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CALENDAR
November 8 10 AM - Vital Conversation led by DS Joel Garrett and Ev Jean Smith, New Castle: First UMC….RSVP to the district office, please!
November 9 DCOM – Conference Center – Bitner Room beginning at 8:30 AM
2018 DATES
February 15 DCOM – Conference Center – Bitner Room beginning at 8:30 AM
February 18, 25, March 4, 11 & 18, 2018– Spring Lay Servant Ministry School
February 27 – Bishop’s Day on Butler District – Monaca UMC
March 2018 – Clergy Family Spring Party
April 22 – 2018 – District Conference
April 26 DCOM – Conference Center – Bitner Room beginning at 8:30 AM
June 14 DCOM – Reorganizational Meeting – Conference Center – Bitner Room beginning at 10 AM
. August – December – Charge Conferences and One on One Conversations
Butler District BUCKET LIST
E-news November 2, 2017 Volume VI Issue 43
OCTOBER
30 Nancy (Robert) Richards
November Birthdays
11/3 - Christine (Greg) Spencer11/7 – Joshua Goodman11/8 - Kathleen A. Mikesell
Mary (Bay) Allen11/10-Sally (Roger) Shaffer
Patricia (Wayne) Schar11/11- John Fennell Tim Goodman11/13–Denise (Rob) Wilson11/14- Joshua Demi11/16 -Keith McIlwain11/19 -Lindsey (Drew) Myers11/21–John Magargee11/22 -Mark Ongley11/24 -Lauri E.(Mark) Ongley11/25 -Barry Lewis Jean (Hengust) Robinson11/27–David Vaughn11/28–Dean Ziegler11/29 - James “Jim” Lewis Floyd Barnhart
.PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS
Please remember to keep in prayer:
All affected by hurricanes and wildfires
Jerry Pickering (Rev Susan Pickering) recovering from heart surgery.
Tara Park (Rev Eric Park)
Collette Charnick, Washington District Administrative Assistant, recovering from knee replacement surgery.
Rev. Bruce (& Glenda) Merritt
Tammy Hay, Connellsville District Administrative Assistant
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the WPA Cabinet
November Wedding Anniversaries
11/10/1990 - 11/12/1988 – Doran & Dawn Check11/12/1983 – Janice & Terry Davis11/15/1986-Robert S. & Karla S. Berkley
11/18/1972-Charles R. & Carol Ann Fowler
11/24 – Gary & Michelle Hilton
Funeral services will be held in New Florence on Friday for the Rev. R. Kenneth Keiper, who died Oct. 28. Two days earlier, in South Bend, Indiana, Kathy White, retired Director of Camping for the Conference, passed away. Please pray for both families. Learn more at wpaumc.org/obituaries.
Nov. 5 is
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church: People around the world will pray for those among us who are suffering persecution for their faith. Read more
DISTRICT NEWS…..
Wurtemburg United Methodist Church November 11th, 4 - 6:30pm
1244 Portersville Road (Rt 488 by 3rd bridge), Ellwood City, PA 16117
Soups: Ham 'n Bean Soup and Beef Veggie Soup
Includes: Italian Bread, Homemade Rolls, Dessert, Beverages & Refills
Eat-in and Take-out are both $6; under age 5 Free.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are just $1.00Quarts of Soup are $6.00Church: 724-758-9685
It's with great joy and celebration that Faith Community United Methodist Church at 341 Jefferson Street in Rochester announces the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony of our J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) Early Education and Child Care Center scheduled for Monday, November 13th at noon. You are cordially invited to attend this event in conjunction with the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. We would like as many people as possible to attend this ceremony, as it will be covered by our local news services as well, and we would like as many of you who supported us to be present. This event also offers an opportunity to show what ministry support of the United Methodist Conference can really accomplish.
This faith-based child care facility is a missional outreach of a much-needed ministry in our community, and would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of many of the Western PA Conference staff and the Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union. While Faith Community is one church with two campuses (Faith on Jefferson and Faith on 68), our downtown location serves as our mission outreach center where we provide other needed services to our neighbors as well. It seemed only natural that this was an excellent location to set up this faith-nurturing kind of facility.
