VIP- AC2021 Updates: To receive a ballot for voting you must register for Annual Conference before May 31. If you did not receive the registration link mailed on May 6 or a reminder last week and believe you should have, email conferencesecretary@wpaumc.org
Get details on AC2021Hybrid Annual Conference Planned: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has announced that the 2021 Annual Conference will be held in hybrid form on June 18-19. Clergy session will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 3 via Zoom Webinar. The Bishop explained the reasons for the decision in an email to clergy and voting lay members. She also created a video message that can be shared. Read more and see video
See Bishop’s email
New-Albright United Methodist Church
The following happenings are taking place at Albright United Methodist Church
1626 S. Pittsburgh St
Connellsville, PA 15425
June 5th Strawberry Festival 11-2
June 11th and 12th Sub Sale fresh made 12” subs for $8
Ark Encounter Trip
Thurs Sept 9th to Sept 11th Coach Trip to the Ark Encounter, Creation Museum and the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky.
3 day and 2 nights.
The coast is TBD but no more than $400 per person or lower depending on interest.. The church is selling subs to offset the cost of the Coach Bus. There is only 54 seats available for the trip.
All reservations must be in by July 20th and all monies by August 10th.
The price will include coach bus fare, tickets to 3 attractions, a meal voucher on Thursday at the Creation Museum, a buffet meal on Friday at the Ark Encounter and 2 nights lodging.
If interested call Bev Lamb at 724-372-1456
As an added bonus the Ark Encounter will be featuring Jason Crabb as there musical guest and Dr. David Jerimiah as their guest speaker.
If your church is hosting an event that you would like posted please send an email to connellsville.office@wpaumc.org
CONNELLSVILLE DISTRICT LAY MINISTY SCHOOL/ Registration will be announced soon
New Dates: September 19th through October 17th from 2:00 pm. and end at 5:00 p.m.
Class Title:
Basic* - Karen Sholtis
Called to Preach* - Rev. Roger Howard
Leading Prayer* - Rev. Rick Helsel
United Methodist Polity* - Rev. Arnold McFarland
Lay Pastoral Care Giving - Rev. Tom Shirer
Teach Adults- Barbara Hess
Opening Ourselves to Grace: Basic Christian Practices -Rev. Mark Sholtis
All Western Pennsylvania United Methodist Annual Conference, Connellsville District Churches Dear Fellow Servants, This is a letter of introduction of sorts. We (Roy (Barney) Shipley and Greg Crossley) were appointed by the Connellsville District General Conference as UMCOR Co-Disaster Coordinators for the district. Pastor Mark Blair had previously served in that capacity but answered a call to another charge leaving the position vacant. Roy and I wanted to let everyone know who we are and how we might be contacted in the case of a situation where disaster relief might be needed. While it is certainly our prayer that we are not needed we stand ready to answer this call if the need should arise. UMCOR as you may or may not know has a rich history in caring for those affected by disaster in so many ways. We here in Fayette County recently had an opportunity to witness this firsthand. After the devastating flood of late August 2016 in the Connellsville area, UMCOR was immediately on the scene and maintained a presence for two years. The flood recovery center which provided coordination of long-term recovery efforts along with case management was funded through an UMCOR grant. UMCOR work teams along with many other faith based and civic organization partners provided cleanup and restoration assistance to survivors of the flood. These efforts were particularly vital as even as devastating as this event was, it did not rise to a level meriting a federal disaster declaration. This meant all assistance came from volunteers and public donations. It was a true example of what I believe God calls us to do. So, I believe it is time to cut myself off here and get to the purpose of this letter. I am listing our contact information
below.
Roy (Barney) Shipley 724-323-2274 rshipley900@gmail.com
Greg Crossley 724-323-5824 uema@verizon.net or gcrossle@verizon.net
Again, while we pray the need never arises, we are available and will coordinate with our conference coordinator to provide for any needs. We are also always looking for ERT's (early response team). There is rather short class involved after which you will receive credentials. If you are looking for a mission this is certainly a worthwhile one to consider.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Fayette County Homebound Residents:
With guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with the our county emergency service providers and WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital, have created a system of providing vaccinations for homebound residents.
