Franklin District NewsNotes 9-28-2017Many 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: “Get Out of the Boat” - Pg 1 October is Pastor Appreciation Month – Pg 2 What Communion Means to UMs – Pg 2 Pastor Appreciation Day – Pg 4 Racial Justice Grants – Pg 5 UMVIM Awareness Sunday – Pg 5 Tips from VIM Handbook – Pg 5

Ride for the Refuge Results – Pg 5 Join the Celebration – Pg 6 Christian Unity Gathering – Pg 8 HP Printer Ink – Pg 12 Importance of Church Funerals – Pg 12 UPMC Healthcare Update – Pg 12

September Birthdays this week: 28 Mrs. Amy Emigh29 Rev. Carol Brown30 Mrs. Susan Martin

October Birthdays this week: 1 Mrs. Jayne Csonka 3 Mrs. Linda Thayer 4 Rev. Roger Shaffer

September Anniversaries this week:None this week

October Anniversaries this week: 3 Rev. & Mrs. Paul Mitchell 4 Rev. & Mrs. Gary Sheesley 5 Rev. & Mrs. Bill Locke

Prayer Concerns:-San Juan UMC members who have family members missing in Puerto Rico-All those affected by hurricanes, flooding and wildfires-Rev. Gary Atkinson's son & daughter, Mike and Carrie, recovering from surgery-Rev. Walt and Barb Hehman – Walt’s declining health-Rev. Bruce Merritt (retired) severely injured in a fall. Cards: 7387 River Pine Drive, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. -Rev. Fay Barca - hospice care -Nathan Storms, son of Rev. Tim & Eileen Storms (retired) has pancreatic cancer-Tammy Hay, Connellsville District Administrative Assistant, recovering from a stroke

New Franklin DS: “Get Out of the Boat!”“Christianity is not like the Steeler Nation”, the Rev. Jodie Smith told the congregation at her installation as Franklin District Superintendent on Sunday, September 24th. “We cannot be fans of Jesus. We have to be followers!” “Jesus wants people who will walk in his footsteps…who will deny themselves and take up their cross and follow him every single day,..especially into the deep waters,” she said in her message, based on Matthew 14:22-33. It tells of Jesus walking on water and Peter following—until he became afraid.

The new district superintendent noted that most of the disciples remained in the boat, watching while verbally acknowledging that Jesus was truly the Son of God. Like them, many in the church today are afraid to step out

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in faith, she said during the service at First UMC in Clarion. Read more and see videos

Mission Round-up: September 29, 2017. All God's Children Ministries is hosting a "Mission Roundup". Come join us for a Dinner and Auction with a Western Theme. Event will be held at Glenwood UMC beginning at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $15 each. Please contact Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@gmail.com for tickets or for more information. Proceeds of the event will help provide funding for international missions work to help some of the poorest persons affected by disability in our hemisphere.

Quilters’ Weekend from Friday, September 29 – Sunday, October 1, 2017. Join us for an autumn weekend of sewing, sharing, & devotions as we ‘quilt at the cross’. Expert quilters and those who want to learn some basics of the craft are welcome. The retreat will ‘stitch in’ selected scriptures and worship times with planned fellowship as we share our common interest of quilting. Enjoy the beauty of the Cross and the Laurel Highlands in the fall. Intermediate and advanced quilters may want to bring along their current projects. Have special techniques or hints? We’ll be ready to listen & learn. Need to know the easiest way to “pop a knot” or the best end of the thread to knot? Helping hands will be right there. Brochure. Register online for this event

All in Men’s Conference at 6 pm at Calvary UM Church, 115 East First Street, Oil City, PA 16301 on Saturday, September 30th. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Cost $10.50 per person. Register See flyer.

