butler district - wpa-email.brtapp.comwpa-email.brtapp.com/files/tables/emails/1999443... · wpa...
TRANSCRIPT
Butler District Appointments:
To see all appointments click here
Rev Eric S Park – From: First UMC, Butler to Butler District Superintendent
Rev Megan Berkebile – From: Allegheny River West Bank Charge to Fells UMC (Connellsville District)
Rev Chad Bogdewic From: Wurtemburg/Koppel Charge to Franklin District.
Rev Dawn Check – From: Freeport/NH: Grace to Otterbein UMC (Greensburg District)
Rev Andrew Spore – Freeport/NH: Grace
Rev Timothy J Goodman – From: First UMC, Butler to Beaver UMC (Butler District)
Rev David Janz – First UMC, Butler
Rev Jean Smith – From St. John’s/Forestville, to Belmont UMC (Johnstown District)
Rev Kenneth Miller – From Erie-Meadville District – to St John’s & Forestville Charge
Rev Jay (Martha) Sterling From: Erie-Meadville District – to Wurtemburg/Koppel Charge
Butler District
BUCKET LIST
E-news May 3, 2018 Volume VII Issue 18
Retirements:
Rev Joel Garrett (Butler DS)
Rev Emmett Anderson (Beaver UMC)
Rev Don Dotterer
UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS- CLICK ON THE TITLE FOR DETAILS
Early Response Training
May 4,5
Various locations
Disability Concerns Retreat
May 6-8
Jumonville
Pastors Academy
May 21-23
Olmsted Manor
Prayer Walk
May 24
Camping and Retreat Sites
Orientation to Ministry
June 6, 9:30 a.m.
Grove City College
Building Healthy Teams
June 6, 1-5 p.m.
Grove City College
Annual Conference
June 6-9
Grove City College
Clergy Ethics Training
June 16 (Make-up Session)
UM Conference Center
View the Calendar
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Annual Conference: Registration will open on the Conference website Monday, April 16. The annual event at Grove
City College will be a bit different this year, with the first Bible study session scheduled for Wednesday evening, June
6. Things wrap up late Saturday afternoon, June 9. See the Pre-Conference Journal (schedule on P. 13) and get other
details at wpaumc.org/AC.
WPA Clergy Spouse Brunch on Thursday, June 7th, 9:30am to 12pm, Rathburn Hall, Grove City College, 100 Campus Drive, Grove City. Cost is $15 per person. Send registration by Monday, May 21st to Linda Ziegler. Childcare will be provided. Monetary donations will be collected for the Eastbrook Mission Barn. Invitations
with registration ATTACHED. Questions? [email protected]
AC Forms: If you want to make arrangements for a special group meal or secure space in the display area, download the
information/forms from the Annual Conference webpage at wpaumc.org/AC.
AC Offerings: There will be two special offerings received during annual conference--one for the Camping and Retreat
Ministries Initiative and the other for the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. Contributions to the offerings also may be made
online at wpaumc.org/onlinepayments.
Shoe Collection: The Erie UM Alliance and All God's Children Ministries will collect gently worn shoes during annual
conference. Details and bags will be available at District Conferences. Learn more.
UMCOR Kits: The Eastbrook Mission Barn will collect only hygiene kits and cleaning buckets at annual conference! See
the latest recipes for those kits.
Building Healthy Teams: Laity and clergy are invited to a pre-annual conference leadership training event focusing on
building healthy teams with Nancy Beach, leadership coach and former programming director at Willow Creek Community
Church. It’s from 1-5 p.m., Wednesday, June 6 at Grove City College. Registration will be available within the Annual
Conference Registration. Get details.
Annual Conference Deadlines: Some deadlines are approaching as we prepare for the June 6-9 annual conference at Grove City College. See what they are at wpaumc.org/AC.
Special Meeting Rooms/Meals: Groups planning a special meeting or meal during annual conference June 7-9
at Grove City College should submit request forms as soon as possible. Get the forms at wpaumc.org/AC
2018 Annual Conference: Wednesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 9, 2018.
Annual Conference Agenda: Annual Conference opens Thursday, June 7 and runs through Saturday, June 9 at Grove City College. To request time on the agenda, email Faith Geer at [email protected] by February 15. Indicate the type of presentation, its length, and how it benefits the AC members and the organization/program featured. Not all requests
can be approved.
