Weekly Email News

EMAIL ADDRESSES:To reach Alyce – johnstown.ds@wpaumc.org

To reach Stacey – johnstown.office@wpaumc.orgDistrict Office Phone Number: 814.361.2464

District Office Fax Number: 814.361.2465

Wednesday February 21, 2018

510 Locust StreetJohnstown, PA 15901

Johnstown District ofthe United Methodist Church

Drug Awareness in the ChurchThe next meeting for the group working on drug awareness in the religious mode will meet on March 14, 2018 at 2 pm at 422 Main Street, Johnstown, Pa. Enter in the United Way entrance. We are trying to have a representative from every church attend the meetings. If you as a Pastor cannot make the meeting, is it possible that you could send a representative from your church? Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact David Rose at daver718@aol.com.

FAMILY & FAITH NIGHT AT TOMAHAWKSFriday evening, February 23, 2018, will be Family & Faith Night at the Johnstown Tomahawks Hockey Game. This will be a good evening of fellowship and fun for everyone! It just so happens, that the two who will be singing the National Anthem at the game are the children of Pastor Janet Melikant of Homestead Avenue UMC!

LAY SPEAKING CLASSES BEING OFFEREDPastor J R Virgin will be offering a Lay Servant Class at Ebensburg UMC on Polity -  April 8 to April 29  from 1-3:30 pm. The cost of the class is $30.   Please register either by phone or email with Nancy Demi, (814) 215-7909nancydemi@hotmail.com  There are additional classes being planned. More info to follow. Classes are also available online at  www.beadisciple.com

SIGHT AND SOUND BUS TRIPCome and join Park Avenue United Methodist Church on April 25, 2018, to see the new production of “JESUS” at the SIGHT AND SOUND theatre in Lancaster. The cost is $105.00, this will include your ticket, bus, and bus driver’s gratuity. We will be going to the 11 a.m. show so will be leaving at 6 a.m. and stopping at Sideling Hill rest stop on the Turn Pike on the way down and back. After the show about 1:30 p.m. we will be going to Cracker Barrel for lunch which will be on your own.

We will be leaving from the Lode Star parking lot. We are asking for payment to be in by March 1st. Please contact Linda Gindlesperger at 288-1607 to make reservations or if you have any questions.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDMental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to help someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. Find a Mental Health First Aid course near you using the search tool below.

Here is some information and FAQ’s about the program: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/faq/ Here is a way to find out about trainings and trainers near us: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/take-a-course/find-a-course/

SAVE THE DATE!This year’s Johnstown District Conference will be on May 6, 2018 at the Elton: Zion UMC, beginning at 3 pm. Please save the date on your calendars!

Volunteers Needed!

RISE - a light dinner followed by a contemporary Praise and Worship Service every 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month at the Garfield Street UMC at 6pm. We will also meet on the 5th Thursday on the occasion of there being 5 Thursdays in the month. RISE is a shared ministry of the United for God Cooperative and the Ebensburg UMC.

You are invited to be a part of this ministry! Help is needed in cooking, serving, clean up, and welcoming. We are also welcoming individual singers, and those who play a musical instrument to join in with the band. We are also welcoming different groups from other churches such as a worship band or choir! You are also invited to just be in worship. Please let Pastor Carol know if you are willing to help on the food side and let Pastor Matthew Scott know if you would like to bring your worship band or choir to RISE for a night. You do not have to commit to any particular number of times, just as your schedule allows. Join us as we celebrate how the Spirit is rising in Johnstown!

Franklin Street Food Pantry is in need of volunteers to carry bags to the street level for food pantry clients. Carriers must be able to navigate stairs and lift/carry 30-40 lbs. The food pantry is open Tuesday mornings from 930AM-1130AM. If you can help, please contact United Methodist Human Services at (814) 539-2633.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!JUMP is looking for retired men and women who are seeking a rewarding experience.

PAY: NONE

BENEFITS: Investment in your community; serve God by doing ministry to help the less fortunate

Current JUMP leaders are aging and dealing with health limitations. They will help with permits, design, materials transport, and paperwork.