New- October is Pastor Appreciation Month:-5 Gifts for Your Pastors for Pastor Appreciation Month (and all the time) -Five ideas for Pastor Appreciation Month-What NOT to Get Your Pastor for Pastor Appreciation Month

Clergy Health Benefits News: Open enrollment for 2018 healthcare will begin Sunday, October 1, 2017 and end Thursday, November 30, 2017. In October, all members will receive an open enrollment kit, which will include cost-sharing information, the enrollment application and any required forms, including instructions for completion. All members will be required to complete the necessary application/forms in order to remain covered by our UPMC health plan in 2018. Get details at wpaumc.org/benefits.

October 1 is World Communion Sunday, when United Methodists join with Christians around the world to celebrate the global diversity of God’s children. World Communion Sunday Pastor and Leader's kit.

New- What Communion means to United Methodists – The Lord’s Supper is such a common part of our worship that its uncommon richness can get lost. Read

Truly Free Family Skate returns beginning Sunday, October 1st. Every Sunday night 4:30 – 6:30 pm at Skate Capital, 255 Old Salina Road, Seneca, PA 16346.

Fall Women's Retreat with Lisa Grant from Sunday, October 1-Tuesday, October 3, at Olmsted Manor. This retreat begins with a 6:00 dinner on Sunday and continues through lunch on Tuesday. The Cycle of Grace by Haas and Hudson is not required for this event but can be purchased through Cokesbury for $11. A love offering will be taken to thank the presenter. Continuing Education Units: 1 BROCHURE

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Schmetterlinge are Coming! A choir of about 50 children from the East German Conference, known in English as The Butterflies, will be touring and offering concerts and music at churches in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Erie, and Indiana, PA starting Tuesday, October 3. Get details and the full schedule.

Black Methodists for Church Renewal: The Northeastern Jurisdiction annual meeting of Black Methodists for Church Renewal is scheduled for Thursday, October 5-Friday, October 6 in Mt. Vernon, NY. Early bird registration discount ends August 31. Get details and register. Contact Sharon Gregory at conferencelayleader@wpaumc.org if you plan to attend.

Ministering to Manipulators: Rev. Graham Standish, PhD, MSW and pastor, will lead a Friday, October 6 workshop on dealing with difficult people in the church. The interactive content will include looking at specific personality disorders. Sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center, it is scheduled for 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Sewickley Presbyterian Church. The cost is $50. Get details.

Strangely Warmed: Dr. Luther Oconer, an assistant professor at United Theological Seminary, will lead a seminar Friday, October 6 at Jumonville, John Wesley, The Holy Spirit and You, designed to equip pastors to explore our Wesleyan heritage and bring it to life in today's churches. Dr. Oconer will also lead a weekend retreat, open to all, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday evening. Get details on both at jumonville.org/renewal-retreat.

Adult Horseback Weekend at Wesley Woods Friday, October 6 – Sunday, October 8, 2017. Don’t Miss out on the experience of riding the scenic trails of Wesley Woods. Spend a weekend in fellowship, recreation, and horseback riding, while receiving a spiritual lift. Come for a great time of fun and worship! Ages: 18 & Up.

ERT Trainings: In response to the need and requests, three more Early Response Team (ERT) trainings have been scheduled in Western PA in the next month. This is an UMCOR certified training for Disaster Response ministries of Volunteers in Mission. They will be on Saturday, October7 at Little Corners UMC in Meadville; Saturday, November 4 at First UMC in Kane; and Saturday, November 11 at Garden City UMC in Monroeville. Get details and register at wpaumc.org/disasterresponse.

RUTH M. SMITH CELEBRATING THEIR 95TH BIRTHDAY! We will be having a party on our front lawn at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 7, 2017. There will be speakers, entertainment, and tours of the Mansion. Light refreshments will be served. Please join us as we celebrate 95 years as a National Mission Institute of the United Methodist Women, National Organization.

Domestic Violence Summit: WTAE-TV’s Sally Wiggin will be the keynote speaker at a summit on domestic violence sponsored by the Conference United Methodist Women at St. Paul’s UMC 1965 Ferguson Road, Allison Park on Saturday, October 7. Get details and brochure.

