburg United Methodist Church is sponsoring a trip to the Sight and Sound theatre to see the play Jesus on August 30th. We still have seats available and need at least 40 people to make it happen, we are currently at 31, we can take up to 50. The cost is $139 which includes the bus ride, lunch at Hershey Farms and the play. We will be leaving the church at 7am. Could you please get the word out to see if anyone wants to join us. Last day for payment is July 29th and checks can be made out to EUMC. They can contact me by either phone or email. My number is 814-244-0542 and email is deb_hassen308@yahoo.com.

BLACKLICK COMMUNITY UMC HOSTING WEAVER BELIEVER BANDYou are invited to the Blacklick Community United Methodist Church on Sunday, September 9, 2018 at 10:45 am to hear the Weaver Believer Band from Georgia!

FAITH BASED WING OF DRUG COALITIONFaith Based Wing of the Cambria Co Drug Coalition will be meeting on September 12 @ 2 pm at 422 Main St, Johnstown. All are invited and encouraged to attend this important program!

LIVING FREEPastor Rick Horner from Conemaugh Brethren Church, is presenting a seminar based on "Living Free,” a course to instruct clergy to teach and help deal with Addiction Problems.

Saturday, September 29, 7:30 pm at Brethren Church, Conemaugh, PA 

Living Free is a Faith Based Course to help people with Addiction Problems

To Learn More Click on: https://www.livingfreeministries.net/

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTHPray for our Community and our Community Paramedics & First Responders.

For more information, please go to the website below:

https://www.naadac.org/national-recovery-month

A note from Gary Hale…

Hi Pastors,

The planning for the crusade is coming together. We believe God has so arranged the program so that many will be coming to Jesus and He will be healing and delivering those caught in addiction.

We are asking if you were provided the flyers would you be willing to put them in your bulletin two Sundays before the crusade? If you are willing to do that, let me know how many you will need and the best way to deliver them. 

It looks like we must put the stage on plywood. If we have to do that I want to donate after we use them to what used to be called Habitat for Humanity. I know they do not use that term in Johnstown any more. If you know of those who are in charge of the new organization please give them my cell or email so I can speak to them about the donation.

We are also accepting donations from churches and individuals to help fund this event. If your church or an individual would like to donate to this event, all donations are done through Gateway to Christ Ministries, a 501c organization. Donations can be sent to Gary Hale, 1721 Tampa Ave, Johnstown 15902. We are also in need of Bibles to hand out to those who are new converts to Jesus.

We are still meeting every Tuesday at the Community Room at the Galleria from 6-8 pm and on Thursdays at Our Sons Restaurant from 8-10 am. You are welcome to come to either meeting and join in the planning and prayer for the crusade.

God bless you and your ministries!Pastor Gary HaleIf you would like to directly speak to me call my cell 814-619-8257

An invitation to Johnstown District Pastors and Church Leaders:Learn Basic New Testament Greek

Earn 7 CEU’s for your Continuing Education Requirement learning an essential language skill for understanding the Scriptures. The entire New Testament was written in the Greek language, and a vast body of early Christian literature was produced in following generations. This is why nearly every seminary and many Christian colleges offer courses in Greek, to better equip Christian leaders to study the Scriptures in depth and offer the fruit of these studies to God’s people. Some pastors did not have the opportunity to take Greek, and others would benefit by a refresher. You now have opportunity to pick up the language, fulfill Continuing Education requirements, and have a time of learning and fellowship with other interested Christians. If you have eligibility for Continuing Education Scholarship, most of your expenses should be covered.Specifics: Instructor: Dr. David Stains, retired pastor and instructor in various languages, also in international settings.Classes: We plan to meet in 30 sessions between Mid-September and late May. Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AMHost Institution: Arbutus Park Manor, normally, at the rear of the chapel.Cost: $300, plus some textbooks.