Section Leader Training: Clergy and laity are invited to learn skills to facilitate Christ-centered discussion, debate and decision-making during training sessions from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m., March 17 and April 14 at Dutilh UMC, Cranberry Twp.
Teens are welcome. Those trained will have the opportunity to serve as a section leader during Annual Conference from June 7-9. For more information or to register, contact Ms. Guinevere Gregory at [email protected] or Rev. Greg
Spencer at [email protected] or 724-224-2370
Laity Leadership Academy: The purpose of this academy is to provide a group of laity with a multi-session,
systematic opportunity to be equipped in local church leadership in order to develop new paradigms in their
personal and corporate lives that can assist their congregation to be thriving and faithful.
Orientation Track A AND B on June 6 at Grove City. Any candidates who are finishing up group
mentoring should try to attend Track B in the afternoon. A representative from United Seminary will
be on hand to discuss their options. Financial aid information will be shared by Bill Hastings.
The time commitment for the Academy is eight gatherings over a two year period. In addition to these
gatherings we ask that each participant engage in independent study and reflection on various related topics.
Topics:
Module 1 Build a sense of covenant and exploring the Biblical and theological basis of stewardship.
Module 2 Strategic Planning
Module 3 Leading with Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Module 4 Effective leadership development through recruiting, developing, and deploying volunteers
Module 5 Engaging Mission Minded Millennials
Module 6 Conflict Resolution
Module 7 Communication, marketing, and telling your story
Module 8 Legacies: Effective congregation endowment development
A small group morning session with an afternoon session with a larger group for clergy and laity.
Contact Rev. Ed Bailey, Executive Director, United Methodist Foundation of Western Pennsylvania
WPA CONFERENCE - FIVE AREAS OF FOCUS
Our belief is that God will make a significant difference in our world and church if we work in committed and cooperative
ways around these five areas of focus.
1. Developing Principled Christian Leaders
2. Creating New and Renewed Congregations
3. Engaging in Ministry with the poor
4. Promoting Abundant Health
5. Dismantling Racism
To read more on the Five Areas of Focus, click here. Send us your
information on these areas of focus in your church and share the
news.
DISTRICT CALENDAR
June 14 DCOM – Reorganizational Meeting – Conference Center – Bitner Room beginning at 10 AM.
Clergy Evaluations due May 15, 2018
Continuing Education Forms due May 15, 2018
Parsonage Inspection Forms due May 15, 2018
5/2-Bruce Gascoine 5/5-Lucy Lewis
5/6-Frank Garlathy 5/6-Edward Clarke 5/7-John Phipps 5/8-Sue (S. Jerry) Berman 5/8-Thomas R. Scott 5/9-Jerry Pawloski 5/11-Susan Pickering 5/11-Janice Davis 5/14-Emily (Todd) Davis 5/17-Peggy (Robert) Martin
June 24 – 5 PM - Rev Joel (Debbie) Garrett’s Farwell Celebration.
Unionville UMC, 1297 Route 68, Rochester, PA 15074.
Service followed by a reception.
September 8 – Rev Eric (Tara) Park Installation Service, details to be announced.
5/4-Susan & Jerry Pickering 5/13-Chad & Patricia Bogdewic 5/13-Rob & Melanie Gillgrist 5/19-Mark & Laurie Ongley 5/20-Darlene K. & Kenneth Ryniec 5/23-Dan & Jan Owen 5/27-David D. & Nancy H. Wilson 5/28-Jason L. & Beth L. McQueen
5/22-Ronald Naugle 5/26-Alberta (Cloyd) Osborne 5/28-Madeline Goodman 5/29-Joel Garrett 5/31-Robert Mikesell
.PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS
Please remember to keep in prayer:
National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 3
Rev James (Kathy) Young family. Their Infant granddaughter has been hospitalized.
Rev Doug Myers recovering from hip replacement surgery.
Stacy – Johnstown Administrative Assistant, son, Billy
Pastor Jan Davis, (BF: Central). Jan is recovering at Providence Care Center, Beaver Falls.