Registration is open: Ron Hutchcraft will be the speaker for the 2017 WPAUMC Congress on Evangelism, on Saturday, October 7 at the Crossfire Campus of Butler First UMC. Get details and bulletin insert/fhandout.

New- Pastor Appreciation Day-Sunday, October 8th. It is the perfect holiday to show your pastor, just how good of a job he/she is doing and to give encouragement to keep up the good work. 11 Things Not to Get Your Pastor for Pastor Appreciation Month

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"Music on Main" Concert featuring The Harrisville Music Ministry at 6 pm on Sunday, October 8th, 2017 at Harrisville United Methodist Church, 201 South Main Street, Harrisville, PA 16038. Free Admission.Reception immediately following concert.

Mission Support Grants are available for 2018 outreach ministries within the Western PA Conference. Applications and supporting documents must be emailed to missiongrants@wpaumc.org or postmarked to the UM Center by Tuesday, October 10. Applications are online at wpaumc.org/localchurchmissions.

If the Shoe Fits, Wear it… on Thursday, October 12th at 7 pm at Sharon First UMC, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon, PA 16146. Join us for an evening filled with love, laughter and praise to our Lord. Lisa Allen, from Proverbs 31 Ministries, will give us fresh insight into why God made us the way He did, as she illustrates our different “shoe” personality styles. Worship & Music by Pastor Doug Dyson, Pastor Angelique Bradford and the New Wilmington Presbyterian Worship Team. Donation $5. Proceeds benefit Aware - Partners in the prevention of violence. Register or 724-983-0200.

BELONG. Youth Retreat at Wesley Woods Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15. God knows you and He loves you anyway. Here is your chance to unplug from the daily struggles in your life and find some space – to think, to rest and to learn about the love that God has for each of us. Enjoy time to catch up with God and yourself! Ages 6th – 12th grade. Cost $95/person (Zipline and

Airsoft $10 extra/person.) Starts at 5 pm on Friday and ends at 1 pm on Sunday. Register

Western Pennsylvania Christian Ashram from Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 15 at Jumonville Retreat Center, Hopwood, PA. Many daily disciplines of the Ashram are incorporated into this weekend event.Email the Registrar for more information. Families are encouraged to attend together!

Director: Kristine SwaneyRegistrar: Ed & Georgia Buckingham

Evangelist: Sandy GoodBible Teacher: Wicks Stephens

Cherry Run Camp Fall Work Day is Saturday, October 14. Details to be announced.

MISSIONAL OUTREACH: Discover the Best Practices for Expanding Missional Outreach at the ACTIVATE Conference which will be held at South Harborcreek U. M. Church, 7929 McGill Road, Harborcreek, PA on Saturday, October 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lunch is provided. There is no cost. To register, please call our church office at (814) 899-5962. This Conference will empower your outreach with strong biblical foundations and principles to develop a customized biblical outreach plan to make disciples of Jesus Christ. You'll learn the principles of forming local and global Kingdom partnerships and fund your outreach by faith. So come and discover how to energize and embed mission outreach in your church culture.

Butler District Fall Lay Servant Ministry School: “Leading Worship” will be Saturdays from 1:00 – 5:00 pm on October 14, 21 & 28 at Aliquippa: First UM Church, 2816 Brodhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001. NOTE: If attending this school, it is your responsibility to make sure that the Franklin District Office receives a copy of your certificate of completion. Fall 2017-ALIQUIPPA FIRST Lay Servant Ministries-Brochure.pdf

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Red Bird Missions Appalachian Craft Fair on Saturday, October 14th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at First UMC, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon, PA 16146. Shoppers will find handmade crafts, jewelry, collectable dolls, Christmas crafts and more. All artisans are residents living in and around the coalfields of southeastern Kentucky. Red Bird Mission helps alleviate the unemployment rate in this area by featuring the local artists and their work. This is the only time that Red Bird will be in Western PA this season. Hosted by Sharon First United Methodist Church and Red Bird Mission.

