Conference News

MLK Day Events: Several Western PA United Methodists will be involved in events to celebrate the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during services and community events on Jan. 18, 19 and 20, 2020. Dr. King’s son, Martin Luther King III spoke in Erie last Saturday.  Read more. NOTE: The Conference Center will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020 to observe MLK Jr. Day.  Faith Community Conversations about Race is a resource about race in America that may be used to help your... read more

Western Pennsylvania United Methodist leaders and churches will celebrate the life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during services and community events on Jan. 18, 19 and 20, 2020. They'll honor the preacher who, in 1964 at age 35,  became the youngest man to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He was selected for his nonviolent leadership of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, work which he continued until April 4, 1968, when he was assassinated in Memphis, TN.  Dr. King's belief in a '... read more

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As the New Year begins, we have much news to share and a request for prayer for clergy and laity being deployed for military service. Protocol for Reconciliation and Grace through Separation: A diverse, 16-member team of bishops and advocacy group leaders has offered a proposal that, if adopted by the General Conference, would preserve The United Methodist Church while allowing traditionalist-minded congregations to form a new denomination. Proposal backers say it could end the denomination's ... read more

The annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is January 18-25, 2020. It’s a time to remember Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17.21). The 2020 theme, “They showed us unusual kindness," is based on Acts 28:2.  During the week, congregations and parishes all over the world exchange preachers or arrange special ecumenical celebrations and prayer services -- and there's something special planned at Sharon First United Methodist Church on ... read more

I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.  ---- John 17:21  As one of our pastors has often said to me, “Bishop, sometimes unity takes on different forms.”  And sometimes to reach unity it takes time, repeated failures, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ... read more

A 16-member group representing United Methodist advocacy groups with contrasting views and bishops from around the world have proposed an agreement for the separation of The United Methodist Church (UMC) that has the unanimous support of all the parties involved. The agreement, the Protocol of Reconciliation & Grace Through Separation, was reached on December 17, 2019 and announced today. The document’s signers include individuals from Europe, Africa, the Philippines, and the United States, ... read more

Edinboro United Methodist Church has launched its annual collection of items for the Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA) using a Collection Calendar the church created in collaboration with EUMA. "This is a really fun, family-friendly way to provide practical help to veterans and families who are experiencing homelessness in our area and are being served by EUMA," said Erica Rushing, ministry coordinator at Edinboro UMC. "It's also incredibly easy to do! Throughout the years, we've found that... read more

At the start of each year, members of the Western Pennsylvania-East German Conference Partnership offer a Prayer for the New Year. It is available in both German and English.  The prayer is prepared in alternate years by a member of the partnership committee in Germany or in Western PA so that congregations in both areas can unite in prayer on the first Sunday of the year or another Sunday in January.  It may also be used by individuals or groups as the Spirit leads.  The 2020 prayer was ... read more

The Western Pennsylvania General and Jurisdictional Conference Delegation met on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church.   During the opening worship service, delegates paused to remember the lives of the Rev. Paul Taylor, retired Pittsburgh District Superintendent, and Brady Hunker, a college student who was active with the Conference Youth Ministry Team.  Memorial services for both were being held the same day.   Alyce Weaver Dunn, Chair, presented an ... read more

As we celebrate the birth of Christ and the beginning of a new year, the Western PA United Methodist Conference Center will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 1. The e-news will resume on Jan. 8, 2020. We wish you a blessed Christmas!   A Christmas Message from the Council of Bishops explores what it means for followers of Jesus in the United Methodist Church to walk together in the light of the Lord. Read the letter. Olmsted Christmas Album: See the photos of the rooms at Olmsted Manor Retreat ... read more

Refuge Christmas Story: An estimated 2.5 million grandparents are raising their grandchildren. The Erie UM Alliance’s Refuge came to the rescue of one grandma and four grandchildren. They are in their own home now. EUMA’s Executive Director Kurt Crays shared Diana’s compelling story.  Living Christmas Tree Concerts: The Meadville Tribune ran a story about the Living Christmas Tree performances at Trinity UMC in Conneaut Lake, which have become a tradition in the area. See photos and story. ... read more

Volunteers from several Kane District churches pitched in to deck the halls (and rooms) of Olmsted Manor Retreat Center for the Christmas season. Their efforts were appreciated by many visitors who were welcomed for afternoon Open Houses Dec. 1 and 8.  Grace Lenox coordinated the effort She has worked with Olmsted staff on decorating the Manor House since her husband, the Rev J. Patrick Lenox, became Kane District Superintendent in 2014. This year, she invited some district churches to get ... read more

Funeral Services for Rev. Paul D. Taylor, former Pittsburgh District Superintendent, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Grace UMC in Coal Center. Clergy are invited to wear stoles to the service. See obituary  Bishop Elected to Christian Associates Post: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has been elected to serve as president of Christian Associates of Southwestern PA, effective January 1, 2020. She currently is vice-president of the ecumenical organization whose board includes leaders of... read more

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, reimagined with evocative instrumentation.   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 ... read more