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Conference Center & District Office closed on Fridays June-Aug.
GREENSBURG DISTRICT CONNECTOR e-NEWSJune 27, 2018 Next issue: July 11, 2018(Please submit articles for the next newsletter by Monday, July 9, 2018)
Note: To make viewing the newsletter easier to locate new/updated information, please look for *NEW* next to the title or search for “*NEW*” in the search bar.
DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION:307 Freeport Street, Delmont, PA 15626 Phone: 724-461-7178 Fax: 724-461-7428Pat Nelson, DS: [email protected] Lori Begg: [email protected] District Website: http://www.wpaumc.org/districtsClick here to view previous editions of the Greensburg District e-news Click here To view the online Greensburg District Calendar
UNITED METHODIST CONFERENCE CENTER CONTACT INFORMATION:1204 Freedom Road, PO Box 5002, Cranberry Township, PA 16066-0002 Phone: 724-776-2300 Website: www.wpaumc.org Email: [email protected] Click here to subscribe to the Conference and/or other District e-newslettersClick Here to view the Western PA UMC Conference e-News weekly publication for Conference wide news
In Microsoft Word, you can click on the words below to easily navigate (“jump”) to the following sections of the newsletter:
Calendar Help Wanted
Birthdays/Anniversaries/Joys/Concerns Youth & Young Adult Ministry
Articles pertaining to 5 Areas of Focus Camping Information
Clergy Corner This and That
NEWSLETTER INFORMATION ALIGNED WITH THE FIVE AREAS OF FOCUS**
1. Developing Principled Christian Leaders2. Creating New and Renewed Congregations3. Engaging in Ministry with the Poor4. Promoting Abundant Health5. Dismantling Racism
To read more on the Five Areas of Focus, click here. Send us your information regarding these areas to be shared in the newsletter. *** Newsletter also includes: “Clergy Corner”, “Youth & Young Adult Ministry”, “Camping Information”, “Help Wanted” and “This’ n That” sections at the end of the newsletter.
Greensburg District Calendar of Events
Date EventJUNE 2018Jun 30 Reaching New People Workshop, Greensburg First UMC 9AM-4PM, $15/pp –see details belowJULY 2018Jul 6-8 “Unstoppable Women” Conference- Olmsted ManorJul 10 Training Opportunity for Church Admins/Secretaries: Pre-Charge Briefing 10 AM-12 PM @ District
Office. RSVP by July 3rdJul 11 Pre-Charge Briefing for Clergy @ District Office- 10AMJuly 12 Healing Service- 7 PM @ Arona UMC- 2037 Main St. Arona, PA 15617 Jul 12-15 Mission u-California University of PA (Sampler Day: July 14, 2018)Jul 14 ERT Re-Certification Class -8:30 AM-12:30 PM, Latrobe UMC, $25pp, RSVP to Rich ZiegenfusJul 16-20 Uth 4 Missions @ Jumonville (note: new location!) Jul 16-20 *NEW* VBS- Babylon- Bethel UMC – Lower Burrell 9:15AM- 12:15 PM pre-registration appreciatedJul 18-20 Adult Prayer Retreat- Jumonville with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Cost: $190 Jul 19 Pre-Charge Briefing for Clergy @ District Office-6 PMJul 23 Early Response Team Training First UMC in TitusvilleJul 27 6th Annual Faith Night at PNC Park- Pirates vs. Mets. 7:05 PM -This is on a Friday night! See details
below. AUGUST 2018Aug & Sept Clergy One-on-One Meetings (sign up will be at Pre-Charge Briefings in July)Aug. 12-18 (tentative dates)
Fundraising bike ride from Pittsburgh to DC to raise money for camperships. Contact Rev. Chris Kindle for more details! [email protected]
Aug. 17-26 Westmoreland County Fair Hospitality Tent Volunteers Needed; Contact Rev. John Gerber at [email protected] or 814-688-4124 for information or to volunteer
Aug. 26 *NEW* (updated)
Clergy Family Picnic- 4-9 PM at Livermore Farm in Greensburg; Contact directions. RSVP by Aug 20 to Chris or the District Office.