REGISTRATION:Name________________________________________________________________Telephone__________________________ Email_____________________________Home Church____________________________________________Clergy___________________ Lay _____________If you have questions, call David Stains at 814-792-8394 or email at clementof@hotmail.com

District Prayer Chain- Pastor John Hickman- Kendra Balliet, wife of Rev. John Balliet- Rich Mroczka, Missionary in Nicaragua- Rev. Arlene Bobrowicz- Stacey’s Uncle, Michael Karsaba- Daniel Mark Bobrowicz, son of Rev. Arlene Bobrowicz- Gene Mickolick- Our Country and our Leaders- All Pastors and Laity in the Johnstown District

Rev. Sung’s Schedule:Aug 27 – Rev. Sung out of officeAug 28 – Rev. Sung in office am and Cabinet Spiritual Retreat pmAug 29 – Rev. Sung at Cabinet Spiritual RetreatAug 30 – Rev. Sung at Cabinet Spiritual RetreatAug 31 – Sept. 01 – DCOM Meeting in Ebensburg 8:30 amSept. 02 – Sept. 03 – Labor Day District Office ClosedSept. 04 – One to Ones at District OfficeSept. 05 – One to Ones at District OfficeSept. 06 – One to Ones at District OfficeSept. 07 – Rev. Sung at CabinetSept. 08 – Rev. Sung at CabinetSept. 09

Conference News and EventsSince I've had a few people asking, the next Orientation to Ministry will be on January 5, 2019 at Charter Oak UMC in the Greensburg District.  Registration will be open soon through the conference website.  Please share with your pastors.  THANKS!Janet Lord783 Freeport RoadCreighton, PA  15030412-759-5204

2018 CLERGY COLLEGE AT JUMONVILLE!You are invited to the Second Annual Clergy College at Jumonville, where you can earn a credit CEU and be taught by Rev. Jeff Greenway, the Lead Pastor at Reynoldsburg UMC in Ohio. The topic for our time together is still to be decided, but this event is sure to be a blessing to you and your ministry. Save the date for Sunday, October 14, 2018. The event will begin with registration at 4:30 pm and end on Tuesday, October 16 with closing communion at 11 am. The cost of this event is $175 for double occupancy and $250 for single occupancy staying either in Washington Lodge or The Inn. There is also a $100 student rate available and a $100 spouse rate available. The cost includes two nights and five meals beginning with Sunday dinner and ending with Tuesday breakfast. For more information or to register, please go to https://jumonville.org/event/clergy-college/

CLERGY PRE-RETIREMENT SEMINAR2018 Clergy Pre-Retirement Seminar Wednesday, October 24 – Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066. Details to be announced. Contact person: Alexis Soohy alexis.soohy@wpaumc.org.

College Ministry- If you have students from your church attending college, you may be aware that this is the most likely time that people lose connection with the church.   Grace UMC is located in the midst of IUP campus in Indiana, PA and we would like to help students remain connected to the church during their time here at IUP.  Please email the church with names and any contact information you have for your IUP students.  We promise to reach out to them with the love and support.  Please email us at cabel@indianagrace.org

PEACEBUILDING

Faith & Facts: Preach with JusticeWhat do the facts say?

- Conflict theorists often use three terms: Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, and Peacebuilding- PEACEKEEPING means keeping people from attacking each other by placing neutral soldiers

– peacekeepers – from the UN or a group of neutral nations. The soldiers do nothing to settle the conflict.

- PEACEMAKING is the process of forging a settlement between the disputing parties.- PEACHBUILDING is a process that facilitates the establishment of durable peace to prevent

the recurrence of violence by addressing root causes and effects of conflict reconciliation, institution building, and political as well as economic transformation.

What do you say?Take Action for justice…Support and promote Peace with Justice Sunday, one of the six special Sundays that provides funding for peace with justice programs in your Annual Conference and the Church and Society Peace with Justice Program.

Join the Peace with Justice Network. The network provides resources and legislative actions to support peacemaking and peacebuilding. Visit action.umc-gbcs.org/joinnetworks to join now.

