Oct 29 / District Council / District Office / 6:30
Oct 31 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - Indiana / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
Oct 31 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Kittanning / Thee Log Cabin / 12:00
Nov 1 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Punxsy / The New Anchor Inn / 12:00
Nov 2 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - DuBois / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
Nov 2 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Brookville / Denny’s / 11:00
Nov 8 / OMG Mentoring Group / District Office / 9:00
Nov 9 / Ramps / District Office / 4:00
Nov 13 / Good Shepherd CC / Munderf UMC / 7:00
Nov 14 / Superintendency / District Office / 1:00
Nov 18 / dCOM / Punxsy First / 8:30
Dec 4 / District Clergy Christmas Party / Punxsy First / 5:30
Jan 8 / Trustee, Location and Building / District Office / 6:30
Jan 10 / Bishop’s Day on the District / TBD / TBD
Jan 23 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - Indiana / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
Jan 23 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Kittanning / Thee Log Cabin / 12:00
Jan 24 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Punxsy / Anchor Inn / 12:00
Jan 25 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - DuBois / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
Jan 25 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Brookville / Denny’s / 12:00
New news
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:
Butler District HelpshopREGISTER HERE
“Clear Day”Job Descriptions and Leadership Training in the UM Church
November 4, 2017
9 AM - Noon
Crossfire Campus of Butler: First UMC
Many have asked for a help shop for church leadership. Here it is!
Come! Get a clear picture of church committee structure and duties.
Mark your calendar now, and spread the word!
Schedule:
9:00 AM Gathering with light refreshments
9:45 - 11:30 AM – Proceed to Individual classes
11:30 - Noon – Gather as a group for questions, comments. Prayer/dismissal
Classes being offered:
- Church Council – Rev Sharon Schwab
- PPRC – Rev Tom Parkinson
- Trustees - Tom Hallman (Chairman of the WPA Conference Trustees)
- Finance –Larry Bridge (Conference Treasurer)
- Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development –District Superintendent, Rev Joel Garrett
- Lay Leader/Lay Member to Annual Conference – Jerry Rectenwald, Butler District Lay Leader
Disaster Spiritual Care
The American Red Cross is offering a Disaster Spiritual Care Fundamentals course forclergy on Saturday,October 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at their office at 2801 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.The course will equip clergy with the knowledge and skills required to offer support to families in the case of adisaster. The Red Cross hopes to assemble local spiritual care teams who can be deployed to disasters as needed. To register, .
Regional Order of the Elder meetings
Meetingsare scheduled over the next several weeks.All Elders, under appointment or retiredare 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:
- October 30th at Charter Oak
- November 2nd at Oakland UMC Johnstown
- November 10th at Dutilh Cranberry Twp.
- November 17th at Allegheny College Meadville
Strategies for Year-End Giving
The United Methodist Foundation of Western PA will be offering a free webinar entitled Seven Strategies for Year-End Giving which aims to equip pastors and church leaders with practical skills to assist followers of Jesus in making gifts this Christmas season. The webinar will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15.Register using the event link at umfoundation.org.
Summer Internships
Seminary students, undergrads, parents... It's time to think about summer internships! Applications are due January 31, 2018. For more information and to apply for College Ministry Discernment or Seminary Ministry internships, visit wpaumc.org/internships.
Hold Up on Flood Buckets!
UMCOR Disaster Supply Network officials sent a thank you for all the congregations and groups who have contributed cleaning buckets and reported that their main supply depot was full.As of October 8th, the Mission Barn also had a good supply of verified kits. If you are thinking of launching a collection effort, please hold off for now. If you've already started, the Mission Barn or its satellites will accept them. Meanwhile,the Mission Barn can always use volunteers. Get details at wpaumc.org/missionbarn.
WPA Donations for Disaster Response
From September 1 - October 9, WPAUMC churches and individuals donated $225,906to UMCOR'sU.S. Disaster Response,$1,550 to International Response and $11,343 in undesignated UMCOR gifts. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is distributing emergency fundsthrough theConferences affected by the September/October flooding.
How UMCOR Works
When disasters happen anywhere, the local churches in the area provide the first response. UMCOR works with the local disaster response coordinators to provide financial assistance, expertise and networking.Here are 5 Ways to Support UMCOR.
