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Franklin District NewsNotes 12-6-2018 Many links are included in this publication. If you have trouble with the blue link….hold the Ctrl key down and click on the link.

New & Updated items in this issue of NewsNotes: Memorial Service – Pg 1

Spiritual Formation Retreat at Olmsted – Pg 4

Canadian Wilderness Canoe Trips – Pg 6

Local Church Resource Guide – Pg 11

Advent & Christmas Music Quiz – Pg 11

Have a Holy Holiday Season – Pg 11

Make Room for Hope Advent Devotional – Pg 11

Food Safety Courses – Pg 11

Room at the Inn – Pg 11

Biblical Evangelism – Pg 11

Jumonville Winter Information Flyer – Pg 12

Prayer Concerns: -Melanie Myers-hospitalized -Nancy Hankey -The family of Julie Lake at the passing of her mother, Anne Snyder, on 11/29/2018 (See below for Memorial Service) -Rev. Kevin Haley – shoulder surgery on December 10th -All those affected by the deadly wildfires in California -Tree of Life Synagogue and the Squirrel Hill area of Pittsburgh- deadly mass shooting -Rev. Jodie Smith, DS, as she cares for the churches and pastors of the district -Scott, son of Rev. Julie Applegate (retired), is still having some heart issues -Rev. John Hickman – diagnosed with a brain tumor – his wife Rev. Carol Hickman and their family -Rev. Walt Hehman who is now at Orchard Manor in Grove City -Rev. Bruce Merritt, continued recovery from fall that left him paralyzed -Nathan Storms, son of Rev. Tim & Eileen Storms (retired) has pancreatic cancer -Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the WPA Cabinet -A Way Forward & General Conference in February 2019

December Birthdays this week: 7 Larry Corner 10 Cherrie Andres 10 Melanie Myers 12 Dean Barca 13 Theresa Robison

December Anniversaries this week: 8 Jerry & Clara Belloit

New- Memorial Service (District Office Closed)

The memorial service for Juanita “Anne” Snyder, Julie Lake’s mother, will be held on Wednesday, December 12th at 11 am at Christ UM Church, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323. Visitation at 10 am. Meal at Noon.

Now DUE: Pastor Clearances: Please forward copies of all three of your clearances to the district office for your pastoral files. If you have moved, they will need to be updated and then copies sent to our office. Information regarding clearances can be found at https://www.wpaumc.org/safesanctuaries.

Clearances needed: 1. Pennsylvania Criminal History report from the Pennsylvania State Police 2. Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services 3. Federal Criminal History report from the FBI, (includes submission of fingerprints to the PA State Police

Electronic submission go to: dhs.pa.gov/publications/findaform/childabusehistoryclearanceforms/index.htm

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Preparing for Advent: Here are some tips from UMC.org for keeping the season holy.

Show Gratitude During Advent: Gratitude is at the heart of the Christian faith. As we move into Advent try some of the daily suggestions in this gratitude calendar.

Advent season - Use the Discipleship Ministries worship series “Prepare the Way” during this Advent and Christmas season. Resources include sermon starters, music suggestions and Advent candle liturgy, as well as weekly graphics and faith formation resources for adults, youth and children. Find more

Combat Hunger with Advent Devotional: The Society of St. Andrew, a United Methodist partner that combats hunger, has released its annual Advent devotional booklet. Learn more.

Invite Your Community this Christmas! Brand new resources are available to support your church’s outreach efforts during the upcoming holiday season! There's a customizable design option for you. Tools are offered in both English and Spanish … and, there are Watch Night and Three Kings Day resources!

Is Your Website’s Giving Page Ready for the Holidays? You’ve heard it before, but here it is again: 31% to 33% of all annual giving happens in the month of December. 12% happens in the last three days of the year. As the tinsel comes out, the stats are in. On-line giving continues to increase. Read more.

5 Steps to a Fruitful Restart: Dan Turner led an older, established congregation through a successful restart, reshaping its ministry to reach a changing neighborhood. He outlines five key steps in a process of helping a church die to the past to embrace a new, more fruitful future. Read more now.