If you reside in the U.S. urge your Senators and Representatives to support the Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act. Call or write them today.

Advocate for robust funding levels for critical accounts within the federal budget that work to prevent violent conflict and atrocities as well help to protect civilians at risk around the world: Peacekeeping Operations, the Complex Crisis Fund (a fund for rapid prevention, stabilization and response activities), and the Atrocities Prevention Fund.

For more information contact: Mark Harrison at mharrison@umc-gbcs.orgGeneral Board of Church and Society

WPA PRISON OUTREACH MINISTRY

The WPA Prison Outreach Ministry is a mission sponsored and supported by the WPA Conference of the United Methodist Church and is looking to expand into more institutions. They are in need of volunteers and donations to promote their mission work. Churches can donate through an Advance Special Number (CC003300). Click here http://www.wpapom.org/images/newsletter.pdf to view the summer 2018 newsletter. To learn more, go to their new website: http://www.wpapom.org/

CHURCH SAFETYChurch: Safety is becoming more and more of a concern at places of worship. What can church members do to help keep your church safe, yet still welcoming? See some recommendations. Watch video

Church Mutual Insurance Company offers several valuable online resources for safety and emergency response. Look under “Trending Topics” at churchmutual.com.

E-NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CHURCH MEMBERSThe United Methodist Church invites you to check out our new biweekly e-newsletter specially created for all church members. United Methodist Now will highlight examples of Christian living, share inspirational messages and focus on what it means to be part of our connection. Subscribe for free by going to umc.org / The home page has a red block on the right saying “Signup for a Free UMC Newsletter” / Click on it and it takes to a signup screen: United Methodist Now: Inspiration for Daily Living / Scroll down to “Click to Subscribe” / Scroll down & fill in “First & Last Name plus your email.” (Thank you to Georgia from Oakland for clarifying this information.)

Keep Up With Upcoming Events - WPAUMC ConferenceThe website for upcoming events is: http://www.wpaumc.org/events. The Conference Calendar can now be found on the website under “Calendar” instead of “Events”, to save any confusion.

Individual Volunteers in Mission: Change your life by becoming an individual volunteer. Learn more at umcmission.org/Get-Involved

WPAUMC Volunteers in Mission – United Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

1. What teams can I join? www.wpaumc.org/opportunities

2. How do I learn about leading a team? www.wpaumc.org/VIMtraining

3. Once we have a team planned, what do we do?a. Register your team at www.wpaumc.org/RegisterVIMteamsb. Get VIM Insurance at www.umvimnej.org

4. Once our team returns, what do I do? www.wpaumc.org/MissionReport5. Where can I find local church resources?

a. www.wpaumc.org/localchurchmissions b. Contact Stephanie Gottschalk at Stephanie.Gottschalk@wpaumc.org or 724-776-2300, ext.

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6. How do I get involved in Disaster Response?a. Take UMCOR training at www.wpaumc.org/DisasterResponseb. Make sure your local church has a local disaster planc. Volunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellites

7. What if there is a disaster in my church’s community?a. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to their District

Superintendentb. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to Conference Disaster

Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin Cook at 814-442-5899

EARLY REGISTRATION now available at WPAUMC.org

Go to the date on WPAUMC calendar

“Where Compassion and Evangelism Meet”#See All the People   See details.

 ONE EVENT @ TWO WPA LOCATIONS:

Friday, September 28, 2018 at 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Glenwood UMC, 2931 Myrtle St, Erie PA

Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at The Crossroads UMC, 1000 Crossroads Dr, Oakdale, PAr

WHERE:

Glenwood UMC             View map →

Crossroads UMC             View map →

Keynote Speaker Jorge Acevedo. Touched by the grace of God at 17 and delivered from a life of addictions, his greatest delight is connecting people to Jesus and the Church. Jorge is the Lead Pastor at Grace Church, a multi-site,

UM congregation in Southwest Florida with five campuses. Jorge has a huge heart for hurting and broken people and has a helped build a growing church community out of rednecks, Latinos and African Americans. Grace Church is booming blue-collar, mainline, multi-site megachurch that welcomes “the people nobody else wants to see.”

