franklin district newsnotes 7-19-2018wpa-email.brtapp.com/files/tables/emails/2041907/... ·...
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Franklin District NewsNotes 7-19-2018 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: Advocacy for Criminal Justice Reform – Pg 3
Justice Grants – Pg 3
Canoeing the Mountains – Pg 4
Racial/Ethnic Grants – Pg 5
Fall Women’s Retreat – Pg 5
Developing Older Adult Ministries – Pg 6
Youth 2019 Scholarships – Pg 9
Back to School Resources – Pg 13
New Congregations-Spanish Resources – Pg 13
New Church Plant Mentoring – Pg 13
Giving and Receiving Feedback – Pg 13
Avoid Digital Communications Disasters – Pg 13
Social Media Q & A - Pg 13
Back to School Outreach Event Info – Pg 13
Erie Gives for EUMA – Pg 13
Refuge Golf Tournament Update – Pg 13
Help Wanted – Pg 14
Prayer Concerns: -Scott, son of Rev. Julie Applegate (retired) who was admitted to ICU with multiple health issues
-Rev. Walt Hehman who is now at Trinity Living Center in Grove City
-Rev. Julie Applegate (retired) – recovering from surgery for a broken hip
-Rev. Betsy Cooper (retired) – recovering from carpal tunnel surgery
-Franklin District churches beginning new appointments and their pastors
-Rev. Bruce Merritt, continued recovery from fall that left him paralyzed
-Rev. Paul Mitchell – chemo treatment
-Nathan Storms, son of Rev. Tim & Eileen Storms (retired) has pancreatic cancer
July Birthdays: 26 Pastor Paul Csonka
July Anniversaries: 22 Rev. & Mrs. Tim Storms 26 Rev. & Mrs. John Hodge
Emergency Response Trainings: Because of extensive flooding recently in Western PA, an UMCOR training session for Early Response volunteers has been scheduled for Saturday, July 21 at Roots of Faith, 800 Main Street, in Sharpsburg, PA. Get details and register.
Church Office Professionals Workshop: Consider sending your church staff members to this July 22-24 workshop with Pastor Donna Doutt and Liz Lennox at Olmsted Manor Retreat Center. Get details.
Algonquin Canoe Trips 2018: We will learn about God, the wonders of his creation, and what it means to follow Jesus in community while camping and canoeing in the north woods of Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park. Previous canoeing and camping experience is helpful, but not necessary. Cost includes equipment and transportation. Adults and teens at least 15 years old. Passports required for ages 19 or older. 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
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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 game and stay after to hear from Manager Clint Hurdle, First Baseman Josh Bell, Short Stop Jordy Mercer, Third Baseman Colin Moran, Infielder/Outfielder Sean Rodriguez, Infielder David Freese, Infielder Adam Frazier, Pitcher Trevor Williams, Pitcher Joe Musgrove, and many more Pirates Players and Coaches discuss how faith has impacted their lives, both on and off the field. Contact Chad Glover at [email protected] or 412-325-4756. Faith Night Information Faith Night Information
2018 Cherry Run Camp meeting dates are July 28-August 5. Brochure attached to this e-mail
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Cherry Run Camp meeting, is a family camp near Rimersburg, PA that is owned and operated by the Franklin District. The camp is in need of volunteers to work at the camp in varying capacities. The 2018 camp meeting 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. Contact person: Mr. Dennis Mahle (814-648-1676) .
Discipleship Journey Retreat from Sunday, July 29-Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Jumonville. Join Rev. Lance and Amy Tucker for fellowship, reflection, and discussion to deepen your own personal spiritual journey. There will be campfires, time at the Cross, free time for hiking, reading, journaling, and experiencing the Prayer Walk. Participants will stay in the Inn. Space is limited to 9 rooms. Register
Apply no later than July 31: Online master’s degree in youth ministry at Southwestern College, a UMC school in the Great Plains Conference. It’s affordable, based on Wesleyan theology (echoes UMC doctrine) and entirely online. Go to www.beadisciple.com/masm/youth or https://ps.sckans.edu/master-arts-specialized-ministries to learn more. Students can enter the program at any time, but ‘Intro to Ministry’ starts on August 13 and is a great place to begin the course rotation.