A homebound resident is defined as someone who is unable to leave their house. Those who are homebound, or caregivers of homebound residents, are encouraged to call the Fayette County Vaccine Scheduling Center at 724-430-3900, or register the individual at www.fayettecountypa.org (click COVID-19 and then Individual Registration).
Once the residents' information is collected, a provider will be in contact to set a vaccination appointment time. Moderna vaccine will be used.
God Bless,
Roy Shipley
Covid restrictions are lifting, but I wish to introduce a new virtual opportunity to resource evangelism in the district. This will be a private Facebook Group, Connellsville U. M. District Evangelism.
The emphasis for the group I draw from the Circuit Riding Preachers that went before us. The period of the Circuit Riders was a time when Methodism was growing exponentially, unlike the present time of decline. How can an understanding of the Circuit Riders provide inspiration and direction for our evangelism efforts today? It's interesting how the international youth organization Y. - W. A. M (Youth With A Mission) took inspiration from these early Methodists. They found, in a study of the efforts of the Circuit Riders, a threefold emphasis: Save the Lost, Revive The Saved and Encourage Everyone in Being Disciples for Jesus Christ. We will be looking for ways to dialogue and share resources in these three areas.
This Facebook group will be private, but open by request to any seekers, lay people and clergy within the district. Ideas, resources, successes and frustrations can be shared. It would also be available for announcing evangelism related activities at your churches. The possibilities of ways to network, be informed and share resources is limitless. I'm very excited about this venture and look to involve evangelism committee members in launching it. We also have great hope that more onsite Evangelism program activities will soon be available as well.
Offering Christ,
Pastor Doug Burns
You can find us on facebook @ Connellsville U. M. District Evangelism
You can email Pastor Burns with your evangelism ideas @ umcrockwood@gmail.com
As Indiana District Superintendent Jim Pond prepares to retire, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi announced a new experimental district leadership model. Her announcement follows. The pandemic has reinforced the importance of our connection, teamwork, innovation, and good stewardship of our resources. It has further affirmed that in Western Pennsylvania we can manage through change because God has been faithful to us in the midst of changing dynamics as we have had to develop new ways of ... read more
Annual Conference: Bishop: Annual Conference To Be Hybrid :Thursday, June 17 - Saturday, June 19, 2021 will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center.
SEE DETAILS HERE: https://youtu.be/dkQlDGICg2M
Uth 4 Missions- July 19-23, 2021 at Jumonville
Canadian Wilderness Canoe Trip: Monday, July 26, 2021 to Wednesday, August 4 July 26-Aug 4, 2021, led by Revs. Scott Hamley, Doug Burns, Craig Lindahl and Paige Townley
For more information, contact: Rev. Scott Hamley, enonvalleyinc@hotmail.com
Jumonville Golf fundraiser: Come join us on Friday, August 27th for a great day of golf, fun, friends and fundraising!
More details regarding costs and prices will be coming soon! For questions, please contact Bob Boyle at rjboyle@consolidated.net or (724) 759-1403
UMW Day Apart: Thursday, September 9, 2021
Lay Ministry School: New dates: September 19th through October 17th at Paradise United Methodist Church. The classes will begin at 2:00 pm. and end at 5:00 p.m.
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PRAYERS
Hello Prayer Warriors. Could you all pray for Debbie Harrold, she is on a ventilator a Pittsburgh Hospital, Also could you all pray for Richard Smith, He has Pancreatic Cancer and Kelly halldorson , her boyfriend past away Friday. PS we are having a healing service at the Cochran Memorial UMC, Dawson PA, on July 21st, Wednesday at 7 PM, Love Pastor Bruce Anthony
New Appointments: https: //www.wpaumc.org/appointments
Samantha Penwell Corbin- To serve South Fayette Co-op Parish
Robert V. Ellson- Appointed Connellsville District Ministry Assistant
Kimberly L. Foose- To Serve South Acme/Barren Run
James T. Golla-To Serve Friedens: Pleasant Hill
Mark A. Sholtis- To Serve Connellsville Cooperative Parish
Those recovering from surgery.
Caregivers and their families.
Our Country and our leaders.