Chicken Breast ‘N Stuffing Dinner on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 4 – 6 pm at Grace UM Church of Rocky Grove, 350 Front Street, Franklin. Menu includes chicken breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, applesauce, drink and dessert. Price is by donation. Take outs available. Benefits the annual work mission trip to Oak Hill, West Virginia. For more information: 814-758-3343

New- Racial Justice Grants: Applications are available for grants to help UM young people with a passion for racial justice to initiate projects that can influence their church, community and world. Three agencies and the Connectional Table are collaborating to provide up to $2,500 per project. The deadline is October 15. To apply Read Discipleship Ministries press release.

Laity Sunday 2017: “Therefore, Go! with HOPE Through Hospitality” on Sunday, October 15, 2017. Often when we think of hospitality, we think of it through the lens of how we receive guests in our midst. But the reality is, we practice hospitality wherever we are, even when we are outside our home or church. Resources

New- Churches are encouraged to celebrate UMVIM Awareness Sunday on October 15 on Laity Sunday (see above). The General Board of Global Ministries has prepared resources to help enhance your celebration. Download bulletin inserts, social media posts, litanies and much more at umcmission.org/volunteer.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Christian Love in Action.” It is taken from 1 John 3:18, in which Christians are asked to love “not in word or speech, but in truth and action.”

The work of UMVIM volunteers includes construction and renewing of mission facilities, teaching, witnessing, conducting medical clinics, holding Bible study or Bible school for children, and serving in disaster relief efforts around the world.

New- 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.”

New- RIDE RESULTS: We wanted to share a praise on our 18th Annual Ride for The Refuge, held on Labor Day. Between Shades Beach and Albion Borough Park, 317 participants enjoyed a beautiful day of cycling, food, and fellowship. To date, the Ride has raised $23,220 to end homelessness for families with children staying at EUMA’s The Refuge—a new record! Thank you to our event participants, sponsors, donors, and volunteers!

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Ruck the Bay on Sunday, October 15, 2017 is a 15K Military-Style Ruck March/Walk in honor of our local fallen heroes and to end Veteran homelessness. Registration at 1 pm with the Ruck at 2 pm at Presque Isle State Park, Beach 11, Erie. Proceeds will benefit Erie United Methodist Alliance’s (EUMA) Liberty House.

Ruck the Bay participants will complete the 15K (or optional 5K) carrying a loaded rucksack/backpack, and will observe memorials at every kilometer honoring those who have lost their lives in service to our country. Participants are encouraged to fill their rucksack with items to donate to Liberty House. Registration through day of event: Individual: $35; Team of 4+: $30

For more information, contact the EUMA office at (814) 456-8073 or SGT Kelly Whitney at 814-602-3602.

Clergy College at Jumonville: Dr. Steve Martyn associate professor of spiritual formation at Asbury Theological Seminary, will be the guest teacher. Sunday dinner, October 15 - Tuesday morning, October 17. Open to all clergy. Topic: “Focused Ministry: Fulfilling God’s Purposes for the Church”. Learn more

Franklin District Retirees Lunch on Wednesday, October 18th at 11:30 am at Sugarcreek UMC, 443 Sugarcreek Drive, Franklin, PA. Retirees, Spouses and Surviving Spouses are invited to share a meal and fellowship. RSVP to the Franklin District Office at franklin.office@wpaumc.org or 814-437-5857.

Jumonville’s Sponsor Dinner on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the South Hills Country Club. It is one of three fundraising events each year. The sponsor’s dinner has traditionally been held in mid-October.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Bishop of the WPA Conference of the United Methodist Church, will share her enthusiasm for the ministry of Christian Camping that takes place on the Jumonville Mountaintop.

