Then God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit after their kind with seed in them"; and it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit with seed in them, after their kind; and God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:11-12

Butler District

BUCKET LIST

E-news August 9, 2018 Volume VII Issue 30

September 9 – Rev Eric (Tara) Park Installation Service, Chippewa UMC

3:00 PM – Installation Service – Chippewa UMC Sanctuary

Food and fellowship will follow in the Community Life Center

Mark your calendar!

UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS- CLICK ON THE TITLE FOR DETAILS

Early Response Training

August 11Nanty Glo UMC

DCOM Training

August 18, 9:30 a.m.Conference Center

Women's   Fall Retreat w/Amy Oden

Sept. 14-16Olmsted Manor Retreat Center

Clergy Spouse   Retreat

Sept. 21-22Olmsted Manor Retreat Center

Canoeing the Mountains  

Sept. 21Cranberry Commons UP Church

Older Adult Ministries Training  

Sept. 23-25Olmsted Manor Retreat Center

Preach  

Sept. 24-25Dutilh UMC

#SeeAllThePeople

Sept. 28, Sept. 29Erie:Glenwood UMC (28)  Crossroads UMC (29)

View the Calendar

DISTRICT CALENDAR

August 16 - 9 AM – DCOM Conference Center, Bittner Room

August 27 – 7 PM Superintendency Committee Meeting

August 30 – Butler District Local Church Secretary Gathering

September 9 – Rev Eric S Park, Installation Service, Chippewa UMC

September 10 – Butler District Female Clergy Luncheon

September 15, 22 and 29 – Lay Servant Ministry School

Butler District Listening Posts - A Way Forward

Wednesday, September 12 – Christ Community UMC, Butler 6:30-8:30 PMSunday, December 2 –First UMC, New Castle 2:30-4:30 PM

.

BUTLER DistrictLAY SERVANT MINISTRIES SCHOOL FALL 2018

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,

Orientation to Ministry: The next orientation has been scheduled for Jan. 5, 2019 at Charter Oak UMC. Registration will open online soon. Contact the Rev. Janet Lord at jflord425@aol.com

Are you feeling a call to

PA. Cost: $35 covers book and materials. Registration Deadline: August 20, 2018. Lay Servant Ministries-Brochure fall 2018 rev 1.pdf

Brochures have been sent to all clergy – please publicize and make copies available to your congregations.

August Birthdays8/11- Shyrl LaVelle

8/12/-James Young

8/14/-Hughie Orsborn

8/15/-Patricia (Allen) Grimm

8/16/-Cynthia (Emmett) Anderson

8/19/-Howard Burrell, Jr.

8/22/-Judy (Gail) McQueen

8/23/-Michael Long

8/29/-Bertram Domineck

8/30/-Douglas Myers

.PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS

IF YOU HAVE A JOY OR PRAYER CONCERN, PLEASE EMAIL BUTLER. OFFICE@WPAUMC.ORG

Please remember to keep in prayer:

Health concerns:

Pat Schar

Kathy Young

Buck Doutt

Mary Allen

Karen Jacobs

Rhonda Nash

Rev Jerry and Joslyn Pawloski (Bairdford/Springdale) as they mourn the passing of Jerry’s mother.

Rev Jim Lewis (Chicora and Karns City UMC) August Mission Trip to Haiti. August 2-10.

August AnniversariesAugust Anniversaries8/1/1968-Daniel & Barbara Stinson8/8/1981-Todd & Emily Davis 8//2015 – Loren & Sara Mcqueen8/9/1986-Emmett & Cynthia Anderson 8/9 Floyd & Barbara Barnhart8/10/2005-David & Mildred Lutz8/20/1976-W. Charles & Darla Adkins 8/201983-John & Anne Phipps8/26/1972-William & Shyrl LaVelle8/27/1955-John & Janice Magargee 8/28/1976 – Thom & Linda Scott 8/30/1996-Larry & Joanne Wilson

Orientation to Ministry: The next orientation has been scheduled for Jan. 5, 2019 at Charter Oak UMC. Registration will open online soon. Contact the Rev. Janet Lord at jflord425@aol.com

Are you feeling a call to

Rev Walt Hehman, declining health.

