District Superintendent: Rev. Paul Ritchey | 724-461-7178 | Click to email
District Administrative Assistant: Patty Boyer | 724-461-7178 | Click to email
District Lay Leader: Bonnie Judy | 412-713-1558 | Click to email
DS Paul Ritchey will be on vacation beginning September 9 and returning to the office on September 25. If you need immediate assistance please contact the district office. 724-461-7178
The Greensburg District has moved to Community UMC. Our address is:
3487 Route 130
Irwin, PA 15642
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Bridgeville UMC has recently closed its doors and would like to gift its choral music to other churches to use. They had an extensive music library with pieces arranged by Pepper Choplin, Jack Schrader, John Ness Beck, Jay Althouse, Nancy Price and Don Besig, Sheldon Curry, and many more. There are at least 10 copies of each arrangement. You can see the entire list of titles by clicking here. Each tab in the linked Google spreadsheet has a column on the right titled "Add your email address if you want it" where you can place your e-mail if you want that particular piece. For more information please contact Bob Stark at bstark@protechpts.com
Congratulations to Camp Allegheny for being voted the Best Nonprofit in Somerset County for 2023!
Camp Allegheny is a year-round camp and retreat ministry of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. Located in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Somerset County we serve numerous different organizations each year including churches of all denominations, community groups, colleges, and schools.
Find out more about Camp Allegheny along with their upcoming volunteer days and mystery dinner on their website by clicking here.
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Thank you to all the volunteers and churches that spent countless hours at the Westmoreland County Fair Hospitality Center last week. Volunteers provided cold water, air conditioning, a diaper changing station for parents of little ones, free Bibles, and a friendly face. This event would not be possible without someone volunteering to be the leader. A big thank you goes to Rev. Bruce Judy of First UMC in Irwin, and his wife Bonnie, who was this year's organizer. We would also like to thank Alyssa and Joyce from First UMC Irwin for helping coordinate volunteers and Rev. Bev Gross and Rev. Jack Tickle for being willing to fill any vacant time slots. Again, thank you to ALL the volunteers for your time serving at the Westmoreland County Fair.
Church Conferences are fast approaching. Begin the paperwork now! A copy of the packet is due to the district office 2 weeks before the conference date. Here are some helpful links:
Send your completed packet to the district office at: greensburg.office@wpaumc.org 2 weeks before your conference.
If you are unable to print the forms and would like the district to mail you a blank copy of the forms to complete, please contact the district office at 724-461-7178
Throughout our Zimbabwe partnership, we have helped with the building of the Kariba church at various stages. We are happy to report that the Kariba church is nearing completion! The structure is there and is being used regularly. The current phase is the finishing touches of flooring, fixtures, and furnishings. Our goal for 2023, is to provide funding for the sanctuary flooring and sanctuary benches. Our goal is to raise $16,000.
Contributions to this project can be made individually or through your local church. You can send a donation by check made out to WPAUMC and include on the memo line: GB/Harare West Partnership. Mail your check to WPAUMC, attn: AR/Kristin Poerschke, 1204 Freedom Drive, PO Box 5002, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066. Or you can make a donation with a debit/credit card through the secure site PayPal, no PayPal account is needed:
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In 2022, Greensburg District raised funds for the Mhangura Borehole (water well)!
Mhangura is a community in the northern part of Zimbabwe located 117 miles north of the capital city of Harare. It was once a community of copper miners. Since the mining company has left the community so has employment and safe sources of water. Many people of Mhangura have to travel to access water, use water from open pits, or go without. Clean, safe water isn't just for drinking and cooking. A lack of water also leads to poor sanitation and hygenie, think open pit toilets and no where to wash your hands. We, here is Western Pennsylvania, are raising funds to help this community gain access to fresh, clean water through our partnership with the Harare West District. The cost to drill a new borehole in Mhangura is estimated near $5500. We are happy to report that we were able to accomplish that goal and send the funds to Zimbabwe at the end of 2022.
Through the partnership between WPA Greensburg District and the Harara West District the many lives have been changed both afar and at home. Here is a few reminder of what we have accomplished together:
This borehole provides clean safe water on a daily bases to a community of around 100 families. It serves an additional 100 people attending church on Sundays. Thankfully this borehole was completed because the school's well has dried up and the Kajokoto borehole will be able to serve the children during the school year. At this time there is no water limits in place. In addition to the borehole the project included wheelbarrows and water jugs that have been well received.
In conjunction with a shift to a new supervisory model announced in May, there have also been some adjustments to what administrative support will look like for the three initial district pairings. See update here
At the 2022 Greensburg District Conference, the Greensburg District Apportionment Fund was approved to be reinstated. This fund is a voluntary contribution made by the district's churches to provide grants to other churches in need. There are two grant types available, trustees and programs. The District Office accepts applications in January, July, and in cases of emergencies. More information is included with each grant application. Click here for more information about the Greensburg District Fund. To make a contribution to the Greensburg District Apportionment Fund, please send checks to the Greensburg District office with "District Fund" in the memo line.