New- Join the Celebration! Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and President David Esterline of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary invite you to a reception celebrating the relationship between PTS and the UMC. It’s Thursday, October 19 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Calvary UMC on Pittsburgh’s North Side. RSVP by October 12. Download invitation with details.

WPA Conference Minister’s Chorus on October 19, 2017 at Mount Hope UMC. Contact Don & Shirley Bloomster (814-927-8692), Pat Cleary (254-241-0680, wpcleary@gmail.com) or Lola Turnbull (814-745-2231, pastorljt@yahoo.com) with any questions. Next concert: November 16, 2017 at Brookville First UMC.

Kane District Lay Servant School on Saturday, October 21 and Saturday, October 28 from 10 am – 4 pm. Lunch will be provided at each location. (Brochure available on request from the Franklin District Office.)

Evans Memorial UMCBarb Moore – AdvancedJay Tennies – Basic

Tionesta UMCAndy Blystone –Advanced TBA - Basic

The advanced course will be “Living Our United Methodist Beliefs”.Deadline to register: October 9th, 2017. Cost: $20.00. Make checks payable to Kane District OfficeNOTE: If attending this school, it is your responsibility to make sure that the Franklin District Office receives a copy of your certificate of completion.

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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

Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) Annual Fall Meeting on 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. All women welcome! Contact Diane Miller at diane.miller2747@gmail.com

“The God Diagnosis”-By Dr. Greg Viehman on Sunday, October 29th 3 pm & 7 pm at Hickory High School, 640 N. Hermitage Rd. Hermitage, PA. Dr. Viehman was an atheist doctor, who set out to disprove God. While doing so he found so much evidence to something greater and knew something was missing in his life. This is a tale of his journey. He has written 2 books and the one he will speak about is "The God Diagnosis." Please join us. 

Tickets are free but we need a count of people. Please R.S.V.P. by October 14th via phone at 724-981-9450 or email at hickoryumc@yahoo.com. Sponsored by the Shenango Valley Cluster

Responding to Racism

Toolkit to Address Hate, Violence: 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.

Braddock Road Preservation Association's French & Indian War History Seminar from November 3-4, 2017. Passion, Spies, Murder and Intrigue: How Western PA Events Ignited a World War.

Highlights of the seminar include an optional Friday bus tour of the Forbes Road and a visit and dinner at Fort Ligonier. Saturday speaker sessions feature numerous national and international pre-Colonial experts and scholars. The seminar is designed to examine the critical role our region played in French and Indian War history through hands-on engagement and discussion. Click here for more details.

Exploration 2017: Adults age 18-26 are invited to Exploration, a three-day event November 3-5 in Portland, Oregon. It is held every two years to help young adults explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in The United Methodist Church. This year’s event will be held Young adults who have a sense that God might be calling them to ordained ministry, who have wondered what ministry in The United Methodist Church is all about, who would like help sifting through issues involved in an ordained vocation, or who want to learn more about The United Methodist seminaries and theological schools should attend this event. ExploreCalling.org.

Apply to be a Global Mission Fellow! Young adults can apply now to be a Global Mission Fellow and serve two years in mission through the United Methodist Church. Learn more. Email questions to Stephanie.Gottschalk@wpaumc.org.

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“More Church Leaders/Stronger Church Leaders” Conference & Live Stream on Saturday, November 4 from 10 am – 1 pm Eastern. Churches with vital growing ministries learn to leverage leadership potential within their congregations. Learn strategies to identify and support new leaders and build and maintain effective ministry teams. Discover a more synergistic and fruitful way of being in ministry together.

Attendees may participate in person at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC or via live stream from their own computer or mobile device. Learn more and register

Save with Early-bird Registration through October 9• Live stream registration: $50 $40 for one person; $75 $60 for groups of two or more people• In-person conference registration: $50 $40 per person Current Wesley Theological Seminary students may register free for the in-person conference.