Dan Miller (Branchton/West Liberty/Ridgeville Charge) recovering from recent illness.

Continued prayer for Rev. Bruce (& Glenda) Merritt

Those awaiting test results, surgery and medical treatment.

A Way Forward – Listening Post Events

General Conference in February 2019.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the WPA Cabinet

Pastors and churches in transition.

DISTRICT NEWS…..

Mark Your Calendars Now!

“The Gathering”A Monthly Time of Worship and Connection for the

Laity and Clergy of the Butler District

Vibrant music!

Authentic community!

Hope-filled prayer!

Abundant friendship!

Spiritual transformation!

The monthly Gathering is an excellent opportunity for the people of the Butler District to join together for the purpose of connecting with one another and offering the very best of their praise and thanksgiving to a God who

deserves nothing less than that! Our prayer is that, through The Gathering, the Holy Spirit will lead us into a deeper experience of both Christ-centered community and Christ-honoring worship.

The very first Gathering will be on

PRAYER FOCUS THIS WEEK

BUTLER: FIRST UMC

REVS. DAVID JANZ, CHANCE KELOSKY, HANNAH LOUGHMAN, BARBARA STOEHR

ALL Butler District Local Church Secretaries

You are cordially invited to a luncheon

and “training/conversatio

n “ event on Thursday, August

30 held at the WPA

Conference Center, Hickman Room

1204 Freedom Road, PA 16066

10:00 AM – 1:00 PMLunch to follow!

We will offer help with Setting up an office and keeping

your office running smoothly!

Creating a newsletter/church

bulletin/social

Sunday, September 23, 6:00 P.M.

in the beautiful sanctuary of

Harmony-Zelienople United Methodist Church, 123 N Pittsburgh Street, Zelienople, PA 16063

Tara and Eric Park will facilitate worship at this initial Gathering.

In the months ahead, other laity and clergy from the district will participate.

JOIN US FOR WHAT PROMISES TO BE A GREAT NIGHT OF WORSHIP!

Date for upcoming Gatherings:

Sunday, October 28—6:00 PM (at….) (Lawrence County area)

Sunday, November 18—6:00 PM (at Natrona Heights: Center UM)

Sunday, December 16—6:00 PM (at…) (Beaver County area)

CLERGY CORNER

How to Set Pastor’s Salary: The guidelines for 2019 are being mailed this week. To see the information now, click here.

Clergy Pre-Retirement Event: The biennial Clergy Pre-Retirement seminar will be held on October 24 and 25 at the Pittsburgh North Marriott (Cranberry Twp., PA). It will feature presentations from Wespath and EY advisors, as well as segments on Social Security, healthcare in retirement, financial planning and more. Participants will be able to sign up for one-on-one personal pension projections with Wespath. A tentative schedule will be on the Conference website when registration opens August 15!

Leading in a Small Church? Listen to some tips from Dr. Lew Parks, author of Small on Purpose in a Leading Ideas Talks episode.

Clergy Spouse Retreat: Register by August 10 for the Clergy

ALL Butler District Local Church Secretaries

You are cordially invited to a luncheon

and “training/conversatio

n “ event on Thursday, August

30 held at the WPA

Conference Center, Hickman Room

1204 Freedom Road, PA 16066

10:00 AM – 1:00 PMLunch to follow!

We will offer help with Setting up an office and keeping

your office running smoothly!

Creating a newsletter/church

bulletin/social

At the September 23rd Gathering, we will also celebrate the new pastoral appointments on the district that took place this year. So, if you are a newly appointed pastor on the district, please try to be present so that we might pray for you and

celebrate your ministry!

Join A Clergy Community of Practice! Looking for an opportunity for accountability, learning and encouragement with fellow clergy? Did we mention 4 CEUs! Clergy Communities of Practice begin in a few weeks! Don’t miss your chance to sign up; some of the groups are almost full. Questions: contact Susan Moudry. Sign up now

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. They focus on engagement with peers and help to reverse trends of isolation among clergy. Meetings invite participants to share in prayer and fellowship, as well as a time of learning and application. Crucially, emphasis in these groups is on bringing learning into practice, not simply building up knowledge.

