Connellsville E-newsAugust

As I am writing this newsletter article, I am getting ready to go to Fiji to sign the partnership between our conference and the Fijian Church. I have checked to see if I have the right clothes ready. Amy and I have bought insect repellant and sprayed our clothes with “special sauce.” We have checked to make sure our sunscreen is o.k. and I have reminded Marianne again and again not to let me forget the papers the bishop signed at conference that I am supposed to carry with me.

I will be carrying many things to Fiji, but the most important thing is your thoughts and prayers. I am grateful for you and your prayers.

I also wanted to take this time to say thank you. You all know that I asked the District Superintendency Committee to ask you all to help support this trip. I thank God for your generous response. I am so thankful to report that I sent a check for nearly $6,000 from the district office to the conference for this work. I also know that many of you also sent support directly to the conference. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

That got me thinking about thank you. Many of you know I love etymology or the history of words. The word thank you is derived from the Old Saxon thancon, Old Norse pakka, Danish take, Old Frisian thankia and from the PIE root *tong- to think, feel.” So, thank is phonetically related to think much like song is related to sing.1

Know that as I travel to Fiji, I will be thinking of and thanking you. When I share the joys of God’s Kingdom in Fiji, I will be thinking of and thanking you. When I am presenting the partnership between the Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference to the Fijian Church, I will be thinking of and thanking you. When I arrive back safely home to continue to do the ministry of Jesus Christ among you, I will be thinking of and thanking you.

In closing “I THANK YOU” and remember God is with us...

God Bless,

Pastor Bob

1 Origin and meaning of thank by Online Etymology Dictionary (https://www.etymonline.com/word/thank)

District SuperintendentPastor Robert Zilhaver

View the Calendar

PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS IMPORTANT DATES

SAVE THE DATESOrientation to Ministry has been changed from August 24 to August 17.  Register here: https://www.wpaumc.org/eventdetail/orientation-to-ministry-12805405 Pre-Charge ConferenceAugust 5th- Acme UMC (10am-12pm)August 6th Paradise (6pm-8pm)

Fall Lay Ministry School:September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6 and 13.Classes will be from 2-5 p.m.

The Evangelism Leader’s Training: October 14th-25th - Two week on line training October 27th- On sight day

Walk Thru The Bible: Saturday, October 26th

Annual Conference 2020: The session will be June 11-13, 2020 at Grove City College.

PRAYERS, THANKSGIVING AND JOY’S

MINISTRY: The Mission Trip to Fiji- August 8- 2019Missionaries 2020 DelegationNew appointments https://www.wpaumc.org/appointmentsKids going back to school

JOYS: UMC Outreach at Open Streets Pittsburgh See photos at Facebook.com/wpaumc.    

THANKS: For all the donations for Fiji!

NATION: Human Trafficking in NW PA: Human trafficking is occurring all over the U.S. and the Erie Times-News reports that the I-90 corridor “makes Erie a prime location for traffickers and a constant battle for law enforcement agencies and community organizations trying to save victims from modern day slavery.” Read more.

If you have a joy or concern, please contact me at 724.628.3453 or e-mail Connellsville.office@wpacumc.org

FIJIWe have a team of 14 going to FIJI alongside everyone who donated in working together to fulfill our mission.

“Do all the good you can,By all the means you can,In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,As long as ever you can.”

Fiji Mission Trip: Fourteen WPAUMC leaders and volunteers, including Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Connellsville DS Bob Zilhaver, will head to Suva, Fiji in early August to witness the signing of the new Western

PA Fijian Partnership Covenant and work at the Methodist Lay Training Center. They’ll paint dorms, install gutters, and set up the kitchen for both student meal prep and cottage industry/job training.

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Please

contact me if I

overlooked your

special

occasion.

connellsville.office@wpaumc.org.

