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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 Baltimore. The jurisdiction’s bishops are recommending no elections this November.
Meet in the Middle Podcast: Rev. Zayzay Kpadeh leads a roundtable discussion with Beverly Lawrence, Denise Jones and Barbara Rumore of Together We Can in Venango County, PA. All three share their experiences growing up as children in Oil City, PA. Listen.
Is the UMC Really...? In part five of this series, Ask the UMC clarifies that churches are not required to take a vote to stay United Methodist or join a new denomination, explains that elected clergy and delegates cannot continue to serve as such if they have disaffiliated, and debunks the myth that congregations will be forced to accept self-avowed and practicing homosexuals as their pastor. Read more.
Hurricane Recovery Begins in Florida: "United Methodists responded to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian with typical compassion for the survivors and determination to respond effectively" writes Jim Patterson, UM News. Patterson reports on the work that is already being done to help those affected. Read more.
Christians Should Talk about White Nationalism: "The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is asking Christians to talk about white nationalism in America: and for good reason" writes Joyce Davis, coordinator of United Methodist Advocacy in Pennsylvania. A forum will be held in Harrisburg featuring Robert P. Jones, president and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute and author of "White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity." Read more about this issue. The forum will be held October 6 and can be attended virtually. Register.
Pastor Appreciation Month: October is Pastor (or Clergy) Appreciation Month. It is a time to say “thank you” to the people who may be most visible as preachers and teachers, but who, in reality, are on-call 24/7 standing with congregants and others to offer spiritual and other support in times of confusion and transition, times of heart-wrenching sorrow and times of overwhelming joy. They laugh, cry and pray with those whom they shepherd and serve. Read suggestions on how to show your appreciation.
Session 1: Exploring the Practice of Sabbath and Spiritual Direction: The Conference Discipleship Team is hosting two online events on Exploring the Practice of Sabbath and Spiritual Direction. Join them online for the first one-hour session from 12-1 p.m. on Thursday, October 27. Register.