Volunteer for GC Special Session: Apply online to serve as marshals or pages during the 2019 Special Session of the General Conference February 23-26, 2019 in St Louis, Missouri. Must be able to serve all four days. Marshals and pages are responsible for their own travel and expenses. Deadline: July 31. Submit an application.
Franklin District Pre-Charge Conference Briefing on Tuesday, July 31 at 10:00 am at Van UM Church, 8540 Route 322, Cranberry, PA. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants that will be completing the reports are welcome to attend with the pastor.
MTSO Master’s Degree tuition coverage: UM students can get their full master’s degree tuition covered. Our financial aid experts will assist each applicant in locating and applying for scholarships from numerous sources. If outside scholarships don’t cover an applicant's full tuition, MTSO and its donors will make up the difference. We’re pleased to extend this commitment to every qualified prospective United Methodist student who applies to a master’s degree program by Wednesday, August 1, 2018 for the 2018-19 academic year. Email an MTSO admissions rep for details. Or call us at 800-333-6876. Request an MTSO information packet.
Reflective Leadership Grants: Clergy or lay leaders of Christian organizations whose work is at a pivotal moment can apply for up to $15,000 to support space and time away from daily obligations to determine how to faithfully move forward. They’re available through Duke Divinity School’s Leadership Education program. The application deadline is August 1, 2018. Get details.
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Academy for Clergy with Disabilities: The UM Association of Ministers with Disabilities will hold the Disability Leadership Academy: Taking Our Place at the Table on Wednesday – Friday, August 1-3 at Gallaudet University. This conference is designed to bring United Methodists with disabilities together for training, conversation and strategic thinking. Read event flyer Register
New- Advocacy for Criminal Justice Reform: First UMC in Pittsburgh will host a seminar on advocacy for criminal justice reform on Sunday, August 5th. A portion of the day will also focus on advocacy to reduce gun violence. It is sponsored by the PA Council of Churches and the Mennonite Central Committee. DETAILS
2018 Residential Licensing School/CLM Training: Application is now available. The Residential School begins with dinner on Sunday, August 5 and concludes at 3 p.m., August 15. It’s at Olmsted Manor Retreat Center.
Second Franklin District Pre-Charge Conference Briefing on Tuesday, August 7 at 10:00 am at Clarks Mills UM Church, 3813 Hadley Rd, Clarks Mills, PA. Secretaries and Administrative Assistants that will be completing the reports are welcome to attend with the pastor.
Preparing for an Armed Intruder Conference on Tuesday, August 7 from 8 am – 4 pm at the Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA.
Here’s what you can expect: Breakout sessions to hone your areas of focus Expert speakers from Law Enforcement, Military, EMS, Fire, Emergency Management, Psychology,
Legal, and Government Building walkthrough with opportunity for hands-on application Multiple drills simulating Terrorism, Mental Illness, Domestic and Workplace Violence, and more A real-time drill with actual emergency responders responding Panel discussion Opportunity to interact with subject matter experts in a variety of fields Certificate of completion for all full day attendees Video review and analysis of drills
Ticket Includes: -Chef prepared buffet lunch -Beverages served throughout the day -Hands on training programs and discussions on how to prepare for an armed intruder
New- Justice Grants: Applications are due Friday, August 10th for two different grants administered by the General Board of Church and Society. The Human Relations Day and Ethnic Local Church grants are open to local churches and organizations. DETAILS
UMVIM upcoming Missions - United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Opportunities: West Virginia (August 12-17) Flood Recovery
Puerto Rico (August 28–September 6) Hurricane Rebuild
Honduras (September22-October 1) Construction
Louisiana (Fall 2018) Hurricane Rebuild
Bahamas (Dates to be determined)
Zimbabwe (July 22-August 6, 2019)
For Information, visit www.wpaumc.org/Opportunities or contact Sandra Matoushaya at [email protected].
