Butler District News

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi today addressed the postponement of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church and what it means for the denomination.

The Bishop's remarks came after the Council of Bishops (COB), in response to the Commission on the General Conference's announcement that the postponed 2020 General Conference could not be held until 2022, called a Special Session of the General Conference to be convened online on May 8, 2021.
 
According to the call letter signed by COB President Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey, the Special Session will be held in accordance with Division Two - Section II - Article II of The Constitution of The United Methodist Church as recorded in Paragraph ¶14 of The Book of Discipline (2016).
 
The purpose of the 2021 Special Session of the General Conference will be limited to gaining a quorum in order to suspend the rules for the sole purpose of allowing the use of paper ballots to act upon 12 pieces of legislation that would enable the church to effectively continue its work until the postponed 2020 General Conference is held in 2022.  While other potential amendments were considered, it was agreed that these 12 pieces of legislation would enable the church to continue its administrative functions appropriately.  Click here to read the 12 pieces of legislation.
 
All decisions will be limited to paper ballots and confined to the designated twelve (12) amendments to the Book of Discipline in order to fulfill the mandate of ¶511.4.d., which calls for the Commission on the General Conference “to assure full participation of all General Conference delegates,… ” 
 
Bishop Harvey stated, “The exclusive use of paper ballots will allow for the fullest participation of delegates from across the denomination.  Full participation on the part of all elected delegates is a justice issue that must not be ignored or sacrificed. This is why the convened session online must be confined solely to gaining permission for the mailed in paper ballots.”
 
The decision to call the Special Session came in conjunction with the Commission on the General Conference’s announcement of a further postponement of the 2020 General Conference to August 2022.  The General Conference had been previously postponed to August 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is now scheduled to take place August 29 to September 6, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Click here to read the Commission’s announcement.
 
“Our current Book of Discipline was never written with a worldwide pandemic in mind.  When we became aware of the need for a further postponement, we knew that some action needed to be taken in order to free the church to operate and continue to fulfill its current mission until we could gather in person,” Bishop Harvey stated, noting that substantive issues related to separation and regionalization should be reserved to an in-person forum where debate, amendment, and discernment could be conducted with integrity and full participation.
 
The Council of Bishops and the Commission on the General Conference have been working collaboratively to determine the best way for the General Conference to meet and maintain the Church’s current commitment to mission and ministry as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
According to the Constitution of the Church, the Special Session of the General Conference shall be composed of the delegates elected to the postponed 2020 General Conference or their lawful successors.
 
The Secretary of the General Conference will communicate with annual conference secretaries regarding the logistics of the Special Session.
 
In addition, The Council of Bishops and the Commission on the General Conference have agreed on a timeline of events that will create a pathway for the church in this liminal time.  This timeline includes Special Sessions of the Jurisdictional Conferences to be held virtually in July 2021 (for the purpose of retiring bishops, announcing coverage of areas, and determining if or how many bishops will be elected in each Jurisdiction) and regular in-person Sessions of the Jurisdictional Conferences following the postponed 2020 General Conference in the Fall of 2022 (for the purpose of electing bishops, making assignments for the new quadrennium, electing members to General Boards/Agencies, etc.).
 
Under this timeline, General Boards & Agencies would maintain their current memberships until after the postponed General Conference in 2022.

The Western PA Conference Discernment Task Force will provide more information about the postponement and its implications for churches and pastors in the Annual Conference as soon as possible, said the Rev. Steve Cordle, co-chair.
 
Click here to read the full letter sent to the Secretary of the General Conference, the Chairperson of the Commission on the General Conference, heads of delegations to the 2020 General Conference (or successors) and conference secretaries.
 

 

 

 

On the six Fridays between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week, I will be facilitating six Zoom conversations on six books that I believe will help us to reflect on what God is doing in and through the church’s ministry throughout this season of pandemic. Entitled, “A Pilgrimage Through Pandemic: Conversations About the Church and Its Journey Through a Hard Season,” this virtual book study will be a great opportunity for us to join our hearts and minds in a Lenten journey of meaningful reflection. Please see the additional document attached to this email for more specific information about these virtual conversations. I hope that many of you will join me in this virtual pilgrimage. Links will be sent out at the beginning of each week.

New Appointments posted at wpaumc.org/appointments.