Priority for jobs goes to handicap needs, followed by home repairs addressing safety issues. Teams are generally 3 to 5 people and most jobs are completed in 2 to 3 days. We need team leaders and team workers, hopefully with some fix-it experience, but we will train any interested individual.This is a part-time volunteer effort. JUMP has tools but bringing your own is encouraged. Access to a small truck or van is also helpful but not necessary. For more information, call Franklin Street UMC at 535-8288.

DOES ANYONE HAVE EMPTY FLOOD BUCKETS?Can you let us know if you have any empty flood buckets that aren’t being used around your church? We do have some churches wanting to fill them but do not have the buckets. Thanks!

District Prayer Chain- Rev. Arlene Bobrowicz- Stacey’s Uncle, Michael Karsaba- Rev. Carol Hickman- Carrie Baker, Mother of Pastor Tai Courtemanche

- Lynn Berkebile- Mary Lou Miller- Daniel Mark Bobrowicz, son of Rev. Arlene Bobrowicz- Connie Knipple, wife of Pastor Terry Knipple - Brandy Hillberry- Gene Mickolick- Dottie Walker- Cheryl Adams- Our Country and our Leaders- All Pastors and Laity in the Johnstown District

Alyce’s Schedule: Feb 26 - Alyce in Office - am Feb 27 – Alyce in Office - amFeb 28 – DCOM MeetingMar 01 – Alyce in OfficeMar 02 – Mar 03 – Mar 04 – Alyce preaching at Arbutus

Conference News and Events

COMMIT 2018March 3, Saturday – Jumonvillle 10am - 3pm March 9, Friday - Camp Allegheny - 10am - 3pm April 14, Saturday - Wesley Woods - 10am - 3pmApril 6, Friday - Conference Center - 10am - 3pm April 7, Saturday - Conference Center - 10am - 3pm

WPAUMC Confirmation tour: We are excited to launch a reboot of our traditional confirmation class visits with the Bishop and Conference staff! By hosting three of the five confirmation class events at our beautiful camps, we are able to enhance our worship, expand our breakout options and experience a unique camp setting. Groups still have the option to attend a confirmation class event at the Conference Center in Cranberry, but space for those dates is limited.

Regardless of location, many of the elements of the confirmation class events remain the same: All will worship together at the start of the day; Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi will speak and meet with youth, and conference staff will lead breakout sessions on a number of topics. Lunch will be included at all events.

However, those groups choosing Jumonville, Camp Allegheny, or Wesley Woods have the unique opportunity to participate in various activities offered at these camps. Want more time? Turn the visit into a retreat by contacting the individual camp and making arrangements. Camp dates Conference center dates

For more information and to register, visit: www.wpaumc.org/Confirmation2018

2018 Spring Commuter LICENSING SCHOOL TRAININGand CERTIFIED LAY MINISTRY TRAINING

at Manorville United Methodist Church 800 Water Street, Manorville, PA 16238

APPLICATION/REGISTRATIONRegistration and $100 (non-refundable) deposit for this

Commuter Licensing School must be received before February 14, 2018.

COST: $300 for the entire Spring Commuter School (This cost includes

lunch on Saturdays and evening meals when we are in session all day.) Financial aid requests may be directed to your DS or your local church.You must include a TWO page, typed statement describing why you want to live out your call to pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church in the Wesleyan tradition. In a separate TWO page paper, please give a brief explanation of your understanding of the sacraments of Baptism and Communion in the UM tradition. This must accompany your registration and deposit.

Dates for the WPA/UMC 2017 Spring Commuter School are: First Retreat: February 22 (1 - 9 pm), February 23 (9 am – 9 pm), February 24+++ (9 am – 5 pm)Saturdays: March 3, 10, 17, 24 and April 7, 14, 21 (9 am – 5 pm)Ending Retreat: April 26 (9 am - 9 pm), April 27 (9 am – 9 pm), April 28 (9 am - 5 pm)

Attendance is required at all classes. The Holiday Inn Express and Quality Inn are both in W. Kittanning just a few miles from Manorville. The evening meals on Thursday, February 22nd, Friday, February 23rd, Thursday, April 26th, and Friday, April 27th, will be provided by the school. All other meals and accommodations for overnight retreats will be the responsibility of the students.Mr/Mrs/Ms ____________________________________________________________________________