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Missionshield VIM Insurance Offered: This Northeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM board has worked with Seven Corners to make policies available for all VIM teams. Get forms at www.umvimnej.org/mission-insurance.
VBS – SPLASH CANYON Aug 12 – Aug 17
5:45 pm - 8:15 pm 3 Yrs – Finishing 5th grade
HECKATHORN UM CHURCH 369 HECKATHORN CHURCH RD, SENECA
814-676-3839
Pre-registration encouraged: www.facebook.com/heckathornUMC [email protected]
Bishop’s Initiative Fundraiser Bike Trip from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.: August 13-17. Come ride a five-day, 315-mile bike ride to raise funds for the Bishop's Camping and Retreat Initiative. Bikers will begin at Boston UMC,
travel the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trail and complete the trip in Washington, D.C. Pittsburgh to DC to raise money for Camperships. Registration deadline: July 10. wpaumc.org/bikeathon.
WPA Minister’s Chorus Concert on Tuesday, August 14 at 1:30 pm at Arbutis Park, 207 Ottawa Street, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Momentum: School of Congregational Development 2018 San Diego from Wednesday, August 15 – Saturday, August 18 at the Town & Country Resort, San Diego, CA. Registration: $395 by July 15 & $450 for late/onsite registration. All cancelled registrations will be charged $50. Registration includes breakfast on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Lodging, travel and all other meals are the participant’s responsibility. Register
Jumonville's 16th annual Golf Fundraiser will be held on Friday, August 17th on the Red Course at Cedarbrook Golf Course (at the intersection of Route 51 and Interstate 70). Brochure. Register
New- Feel Like You Are Paddling Upstream? Spend a day with Todd Bolsinger, author of Canoeing the Mountains: Christian Leadership in Uncharted Territory on Friday, September 21st, at Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church (2662 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township, PA 16066). Bring a group. WPAUMC is a co-sponsor with the Beaver-Butler Presbytery, the Pittsburgh Presbytery, and the ELCA Synod. FLYER
Franklin District Clergy Family Picnic on Tuesday, August 21 at 5:30 pm at the Highland Pavilion, Memorial Park, Rt. 58 W (W. Main Street), Grove City. Details to be announced.
Camp Allegheny Women’s Retreat from Friday, August 24 - Sunday, August 26, 2018. This weekend is designed to let women refresh and renew their walk with the LordOur speakers this year are “Friends of the Heart” with the theme “If Our Closets Could Talk”. The speaker sessions are based on people from the book of John. It addresses a subject to which we can easily relate – clothes! Email [email protected] or [email protected] Camp Allegheny: 814-754-5122. Download the Registration form and mail it with deposit to the address on form. See attachment to this e-mail.
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Franklin District Council Meeting on Monday, August 27th at 7 pm at First UM Church, Franklin.
New- Racial/Ethnic Ministry Grants: Applications for grants of up to $10,000 to help local UM churches build ministries that strengthen and support racial and ethnic church concerns are due on Saturday, September 1st. The grants are available from UMC Discipleship Ministries to strengthen the ethnic local church.
19th Annual Ride for The Refuge, will be Monday, September 3 (Labor Day). This bicycle ride helps to end homelessness for families with children at Erie United Methodist Alliance’s (EUMA) The Refuge. Each Ride location (Shades Beach in East Erie County and Albion Borough Park in West Erie County) offers routes of various distances and difficulty levels - appealing to everyone from the recreational rider to the cycling enthusiast. For more information, visit www.euma-erie.org. Register for the Shades Beach Location. Register for the Albion Borough Park Location.
Missed the Franklin District Bishop’s Town Hall Meeting? Indiana District’s Bishop’s Meeting on The Way Forward will be on Thursday, September 6th at 6:30 pm. More information to come.
