College Football Saturday
For as long as I can remember, I have loved football, but college football is my favorite. I have a distinct routine during football season. I wake up from my sleep, handle whatever work-related tasks that need to be accomplished, with the goal of being finished by 12 p.m. Throughout my time in pastoral ministry, Saturdays in the fall were used as a day of sermon preparation and college football. One Saturday last season, my father and my aunt stopped by unexpectedly to take me out for a meal. I was excited to see them because it had been a while since I saw my aunt, and I love spending time with my dad. The excitement of their visit was tempered with a feeling of uneasiness. For me to make the most of their visit, I had to give up an important part of my weekend, college football! I realized at that moment my desire to “stick to the scheduled routine” at all costs would hinder my ability to make the most of my loved one’s visit. That desire to “stick to the schedule” can hinder us as we continue to serve Christ in the world. In the verses below, Jesus is confronted with the same choice, to “stick to the schedule” and continue to minister only to the Jews, or care for a Gentile woman who desperately needed His help.
“But she came and worshiped him, pleading again, ‘Lord, help me!’ Jesus responded, ‘It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.’  She replied, ‘That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall’. ‘Dear woman,’ Jesus said to her, ‘your faith is great. Your request is granted. And her daughter was instantly healed.” (Matthew 15:25-28, NLT)
Jesus was in the region of Tyre and Sidon when a Canaanite woman approached Him pleading for help for her daughter, who was possessed by a demon.  At first, Jesus did not reply to her request and the disciples wanted Jesus to send her away.   When Jesus did reply, He told her He was sent by God to help the lost people of Israel.  The woman continued with her pleading, begging Jesus for help.  Jesus’ reply, although shocking, did not rattle the woman.  She persisted, telling Jesus she was willing to receive the smallest amount of blessing Jesus could provide.  As a result of her faith, her daughter was instantly healed.  What if Jesus decided to “stick to the schedule” and not heal the woman’s daughter?  Her daughter would not have received healing, the disciples wouldn’t have experienced the power of faith, and they wouldn’t have witnessed grace extended to someone outside of the Jewish faith.  On our faith journey, if we are willing to see interruptions as opportunities, others will experience God during times of hardship.  The desire to focus on the schedule can lead to missing a God-opportunity in the midst of the interruption. The power of faith, the power of healing, and the power of grace were all exhibited as a result of the woman’s intrusion.  What God-opportunity have you missed because you were determined to “stick to the schedule?” Saturday is the day for college football, unless God decides otherwise. 
 
God’s blessings in all we do,
 Ross
 

General Conference is scheduled for April 23-May 3, 2024 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Originally scheduled for 2020, it's been postponed three times due to the coronavirus pandemic.  Read more.   

Church Conference time is upon us!  

• 2023 Church Conference Schedule available here.
• All forms and worksheets can be found here on the Conference Website.
• Housing Allowance Exclusion Explained
• HOW TO SET YOUR PASTOR’S SALARY FOR 2024
• Blank copies of the  Recording Secretary Minutes will be available at the conferences.  Also available here.  .    

Important!

• If possible, please have a completed a packet turned into the District Office two weeks prior to your Church Conference (email copy preferred).  This will help us to check for signatures, missing forms, etc. and attempt to make the Church Conferences go more smoothly.  
• Please bring two (2) complete copies (one sided) of your packet to your Church Conference for the District Office. 

Pre-Church/Charge Conference packet here.

2023 Fall Lay Servant Ministry Classes - The Washington District is once again offering Lay Servant Ministry classes for the Fall Session.  Classes will be held on Saturdays, October 28 and November 4 at First United Methodist Church of Washington, 29 N. College St, Washington, PA 15301.  On October 28,  the doors will open at 8:00 am for a time of registration and check in and classes will end at 2:30 pm.  On November 4, classes will begin at 8:30 am with small closing ceremony at the end of the day.  Cost for each class is $25. 

Fall Course Options:

• Anti-Racism - "White Fragility" - Rev. James Pond, Dawn Hargraves, and Leanna Lake
• Heritage: Living Our Beliefs The United Methodist Way - Rev. Monica Calvert-Ohler and TBD
• Polity – The Method of Our Mission - Rev.  James W. Kimmel and Gloria Hall
• Saving Grace:  A Guide to Financial Well-Being - Rev. Jeff Vanderhoff

Registration deadline is September 26.  Brochure available here.