Schools and universities.
Pastors and congregations dealing with covid
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the WPA Cabinet
2022 General and Jurisdictional Conference
2021 UMW PRAYER CALENDAR: PRAY AS ONE PEOPLE - the 2021 prayer calendar is available for $14. The prayer calendar includes information about mission projects, prayers written by missionaries, and the birthdays and contact information for missionaries serving around the world. Buy now
Richard & Danielle Pearson-20
Joseph & Tonia Caola-28
Robert & Lynn Kifer-22
Samuel & Judith McClintock- 31
June
Dave & Patricia McCall-6
Chuck & Cheryl Hildbold-7
Art & Marlene Gotjen -8
Roger & Lois Howard -10
Brenda & Tom Shaffer-11
Eric & Kim Raygor-11
Tom & Sharon Brown -17
Steve & Beverly Lamb-21
Jeffrey & Audrey Popson-26
Roger & Beverly Saunders-30
New-Foundations for Ministry online course August 31, 2020 – May 16, 2021: This course helps Certified Lay Ministers, first-time pastors, and District Superintendent assigned persons to develop best practices for serving the local church in sermon writing, developing relationships with their congregation, building mission and vision. The course focuses on a different aspect of ministry each month with all work and discussion forums taking place online, including monthly meetings. www.larcm.org
Continuing Education for United Methodist Clergy
Since 2018, United Methodist clergy and other church leaders have taken one-hour continuing education classes at clergyeducation.com. In addition to admission into live sessions, registrants receive a video recording of the webinar and a certificate representing 1-hour CEU credit. The cost for each session is $25.
Upcoming Events at Olmsted:
OLMSTED MANOR RETREAT CENTER- 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 at (814) 945-6512. Calendar of Events:
New-Clergy Summer Getaway
50% OFF lodging
for WPAUMC pastors
in July & August
New- Summer Licensing School: The 2021 Summer Residential Licensing School and CLM Training will be held at Olmsted Manor Retreat Center from Sunday evening, July 25 - Wednesday afternoon, May 4. A completed application with essays and a $100 (non-refundable) deposit must be received by the registrar before July 10, 2021. Priority will be given to Western PA candidates. Download the application at wpaumc.org/forms.
Abundant Resources for Ministry:
Fund Development Training II
June 13-15, 2021
Leader: Dr. Amanda Stewart
June 27 – July 1, 2021 This is to let you and yours know that the 2021 Music & Worship Week at Olmsted has been canceled out of an abundance of caution for ongoing COVID-19 concerns. The nature of the event drove leadership to make this decision. We are hopeful for an event in 2022 to serve church music volunteers and professionals.
Church Admin Training
July 18-20, 2021
Leaders: Rev. Donna Doutt,
Rev. Sharon Schwab, Liz Lennox
Youth Ministry Training
September 10-12, 2021
Leader: Dr. Duffy Robbins
Challenge Gift: Olmsted Family has blessed us with another $25,000 Challenge Gift. The goal is to raise at least $50,000 to pay down 10% of the debt on the new water treatment plant to continue offering life giving ministries in this sacred space. If you are able to help by making a gift, you can make a check payable to Olmsted Manor and write “Safe Water Project” in the memo. To give or to set up a recurring gift click here.
Upcoming Events at Jumonville:
Grounds & Cross Information
Our grounds and walk to the Cross are now OPEN to the public! All buildings will remain closed, including restrooms. Any trash also needs to be taken with you when you leave. All guidelines & social distancing must still be followed.
New- The golf fundraiser is back for 2021!
We have good news! The golf fundraiser is back for 2021! Come join us on Friday, August 27th for a great day of golf, fun, friends and fundraising!
Mark your calendars and please share with other golfers that you know that may be interested in both enjoying golf and supporting Jumonville at the same time! If you are unable to attend, there are several sponsorships and opportunities to still donate. We also have some volunteer opportunities available as well on the day of the event.