David Alleman
Rev. Bruce (& Glenda) Merritt
Tammy Hay, former Connellsville District Administrative Assistant continues her recovery from a stroke
suffered nearly a year ago.
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the WPA Cabinet
Pastors and churches in transition.
PRAYER FOCUS THIS WEEK
New Castle Wesley
REV. WILLIAM LAVELLE
DISTRICT NEWS…..
Painting for a Purpose June 2, 2018
4:00pm Walter Chapel United Methodist Church
404 Crawford Run Road Cheswick, PA 15024
Join us as we enjoy fellowship together
and raise funds for Rev. Kristen Brown, a missionary with the General
Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church. Kristen
serves as coordinator of interpretation, education, and
advocacy through the Methodist liaison office in Jerusalem.
The cost to attend this event is $25 and will include the supplies to paint a project, snacks, and drink. All
proceeds will go to support Rev. Kristen Brown in her ministry.
RSVP by May 30, 2018
Hosted by: Xi Alumnae of the Kappa Phi Club For more information call or text:
Megan Berkebile 814-691-1318
___________________________________________________________________________
GOOD STUFF CHEAP - Faith on Jefferson United
Methodist Women Rummage Sale - Friday, May 4 &
Saturday, May 5 ($2 bag day) from 9:00 - 1:00.
Proceeds go toward family and children ministries.
PASSION TEAM SUNDAY - May 6 at Faith on 68 -
immediately after worship. All those who are passionate
about the ministry of our church are welcome to attend.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL TEAM MEETING - May 6
@ 1:00 pm. All team leaders should be present.
Anyone who works with our children is required to have
state and federal mandated clearances. They're free
and easy to get. Click any of the links below or click
here for full information and links.
BATTLE OF THE LOAVES FUNDRAISER - Thursday,
May 17 - 4:30 - 6:30 PM Meat Loaf/Ham Loaf Dinner @
Faith on Jefferson - Benefits are churches - Adults
$9/Children $5/Children under 3 - free.Tickets are
available at the door or call 724-775-3447 for
reservations.
Last of our Random
Acts Series
Water for Everyone
The Connoquenessing United Methodist Women cordially invite you to attend a Bridal Show Tea on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 2 PM in the afternoon at Connoquenessing UMC Wedding attire from the 1880’s to present day will be modeled. Event is free and open to the public, a RSVP is required to ensure adequate seating.
Please call Bernie Carr at 724-789-7302 be fore May 8, 2018 to reserve your place.
Church Office Administrators Training: The PAUMCS Institute offers an online course for church administrators from
across the denomination. It includes segments on church finances, taxes, working in teams, conflict resolutions, ethics and
confidentiality, what it means to be a United Methodist, and connectional giving. The course is self-paced and runs from June
1- August 31. Get details and brochure.
Salem United Methodist Church , Pittsburgh District, is actively seeking an Administrative Assistant for the
church. The position included correspondences, PR, office management, general operations of a small church. Salem is an
energetic, outwardly focused and busy church. We need someone to be our first impression and care for a church office.
Salary is competitive. Twenty to twenty-five hours a week and hours are flexible. Advanced computer skills are needed.
Please send resume’ to [email protected]
Any questions, please call Rev. Beth L Nelson at 412-398-7894.
Chippewa United Methodist Church - Activities/Events for April 2018
Looking for a way to stay healthy and fit, try "pickleball" at the Chippewa United Methodist Church, Community Life Center, 118 McMillen Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Our court is available for singles and doubles players of all ages. Other court times are available for rental, just call the Community Life Center to schedule. The cost is $5 per player. Please remember you don’t have to be an expert or you don’t have to have a partner, beginners and single players are welcome. Come and experience fellowship with others by playing pickleball. Please contact our Community Life Center at 724-843-4032 ext 3 for scheduling, others times, and more information.
Do you have a “Daring Faith”? This study based upon Pastor Rick Warren’s book, will guide you into building, growing and trusting your faith. Two available times to attend: 11:00am and 7:00 pm in the Wesley Room @ 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Register in our welcome centers or by calling the church office @ 724-843-4828.