724.550.4058 Thank you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY  

August

Heidi Helsel—Pastor/Spouse 3

Catherine McKeown—Spouse 4

Kathy Spiker –Spouse 12

Samuel R. McClintock—Pastor 14

Terry Guiste—Pastor 15

Edward Sutton - Pastor 15

Ezekiel Forsythe—Child 17

Lori Henderson-Spouse 18

Lynn Kifer-Spouse 19

Kathleen Barnhart-Pastor 23

Robert E. Kifer-Pastor 24

Vann Walchock-Pastor 31

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

 August

Rick & Heidi Helsel 2

Tom & Verdean Zimmerman 6

Arnold & Norma Husk 6

Tim & Shirley Rogers 6

Debra & Larry Lambert 12

Marvin & Ann Watson 13

John & Christine Zimmerman 17

John & Leona Logan 19

Jeri & Tabitha Penrod 20

Terry & Paulette Guiste 23

David & Charlene Klink 25

Derek & Erin Platt 27

Mark & Eileen Blair 31

LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENT’S

CHURCH HAPPENINGS AROUND YOU:

Summer Office Hours

June 3rd- August 30th 2019Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00am- 5:00pm

The dates of the fall Lay Speaker School are: September 15, 22, 29, Oct. 6 and 13.

Classes will be from 2-5 p.m.

We are going to offer the following classes: BasicTeaching AdultsSpiritual GiftsLeading WorshipUM HeritageFrom Your Heart to TheirsConflict Resolution  Location: Somerset- Somerset First UMC, 149 W Patriot St. Somerset PA 15501

Register here:

https://wpa-reg.brtapp.com/2019FallLayServantSchool

PRODUCE FOR THE PEOPLEThe second Thursday of each month produce is free for Fayette County residence. Location is Fayette County Fairgrounds. Anyone needing produce must have a copy of their electric bill. For more details, contact: Ray Hoffman: 724.929.5587

We have scheduled a Walk Thru the Bible event called ntLive, where folks will learn 40 of the major people, places and events of the New Testament and be able to recite those in under 90 seconds. Mark your calendar for Saturday October 26 from 9-Noon at Christ United Methodist Church in Scottdale. The cost is only $10. The instructor is Pastor Chuck Hildbold, who is a certified instructor for the Old and New Testaments with Walk Thru the Bible. Opportunities to register will be forthcoming. Ages 3rd grade and up are invited to attend.

Did you know 58% of churchgoers don’t read the Bible or only read it a few times a year?

ALMOST SIXTY PERCENT! And of Americans that read the Bible, only 11% have read all of it.

Register Here: http://www.walkthru.org/ . . . and then go to the link that states "Attend a Live event"...find the Scottdale event or contact: Christ UMC in Scottdale. It is (724) 887-6724

Connellsville District EvangelismLeader’s Training

WHATFifteen persons from the same district will participate in a two-week course on evangelism using an online educational platform. The course will be completed at home with time flexibility. Following the online course, the 15 students will attend a one-day, on-site practical training within the district on leading a local church Evangelism Team. John and Christine Zimmerman of About Face Church Outreach will facilitate all the training.WHENOnline Course: October 14-25On-site Class: October 27 2pm-7pm(District location to be determined)COST$60.00/StudentOnline course, on-site class, meal and all materials included.Registration Information814-490-4297 or john@af180.orgdetails and secure your spot. Download Flier

LAITY AND CLERGYMULTI-FORMAT TRAININGOnline and on-site combined into one powerful eventCreditLaity – Certification as Advanced Course in Lay Servant MinistriesClergy – 1.5 CEU’s

Sponsors

Y O U R W E L L N E S S J O U R N E Y S T A R T S N O WLiving strong and healthy is about freedom, not perfection. Join us as we focus on your wellness

Wednesday, 6:30-7:45 PM REGISTER ONLINE Sept 18 - Dec 11, 2019http://www.firstplaceforhealth.com/ shop/virtual-groups-wednesday-

Bible Study - Forever Changed Leader: Jennifer KroghAssistant: Becky Edwards

Exploration 2019

Exploration 2019 will be at Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, FL on Friday, November 1 - Sunday, November 3, 2019.  The event is open to anyone ages 18-26 who is in any way considering a call to ministry. The cost of the event and travel is covered by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.  If you or someone you know, is interested please contact Rev. J.R. Virgin at 814-244-5654.  Registration is open until Sunday,

September 1, 2019.