We would appreciate an RSVP of your attendance. If you have any questions, please feel free to message or call.
Pastor Donna Doutt
PRAYER FOCUS THIS WEEK
CHRIST COMMUNITYRev Bruce Gascoine
724-732-1043 [email protected]
Concord UMC 285 Concord Church Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 FREE MOVIE NIGHT – ‘CARS 3’Friday, November 17th Movie start time is 7:30 pm…Just bring a comfortable chair, free popcorn and water will be available. Invite your family and friends to Movie Night in Bethany Hall.
Spaghetti Dinner Saturday, November 18th
Time: 3:00 – 7:00
at
Concord United Methodist ChurchBethany Hall
285 Concord Church Rd, Beaver Falls, PA 15010
Cost: $7.00 Adults & $5.00 Under 10
The Proceeds will go to benefit Hayden Johnson, a 5 year old boy who lost his mother in a car accident in October.Hayden is being cared for by his grandma, Matilda DeGennaro Krenke, who graduated from Riverside.
He is also the grandson of Rick Johnson, who also graduated from Riverside.
Branchton UMC, 490 Branchton Road, Slippery Rock will be holding it's nearly WORLD FAMOUS TURKEY DINNER on November 4th from 3:30pm to 6:30 pm, take-out orders available from 3:30 to 6:00. Turkey with all the trimmings for only $9.00, you can't let this deal pass you by. Don't let the packed parking lot scare you away, we will get you to your table quickly.
Cabot United Methodist Church, 707 Winfield Road, Cabot, PA, is seeking a part-time Music Minister. Primary responsibilities include programing music, and leading worship with our praise band, programing and directing a traditional
choir, and developing music and worship leadership. Proficiency in keyboards required. To apply, send cover letter and resume to [email protected]
.Slippery Rock UMCEmployment Opportunities
Slippery Rock United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time Youth Director. Primary responsibilities include developing, coordinating and implementing youth ministry programs that will include settings where youth (grades 7-12) can explore their core beliefs, share their faith, and learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ in a United Methodist context. To apply, send cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Slippery Rock United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time Worship Arts Director. Primary responsibilities include programming contemporary music and leading worship with our praise band, programming and directing our traditional choir, and developing music and worship leadership. Proficiency in guitar and/or keyboards preferred. To apply, send cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Chippewa United Methodist Church - Activities/Events for October
Chippewa United Methodist Church - Activities /Events for November & December
Looking for fellowship while staying healthy and fit, please consider joining our co-ed volleyball league to be held @ our Community Life Center located at 118 McMillen Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. If you are
interested in joining or helping out, please contact our Community Life Center Director, Scott Ensworth @ 724-843- 4032, ext 3 or send an email to him @ [email protected] .
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. Our November schedule is Monday mornings from 9:30 am to 11 am and Thursday nights from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. 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, beginners 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.
Griefshare, a Recovery Support Group, for people grieving the death of someone close returns to Chippewa United Methodist Church in the Wesley Room began on September 7th from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m and continues through December 7th. No meeting is scheduled for November 23rd. Griefshare is a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. It is a class where you will learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. To register, please contact the Church office @ 724-843-4828.
The United Methodist Women are having an Election Day Bake Sale. It will be held on Tuesday, November 7th at the Community Life Center beginning @ 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit our Community Life Center. If you like to bake and would like to drop off donated items, please bring them to the Community Life Center on Monday, November 6 th between 8 a.m. & 4 p.m. or on Tuesday morning.
Our Girl’s Basketball Open Gym will be held at our Community Life Center on Saturday mornings beginning November 11 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All girls in grades 4 to 8 are welcome to participate. The cost is $5.00. To learn more, please visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org or contact the Church office at 724-843-4828.