Our May basketball program for K-6th grade begins on April 30th. Kindergarten sessions begin on Monday from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm, Tuesday’s sessions from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm are for 1st and 2nd grade and Wednesday’s sessions are from 6:00 pm-7:00pm are for 3rd-6th grade. Early registration (received by April 20th is $40). After April 20, the cost is $50. All children receive a tshirt. Registration forms are in our welcome center, online @ www.chippewaumc.org or by calling the church office @ 724-843-4828. The basketball program is held at our Community Life Center @ 118 McMillen Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Mission Trip to Haiti Rev Jim Lewis (Chicora and Karns City UMC) will lead the August Mission Trip to Haiti. August 2-10. Jim will lead and take a maximum of 14 people to Mombin Crochu in the northeast corner of Haiti. In this small community,
we will hand carry medical supplies, and help our Haitian Dr. Maudelin Mesadieu run clinics, both at his clinic and at mobile clinics. Also we help with a small church run VBS for 160 kids for 4 days. Cost is $1,500.00 and questions
can be referred to me at my email [email protected] or phone 724-822-6168.
CLERGY CORNER
PASTORAL TRANSITIONS
Resources for Pastoral Transitions: Each spring, many United Methodist clergy and their families prepare to move to a new ministry setting. Congregations likewise prepare to say goodbye and get ready to receive a new pastor. Much prayer is needed for all involved. Read more and see resources
Moving to a New Church? Beware the traps! Bill Wilson of the Center for Healthy Churches says that the arrival of a new pastor can be a chance to start anew for both the minister and the congregation -- but only if the pastor avoids four common traps that can derail the new relationship. See what they are.
Transitions Seminar: A seminar for clergy receiving a new appointment for 2018-19 has been scheduled for
May 5 from 9a.m.-3p.m. in the Community Life Center at Ingomar UMC. Registration is open on the Conference website.
2017 Rental/Housing Allowance Info has been posted on the Benefits page of the Conference website. It’s listed near the bottom of the page under miscellaneous and includes legislation and a worksheet. Go to wpaumc.org/benefits or simply download the PDF here.
Young Preachers Festival
This event at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS is designed to encourage and equip a new
generation of preachers (leaders 18-34). It’s scheduled for June 27-28. Get details.
YOUTH
Global Young People’s Convocation (GYPC) 2018
Join hundreds of United Methodist young people and adult workers from around the world on July 18-22 at
the Indaba Hotel & Conference Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. GYPC is a time for worship, celebration
and meaningful conversations about young people and their role in the global church. Voting and non-voting
delegates may register until March 31. Register
Convergence: Where Faith and Science Meet is a 9-day program June 23-July 1, 2018 that allows rising 10th,
11th, and 12th grade students to come to Randolph-Macon’s campus in Ashland, Virginia and learn about the
intersection of science and Christian faith. They will dive deeper into their religious beliefs, deeper into the
study of science, and will meet other high school students and Randolph-Macon College student leaders with
those same interests. There will be time in the classroom and outdoor experiences throughout the
region. The cost to participate is only $100 for this 9-day program. Upon high school graduation, if a
Convergence participant chooses to attend Randolph-Macon, they will receive a $1,000 annual scholarship for
each year they participated in Convergence. Please visit the website to learn more.
If you would like to nominate a participant, click here to fill out the nomination form, and the Convergence staff will contact your nominee with further information. The application form for participants is available here. For questions about the program, please email [email protected]
Online Youth Worker Collective is filled with plans and activities written by active and experienced youth workers in UM churches and includes coaching, games and devotions. Check it out
Uth 4 Missions (a mission event for youth groups) is July 16-20 at Jumonville Camp (new location). Both work sites and outreach sites will be available. Cost is $220/person. Registration will open this Spring.
Young People’s Ministry Grants: The first grants to help young people with a passion for racial justice initiate projects
that can impact their world have been awarded to groups in Oklahoma and the Philippines. Learn more
Funding Education: United Methodist students don’t have to worry as much about rising federal student loan interest
rates. Through its Office of Loans and Scholarships, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) offers
them the lowest interest for student loans in the U.S. Learn more.
Youth Leader? Like us on Facebook for updates and info: Western Pa UMC Youth Leaders.
Unstoppable Women: The Unstoppable retreat for young women (high school - mid-20s) is scheduled for July 6-8 at Olmsted Manor retreat center. The cost is just $25 because Unstoppable Scholarships are available. Email Laramie ([email protected]) or Denise ([email protected]) for scholarship details.