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.

YOUTH

Youth Ministry Team: At a meeting last Saturday, the Conference Youth Ministry Team elected officers for 2018-19. They are Mollie Landman of Herminie and West Newton UMCs, president; Wiley Bozada of McKnight UMC, vice president; Kendra Shoffstall of Somerset Grace UMC, secretary, and Andrew Chung of Greensburg: Otterbein UMC, treasurer.

Registration is underway for YOUTH 2019, the national gathering for United Methodist youth and their leaders next year in Kansas City that promises four days of discipleship, worship, Bible study, service opportunities and life-changing fun. Get details and register.

Young People’s Ministry Grants: The first grants to help young people with a passion for racial justice initiate projects that can impact their world have been awarded to groups in Oklahoma and the Philippines. Learn more

Funding Education: United Methodist students don’t have to worry as much about rising federal student loan interest rates. Through its Office of Loans and Scholarships, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) offers them the lowest interest for student loans in the U.S. Learn more.

Youth Leader? Like us on Facebook for updates and info: Western Pa UMC Youth Leaders.

Taize Pilgrimage: WPAUMC young adults (ages 17 ) are invited to join in a life-changing pilgrimage to Taize, France from July 20-30. Get details.

The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries, a division of Discipleship Ministries, is announcing details of the event to give churches time to plan for their youth to attend. The national gathering for United Methodist youth takes place every four years. Read press release

Why Come to YOUTH 2019? What is so important about YOUTH 2019? What is so great about worshiping with so many other Methodist youth? Well, we can think of a few reasons... READ MORE The national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. The national gathering for UM Youth takes place every four

years. YOUTH 2019 Media Kit! Get more details! YOUTH 2019 Hotels: Click here to read more. Midwest road trip tips for those driving to KC. Click Here For More Y19 Registration Details!

YOUTH 2019 Registration is Now Open! Register here: http://youth2019.com/register/

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)

Youth Worker Collective is a new initiative to offer free resources from a community of professionals to help both paid and unpaid United Methodist youth workers get what they need to make teenage disciples for the transformation of the world. Check out youthworkercollective.com/

UNITED METHODIST WOMENOctober 6, 2018…...…Butler District Fall Meeting @ Aliquippa First UMC Program: TBA

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: diane.miller2747@gmail.com

UMW Cutting Staff: United Methodist Women has announced plans to reduce the size of its national staff through a voluntary severance offering. Read press release

A WAY FORWARD

Butler District Listening Posts

Wednesday, September 12 – Christ Community UMC, Butler 6:30-8:30 PMSunday, December 2 –First UMC, New Castle 2:30-4:30 PM

Click the link below to view all listening post date, locations and to register.

A Way Forward: The final report of the Commission on a Way Forward was officially released yesterday in all four official languages of the General Conference: English, French, Portuguese and Swahili. The report will be presented to the 2019 special General Conference. Read press releaseRead report in EnglishRegister for WPA Way Forward Listening Post

Thoughts on A Way Forward: Butler District Superintendent Eric Park wrote a letter to clergy and leaders in the Butler District offering his thoughts on the report from the Commission on a Way Forward. Read it.

Way Forward Listening Posts/Resources: A section of the WPAUMC.org website has resources and information on listening posts that have been scheduled in Western PA beginning in mid-to-late August. Get details at wpaumc.org/A-Way-Forward.

Bishops Seek Judicial Council Ruling: The Council of Bishops has asked for a ruling on the constitutionality of three legislative plans heading to the 2019 special General Conference. The request will be on the docket items of the Judicial Council this fall. Learn more.Read more about what’s on docket

Delegates Discuss Way Forward: Dozens of General Conference delegates recently gathered in Nashville to build relationships and discuss plans for The United Methodist Church’s future. Read story

Way Forward Translations Coming Soon! The organizers of General Conference say they expect translation of the report from the Commission on a Way Forward from English into three other official languages will be completed by July 30. After the work is done, the report can be made public. Learn more