In 2007, he was named the Distinguished Alumni of the Year at Asbury Theological Seminary. In 2009, the Foundation for Evangelism named Jorge the Distinguished Evangelist of the United Methodist Church. He has served on the Bishop’s Commission on a Way Forward. Jorge co-authored The Grace-Full Life: God’s All-Reaching, Soul-Saving, Character-Shaping, Never-Ending Love(2017). Three Keynote Messages

Vital Congregations (Rediscovering Our Wesleyan DNA) Lord, Send Us the People Nobody Else Wants or Sees Making Disciples of People on the Margins

Afternoon Breakouts: Recovery Ministries, Fresh Expressions of Church, School Adoption Ministries, Working with Social Service Agencies, Seeing All the People and Connecting with Them 

Cost: GROUP REGISTRATION IS GREATEST SAVINGSGroup registration before 9/18 - $20/personSingle Registration before 9/18 - $25/personAll Registrations after 9/17 are $30/person  

DEVELOPING OLDER ADULT MINISTRIES AT YOUR CHURCH TRAINING/RETREAT

Sept. 23-25, 2018

Olmsted Manor

Cost: $186 (includes tuition, room & board)

Speakers: Rev. Will Randolph and DS Pat Nelson

 A seminar for church leaders who want to start Older Adult Ministries or to do more for the Older Adults they serve. Clergy and laity are invited to explore ways to be in ministry "by, with, and for" older adults. Join us at Olmsted as we learn to minister more effectively to older adults in the local church from Rev. Dr. William Randolph, who worked as the Director of Aging & Older Adult Ministries for the national UMC Discipleship Ministries. Commuter rates (as well as overnight rates) are available. Click here for more information and to register.

POSITION OPEN AT NEW BEGINNINGS UMCNew Beginnings United Methodist Church (www.newbeginningsumc.org), a medium-size (and growing) church in Boiling Springs, SC (near Spartanburg), is looking for their next Director of Youth Ministry. This person would work in partnership with the Pastor, Youth Council and Church Council to oversee ministry that meets the spiritual needs of youth, ages 12 -20 years that attend New Beginnings as well as those in the community. The director will oversee weekly programming and special events, build relationships with youth outside the church walls, and recruit and equip a team of volunteers.

The director should have a vital, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be committed to living and modeling a godly lifestyle inside and outside of church. S/he should have at least an associate’s degree and three or more years of experience in youth ministry. This person should also have strong interpersonal skills with youth and adults and a general knowledge of diversity and skills to manage diversity.  Salary commensurate with experience. Applicants should send their resume and cover letter to Chris.sasser@ministryarchitects.com.

    Camping & Retreat Ministries – Bishop’s Initiative    

As witnessed at the 2017 Annual Conference, Bishop Moore-Koikoi’s initiative to raise $5 million, over the next 4 years, for conference camping and retreat ministries was received with overwhelming acceptance and generosity. This site has been established as one avenue to financially support this strategic undertaking.

 Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the brown button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC should give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page. 

Conference Special Appeal – At the Lake Ministries

At the Lake Ministries is faithfully dedicated to offering our brothers and sisters in Christ who live with a disability a space in which to foster relationships and build community through faith-based, specialized fishing experiences on Lake Erie. This site has been established to financially support the development of this new fishing ministry and refurbish our vessel, JoAnn M. We can’t do this without the support of the WPAUMC Congregations.

Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the purple button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC are encouraged to give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page. 

Katie Peterson, Deaconess, Church & Community Worker. Katie coordinates the donations and distribution of UMCOR relief supply kits. She assists New Castle UM Churches to enhance ministries in poverty alleviation. This includes building handicap ramps. How to support Katie:

1. Pray – Our prayers are welcome and strengthen her ministry

2. Stay in contact – Ask to receive her newsletter and follow her website and Facebook Page3. Seek to participate in the ministry Katie serves. Ask about ways to help with missionary

support.4. Donate to Katies Advance #98242 – 100% of your gifts are used to support missionaries and

they powerfully contribute to the continued health and vitality of United Methodist missionary outreach.