Visit the Unstoppable Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/umwunstoppable/
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
Taize Pilgrimage: WPAUMC young adults (ages 17 ) are invited to join in a life-changing pilgrimage to Taize, France from July 20-30. Get details.
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.
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/
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
Dates to Remember in 2018
May 18-20, 2018……..UMW Assembly in Columbus, Ohio
July 12-15, 2018…......Mission u—Youth at California U, California, PA
July 27-30, 2017……..Mission u—Adults/Children at California U, California, PA
October 6, 2018…...…Butler District Fall Meeting @ Aliquippa First UMC Program: TBA
CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)
UMW News: The Conference UMW Spring newsletter is available online and has information on mission, outreach, women's issues and more. Read it.
UMW Gears Up for Assembly: The Power of Bold is the theme for the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United
Methodist Women, set for May 18-20, 2018, in Columbus. A promotional video and other resources are
already available. Learn more Watch video
CONFERENCE NEWS
Disability Concerns Retreat: The Conference Disability Concerns Committee offers a retreat at Jumonville May 6-8 for people affected by disability. This is a retreat for people with disabilities, people who work with and/or know people with disabilities, and anyone who cares about disability issues. Download brochure in Word.
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course on Monday, June 4 that teaches you how to help someone
who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify,
understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. From 8:30 am – 5:30 pm at Clarion County
MH/MR, 214 South 7th Ave, Clarion, PA 16214. Instructor: Jen Bankard at [email protected].
FAQ’s https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/faq/. Online registration
Young Preachers Festival: This event at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS is designed to designed to encourage and equip a new generation of preachers. It’s scheduled for June 27-28. Get details.
2018 Wesley Pilgrimage in England: Monday, July 9-Thursday, July 19. Explore places where the Wesley brothers lived
and served on a 10-day immersion trip in Wesleyan missional leadership and a spiritual retreat. View an interactive map
of the annual pilgrimage in England, featuring videos of pilgrims visiting the places where John and Charles Wesley lived
and served. Registration information.
As United Methodists in our worldwide connection, we do many things together that we could not do alone. In 2016,
Special Sunday offerings totaled more than $4.77 million! From disaster relief and student scholarships to justice
initiatives and supporting the poor and disadvantaged, generosity is changing the world, offering hope and extending
the love of Christ. Read more.
Algonquin Canoe Trips 2018: Join us for a week of wilderness canoeing and camping in the north woods of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. We will travel through a rugged and beautiful land of lakes, rivers, and forests. Along the way, we look for wildlife and camp on the shore. Around the campfire, we learn about God, the wonders of his creation, and what it means to follow Jesus in community. While previous canoeing and camping experience is helpful, it is not necessary. The cost of the trip includes equipment and transportation. Open to adults and teens at least 15 years old. If you are 19 or older, you must have a passport. Register
July 22-31, led by Revs. Scott Hamley, Craig Lindahl and Doug Burns.
July 30 to August 8, led by Rev. Dave Coul, Rev. Drew Myers and Lindsey Myers.
For information, contact: Rev. Scott Hamley, [email protected], 724.859.6745 Rev. Dave Coul, [email protected], 814.229.2641
The 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.
CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER EVENTS
She’s in the Water! Congratulations to At The Lake Ministries! At 7:30 this morning, 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.
At the Lake Ministries Dinner on Saturday, May 19th. Details to be announced
Camping and Retreat Initiative Update: Conference Camping and Retreat Ministry leaders are moving forward
toward the 2018 official launch of the capital campaign to raise $5 million to support and improve our facilities and
make programs available to all. Consultants have determined that raising $2.5 million is well within our capacity and
the total goal is feasible. Leaders for various aspects are being recruited.