*NEW* KEYSTONE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION- Packets Mailed to all churches!Churches- Be sure to check out your packet from Keystone Federal Credit Union and make sure you have updated your Corporate Resolution and Account Authorization Forms. Click here for forms. Members- All United Methodist Members can join and take advantage of these great deals:

Back to School Loan, Visa Balance Transfer, Term Share Certificate Rates, Term Share Certificate Form

Additional forms and information for churches and for members available on web site: www.keystoneumfcu.org Many great services to offer:SavingsFee free checkingPicture DepositMobile Banking & Online BankingREWARDS Visa Credit CardMANY types of loansAnd much, much more!!!!! To raise awareness in your congregations, please use this flier. To become a member, complete the Membership Form.If your church did not receive the packet, please contact Keystone Federal Credit Union at 724-252-3200 or email: info@keystoneumfcu.org

CONFERENCE NEWS

Looking for Adult Education Studies for fall? The Lewis Center is the home of the Wesley Ministry Network -- insightful video-based ecumenical studies that encourage energetic discussion and personal reflection. Ideal for your congregation's small groups, adult Bible studies, and Sunday School classes, courses include video lessons, leader's guides, participant's guides, and more. Learn more and order now.

Support Bike-a-Thon! Ten intrepid bicyclists leave Western PA from Boston UMC on Aug. 13 for the 315-mile ride to Washington, D.C. to raise money for camperships. The group includes Ellen Gainer of Central Highlands UMC, Lee Baker of Titusville First UMC and Michael Sahlaney of Seward UMC, Pittsburgh DS Dawn Hand, Mission Engagement Coordinator Sandra Matoushaya, Discipleship Director Chris Kindle, and Pastors Matthew Blake, David Ewing, Jason McQueen and Raphael Koikoi. Donate online through Crowdrise or send a check to the Conference Treasurer’s Office with a notation for Campership Bike-a-Thon. Donations of bottled water, energy snacks, and electrolyte packets may be sent to the Conference Center. Donate through CrowdriseLearn more about Bike-a-Thon.

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

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-

Leading Public Prayer for Lay Leaders Online Course Dates: September 17-28, 2018. This course follows the required text, Let the Whole Church Say Amen! by Laurence Hull Stookey (Abingdon Press, 2001). Each participant will need a copy of this workbook and should obtain it well before class begins. The book is not included in the course fee. You will be expected to access the online workshop daily and stay current with the assignments. Therefore, obtain, read, and complete the workbook prior to the start of the course for better time management when the course begins. You will also need access to a United Methodist hymnal during the course .This class has been approved by Discipleship Ministries (formerly the General Board of Discipleship) as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries, and is the “prayer” class required for Lay Speaker certification. One (1) CEU for clergy and staff is also available. Cost $70. Register

Safe Sanctuary Training: Calvary UMC in Pittsburgh offers two opportunities for local church leaders and volunteers to receive Safe Sanctuaries training. Choose to attend on Monday, September 17, from 7-9 p.m. OR Monday, September 24, 10 a.m.-noon in the Patrick Room at the Pittsburgh Presbytery (901 Allegheny Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233). The training is mandatory for anyone who volunteers and interacts with children. Rev. Beth Nelson, will lead a lively class with lots of discussion about keeping kids safe and giving parents peace of mind. RSVP to the Calvary church office (412-231-2007) one week before the session you choose.

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

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.

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. Super Early discount deadline: July 11. Pre-institute & Post-institute sessions also available. Register. Travel info.

Register for Preach! Five clergy from the Florida, North Georgia, South Georgia and Baltimore-Washington Conferences will be in Western Pennsylvania September 24-25 to offer workshops, preaching resources and inspirational messages on contemporary topics during Preach! Learn more.

EARLY REGISTRATION now available at WPAUMC.org

Go to the date on WPAUMC calendar

“Where Compassion and Evangelism Meet”#See All the People   See details.

ONE EVENT @ TWO WPA LOCATIONS:

Friday, September 28, 2018 at 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Glenwood UMC, 2931 Myrtle St, Erie PA

Saturday, September 29, 2018 at 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at The Crossroads UMC, 1000 Crossroads Dr, Oakdale, PAr →

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.

