Since mid-March 2020, Conference staff met weekly to plan online Zoom meetings for pastors. Held Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11:15 a.m., the session are designed to address issues facing those serving in local church ministry and provide resources to help address those needs. Each session focuses on a different topic such as Discipleship, Finance, or connecting with children and youth. Staff members and occasional guests share information and ideas on how to continue ministry in the current circumstances. There is also a time for clergy to ask questions and share ideas. Clergy serving in local churches were invited to register for each session by email sent a day or two before. After a trial session with general discussion, registration for most sessions was limited to 100 per session to provide a quality experience for participants. On this page, we share links to information and takeaways from the sessions for those unable to attend as well as participants.
9/15&16/2020 - Preparing for Advent and Christmas with Rev. Derek Weber of Discipleship Ministries and WPA program staff
Addressing Anxiety -- Words of Encouragement for Advent and Christmas
8/26/2020 - Building Community through Social Media with Liz Lennox, WPAUMC social media/visual communications coordinator; Rev. Raphael Koikoi, pastor of Pittsburgh Warren UMC, and Kane District Supt. Pat Lenox, dean of the Cabinet.
8/12/2020 - Building Community through Livestreaming Worship & Other Virtual Platforms with Rev. Dr. Stephen Cady, Senior Pastor at Asbury UMC in Rochester, NY; Rev. Karen Slusser, Associate Pastor at St. Paul’s UMC in Allison Park, PA; Rev. Wanick Fayette, Pastor at Beulah UMC in Johnstown, PA. Download Streaming Equipment Suggestions.
7/22/2020 - Fall Programming for Children, Youth and Families with Chris Wilterdink, Discipleship Ministries/Young People's Div. & Amanda Gilligan, WPA Youth/Young Adult Coordinator
7/08/2020 - Building Community Connections (PDF) with Rev. Liddy Barlow, Christian Associates of SWPA. Download Powerpoint with notes.
6/24/2020 - Navigating Conflict in Difficult Times with Rev. Dr. Leanna K. Fuller of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
6/17/2020 - A Kitchen Table Conversation with Bishop Cynthia
6/10/2020 - Responding to Racism with Anti-Racism team members from Erie-Meadville & Washington districts; John Wesley-Bethel Park:Christ UMCs
6/03/2020 - Summer Activities with Amanda Gilligan, Shane Hinderliter and Sandra Matoushaya
5/27/2020 - Festival of Homiletics recap with Rev. Susan Moudry
5/20/2020 - How to Be More Engaging in Virtual Worship with
Revs. Jeff Sterling and Jeff Vanderhoff
5/13/2020 - Abundant Health with Jessica Price, M.D.; Revs. Renee Mikell and Lynette Moran
5/06/2020-Relationship Building: From Connection to Faith Conversation with Rev. Dr. Scott Hughes and Rev. Amy Wagner
4/29/2020-Ministry Now and Later: Building Virtual Relationships with Revs. Bryan Tener and Amy Wagner
4/27/2020- Supervising from a Distance with Shane Hinderliter
4/22/2020-Ministry with Young Adults and Families with Amanda Gilligan
4/20/2020 - Engaging Parishioners without Technology w/David Ewing & Josh Demi
4/15/2020 - Stewardship in Uncertain Times w/Rev. Mike Ward, CFRE
4/08/2020 - Information from Treasurer Roger White with Attorney Amy Bentz, Chancellor
Note: Because government action to provide relief for businesses (including churches) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to change, we offer only a brief takeaway from this session. The Coronavirus Stimulus and Relief Package page on this website is updated regularly and reflects the most recent information available. It is NOT intended as legal advice. Each church must assess its own situation and make its own decisions.
4/06/2020-Updates from Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi
The video below is an edited version of the Zoom session with Bishop Moore-Koikoi.
4/01/2020- Holy Week and Easter Resources w/Amy Wagner and Shane Hinderliter
3/30/2020- Pastoral Care w/Ann Huntsman, DS Eric Park and DS Brad Lauster
3/25/2020 - Finance and Stewardship w/ Conference Treasurer Roger White and Jason Dix
3/23/2020 - Discipleship and Children/Youth Ministries w/ Amanda Gilligan and Chris Kindle