More details regarding costs and prices will be coming soon! For questions, please contact Bob Boyle at rjboyle@consolidated.net or (724) 759-1403
| Special Needs Events that we will be offering this summer. Our special needs events are staffed with plenty of well trained volunteers. Activities are adapted based upon the individual campers' needs. More information on each event can be found at www.jumonville.org/schedule |
Our speciality camps allow for a lot of fun and unique opportunities at Jumonville! More information on each event can be found at
www.jumonville.org/schedule
Camp Allegheny Summer 2021 Registrations are OPEN!
We are ready! We have the experience! Whatever this summer looks like we are ready to provide a safe week of Fun, Faith and Friends for the children and youth of our conference. We operated and served over 600 last summer and are preparing for another exciting summer of ministry.
Summer brochures are in the mail, but you can register now at www.CampAllegheny.org.
Contact Erika at Erika@campallegheny.org or give her a call at 814 754 5122. Also check out our webpage at; www.campallegheny.org
New- Camp Allegheny Women’s Retreat from August 27-29, 2021: The theme is “Becoming a Vessel for God’s Use” with Cookie White. 2 Corinthians 4:7. This weekend getaway is set at the beautiful camping and retreat center of Camp Allegheny and is designed to let women refresh and renew their walk with the Lord. It is filled with praise, worship, speaker sessions, great meals, and free-time activities. Come enjoy fun and fellowship on the mountaintop with fellow sisters in Christ. Open your heart to a weekend of encouragement, faith building, and God’s love. Full weekend costs $110.00.
Email cawomensretreat@yahoo.com for more information. You may also visit www.campallegheny.org to download the Registration form. (Menu on right - Programs/women’s retreat/registration form).Please mail form and deposit to the registrar’s address listed on form
Upcoming events at Wesley Woods:
Visit www.wesleywoods.com to see a list of camps we offer in 2021. Work at Camp!
Wesley Woods is looking to fill some important roles in our ministry. Go
to the link below and create an account to fill out the application and
interviews happen as we receive your application all applicants need to
be 18 or older. We are in NEED of males over 18 especially. Thank you
At The Lake Ministries
New-At The Lake Ministries 2021 Charter Dates: At The Lake Ministries provides boating and fishing charters for those with special needs of all ages in Erie, Pennsylvania. Our goal is to share Lake Erie with those who otherwise wouldn't be able to enjoy the water via boat. We are wheelchair and therapy pet friendly! The cost is $40 per person that comes aboard for a charter experience. Contact us for more information regarding scholarships. (If you would like to reserve a date or schedule a private charter on a separate day, contact us at atthelakeministries@gmail.com.)
Upcoming Youth Events: Mark your calendars for these Conference youth events:
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.
Uth 4 Missions: July 19-23, 2021 at Jumonville
Nominations and Applications Open for 2021 Session of Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (July 18-31, 2021)
Is there high schooler in your life who is ready to learn about how their faith in Jesus Christ calls them to live and be in the world in a way that seeks justice, all while earning college credit that they can carry with them wherever they go after high school? Nominate and encourage them to apply for the Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (SUYTI). SUYTI is a two-week, credit-bearing program for any young person who is currently in high school (that is, any student who will be a rising sophomore through recent high school graduate this summer). Through a daily rhythm of worship, academic study, experiential and service learning, and (of course) sabbath rest, students will learn to become stronger Christian leaders and return home equipped to be change-agents for the reign of God. The 2021Institute will run from July 18-31, 2021 on Shenandoah University’s main campus in Winchester. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, students will have all that SUYTI has to offer (room and board, program expenses, and three college credits) at a cost of only $200 per student. However, 2021 will be our final session, so now is the perfect time to apply! To nominate a student or to apply, visit www.su.edu/youththeology
Youth Leader Retreat from Friday, September 10, 2021 to Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Olmsted Manor, Ludlow, PA 16333. Duffy Robbins will be the keynote speaker. Contact person: Amanda Gilligan
Youth Information: on the web at https://www.wpaumc.org/youthevents
Mission News: Check out updates on local and global ministries in this week’s issue of the Mission News.
New-Summer Opportunities: To check out some opportunities to engage in mission this summer, learn or keep up with what’s happening, read this week’s Mission News.
