PRAYERREQUESTS
Betty Hollabaugh and family. Her husband, Dale, passed away recently.
Myrna Sanford and family. Her husband, Dick, passed away recently.
Jerome Alsdorf,who has health concerns.
Wanda Jewell’s husband, Dave, who will be receiving medical treatments.
Those affected by the tragic school shooting in Florida.
IMPORTANTDATES
(Check sections for more information.)
Thursday, February 22nd to Saturday, February 24th – Licensing School/CLM Training (Conference Website Links & Conference Events)
Friday, February 23rd – Work as Worship (District Events), EUMA’s Our Way Home Gala (Bulletin Board – EUMA)
Saturday, February 24th – Clergy Ethics Training (Conference Website Links & Conference Events)
Tuesday, February 27th – Community Lenten Lunch (District Events), Navigating Through the Intricacies of Senior Living (District Events), Clergy Peer Learning Group Study (Conference Events), Social Media for Churches (Conference Events)
BIRTHDAYS
Wednesday, February 21st – Sarah Roncolato
Thursday, February 22nd – Devon Elizabeth Lawton
Friday, February 23rd – Walter Willey
Saturday, February 24th – Kerry Bobin
ANNIVERSARIES
NOTE: 2018 DISTRICT CONFERENCE IS
SUNDAY, MAY 20TH AT 2:30PM AT CHRIST UMC
FUND BALANCE REPORTS
Fund Balance Reports are due to the District Office no later than Thursday, March 1st. To see a helpful list of all required annual forms and due dates, please view the Form page on the Conference website.
EVALUATION LINKS EMAILED
Emails from the WPA Board of Ministry were sent to all clergy in early January. Senior pastors should have received three separated emails and associate pastors should have received only one email with links to the new:
- 2018 Annual Pastor Performance Evaluation (SENT Friday, January 5th)
- 2018 Annual SPRC Self-Evaluation (senior pastor’s responsibility to have completed; SENT Tuesday, January 9th)
- 2018 Annual Congregational Ministry Evaluation (senior pastor’s responsibility to have completed; SENT Tuesday, January 9th)
Please keep your email(s) with the link(s) as this is the only way to access the evaluations. If you do not see the email, please check your spam or promotions folder. The email likely went to the promotions folder if you have a Gmail account. If you have questions, please contact Andrea at the District Office.
RETIRING SUPERINTENDENTS
Three district superintendents will retire effective Saturday, June 30th. Another will also leave the Bishop’s Cabinet after serving the maximum term of eight years. LEARN MORE
The following letter was from Erie-Meadville District Superintendent Joe Patterson on Wednesday, January 31st:
“Dear Ones,
Tomorrow morning, an announcement will be issued by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi which will have a profound impact on the life of the Erie-Meadville District, about which she and I want you to know first.
After a great deal of prayer and conversation with those whose opinions I trust, I have decided that the time is right to seek a transition from “active” to “retired” status effective July 1st.
Thank you for welcoming me into this delightful part of God's world.The last 7 years, living and working with all of you, have been a high privilege and a deep honor. I will forever cherish this time together.
Please pray for Bishop Cynthia as she discerns the next leader of the District. Please also pray for LuAnn and me as we discover the nature of the next season of life and service.
Please be assured of my continuing prayers for all of you.
Blessings,
Joe Patterson”
NEW SUPERINTENDENTS NAMED
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has selected four new district superintendents to begin serving Monday, July 1st. They are: Rev. Eric Park in the Butler District; Rev. Dennis Swineford in the Erie-Meadville District; Rev. Sung Shik Chung in the Johnstown District; and Rev. Dawn M. Hand in the Pittsburgh District. Get details at
COMMUNITY LENTEN LUNCHES
Tuesday, February 20th to Tuesday, March 20th, 12pm, Conneautville Valley UMC (1118 Main Street, Conneautville, PA 16406)
Every Tuesday from February 20th to March 20th, Lenten Lunches are an hour for fellowship with free soup, sandwich, and dessert. A free-will offering will be collected to benefit the local food pantry. Non-perishable food items can also be donated. We welcome the entire community!