New Pittsburgh DS Named: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi announced that the Rev. Deborah Ackley-Killian will begin serving as Superintendent of the Pittsburgh District on July 1. Read more

 

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi announced this week that when Indiana District Superintendent Jim Pond retires on June 30, a new shared leadership model will be tested. Rev. Jodie Smith will be appointed Indiana DS in addition to continuing as Franklin DS. Connellsville DS Robert Zilhaver will assist in the Indiana District while continuing in the Connellsville post. Read more

Decennial Report Required?  Some local churches have received a postcard from the PA Dept of State (Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations) requesting that a Decennial Report be submitted by December 31, 2021. This is a valid request.  The state requires a Decennial Report of Association Continued Existence form to be filed every 10 years -- in years ending with the number 1. Conference Treasurer Roger White reports that the Conference has received the postcard as well, and will be completing the form and submitting the $70 filing fee to the state.  He suggests that churches do the same before the December 31, 2021 deadline. The form and additional details can be found on the PA Dept. of State’s website Decennial Filing

Grants for Historic Churches: The National Fund for Sacred Spaces is accepting applications for funding to support restoration/preservation projects in historic buildings where congregations are serving their communities. Rev. Dr. Susan Moudry, who attended a webinar about the grants and is willing to consult with churches, reports that new additions, demolition, pipe organs and AV equipment are not eligible for funding. Letters of Intent are due by March 15. Learn more at fundforsacredplaces.org/

UMC Scholarships: 2021 Scholarship Applications due by March 24^th
Get details at gbhem.org/loans-scholarships/

Online Worship Permissions Extended: The UM Publishing House is extending full permission to all churches for use of its copyrighted worship materials through July 2021. Read press release

Need a Break, Pastor? A bit of help is on the horizon! Rev. Amy Wagner, our Annual Conference worship coordinator, and Erie-Meadville DS Dennis Swineford are working with Bishop Cynthia and others to produce a recorded worship service that can be used by local churches on Sunday, April 11 (or later). It will be available as a complete service -- or in parts--and can be shown to in-person worshippers, shared online or both. Bishop Cynthia will be the preacher and offer the benediction. Watch for details to come. 

Bishops Propose Hold on New Elections: In a webinar hosted by the Council of Bishops (COB) last Saturday, General and Jurisdictional Conference delegates in the U.S. heard about the state of church finances and a proposal from the COB to hold off on electing new Bishops to replace 16 who are retiring this year. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi offered an opening mediation for the webinar. See links to the webinar and read UM News story

The Post-Covid Church: Barry Winders says the COVID-19 crisis is a hinge point for the church. This pivotal time demands mission-focused leaders lest the church slip back into the busyness and nonmissional activities of the pre-COVID-19 past. Read more in Leading Ideas

February is Heart Month! Your Abundant Health Team offers some tips for heart health along with personal stories from two members about love, faith and health. Read them.

The 2021 session of the Annual Conference will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center.
Thursday, June 17 - Saturday, June 19, 2021

Happy Birthday




February


28     Greg Spencer


March

1      Jerry (Susan) Pickering
3      Hope Cummins
3      Linda (Dean) Ziegler
4      BT Gilligan
11    Sheelaugh (Thom) Bonomo
12    Andrew Spore
14    John (Mary Grey) Emmett
24    Audrey (Hughie)Orsborn
27    Emmett Anderson
28    Kathy (Howard) Russell
 

March

5    Robert & Sandy Fennell
20  Hughie & Audrey Orsborn






 

• Our Country and our leaders
• Those awaiting test results, surgery, and medical treatment.
• Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the WPA Cabinet
• Those who are at higher risk and those who are working on the frontlines of the Pandemic                                                                                          
• Rev. Eric Park, DS, as he cares for the churches and pastors of the district
• Our Country and our leaders
• The United Methodist Church/2021 General and Jurisdictional Conferences

Prayer Focus This Week

WPA Conference, and beyond as we deal with the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Register for SPARK! The annual Conference Youth Event is now scheduled for one day--April 17, 2021-- at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie. Registration to attend in-person is limited, but the worship will be livestreamed so that churches can organize their own watch parties. Check out all the details and register your youth at wpaumc.org/spark.

Youth Theology Institute: Know a high schooler who is ready to learn how their faith in Jesus calls them to live in the world while earning college credit they can carry wherever they go after high school? Nominate and encourage them to apply for the Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute. The two-week summer program is open to any current high school student. Through a daily rhythm of worship, academic study, experiential and service learning, students will become stronger Christian leaders. The 2021 Institute will run from July 18-31, 2021 on the main campus of United Methodist-related Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA.  Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, the student will pay just $200 for room and board, program expenses, and three college credits. To learn more, nominate a student or apply, visit su.edu/youththeology.

Safe Sanctuaries and Online Youth Groups: WPAUMC’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator Amanda Gilligan offers things for you to consider, as well as resources to help, as you adapt your church’s Safe Sanctuaries policy to include online gatherings. Read her blog post.