NEJ BMCR Meeting: The early bird registration discount ends August 14 for the annual meeting of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodists for Church Renewal, scheduled Oct. 11-12 at St. Marks UMC in Hanover, MD. Get details

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

Volunteers in Mission Awareness Sunday on October 21. Western PA Conference established the 3rd weekend in October 2018, or another date chosen by the local church, for Volunteers in Mission Weekend and that a special offering be received in the local churches for the purpose of strengthening Volunteers in Mission engagement and participation. 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 between different parts of 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 alexis.soohy@wpaumc.org.

Facing the Climate Crisis: Pennsylvania Power and Light, an interfaith group responding to climate change, will hold its 2018 Conference on Saturday, October 27 in the Pittsburgh suburb of Mt. Lebanon. The conference, Facing the Climate Crisis: Called to Save our Sacred Home, takes place on the 70th anniversary of the day the Donora Smog began; it draws on wisdom rooted in southwestern PA, and will highlight beautiful work being done now. Get details

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.

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. We believe that the factual approach of Dr. Murray Bowen and the creative use of theory by Dr. Edwin Friedman provide a new understanding of human functioning for life, leadership, coaching, and ministry.

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 rcspilman@roadrunner.com / 716-479-7933 Voyagers website

United Methodist Student Day is Sunday, November 25, 2018. Churches are encouraged to use United Methodist 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 on UM Student Sunday 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.

2019

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.

CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER EVENTS

Stay up-to-date and “like” the At The Lake Ministries Facebook page.

Reach New Disciples with the "Taking Church to the Community" Video Tool Kit: Explore strategies your congregation can use to reach beyond its walls with worship, community events, ministries, and service. The Tool Kit features engaging videos, presentations, and supplemental materials and is designed for both self-study and for use with groups in your church. Learn more and watch introductory videos now.

Wesley Woods’ New Hire: Joshua Forringer, who has worked on the Wesley Woods summer staff for five summers is the new Program and Marketing Director for Wesley Woods. A graduate of Asbury University with a bachelor’s degree in music/vocal studies, Josh "loves Jesus and feels called to share, teach and embody that love to others through camping and retreat ministries,” said Nate Greenway, Wesley Woods Director.

17th Annual Last Swing Golf TournamentSeptember 8 - Riverside Golf Course,

Cambridge Springs, PA17th 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

Camping and Retreat

Initiative Update:

Conference Camping and

Retreat Ministry leaders are

moving forward toward the

2018 official launch of the

capital campaign to raise $5

million to support and

improve our facilities and

make programs available to

all. Consultants have

determined that raising $2.5

million is well within our

capacity and the total goal is

feasible. Leaders for various

aspects are being recruited.

God’s creation. For additional information contact: Tournament Chair Rev. Matthew Judd- 724-316-2631;

pastor@glenwoodumc.org

Wesley Woods Camp Wish List: If you, your church, or someone you know may be able to help fulfill these needs, please contact the office to see how you can become a partner in ministry with Wesley Woods.

For more information or to register for a retreat, click here www.olmstedmanor.org .

Olmsted 2019Share 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.

upcoming events at Olmsted Manor Event Page

Jumonville Seeks CEO: Our camp and retreat facility in Fayette County seeks a president/CEO. The position is year-round full-time and includes salary, on-site family housing, meals for the family while the dining hall is open, family hospitalization coverage, and pension after one full year of service. Get details at jumonville.org/president.

Jumonville's 16th annual Golf Fundraiser will be held on Friday, August 17th on the Red Course atInterstate 70). Brochure. Please note the early bird discount if you register and pay by July 15th.

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!

“Overcoming. . .Finding freedom in Christ, learning to hear God’s voice and speak His Word for today.”(Prevailing in the Battle Zone) on Friday, October 5 – Sunday, October 7 at Jumonville. Keynote Speaker: Dr. Rob McCorkle.