Presenters: Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., Dr. Ann A. Michel & Rev. Stephanie Remington

Sessions:• Finding the Leaders Your Church Needs to Thrive• Simple Strategies for Raising Up New Leaders• Benefits of the Team Approach to Ministry Leadership• How to Lead a Team Effectively• Harnessing the Power of Synergy

Online Lay Servant Workshop: Your Ministry of Leading Worship 101 Course Dates: November 6 – December 8, 2017. This online course will focus on basic understandings of worship, gaining skills for lay servants planning and leading worship and fulfilling requirements for Lay Speaker Certification. This class is approved by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries, and is the “worship” class required for Lay Speaker Certification. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. Details

New- Christian Unity Gathering: “Resilience, Resistance, and Persistence” is the theme for the Christian Unity Gathering of the National Council of Churches in Silver Spring, MD November 8 - 10. Featured speakers include Bishop W. Darin Moore of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The event also includes a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. To register

Franklin District School of Lay Servant Ministries from 6-9 pm on Friday, November 10 and 8 am – 5 pm on Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Emlenton UMC, 1303 Kerr Avenue, Emlenton, PA 16373. Advanced registration is required. Late registrations will not be accepted. $25 before Monday, October 23. Questions: Paula Grucza, Director 724-974-9137 or paula.grucza@interwebbies.com. (Brochure attached to this e-mail.)

Examine Implicit Bias: Learn what implicit bias is, how it affects our behavior, and what we mean by the terms race and racism during a workshop facilitated by members of the Conference Anti-Racism Team on Saturday morning, November 11 at Trinity UMC in McMurray. Get details and register.

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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 www.umcgivingtuesday.org.

Holy Spirit Seminar: On Friday, December 1, United Theological Seminary will host its 6th annual Holy Spirit Seminar. Guest speakers Guillermo Leon Mighty and Adria Ortiz Núñez, co-pastors of Havana Central Methodist Church in Cuba, will explore Holy Fire: Holiness and the Holy Spirit. Get details.

Olmsted Christmas Open House: Sunday, December 3 & 10, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. both evenings. Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and punch next to the fireplace, or take a tour of the freshly decorated

manor. We hope you will join us for an evening of celebration and fellowship. Click to Download Flyer

2018 & 2019Orientation to Ministry, sponsored by the Conference Board of Ministry will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Christ UMC, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin from 9:30 am – noon. The Orientation is a requirement for anyone pursuing licensed or ordained ministry. However, this initial gathering is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the various types of set-apart ministry that exist within the United Methodist Church. Information will be presented about the broad range of opportunities including Certified Lay Minister (CLM), professional certification, local pastor, and ordained ministry.

Registration is required. Register There is no registration fee. Send questions to Rev. Janet Lord, Coordinator of Ministerial Services jflrd425@aol.com.

Bahamas Mission Team: Anyone over age 18 is invited to join a team that will travel January 7-13, 2018 and serve in home repair, community ministry and/or disaster response. Bahamas Methodist Habitat staff have just returned to Eleuthera and are evaluating projects in Bahamas and other parts of the Caribbean. Cost is $1400. Young adults under 35 are eligible for a $500 discount. ? Apply by October 10 by sending the WPA VIM Team application to Missions Coordinator Stephanie Gottschalk. Get application here.

SPARK, the annual weekend gathering at Pittsburgh’s Sheraton Station Square, is set for January 19-21. 2018. SPARK is our annual retreat for youth in grades 6-12 and 2018 is our tenth year! See the line-up of leaders, breakout sessions and the guide for newcomers at wpaumc.org/SPARK.

Older Adult Ministries Seminar: Will be offered on April 15-16, 2018, so mark your calendars now and plan to attend! Details to be announced.

UMW Gears Up for Assembly: The Power of Bold is the theme for the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for May 18-20, 2018, in Columbus. A promotional video and other resources are already available. The early registration fee is $295 with a November 30 deadline. Regular registration is $330. Includes two healthy lunches. Registration closes April 9, 2018. Learn more Watch video.