Jumonville Chaplains Needed: The following weeks are available for Chaplains: June 13-18, June 20-25, July 18-23, and August 8-11.  The Chaplain’s role includes speaking at all-camp Tuesday night worship, being present at the Sunday opening campfire and closing ceremony Friday evening, leading a brief morning watch Monday-Friday, and being available to help lead Bible studies and answer questions when requested. For more information, email rebekah@jumonville.org



Upcoming Youth Events: Mark your calendars for these Conference youth events:

• Uth 4 Missions: July 19-23, 2021 at Jumonville
• Youth Leader Retreat: Sept. 10-12, 2021 at Olmsted (Duffy Robbins will be the keynote speaker.)

 

Jumonville Sports Camps will be offered this summer.  Sports campers will enjoy basic instruction, game time, and healthy competition in a variety of sports.  Fun drills and skill development are based on age appropriate abilities that allow for both basic instruction and plenty of time to play! Thanks to generous donors, financial aid and scholarships are available. More information on each event  Register online
 

 
We are excited to be announcing our very first Jumonville March Madness!  The tournament consists of 64 different activities, places, and other various items that people enjoy most about Jumonville. 
 
How it works: Individuals that want to participate can download a copy of the bracket. Participants will then completely fill out the rest of the bracket and then either mail a copy to 887 Jumonville Road Hopwood PA, 15445 or email a scan and email a copy to rebekah@jumonville.org  Brackets must be received no later than February 28th.  A Facebook poll of the different activities will then be announced on the days that are designated on the bracket.  Whichever item is the winner at the end of the day will move onto the next round.
 
Visit www.wesleywoods.com to see a list of camps we offer in 2021. Work at Camp!
 
 Olmsted is open! Now is the perfect time for your individual or family getaway. Take this time to get away for planning, relaxation, prayer, or togetherness in a new setting. Stay in our modern hotel-style lodge or the historic Tudor-style manor house as you enjoy the peace and beauty of the Allegheny National Forest. Learn more. Call us today to ask about availability - (814) 945-651

2021 Summer Camp Deans Needed! Jumonville is seeking several volunteers to serve as Deans.  Openings are available for: elementary sports, elementary adventure, dance, and family events.  For more information on a dean's responsibilities and the dates of the events, contact Rebekah by email at rebekah@jumonville.org

Save the Date: Olmsted Manor’s two annual women's retreats are set to be held in-person in April and October this year. Mark your calendars to join us for these fun and restorative events.

 Jumonville Chaplains Needed
The following weeks are available for Chaplains: June 13-18, June 20-25, July 18-23, and August 8-11.  The Chaplain’s role includes speaking at all-camp Tuesday night worship, being present at the Sunday opening campfire and closing ceremony Friday evening, leading a brief morning watch Monday-Friday, and being available to help lead Bible studies and answer questions when requested. For more information, email rebekah@jumonville.org


2021 Jumonville Summer Staff Application is now open! Working at a summer camp will help you gain knowledge and skills that future employers will love to have! Check out the many positions we have to offer and complete the online application by visiting applyatjville.com Come have one of the best summers of your life!
                       
2021 Jumonville Summer Camp Registration: We will be utilizing the same system as last year.  If you created an account last year, use the same account and login for this year.  You can register online by clicking here.  Remember a parent/guardian will create a single-family account and register the campers for the events that are available.  All required forms can also be completed here.  If you need assistance, contact the office. The brochure will be mailed when it is ready.  If you need extra copies of the brochure for either your family or your friends, you can call the Jumonville office (724) 439-4912 and we will mail them to you. We can also send them directly to your friends if you give us their contact information. 
 
Feel free to check out the 2021 summer camp schedule on the Jumonville website.
We've got some great new events planned for this summer!

• New- Visit www.wesleywoods.com to see a list of camps we offer in 2021. Work at Camp! 

  

Conference Announcements Updated Dec. 11, 2020.  Our Bishop and District Superintendents urge church leaders to follow current state and local health mandates and guidelines to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and to consider the risk to the most vulnerable in our churches and communities in determining whether to hold in-person worship services. On Dec. 11, 2020, after Gov. Tom Wolf issued a temporary executive order reducing the number of people permitted to gather both indoors and ... read more

To assist clergy as they strive to meet the on-going challenges of ministry in the age of the novel coronavirus, the Western PA Conference is offering Coaching on Demand.  Trained coaches in the Conference are offering their skills at no charge as a ministry to their colleagues. "Right now, we are each navigating personal and professional challenges, new realities, and unexpected ministry opportunities," said the Rev. Amy Wagner, who took a lead role in organizing the Coaching on Demand ... read more