REGISTER HERE

ALIVE! Registration Deadline Extended to Monday, September 25

The Spirit is moving and the United Methodist Church is alive! The Pittsburgh District of the Western Pennsylvania Conference will host a day-long seminar on September 30^th, 2023 from 9:30am-3pm at Bakerstown UMC entitled “Alive: Being the Church Today” where presenters will offer inspiring examples of exciting ministries in our region, seeking to empower others to either replicate or adapt these, or develop new ministries in their community. Both laity and clergy are invited to submit a proposal for a short (five-minute) talk on a fruitful, innovative ministry being done in their local or regional context. The day will begin with worship and ministry presentations, and conclude with a hands-on workshop to network and connect across churches while developing a usable, practical plan for ministry to take home.  REGISTER
Learn more about Alive! 

Unwind. Connect. Find your Space. Upper New York Annnual Conference's COSROW welcomes you to a Zoom retreat for women (lay or clergy) on September 29 & 30 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. This faith-based, two-night online retreat features keynote speaker Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi both evenings. Register by Friday, September 22, to get a box of materials to enhance your retreat experience.  Register

A diverse team of WPA Conference leaders from the Coordinating Cabinet, Connectional Leadership Team, and Conference Staff, came together last weekend at Jumonville Camp & Retreat Center for a two-day, intensive strategic ministry planning retreat. Led by Ken Willard -- author, developer and WVUMC Conference staff member -- the group learned practical skills and sought spiritual guidance to begin the work of setting goals and objectives for the hopeful, God-focused, transformative future of the Western PA Conference. See more event photos on our Facebook page. Watch the website for progress updates and more details coming soon.

Hundreds of thousands of people across the country will be walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walks to prevent suicide and support AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.  Tosha Crawford of California United Methodist Church will be participating in the walk on September 30th in Washington, PA.  If you would like to donate to support Tosha, you can click HERE or to donate by check, please download the offline donation form HERE.  All donations are 100% tax deductible and benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), funding research, education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide. If you would like to participate in the walk, it will begin at the Main Street Pavilion by the Washington court house.  Check in begins at 9:00 am and the walk starts at 10:30 am.  Contact Rebecca Salsbury, 724-250-4805, rebecca.salsbury@co.washington.pa.us for information or to register. 

Avery United Methodist Church, 1100 Gabby Ave, Washington, will be hosting a Community Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, September 30 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  The cost is $10/Adult and $5/Child (under 12).  Please stop by and enjoy the food, fun and fellowship!  

CANCELLED

Please join Pine Run UMC, 901  N. 6th St., Clairton, Pa, for A Lunch and Learn Family Event.   Walk with Rev. Dr. Brad Lauster in the journey toward becoming a transformed Christian. Through the lens of missionary E. Stanley Jones, Rev. Lauster inspires disciples to focus on the heart of Jesus’ teachings, the Kingdom of God. Join for two teaching sessions, creative worship, and lunch by Chef Phillip.  During the TRANSFORMED event, there will be learning sessions and children's ministries will be hosting a "Luau to the Moon" for any school aged kids!

9:30 am -          Registration and light-breakfast
10:15 am -        Welcome & Worship
10:45 am -        Session 1 with Rev. Lauster
12 pm -             Lunch hosted by Chef Philip
12:45 pm -        Session 2 with Rev. Lauster
1:45 pm -          Closing Worship
2:00 pm-           Closing & Fellowship

A nursery will be available for babies and toddlers.  To help cover lunch costs, a $15 donation is encouraged but not required. Additional donations will support the children and youth ministries of Pine Run UMC.  You can register here.  For online donations, please visit our Vanco giving platform here - Vanco. In the notes section, please add your name and "Transformed" to register.

For any questions about the event please email pinerunchurch@gmail.com or call our church office at 412-233-4006   Flyer is available here. 

The Conference United Women in Faith released their fall newsletter, which includes an article about Appalachian ministries, a book review of A Knock at Midnight, a message from the president, and more. Read newsletter. 

Western PA Conference United Women of Faith Annual Meeting will be held on October 21, 2023 at Dutilh UMC,  1270 Dutihl Road, in Cranberry Twp.  Ross Golden, a lay speaker from Grace Methodist Church, will speak on how light is essential to nature and what it does for us. There will be a panel discussion from the Coalfield Justice Center of Washington, PA followed by a lunch, communion, and memorial service.  Cost is $10.  This event will be held in person and virtually.  Registration is required by October 15 to Linda Murdock at lindalmurdock@gmail.com or 814-382-3877.  Flyer available here.