Partnership Offers 2018 Advent Devotional: United Methodists in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Germany have completed their 2018 Advent Devotional in English and German, which can be downloaded and copied. Advent began on Sunday, December 2, 2018.

The partnership, formed in 1988 before the fall of the Berlin Wall, has been producing the Advent devotional annually since the late '90's, said the Rev. Joe Stains, who co-chaired the partnership group for many years. It offers daily devotionals for the beginning of Advent through New Year's Day that are written by laity and clergy members of the two conferences. Each is available for reading in both English and German.

Poverty Ministry Grants: The next deadline to apply for grants from the Conference Poverty Team is Friday, December 7. Get details and link to application at wpaumc.org/povertyteam

Christmas Cantata: “Come and See. . . Go and Tell” presented by Christ UM Church and Friends on Saturday, December 8 at 2:30 pm and Sunday, December 9 at 2:30 and 7 pm. (Seating fills quickly) Sign interpretation, free will offering and refreshments. Handicap accessible. The church is located at 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin. Parking lot is in the rear on Chestnut Street. Parking is available on the street. Flyer attached

Webinar: Completing Your Pastor's IRS Form W-2 on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 10:00 am EST. For local church treasurers and those who complete their pastor’s Internal Revenue Service Form W-2. Register

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C O M M U N I T Y C H R I S T M A S B U I L D S H O P

December 15th, 2018 at Clarion College (Venango Campus Oil City) 11:00AM – 2:00PM

KIDS AGES 3 – 12 MANY AWESOME GIFTS TO BUILD!

JEWELRY STATION (NECKLACES, BRACELETS, ANKLETS)

WOODEN TOYS (CARS, BOATS, ETC.)

CHRISTMAS CARD STATION (CREATE YOUR OWN CARD)

CHRISTMAS MUGS, HOMEMADE TREE ORNAMENTS, & MANY MORE FUN ITEMS TO MAKE!

SNACKS PROVIDED DRINKS PROVIDED FUN ALSO PROVIDED

Sponsored with love and joy by your local churches and area businesses.

To setup a table and a craft/toy that kids can work on or for more information contact Jerry Burns: Cell (814)673-6264 or jerbear3838@gmail.com

Christmas Eve Service: on December 24th at 7:00 pm at Strattanville UM Church, 401 Washington Street, Strattanville, PA 16258. This will be a traditional Community Candlelight Service with Pastor Jeff Foor speaking.

Seeking Part-time Praise & Worship Team Coordinator: Grace United Methodist Church in Grove City, PA seeks a part-time Praise & Worship Team Coordinator to build on a solid and vital praise music ministry that includes professional and amateur musicians. Applicants should have a strong background in contemporary praise music, vocal and preferably instrumental performance skills, and a love for sharing Jesus Christ in blended worship service. Resumes accepted until December 30, 2018 or the position is filled.

To request more information or send a resume, please contact: pastor@grovecitygraceumc.org or Grace UMC, c/o Rev. Ed Saxman, 210 S. Broad Street, Grove City, PA 16127.

General Conference Delegate Elections: Guidelines and eligibility requirements are listed in a document available at wpaumc.org/conferencesecretary. If you are eligible and interested in serving as a delegate, fill out the online nomination form on the Conference website before December 31, 2018. See form.

2019

Orientation to Ministry: This discernment process will help to answer your questions about a call to ministry. The next orientation has been scheduled for Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Charter Oak UMC. Register. Contact Rev. Janet Lord at jflord425@aol.com

"Stewardship & Finance: Getting It Right at the Starting Line" Webinar, on Thursday. January 10, 2019 at 6:30 pm, CST. This webinar is focused on the new members of the stewardship team, finance committee, or church council – those who are looking to get a strong start right from the first week! Updated each year, the webinar explores many of the technical issues these teams face: reporting, internal controls, audits, access to giving records, and much more. We also offer ideas for building a spiritual foundation for the work of your group. Bathe your work in prayer. There are places to find help! Our webinars are provided without cost thanks to your church's generous support of the Word Service Fund Apportionment! Thank you! Register

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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. Deadline: January 10, 2019

SPARK 2019 will be January 11-13, 2019 at the Sheraton Station Square. This retreat is for youth in 6th – 12th grades. DJ: Big Al. Speaker: Duffy Robbins. Bring your youth for our conference youth retreat!