We have scheduled a Walk Thru the Bible event called ntLive, where folks will learn 40 of the major people, places and events of the New Testament and be able to recite those in under 90 seconds. Mark your calendar for Saturday October 26 from 9-Noon at Christ United Methodist Church in Scottdale. The cost is only $10. The instructor is Pastor Chuck Hildbold, who is a certified instructor for the Old and New Testaments with Walk Thru the Bible. Opportunities to register will be forthcoming. Ages 3rd grade and up are invited to attend.

Did you know 58% of churchgoers don’t read the Bible or only read it a few times a year?

ALMOST SIXTY PERCENT! And of Americans that read the Bible, only 11% have read all of it.

Register Here: http://www.walkthru.org/ . . . and then go to the link that states "Attend a Live event"...find the Scottdale event or contact: Christ UMC in Scottdale. It is (724) 887-6724

CONFERENCE:

General Conference 2020

Apply to be GC2020 Young People’s Speaker: United Methodists ages 12-35 are being sought to deliver their messages to the church at General Conference 2020 in Minneapolis. Young People’s Ministries website.

An Email from Bishop Dick Wilke

Dear Reverend,

Like you, my son and I are experiencing the tragic decline in our beloved church. But we still convinced of the saving power of Jesus.

Like John Wesley, we need to learn new ways of communication.

We learned through DISCIPLE Bible Study that the laity are hungry to learn. But, we need to make the learning accessible.

We are excited to let you know about a wide range of training courses available online. Training that can be done right from their homes at times of their convenience.

Each course is taught by highly experienced persons in the content area. Each course also has lots of interaction between all of the participants.

To help keep costs low, we need you to let your pastors know these are available.

You are the indispensable key!

Spreading the word will help us lift up the leadership skills of our laity for the enhancement of our churches and for the good of the Kingdom.

The following online courses are designed to enhance lay and clergy ministry. Here are the links for all the information.

· Lay Servant Ministries· Certified Lay Ministry· Congregational Leadership· Children’s Ministry· Evangelism· Spiritual Formation· Christian Care and Counseling· Rural Ministry· Christian Education· Youth Ministry· Wesley Theological Seminary Lay Academy

God bless you in your vital ministry,Bishop Richard B. Wilke

DISCIPLE Bible Study Author     And

Dr. Stephen K. Wilke     Executive Director, Institute for Discipleship

 

PAYMENTS CAN BE ACCEPTED FOR THE WPA UMC CONFERENCE CENTER The 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

Clergy Health Insurance Rate: Thanks to the efforts by the Conference Board of Pensions and Health Benefits, the 2019 rate local churches will be billed for full-time appointed clergy health insurance will be $151 a month less than the amount anticipated earlier in the fall. The 2019 blended rate will be $1385.00 a month for health, vision and dental. Learn more

GC2019 OUTCOMES AND CLERGY PENSIONS: Wespath recently updated its FAQs and other website resources related to General Conference 2019 and clergy pensions. See Wespath webpage.

Your Credit Union Can Help! If you have church members struggling financially in situations like the recent federal government shutdown, the Keystone UM Federal Credit Union to wants you to know that they are willing and able to help. Get contact info at keystoneumfcu.org/

Communicator Connection: We have created a closed group for WPAUMC Church Communicators on Facebook to shareresources, inspiration, and advice. It’s for people who manage social media or websites, create newsletters or handleother communications in a local church professionally or as a volunteer. To join, click the "join" button on our main pageor find the group by clicking "groups" in the menu on the left. Go to Facebook.com/wpaumc

IMPORTANT INFORMATION .