Download the fillable Word version of the applications:
Greensburg District Program Grant Application
Greensburg District Trustee Grant Application
Conference Announces New Supervisory Model: After much prayer and discernment, Conference leadership is excited to announce that we will begin a new model of supervision for pastors and churches in the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. Implemented in two phases, this model will help reorganize, resize and refocus our conference to become more nimble and deliberate.
While the boundaries of the ten districts will remain the same, five supervisory areas will be established by July 1, 2024 with superintendents providing supervisory care and oversight for two districts each. Read more.
The Fall 2023 Pittsburgh District Lay Servant Ministry School is pleased to be offering the classes listed below to help laity respond to their personal call in ministry and the life of the church. Each class is being held on different dates, allowing you to take more than one class if you wish. All classes, except From Your Heart to Theirs, have the option of attending in person, hybrid or online. There is a $15 fee per class plus you need to purchase the class book(s). This flyer has more information. You may register online here or through the flyer. The Book of Discipline (¶251) urges Church Lay Leaders to become Certified Lay Servants.
The Council of Bishops has received this Boy Scout update: Local churches are to not extend existing charters past 12/31/2022 except for any that require additional time to complete. Churches should begin utilizing the new affiliation agreements found here effective 1/1/23 or as soon as possible in 2023. Please contact Steven Scheid, sscheid@gcumm.org, the Scouting Executive for United Methodist Men for additional guidance and questions, if needed.
Friday, September 22, 2023 to September 24
Join WPAUMC Youth Ministry Coordinator Amanda Mitchell for a weekend of planning strategies, structure, and teamwork and get your youth ministry plan ready for action. This training is great if you are new to youth ministry, need help with a game plan, or even if you are a seasoned youth ministry team member. Training is September 22-24 at Olmsted Manor & Retreat Center. Register today at www.olmstedmanor.org/youth-ministry-training.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Spirit is moving and the United Methodist Church is alive! The Pittsburgh District of the Western Pennsylvania Conference will host a day-long seminar on September 30th, 2023 from 9:30am-3pm at Bakerstown UMC entitled “Alive: Being the Church Today” where presenters will offer inspiring examples of exciting ministries in our region, seeking to empower others to either replicate or adapt these, or develop new ministries in their community. Both laity and clergy are invited to submit a proposal for a short (five-minute) talk on a fruitful, innovative ministry being done in their local or regional context. The day will begin with worship and ministry presentations, and conclude with a hands-on workshop to network and connect across churches while developing a usable, practical plan for ministry to take home.
Learn more about Alive!
Churches, find promotional items by clicking here including slides and bulletin inserts.
Saturday, September 30, 2023 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
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Rain or Shine, Warren UMC is hosting a Community Day on September 30 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Warren UMC, 2604 Center Avenue, Pittsburgh. There will be music, free food, and a bike giveaway! See the flyer here.
Sunday, October 1, 2023 to October 29
The Fall 2023 Indiana District Lay Servant Ministry School is offering the classes listed below to help laity respond to their personal call in ministry and the life of the church. There is a $10 fee per class plus you need to purchase the class book. This flyer has more information. You may register online here or through the flyer. The Book of Discipline (¶251) urges Church Lay Leaders to become Certified Lay Servants.
Sunday, October 1, 2023 12:30 PM
On Sunday, October 1, Monroeville UMC will present a concert by the Pittsburgh Renaissance City Choir at 12:30 pm. The concert provided by The Renaissance City Choir is free of charge; however, a love offering will be taken. Doors will open at noon
The Renaissance City Choir is western Pennsylvania’s only LGBTQIA+ and allies choral group and seeks to build bridges both within the LGBTQIA+ community and with the community at large. The programming blends challenging contemporary music, commissions of new works, an ambitious traditional repertoire, and music from various world cultures. MUM is excited to be hosting this unique group of talented musicians.
Monroeville United Methodist Church is located at 219 Center Road, Monroeville 15146. Phone 412-372-7474, if you want more information.
Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 PM
Pittsburgh Peace is Possible Coalition is hosting an interfaith peace concert on October 1, 2023, at 2:00 pm at First UMC in Pittsburgh to celebrate the International Day of Peace, recognized on September 21. The event will include performances from a variety of artistic groups including the Healthy Village Initiative drumming group, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church choir, First UMC Choir, liturgical dance group, bell choir, tai chi, calligrapher, and inspirational readings about peace. The concert will feature the hymn "Peace Is Possible" with deeply moving lyrics written by Jeff Sterling to the tune Finlandia by Jean Sibelius.
Registration is NOT required but appreciated, click here to RSVP.
Find the flyer here.