The Washington District United Women of Faith will have their annual meeting on Saturday, September 30 at West Washington UMC, 625 Fayette St., Washington, PA.  Check in begins at 9:30 am.  The speaker will be Lisa DePaoli, Center for Coalfield Justice.  Cost is $8.00 for a light  lunch.  Monetary offering for pledge to mission. A  Love Offering will be taken for the Mission Barn. Registration form can be found here.
 

Commemorating the Johnstown Banishment - One hundred years after the banishment of African Americans and Mexican Americans from Johnstown, people from all over the region gathered together to commemorate the event through prayer, speeches, and music at a vigil held at Gazebo Park. Common refrains throughout the event were of remembrance, repentance, and restoration as speakers recounted the history of the Johnstown Banishment and looked toward a more just and equitable future. Read more here.   See photos.

Bridgeville UMC has recently closed its doors and would like to gift its choral music to other churches to use.  They had an extensive music library with pieces arranged by Pepper Choplin, Jack Schrader, John Ness Beck, Jay Althouse, Nancy Price and Don Besig, Sheldon Curry, and many more.  There are at least 10 copies of each arrangement.  You can see the entire list of titles by clicking here.  Each tab in the linked Google spreadsheet has a column on the right titled "Add your email address if you want it" where you can place your e-mail if you want that particular piece. For churches in the Washington District, Bob Stark is willing to deliver it, or you can come and browse in person. For more information please contact  Bob at bstark@protechpts.com or call him at 412-445-8072.

Are You Ready to Take Your Ministry to the Next Level?  You and a team from your church/charge are invited to attend on November 10th and 11th, 2023 at Christ UMC.  Sponsored by the WPA, West Virginia and Susquehanna Conferences, this two day learning and equipping opportunity for you and your team is designed to be a catalyst for your ministry as you discern and take your next steps . . . in 2024 and beyond! Keynote speakers include Michael Beck, Luke Edwards, and Rachel Gilmore. Don't miss out! Take advantage of the reduced cost for by registering by August 31.  Register Today!

Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church
100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth PA  15037

Now Hiring!  If interested, please send resume to the church at suzie@chcumc.org. For more information call the Church Office at (412)751-0511.

DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES - We are looking for individuals who are faith-driven, enthusiastic, energetic, and creative in Christian Educational Leadership. Preferably up to date with and able to use all social media to connect with children, youth and families. Positions require Act 33/34 clearances, FBI Criminal Clearance and Safe Sanctuary training. The Director of Children’s Ministries will update the Christian educational teaching, the group projects and activities for K-5th grade, and be a support for the Christian education of 6th-12th. A summer program is a part of this ministry.
 

Join GCORR this September for 30 days of antiracism. Each day we will engage in an activity that helps us to become more antiracist in the ways we think and act. Share your progress with a picture or a reflection using #30DaysAntiRacism. Read more and download calendar.

Leaders, scholars confront racism in the church - NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Despite some progress, racism remains a persistent issue in The United Methodist Church. While there is talk of change, some church leaders say actions still support the status quo. Three new books by United Methodist authors reflect the discussion around racism in the church and how to end it. Jim Patterson reports.
Read story.

Study helps white Christians understand racism's impacts -WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race is offering a seven-part curriculum aimed at white Christians in how racism affects society and the church. “You Are Here” defines racism and discusses how it impacts and impedes the integrity and effectiveness of God’s people gathered as the church. View resource

Bishop calls for prayer after Jacksonville shooting -LAKELAND, Fla. — Just days before the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, a gunman killed three Black people in Jacksonville, Florida, in what law enforcement identified as a hate crime. “How long, O LORD, will some have to live in fear,” asks Florida Conference Bishop Tom Berlin in a call to prayer that references Psalm 13. Read Bishop Berlin’s statement

New Places/New People Grants Available - Applications for the “New Places/New People” grants from the Parish and Community Development Committee are now open to assist churches in the implementation of their disciple-making plans --  fulfilling its Vision, Mission, and Core Values – as well as the Vision, Mission, and Core Values of the WPAUMC. This year, there are also grant funds designated specifically for dismantling racism efforts. 

