November 2009 - Conference Focuses on Six Missions

Sunday, November 01, 2009


Conference Focuses on Six Missions

John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, saw the essence of Christianityas “simply love of God and love of neighbor.” One of his goals, says scholar, Dr. Richard Heitzenrater, was for Methodists to move “beyond a lifeless, formalized religion to one worthy of God, and that is love—love of God and love of neighbor …”

Early Methodists were in ministry with the poor, seeing that all had  clothing, food and housing.They addressed problems of child labor and health. Similar ministries continue today in Western Pennsylvania.

  • Erie United Methodist Alliance, which serves the region; provides housing to homeless veterans; offers emergency shelter and transitional housing for homeless families; operates The Rainbow Connection thrift shop; and helps to meet a variety of other needs. www.euma-erie.org.
  • Connellsville Area Community Ministries that provides food, clothing, furniture, home repair ministries, mentoring and referrals to any who are in need. E-mail connmin@verizon.net.
  • Center for Hope, located in Ambridge, which partners with churches and secular agencies to offer food, fellowship, prayer, mentoring, clothing, after-school tutoring, children’s activities, life skills training, and outreach to the homeless. www.thecenterforhope.com.
  • Prison Outreach Ministries, which provides volunteers to lead Disciple Bible studies in state and federal correctional institutions throughout Western PA. www.gbgm-umc.org/wpapom/.
  • United Methodist Human Services of Johnstown, which serves the region. The agency operates food pantries, feeding ministries, thrift shops, direct aid, layettes and hand-made items, shoes, emergency assistance, hygiene items, and homeless outreach. Call  814-539-2633  814-539-2633 .
  • Pittsburgh Northside Ministries,which includes several local UM churches, the United Methodist Church Union, Bethany House Academy and other partners engaging in feeding ministries, childcare and education programs, housing and wellness care ministries. E-mail larry.homitsky@wpaumc.org.

By Jackie Campbell, WPAUMC News