2545 Darlington
Rd.Beaver
Falls, PA 15010
724-843-4828
www.chippewaumc.or
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Our All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner led by our youth group will be held on November 16 from 5 pm - 7 pm. The dinners take place in Fellowship Hall @ the church and include spaghetti, bread, salad, dessert and a drink. Love donations are welcome and appreciated and help support our youth ministry. To learn more, please visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org or contact the Church office at 724-843-4828.
Our Friday Night Kids event held at our Community Life Center, for 1st - 5th grade, is our “Lego Night” which will be held on Friday, November 17 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Come build, snap, stack and play at our fourth annual event. Event activities include contests, games, bingo and great giveaways! Children must be pre-registered with payment by November 15. Pick up registration forms at the church welcome center, on line @ our website @ www.chippewaumc.org or by calling the church office @ 724-843-4828.
An Advent Bible Study led by Pastor Gary Hilton will begin on Thursdays, November 30 and continue on December 7, 14 & 21. All are invited to participate and join in fellowship as they enjoy learning about the blessed birth. Please register in our Welcome Centers or by calling the Church office @ 724-843-4828. To learn more, please visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.
Our Christmas Bazaar & Bake sale will be held on December 2, 2017 from 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Donuts and beverages beginning at 8:30 a.m. and a hot lunch is available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event is open to the community and will feature baked goods, the Fleischman Café, the Winter Silent Auction benefiting the Chippewa Meals on Wheels and include 70+ vendors. The event will be held at the Community Life Center @ 118 McMillen Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA. A complete list of vendors is available on our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.
OUR DISTRICT TALENTS SHARE THEIR GIFT OF MUSIC
Jesus is My Rock: This song by Butler District Lay Leader Jerry Rechtenwald is now available for purchase on iTunes, Spotify, and other venues. Jerry and his wife Sandy perform along with others. To find it, search Jesus is My Rock by Jerry Rectenwald. The song has been used for retreats, VBS, concerts and Sunday Schools. There are motions which can be seen in a video here.
Jerry Rectenwald - Composer, Acoustic Guitarist and VocalistSandi Rectenwald - Vocals
Cory Rectenwald - PercussionNoah Rectenwald - Bass
Michael Cirelli - Audio EngineerAnn Tweddell - Motions
Please SHARE this with all of your friends and family!
Rev R Bailey “Bay” Allen, Pastor at the Faith on 68 campus of Rochester: Faith Community UMC
I have just released a new single called Cry Out that is born from
ANNOUNCEMENT
From Jerry & Sandi Rectenwald
Jerry is the Butler District Lay Leader, and together they are a Christian Music Duo.
prayer and lamenting the natural disasters in our world. As such…I made the song available on Noisetrade…and all downloads from that site will go to UMCOR.
Here is a widget that can be embedded on a website for advertising.
http://noisetrade.com/service/widgetv2/41b343a0-6208-4088-b1eb-228859718dd8" here is the direct link to the site:
http://noisetrade.com/bayallen/cry-out-single also including artwork for you. Please help spread the word…all noise trade downloads will go to UMCOR…so tell your friends! Please note, getting the song from iTunes of Amazon, etc. will not count towards the charity…only downloads from noisetrade will go to UMCOR.
CLERGY CORNER
ATTENTION PASTORS RECEIVING HOSPTILIAZTION THROUGH THE CONFERENCE:
You should have received enrollment information for hospitalization which included cost-sharing
information, the enrollment application and any required forms, including instructions for completion. This is a
reminder that you are required to enroll before November 30 regardless of whether you are remaining with
the same plan or not.
If you don’t enroll before November 30, you will not have hospitalization coverage for 2018. Details
PASTORS: Remember that following your charge conference, your officers and committees must be updated on the
dashboard. If
you do not, your church leaders will not receive conference and district information.
Regional Order of the Elder meetings
Meetings are scheduled over the next several weeks. All Elders, under appointment or retired are invited to
attend the meeting of their choice based on convenient date and location. Registration is necessary. Times for
the meeting are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The dates are as follows:
November 10th at Dutilh Cranberry Twp.