DISABILITIES

Rights for People with Disabilities: Some members of the Conference Disability Awareness Team and the UMC Board of Church and Society are concerned with a bill currently making its way through Congress. The

U.S. Senate is considering a bill advocates say prioritizes the profits and convenience of business over the civil rights of people with disabilities. The bill has already passed the House. Read more

Taking a Stand for Disability Rights: Members of the Conference Disability Concerns Committee and UM clergy and church members in the Butler District are urging officials in the borough of Koppel to allow construction of group homes for people with disabilities. Learn more

A Disabled God: The Conference Disability Concerns Committee has prepared a Lenten devotional entitled A Disabled God. Download it

View on the Disability Concerns blog

DIVERSITY/DISMANTLING RACISM

Dismantling Barriers: An innovative mission program at The Center in Baltimore gives groups of mission volunteers from across the country the opportunity to not only do good works, but also to immerse themselves in the theology of missions and the social and economic roots of poverty and racism. Read more on Duke Divinity’s Leadership Education website.

Pray for United to Love! “We, as the church of Jesus Christ, must come as one body to appeal to our God to end hate, racism and injustice in America,” say organizers of the prayer effort supporting the United to Love rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC on Aug. 12. Consider joining in “to bombard the heavens with prayer as we join with all people to be united in love.” Learn more about the prayer effort.Read about United to Love.

Native People Pray for Immigrant Children: A Cheyenne prayer woman and two clergy from the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference traveled to Texas to offer prayers for children housed in Casa Padre, a former WalMart that is the largest shelter in the U.S. for immigrant minors. Learn more

Moving Faith Communities to Fruitful Conversations about Race is a free resource with four videos that can help your church bring people together to talk about moving forward bravely and boldly in the name of Christ. It comes from the Institute for Community Engagement at Wesley Theological Seminary. Get details.

Toolkit to Address Hate, Violence: After “Unite the Right” rallies in Charlottesville and other cities, white supremacy, nationalism, violent extremism, and hate in America have been laid bare. Church leaders have spoken out against it and the General Commission on Religion and Race has compiled a toolkit of resources that may be useful for individuals, a small group, or congregation on the themes of white supremacy, hate, and violence post-Charlottesville.gcorr.org/toolkit-for-ministry-post-charlottesville/

WPAUMC Anti-Racism Resources: In response to a request from Bishop Moore-Koikoi, the Conference Anti-Racism Team (ART) compiled a list of suggestions for Western PA churches to address racism. It can be downloaded from the Conference website Discussing Racism page.

Living Together Well in Diverse World: How can United Methodists can lead in living together well in an increasingly diverse world. Five leaders offer some way to do it. Read more.

RACISM RESPONSE: EMBRACE LOVE – THEY ARE PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT. United Methodists seek racial justice: We recognize racism as a sin and seek to eliminate it.

As followers of Christ, we embrace love and affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God and therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened.

Click here to find stories, resources and tools to learn more about the issue of racism and the ways you can advocate for the fair treatment of all people. Topics include:

Ways United Methodists can take a stand against racism Five tips to help address racism with children At Sunday worship, pastors decry racism

Rights of Racial and Ethnic Groups White Privilege in the United States Global Racism and Xenophobia

SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

UMC SCHOLARSHIPS There are a variety of scholarships at http://scholarship.umc.org/

UM Student Loan Limit Doubled: The UMC Office of Loans and Scholarships has doubled the maximum amount United Methodist students can borrow to pursue their education. They can now borrow up to $10,000 per calendar year (January through December) with a lifetime maximum of $40,000 from the UM Student Loan Fund. Learn more.

Reflective Leadership Grants: Duke Divinity’s Reflective Leadership Grant program offers lay and ordained Christian leaders up to $15,000 to step away from their current work to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. Learn more.

Racial/ Ethnic Ministry Grants: Applications for grants of up to $10,000 to help local United Methodist churches build ministries that strengthen and support racial and ethnic church concerns are due on Sept. 1. The grants are available from UMC Discipleship Ministries to strengthen the ethnic local church. Get details.

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.

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 added for those pursuing deacon ordination. It honors Rubie Butterworth, who dedicated her life to serving through the church. Lean more.

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. The grants are funded by the Lilly

Anti-Racism Grants: The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR) is eager to provide grants to engage UMC teams with strong, diverse community partners who together will change racist and xenophobic systems, policies or practices in their communities. The application for 2018-2020 grants is online now. Learn more.