SEPTEMBER 2018Sept 5 Greensburg District UMW Day Apart - Camp Allegheny- Speaker: Luella KriegerSept. 9 Butler DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Eric Park- location: tbdSept. 15 Pittsburgh DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Dawn Hand- location: tbdSept. 22-Oct. 1 Honduras Mission Trip- see below for details & application.Sept. 24-25 *NEW* PREACH! Workshop – Dutilh UMC –see below for more detailsSept. 28-30 Autism Family Retreat- Jumonville. Click here for details Sept. 30 Erie-Meadville DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Dennis Swineford- location: tbdOCTOBER 2018Oct 6 Greensburg District UMW Fall Meeting- Leechburg First- speaker TBAOct. 7 Johnstown DS Installation Ceremony: Rev. Sung Chung- location: tbdOct. 13 Greensburg District Helpshop- New Stanton UMC (more info coming)- Cost: $15/ppOct 27 WPA Conference UMW Annual Fall Meeting in the Franklin District
JULY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIESHappy Birthday and Anniversary to those clergy families celebrating this month! If your information is mistaken or not included, please contact Lori at [email protected] to update your information! Thanks!
BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES2- Rev. Robert Arduino2-Haley Begg12- Rev-Herbert Phar18-Shannon Wasser19- Rev. Rex Wasser
22- Rev. Robert Green23-Sarah Raptosh23-Cindy Raptosh25- Rev. Sharon Waltenbaugh
9- Rev. Ron & Cindy Raptosh10- Jeff & Lori Begg16- Rev. Hyung Suk & Shinhea Joe17- Rev. Rich & Marsha Phipps
18- Rev. Chris & Carla Livermore22- Rev. David & Judith Eversdyke28- Rev. Paul & Jane Inks29- Rev. Greg & Kathy Butler
JOYS & CONCERNS Please pray for all churches and pastoral families in transition because of new pastoral appointments. Rev. Ron Fleming is dealing with some asthma & respiratory difficulties. Please keep him in your prayers. Pray for Rev. Tom Dougal who is being treated for cancer *NEW* (updated) Praise for Rev. Linda Harrison who is recovering from a number of health concerns. Continued prayers for: Brady Hunker and Tammy Hay Prayer for Lisa Bane who is living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and recently broke a rib. She will be facing future
surgeries to alleviate the effects of RA. Praying Our Way Forward- The Council of Bishop and The Upper Room are launching Phase 3 of Praying Our
Way Forward. United Methodists are asked to pray daily and fast weekly with the bishops from June 3 through the Special Session of General Conference in February, 2019. Learn more.
GREENSBURG DISTRICT APPOINTMENTS CHANGES (EFFECTIVE JULY 1ST)Click here to read all WPA Conference Appointments
Rev. Beverly A. Spore-from Connellsville District to Leechburg First UMC. Rev. Dawn L. Check- from Butler District to Greensburg Otterbein UMC. Rev. Joseph J. Yurko- from Franklin District to Youngwood: Christ UMC Rev. John E. Ciampa- from Harrison City: Community UMC to retirement Rev. John W. Seth- from Youngwood: Christ UMC to retirement Rev. Sung S. Chung- from Greensburg: Otterbein UMC to Johnstown: DS Rev. Jerrad R. Peterman- from Leechburg First to Harrison City: Community
Paul Funk (Hillside UMC) received his first appointment to Germany UMC (Indiana District) Steve McIlvaine (Murrysville UMC) received his first appointment to Muhleman Memorial in North Braddock
(Pittsburgh District) Lynnette Moran (Lower Burrell: Bethel) was appointed as a provisional deacon serving as a Missional
Advocate to both “Faith Community Partners” in Tarentum, PA, and to Lower Burrell: Bethel UMC.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE WRAP UP INFORMATIONFor detailed information from Annual Conference, please click here to view the June 14th edition* of the Conference e-News. Annual Conference Wrap Up ArticleRetirees Share their Thoughts (Scroll down)Annual Conference Photos (Rich Pearson’s photos only)Videos from Annual Conference (unedited, daily sessions, beginning with the closing first)Videos from Annual Conference (Presentations, edited highlights, will be posted soon)Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s article captured the mood & discussion at Annual Conference re: A Way Forward
*The June 14th edition is not uploaded to the Conference Website Archive yet so some links may not be visible until it is updated.