2018 Annual Conference: Wednesday, June 6 – Saturday, June 9, 2018. (Not on Sunday)

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The YOUTH 2019 Media Kit is Here! We are less than two years away from YOUTH 2019 and there is no better time to start getting your youth excited for all

the fun we are going to have in Kansas City. And what better way to do that than with our YOUTH 2019 Media Kit! The next national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Plan now for your youth to attend. The national gathering for UM Youth takes place every four years.

Subscribe to "Focus," a New Resource for Denominational Leaders : Focus is a periodic e-newsletter specifically designed for leaders who have responsibility for more than one congregation or pastoral charge.Learn more and subscribe free today.

Online Payments

The Conference now offers a greatly expanded online payment capability! This service will allow churches and individuals to submit payments electronically, instead of mailing checks to the Conference Center.Separate webpages have been set-up as indicated by the sections below.

Camping & Retreat Ministries - Bishop's Initiative: As witnessed at the 2017 Annual Conference, Bishop Moore-Koikoi’s initiative to raise $5 million, over the next 4 years, for conference camping and retreat ministries was received with overwhelming acceptance and generosity. This site has been established as one avenue to financially support this strategic undertaking.Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the brown button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC should give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page. Camping & Retreat Ministries – Bishop’s Initiative

Conference Special Appeal – At The Lake Ministries: At The Lake Ministries is faithfully dedicated to offering our brothers and sisters in Christ who live with a disability a space in which to foster relationships and build community through faith-based, specialized fishing experiences on Lake Erie. This site has been established to financially support the development of this new fishing ministry and refurbish our vessel, JoAnn M. We can’t do this without the support of the WPAUMC Congregations.

Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card by clicking the purple button below; Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC are encouraged to give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page. At The Lake Ministries

Organist wanted: First United Methodist Church, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon, PA is seeking an Organist.

Two services Sunday 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Choir Practice 7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Weddings, Funerals and Special Holiday Services. Currently using a Letourneau Tracker Pipe Organ

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Please send resume to Organist Search Committee c/o Sharon First United Methodist Church at www.sharonfirstumc.com or fax 724-983-0201.

Pianist needed at Cherrytree UMC: Our congregation at the Cherrytree United Methodist Church 2724 State Route 8, south of Titusville, needs a pianist for the Sunday morning worship service at 10 am. We are currently using the CDs for the United Methodist Hymnal but we would really appreciate a pianist to make our worship time more meaningful. We are a small congregation of 15 to 20 and we love to sing.

Would you know of anyone in your church or community who would like to earn some money by playing once a week? Please reply to this email or contact Rachel Roxberry at 814 694-6217 for details and compensation.

How to Set Your Pastor’s 2018 Salary! The annual guide for setting your pastor’s salary is posted on the Conference website. See document. WHEN SETTING THE PASTOR’S SALARY - Please make sure that all of the clergy salary information is 100% correct when it is entered on the Charge Conference Summary Form. There is a DIFFERENCE in “Cash Housing” and “Housing Allowance Exclusion”. Please make sure it is correct. It is the District Administrative Assistant’s job to gather the salaries and enter them in our data system. It is used to report pension information. If you have questions, please don’t guess, call your district office!

Below you will find two links you may find beneficial as we move into charge conference season. The first link it how to set your pastors salary. This was sent as a mailing all churches, committees and clergy in 7/2017.The second link is how to calculate the pension obligation for 2018.

Setting the Pastor’s salary Pension Calculator

Fall Work Teams Needed: Camp Allegheny could use your help with many different projects this fall. We can use work teams of 1 to 21 for any number of days, 1-101 days. Please call the office 814-754-5122 and ask for Rob or email him at Rob@campallegheny.org .