Contribute through your local church, online at www.umcmission.org or by calling 888-252-6174.

Follow the Western Pennsylvania Conference on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpaumcCONFERENCE MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities

 

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.

Living Together Well in Diverse World: How United Methodists can lead in living together well in an increasingly diverse world. Five leaders offer some way to do it. Read more.

RACISM RESPONSE: EMBRACE LOVE – THEY ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT. United Methodists seek racial justice: We recognize racism as a sin and seek to eliminate it.

As followers of Christ, we embrace love and affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God and therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened.Click here to find stories, resources and tools to learn more about the issue of racism and the ways you can advocate for the fair treatment of all people. Topics include:

Ways United Methodists can take a stand against racism Five tips to help address racism with children At Sunday worship, pastors decry racism Rights of Racial and Ethnic Groups White Privilege in the United States Global Racism and Xenophobia

Anti-Racism Grants: The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is eager to provide grants to engage UMC teams with strong, diverse community partners who together will change racist and xenophobic systems, policies or practices in their communities. The application for 2018-2020 grants is online now. Learn more. ______________________________________________________________________

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS

Youth Worker Collective is a new initiative to offer free resources from a community of professionals to help both paid and unpaid United Methodist youth workers get what they need to make teenage disciples for the transformation of the world. Check out youthworkercollective.com/

YOUTH 2019 The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries is announcing details of the event to give churches time to plan for their youth to attend. The national gathering for United Methodist youth takes place every four years.

The YOUTH 2019 Media Kit is here! We are less than two years away from YOUTH 2019 and there is no better time to start getting your youth excited for all the fun we are going to have in Kansas City. And what better way to do that than with our YOUTH 2019 Media Kit!

Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union – We are your credit union. People helping people! Many services offered. www.keystoneumfcu.org or phone 888-972-0797. As a church member you can join us! Any member of the church can join the Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union. A membership application is available on our website.

HERE ARE SOME LINKS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO YOU: Western PA UM Conference - www.wpaumc.org Clergy Appointments- https://www.wpaumc.org/appointments In Focus Publication - http://www.wpaumc.org/infocus Joyful Noise - http://www.wpaumc.org/joyfulnoise Subscribe to Publications - http://www.wpaumc.org/subscribe Conference Resources - http://www.wpaumc.org/resources Conference Events Registration Page: https://www.wpaumc.org/register

Reflections!- wpaumc.org/blogs Imagine No Malaria -https://www.facebook.com/ImagineNoMalaria Discipleship Ministries https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/ People are looking for a church to visit. Help them find you! update-your-find-a-church Special Sundays for 2018: Conference and General Church Special Sundays/Weekends for 2018 are listed on the Conference website. See the dates at https://www.wpaumc.org/specialsundays Official Journal Online: https://www.wpaumc.org/2017journal

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE TO YOU:

RACIAL/ETHNIC MINISTRY GRANTS Applications for grants of up to $10,000 to help local United Methodist churches build ministries that strengthen and support racial and ethnic church concerns are due on Saturday, September 1st. The grants are available from UMC Discipleship Ministries to strengthen the ethnic local church.

NEW PEOPLE/NEW PLACES GRANTS The Conference’s Parish and Community Development Committee is implementing a new process for awarding its “New Places/New People.” The deadline is Friday, September 28th. Decisions on grants will be made as soon as possible after the deadline.

BISHOPS OFFER ECUMENICAL MINISTRY AID The Council of Bishops is offering financial assistance for ecumenical and interreligious ministry in the form of grants to Annual Conference groups, training for young adults, and a scholarship for The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.

SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at www.umc.org/resources/scholarships and at www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.

SEMINARY FINANCIAL AID Applications are available at www.wpaumc.org/BOOM.