****************************************DEVELOPING PRINCIPLED CHRISTIAN LEADERS ERT RE-CERTIFICATION TRAININGEvery 3 years ERT’s are required by UMCOR to be re-certified. If you were last certified in 2015 and want to maintain your certification a class is scheduled for Saturday July 14, 2018 at 8:30 am at Latrobe UMC on Main St., Latrobe, PA 15650. This is a four-hour class. Parking is available on the side street of the church. Prior registration is required. You may do so by forwarding your name and phone number to Rich Ziegenfus as listed below, who will follow up with you for more detailed information. The cost is $25.00 which can be paid the day of the class. Please arrive by 7:45am to complete the registration process. Contact information is listed below should you have any questions.
Richard P. Ziegenfus Phone: 724-238-3158 Fax: 724-238-3153 e-mail: [email protected]
****************************************CREATING NEW & REVITALIZED MINISTRIES*NEW* VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL- BABYLON-DANIEL’S COURAGE IN CAPTIVITYJuly 16-209:15 AM-12:15 PMCost: Free will offerings will be collected daily Ages: 4 yrs old-5th gradeBethel UMC- 150 Alder Street, Lower Burrell
For more details and to print out a registration form, click here (or view the attachments to the email)
WPA PRISON OUTREACH MINISTRYThe 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 to view the Summer 2018 newsletter. To learn more, go to their new website: http://www.wpapom.org/
WESTMORELAND COUNTY FAIR HOSPITALITY TENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Westmoreland County Fair Hospitality Tent Volunteers Needed; Contact Rev. John Gerber a [email protected] or 814-688-4124 for information or to volunteer. Click here for more details.
REACHING NEW PEOPLE WORKSHOP When: Saturday, June 30 2018, 9:00AM-4:00PM (Registration begins at 9:00AM – Workshop begins at 9:30AM – Lunch will be provided.)Where: First UMC Greensburg (15 East Second St, Greensburg PA 15601)Registration fee = $15
Church pastors and lay persons are invited to attend this strategic planning workshop designed to help churches grow their membership. The Reaching New People Workshop will be led by Rev. Kim Griffith, United Methodist Pastor, new church planter, and coach at Griffith Coaching.
• Learn the strategic differences between 1955 and today• Discover how to reintroduce your church to the community• Define your pastor's role in reaching new people• Define your congregation's role in reaching new people• Network with other teams for ideas and techniques• Teams will develop an action plan to take home
To register online, click here. To print out a form and register by mail or to see a flier for the event, see attachments to the newsletter email called: “Reaching New People Registration” and “Reaching New People Flyer-WPA edition 2”. For questions, please contact Pastor Jill Croushore at (724) 420-4154 or [email protected]
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL FOLLOW UP MANUAL IS AVAILABLE! (John and Christine Zimmerman)
A while back we surveyed local churches about evangelism practices and attitudes. We discovered that Vacation Bible School is the number one evangelistic outreach of churches today. We also discovered that few have an effective follow up plan and that there are no resources available for a follow up plan....until now!
This 25-page manual is a one-of-kind comprehensive resource to help churches implement a follow up plan for the unchurched kids who attend VBS. It can simply be introduced into any VBS program as a compliment to the planning materials.
Don't let another VBS go by wishing that you would have thought about follow up with all the great kids that came to VBS! Click here to be directed to the ABOUT FACE website. Click here to order the book. Paperback Price: $5.99
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
We would love to advertise your church’s VBS, and a few pictures after the event has passed. Please send ups photos and a few lines summarizing your VBS and we’ll help spread the word!