Fall 2023 Applications Due : October 16 
Fall Presentations (Conference Center) : November 7

Download application here and additional information here

The 2023 Western PA Annual Conference was June 15-17, 2023, at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center.

The theme for 2023 -- Pressing on to Higher Ground, based on Philippians 3:14.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
 

The summary of the 2023 session of the Annual Conference is now available on our website. Read now. 

The livestreams from the sessions at Annual Conference can be viewed at the bottom of our Annual Conference webpage. Additionally, the Five Areas of Focus videos shown at Annual Conference can be viewed on YouTube and used in your local church.

Photos from Annual Conference can be viewed on Flickr. 

Cleaning Kits Needed: UMCOR cleaning kits are needed to restock the Mission Barn in anticipation of storm season. Currently, there are only enough buckets for 1-2 small storms. See cleaning kit recipe. If you have any question, contact Katie Peterson at the Mission Barn.

Olmsted Manor is Hiring - Olmsted Manor Retreat Center in Ludlow, PA is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Food Service Manager which will be opening soon. The Food Service Manager is responsible for menu planning, staff management, supply ordering, and meal preparation to enhance the ministry of hospitality of Olmsted Manor, a not-for-profit adult retreat and renewal center with roots in the Methodist heritage.  Learn More

Information about all the events available here

Perhaps you're not heading to the classroom this back-to-school season -- but that's not the only place to get back-to-learning this fall. Now is the perfect time to try Portico, the new Learning Management System available to the Western PA Conference. Portico offers comprehensive, relevant, and challenging online courses to help you sharpen your ministry skills and enhance your knowledge. From evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral transitions to finance, leadership development, communications, and strategic planning, Portico has something for everyone looking to learn. New courses are added all the time, so now is a great time to log in or sign up and start your Portico learning journey! Start Learning

Gearing up to help Lahaina recover - PASADENA, Calif. — The California-Pacific Conference has mobilized its Disaster Response Task Force, which is developing plans to help the people of Lahaina. The fires have killed at least 55 people. People are asked not to send goods to the disaster area. The conference has set up the Lahaina Relief Fund to take financial donations for the long recovery ahead. Read update and donate to Lahaina Relief Fund.
 

Special sanctuary lost in Maui fires - DALLAS (UM News) — Members of Lahaina United Methodist Church are grieving the destruction of their historic sanctuary in the wildfires that devastated the west side of Maui, Hawaii. Some regular visitors to the island also are feeling the pain, having formed a close attachment to the sanctuary and the congregation. Sam Hodges reports. Read story.

Ask the UMC: NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, continues to receive questions related to local church disaffiliations. In Part 12 of its "Is The United Methodist Church Really…?" series, the team tackles inquiries related to disaffiliation numbers and apportionments. Read more. 

Come to the Table's School for Food Justice, Faith, and Storytelling is set to begin in September, bringing together a national group of faith leaders to investigate root causes of hunger, uncover and challenge the dominant narratives around hunger, and equip leaders to transform these conversations in their community. The eight session training program will take place from September 28 to November 16, with sessions taking place weekly on Thursday. Sessions will explore the intersection of food justice, faith, and how our communities discuss and address hunger, ranging from topics like food access and farmers of color to theology and political advocacy. Click here to learn more.

The Nyadire Connection is nearly finished rebuilding 6 clinics in Zimbabwe .  The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently published an article written by Tim Wesley, a member of Dutilh Church and TNC Director of Communications. He highlights the exciting progress and local fundraising efforts by the Nyadire Connection and the Pittsburgh area youngsters who helped raise money to rebuild a medical clinic located in a tiny village in Zimbabwe.  Read story

In conjunction with a shift to a new supervisory model announced in May, there have also been some adjustments to what administrative support will look like for the three initial district pairings. See update here

Meet the New WPA Conference Secretary of Global Ministries - WPA Missions is pleased and excited to introduce Bruce Griffith as our new Conference Secretary of Global Ministries (CSGM).  Read profile.

 

If your church is in need of pew Bibles, please contact Bob Stark at bstark15301@gmail.com to make arrangements for pick up.



 

Please Note!  Pastor Gary Gibson, Chaplain in the Pastoral Care at  Washington Health System, has asked us to notify all clergy that the hospital has changed their Clergy Visitation Policy.  They have ELIMINATED THE USE OF PICTURE BADGES.  Upon your next visit to the hospital, please turn in your badge to the greeter at the front desk.  You can read the complete policy here.