Orientation to Ministry has been changed from August 24 to August 17.  Register here: https://www.wpaumc.org/eventdetail/orientation-to-ministry-12805405

 Please remember that the Orientation is BOD requirement.  It is the first stop for ALL people seeking licensed or ordained ministry.  Following each Orientation, I will be in contact with the DSs with the names of people from their district who attended.  These people will be assigned by me to candidacy groups with trained process guides and during that period of time should meet with your DCOMs for at least an initial "meet and greet".  Following the completion of the group sessions they will have everything in place to meet with you all for a certification interview.

Janet Lord 783 Freeport Road Creighton, PA 15030 412-759-5204

Registration for Leadership Institute 2019, held at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection September 25-27, is now open.

General Conference 2020

Apply to be GC2020 Young People’s Speaker: United Methodists ages 12-35 are being sought to deliver their messages to the church at General Conference 2020 in Minneapolis. Young People’s Ministries website.

Required Annual Forms Church Dashboard Login – PLEASE REMEMBER TO UPDATE YOUR LEADERS

Clergy Dashboard Login

VIP: We are required to: Have a copy of the deed to your church/charge filed in The Connellsville District Office.

Please send a copy of all your church’s/charge’s property deeds to the District office by May 1, 2019 (including deeds for your church’s campus/campuses, parsonage, and all other properties).

VIP: We are required to update your clearances every 5 years: If you're a pastor and haven’t already done so, send copies of your current clearances (PA Criminal History report from the PA State Police, Certification from the PA Department of Human Services, and Federal Criminal History report from the FBI) to your District Office asap. Details on clearances are at wpaumc.org/safesanctuaries.

Help Us Connect with Your Church! If the church email listed on your church dashboard belongs to a pastor or other church leader, please create a separate church email, then update the dashboard to reflect the change. Free email is available through Google (gmail) and other providers. A separate email address will make communication easier especially if there are pastoral or leadership changes. To see what email is listed for your church, put your church name in the search box at wpaumc.org/churches Leadership Connections:

CAMP AND RETREAT MINISTRIES

HELP KIDS GO TO CAMP2019 Campership Bike-A-Thon

Is your church incorporated?

People can go to the State Treasurer's office website and submit their church EIN number to see if they areincorporated. Churches that are incorporated need to have an annual corporation meeting. This is a Pennsylvania lawand should be done to protect assets as well as trustees from potential liability.

God has blessed our Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference with excellent camping and retreat facilities that have made a tremendous impact on the spiritual life of our conference. Yet the cost of participating in our camping programs has become prohibitive for many families. So Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koi Koi is challenging all of us in the Western Pennsylvania Conference to support her Deeply Rooted, Upward Reaching campaign to raise scholarship funds to help children and youth who could not otherwise afford it to go to camp.

Last year, several persons with a passion for bicycling organized a fund-raising ride from Boston, PA to Washington, DC (around 315 miles) via the Great Allegheny Passage rail trail and the C&O Canal Towpath to raise funds for the campaign. Nine riders made the whole trip, and another four riders joined them for the first day/s ride. Through sponsorships, they raised over $11,000. The event was so successful that they decided to do it again this year from September 30th — October 6th. The last I heard, there are 24 riders (including Bishop Moore - Koi Koil) registered...and I am one of them. (I'll most likely be the oldest rider on the trip.)God willing, I will be 75 years old on September 23rd of this year. So I have decided that the theme for my participation

in the ride should be 't75". I am seeking donors who WouId be-Willing to sponsor me in the amount of $75.00. Bev and I have committed to match the first ten'$75.OO sponsorship’s that I receive. If my plan works out, I will raise $1,500 or more for the campaign.Would you be willing to be one of my sponsors? If so; please complete the form below and send it, with your check, to me. I will forward it, with my check, to Chris Kindle at the Conference Center for deposit to the Bike-AThon account.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and consider my request.

God bless...

Roger Saunders

SPONSORSHIP FORM

I would like to sponsor Roger Saunders for the 2019 Campership Bike-A-Thon. My check in the amount of [ ] $75.00 or [ ) Other amount is enclosed.