November 17th at Allegheny College Meadville
ONE TO ONE SCHEDULE
December 4, 2017 – Butler: First UMC
9:00 AM Bob Schmitt
10:30 AM Thom Scott
1:00 PM Bonnie Rupp
2:30 PM Jim Lewis
December 11, 2017 – Unionville UMC
9:00 AM Allan Brooks
10:30 AM Scott Berkley
1:00 PM Jan Davis
2:30 PM Dan Owen
INDIVIDUAL CHARGE CONFERENCES
PPRC to begin at 6:00 PM, unless otherwise discussed.
November 8 Faith Community/Faith on 68/Riverview @ Faith on 68 November 9 Butler: First (no PPRC) December 5 Monaca December 6 Harmony-Zelienople December 11 Ellwood City/Homewood December 12 Nixon
LOCAL PASTOR MENTORING GROUP SCHUEDLELEADERS: Rev Glenn Kohlhepp, Rev Dean Ziegler
MENTOR MEETINGS FOR THIS CONFERENCE YEAR: November 14, December 12, February 13 and April 10. [Easter is April 1] – 7 p.m. at Harmony-Zelienople Church
Exploration 2017! Young adults who may sense God calling them to ordained ministry in the UMC are invited to attend Exploration, a three-day event held every two years to help those age 18-26 explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder. This year’s event will be held November 3-5 in Portland, Oregon. Learn more.
Clergy Excellence: There's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment.
Keep up with the UMC! Stay informed about important news and events in The United Methodist Church by subscribing free to the Daily or Weekly Digests. Subscribe now.
Clergy Excellence: There's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment.
Upcoming Learning Opportunities: Download the new flyer of continuing ed opportunities, open to laity and clergy, here.
Online Lay Servant Ministries advanced courses offered by BeADisciple.com —Schedule of classes
For Clergy Continuing Education & Formation events click here: CCEF EVENTS See full list of upcoming webinars at gbod.org/webinars Continuing Educators e-News for Clergy: Keep up with news in clergy continuing education. Sign up for a new e-
newsletter from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Learn more. The Turner Center for Church Leadership at Martin Methodist College offers online training for church leaders in
Christian Education, Youth Ministry, Older Adult Ministry and Children’s Ministry. Learn more.
YOUTH
Calling all youth! Mission of Peace applications are available now. Mission of Peace is a yearly trip sponsored by the Northeast Jurisdiction of the UMC. It is on or about Dec. 28, 2018-Jan. 15, 2019 to the Philippines. Up to 4 youth can be accepted from each conference. On this trip, youth will get an immersion experience in another culture. Youth will meet other youth in churches and other civic organizations as well as worship with others in that country. Applications are due March 1 to the conference coordinator of young people’s ministry, Amanda Gilligan. For the application and more info, check out: www.wpaumc.org/mop
Youth Service Fund Weekend: Nov. 4-5 has been designated as Youth Service Fund Weekend. Your church is encouraged to receive a special offering to benefit youth ministry through the Youth Service Fund and to highlight youth ministry opportunities. Get details in this bulletin insert
Youth Leader? Like us on Facebook for updates and info: Western Pa UMC Youth Leaders.
YOUTH 2019
SPARK Early Bird Deadline This Week! Check out the details and register your group NOW at wpaumc.org/SPARK.
See the full schedule here
SPARK Registration’s Open: SPARK, the annual weekend gathering at Pittsburgh’s Sheraton Station Square, is set for January 19-21. 2018. See the line-up of leaders, breakout sessions and the guide for newcomers at wpaumc.org/SPARK.