September 8 – Installation Service for Rev. Eric Park as Butler District Superintendent. Details TBA.
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]
Bishops Offer Ecumenical Ministry Aid: The Council of Bishops is offering financial assistance for ecumenical and interreligious ministry in the form of grants to annual conference groups, training for young adults, and a scholarship for The Ecumenical Institute at Bossey. Get details and apply. The deadline is September 14, 2018.
New- Fall Women's Retreat with Dr. Amy Oden: "Practicing Christian Mindfulness" from Friday, September 14 – Sunday, September 16, 2018 at Olmsted Manor, 17 East Main Street, Ludlow, PA 16333. Check-in is at Groves Lodge on Friday from 3-5pm. Dinner Friday – Lunch Sunday. $236 per person includes tuition, 2 nights stay, and 6 meals. Contact Olmsted for scholarship information. Phone: 814-945-6512 or e-mail. Register
Pittsburgh DS Installation Service: Rev. Dawn Hand on Saturday, September 15. Details to be announced.
Butler District Lay Servant Ministries School Fall 2018 on Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm on September 15, 22, & 29 at Christ Community UM Church, 205 North Duffy Rd, Butler, PA. Cost: $35 covers book and materials. Registration Deadline: August 20, 2018. Lay Servant Ministries-Brochure fall 2018 rev 1.pdf
Conference Clergy Spouse Retreat from Friday, September 21 – Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Olmsted Manor, 17 E Main Street, Ludlow, PA 16333. Details to be announced.
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Franklin District United Methodist Women (UMW) Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 22 at First UM Church, 600 Wood Street. Registration begins at 9 am with the meeting starting at 9:30 am.
New- Developing Older Adult Ministries at Your Church: A seminar for church leaders who want to start Older Adult Ministries or to do more for the Older Adults they serve. Dates are Sunday, September 23- Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at Olmsted Manor Retreat Center. Speakers: Rev. Will Randolph and DS Pat Nelson. Cost: $186 (includes tuition, room & board). Clergy and laity are invited to explore ways to be in ministry "by, with, and for" older adults. To register, click here.
Survival Mindset Upcoming Events: Register
Preparing for an Armed Intruder at Wesley Woods, Grand Valley, PA: Monday, September 24, 2018. $10 - $50
Preparing for an Armed Intruder at Barrow Civic, Franklin, PA: Thursday, October 25, 2018. $10 - $50
PREACH! Five United Methodist pastors from across the U.S. who are known for their dynamic preaching will preach and lead workshops at this Monday, September 24 – Tuesday, September 25 event, sponsored by the Conference, at Dutilh UMC. Get details and register.
Leadership Institute 2018 at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection takes place September 26 - 28 at the Leawood, KS campus. Bringing together clergy, church staff & volunteers with a passion for developing as leaders, making disciples of Jesus Christ & strengthening the local church. Pre-institute & Post-institute sessions also available. Register. Travel info.
Global Ministries EarthKeepers Trainings 2018 Detroit, MI, Sept 27-30, 2018 (Deadline Sept 6) Wasatch Retreat Center, Salt Lake City, UT Nov 1-4, 2018 (deadline Oct 11)
Commitment: Participants must complete five hours of homework in the month prior to the training. They should plan to commit 10 hours/month to their projects for at least six months following the training.
New People/New Places Grant: The Conference’s Parish & Community Development Committee is implementing a new process for awarding its “New Places/New People” grant. The grant application deadline: September 28. Decisions will be made as soon as possible after the deadline. Details and application.
#SeeAllthePeople event on Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29 with Jorge Acevedo. “Let’s stop fixing churches and start seeing the people God calls us to reach”.
Friday, September 28 Glenwood UMC 2931 Myrtle St, Erie
Saturday, September 29 Crossroads UMC 100 Crossroads Dr, Oakdale
Same event at two locations from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm. Three Keynote Addresses and Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Sponsored by the WPA Evangelism Team. Full details and registration coming in July at www.wpaumc.org.