One Emergency After Another for UMCOR: In a year when one disaster seems to follow another, the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s longtime investment into the training and support of church members who respond — both in the U.S. and globally — is paying off. See how
New- Eastbrook Mission Barn:
If you would like to come volunteer at the barn – to verify or make up UMCOR kits or build ramp modules – you can anytime! You can also go out and assist in assembling a ramp in the community. Just contact us at missionbarn@gmail.com to register your team. Thank you to all the churches, individuals, and UMWs for your generous prayers and support of me as your Deaconess and Church and Community Worker and Eastbrook Mission Barn! If you would like someone to share the joy of missions with your church or organization, please contact me at ktpete@gmail.com. My advance covenant salary number is 982942. Eastbrook Mission Barn’s WPA advance number is ms002009b. If you donate through the WPA Conference, you can designate your donation this way.
New-Johnstown District-Mount Olive UM Church in Sidman, Pa, is looking for a part-time Ministry Assistant. Duties would include, but are not limited to, working with youth of the church and community. Specifically, assisting in Sunday School and small groups, encouraging all to meet spiritual, social and emotional needs, and leading them in spiritual commitments and discipline. The Ministry Assistant would also implement community outings, outreach and mission projects while assisting the Pastor.
Tara Park, whose music ministry has been a blessing to the Western PA Conference for over 25 years, and her husband Eric, the Butler District Superintendent, have released a new music CD entitled “Feels Like Home!” It includes eleven original songs along with three of their favorite hymns of faith. Every dollar raised from the sale of the CDs, which are $10 each, will go directly to support the “Deeply Rooted, Upward Reaching” campaign supporting six Western PA Conference Camping and Retreat Ministries. The CDs are available through the Connellsville District Office. 724.550.4058.
The title is “For Ever and a Day”, and it contains 15 original, inspiring, Christian songs. Their hope is that the listener will draw closer to the Lord and feel His peace.
Visit: http://jerryandsandirectenwald.com
for information on purchasing a hard copy, downloading the songs on digital platforms, and to read the song lyrics and backgrounds.
For more information on their music ministry, please don’t hesitate to contact them.
Pension Calculation Worksheet: Please be aware we have updated the 2021 pension calculation worksheet on our webpage.
It can be found by visiting us at :
https://www.wpaumc.org/
Drop down to misc files and it can be found there.
Please note, there is a slight increase from 2020 in that the Benefit Reserve is changing from .1% to .5% for 2021.
2/15/2021
As Indiana District Superintendent Jim Pond prepares to retire, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi announced a new experimental district leadership model. Her announcement follows. The pandemic has reinforced the importance of our connection, teamwork, innovation, and good stewardship of our resources. It has further affirmed that in Western Pennsylvania we can manage through change because God has been faithful to us in the midst of changing dynamics as we have had to develop new ways of ... read more
6/5/2020
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
5/6/2020
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
4/13/2020
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1, NRSV) As our world has become encased in fear and uncertainty because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Western Pennsylvania Conference calls all laity and clergy to an intentional, daily time of prayer. In the midst of the chaos, we need to stand in the power of prayer. On March 24, 2020, Rev. Randall Bain, senior pastor at the Oakland United Methodist ... read more
3/13/2020
UPDATE: The Commission on the General Conference, in a March 16 press release said: As concerns over the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic continue to escalate, the Commission on the General Conference will meet on March 21 via teleconference to discuss plans for the 2020 General Conference, scheduled for May 5-15, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minn. According to the United Methodist Book of Discipline, in the absence of a convened General Conference, only the full Commission, as the duly authorized ... read more
The Eastbrook Mission Barn is one of six UMCOR Relief Supply Network depots across the United States.
Mission Barn & UMCOR Supplies- Due to Annual Conference in June being cancelled and therefore the UMCOR collection, Mission Barn Director Katie Peterson is looking for a church willing to be the collection point for their district for UMCOR supplies, cleaning buckets, and hygiene kits on a one or two time basis this summer. Preferably they can keep track of what church brought the donations and then store the kits and supplies in a secure location. People can bring the kits and supplies from the collection directly to the barn or the conference center, or she can arrange to send a truck or trailer to pick them up. Contact: Katie Peterson
There are a variety of scholarships available at www.umc.org/resources/scholarships and at www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.