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
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/
CONFERENCE NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS – CLICK TITLE FOR MORE INFORMATOIN
Early Response Training
Nov. 4 or 11Two Locations
Implicit Bias Workshop
Nov. 11Trinity UMC, McMurray
SPARK
Jan. 19-21Sheraton Station Square
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: As the #MeToo social media campaign calls attention to the extent of sexual harassment and violence against women, the General Board of Church and Society points out that to
understand domestic violence, we have to begin to look into our behaviors, our families, our churches, our communities, and the policies that impact women and families. Read more
See graphic to help define child abuse, assault and bullying
Korean Peace, Justice: Ahead of the Nov. 13-15 Peace of the Korean Peninsula Forum, Aimee Hong, director of the Church and Society seminar program, reflects on the pain of her family's history of leaving North Korea. Read more
Invest in Young Adults: It helps develop principled Christian leaders for the transformation of the world. One way you can do that is to promote United Methodist Student Day in your church. Most churches observe #UMSD on Nov. 26. Get leaders’ kit from UMC Giving.
UMC #Giving Tuesday is November 28. Connect your passion with God’s mission. Give through The Advance-Advancing Hope in Christ’s name. Get started at www.umcgivingtuesday.org
Holy Spirit Seminar: On Dec. 1, United Theological Seminary will host its 6th annual Holy Spirit Seminar. Guest speakers Guillermo Leon Mighty and Adria Ortiz Núñez, co-pastors of Havana Central Methodist Church in Cuba, will explore Holy Fire: Holiness and the Holy Spirit. Get details.
CHURCH REVITALIZATION
5 Steps to Church Vitality: Baltimore Pastor Anthony Hunt, who has worked as a consultant for new church starts, says a five-step process first used by new church pastors, can help existing congregations renew their vitality. In Leading Ideas, he describes it and how it helped his own church move forward. Read more.
Vital Worship Grants: The Vital Worship Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship seeks to foster vital worship in congregations, parishes and other worshiping communities in North America. This grants program is especially focused on projects that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship. The deadline is Jan. 10, 2018. Learn more
Always Made New: In a project designed to recapture Martin Luther’s conversation about change, two pastors asked random people in Pittsburgh to tell them about a time they experienced a meaningful change in their life. Their stories of change are featured on black-and-gold posters in windows of Downtown shops, restaurants, churches, charities etc. They’ll be up until the 500th anniversary of Reformation Day. Read more in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Orientation to Ministry, sponsored by the Conference Board of Ministry will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Christ UMC, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin from 9:30 am – noon. The Orientation is a requirement for anyone pursuing licensed or ordained ministry. However, this initial gathering is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the various types of set-apart ministry that exist within the United Methodist Church. Information will be presented about the broad range of opportunities including Certified Lay Minister (CLM), professional certification, local pastor, and ordained ministry.
CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)
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
Mission of Peace - Each year a group of youth and young adults from the Northeastern Jurisdiction travel
shortly after Christmas on a Mission of Peace to another area of the globe. Applications are available now for
the 2018 MOP to Cuba. It’s scheduled from about December 28, 2017- January 12, 2018. Applications are due
to Greg Cox by Feb. 1, 2017. Get application.
CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER EVENTS
Welcome to Wesley Woods! To make visitors feel more welcome and at home, Wesley Woods wants to replace all of its signs with some that easier to read, accurate and more exciting. You can help by making a financial donation or sharing your ideas, resources or talents. To do so, contact Kira Argot, Wesley Woods program director, at [email protected]
FALL WORK TEAMS NEEDED Camp Allegheny could use your help with many different projects this fall. We have completed some timbering and have some cleanup to do. This also means free firewood. We also are trying to complete the installation of an outdoor amphitheater, a small roofing project, wiring of some new smoke detectors and more. We can use work teams of 1 to 21 for any number of days, 1-101 days. Please call the office 814-754-5122 and ask for Rob or email him at, [email protected].
For more information or to register for a retreat, click here www.olmstedmanor.org AKING DISCIPLES – SAVE THE DATEJeff Campbell will be at Olmsted Manor November 5-6. This event will include Laity & Clergy more information to follow.