Prayer Walk Set for May 24! You’re invited to join in prayer on Thursday, May 24 (Aldersgate Day) to lift up our Camping
and Retreat Ministries and everyone involved in them. A Prayer Walk, with two-hour segments scheduled consecutively at
the camps and ministry sites, is planned. Learn more
https://www.campallegheny.org/
Adult Wrangler Weekend is May 18-20, 2018. Arrival: starts at 4:30 PM Friday;
Departure: is at 1:00 PM Sunday. Adults can enjoy a weekend in God’s Creation on one of God’s most
noble creatures! Trail rides, spiritual formation, other camp activities, and free time to enjoy rest,
relaxation, and recreation are all a part of this wonderful weekend. Renewal, refreshment, and a whole
lot of fun are what you can expect! Cost is $150 per person and includes 2 nights, 4 meals, and at least
6 hours of horse time. Guests are welcome to stay for our Open House which will start at 2PM on the
20th. Contact camp for more information or to register: [email protected] or 814-754-5122.
ADULT WRANGLER WEEKEND Friday, May 18th to Sunday, May 20th Adults can enjoy a weekend in God’s Creation on one of God’s most noble creatures! Trail rides, spiritual formation, other camp activities, and free time to enjoy rest, relaxation, and recreation are all a part of this wonderful weekend. Renewal, refreshment, and a whole lot of fun are what you can expect! Arrival starts at 4:30pm on Friday and departure is at 1pm on Sunday. Cost is $150 per person and includes two nights, four meals, and at least six hours of horse time. Guests are welcome to stay for our open house, which starts at 2pm on Sunday, May 20th. OPEN HOUSE AND ALUMNI PICNIC Sunday, May 20th, 2pm to 6pm Music, fun camp activities, reconnecting with friends, a picnic dinner, or information about our summer camp programs: whichever it is that brings you out to our open house, you will get to experience them all! This completely free event will also feature an alumni tent, including photos from across the decades in our Camp Allegheny “Memory Lane.” Camper and staff alumni can reconnect with old friends and remember how blessed they were by their time at Camp Allegheny!
17th Annual Last Swing Golf Tournament
September 8 - Riverside Golf Course,
Cambridge Springs, PA
17th Annual Last Swing Golf Tournament on September 8, 2018 at Riverside Golf Course, Cambridge Springs, PA.
Consider becoming a partner with Wesley Woods Camp in raising funds to provide children an outdoor experience
where they can learn about the love of Jesus and where adults can get away for rest and to recharge in the beauty of
God’s creation. Full Letter and Event Sponsor Form is attached. For additional information contact: Tournament Chair
Rev. Matthew Judd- 724-316-2631; [email protected]
2018 Cherry Run Campmeeting dates are July 28-August 5. Details to be announced.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Cherry Run Campmeeting, 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. The 2018 campmeeting dates are
July 28-August 5. 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 Campmeeting Board
For more information or to register for a retreat, click here www.olmstedmanor.org .
Pastors Academy 2018: The annual Pastors Academy at Olmsted Manor will feature Dr. Jennifer McBride and focus on Radical Discipleship, Public Witness, and Liturgical Politics: The Social and Political Implications of the Gospel. It’s set for May 21-23. Get details.
2018 Summer Camp Registration is now ready!
Jumonville’s Jumping! Check out the Spring line-up or retreats and events at Jumonville this spring. They include: a Father/Son Retreat from April 6-8; Spring Dinner for Kidz2Kamp, May
2018 SUMMER CAMP
The new 2018 summer camp brochure is ready for you! You can either view it online (HERE) or get it in the mail. If you attended camp in the last couple of years, your family will get a brochure in the mail very soon. And if you need extra copies of the brochure for either your family or your friends, you can call the Jumonville office at 724-439-4912 and they will mail them to you or send them directly to your friends if you give them their contact information. Brochures are also being sent to the churches. Feel free to check out the 2018 summer camp schedule on the Jumonville website. Remember, you can register online so you don’t have to wait until you get your brochure in the mail. 2018 SUMMER CAMP The new 2018 summer camp brochure is ready for you! You can either view it online (HERE) or get it in the mail. If you attended camp in the last couple of years, your family will get a brochure in the mail very soon. And if you need extra copies of the brochure for either your family or your friends, you can call the Jumonville office at 724-439-4912 and they will mail them to you or send them directly to your friends if you give them their contact information. Brochures are also being sent to the churches. Feel free to check out the 2018 summer camp schedule on the Jumonville website. Remember, you can register online so you don’t have to wait until you get your brochure in the mail. SUMMER CAMP GIFT CERTIFICATES
Complete an online form HERE and you will receive the gift certificate in the mail so
you can give it as a gift. That person’s summer camp account will be credited with the
amount of the gift certificate. You can also download the form HERE. Simply print the
file, complete it, and mail it to Jumonville with your check. They will follow up by
mailing your gift certificate to the address that you provide
4-6; and a Summer Camp Open House-May 20 from 3:30-5 p.m. Get details on these and more at Jumonville.org/coming-events/.