TRI-CITY CHARGE (ARNOLD, BRAEBURN, NEW KENSINGTON UMC’S) HELD ONE-DAY VBS!Tri-City Charge held a 1-day Polar Blast VBS. Check out these pictures from their event!
****************************************ENGAGING IN MINISTRY WITH THE POOR*NEW* MISSION TRIP TO HONDURAS
The Conference Committee for Encounter With Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean is organizing a mission trip to Honduras from September 22 through October 1. The team will help to complete construction of a church in rural Honduras. Although people with construction skills would be especially helpful on this team, ANYONE who is interested is encouraged to apply. For more info, email Encounter liaison Jodale Barnhart at [email protected]. See attachment to email to download an application.
****************************************PROMOTING ABUNDANT HEALTH
HEALING SERVICE Thursday, July 12th, 2018 at 7 PMHosted by the Arona United Methodist Church- 2037 Main St. Arona, PA 15617
Open to all!!! “Healing is for Everyone, Especially people With Hurts, Habits, Hang-ups and Addictions”Tammy Taylor will be preaching the Word, Worship by Tonya Carrington and Karen MartinAll prayer warriors are welcome to attend.
For more information please contact: Pastor Bruce Anthony at: Home-724-834-0567 Cell-412-610-5485 [email protected] Is Welcomed to Attend
****************************************DISMANTLING RACISMANTI-RACISM GRANTSThe 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.
TOOLKIT TO ADDRESS HATE & VIOLENCEAfter “Unite the Right” rallies in Charlottesville and other cities, white supremacy, nationalism, violent extremism, and hate in America have been laid bare. Church leaders have spoken out against it and the General Commission on Religion and Race has compiled a toolkit of resources that may be useful for individuals, a small group, or congregation on the themes of white supremacy, hate, and violence post-Charlottesville. Click here for more information.
WPAUMC ANTI-RACISM RESOURCESIn 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. Click here to downloaded the list from the Conference website Discussing Racism page.
LIVING TOGETHER WELL IN A DIVERSE WORLD
How can United Methodists can lead in living together well in an increasingly diverse world. Five leaders offer some way to do it. Click here to read more.
RACISM RESPONSE: EMBRACE LOVE – THEY ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHTUnited 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
************* CLERGY CORNER *************
*NEW* PREACH! (SAVE THE DATE)SEPTEMBER 24-25DUTILH UMCThis 2-day preaching seminar is being offered this Fall. A few preachers from across our North and Southeast Methodist connection were invited and have agreed to join us for a time of proclamation, inspiration and fellowship. They will preach and teach based upon the following topics:
Preach: for VisionPreach: for MillennialsPreach: for Ethnic & Cultural Social JusticePreach: for TransformationPreach: for Revival
To view the postcard being mailed out at the end of June, click here (to view the front of the post card) and click here (to view the back of the postcard) or view the attachments at the bottom of the email.
*NEW* CLERGY PICNICThe District Clergy Picnic will be held on Sunday, Aug. 26th from 4-9 PM at the home of Rev. Chris & Carla Livermore- Cameo Lane, Greensburg, PA. Bring a covered dish and plan to join other clergy families on the district for a relaxing
evening of conversation, good food, a campfire, and a visit with Ernie, the donkey! Call Chris or the District Office with your RSVP before Aug. 20th. Thanks!
CLERGY EVALUATIONS, CONTINUING EDUCATION & PARSONAGE INSPECTION FORMS- WERE DUE MAY 15TH
Evaluations: All clergy were emailed the evaluation form links in April and those links will direct you to completing the 3 online forms. The evaluations must be completed online and submitted online. Please use the links sent in April (or mailed to you by the District Office or Ben Harsch).
Continuing Education: Click here to view the continuing education form, print out and submit to the District Office. An attachment of the form is also at the bottom of this email.
Annual Parsonage Inspection: Click here to view the continuing education form, print out and submit to the District Office. An attachment of the form is also at the bottom of this email.