Pittsburgh Peace is Possible Coalition is an affiliation of Pittsburgh area social justice advocacy groups, including the Pittsburgh District Antiracism Team, B-PEP, Christian Associates of SW PA, the Coalition Against Violence, Cease Fire Pennsylvania, and the Quaker Peace and Social Concerns Committee.
Saturday, October 21, 2023 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Western PA United Women of Faith are holding their 2023 Annual meeting on October 21, 2023. Check-in begins at 9 am and the meeting begins at 9:30 am at Dutihl UMC in Cranberry Twp. This year's guest speaker is Ross Golden speaking on Genesis 1:3a. There will be a panel discussion from the Coalfield Justice Center of Washington, PA followed by a lunch, communion, and memorial service. Cost is $10. This event will be held in person and virtually. Registration is required by October 15 to Linda Murdock at lindalmurdock@gmail.com or 814-382-3877. Click here for more information.
Read the UWF fall newsletter here.
Sunday, November 5, 2023 2:00 PM
Baldwin Community UMC (5001 Baptist Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236) will be having a Healing Service in their Chapel on November 5th at 2 p.m. All are welcome to join in this afternoon of healing the body, mind, and spirit. No need to register.
11/17/2022
The Commission on the General Conference announced that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 - May 3, 2024, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC. Read more about the 2024 General Conference announcement here. read more
5/27/2023
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The past few years have been difficult for us all, due in large part to the COVID pandemic and conversations around disaffiliation. Yet, despite this challenging season we have been witness to innovative ways of doing ministry that cares for both United Methodists and new people seeking a faith community. We celebrate the emerging relationships and opportunities as vital and unique ministries flourish, in spite of significant upheaval. While the full impact of disaffiliation is yet unknown, ... read more
4/17/2023
This season of disaffiliation is painful for many, especially for those who wish to remain part of the United Methodist Church but are members of churches that have voted to leave the denomination. Conference leadership has heard from some of these individuals and the most pervasive question is, “Where do I go now?” As conversations evolved about how to best care for those who may be feeling adrift, leadership turned to the connection and researched how other conferences are caring for people ... read more
9/6/2022
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf has entered, having become a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 Siblings in Christ, I pray that all our souls are anchored in Christ, who is our hope. This past summer I had the opportunity to rest and relax with my husband and fur baby, be educated around leadership and my African American ... read more
Bishop calls for prayer after Jacksonville shooting
LAKELAND, Fla. — Just days before the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, a gunman killed three Black people in Jacksonville, Florida, in what law enforcement identified as a hate crime. “How long, O LORD, will some have to live in fear,” asks Florida Conference Bishop Tom Berlin in a call to prayer that references Psalm 13. Read Bishop Berlin’s statement
Study helps white Christians understand racism's impacts
WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race is offering a seven-part curriculum aimed at white Christians in how racism affects society and the church. “You Are Here” defines racism and discusses how it impacts and impedes the integrity and effectiveness of God’s people gathered as the church.
View resource
Leaders, scholars confront racism in the church
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Despite some progress, racism remains a persistent issue in The United Methodist Church. While there is talk of change, some church leaders say actions still support the status quo. Three new books by United Methodist authors reflect the discussion around racism in the church and how to end it. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story.
"Racial Justice Prayer Service Outline: The General Commission on Religion and Race recently released a prayer service outline aimed at helping churches host a racial justice prayer service in their ministry context. Download the prayer service outline.
Asking the Hard Questions About Race: The Rev. Giovanni Arroyo poses a difficult question to white United Methodists who say they want an end to racism. “Do you want racial justice enough to voluntarily relinquish some of your power?” A native of Puerto Rico, he knows firsthand what it’s like to be a minority in America, and that experience informs the way he pursues his mission as The United Methodist Church’s point person on inclusion. Read UM News story. here https://www.umnews.org/en/news/asking-the-hard-questions-about-race
Listen to Our Conexión podcast with Arroyo on racism and Christianity here https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/our-conexion-episode-1
Discipleship and Anti-Racism: Realize the connection and learn how to have courageous conversations on a difficult topic through a new online course from Discipleship Ministries. There’s no cost. See video and learn more
There are a variety of scholarships available at www.umc.org/resources/scholarships and at www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.
Local church grants available for outreach: The Foundation for Evangelism has opened the 2023 Equipping the Local Church grant cycle. A total of $350,000 is available for grants of $5,000 or $10,000 to small and medium-size congregations, or clusters of churches working together, in a Wesleyan-tradition denomination. A grant application webinar is set for 2-3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time Jan. 26. Learn more.
Scholarship for lay women available: The deadline to apply for the United Women in Faith National Scholarship for lay women is April 18. The scholarships are designed to be used for undergraduate or graduate study or student internships in religion or a related field such as social work. Preference will be given to people affiliated with The United Methodist Church and women involved with UWF. The average scholarship is $1,000, and the maximum is $5,000. Read press release.