UPDATED – WORK AS WORSHIP
Friday, February 23rd, Erie: Asbury(4703 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506) & Saegertown (620 Euclid Avenue, Saegertown, PA 16433)
Join Erie: Asbury or Saegertown for a one-day retreat simulcast with Christian business owners, CEOs, and leaders who want their faith to impact their work. Imagine spending a day at church, interacting with, praying with, and encouraging fellow business leaders. This is your chance to interact with other Christian men and women who lead businesses in our community. Visit for information on guest speakers and a schedule for the day. Lunch is included in the $25 registration fee.REGISTER FOR ERIE: ASBURYREGISTER FOR SAEGERTOWN
NAVIGATING THROUGH THE INTRICACIES OF SENIOR LIVING
Tuesday, February 27th, 6:15pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)
The Stephen Ministry Team welcomes guest speaker, Sharon Anderson, an experienced Senior Living Counselor from Springhill. She will provide general information about navigating through the intricacies of senior living.
EVENING PRAYER AND PRAISE SERVICE
Sunday, March 4th and Sunday, March 18th, 7pm, The Living Room (Stone UMC, 956 South Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335)
Prayer and Praise is more than just music and singing; it is a time of genuine praise toward God and thanksgiving for all He has done, designed for you to experience God in a fresh and dynamic way. Hope to see you there! For more information, please contact the church office at 814-724-6736 or .
FAITH AND FAMILY FRIDAYS
Friday, March 9th, 7pm to 9pm, Meadville Market House (910 Market Street, Meadville, PA 16335)
Local praise and worship bands playing contemporary and classic favorites. Come to worship or just listen and enjoy some uplifting music. Featured band for March is C3 (Crossroads Community Church) Praise Band. This is a community event open to all faiths, denominations, and beliefs. For more information, email Doug Tucker at .
MESSY CHURCH
Thursday, March 8th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)
Messy Church creates the opportunity for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children to enjoy expressing their creativity, sit down together for a meal, experience worship, and have fun within a church context. Join this once-a-month worship experience! For more information, contact Pastor Connie Hoeke at 814-864-3271 or 412-400-6898.
180TH ANNIVESARY OF SUMMIT UMC
Sunday, March 11th, 10am, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)
Join Summit UMC as it welcomes Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi to celebrate 180 years of fellowship. There will be a 10am worship service followed by a luncheon.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 24th, 10am to 12pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)
Come and hunt for Easter eggs, play games, and get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 814-864-3271.
5TH ANNUAL PRAYER JOURNEY
Tuesday, March 27th to Sunday, April 1st, 8am to 6pm, Hydetown UMC (12887 Main Street, Hydetown, PA 16328)
Do you feel like a lost lamb in a world of hungry wolves? Have the cares and worries of this world left you feeling overwhelmed and afraid? Come spend some time in quiet rest with the Shepherd. Take a self-guided journey through a variety of devotional stations based on Psalm 23: the Lord as the Good Shepherd. For more information, call 814-758-5550 or 814-657-3132.
THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS
Friday, March 30th, 7pm, Stone UMC (956 South Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335)
Join us for a musical “service of darkness” focusing on the final hours of Jesus’ life and crucifixion. Standing in the shadow of the cross, we find comfort and courage in knowing that we can live in a future that is ultimately God’s making. For more information, contact the church office at 814-724-6736.
EASTER EGG HUNT
Saturday, March 31st, 1pm, Woodcock UMC (23048 Gravel Run Road, Saegertown, PA 16433)
Enjoy visiting with the Easter Bunny, listening to music, participating in an egg hunt, making crafts, and refreshments. No cost. For more information, call 814-382-4128.
