AC2021 Celebrations: During opening worship of the 2021 Annual Conference on Friday, June 18, members at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center and others viewing online celebrated new clergy received into membership: Two Deacons and 17 Elders were ordained; seven Provisional Elders and five Provisional Deacons were commissioned; one Associate Member was received and the orders of four clergy from other denominations recognized and they were received into full membership in the Western PA Conference.
See Annual Conference videos
See Annual Conference photos (more to come)
See details and reports
Note: Check wpaumc.org through the week for a written summary, along with additional photos and videos. You’ll find links at wpaumc.org/AC.
Annual Conference Offering: Whether you attended Annual Conference in person or online--or you plan to watch the videos--you can contribute to this year’s offering, which goes to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund. Donate online using the green button on wpaumc.org/AC
In Memoriam: Funeral services were held Tuesday for the Rev. William Mock, former Indiana District Superintendent and assistant to the Bishop, who “received an appointment to the Church Triumphant” on June 18, the same date he was ordained 55 years before. See obituary.
A celebration of life service for the Rev. John V. King will be streamed on Facebook on Saturday, June 26. Get details
Note for Local Pastors: Rev. Sara Wrona, the Local Pastor Registrar, is moving to a new appointment. Beginning July 1, all Course of Study registrations and mentoring reports should be sent to her new address: 251 Main Street, Leechburg, PA 15656.
Feeling Anxious? Finding Peace in an Anxious World, a Mission u spiritual growth study, will be offered during July as a free zoom course, open to anyone. Diane Miller and Barbara Hess will lead the four-session study on Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. beginning July 10. Learn more
Register for July session
Disaster Response: Please pray for those around the country and world affected by recent natural disasters -- flash floods, tornadoes, and tropical storms. To help in other ways, donate to UMCOR or Eastbrook Mission Barn, collect supplies for cleaning kits or hygiene kits, or assemble the kits. Kit recipes can be found at umcmission.org/umcor-relief-supplies/
Donate at UMCOR.org
Volunteer at the Mission Barn: Adult and youth teams are currently being scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For more information about local needs or to volunteer email missionbarn@gmail.com.
A Long Way from Home: In a post on his church’s blog, Ralph Duckworth recalls feeling very uncomfortable at the start of his first trip to the United Methodist Mission at Nyadire, Zimbabwe in 2013. During a church service he asked God, “What am I doing here?” Over the next 10 days, God showed him what he was to do -- and he’s still at it. Read more
Child Tax Credit: Visiting a daycare and recreation center in Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood this week, Vice President Kamala Harris said the increase in the Child Tax Credit could be key to reducing child poverty in half. But more families need to become aware of it. Read more
Digital Worship Myths: Tim Snyder of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership says it’s time to set aside some common misconceptions about digital worship. He suggests three that are not borne out in research or practice. Learn more
50 Ways to Strengthen Adult Education: Vital churches provide ways for people of all ages to grow in faith through learning. These 50 ideas from the Lewis Center can help your congregation build a strong program of Christian education for adults. Read or download
#BeUMC: United Methodist Communications, in collaboration with denominational leaders, is building on the People of God campaign with a new hashtag and call-to-action – #BeUMC – invites church members to embody the church’s values, embrace its aspirations, and remain with The United Methodist Church even in difficult times. Read press release
Social Media Rules of Engagement: Social media can be a great place to share faith and build community, but care is required. When engaging on social media, take a cue from John Wesley. Learn more and watch video
Social Media Day: UM Communications will celebrate Social Media Day on June 30 with free learning opportunities throughout the day, including a special live learning session Q&A at 1 p.m. Eastern time. Read press release