Check it out!

Casting A Prayer Vision for 2019 with Rev. Dr. Terry Teykl on Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 9am-2pm at Indiana Grace UMC, 712 Church Street, Indiana, PA. Worship following at 7 pm. To register individuals or groups, email janwoutrouswoodard@gmail.com.

Final day to submit 2018 apportionment payments is January 15, 2019. Any money received after this date will be applied to your 2019 Connectional Apportionment, even if you

mail it prior to January 15th. Check the most current 2018 apportionment report. Money received that is not clearly marked for 2019 will be applied to your 2018 Connectional Apportionment if it has not been paid in full. Do not combine 2018 and 2019 money on one check. 2018 Remittance form.

New- Spiritual Formation Retreat from January 27-29, 2019. This Olmsted retreat will focus on the unavoidable losses we experience in life and ministry. Participants will engage in discussion and application of Dr. M Craig Barnes book, When God Interrupts - Finding New Life through Unwanted Change. Rev. Howard Greenfield will lead chapter summaries, topical questions, and group sharing. We will better clarify personal support systems and navigating your own "unwanted changes" while caring for others in ministry. Registration

Franklin District Youth Lock-in for grades 6th – 12th from 7 pm Friday, February 8th - 8 am Saturday,

February 9th at Grace UMC, 210 S Broad Street, Grove City, PA 16127. Items youth need to bring:

~Sleeping bag or blankets

~Pillow

~PJ’s

~Favorite board game(s)

~Favorite movie(s)

Pizza, Snacks and Drinks will be provided

Each church will need to provide 1 or 2 Adult Leaders for the entire night. RSVP to Kristen Ford, Franklin District Youth Coordinator at 724-992-0078 or gumcyouth@grovecitygraceumc.org.

RSVP requested by January 25th.

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Clergy Taxes: Keep All You Can! Webinar, on February 11, 2019 at 10:00 am CST. Clergy face some unique challenges when it comes to things like social security payments, estimated tax payments, housing allowances or exclusions, and reimbursed expenses. Your corner tax preparer may not understand the unique situation of clergy, and finding a tax preparer who does understand your situation can save you substantially in money and aggravation. Join us as Rev. Don Joiner, a certified financial planner, helps us navigate the preparation of taxes under the new tax laws as well as plan for a sound financial future. Register

Franklin District Clergy Mid-winter Break on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 6 pm at Hoss’s at Grove City Outlets

Exponential 2019: from Monday, March 4, 2019 to Thursday, March 7, 2019, Orlando First Baptist Church, 3000 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32805. Discipleship Ministries’ Path 1 has 100 tickets available at the discounted price of $99 for Exponential, an event for church planters. The theme is Made for More: Mobilizing God’s People, God’s Way. The $99 price will be available until Saturday, December 15th, but the 100 Path 1 tickets are on a first-come, first-served basis. LEARN MORE

Confirmation Tours 2019: Commit 2019 (aka - the confirmation tours). Registration not yet open. Friday, March 8 at Wesley Woods Friday, March 15 at Jumonville Friday, March 22 at Camp Allegheny Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30 at the Conference Center.

Franklin District Clergy Retreat from Sunday pm-Tuesday after lunch, March 10-12, 2019 at Olmsted Manor, Ludlow, PA. Details to be determined.

2019 Franklin District Conference on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at 2:30 pm. Details to be determined.

Save the dates: 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.

Prayer Initiative: All laity and clergy who feel called to prayer are invited to be part of a special Conference-wide prayer initiative which begins in January and leads up to the 2019 annual conference session. Gatherings for prayer will be held in five different locations around Western PA each month from January through May. An initial training session will be held at the Conference Center in Cranberry Twp at 10 am on Saturday, January 5. Watch for specific details to follow.