BISHOPS MOURN SCHOOL SHOOTING VICTIMS
In the wake of the school shooting in Florida, the Council of Bishops has issued a statement of grief mourning the victims and called for prayers of repentance from the culture of death and cycle of violence. READ MORE
SPECIAL MEETING ROOMS/MEALS
Groups planning a special meeting or meal during Annual Conference should submit request forms as soon as possible. Get the forms at
BOOKS AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICE
As Joe is beginning to clean out the District Office in preparation for his retirement, a large number of books and other materials that he is willing to pass on have accumulated. If you are in the area, feel free to stop by the office to peruse the collection. All items are free.
ITEMS AVAILABLE AT LOCAL CHURCH
Cranesville UMC has started house cleaning early and has found a large number of dinner plates, cups, saucers, and bowls that would like a new forever home. If your church is interested, please contact Terry Campbell at 814-566-1447.
CHURCH SEEKING SERVSAFE CONTACT
Union City First UMC is seeking the contact of a local ServSafe instructor who would be able to certify members of the church and community. If your church has any information, please contact the church office at 814-438-2113.
ERT TRAINING
The Disaster Response Ministries Team provides training for Early Response Team members and keeps records by district of those who are current in their training, which must be updated every three years. To help in early stages of recovery work in areas such as Puerto Rico, a current ERT Badge is required. To host a regional training at your church, contact Pastor Calvin Cook, team chair, at .
2018 REVISED COMMON LECTIONARY
Discipleship Ministries offers a two-page listing of Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings and liturgical colors for 2018 Sundays and special days. DOWNLOAD
UPDATED – SPRING LAY SERVANT MINISTRY SCHOOLS
The Spring Lay Servant Ministry Schools are as follows:
- Tuesday, March 6th to Tuesday, March 27th, 6pm to 8:30pm, Waterford: Asbury UMC (Erie-Meadville District)
- Saturday, April 7th to Saturday, May 5th, 9am to 11:30am, McKeesport First UMC(Greensburg District)
- Sunday, April 8th to Sunday, May 20th, 2:30pm to 5:30pm, Clarion First UMC (Franklin District)
- Saturday, April 14th & Saturday, April 21st, multiple locations (Kane District)
MORE DETAILS
LAITY ACADEMY FOR STEWARDSHIP
The United Methodist Foundation of Western PA invites laity to participate in a Laity Academy for Stewardship and Leadership, a two-year program that kicks off with an event at Lakeside Chautauqua. LEARN MORE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
PART-TIME RESPITE CARE COORDINATOR
All God’s Children Ministries is seeking a part-time respite care coordinator. Please see the AGCM section below for more details.
PRAISE TEAM LEADER
Grace United Methodist Church of Grove City is seeking a praise team leader to provide excellent worship experiences on Sunday mornings, focusing primarily on the contemporary worship music at 10am and special services. Duties include leading one mid-week evening rehearsal of instrumentals and vocalists, working on the worship planning team, attending monthly staff meetings, and various administrative tasks. If interested, contact the church office at 724-458-8660.
CHAPLAINS IN THE PARKS
The PA Council of Churches’ Chaplains in the Parks program is seeking individuals to fill paid part-time and full-time chaplain slots for the summer of 2018. Chaplains need only be Christians with hearts for serving God and who want to bring worship services, provide a listening ear, and visit with people from different religious traditions. Students, retired, laity, and clergy are all welcome to apply. MORE INFORMATION
CLASSIFIEDS SECTION OF WPAUMC WEBSITE
GO HERE
2017 RENTAL/HOUSING ALLOWANCE INFO
2017 Rental/Housing Allowance information has been posted on the Benefits page of the Conference website. It is listed near the bottom of the page under “miscellaneous” and includes legislation and a worksheet. Go to
NEW UMC HANDBOOK
The new United Methodist Church Handbook, which covers the next four years, is available, providing a detailed overview of the denomination’s beliefs, mission, structure, and history. The handbook is a free, go-to resource for anyone in search of information about the church and is helpful for leaders and new members. GET HANDBOOK
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Both lay and clergy will find information about events, ongoing programs, and continuing education opportunities, as well as scholarship applications, on our newly updated WEBPAGE. If you have an event that you’d like to see listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at .