Clergy Scholarship Grants: The Office of Loans and Scholarships at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry on Wednesday awarded more than $1.66 million to 206 recipients of the Excellence in Clergy Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship was created to help United Methodist clergy avoid excessive educational loan debt, minimize financial stress and build financial acumen. Learn more.

RESOURCES

Serving a New Church? The first 30 days of pastoring a church are days of learning, listening, understanding and gaining insights. When those 30 days pass, it’s time to take action. A UMCom.org article explores steps pastors can take to achieve “quick wins” in days 31, 60, 90 and beyond. Making the first 90 days count can lead to many years of fruitful ministry. Learn more.

Need to improve internal church communication? A new online training course can help! UM Communications supports you as you seek better ways to connect with your congregation. You’ll create an internal communications plan, study consistent messaging, learn to maximize interactions with members, effective email and newsletter communications, recruiting and maintaining volunteers, managing change and more. Enroll

Social Media: Are you inspiring people through social media? Learn how by watching the recent Live Q&A: Social Media for Churches webinar!

Back to School Blessings: A new school year can be exciting or scary--or both. Let’s give thanks for the people in our schools. Share this video and back-to-school prayer from Discipleship Ministries with your friends, family, church, and classmates to help prepare hearts and minds for the upcoming year. See video and litany

50 Ways to Welcome New People: This free resource from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership is available to read or download.

Take the Bible Quiz: The latest online quiz from UM Communications tests your basic knowledge of the holy book. (Spoiler alert: The answers are at the end of the document. Don’t peak!) See how you do.

Women and Power: Church consultant Susan Beaumont suggests that female leaders can undermine themselves when it comes to their use of power. A Leading Ideas article lists five ways this can happen. Listen to Women and the Dynamics of Power

Back to School Resources: New resources are available to help you welcome students and families to worship services and church events this fall. Check out the customizable postcards, banners, invitation cards and social media images. Learn more.While supplies last, apply a $200 discount code (F18UMC200).

You Identify Implicit Bias? The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race has developed an “Implicit Bias Workbook” as a resource for preachers and teachers who want to learn and teach congregations about implicit bias. Download

MISSION

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 sandra.matoushaya@wpaumc.org.

UMCOR Kits Needed: Although the Eastbrook Mission Barn received a good number of cleaning buckets and hygiene kits during annual conference, more are needed. With flooding in southwestern PA and other areas, the Mission Barn has already shipped 500 buckets and close to 1000 hygiene kits here in Western PA. New kit recipes link is below. See Eastbrook Mission Barn on Facebook.

Urgent Need for UMCOR Kits: Katie Peterson of the Eastbrook Mission Barn says there is an immediate need for cleaning buckets and health kits after severe flooding in Western PA. From Jan. 1 - July 5, the Mission Barn sent out 972 hygiene kits and 891 cleaning buckets to flood-affected areas in the greater Pittsburgh areas. The latest shipment of buckets went to Roots of Faith in Sharpsburg, which distributed them to families whose homes were hit by flooding twice last week. See photos on the Mission Barn Facebook page.

Drop off buckets and kits at the Eastbrook Mission Barn, the Conference Center in Cranberry Twp. or one of the Mission Barn satellites

What’s in a Cleaning Bucket (or Health Kit)? Cleaning buckets are 5-gallon round buckets with lids. No paint, car oil, or chemicals buckets can be used. Get the latest list of Cleaning Buckets and Health (Hygiene) Kit ingredients.

$$$ or Buckets? The contents of Cleaning Buckets are now valued at $75, while hygiene kits are valued at $12. Often church members pool resources to put buckets together. Last week the churches of the Bradford area worked together to make cleaning buckets. Monetary donations are always welcome. Mail a check to the Mission Barn or donate through your local church using Advance Special # s on this page.

Journey of a Bucket! When a call went out from UMCOR’s Sager-Brown Depot for flood relief buckets after a series of hurricanes last year, tens of thousands appeared in a few weeks. How did United Methodist do that? Read the Journey of a Bucket in Response magazine.

