Bishop Announces $5 Million Grant
On World Malaria Day, April 25, Bishop BIckerton told General Conference delegates in Ft. Worth that the UN Foundation, with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has granted $5 million to The United Methodist Church to fight malaria and other diseases of poverty. The Bishop gave a powerful message to delegates urging them to buy a net and save a life. Watch the video. The delegates rose to the challenge. READ MORE
Bishop Reports from General Conference
Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton posts reports from General Conference 2008 on his blog The Journey Continues. You can also view his comments on this site.
Lisa Grant Named DCM
Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton has appointed the Rev. Lisa Grant, pastor of Christ Community United Methodist Church in Butler, as the new Western PA Conference Director of Connectional Ministries (DCM), effective July 1. She will take over from the Rev. Larry Homitsky, who will begin a new urban ministry on the North Side of Pittsburgh. “I believe in the pastors and churches of Western PA and I believe in what God can do through us,” Grant said. “It’s going to be fun to discover that together.” Grant has served local churches since graduating from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1982, and she said the only downside to her new position is leaving the local church ministry she loves so much.
Worship Director Wins Magic Office
Justin Muchoney, the worship and fine arts director at Ingomar UMC, was was named the first-ever Disney Chief Magic Official after a month-long on-line competition and various contests among three finalists. The CMO was chosen April 22 and 125 supporters gathered for breakfast at Ingomar to watch the announcement. Justin won't quit his day job.
Conference Board of Ordained Ministry Licensing School (5/10/2008)
Mother's Day and Festival of the Christian Home (5/11/2008)
Pentecost Sunday (5/11/2008)
Golden Cross Sunday and Offering (5/11/2008)