The NEW Upper Room
A new website with expanded digital offerings has been launched, including audio files for the daily devotional guide and a new, interactive version of The Upper Room Disciplines. Some services are available only by subscription, but each daily meditation is available free online. Get details
The Complete Contemporary Worship Handbook
- by Brian T. Russell is now available at Cokesbury. This handbook is for any pastors or worship leaders interested in either starting a contemporary worship service or bringing new life to an existing service. Order now.
Fall Craft & Vendor Shop
Blairsville
Nov. 4th @ 10-2:00
Turkey and Waffles Fundraiser
Black Lick UMC
Nov. 27th @ 11-6:30
See brochures attached to email.
Disaster Spiritual Care
The American Red Cross is offering a Disaster Spiritual Care Fundamentals course forclergy on Saturday,October 28 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at their office at 2801 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.The course will equip clergy with the knowledge and skills required to offer support to families in the case of adisaster. The Red Cross hopes to assemble local spiritual care teams who can be deployed to disasters as needed. To register, .
November 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
Abundant Health
Tools for Better Wellbeing: Wespath’s Center for Health will host several webinars as part of its “Tools for Better Well-Being” webinar series. Register for the webinars using these links.
- Understanding Anxiety and Depression—Thursday, November 9, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Central time
- What You Need to Know about Prediabetes—Tuesday, November 28, 2:00-3:00 p.m., Central time
Personal Wellness Info: The Center for Health Newsletter from the denomination’s Pensions and Benefits agency offers useful personal wellness information. This month’s edition focuses on happiness. Read it.
Bulletin Inserts: The Center also offers printable wellness bulletins for you to share with your congregation or other group. See what’s available.
Sports Gear for Nicaragua Church
Rich Schall, leader of the Conference’s Nicaragua partnership is collecting gently used youth-size baseball gloves and soccer balls for the youth sports program at the Roberto Clemente Methodist Church. Rich and his wife Mary will be visiting the church on November 13, so he needs the donations by November 11. Contact him at 814-755-4908 or email .
Rev It Up
November 13-15, 2017 at the Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front Hotel, Pensacola, Florida. This is a wonderful event Wespath holds for young clergy ages 25-39 throughout the United Methodist Denomination. This year, the Western PA Conference Board of Pensions is pleased to announce we will be offering 10 scholarships for clergy in our conference wishing to attend this event. These scholarships will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. The scholarships are for those attending for the first time.
Contact Kathleen Lasky at or Alexis Soohy at .
The Conference Board of Pensions will reimburse up to $600.00 for your attendance; this cost is towards registration, hotel (2 nights) and airfare.You would be responsible for meals not included in registration, airport parking and other incidental expenses incurred. If you would like to attend, contact Kathleen Lasky for a reimbursement form. Complete the form and return it with your receipts after the event has concluded.
EUMA Fall Tour
on Tuesday, November 14th, from 9am to noon. You are invited to join Erie United Methodist Alliance for their annual tour. Enjoy a morning of fellowship, refreshments, and a guided tour of EUMA’s The Refuge, Liberty House, Rainbow Connection Thrift Store, and more. Starts at Glenwood UMC and concludes there for lunch. RSVP for this event by calling 814-456-8073 by Thursday, November 9th.
Strategies for Year-End Giving
The United Methodist Foundation of Western PA will be offering a free webinar entitled Seven Strategies for Year-End Giving which aims to equip pastors and church leaders with practical skills to assist followers of Jesus in making gifts this Christmas season. The webinar will be held at
10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15.Register using the event link at umfoundation.org.
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 Wednesday,November 15. Get application with details. Get application in PDF.
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 November 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
Attention all pastors receiving hospitalization 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
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 January 10, 2018. Learn more
Summer Internships
Seminary students, undergrads, parents... It's time to think about summer internships! Applications are due January 31, 2018. For more information and to apply for College Ministry Discernment or Seminary Ministry internships, visit wpaumc.org/internships.
Mission Trip to Guatemala
All God’s Children Ministries, which fits and distributes wheelchairs to those living with disabilities in developing areas, seeks team members for its international mission trip to Guatemala from Thursday, February 15 to Thursday, February 22, 2018. Contact Debbie Hills at . Learn more about All God’s Children’s International Missions
WPA Donations for Disaster Response
From September 1 - October 9, WPAUMC churches and individuals donated $225,906to UMCOR'sU.S. Disaster Response,$1,550 to International Response and $11,343 in undesignated UMCOR gifts. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is distributing emergency fundsthrough theConferences affected by the September/October flooding.