2019 FAITH NIGHT AT PNC PARK: 7th Annual Faith Night next season is going to be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019. It will be a 4:05 pm game vs. the San Diego Padres. With it being an earlier presentation and on a Saturday, we’re expecting the largest turnout that we’ve ever had. Group reservations of 10 or more will begin next week. It is highly recommended making your

group reservation as soon as possible do to the popularity of this event. You don’t need to know the number of tickets right now. They are just taking deposits towards a block of seats (10 or more seats). You’ll then have until Friday, May 17 to let them know your final number, at which point you’ll also pay the balance. For group reservations: Chad Glover 412-325-4756.

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Plan to be part of the 2019 Wesley Pilgrimage in England to explore historic sites while walking in the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley and the people called Methodists. The 10-day event, co-sponsored by The Upper Room on July 8-18, 2019, will be led by Rev. Steven Manskar, former director of Wesleyan Leadership at Discipleship Ministries, and Dr. Paul Chilcote, professor of Historical Theology and Wesleyan Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/2iUPRE4.

The national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. It takes place every four years.

Introducing our Bible Study Leaders! Meet Kim and Dale! The Youth 2019 Bible Study leaders. They will be with us every morning in Kansas City, helping us dive

deeper into what it means to Love Well. Read More.

Introducing Scott The Painter: Read more about Scott!

Accessibility at YOUTH 2019-All Are Welcome. Read more

Announcing Romal Tune - Main Stage Speaker. Read more about Romal.

Only the Primary Adult Leader can register students. This means the Primary Adult Leader must have everyone’s information before they start registration. For your convenience, they’ve created a Registration Information Intake Form. This form will help each Primary Adult Leader collect the information they need to register their group. Register The event sells out after the first 8,000 people register.

If you have specific registration questions, contact Event Manager at youth2019@umcdiscipleship.org.

Early Bird – $319 (July 2018-January 31, 2019) Regular – $359 (February 1, 2019- March 31, 2019) Late – $419 (April 1, 2019- May 31, 2019)

First, scholarships. We offer financial assistance for both individuals and groups. Apply soon, because when the money is gone, it's gone. Second, have you read our blog series on fundraising? We've got some amazing ideas (that have been tested by real live youth groups) to help you and your group raise money.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Youth Speakers: We are now taking applications to fill four open slots for youth speakers at YOUTH 2019. Expenses paid for and a small honorarium for your work. Click here to apply!

Youth 2019 Volunteers Needed: Needed are service volunteers (worksites), backstage volunteers (worship and Bible study) and gathering volunteers (vast variety of jobs). Click here to become a volunteer!

New- 2019 Canadian Wilderness Canoe Trips July 14-23, led by Revs. Scott Hamley, Doug Burns, and Craig Lindahl

July 29 to August 7, led by Rev. Drew Myers and Lindsey Myers

Join us for a week of wilderness canoeing and camping in the north woods of Ontario. For seven days and nights we travel through a rugged and beautiful land of lakes, rivers, and forests. Along the way, we look for wildlife and camp on the lakeshore. Around the campfire, we learn about God, the wonders of his creation, and what it means to follow Jesus in community. This trip is physically demanding and involves primitive camping. Previous canoeing and camping experience is helpful, but not necessary. The cost of the trip includes canoeing and camping equipment, most meals, and transportation. Open to adults and teens at least 15 years old. If you are 19 or older, you must have a passport. For information, contact: Rev. Scott Hamley, enonvalleyinc@hotmail.com or Rev. Drew Myers, myerscd77@gmail.com.

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2019 Youth Mission u: July 16-21, 2019 at California U of PA. Youth Mission u is a mission camp for youth in grades 6-12. Youth stay in dorms at California University of PA, participate in various hands-on mission projects in the California area, learn, experience innovative intergenerational worship and have fun. Flyer

Franklin District Youth Concert by Red Letter Hymnal- September 14, 2019 at Cherry Run Camp. It will be a “bring your own snack food and beverages” event. For Youth in grades 6 – 12. Details to be announced. Kristen Ford, Franklin District Youth Coordinator: gumcyouth@grovecitygraceumc.org. Flyer attached.