Preferred Phone:________________________ E-Mail Address___________________________________ Postal Address _________________________________________________________________________

Date of Birth _____/_____/_____ Conference (if not WPA): ___________________________

Special Medical, Physical, Learning or Dietary Needs (attach additional sheet if necessary):_____________________________________________________________________________________

Home Church ________________________________ District ___________________________

Present Pastor __________________________________________

Education: High School/GED: _______________________________ Grad. Year: ________

College: __________________________________________ Grad. Year: _________ Seminary: ________________________________________ Grad. Year: _________

Present Employment __________________________________________ Years: _________Identify track of ministry you plan to pursue: ______ Licensed Local Pastor ______ Deacon ______ Elder

Pre-requisites for Licensing School:1.) Attend an Orientation to Ministry event sponsored by the Board of Ordained Ministry.2.) Been endorsed by your home church at a Charge Conference3.) Complete the group mentoring process.4.) Meet with your District Committee on Ministry at least one time.

Licensed Local Pastor – steps for candidacy can be found on gbhem.org.

Are you presently serving in a local church? ______ For how long? ____________Church Name: ___________________________________ District: ___________________________Address: ________________________________________ Position: ___________________________Current District: __________________________________

Current DCOM Chair: (name and address) ____________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

It is very important that all information be completed in its entirety to assure the proper notifications are sent in a timely manner to expedite the issuing of the pastoral license.

Date of Charge Conference Endorsement: ____________________________________

*Signature of One of your group process mentors (this is to certify that you have completed the group mentoring process):

_____________________________________________________________

*Signature of District Superintendent: _________________________________________________________

(Print name and contact information): _________________________________________________________

Local Pastor Registrar (for non-WPA candidates)

__________________________________ Phone #: ______________ Email:_______________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

FOR CERTIFIED CANDIDATES: Date of Certification as Candidate: __________________

Disclaimer: The Local Pastor License is issued by the Bishop, and only in conjunction with the completion of Candidacy requirements, attendance at Licensing School, approval from the District committee on Ordained Ministry, and upon the student’s appointment within the United Methodist Church. Required Texts: Please purchase the following books before the first weekend of licensing school. The ministry modules will be sent to you via email to be used during the instruction periods taught by Rev. Sharon Schwab.

Pastoral Care in the Small Membership Church – James L. Killen, Jr.(ISBN 9780687343263)Worshipping with United Methodists (Revised Edition) – Hoyt Hickman(ISBN 9780687335268)Administration in the Small Membership Church – John Tyson(ISBN 9780687646432)Christian Education in the Small Membership Church – Karen Tye (ISBN 9781426722226)Speaking Well, Essential Skills for Speakers, Leaders, and Preachers – Adam Hamilton(ISBN 9781501809934)Biblical Exegesis, A Beginner’s Handbook (Third Edition) – John H. Hayes & Carl R. Holladay (ISBN 978-0-664-22775-3)Go! How to Become a Great Commission Church – Mark R. Teasdale (ISBN 9780938162285)Introduction to Theology for Ministry – Elaine A. Robinson(ISBN 978-0-938162-40-7)

Additional texts that you are required to bring with you 2016 Book of Discipline NRSV Study Bible UM Hymnal UM Book of Worship

Checks are to be made payable to the WPAUMC. Send Licensing School registration form and fees and essays to: Rev. Sara Wrona, 134 Custer Avenue, Vandergrift, PA 15690General Questions may be directed to Sara Wrona: sara.wrona@wpaumc.org or 724-882-9627. Please indicate if you play a musical instrument and what instrument that is if you are willing to accompany singing for worship services, devotional times, etc. _________________________________________________________

+++The class will participate in the Clergy Ethics Training that will be held at Trinity UMC in Indiana, PA from 9 am – 4 pm. This is MANDATORY! You must register and pay for this date separately. Please follow the link to register for this event: https://www.wpaumc.org/eventdetail/9787007?month=2&year=2018&day=1&display=m*Registration will not be accepted without your District Superintendent’s signature.

