Conference News

United Methodists in Eastern Germany and Western Pennsylvania have released their 2022 Advent Devotional in English and German, which can be downloaded and copied.  Advent begins on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. The entries for each day contain scripture and devotional thoughts in both English and German. Bishops Harald Ruckert of Germany and Cynthia Moore-Koikoi of Western PA contributed to the devotional as well as retired Bishop George W. Bashore. Several Western PA clergy and laity from Western PA... read more

Jeannie Schott has been selected to join the Conference program staff as the new Visual Communication and Social Media Coordinator. She will begin December 1, 2022.  In this role, Schott will help carry out the Conference mission of providing connection and resources to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Her primary role as the coordinator will be to manage WPAUMC social media messaging, handle layout and design of print communication, help to develop online and... read more

The Rev. Sara Wrona has been named the new Coordinator of Ministerial Services and BOM registrar. In this role, she will assist candidates and BOM to ensure that all required paperwork and actions have been completed as persons move towards ordination Wrona is a native of Western North Carolina, but grew up in New Kensington, PA. Before entering ministry, Sara worked in the human resource field and in church administration for a Presbyterian Church.  After discerning her call to ministry, Sara ... read more

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated in September and October, recognizes the contributions and influence of Hispanic Americans to the history, culture, and achievements for the United States.  In our conference, we celebrated the San Juan UMC in Erie, Pennsylvania. San Juan UMC is a Hispanic/Latino United Methodist church located on Buffalo Road, just south of the shores of Lake Erie.   San Juan UMC is led by Pastor Israel Jonatan Estrada, a native of Honduras. He is a classically ... read more

The Judicial Council is the denomination’s highest judicial body or "court" and is made up of nine members, both laity and clergy. The members are elected by the General Conference and normally meet twice a year to consider whether actions of the various church bodies adhere to the constitution and follow the rules outlined in the Book of Discipline. Learn more about the Judicial Council.  Multiple briefs from around the denomination are on the Judicial Council's docket for Fall 2022, including... read more

The Rev. Dr. Sang K. Choi was installed as superintendent of the Kane District during a service on October 23, 2022 at Kane First United Methodist Church.   Rev. Dr. Choi shared his first experience coming to Kane. As pastor of a Korean congregation near Pittsburgh, he had agreed to share his Korean ministry with a church in the Kane District, not realizing the long distance from Pittsburgh. He reminisced about using a paper map to navigate and driving down a long and winding road with forest on... read more

In 2019 the United Methodist Foundation of Pennsylvania launched a Laity Leadership Academy designed to empower laity to lead the churches of the conferences we serve in the ever-changing landscape of congregational life.  Participants read some of the greatest books currently available on the topic, experience seminars led by the finest leaders in our conference, engage with one another in dialogue, and build relationships that provide support for the journey. Each one of the Academies is ... read more

Pryor Installed as Washington District Superintendent: The Rev. Ross Pryor was installed as superintendent of the Washington District during a service on October, 9, 2022 at Jefferson Ave. United Methodist Church. In his spirited and passionate message, Rev. Pryor recognized the need for courage and strong leadership during this time of deep division. “Let’s be leaders and require leaders of all those in our presence,” he urged. “We are called upon in spite of the mess that we’re going through, ... read more

The Rev. Ross Pryor was installed as superintendent of the Washington District during a service on October, 9, 2022 at Jefferson Ave. United Methodist Church. Rev. Pryor preached on Joshua 1:1-9 with a particular emphasis on the verse that reads, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). In his spirited and passionate message, Rev. Pryor recognized the need for courage and ... read more

Bishop Issues Statement on Hurricane Ian: Bishop Moore-Koikoi urged Western PA United Methodists to pray for those affected by the devastating hurricane that hit Florida last week. Read statement.  NEJ Calls Special Session: The Northeastern Jurisdiction, of which WPA is a part, has called a special session for Oct. 15 to be held virtually from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delegates will vote on the number of bishops to elect during the coming Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference to be held Nov. 2-4 in ... read more

Siblings in Christ, I greet you in the name and with the love of Jesus Christ. By now we have all seen the devastating photos and videos from southwest Florida in the wake of Hurricane Ian. My heart aches for those who have suffered catastrophic loss in the aftermath of this vicious storm. While much of the state was affected by strong winds and flooding, the communities of Sanibel, Cape Coral and Fort Myers were especially hit hard. I urge you to join me in praying for these communities. While... read more

Bishop Addresses Disinformation: As churches discern whether to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church, disinformation has spread about who we are as United Methodists. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi addresses some of that disinformation. Watch video.  Prayers for Florida: Join us in prayer as Hurricane Ian makes landfall in Florida. This hurricane has potential to be catastrophic and reports show mass flooding and property damage. You can support those affected by this and other disasters ... read more

As churches discern whether to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church and the Western PA Conference, disinformation about who we are as United Methodists has spread. In this video, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi addresses some of that disinformation.  She discusses:  The ways in which the United Methodist Church remains unchanged when it comes to our core beliefs The United Methodist Church's foundational documents (and the unlikelihood of these being changed by the denomination) The ... read more

Park to Serve Christ Church, NYC: On September 18, 2022, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi announced a new appointment for current Butler District superintendent Rev. Dr. Eric Park. Effective February 1, 2023 he will serve Christ Church, United Methodist in New York City. Read more.  IMAP Household Description Survey: Since accurate and helpful descriptions of the three Households will be crucial as congregations, laity, and clergy discern their futures, the IMAP Task Force has decided to invite ... read more

On September 18, 2022, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi announced a new appointment for current Butler District superintendent Rev. Dr. Eric Park. "It is with mixed emotions that I announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Eric Park to the Christ Church, United Methodist in New York City effective February 1, 2023," wrote Bishop Moore-Koikoi. "Several months ago Bishop Thomas Bickerton called me to ask permission to contact Rev. Park in order to invite him into the discernment process. Bishop Bickerton ... read more