Camp on the Go! Last summer the Conference provided funding to support day camp programs through partnerships between our three camps and local churches in their region. Camp Allegheny reported on their successful effort in their recent newsletter. Read story and see video.
Johnstown MLK Service: Both the Tribune-Democrat and WJAC-TV covered the NAACP’s Martin Luther King Day service hosted by Grove Ave. UMC. Chris Moore of KDKA was the keynote speaker. Read Tribune story and watch video
Butler District Service Postponed: The Martin Luther King Day service scheduled for Jan. 20 was postponed because of weather. It will be held on Sunday, February 10 at First UMC in Ellwood City.
Mission Opportunities: Several opportunities for Western PA volunteers, including young adults and youth, to serve on mission teams were announced recently. See what they are.
Operation Dispatch is for youth groups to serve in mission. Groups can serve at the Mission Barn on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 10-3. It's free and includes lunch! Groups must have enough adults to supervise their youth. Register
Mission of Peace: Senior high youth are invited to apply to be part of a life-changing Mission of Peace journey to India with other youth from the Northeastern Jurisdiction. The trip is scheduled for Dec. 27, 2019 -January 14, 2020, but applications are due March 1, 2019! Get details and application at wpaumc.org/mop.
Young Adult Mission Activate: Young adults are invited to join in a service day at Connellsville Area Community Ministries on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 9 to 3 p.m. Lunch is included. Get details and register
One Body/One Spirit: Council of Bishops leaders and members who support The One Church Plan as a way forward for the denomination have established a website to provide information and resources to local church members. The bishops say they want to be true to their consecration vows to guard the faith and unity of the church. See the site at onechurchplan.org
GC2019 Outcomes and Clergy Pensions: Wespath recently updated its FAQs and other website resources related to General Conference 2019 and clergy pensions. See Wespath webpage.
Daily Bread: The South Hills Interfaith Women's Group gathered Jan. 13 to provide a meal to 103 guests at the Daily Bread Feeding Ministry on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The enchiladas and homemade tortilla chips were a big hit. The group promotes understanding and builds relationships among people of faith. Faith communities and groups represented included the Turkish Cultural Center, Peace Island Institute, Temple Emmanuel, Bethel Park Christ UMC and St. Margaret of Scotland cluster. For more info on Daily Bread, visit umchurchunionpgh.org.
Students Help to Feed Community: Primary students at The United Methodist Church's Nyadire Mission are helping to feed their community through a fish-breeding project at the school. Read the story.
Human Trafficking Workshop: Human trafficking in southwestern PA is so prevalent that Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) founded Project Traffic Stop, a drop-in center to help victims of trafficking. Learn more about trafficking and how to respond at a workshop on Thursday, January 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, at South Avenue UMC in Wilkinsburg. Get details and register
Native American March: Human trafficking of Native American women was a major concern of the Rev. David Wilson and others from the UMC's Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference who marched in Washington, D.C. last weekend in the first Indigenous People’s March. The march was held to raise awareness of issues facing indigenous people, including the thousands of murdered or missing Native women. Read UM News story
Responding to Domestic Violence: Clergy are invited to spend a morning at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to enhance skills in offering pastoral care to people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Sponsored by Christian Associates of SWPA, the session is at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 19 in the John Knox Room. Get details and register at casp.org/endviolence.
She Dreams: Tiffany Bluhm, author of a new book called She Dreams: Live the Life You Were Created For, shares some ways she makes connections among unchurched women to help them grow in discipleship. Hear her stories in the latest Get Your Spirit in Shape podcast.
Dementia and Faith: Religion News Service ran a series last week on ministry to people with dementia, including one piece on “Do’s and Don’ts. Learn more.
Agency Goals and Accomplishments: The 13 agencies of the UMC had an industrious 2018, and all of them are pursuing ambitious goals this year. United Methodist News Service contacted each agency and compiled a list of their proudest accomplishments of 2018 and most important goals for 2019. Read story
United Methodists in Congress: The new 116th Congress has 38 United Methodists among its members, down two from the 115th Congress. The 10 senators and 28 House members who identify as United Methodists are serving in a Congress with fewer Christians and slightly more religious diversity. Learn more
Easter Outreach Resources: Local churches can get a discount on print materials to invite their community to church on Easter through a UMC partnership with Outreach.com. Check out what’s available.
Mission Moments and More! February is Black History Month. Some ideas for observing it, along with a story, bulletin blurb and prayer in the Mission Moments section of the umcgiving.org website. Learn more
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Preparing for the Church Audit? The Book of Discipline requires every United Methodist congregation to conduct a church audit, but it doesn’t have to be a big expense. Ken Sloane of Discipleship Ministries will lead a free webinar that will walk you step by step through the Local Church Audit Guide. The webinar, “The Church Audit: You Can Do This,” will be at 7:30 p.m. EST on Thursday Feb. 7. Register
Download the Local Church Audit Guide