NUTS AND BOLTS OF BOOMER AND OLDER ADULT MINISTRIESSunday - April 15 from 2:30 - 9 p.m.Monday - April 16  from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.Cost: $60/person

RSVP Deadline: April 2, 2018

This practical time will be led by Rev. Dr. Will Randolph. Formerly of WPA, Rev. Will Randolph is the Director of Aging and Older Adult Ministries for the United Methodist Church.  To register online, please click here to be directred to the district website.  The registration link can be found under Announcments, located along the left side of the page. To download a brochure and print out a registration form, click here (or see attachement at bottom of this email newsletter)(More information is in the "green folder" that has been distributed to the SPRC committees prior to church conferences.)

UPCOMING OLDER ADULT MINISTRY WEBINARS 

Click here for a list of upcoming webinars related to older adult ministers. Take advantage of these informative and practical resources to enhance your ministry to and with older adults. To learn more information, download materials or to sign up for the webinars, click here.

 MISSION SUPPORT OPPORTUNITY IN GUATEMALA

This mission support item was submitted by Savannah Sullivan, a senior at UPJ. Savanna is active in Campus Ministry and volunteers with the Youth Ministry at Beulah UM Church and with Prison Outreach Ministry’s Spanish program at SCI Somerset. She has also spent all possible vacation time doing mission work in Guatemala. She writes:

“There is a growing organization in Guatemala called Pro Chapina, that strives to empower indigenous women in rural areas who would not, otherwise, have the opportunity to further their education. This organization gives full and partial scholarships for a college education.”

Savannah would especially like to help Maricela, a young mother from the community of El Hato. Maricela hopes to gain a degree that would qualify her to offer professional services to young girls facing abuse. She also hopes to provide an example to other young women and her son, that it is possible to strive for higher education and achievement.

Prices for the scholarship program with Pro Chapina vary, but are reliably around $5,000 to complete the college education. If any church, group, or individual would like to consider sponsoring a scholarship on any level, please contact Savannah at savannah96dreamer@gmail.com Thank you.

50 Career in Ministry Scholarships: CM CARES, the Church Mutual Insurance Company Foundation, has announced that it is now accepting applications for its second annual Religious Scholarship Program, offering up to $250,000 in scholarships to graduate and doctoral students who are committed to a career in ministry. Scholars who wish to apply must be enrolled full-time in an

advanced degree program in theology, ministry, or other field of religious study at an accredited theological seminary, college, or university during the 2018-19 academic year. Complete details Deadline: April 14, 2018

MISSION OF PEACECalling 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: www.wpaumc.org/mop

Online PaymentsThe 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.

Disciple Making Training Learn to help others begin a relationship with Jesus Christ through sharing the Gospel in a natural way.

March 24, 2018 from 9am-12pmCrossroads UMC-Boyce Road Campus

located at 1120 Boyce Rd, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241Led by Pastor Steve Cordle

ALL Conference clergy and laity, including youth, are welcomeNo Cost - Registration deadline is March 21, 2018

Register online either via the Washington District office at washington.office@wpaumc.org orat https://wpa-reg.brtapp.com/DiscipleMakingTraining

    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. 

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. 

Katie Peterson, Deaconess, Church & Community Worker. Katie coordinates the donations and distribution of UMCOR relief supply kits. She assists New Castle UM Churches to enhance ministries in poverty alleviation. This includes building handicap ramps. How to support Katie:

1. Pray – Our prayers are welcome and strengthen her ministry2. Stay in contact – Ask to receive her newsletter and follow her website and Facebook Page3. Seek to participate in the ministry Katie serves. Ask about ways to help with missionary

support.4. Donate to Katies Advance #98242 – 100% of your gifts are used to support missionaries and

they powerfully contribute to the continued health and vitality of United Methodist missionary outreach.

Contribute through your local church, online at www.umcmission.org or by calling 888-252-6174.