CLERGY MOVING EXPENSES Clergy who are moving in 2018 need to e-mail moving expenses to Kathleen Lasky, Conference Benefits Officer at [email protected].
CLERGY MOVING EXPENSES (TAX CUTS & JOB ACT)As the church enters a season when appointments change, pastors move to new appointments may be surprised to learn that the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will require treating their moving expenses as income. The Rev. Ken Sloane of Discipleship Ministries, explains. Read commentary See latest GCFA statement
MISSED THE CLERGY TAX WEBINAR? View the recorded webinar Clergy Taxes: Don’t Live in Fear! Handouts of the slides are available for download in a 3-up format for note taking.
APPLY FOR A VITAL WORSHIP GRANTThe Vital Worship Grants program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship focuses on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship. Grant proposals can be submitted by emerging and established churches; seminaries, colleges, and schools; hospitals, nursing homes and other organizations. The grants are funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. Click here for more information.
SAVE THE DATE! PRE-CHARGE BRIEFINGS There will be 2 opportunities to attend the Pre-Charge Briefing. All clergy are expected to attend one of these sessions. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.
Wednesday, July 11 @ 10 AM- District Office Thursday, July 19th @ 6 PM- District Office
Please note: There will be a special opportunity for Church Secretaries/Administrative Assistants to attend a training on completing the required forms for Charge Conference. See below:
ATTENTION: TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR CHURCH ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS & SECRETARIESPre-Charge Briefing (for Admins/Secretaries only)
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
10AM-12 PMGreensburg District OfficeRSVP to [email protected] by Tuesday, July 3rd
ATTENTION LOCAL PASTORS!Please use the following address for correspondence to Sara Wrona regarding Local Pastor Issues such as mentor reports and Course of Study registrations: Rev. Sara Wrona, First UMC, 134 Custer Avenue, Vandergrift, PA 15690.
CLERGY EXCELLENCEThere's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment
UMC SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at http://scholarship.umc.org/
SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR DEACONS A new scholarship for those pursuing deacon ordination has been set up with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry added for those pursuing deacon ordination. It honors Rubie Butterworth, who dedicated her life to serving through the church. Lean more.
CLERGY SCHOLARSHIP GRANTSThe Office of Loans and Scholarships at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry on Wednesday awarded more than $1.66 million to 206 recipients of the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship was created to help United Methodist clergy avoid excessive educational loan debt, minimize financial stress and build financial acumen. Learn more.
************HELP WANTED*************CUSTODIAN NEEDED AT IRWIN FIRST UMCPART-TIME CUSTODIAN: The Irwin First U Methodist Church is accepting applications for the position of Evening Custodian. Responsibilities include general housekeeping, maintenance, grounds care, snow removal, minor repairs, and event support. Candidate should be Christian centered, with a pleasant disposition, good organizational skills and be able to work a flexible schedule. This is a part-time position of 20-25 hours per week with no benefits. Applicants are required by law to have passed the State Police Criminal Record Check, the PA Child Abuse Clearance and the FBI fingerprint check. Interested persons may contact the church at 724-863-6858 or by email at [email protected]. Cover letter and resume with references may be sent to: First United Methodist Church, Attn: Staff Parish, 310 Oak Street, Irwin, PA 15642
YOUTH MINISTER OPPORTUNITY AT IRWIN FIRST UMCAre you a motivated, grace-filled Christian looking for full-time employment? Join our team at Irwin First United Methodist Church! This position includes planning/coordinating/promoting activities with our youth and their friends to increase their faith. Activities include weekly youth group meetings, periodic youth events (fellowship, service projects, retreats), and some assistance with high school Sunday School. Personal commitment to Christ; working with youth using creativity, understanding, & kindness; Biblical worldview; and strong organizational/communication/team-building skills are necessary. Music/guitar skills, preaching capabilities, and computer/multi-media skills are a plus. Future potential growth into additional areas of ministry are available if mutually agreeable! Please send resume & cover letter to: Irwin First United Methodist Church, 310 Oak Street,