NOTE: Please make your check out to WPAUMC and mark the memo "2019 Campership Bike-A-Thon Sponsorship: Roger Saunders". Send it, along with your completed

Roger Saunders111 Harbison Ave.

Masontown PA 15461

jumonville.org

Clergy Spouse Retreat from Friday, September 27 to Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Jumonville 887 Jumonville Rd, Hopwood, PA 15445. Phone: 814-969-5630. Contact person: Grace Lenox

GENERAL/JURIDICTIONAL CONFERENCE

Resources for Pastors, Church Leaders: The new ResourceUMC.org website offers a host of resources, ideas and information to support ministry in the local church. It’s updated regularly. You can keep track of what’s new or timely by

Nathan W. SaccolProgram Director

www.campallegheny.org814-754-5122

SPECIAL OFFER!During Discover Olmsted Days, enjoy all that Olmsted has to offer and discover your new favorite place to retreat. Come away for a few days to enjoy a quiet, beautiful space, explore the Allegheny National Forest, and share a meal around the table - we'll take care of the dishes! Here, you can draw closer to each other as you draw closer to the presence of God. Two Nights, Five Meals: $80/person OR Four Nights, Eleven Meals: $150/person *children 3 and under stay free Book an individual, couple, or family retreat for any dates during August 9-23, 2019 to receive these rates. Meals will be provided at scheduled times in Groves Lodge.DetailsAug 9 – 23 Discover Olmsted Days w/ Olmsted Staff Aug 25-27 Writing Workshop w/ Rev. Bill KempSept 29-Oct 1 Fall Women’s Retreat w/ Michele HueyOct 4 – 6 Beginner Fly-Fishing School w/ Gary KellNov 10 – 12 Rest & Renewal Retreat w/ Rev. Kim Barker-BrugmanNov 15 – 17 Youth Ministry Training w/ Perkins School of TheologyDec 1 & 8 Christmas Open House: “Olmsted Fashioned Christmas”

Bike-a-Thon Good News/Bad News: If you were waiting to sign up for the 2019 Campership Bike-a-Thon from Pittsburgh to Washington, DC from Sept. 30-Oct. 6, you’re too late! Registration was closed this week after the number of registrants reached 24, the capacity for some overnight accommodations. Learn more about the trip.

–n Rifle Weekend

COME EXPERIENCE YOUTH AND ADULT RETREATS

e https://www.wesleywoods.com

subscribing to The Source, a twice-monthly e-newsletter. Check out www.ResourceUMC.org.Subscribe to the source using the link at the bottom of the home page.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

DISCIPLESHIP LEADER TO TEACH IN WESTERN PA

Online Lay Servant Ministries advanced courses offered by BeADisciple.com —Schedule of classes See full list of upcoming webinars at gbod.org/webinars LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

Both 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@wpaumc.org.

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPSApply Now for 2019-2020 Scholarships: Scholarships are available through the UM Higher Education Foundation for United Methodist students who need help with tuition expenses at UM-related colleges and seminaries. A variety of scholarships are offered to UM students who meet specific designations, such as state or conference of residence, area of study, or career goal, etc. See available scholarships

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

YSF Grants are available! Local UM youth groups can apply for Youth Service Fund grants from our Conference. Thegrants must be used for a youth-led event or ministry. You can find the application here: https://www.wpaumc.org/Youth

CLERGY CORNER

New training opportunities : Enroll today! There are new and/or updated online training experiences available on UMCtraining.org.

Like to Read, Pastor? Join a clergy book group! Many are about to kick off their year, so it’s a great time to get involved. The groups listed at wpaumc.org/GrowthOpportunities would welcome new members. Or start one yourself and let Susan Moudry know about it. Email susan.moudry@wpaumc.org with details.