Follow the Western Pennsylvania Conference on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpaumcCONFERENCE MISSION OPPORTUNITIES

You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities

DIVERSITY/Dismantling Racism

Undoing racism: What white clergy can do to help The Rev. Clayton Childers of Church and Society interviewed the Rev. David Billings: a United Methodist clergyperson who has spent his career working to undo racism. He is also the author of “Deep Denial: The Persistence of White Supremacy in United States History and Life.” Read more

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 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

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. ______________________________________________________________________

Keep Up With Upcoming Events - WPAUMC ConferenceThe website for upcoming events is: http://www.wpaumc.org/events. The Conference Calendar can now be found on the website under “Calendar” instead of “Events”, to save any confusion.

Individual Volunteers in Mission: Change your life by becoming an individual volunteer. Learn more at umcmission.org/Get-Involved

WPAUMC Volunteers in Mission – United Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

1. What teams can I join? www.wpaumc.org/opportunities

2. How do I learn about leading a team? www.wpaumc.org/VIMtraining

3. Once we have a team planned, what do we do?a. Register your team at www.wpaumc.org/RegisterVIMteamsb. Get VIM Insurance at www.umvimnej.org

4. Once our team returns, what do I do? www.wpaumc.org/MissionReport

5. Where can I find local church resources?

a. www.wpaumc.org/localchurchmissions b. Contact Stephanie Gottschalk at Stephanie.Gottschalk@wpaumc.org or 724-776-2300, ext.

241

6. How do I get involved in Disaster Response?

a. Take UMCOR training at www.wpaumc.org/DisasterResponse

b. Make sure your local church has a local disaster planc. Volunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellites

7. What if there is a disaster in my church’s community?

a. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to their District Superintendent

b. Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin Cook at 814-442-5899

CHURCH SAFETYStaying Safe at Church: Safety is becoming more and more of a concern at places of worship. What can church members do to help keep your church safe, yet still welcoming? See some recommendations. Watch video

Church Mutual Insurance Company offers several valuable online resources for safety and emergency response. Look under “Trending Topics” at churchmutual.com.

E-NEWSLETTER FOR ALL CHURCH MEMBERSThe United Methodist Church invites you to check out our new biweekly e-newsletter specially created for all church members. United Methodist Now will highlight examples of Christian living, share inspirational messages and focus on what it means to be part of our connection. Subscribe for free.

6TH ANNUAL FAITH NIGHT AT PNC PARKThe 6th Annual Faith Night will be held on Friday, July 27, 2018 following the Pirates-Mets game at 7:05 p.m.  Enjoy discounted tickets for the Pirates-Mets game and stay after the game to hear Manager Clint Hurdle and your favorite Pirate players and coaches share their personal experiences with how their faith has impacted both their lives and their careers in baseball specifically.

Being that Faith Night is being held on a Friday for the first time, we expect the event to be even more popular than ever!  Therefore, it is highly recommended securing seats with a deposit.  Groups of 15 or more can secure a block of seats with a deposit, then will have until June 11 to give your final ticket count and pay the balance. Contact Chad Glover at chad.glover@pirates.com or 412-325-4756.

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/

YOUTH 2019 The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s 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.

CONFERENCE YOUTHThe 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.Keystone United Methodist Federal Credit Union – We are your credit union. People helping people! Many services offered. www.keystoneumfcu.org or phone 888-972-0797

CONFERENCE WIDE LAY SERVANT MINISTRY SCHOOLS AVAILABLE TO YOUNew-Mark your calendar now! For the Washington District Spring Lay Servant Ministry School begins on Sunday, February 18th and runs through Sunday, March 18th. Classes will be held at First Washington UMC. Classes will be: Basic, go Preach, Youth Focus, Prayer, Social Justice and The Spirit and Art of Conflict. Details to be announced.

New- Mark your calendar now! For the BUTLER District Spring Lay Servant Ministry School on February 18, 25, March 4, 11 & 18, 2018. Classes: Basic Lay Servant, Preaching and Leading Worship, Discovering Spiritual Gifts, Evangelism and Pastoral Care. Details to be announced.