L ea d e r s h i p D e v elop m en t w ebp a ge . Both laity and clergy will find information about events, ongoing programs, online learning opportunities, as well as scholarship applications on our updated web page. If you have an event that you’d like listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at s usan .mo udry@ wpaumc .o rg .

Director of Program Services sought for Jumonville. The ideal candidate would have previous experience serving as a Program Director in a Christian Camp with a capacity of 200 or more campers. Send your resume to: Jumonville, 887 Jumonville Road, Hopwood, PA 15445 or email it to admin@jumonville.org. View more details at: www.jumonville.org/dps.

Saving Labels? If people in your church are among the many who are saving Labels for Education for a pre-school such as the one at the Ruth M. Smith Center, be sure that they know that the program ends as of January 2, 2018. Ruth M. Smith needs to receive any labels saved for it by December 15 to submit before the program ends. Learn more at labelsforeducation.com. Visit Ruth M. Smith Center website

50 Ways to Increase Worship Attendance

Our free "50 Ways" tip sheet provides practical strategies to help you invite new people to attend

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worship; improve the attendance of current members; make your church visible and attractive; welcome worship guests warmly; and make worship accessible to newcomers.

Rethink Church: Advent resources: Unwrap the true meaning with us this Christmas. Resources include both lectionary and non-lectionary based Advent sermon starters and more. Outreach materials are available in both printed and downloadable versions. Choose from four Rethink Church-branded designs.

Confused About Giving to UMCOR Disaster Response? Here is a bulletin insert to download and share. Get it.

Cleaning Buckets and Health Kits Urgently needed in wake of hurricanes: What you can do now to help. ~Most of all PRAY. ~Make relief kits. ~Donate to U.S. Disaster Response, Advance #901670 -100% of donations go to disaster relief**. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. UMCOR KITS collected in UMCOR's name are UMCOR property and unverified kits cannot be given out in UMCOR's name by local groups. Eastbrook Mission Barn is on call to deploy their kits through the UMCOR Relief Supply Network through their national system. Kit directions. Build a Relief Supply Kit Video

**Donations UMCOR receives through the UMCOR Sunday offering (formerly One Great Hour of Sharing), along with undesignated gifts made throughout the year, cover our costs of doing business. Gifts to this special Sunday offering make it possible for UMCOR to use 100% of all other contributions on disasters like Hurricane Harvey, instead of on administrative or fundraising costs.

Help Purchase UMCOR Supplies: If you prefer to Donate toward the purchase of supplies instead of buying and shipping them, give through your local church or online to Material Resources, UMCOR Advance #901440.

If giving directly to UMCOR, check with your employer (or former employer if you are retired) to see if you can multiply your support for UMCOR through a gift match or combined charitable campaign programs. Provide your company with UMCOR’s tax ID, 13-5562279.

New- HP Printer Ink available at First UMC, 1102 Liberty Street, Franklin. Color Laser Jet Cartridges are high yield. Call First UMC at 814-432-8161 for more information.

Q3971A Blue (1)Q3960A Black (1)

Q3972A Yellow (2)Q3973A Magenta (2)

New- Helping Families Embrace the Importance of a Church Funeral: Sarah Dorrance describes the pastoral challenge of helping surviving family members who do not attend church to understand that a Christian funeral is appropriate for a deceased relative who was an active church member. In this situation, a church funeral honors the faith life of the departed saint and is an outreach to friends and family who may not have been in church for a long time, if ever. Read more.

New- UPMC Healthcare Update: Conference Benefits Coordinator Kathleen Lasky reports that, in response to concerns expressed by local churches, the Board of Pensions Executive Committee determined today that the 2018 blended rate charged to the local church for clergy enrolled in the UPMC plan will be $1511 a month, including medical, vision and dental coverage. This is a reduction of $45 a month from the current 2017 rate. Clergy will share costs in 2018 by contributing $70/month for a family; $35 for two people and $20 for a single

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person. Complete details will be sent to churches and those covered by the plan later this week.

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