Church reopening? Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi said in a letter to clergy that you must follow governmental laws and official health guidelines. Continue to have conversations with your church leadership and your District Superintendent as you make decisions about how and when to reintegrate in-person worship to your ministry. You can find our reopening guidelines and a video discussing our reasoning at wpaumc.org/covid-19-whats-next-for-churches.
WPA Health Team Updates Reopening Guidelines: As some Western PA counties move toward the Green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s Plan for Reopening Pennsylvania, the Conference Abundant Health Team issued updated guidelines for churches in “green” counties. Learn more
Annual Conference 2020
Annual Conference Updates: Keep up with Annual Conference news, see a list of Frequently Asked Questions, download the Appointment book, read reports, and legislation at wpaumc.org/AC.
Clergy: Plan your vacation, weddings, mission trips, etc. around this date and plan to attend.
The 2021 session of the Annual Conference also will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center.
Dates set for General Conference: August 29 - September 7, 2021, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Learn more.
General Conference to move to 2021 Read the news release
Ebensburg United Methodist Church will be hiring a Worship Leader to lead the church praise band at their Saturday night service. If interested in applying, please contact Pastor J.R. Virgin at 814-244-5654.
A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4 pm-6 pm Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave in Windber PA.
The menu will be BBQ Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Vegetables, Fruit & Dessert.
Meal will be served and sponsored by Bayada Home Health Care
Please note: There will be limited seating available. Take outs will be available when you come to the serving line for those that wish to not wait for seating. If you wish to wait for seating there will be waiting in the sanctuary in designated pews until seating is made available. We will be practicing social distancing and masks worn when social distancing is not feasible.
Please consider making a donation on behalf of United Methodist Human Services, for their Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community fundraiser. All proceeds go to support Project Shoes, providing new, seasonally appropriate, well fitting shoes to under-resourced kids in close to 50 schools and agencies across five counties. This year we participated in a Virtual Walk! A real walk, but on our terms, with photos submitted of our journey. You can go to our Highmark Page to give by no later than July 15th: http://hcf.convio.net/site/TR?
At The Lake Ministries: Our schedule starts July 17th. ATLM offers opportunities for persons with special needs to enjoy fishing and cruising on Lake Erie. To view the dates and to schedule a charter for your family or group, visit atthelakeministries.org Lots of dates are still available!
In 2019, “Lego Camp” began at Wesley Woods, ministering to 14 campers. Lego Camp was started by Rev. Corben Russell to reach campers who might not be able to fully participate in a traditional camp. In 2020, Lego Camp is expanding to reach more campers and will be offered 2 different weeks. Pastor Corben is asking for your prayers for the campers as well for donations. Used Logos or financial donations to help with the purchase of Legos are needed. Either may be sent to Pastor Corben at the church he serves, Mt Zion UMC, 16 Denton Ave, DuBois, PA 15801-1207, or directly to Wesley Woods, 1001 Fiddlersgreen Road, Grand Valley, PA 16420. You may contact the Indiana District for further information at indiana.district@wpaumc.org.
Monday, March 9, 2020
The due date for all three evaluations - May 15, 2020
Evaluation links were sent on Monday, March 2, 2020. Reminder that the links to all three evaluations have been sent to the senior pastor. Please make sure the links are sent to those responsible for completing the 2020 evaluations. If you need help, please don't hesitate to call the district office.
4/28/2020
View this email in your browser University of Pittsburgh's Tech Support for Teachers/Community-Based Organizations Editor’s note: This information was originally shared in an email from Lina Dostilio, Associate Vice Chancellor for Community Engagement We’ve been hearing from within our networks that in many cases our teachers are the front line of helping students and families navigate ... read more
3/9/2020
5x1000 Campaign: $5 is all it takes to change lives! A small way to make a big difference! We all want to do good with our money, but sometimes there just isn't much left at the end of the month! A little can go a long way with the Power of Multiplication! The 5x1000 Campaign for UMHS $5 a month is all it takes to change lives! Your $5 monthly gift will help put shoes on children's feet and food on the tables of families and senior citizens. You'll help provide diapers and hygiene kits to ... read more
2/20/2020
Revs. John & Patsy Ciampa invite you to join them in a journey to the Holy Land on February 16-26, 2021. Have you ever considered walking where Jesus walked, or sailing on the Sea of Galilee, how about walking the streets of Old Jerusalem? What it would be like to visit the birthplace of Jesus, or stand at the site of the crucifixion, or better still, the empty tomb? An opportunity to do these things and much more is coming. Pastors John & Patsy Ciampa will lead a Holy Land Tour early next ... read more
2/10/2020
Cleaning Kit Value: $75.00 per kit Cleaning Kit Materials One five-gallon round bucket with lid (14.35” h x 12.19” w x 12.19” d) o No screw lids o May be used, but must be free from all residual product o Advertisement on the outside acceptable One 32–64 oz. bottle liquid laundry detergent One 16–40 oz. bottle liquid concentrate household cleaner o No spray cleaners One 16–34 oz. bottle liquid dish soap One 4–8 oz. pump spray air freshener One 6–14 oz. pump spray insect repellant (pack of 10... read more
6/5/2020
Conference Announcements Updated June 12, 2020. Read Bishop's Update on Reopening Churches See What's Next for Churches video with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Dr. Jessica Price. Download our Guidelines for Church Reopening Download Green Phase Guidelines Get take-aways and other info from our twice weekly Covid-19 Clergy Conversations. See our Coronavirus Stimulus and Relief Package information for churches. Check our Covid-19 Church Planning Resources page on Facebook. Due to ... 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
Conference website has a new look. It should be easier for you find what you are looking for using the dropdown menus across the top -- and the responsive features with the new design should make it easier to view on cell phones or tablets. Check it out at wpaumc.org.
The Conference Anti-Racism Team (ART) compiled a list of suggestions for Western PA churches to address racism. Download it from the Conference's Responding to Racism page.
Bishops Vow This Time Will Be Different! Watch and learn more about the official launch of the UMC’s renewed effort to dismantle racism and press on to freedom. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi is one of five bishops in the video announcement on Juneteenth. See video and story
Talking About Race: No matter where you are on your journey of understanding, the resources on the Smithsonian National Museum of African-American History and Culture can help. Explore Talking About Race
Be Part of the Change! How can the church reach out with sensitivity about race and injustice? To effectively communicate beyond your congregation and culture, try to forge a true, interpersonal connection with those you want to reach. It would help to also do some homework, says John Coleman, Communications Director in the Eastern PA Conference. Read more.
United Methodists stand against racism: A new campaign is uniting the denomination against racism. Church leaders can turn to ResourceUMC.org to find the latest diversity and inclusiveness information and tools, including downloadable campaign graphics. Resources to engage members as they listen, act, speak and pray are available at UMC.org/EndRacism.
Learn how United Methodists are taking a stand against racism at UMC.org/EndRacism.
Race and Protest: Two relevant resources regarding race and protest for young people: How to Acknowledge Hurt in Youth Ministry and Tools for Processing Protests with Teens
Grant Available: Applications for Racial Ethnic Local Church Grants to strengthen ethnic congregations, are due September 1. Learn more
Racial Justice Conversations: GCORR offers excellent resources to help churches discuss and learn more about racial justice. See Racial Justice Conversations Guide.
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.