Orientation to Ministry, sponsored by the Conference Board of Ministry will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Christ UMC, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin from 9:30 am – noon. The Orientation is a requirement for anyone pursuing licensed or ordained ministry. However, this initial gathering is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the various types of set-apart ministry that exist within the United Methodist Church. Information will be presented about the broad range of opportunities including Certified Lay Minister (CLM), professional certification, local pastor, and ordained ministry.
OLMSTED CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE : Sunday, December 3 & 10, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., both evenings. Join the staff and friends of Olmsted as we open our doors to celebrate the Christmas season. Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and punch next to the warm fireplace, or take a tour of the freshly decorated manor. Whether you are coming to visit your "home away from home" or are seeing Olmsted for the first time, we hope you will join us for an evening of celebration and fellowship. Click to Download Flyer
BRADDOCK ROAD PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION HISTORY SEMINARNovember 3 – 4, 2017The Braddock Road Preservation Association was formed in 1989 as the Jumonville Preservation Association. Its first meeting was attended by a few interested history buffs, and has grown in size every year since then. The annual French and Indian War seminar at Jumonville, held the first weekend in the beginning of November, is now the largest such annual gathering in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the country. It features: Guest speakers, including some of the top historians and museum directors in the field. Slide shows, music presentations, and in 2000 the premier of a major documentary film. Exhibits of period artifacts. Displays by antiquarian book and rare print dealers. Participation by the National Park Service. MORE INFORMATION
DISMANTLING RACISM
Undoing racism: What white clergy can do to help The Rev. Clayton Childers of Church and Society interviewed the Rev. David Billings: a United Methodist clergyperson who has spent his career working to undo racism. He is also the author of “Deep Denial: The Persistence of White Supremacy in United States History and Life.” Read more
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.
Examine Implicit Bias: Learn what implicit bias is, how it affects our behavior, and what we mean by the terms race and racism during a workshop facilitated by members of the Conference Anti-Racism Team on Saturday morning, Nov. 11 at Trinity UMC in McMurray. Get details and register.
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
RESOURCES AND IDEAS
RESOURCE LINK http://www.wpaumc.org/resources
Looking for an Advent Study? Cokesbury’s Comparison Chart provides at-a-glance info to help you select the Advent studies that are just right for your church. Learn more.
Global Migration Sunday: There are 65 million people displaced in the world today. That’s more than at any other time since WWII. The UMC’s response to this crisis is Global Migration Sunday, a day of prayer and generosity that will raise awareness and funds to aid migrants and refugees. Learn more about this important Sunday via a free webinar on Nov. 8 at noon. Details
Top 5 Leadership Lessons: Lovett Weems, founding director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership, offers lessons for leadership centered on others and directed toward God’s will. Read more and watch video
DATE CHANGE! Strategies for Year-End Giving: The date of the United Methodist Foundation’s free webinar Seven Strategies for Year-End Giving has been changed. The webinar will now be held November 16 at 10 a.m. EST. This webinar aims to equip pastors and church leaders with practical skills to assist other followers of Jesus in making gifts this Christmas season. Registration is available in the Events section of the Foundation website umfoundation.org, .
50 Ways to Strengthen Ministry with Children: Available free from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Seminary. Read or download.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS
UMC SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at http://scholarship.umc.org/
Rev It Up!! The Conference Board of Pensions is offering 10 scholarships of up to $600 to young clergy to attend Rev It Up (for a Lifetime of Ministry). The event for clergy age 25-39 is sponsored by Wespath, the denomination’s pensions and benefits agency. It’s at the Hilton Gulf front hotel in Pensacola Beach, FL from Nov. 13-15, 2017. The scholarships are for those attending for the first time. Get event details. To apply, contact Kathleen Lasky at [email protected] or 724-776-2300 x274.
WPA MLK Racial Justice Scholarship: Individuals active in racial justice ministry who are pursuing ordination or licensing as a local pastor may apply for the new Martin Luther King Jr. Racial Justice Scholarship. It is offered by the Pittsburgh and Greensburg districts. The deadline is Nov. 15. Get application with details
Get application in PDF.
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.
WEBINARS
See full list of upcoming webinars at gbod.org/webinars
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.