Franklin District Potato Project

Through the gleaning and distribution efforts of the Society of St. Andrew, and with your financial help, the Franklin District received 44,000 pounds of potatoes in March, helping 22 area churches, food pantries, and organizations, such as The Salvation Army, provide help to thousands of families! The need was greater than we could provide, however, and many more thousands of pounds could have been used. In an effort to address the need of providing help to the GROWING number of families in need, we are putting forward an extra push again this year in the hopes of securing more potatoes! To do so, we need your help! Flyer attached

The potatoes are FREE, but we need your generous donation to the FRANKLIN DISTRICT POTATO PROJECT to care for packaging and trucking costs.

FROM FIELD TO TABLE, YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

PLEASE REMIT ALL FUNDS BY YEAR-END MADE OUT TO “WPA UMC” AND SEND TO THE WPA UMC CONFERENCE CENTER, PO BOX 5002, CRANBERRY TWP., PA 16066

MARKED FOR “FRANKLIN DISTRICT POTATO PROJECT”

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

Church and Leadership email addresses

The Conference would like church emails that will make communication with churches and church leadership easier despite future pastoral and leadership changes. If the church email that is listed on the dashboard is that of a pastor or another church leader, please create a separate church email as soon as possible and then update the dashboard to reflect this change. The easiest way to accomplish this would be to create a free email address, such as a Gmail account. The account will need to be monitored frequently.

When entering church leadership in the database, include email addresses, when possible. This makes it much easier for the Conference to contact leaders with important information that pertains to their particular office.

Kidz2Kamp Gift Certificates: Summer Camps can spark faith, help discover new friendships, and make memories that can last a lifetime. Jumonville 724-439-4912. Gift certificates

WPAUMC Anti-Racism Resources: The Conference Anti-Racism Team (ART) compiled a list of suggestions for Western PA churches to address racism. Download it from the Conference website Discussing Racism page.

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Puerto Rico Needs You! The United Methodist Churches in Franklin District are beginning to plan for our next mission trip to assist with hurricane Maria recovery in Puerto Rico. You are invited to consider becoming a part of our next team. All participants must be age 18 or older. Housing, meals, transportation, site supervision, building materials, and professional engineering plans are all provided by the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico – through funding supplied by the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

We need a team of at least 14 persons, who are willing to commit to the trip before we know when it will occur! (Participants will complete a job skills questionnaire, which will be forwarded to the Mission Coordinator for all UMCOR projects in Puerto Rico. Once it is determined what our team can do – and how it fits into UMCOR’s work schedule on the island – our team will be assigned a time and destination for our trip.) We will know our trip’s time and destination two months before leaving, so you can make plans for time off from work, child care, etc. Cost of the trip is projected to be $1,500 to $1,800 per person. (There will likely be financial assistance provided to team members by local churches.)

If you feel called to participate in this important work, please contact Nelson Thayer at 724-462-4090 (voice or text) or thayntt53@gmail.com.

Jumonville Events to Put on Your Calendar:

Sunday, April 21, 2019 Easter Sunrise Service

Sunday, May 5, 2019 Jumonville Spring Dinner

July 20-27, 2019 77th Annual Family Week

August 16, 2019 16th Kidz2Kamp Golf Fundraiser

Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2019 Singles Labor Day Weekend

September 15-18, 2019 M&M’s Reunion

Contact the Jumonville office at 800-463-7688 or e-mail us at info@jumonville.org for more information or check the Jumonville website at www.jumonville.org.

Wesley Heritage Tour: A limited number of spaces are available to join the April 7-16, 2019 tour of John Wesley’s England with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and members of the 2019 ordination class. Get brochure.