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
GBHEM LOANS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Spring loan applications are open from Wednesday, December 13th to Wednesday, May 2nd. Scholarship applications for the 2018-2019 academic year are open from Wednesday, January 3rdto Wednesday, March 7th. READ MORE
ECUMENICAL TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
The Council of Bishops is offering scholarships of $300 for young adults (age 21 to 25) to attend the 2018 United Methodist Ecumenical and Interreligious Training and the National Workshop on Christian Unity (NWCU) in Silver Spring, MD from Monday, April 16th to Thursday, April 19th. Applications are due Wednesday, February 28th. LEARN MORE AND DOWNLOAD APPLICATION
UMC SCHOLARSHIPS
The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry has opened scholarship applications for college, university, and seminary studies in fall 2018. You need only to submit one application per year. That application will be screened for all possible eligible programs. The applications are due by Wednesday, March 7th. LEARN MORE
NEW PEOPLE/NEW PLACES GRANTS
The Conference’s Parish and Community Development Committee is implementing a new process for awarding its “New Places/New People.” Two grant application deadlines have been set for 2018 – Friday, March 23rd and Friday, September 28th. Decisions on grants will be made as soon as possible after each deadline.DETAILS AND APPLICATION
50 CAREER IN MINISTRY SCHOLARSHIPS
CM CARES, the Church Mutual Insurance Company Foundation, has announced that it is now accepting applications for its second annual Religious Scholarship Program, offering up to $250,000 in scholarships to graduate and doctoral students who are committed to a career in ministry. Scholars who wish to apply must be enrolled full-time in an advanced degree program in theology, ministry, or other field of religious study at an accredited theological seminary, college, or university during the 2018-2019 academic year. Deadline to apply is Saturday, April 14th. DETAILS
SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR DEACONS
A new scholarship for those pursuing deacon ordination has been set up with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. It honors Rubie Butterworth, who dedicated her life to serving through the church. LEARN MORE
SCHOLARSHIPS
There are a variety of scholarships at and at
SEMINARY FINANCIAL AID
Applications are available at
GALA INFORMATION
This Friday is EUMA’s Our Way Home Gala. We are looking forward to a wonderful evening with friends and supporters as we celebrate 130 years of ministry in NW PA. A few items of interest for our guests: the gala starts with a fellowship time from 6pm to 6:30pm, but guests are welcome to arrive after 5:45pm to register and peruse the silent auction tables. Valet service will be available. Directions: please use the entrance for the Crystal Ballroom of the Ambassador (7794 Peach Street) – turn onto Downs Drive from Peach Street; take the first or second left to get to the Ambassador; do not enter through the hotels; look for the Ambassador awning at the south side of the buildings.
REGISTRATION FOR HIGHMARK WALK
Registration is open for this year’s Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. This annual 5K charity walk – operated by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to benefit area nonprofits like EUMA – is set for Saturday, June 2nd at 9am at Presque Isle State Park, Beach 11. All donations/pledges raised by our walkers will directly benefit EUMA ministries. Take a moment during this cold, snowy week to dream of a sunny walk along the beach…and register to walk with EUMA to help those who are homeless in our community. For more information, visit our website at To register, visit
PART-TIME RESPITE CARE COORDINATOR
All God’s Children Ministries is seeking a part-time respite care coordinator. Key qualities include: understanding the needs of families of children affected by disability; basic knowledge and experience in planning and implementing children’s Christian education; and a willingness to make needed adaptations in programming to address individual needs. Key competencies include: organizational skills; volunteer recruitment and management; and a love of children. Interested applicants should contact Rev. Debbie Hills at or 440-812-4624.
RAMPS OF HOPE
T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
There have been several requests for new Ramps of Hope t-shirts. Email Rev. Debbie Hills at with how many you would like and the size(s) you need. T-shirts are $12 each. If you pay by check, please make it payable to AGCM (cash is fine, too!).
RespiteCare