RECOMMENDED CLERGY READINGA new mini-edition of our clergy recommended reading list is focused specifically on leadership books because this year's continuing education focus area is leadership.  Both business classics, as well as church specific readings, are highlighted. Pick out one and make a commitment to read it this fall.  Let’s pray that our collective reading strengthens our work in ministry. See the list.

MISSION NEWS/OPPORTUNITIES

Connellsville District Mission TeamBrings You Mission Stories from Around

The World and at Your Door StepLooking Ahead: A second opportunity for local churches to engage a speaker will be held on Sunday October 13, 2019. However, we may only have a limited number of speakers available for that date so we urge you to avail your church of the August date if possible. October would be a good time for churches who have been in transition of receiving a new pastor and may have missed the August date. The October list will be available through district email by July 31, 2019.

Continuing Ed Opportunities: Check out a complete list of Leadership Development opportunities at wpaumc.org/Leadership Development

October 12, 2019 will be a hands-on mission day. Youth and adult opportunities.October 14, 2019 will be our sub-district Mission Monday with speakers at Conn-Scott, Somerset, and Uniontown. Please check with your local UMW Unit for times and places.

Mission in the Name of Christ Jesus,

Kenneth A. Haines ChairpersonConnellsville District Mission Festival Team

DISATER RESPONSE

David Kissinger, who had served as Johnstown District Disaster Response Coordinator, is now leading our Conference Disaster Response Team. He officially began serving as Conference coordinator on July 1 when Pastor Calvin Cook stepped down. Learn more.

UMCOR Kits Needed! With storms and flooding in Western PA through most of July, District Disaster Response coordinators and volunteers have been busy distributing cleaning buckets and hygiene kits. The Eastbrook Mission Barn’s supplies are low, so Director Katie Peterson is asking churches and individuals to put together buckets and kits. Use the recipes at umcmission.org/umcorVisit Mission Barn website

Mission VIMpossible? What’s that? Watch videoFind out how to apply for a team and see new teams as they are announced at wpaumc.org/opportunities . Costs include travel, housing, most meals and VIM insurance.

Contact Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk for more information, stephanie.gottschalk@wpaumc.org.724-776-2300 ext. 241

Helpful links Western PA UM Conference - www.wpaumc.org Connellsville District - http://www.wpaumc.org/connellsville 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 R eflections! wpaumc.org/blogs. Keep up with United Methodist news from around the connection with a free subscription to the News Service

Daily Digest. Subscribe at umc.org/news-and-media/umns-subscription-form Discipleship Ministries has officially become the new name of the general agency of The United Methodist Church

known for years as The General Board of Discipleship, or GBOD umcdiscipleship.org. People are looking for a church to visit. Help them find you! update-your-find-a-church Pastors and Churches, there is a lot of information here to enhance your advertising and

evangelistic efforts.  For more information on all of umcom grants and resources, please visit their website: www.umcom.org/rethinkchurch.

New accounts available at the UM Foundation may be of interest to churches in your area.The UM Foundation of Western PA has added two new funds management accounts for their Account Holders. An Aggressive Account and an Income & Growth Account have been introduced to augment the previously available Core Balanced Account. Benefits for your church as an Account Holder would be added flexibility in meeting your investment objectives and managing the distribution of funds. If you are interested in learning more about any of these three accounts, see the “For Churches and Agencies” section of www.umfoundation.org or call the Foundation at 1- 800-743-2128.

The 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.JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE WESTERN PA CONFERENCE

CLASSIFIEDS:

Classifieds: The United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association (UMCRM) is seeking a mission-driven, ministry-focused, leader of leaders to serve as the first-ever Director of the Association. See UMCRM  job posting and others at wpaumc.org/classifieds.

DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION

Connellsville District Important LinksDistrict Calendar

Required Annual Forms

Church Dashboard Login

Clergy Dashboard Login

Churches in this district

Connellsville District Office30 East Main Street Uniontown, PA 15401724.550.4058

Email: Connellsville.DS@wpaumc.org (Rev. Robert Zilhaver)

Connellsville.Office@wpaumc.org (Marianne Skvarla)