A Gracious Invitation to Generosity: Ann Michel of the Lewis Center staff says inviting people to participate in the generosity of God can be a gracious way to initiate conversations about giving. Read more

Keystone UM Federal Credit Union: We will be closed on Monday/Tuesday, December 24 & 25

Donate to UMCOR: Donations to the United Methodist Committee on Relief are often the best way to help those affected by flooding and other natural disasters. One hundred percent of your donations go to those in need. Contribute through your local church or at UMCOR.org.

A Way Forward

Praying Our Way Forward: -Phase 3: In this third phase, United Methodists are invited to fast weekly and to pray daily. Suggested activities. A local church media kit including logos, social media posts, and bulletin inserts is available to help encourage the prayer effort. See daily prayer posts at UMCPrays.org.

Legislative Process for GC2019 Decided: The Commission on General Conference has decided on a process to help delegates to the 2019 special session do the legislative work together. Read more.

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What to know now about a Way Forward: Understanding what United Methodists will consider at General Conference in February 2019 in St. Louis can be confusing. We have ways to prepare. Read more

Cleaning/Flood Buckets and Hygiene Kits are still needed at the East Brook Mission Barn. The supply is low and we encourage the replacement of these buckets and kits by making your contributions or sending your buckets and kits to the Mission Barn. Contact person: Katie Peterson.

Church Conference: Don’t forget to send a copy of your Church Conference minutes to the District Office!

Please update- Remember to update you leaders on your church dashboard. For login information, call the district office. The district and conference use these leader addresses on a regular basis.

Tips for a holiday outreach event: Many people in your community are seeking an opportunity to connect with a local community of faith. A simple, focused outreach effort will cultivate connections and provide a chance to extend invitations to upcoming worship services and events! Get started by exploring a detailed collection of planning tips and then order invitational resources to distribute; use code W18UMC4 to receive a $400 discount toward your order! Read more

Dismantling Racism

Vital Conversations 4: The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) released the fourth in a series of Vital Conversations video resources, Vital Conversations 4: Race, Culture, the Church, and Human Sexuality.

Helping White Christians Talk Faithfully About Race" In this podcast, Carolyn Helsel discusses her book, Anxious to Talk about It, with Lewis Center Associate Director Ann Michel. Listen now.

Free Video Study: "Moving Faith Communities Forward": It is a dialogue about race in America. It may be used to help your church bring people together to talk about moving forward bravely and boldly in the name of Christ. The resource is divided into four 15-minute videos which may be used in one or more sessions. Moving Faith Communities Forward is sponsored by the Institute for Community Engagement at Wesley Theological Seminary. Watch now.

Keep Up With Upcoming Events

WPAUMC Conference Calendar: http://www.wpaumc.org/events

Franklin District website: https://www.wpaumc.org/franklin

Franklin District Newsletter: https://www.wpaumc.org/subscribe

The Refuge Gift Giving Guide: In an effort to help our donors know how to bless our homeless families this holiday season and also help us be good stewards of God’s provisions, we’ve created a gift giving guide with five suggested categories of impactful, meaningful gifts to help our Refuge clients this Christmas. To view the guide, please visit www.bit.ly/RefugeChristmas (also at www.euma-erie.org).

New Online CEU Course -- "The Methodist Class Leader" $49 for .5 CEU -- Free for the First 50 Enrollees! This new Lewis Center online course examines the historic significance and contemporary relevance of class leaders, a role essential to the success of early Methodism and an effective means of nurturing discipleship. The first 50 enrollees may take advantage of a scholarship for free tuition.

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Beware of Spoofers! Spoofing is when the sender’s name on an email is altered to hide its true origin. It’s a practice used by virus and spam authors to make their emails look legitimate and lure people into clicking on links or downloading attachments. For example: The email looks as it is from one address but hovering over it reveals a different address or none at all. Be sure of the exact email address an email comes from before clicking on anything in it.

Classified ads are on our website. See them at wpaumc.org/classifieds.