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#See All the People Resources: Discipleship Ministries has released new resources to help local churches form new relationships in their communities that can lead to discipleship. Learn more.
Autism Family Retreat 2018: Friday – Sunday, September 28-30 at Jumonville Camp. Registration deadline: September 21, 2018. Retreat Leader: Rev. Dr. Ed Saxman. Autisminitiative.com Brochure is attached to newsletter e-mail with all the details. All ages are welcome!
Lisa Allen of Proverbs 31 Ministries presents “The Rhythm of a Dream” on Thursday, October 4 at Sharon First UM Church, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon, PA. Details to be announced so save the date!
“Overcoming. . .Finding freedom in Christ, learning to hear God’s voice and speak His Word for today.” Weekend Retreat (Walking in the Prophetic) and Friday Pre-conference (Prevailing in the Battle Zone) on Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 7 at Jumonville. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rob McCorkle. Register
Johnstown DS Installation Service for Rev. Sung Chung on Sunday, October 7. Details to be announced.
World Communion Sunday is Sunday, October 7, 2018. The first Sunday in October supports World Communion Scholarships, the Ethnic Scholarship Program and the Ethnic In-Service Training Program. UMC Giving has resources.
Camping Sunday - Sunday, October 14, 2018. Camping and Retreat Ministries urge local churches to receive a Camping Sunday Offering to benefit the Conference Camping and Retreat Ministries.
2018 Clergy College at Jumonville from Sunday, October 14 - Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Led by Rev. Jeff Greenway, Lead Pastor at Reynoldsburg UMC in Ohio. The topic is still to be decided. CEU credit available. For more information or to register, please go to https://jumonville.org/event/clergy-college/
Volunteers in Mission Awareness Sunday on October 21. Local churches are urged to use this day in conjunction with Laity Sunday to celebrate those who use their God-given gifts to serve in short-term missions and the ways in which VIM mission teams are deepening our sense of mutuality in our global connection.
2018 Clergy Pre-retirement Seminar from Wednesday, October 24 – Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066. Details to be announced. Contact person: Alexis Soohy [email protected].
WPA Conference Annual United Methodist Women (UMW) on Saturday, October 27 at 9:30 am at Oakland UM Church, 1431 State Rd 428, Oil City, PA 16301. Registration begins at 8:45 am. Contact Diane Miller for more information: [email protected]
Youth Service Fund Sunday is Sunday, November 4, 2018. The Youth Service Fund of the Western PA Conference has financially assisted many youth programs in our Conference, our nation, and our world. Our annual conference encourages local congregations to receive a special offering to support youth mission projects. This special Sunday is a good time to highlight youth ministries in the congregation.
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Workshop and Conference Sponsored by the Voyagers from Wednesday, November 14 –Thursday, November 15, 2018 for Leaders and Coaches: Clergy, Educators and Therapists
The Voyagers are a gathering of clergy and church leaders exploring Bowen family systems theory and its application to congregations by Rabbi Edwin Friedman.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018 – Bowen Theory Introduction and Application. This one-day seminar will introduce participants to Bowen family systems theory and its application to working with families, congregations, and other institutions in the community. Family of origin work will be presented. Location: Westin Hotel Buffalo, NY from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. Cost: $60/Students-$35
Thursday, November 15, 2018 – Conference with Dr. Michael Kerr. Theme – Bowen Theory’s Secrets: The Hidden Life of Families. Dr. Michael Kerr, the director of the Bowen Theory Academy and the former director of the Bowen Center in Washington, DC, will present a one-day conference focusing on the insights of his new book entitled, “Bowen Theory’s Secrets: The Hidden Life of Families.” Dr. Kerr will describe family functioning from a Bowen theory perspective and distinguish it from the traditional psychological approach that focuses on problems within the individual person. Location: Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cost: $95/Students-$65 (Both days: $125/Students-$80 includes lunch)
For information and early bird registration, contact Rev. Robert Spilman, CPE Supervisor, Retired, ACPE, 363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226 [email protected] / 716-479-7933 Voyagers website
United Methodist Student Day is Sunday, November 25, 2018. Churches are encouraged to use UM Student Day to raise awareness of scholarships and loans available to help young people of faith further their education and make a difference in the world. Offerings received fund loans and scholarship funds for United Methodist college, university, and graduate students. Videos, bulletin inserts, Facebook graphics, a PowerPoint presentation and other resources to promote UM Student Day are available at umcgiving.org.