Mission Vision: Do you have old eyeglasses at home? Donate them 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

Mission Trip to Honduras: The Conference Committee for Encounter With Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean is organizing a mission trip to Honduras from September 22 through October 1. The team will help to complete construction of a church in rural Honduras. Although people with construction skills would be especially helpful on this team, ANYONE who is interested is encouraged to apply. For more info, email Encounter liaison Jodale Barnhart at jodalebarnhart@gmail.com. Download application.

Mission Barn Update: See what’s happening at the Eastbrook Mission Barn in their latest newsletter.

Eastbrook Mission Barn – www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn

Eastbrook Mission Barn Update – Read about it here.

Disaster Response: United Methodist Disaster Response Team leaders and volunteers have been mobilized since severe rain and flash flooding hit areas of Southwestern PA the evening of June 20. One relief center is at Bridgeville First UMC in a community where about 80 homes were flooded. This past Monday flash floods hit areas of Sharpsburg and Fox Chapel, affecting roads, businesses, some homes and recreation facilities. Local officials and PADOT were responding to immediate needs. Learn more.

Confused About Giving to UMCOR Disaster Response? We have a new bulletin insert for you to download and share. Get it.UMCOR Update: The Mission Barn’s Katie Peterson, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Rev. Calvin Cook and Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk, MIssions Coordinator, were at Sager Brown, the UMCOR Depot in Louisiana, ?the week before Thanksgiving? for an UMCOR Leadership Symposium. The group took a break in their training and planning one day to pray over the last of five containers of relief supplies being that were being shipped to Puerto Rico. Try to find Stephanie in this photo!

Mission Barn News: Check out the summer newsletter from Eastbrook Mission Barn. Consider getting a Cross and Flame magnet from the Mission Barn. They’re $5 and proceeds benefit the EMB ministries. Use the magnet on your vehicle when you’re driving to a worksite or carpooling to a church gathering. Look at the magnet. See newsletter.

Eastbrook Mission Barn – Ramps, relief supplies and Outreach. ALL ages can serve for one day in the New Castle area. www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn

Mission News

VIM/Disaster Response Trainings Set: Registration now for upcoming Volunteers in Mission team leader training and Disaster Response certification trainings scheduled around WPAUMC. Learn more at wpaumc.org/VIMTraining.

UMCOR Grants: UMCOR’s board of directors approved an unprecedented amount in the form of grants during the annual spring board meeting. More than $46 million was awarded in support of disaster relief and recovery, global health projects, and sustainable development. Learn more.

Disaster Response: After flooding in several areas, WPAUMC’s Disaster Response coordinators began compiling a list of needs in each area and responding to requests for help on an individual basis. In Connellsville District, a team responded to help with a flooded basement. In Uniontown, where a tornado

touched down, local authorities were handling response and had not requested assistance as of today. Rev. Calvin Cook is the Conference’s Disaster Response coordinator.

Top Tips from a Handbook for Mission Volunteers : Read some practical and theological tips for Volunteers in Mission from “A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers.”

HELPFUL LINKS

Clergy Excellence: There's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment.

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.

Appointments

Call To Ministry

Camping

Classifieds

Clergy Resources

Leader   Development

Obituaries

Online Payments 

Historical Records

Mission News

Technology for Ministry

DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION

Required Annual Forms Church Dashboard Login Clergy Dashboard Login

WPA CONFERENCE - FIVE AREAS OF FOCUS

Western PA Conference The United Methodist ChurchButler District

1204 Freedom RoadP.O. Box 5002

Cranberry Township, PA  16066-0002Phone: 724-252-3198

Email addresses

Rev Eric Park – Butler.DS@wpaumc.org

Thelma Castor – Butler.Office@wpaumc.org

Butler District OfficeEmail: Butler.District@wpaumc.org (Rev. Joel Garrett)

Butler.Office@wpaumc.org (Thelma Castor)

Our belief is that God will make a significant difference in our world and church if we work in committed and cooperative ways around these five areas of focus.

1. Developing Principled Christian Leaders2. Creating New and Renewed Congregations3. Engaging in Ministry with the poor4. Promoting Abundant Health5. Dismantling Racism

To read more on the Five Areas of Focus, click here.