How UMCOR Works
When disasters happen anywhere, the local churches in the area provide the first response. UMCOR works with the local disaster response coordinators to provide financial assistance, expertise and networking.Here are 5 Ways to Support UMCOR.
United Methodist Now
Inspiration for Daily Living newsletter - sign uphere.
Current articles:
- “You did it for me”: Serving others in tragedy. After tragedies like the recent shootings in Las Vegas, a story Jesus tells about serving others is a useful guide for United Methodists to reach out in love. Read more
- How to hear a sermon - Want to make the most of your time in the pew each week? Become a more active listener and you’ll remember the message longer. Learn more
- Beacon on Capitol Hill – Right next door to the U.S. Supreme Court is the United Methodist Building. Learn more about the history and ongoing witness of the church’s unique space in the heart of Washington. Video
The NEW Upper Room
A new website with expanded digital offerings has been launched, including audio files for the daily devotional guide and a new, interactive version of The Upper Room Disciplines. Some services are available only by subscription, but each daily meditation is available free online. Get details
The Complete Contemporary Worship Handbook
by Brian T. Russell is now available at Cokesbury. This handbook is for any pastors or worship leaders interested in either starting a contemporary worship service or bringing new life to an existing service. Order now.
What are the True Costs of Church Programs?
Are key leaders in your church covering project costs out of their own pockets? Lewis Center Director Doug Powe says owning up to the true costs of ministry prevents new leaders from being blindsided and helps the congregation embrace a stewardship model that funds all ministries -- not just those supported by particular donors. Read more.
50 Ways to Strengthen Adult Education
Vital churches provide ways for people of all ages to grow in faith through learning. These 50 Ways can help your congregation build a strong program of Christian education for adults. Read now and download free.
Free Clergy Personal Finance Resources
Our basic responsibility as Christian stewards is to manage our personal financial resources so that we can care for ourselves and our families and still marshal the resources needed to respond to God's call to generous giving. This is especially true for clergy who are expected to teach and model faithful stewardship within congregations. Mastering personal finances is both a personal and a pastoral responsibility. The Lewis Center and Wesley Theological Seminary have gathered resources to help pastors better understand and manage their personal finances. Learn more now and watch videos.
Unpacking Puerto Rico
The General Commission on Religion and Race has expressed concern with rhetoric about the Puerto Rican people and the government response since Hurricane Maria devastated the U.S. territory on September 20. Staff, board, and allies wonder about the ways in which race, class, and culture might be affecting the conversation and response. They have created a Toolkit for Unpacking Puerto Rico.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
As the #MeToo social media campaign calls attention to the 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 communities, and the policies that impact women and families. See graphic to help define child abuse, assault and bullying
Sleeping Bags Needed
As cold weather approaches, the Erie UM Alliance is seeking sleeping bags (adult-size, cold-weather rated) to distribute to those in need who either can’t find shelter or opt not to seek shelter. Most bags will be given out through EUMA’s medical outreach program, Healthcare for the Homeless Partnerships (Label donations with “HC4HP”). Drop off sleeping bags at the EUMA office (1033 East 26th Street) during business hours or at The Refuge (1027 East 26th Street) during evening/weekend hours.
OFFICE INFORMATION
D.S. Rev. James N. Pond ell # (724) 322-1718
Admin. Sherry Meterko Office Closed Fridays
Office # (814) 938-1742 Fax # (814) 938-6457
Calendar:
Lay Leader: Corona McKee
Lay Servant Ministries: Jennifer Gordon or check out this link:
Treasurer: Don Shaffer Please send all monies to him at:
4765 Ramsaytown Rd. Brookville, Pa. 15825
october
Addressing Opioid Addiction Faith community leaders are invited to breakfast and a workshop at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to learn how to address addiction in the church and community. It’s scheduled for Friday,October 27.Get details and register
Turkey Dinner
Cochran's Mill United Methodist Church
2571 Garretts Run Road Ford City, PA 16226 (near Burrell Twp. Fire Hall)
Saturday, October 28th 4 PM until ?
Adults $10
Ages 6-12 $5
Ages 5 and under are free
Take-outs $.50 extra
(724-842-2291 or 724-354-2010)
Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) Annual Fall Meeting
Saturday, October 28 at Faith Delmont UMC, 305 Freeport Street, Delmont, PA 15626 from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Speaker: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. Men and women are welcome! Contact Diane Miller at