Irwin, Pa 15642 Or email: [email protected]. Any questions, please call the church office at 724-863-6858
SEEKING EMPLOYMENTA local Greensburg person is seeking employment in any of the following areas: Organist/Pianist/Choir Director. If you are seeking someone with these skills, please contact Mary Jo Young at 412-793-3701
******YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY*****TIMOTHY CIRCLE MENTOR TRAINING (ONLINE) We all know the benefits of youth having strong Christian role models in their lives, but some adults don’t know how to start or maintain that kind of relationship. The Timothy Circle online mentor training is a great place for them to start – it gives them the tools they need and they can do all of the coursework in their own time over a 3-week period online. Imagine if every youth sponsor on a mission trip this summer had conversations about faith and calling with young people on those hours-long bus rides? It would be amazing, wouldn’t it?? This training is meant to give laypeople the skills to better mentor young people in your churches. The Timothy Circle mentor training is designed by the United Methodist-based Institute for Discipleship and the Denman Award-granting Foundation for Evangelism. Training is available online (this summer) at www.beadisciple.com/timothy. *NEW* (Updated) UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN: Invite a young woman you care about to a retreat for Unstoppable Young Women at Olmsted Manor, 17 East Main, Ludlow, PA 16333 from Friday, July 6-Sunday, July 8. Cost: $25. Ages: 14-25. Speaker: Rev Jane Ellen Nickel (chaplain at Allegheny College). Email Laramie ([email protected]) or Denise ([email protected]) with questions. Register: Visit the Unstoppable Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/umwunstoppable/ or call Olmsted Manor at 814-945-6512.
YOUTH EVENTSCheck out all the Youth Events from the Conference: https://www.wpaumc.org/youtheventsUth 4 Missions (a missions event for youth groups) is July 16-20 at Jumonville (new location). Both work sites and outreach sites will be available. Cost is $220/person. -Includes housing, meals, mission site work, campfires, worship, and fun! For youth in grades 6-12. More info including the schedule and to register is at www.wpaumc.org/youthevents
YOUTH MISSION U, for youth in grades 6-12 will be held at California University of PA from July 10-15. Plan to attend; bring a group from your church. Registration will open soon. Get details at wpaumc.org/youthmissionu
The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries, a division of Discipleship Ministries, is announcing details of the event to give churches time to plan for their youth to attend. The national gathering for United Methodist youth takes place every four years. Read press release
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! 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.
For questions, check out the Youth Events Page on the Conference website or contact Amanda Gilligan, Coordinator of Young People’s Ministries, at [email protected] or (724) 776-2300 ext. 224
*********CAMPING INFORMATION*********DEEPLY ROOTED, UPWARD REACHING CAMPING CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The value of camping and retreat ministry is definitely more significant in our days of advanced technology. According to Dr. Jacob Sorenson and Dr. Paul Hill, the key characteristics of camp experience are:
Camp is RELATIONALCamp is PARTICIPATORYCamp is DIFFERENT FROM HOMECamp is A SAFE SPACECamp is FAITH-CENTERED
Dr. Sorenson has continued his study and has found that there are basic key characteristics of camp which have led to long-term improvements in the lives of campers and these include:
IndependenceSelf-ConfidenceGrowth in FaithGrowth in Knowledge of God
Isn't this what our youth, families and our churches need more than ever so they can understand and learn how to live their Faith? That being said, the capital campaign is asking for 1 or 2 names of folks from each church that may be willing to serve as Council Visitors for the Deeply Rooted, Upward Reaching Campaign. They will be trained as to what their task would be if they are willing to serve in this awesome capacity.
June 30th 9-11am at Conference Center in Cranberry Twp June 30th 2-4pm in Washington July 2nd 6:30-8:30pm in SomersetJuly 14th 9-11am in PunxsutawneyJuly 14th 2-4pm in Ebensburg
If you feel willing to help, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact any of the co-chairs with your contact information (name, email and phone number) and someone will be in contact with you.