Our vow to share gifts: As part of the Baptismal Covenant, United Methodists vow to share their gifts. While the term often brings to mind money, there’s much more to it. “Everything we’ve received from anybody, we offer all of that to God”. Read more ⇨ Series on vows ⇨

THE DEEPLY ROOTED, UPWARD REACHING CAMPAIGN WPAUMC Camping and Retreat Ministries Capital Campaign

See the plan and all information at https://www.wpaumc.org/drurcampaign

Camping Campaign Update: The Deeply Rooted, Upward Reaching campaign to support Camping and Retreat ministries has raised gifts and pledges totaling about $800,000! If your church has not yet named a coordinator to receive training, a manual to guide your process, and other information, call Jessica Gamache at the Conference Center or email Jessica.Gamache@wpaumc.org.

Lay Scholarship Grants: A new form is available on the Conference website for lay people to apply for grants for educational events. See grant form

A Stewardship Book You Can Use! The Rev. Charles Cloughen Jr. has provided this wonderful book with one-minute meditations on stewardship curated from 46 authors; and he grants you permission to share them with your congregations in bulletins, weekly or monthly emails, or print newsletters! There is so much good insight in this book, and it is written in a very easy and accessible style. In addition to more than 140 meditations from 46 authors, the book includes a theology of stewardship, information about "ultimate stewardship" (legacy giving), and guidance for developing your own one-minute meditations. You can purchase this book through Amazon. Consider buying the Kindle version; and with the Kindle reading app on your computer, you'll be able to copy and paste the meditations into bulletins and emails to help grow the generosity of your congregation! Order the book

Ruth M. Smith Center Needs Your Help: This United Methodist-related center in the community of Sheffield provides benevolent care for elderly or mentally/physically challenged residents who require help with daily living. Its board is pondering ways to keep it going. Read UMW blog post to learn more.

Checks can be mailed to the Ruth M Smith Center, 407 South Main Street, PO Box 576 Sheffield, PA 16347.

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New- Local Church Resource Guide offers new opportunities for ministry! This guide, published by the General Council of Finance and Administration, is designed to help local churches easily find vetted ministry partners who offer solutions to your church. Guide

Downloadable Hymn Accompaniments: There is a library of downloadable hymns from our United Methodist Hymnal. Saved as "mp3" files, these hymns may be used for worship services when an accompanist is not available. More than 400 hymns are available. These are traditional hymns in the "public domain," which allows them to be shared and used without the payment of royalties. Download

New- Advent & Christmas Music Quiz: Do you know your fa-la-la-la-las from your silent nights? Test your knowledge of the hymns we sing during Advent and Christmas. Take quiz. + Advent quiz.

New- How to have a holy holiday season: Most of us strive to “keep Christ in Christmas”, but the busyness has a way of encroaching upon our joy and worship. We have some ideas to help you get ready for Jesus’ birth in new ways. Find tips.

New- Make Room for Hope: Advent devotion - As we prepare our holiday wish lists, we are reminded to focus not on what we lack, but instead on all Jesus provides in abundance. A new series of short reflections explores what it means to make room for the best things. See devotional. Advent prayer »

New- Food Safety: It’s a Must-have! Churches and other organizations are great places to get together for fellowship over a meal or serve in the community, especially around the holidays. But everyone should know how to keep food safe during those events. CongregationU can help your organization learn about how to keep your congregation and guests safe when working with food. We have 3 online training courses that focus on food safety and kitchen management. Learn more by clicking on each course name:

Church Kitchen Safety: 25-minute course Foodborne Illness: 25-minute course The Organized Church Kitchen: 15-minute course

Equip your leaders, staff, and volunteers with the information they need to keep your congregation safe during the holidays—and all year-round. Our courses are informative, cost-effective, and easy to navigate.

New- Room at the Inn: Doug Ruffle, who once served as a missionary in Argentina, shares the heartwarming story of a Christmas pageant that went off script, yet captured the true meaning of Christmas. It invites us to make room for the Christ Child in our lives. Read more now.

New- 4 Characteristics of Biblical Evangelism: Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says biblical evangelism is characterized by four key practices -- proclamation, community, service, and witness. Focusing on these practices can demystify the concept of evangelism and strengthen a congregation's evangelistic efforts. Read

Jumonville Winter Flyer on the next page!

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