New- Mark your calendar now! For the FRANKLIN District Spring Lay Servant Ministry School on April 8, 15, 22 May 6 & 20, 2018. Details to be announced.Continuing Education Opportunity

SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRYAPPLYING BOWEN SYSTEMS THEORY TO PASTORAL WORK

Directed byThe Rev. Robert C. Spilman, Retired CPE Supervisor

Association for Clinical Pastoral Education

SYSTEMS LEADERSHIP IN MINISTRYWESTERN PENNSYLVANIAFEBRUARY TO JUNE 2018

Systems Leadership in Ministry is a pastoral seminar that utilizes Bowen Family Systems Theory and theology to strengthen leadership and self-awareness in any ministry setting with a primary focus on work in the church. The seminar is an outgrowth of the program of Congregation-Based Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) that Rev. Spilman directed in Western NY and PA until his retirement in 2017.

Pastors and lay ministers strengthen their pastoral and leadership skills, address conflict in the church, and work on their personal growth in ministry. The program focuses on systemic change and leadership development in the church.

Seminar in Western PA – Location to Be Determined – Two Days a MonthLate February to Late June – 2018

Tuition cost: $700 ($550 for CPE program alumni)

Systems Leadership in Ministry includes these creative components: Emphasis on pastoral and leadership issues and use of self in

ministry. Family of origin work, consultation on ministry, and

theological reflection. Application of Bowen Theory to ministry in the church and

world.

Participants explore family and church relational patterns using the systems theory developed by Murray Bowen and applied to church life by Edwin Friedman and Roberta Gilbert. They reflect on their family of origin and its impact on their use of self in ministry. They work to manage anxiety and grow in “defining a self.” A primary text will be Roberta Gilbert’s book: Extraordinary Leadership. For further information and application, contact Rev. Spilman.

The Rev. Robert C. Spilman363 Darwin Drive, Amherst, NY 14226Tel: 716-479-7933 (cell); 716-839-4316

E-mail: rcspilman@roadrunner.com

WE WANT YOU!!

CHAPLAINS IN THE PARKS

SUMMER PROGRAM

Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend 2018Good Pay – Interesting Work – Training – FellowshipEXERCISE ALL YOUR GIFTS AND SKILLS:

Planning creative and meaningful worship services.

Preaching engaging sermons in an ecumenical setting.

Visit and share Christ’s love with people from different religious traditions and life experiences

Create programming for all ages.

Provide a listening ear to those in need in the campground.

Manage your own time and work as a member of a team.

Full-time and half-time positions for service between Memorial Day and Labor Day Weekends are available. Salary, travel reimbursement, housing and training provided. If you have an automobile, have good health and are available to serve between May 27 and September 2, 2018 contact:

The Pennsylvania Council of Churches900 S. Arlington Avenue, Suite 211AHarrisburg, PA 17109-5089

Phone: 717.545.4761 Fax: 717.545.4765 E-mail d.koretzky@pachurches.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Internet: www.pachurches.org

PRISON OUTREACH PROGRAMHere is a link to the Winter Newsletter for 2018 Western Pennsylvania Prison Outreach Ministry:

http://www.wpapom.org/images/newsletter.pdf

We are a mission sponsored and supported as an Advanced Special of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.

We want to get the word out about our good ministry in the prisons of Western Pennsylvania and pray that people reading this newsletter will help us expand our ministry into more institutions.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

David Bunnell, Chairperson WPA Prison Outreach Ministry

UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS

-Youth Leader Skill Day-Saturday, April 28th from 9-3 at Dutihl UMC (I have attached the flyer with all the other info) Registration is open! https://wpa-reg.brtapp.com/YouthLeaderSkillDay

-Annual Conference-to sign up to be a page or youth delegate, fill out the Youth Caucus application. It is due April 1! https://www.wpaumc.org/files/websites/www/page_application_2018.pdf

-Applications for The Timothy Award https://www.wpaumc.org/files/websites/www/timothy%2baward%2b2018.pdf. This award is for youth who embody the characteristics of 1 Tim 4:11-12. Applications due April 1.

-Know a youth leader who is outstanding? Nominate them for the Youth Worker of the Year Award! https://www.wpaumc.org/files/websites/www/youth%2bworker%2baward%2bform-2018.pdf. Also due April 1.

-Uth 4 Missions (a missions event for youth groups) is July 16-20 at Jumonville (new location). Both work sites and outreach sites will be available. Cost is $220/person. Registration will open this Spring.