Franklin District Clergy Family Christmas Party on Saturday, December 1. Time, location and additional details to be determined.
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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
Save the dates: 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. Details to be announced at a later date.
Franklin District Mid-winter Break on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 6 pm at Hoss’s at Grove City Outlets
Franklin District Clergy Retreat from Sunday pm-Tuesday after lunch, March 10-12, 2019 at Olmsted Manor, Ludlow, PA. Details to be determined.
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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.
YOUTH 2019 Registration is Now Open! Register here: http://youth2019.com/register/
The national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. It takes place every four years. Make sure to familiarize yourself with all the Dos and Don'ts of the process.
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.
New- Need some help getting to YOUTH 2019? We've got scholarships available. Click here to Apply
If you have specific registration questions, contact Event Manager at [email protected].
Early Bird – $319 (Available July 2018-January 31, 2019) Regular – $359 (Available February 1, 2019- March 31, 2019) Late – $419 (Available April 1, 2019- May 31, 2019)
Game Changer Sports Camp at Jumonville
“Game On” Wrestling Camp: July 29th to August 4th Coach Caleb Kolb: Former Nebraska All American
Share your memories from Olmsted. In celebration of the retreat center’s 50th anniversary, they are collecting stories of the amazing experiences had at Olmsted and they are inviting everyone to come and make a memory in 2019. Share your story by sending it to Olmsted, PO Box 8, Ludlow, PA 16333.
Vacation Bible School Follow-up Manual: This 25-page manual is a one-of-kind comprehensive resource to help churches implement a follow-up plan for the unchurched kids who attend VBS. Click here to be directed to the ABOUT FACE website. Click here to order the book. Paperback Price: $5.99
7 Ideas for Making Vacation Bible School an Evangelism Opportunity: How can you deepen your relationship with the children and families participating in a Vacation Bible School and stay connected with them throughout the year? Lewis Center Director Doug Powe outlines strategies to make your Vacation Bible School a meaningful and effective evangelism opportunity. Read more.
Mission Vision: Donate old eyeglasses to Mission Vision, a non-profit based in Cranberry Twp. that equips mission volunteers to offer eyeglass clinics where people can be fitted and get glasses matching their prescriptions. Volunteers from Zion UMC in Sarver clean and categorize the used glasses. Teams from that church take them to Haiti and other locations. Others go with The Nyadire Connection teams to Zimbabwe. Used glasses are now being collected at the United Methodist Center in Cranberry and the Eastbrook Mission Barn. Learn more at mission-vision.org
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Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union
Look no further for great auto rates. Apply at www.keystoneumfcu.org.
Recent graduates can get a Visa Debit and Visa Credit Card. Off to College? Apply for your student loans on our website. Apply at www.keystoneumfcu.org.
Did you know? We have updated share certificate rates! Find them online.
Check out online banking. Apply at www.keystoneumfcu.org.
Clergy Communities of Practice: Clergy persons are invited to prayerfully consider participating beginning in August. Clergy communities of practice are a type of covenant group meant to support the development of Christian leaders by encouraging those who want to get to the next place in their ministry.