DISABILITIES
Rights for People with Disabilities: Some members of the Conference Disability Awareness Team and the UMC Board of Church and Society are concerned with a bill currently making its way through Congress. The U.S. Senate is considering a bill advocates say prioritizes the profits and convenience of business over the civil rights of people with disabilities. The bill has already passed the House. Read more
Taking a Stand for Disability Rights: Members of the Conference Disability Concerns Committee and UM clergy and church members in the Butler District are urging officials in the borough of Koppel to allow construction of group homes for people with disabilities. Learn more
A Disabled God: The Conference Disability Concerns Committee has prepared a Lenten devotional entitled A Disabled God. Download it
View on the Disability Concerns blog
DIVERSITY/DISMANTLING RACISM
Moving Faith Communities to Fruitful Conversations about Race is a free resource with four videos that can help your church bring people together to talk about moving forward bravely and boldly in the name of Christ. It comes from the Institute for Community Engagement at Wesley Theological Seminary. Get details.
Toolkit to Address Hate, Violence: After “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.gcorr.org/toolkit-for-ministry-post-charlottesville/
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 can 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
SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS
UMC SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at http://scholarship.umc.org/
2018 United Methodist Foundation grant application is now available on the Foundation’s website
(www.umfoundation.org). Each year the Foundation awards a limited number of grants to churches and
agencies across western Pennsylvania for a variety of worthy projects and programs. To be considered,
applicants simply need to submit an online application before the deadline of May 6, 2018. Direct questions to
Megan McGee at 412-232-0650 or [email protected].
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.
Apply for a Vital Worship Grant: The 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 the Lilly
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.
Clergy Scholarship Grants: The 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.
DISASTER RESPONSE
UMCOR Responds to Harvey: What you can do now to help. ~Most of all PRAY. ~Make relief kits. ~Donate to
U.S. Disaster Response, Advance #901670 -100% of donations go to disaster relief**. United
Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest
and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. Download a church bulletin insert/flyer
**Donations UMCOR receives through the UMCOR Sunday offering (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing), along with undesignated gifts made throughout the year, cover our costs of doing business. Gifts to this special Sunday offering make it possible for UMCOR to use 100% of all other contributions on disasters like Hurricane Harvey, instead of on administrative or fundraising costs.
RESOURCES
Is Your Church Stuck? Building and growing a vital community of faith requires some planning. Here are 5 Ways to Know if Your Church Needs a Strategic Plan.
Would You Say That to a Male Pastor? If you have or will receive a female pastor, ask yourself that question before speaking. If the answer is no, drop it! Female pastors continue a tradition of women in ministry going
back to biblical times. Learn to celebrate women’s pastoral leadership. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership offers some suggestions for how. Peace with Justice Sunday is May 27. This Special Sunday allows The United Methodist Church to have a voice in spreading the gospel of peace and advocating for justice through a broad spectrum of global, U.S.-based and local programs. It benefits peace with justice ministries in the Western PA Conference and throughout the denomination. Get Leader’s Kit with social media graphics, bulletin inserts, new videos and other resources for promotion at www.umcgiving.org
UMC Quiz: The decades since The United Methodist Church was formed on April 23, 1968, have been filled with
highlights. Test your knowledge of the denomination’s first 50 years. Take quiz
ABUNDANT HEALTH/MINISTRY WITH THE POOR
Mother’s Day is May 13: Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate all that moms contribute to families and congregations.
It’s also an opportunity to talk about the challenges women face in pregnancy and childbirth and encourage action to save
moms’ lives. The UMC Board of Church and Society offers some resources to help. Learn more.
Take Steps to End Homelessness in Northwestern PA, by walking with the Erie UM Alliance in the Highmark Walk for
a Healthy Community. It’s Saturday, June 2 at Presque Isle State Park, Beach 11. Learn more.