MISSION
Mission Barn Update: See what’s happening at the Eastbrook Mission Barn in their latest newsletter.
Eastbrook Mission Barn – www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn
Mission Barn Needs a Vehicle! Director Katie Peterson reports that the Mission Barn’s Pathfinder is no longer dependable for transporting UMCOR kits or ramps. They need a 4-wheel-drive pickup, or Expedition or Yukon-style vehicle with at least 6000 lbs. towing capabilities. They'd prefer a vehicle with less than 50,000 miles on it. If you have leads or ideas, email Katie at [email protected] or call 724-856-9241.
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.
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
Disaster Response Updates Read
The work of UMVIM volunteers includes construction and renewing of mission facilities, teaching, witnessing, conducting medical clinics, holding Bible study or Bible school for children, and serving in disaster relief efforts around the world.
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.”
ERT Trainings: In response to the need and requests, three more Early Response Team (ERT) trainings have been
scheduled in Western PA in the next month. This is an UMCOR certified training for DIsaster Response ministries of
Volunteers in Mission. They will be on Saturday, Nov. 4 at First UMC in Kane; and Saturday, Nov. 11 at Garden City UMC
in Monroeville. Get details and register at wpaumc.org/disasterresponse.
Volunteers needed in Pittsburgh Area: Adults willing to spend an hour a week reading with elementary school
students? in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas are needed to be part of UM Church Union's Reading and Mentoring
Program. The impact of reading one on one with an adult regularly lasts a lifetime and dramatically increases attendance
and test scores. Volunteers will be assisted with obtaining required clearances. Donations towards new books are also
welcome!
Contact Cheri Pogue at [email protected].
DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION
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.
Developing Principled Christian Leaders
The church needs leaders rooted in Christ, who have a vision for changing the world. Today’s young people have fearless hearts, vibrant ideas and a passion for ministry. Their talents should be nurtured to shape the church’s path into the future. The church must recruit young people — including women and people of color the world over — for ministry, equip them to be effective leaders and be open to where they want to lead us. We also must strengthen lay members, who are ministering at every level of the church. Learn more
Creating New and Renewed Congregations
Around the world, United Methodists are innovating with what it means to be the church, planting new congregations and revitalizing faith communities in every kind of setting. United Methodists seek to re-evangelize the world so that we can reach more people, especially the young and those from diverse backgrounds. By being relevant and vital, United Methodists will touch more lives and draw more people to Christ. Learn more
Engaging in ministry with the poor.
Christ calls us to be in ministry with the poor and marginalized. Our emphasis is on “with” – standing with those who are regarded as “the least of these,” listening to them, understanding their needs and aspirations, and working with them to achieve their goals. It also means addressing the causes of poverty and responding in ways that lift up individuals and communities. United Methodists believe working side by side with those striving to improve their situation is more effective long term than top-down charity. Learn more
Improving health globally.
Knowing that poverty and health are intertwined, The United Methodist Church has been a key player in fighting diseases such as malaria and AIDS and promoting initiatives that improve well-being. The church raised $75 million to provide education, infrastructure, communication and prevention to fight malaria. The death rate from malaria in Africa has been cut in half through international efforts such as this. The new “Abundant Health” campaign is focused on reaching one million children with lifesaving interventions such as immunization, quality health care and access to clean water. Children everywhere need protection from disease and access to treatment. Learn more
Western PA Conference The United Methodist ChurchButler District
1204 Freedom RoadP.O. Box 5002
Cranberry Township, PA 16066-0002Phone: 724-252-3198
Email addresses
Rev Joel Garrett – [email protected]
Thelma Castor – [email protected]
Butler District OfficeEmail: [email protected] (Rev. Joel Garrett)
[email protected] (Thelma Castor)
Dismantling racism.
We are committed to creating a culture of inclusiveness. We are richer with diversity and we will continue to find ways to witness with full inclusion and the embracing of all our sisters and brothers of color.
2018 Annual Conference: Wednesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 9, 2018.