Meetings last four hours and include a meal. Each meeting is led by one of your clergy peers, a trained facilitator, who invites conversation and asks questions rather than acting as an expert. Learning is focused topically and participants can expect to read around 75-100 pages each month in preparation for gatherings. There will be 9 meetings over the course of the year; two months will be taken off at the discretion of the facilitator. It is expected that participants will engage in every meeting and come prepared to discuss readings. This year we are asking all participants to contribute $100 in order to help cover costs. Register
Additionally, we are offering two CCOPs with a specific area of focus. One for those in the first year of an appointment and one for those interested in innovative ministry. For more details about these specialized groups, please contact Amy Wagner. For general questions, please contact Susan Moudry.
The following locations are available: Brockway: Moorhead UMC- 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9:30-1:30 with Bob Trask Fredonia: Fredonia UMC- 1st Wednesday of each month from 9:00-1:00 with Tina Keller Latrobe UMC- 2nd Wednesday of each month from 9:30-1:30 with Tom Kennedy Olmsted Manor- 1st Tuesday of each month from 10:00-2:00 with Seth McClymonds Pittsburgh area- with Paul Taylor (Please note, this group is scheduled in hope that those in extension
ministry and part-time ministry may participate.) WPAUMC Conference Center- 2nd Tuesday of each month from 10:00-2:00 with Renee Mikell (Please
note, the first meeting will be held August 7 instead) Waynesburg: Oak View UMC- 4th Tuesday of each month from 11:00-3:00 with Sue Hoover Windber: Calvary UMC- 4th Wednesday of each month from 9:30-1:30 with Heidi Helsel Focus on: First Year of an Appointment - Kittanning First UMC Covenant Center, 1st Wednesday of
each month from 10:00-2:00 with Bob Kirby Focus on: Innovative Ministry -Sharpsburg, Roots of Faith,- 2nd Thursday of each month from 10:00-
2:00 with Ben Phipps
Coming this Fall to the Franklin District: Ministry & Fellowship Day Brought to you by the Franklin District Council.
Stay tuned! Date, location and details to be announced.
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Ohio Northern University and MTSO announce 3+3 program: They are offering incoming college students a unique 3+3 program leading to a master’s degree in divinity. The program is the only one of its kind in Ohio and one of only a few in the country. The typical path to a Master of Divinity degree requires seven years of study. Students in the 3+3 program, will save time and money by completing the degree in six years.
Starting the program at ONU in Ada, they may choose one of three majors: religion, youth ministry, or religion and ecology. The religion and ecology major is available only through the 3+3 program and incorporates interdisciplinary courses in environmental studies from the perspectives of science, law and spirituality.
The next step is three years of study at MTSO. After their first year at MTSO, 3+3 students will complete a Bachelor of Arts from ONU. After completion of seminary coursework, they will earn an MTSO M.Div. degree. Learn more about the 3+3 program here.
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. We would like to invite you to consider becoming a part of our next team of volunteers.
Here’s what we know, so far, about the next mission team:
All participants must be age 18 or older.
Persons with a wide range of construction-related skills are needed (from painting to pouring concrete; from debris removal and “go-fers” to skilled crafts-people like electricians and plumbers). If you have ever (successfully) fixed anything around your home, your skills can be helpful to the team.
The biggest “job” of the team will be supporting and ministering to the survivors of the hurricane. Team members need to have a strong Christian faith, an eagerness to work with our sister church in Puerto Rico, and sensitivity to survivors who are still overwhelmed by their losses.
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 [email protected].
Help wanted: Director of Music. First UMC, 1102 Liberty Street, Franklin is seeking a part-time director of music to start September 1st. For duties, hours and compensation, contact Rick Loeffert at 914-330-7978.
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2018 GB Higher Education & Ministry (GBHEM) Fall Loan Application
It’s a Friendly Franklin District Competition!
Gather your supplies and pack your buckets and kits. Be creative and have fun. See details below. Information was e-mailed to pastors and churches on 7-11-2018. Competition begins now and ends September 30, 2018.
