One Matters: The One Matters Award from UMC Discipleship Ministries was presented to Ebensburg UMC last Sunday. Although the church just celebrated 175 years of ministry, it continues to grow in average worship attendance and other indicators of a vital congregation. Learn more
For Retired Clergy: If you are enrolled in a WPAUMC-sponsored Medicare Plan, you and your spouse are invited to attend an Open Enrollment meeting at the Conference Center at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17. Get details.
Chung Installation: It seemed especially appropriate that the service to install the Rev. Sung Chung as superintendent of the Johnstown District was held on World Communion Sunday. Family members traveled from halfway around the world to attend. See photos.
Rural Advocates: Rev. Sara Wrona, pastor of the Kiski Charge and coordinator of the WPAUMC’s Licensing School, was among more than 35 clergy and laity who participated in a United Methodist Rural Advocates gathering to begin work on legislation for the 2020 General Conference. Learn more
It’s Not Too Late (depending on when you read this) to join in the UM Foundation of Western Pennsylvania’s webinar with 10 steps for Developing a Legacy Gift Plan. It starts at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11. Use this link and register!
The Valley of Vision: The story on the offering envelope for World Communion Sunday prompted Rev. Shane Siciliano, who serves the Alum Bank/Point Charge in Bedford County and is a member of the WPA Commission on Archives and History, to think about local heritage and how his perspective changed when he moved from Florida to Western PA. Read his reflection
UMCOR Kit Challenge: The results are in from the September UMCOR Kit Challenge in the Franklin District! And the winners are...
Disaster Response Update: Both the North Carolina and South Carolina Conferences issued invitations over the past few days for Early Response Teams from the Northeastern Jurisdiction to assist in the cleanup from Hurricane Florence. The invitations were issued before the trajectory and severity of Hurricane Michael was clear. Get updates and details on how to volunteer
Chabadza Lay Academy: Don’t miss your chance to meet some friends from Zimbabwe, share a light meal and learn about evangelism, small group ministry and discipleship from their perspective at the Chabadza Lay Academy. The same evening event will be offered at three locations: Glenwood UMC in Erie, Calvary UMC in Pittsburgh, and Calvary UMC in Windber. Get details and register here.
Legislative Process for GC2019 Decided: The Commission on General Conference has decided on a process to help delegates to the 2019 special session do the legislative work together. Read more
Way Forward Listening Posts: If you haven't attended a Listening Post yet, don't forget to register for one near you. Get schedule and details
Tolerance is Not Enough! Christ UMC in Bethel Park will host Tolerance is Not Enough: An Interfaith Response to Hatred and Racism on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 2-4:30 p.m. Featured speaker will be Rabbi Abie Ingber, executive director of the Center for Interfaith Community Engagement at Xavier University in Cincinnati. Pittsburgh area faith leaders, including Pittsburgh DS Dawn Hand and Dr. John Welch of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, will be part of panel addressing regional challenges. Get details and register by Oct. 22.
Download flyer.
Communications Grants: United Methodist Communications offers grants to local churches to assist in marketing. One offers assistance for websites, another is for customized marketing-related services for new churches (less than two years old). Learn more
Developing a Ministry Plan: Join Craig Kennet Miller from Discipleship Ministries for a two-part webinar on Developing Your Ministry Plan. The webinars come with a downloadable study guide and material to enable your church team to build an effective strategy for ministry. For more info and to register for Part 1 at 11 a.m. EDT on Oct. 23, go to https://bit.ly/2NhulGO.
For Part 2 at 10 a.m. CDT on Oct. 30, at https://bit.ly/2xWkem5.
Youth Leader Conference: Duffy Robbins will be the keynote speaker at an Oct. 20 Youth Leaders Conference at Asbury UMC in Erie. Get details.
Golly! Harmony-Zelienople UMC will host an evening of Christian worship and fellowship with Tom Golly, an up-and-coming Christian recording artist from Nashville on Sunday, Oct. 21. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the free concert begins at 6 p.m. A freewill offering will be collected. People of all ages are welcome. Learn more about Tom and his music ministry at tomgollymusic.com.
Because People Matter! Mark Waltz, formerly of Granger UMC, will offer a hospitality training experience for church leaders and teams on Saturday, November 10 from 9am-3pm at Community UM Church in Harrison City. Get details and register
Early Deadline: Items for next week's e-news must be received by Friday afternoon to be considered for inclusion. Send to communications@wpaumc.org.