EUMA Golf Outing: The 22nd annual golf outing to benefit The Refuge shelter for homeless families is set for Monday
afternoon, June 18 at Riverside Golf Course in Cambridge Springs. It’s a scramble. Get details.
MISSION
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]. Download application.
Mission Barn Update: See what’s happening at the Eastbrook Mission Barn in their latest newsletter.
Eastbrook Mission Barn – www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn
Eastbrook Mission Barn Update – Read about it here.
Cleaning Bucket Update: If you, your congregation or your church has been collecting silicone packets to be
placed in UMCOR cleaning buckets, please note that UMCOR is no longer accepting donated packets. Katie
Peterson of the Eastbrook Mission Barn reports that UMCOR will now purchase packets to ensure they are
the needed size and type.
Eastbrook Mission Barn is a collection site for UMCOR kits. What we are currently collecting will be plenty to restock our inventory for local emergency needs. If you have any questions about kits or would like to volunteer with us - please email us at [email protected] with possible dates you can come. Be the Hands and Feet of Christ! Thank you - Katie Peterson, Deaconess, Church and Community Worker, Director of Eastbrook Mission Barn. 226 Church Lane, New Castle, PA 16105 724-856-8241
Confused About Giving to UMCOR Disaster Response? We have a new bulletin insert for you to download and share. Get it.UMCOR Update: The Mission Barn’s Katie Peterson, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Rev. Calvin Cook and Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk, MIssions Coordinator, were at Sager Brown, the UMCOR Depot in Louisiana, ?the week before Thanksgiving? for an UMCOR Leadership Symposium. The group took a break in their training and planning one day to pray over the last of five containers of relief supplies being that were being shipped to Puerto Rico. Try to find Stephanie in this photo!
Mission Barn News: Check out the summer newsletter from Eastbrook Mission Barn. Consider getting a Cross and Flame magnet from the Mission Barn. They’re $5 and proceeds benefit the EMB ministries. Use the magnet on your vehicle when you’re driving to a worksite or carpooling to a church gathering. Look at the
magnet. See newsletter.
Eastbrook Mission Barn – Ramps, relief supplies and Outreach. ALL ages can serve for one day in the New
Castle area. www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn
Mission News
VIM/Disaster Response Trainings Set: Registration now for upcoming Volunteers in Mission team leader training and
Disaster Response certification trainings scheduled around WPAUMC. Learn more at wpaumc.org/VIMTraining.
UMCOR Grants: UMCOR’s board of directors approved an unprecedented amount in the form of grants during the
annual spring board meeting. More than $46 million was awarded in support of disaster relief and recovery, global health
projects, and sustainable development. Learn more.
Disaster Response: After flooding in several areas, WPAUMC’s Disaster Response coordinators began compiling a list of needs in each area and responding to requests for help on an individual basis. In Connellsville District, a team responded to help with a flooded basement. In Uniontown, where a tornado
touched down, local authorities were handling response and had not requested assistance as of today. Rev. Calvin Cook is the Conference’s Disaster Response coordinator. Top Tips from a Handbook for Mission Volunteers: Read some practical and theological tips for Volunteers in Mission from “A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers.”
HELPFUL LINKS
There's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at
wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who may be
experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify,
understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. Find a Mental Health First
Aid course near you using the search tool below.
Here is some information and FAQ’s about the program: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/faq/
Here is a way to find out about trainings and trainers near us: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-
course/find-a-course/
2019 WPA UM Annual Conference will be Thursday, June 6-Saturday, June 8, 2019.
Clergy: Plan your vacation, weddings, mission trips, etc. around these dates and plan to attend.
Appointments
Call To Ministry
Camping
Classifieds
Clergy Resources
Leader Development
Obituaries
Online Payments
Historical Records
Mission News
Technology for Ministry
DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION
Butler District Office
Email: [email protected] (Rev. Joel Garrett)
[email protected] (Thelma Castor)
Western PA Conference The United Methodist Church Butler District
1204 Freedom Road P.O. Box 5002
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-0002
Phone: 724-252-3198
Email addresses
Rev Joel Garrett – [email protected]
Thelma Castor – Butler.Off [email protected]