UMCOR Kit Ingredients Change: Some of the ingredients in UMCOR kits have changed. In hygiene kits, the number of bandaids has increased to 10. In cleaning buckets, instead of including sponges, donors are asked put in $1.50 for purchase of foam sponges. Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene Kits If you have any questions, address them to Katie Peterson at [email protected].
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New- Back to School Resources: As a new school year begins, families will be searching for community connections as they settle into a routine. Reach out to your neighbors with back to school resources! Banners, postcards and invitation cards are available in a variety of designs and two languages. The customizable tools will help you build awareness of worship services, events and activities for students of all ages. While supplies last, use code F18UMC200 to get $200 discount on your order! Order now
Need help planning outreach activities as students head back to school this fall? Here are some Ideas.
New- Get Spanish language resources for starting new congregations. Online resources in Spanish are available from New Church Starts (Path 1) to help start new Hispanic/Latino congregations. Learn new ideas and best practices by visiting the dedicated Spanish language page on the New Church Starts website.
New- Mentoring available for churches planting new churches. New Church Starts (Path 1) is providing help to 10 United Methodist churches in the United States that want to launch a second campus, whether in a new location or a location where ministry has historically been offered. Path 1 is partnering with First UMC in McKinney, Texas, and facilitators with experience as pastors of multi-site churches to mentor leader teams.
New- Giving and Receiving Feedback: A resource for Staff-Parish Relations Committees. Learn what feedback IS and what Feedback IS NOT. A resource from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
New- 7 Tips for Avoiding Digital Communication Disasters: Church consultant Joel Snider says that serious congregational conflicts can be caused or exacerbated by the poor use of electronic communication. Congregations can work to develop a common understanding of appropriate and inappropriate uses of digital communication, says Snider, and he offers seven key principles for forging a digital communication covenant.
New- Live Q & A: Social Media for Churches – on Thursday, July 26 at 12:00 pm CST. Whether you are searching for in-depth information about social media outreach or if you are just getting started with a church Facebook page, here is a chance to ask questions! The experts at United Methodist Communications will help you learn more about social media and how it can support meaningful ministry. Register
New- Thinking about going BIG with a back-to-school outreach event? Here are five ideas!
New- Every Child Deserves a Home: Please help EUMA make home a reality for over 200 children expected to be sheltered and cared for at EUMA’s The Refuge this year by donating to our mission through Erie Gives. On Tuesday, August 14th from 8am to 8pm, the Erie Community Foundation will match a percentage of each donation of $25 or more that you make to EUMA when you give online at www.eriegives.org. Thank you in advance for your support of this effort!
New- Thank You Refuge Golf Tournament Supporters: The Refuge Golf Tournament Committee is reporting that this year’s event raised $12,690 for EUMA’s The Refuge emergency homeless shelter. Thank you to all who supported, sponsored, and participated in this fundraiser – especially to the tournament committee, chaired by Rev. Matt Judd, for their hard work and commitment to help families struggling with homelessness.
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New- Pass it along if you know someone who might be interested
Organist Job Opening: Grove Ave. UMC (Johnstown) is in search of an organist for its 10:45 am Traditional Service. Organist will be responsible for playing 3-4 hymns as well as choosing and playing a Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude. There is no choir at this time. Bi-weekly pay, 2 paid vacation Sundays. A full job description can be attained by emailing or calling Grove Avenue's Administrative Assistant: [email protected] / 814-539-8684.
Job Opening Director of Student Ministries: First UM Church, Warren, PA, is seeking a full-time Director of
Student Ministries beginning September 2018. This person will primarily coordinate the congregation’s
established Youth Fellowship program and its weekly meetings. This person will work with the Nurture
Committee to create opportunities for our community to develop as spiritual beings in Christ. The successful
candidate will be at least 23 years old (in accordance with Safe Sanctuaries policy), and preferably have a
degree in education, youth ministry, or related area, or a minimum of 3 years’ experience in youth ministry. A
full job description and salary information are available from the church office, 814-723-4930, or email