Co-Chairs for the Greensburg District for Bishop Moore-Koikoi's Deeply Rooted, Upward Reaching Camping Campaign:
Carla Holderbaum - [email protected] - 412-607-1851
Elizabeth Somes - [email protected] - 1-808-381-5496
Todd Libengood - [email protected] - 412-805-8514
CAMPING & RETREAT MINISTRIESCamping & Retreat Ministries are an important part of our life together. See what opportunities are available!
CAMP ALLEGHENY o 2018 Calendar of Events Click here . o Website: https://www.campallegheny.org/
JUMONVILLE o 2018 Calendar of Events: https://jumonville.org/coming-events/ o Website: https://jumonville.org/o Adult Prayer Retreat from Wednesday, July 18 - Friday, July 20 at Jumonville with Bishop Cynthia
Moore-Koikoi. There will be times of learning about prayer and how to pray. There will be conversation, free time to explore Jumonville, campfires, fellowship and wonderful food. Participants will be staying in private rooms at Jumonville's Inn, so space is limited to 9 rooms. The cost of this event is $190. Sign up today!
WESLEY WOODSo 2018 Calendar of Events: http://www.wesleywoods.com/ o Website: http://www.wesleywoods.com/
OLMSTED MANORo 2018 Calendar of Events: http://www.olmstedmanor.org/events.htmlo Website: http://www.olmstedmanor.org/
CHERRY RUN CAMP MEETINGCamp meeting is July 28-Aug 5th, 2018. Click here for a registration brochure and details.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Cherry Run Camp meeting, is a family camp near Rimersburg, PA that is owned and operated by the Franklin District. The camp is in need of volunteers to work at the camp in varying capacities. Volunteering at the camp would be a wonderful short term mission work project for teams or individuals. Helpers are needed in the two weeks prior to camp and kitchen help is needed the
week of camp. Please contact Mr. Dennis Mahle (814-648-1676) for more information and to schedule a day or two to work at the camp. You will be blessed in this ministry. ~~~Cherry Run Camp Meeting Board
AT THE LAKE MINISTRIESShe’s in the Water! Congratulations to At The Lake Ministries! The JoAnn M was lowered into the water of Lake Erie, marking a milestone for a new ministry that will offer persons living with a variety of disabilities to enjoy fishing or cruising on the lake. Watch!Stay up-to-date and “like” the At The Lake Ministries Facebook page.
FUNDRAISER BIKE TRIP PITTSBURGH TO WASHINGTON, D.C. TO BENEFIT CAMPING INITIATIVEAug. 12-18 (Tentative dates)
Come ride 300+ miles from Pittsburgh to DC to raise money for Camperships. If you want to be part of the planning process or are interested in going, contact [email protected].
************** THIS 'N THAT **************6TH ANNUAL FAITH NIGHTThe 6th Annual Faith Night will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 following the Pirates-Mets game at 7:05 p.m. Enjoy discounted tickets for the Pirates-Mets game and stay after the game to hear Manager Clint Hurdle and your favorite Pirate players and coaches share their personal experiences with how their faith has impacted both their lives and their careers in baseball specifically. Being that Faith Night is being held on a Friday for the first time, we expect the event to be even more popular than ever! Therefore, it is highly recommended securing seats with a deposit. Groups of 15 or more
can secure a block of seats with a deposit, then will have until June 11 to give your final ticket count and pay the balance. Contact Chad Glover at [email protected] or 412-325-4756.
UNITED METHODIST NOW- A NEW BI-WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTERThe 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.
ONLINE PAYMENTS CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE WPA UMC CONFERENCE CENTERThe 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 with online payment instructions have been set-up for Camping & Retreat Ministries, At the Lake Ministries, Pension & Healthcare, and Local Church Remittance. More information can be found at the conference website at http://www.wpaumc.org/onlinepayments
HELPFUL LINKS 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
WPA CONFERENCE CENTERwww.wpaumc.org
1-800-886-33821204 Freedom RoadP.O. Box 5002 Cranberry Twp, PA 16066-0002