Certified candidates can submit the 2023 Licensing School application/registration by filling out this form and mailing it to Sara Wrona. This year’s school will be a hybrid format with in person and online modules.
 

Henderson Conference at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary: Scheduled for Sept. 24-26, 2023, this educational opportunity will include lectures, workshops, worship, and conversations that will inspire leadership. Participants will receive practical, usable wisdom for giving their congregation a future. This year's keynoter Dr. Will Willimon will present “Hope for the Many Churches Where Few Are Gathered.” He will be joined by plenary session leaders Christian Scharen and Eileen Campbell-Reed, who will focus on  “Pastoral Imagination: Developing, Nurturing, and Sustaining It.” This conference can be attended both in person and online. See flyer or register.

Congratulations to John Wesley UMC in the Washington District, the recipients of the One Matters Award and $2000. “This award was for the whole church as they have been inviting people in their community to come and become members and disciples for Christ,” said Connie Hoeker, chair of the Discipleship Committee.
 

Conference Announces New Supervisory Model: After much prayer and discernment, Conference leadership is excited to announce that we will begin a new model of supervision for pastors and churches in the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. Implemented in two phases, this model will help reorganize, resize and refocus our conference to become more nimble and deliberate.

While the boundaries of the ten districts will remain the same, five supervisory areas will be established by July 1, 2024 with superintendents providing supervisory care and oversight for two districts each. Read more.
 

The Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church ratified the disaffiliation agreements for 298 churches during a special session in Erie, PA on June 14, 2023.  Read story. 
 

After three years and multiple delays, the members of California United Methodist Church will bless the restoration of their church's historic stained glass window on Sunday, June 25. Read story.

 

Mission Impact Featured: Local TV stations attended the Mission Impact event on June 15th at Annual Conference and featured more than thirty participants who learned about UMCOR and assembled hygiene kits. Watch

Mission Barn Spring Newsletter: The spring newsletter for the Mission Barn was recently published. This edition features various volunteers, provides a wish list, and shows pictures from the last few months. Read. 

Mission Barn Finds New Home, Provides Relief after Train Derailment: After some discernment about the needs of the ministry, the Mission Barn relocated this past month to the former Praxair warehouse building in New Castle, PA. They also recently provided over 300 cleaning kits to the East Palestine community after the train derailment. Read story or watch the KDKA and Fox 53 news reports.

The Fall 2023 Pittsburgh District Lay Servant Ministry School is pleased to be offering the classes listed below to help laity respond to their personal call in ministry and the life of the church. Each class is being held on different dates, allowing you to take more than one class if you wish.  All classes, except From Your Heart to Theirs, has the option of attending in person, hybrid or online.  There is a $15 fee per class plus you need to purchase the class book(s).  This flyer has more information.  You may register online here or through the flyer.  The Book of Discipline (¶251) urges Church Lay Leaders to become Certified Lay Servants.

• The BASIC Course - Saturdays, Sep. 30 & Oct 14, 9am - 2:30pm
• From Your Heart to Theirs: Delivering an Effective Sermon - Sundays, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2 - 4pm
• Leading Worship - Saturdays, Oct. 28 and Nov 4 & 11, 2 - 5:30pm
• Fear of the Other – Nov. 17, 6 - 9pm & Nov. 18, 9am - 5pm

WPAUMC has a Podcast!

You can subscribe to the Meet in the Middle podcast on Spotify, Google Podcasts, or online here https://meetinthemiddle.buzzsprout.com/1838961   The podcast is brought to you by the WPAUMC Anti-Racism team and covers a variety of topics.

"A space to engage a broad range of topics that encourage civil discourse and promote common good. Each week we consider issues about racial tolerance and inclusion, social justice and equity, peaceable and collaborative relationships, while issuing the reminder to 'Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.'"   
 

Do you know about the Employee Assistance Program?  The EAP program is free for all clergy appointed to a local church (even part time), conference staff and members of clergy/staff households. The WPAUMC participant does not have to be enrolled on the conference healthcare plans to utilize this free resource.

The EAP includes free professional counseling with a licensed mental health provider. Participants can have six free sessions per issue (and can have subsequent “issues” approved for further free counseling).  Issues can be listed as anxiety, depression, family issues, stress, etc., basically any topic a person might wish to seek help for.

The EAP was included in the most recent edition of the In Focus publication (see page 7) – which can be found here: https://www.wpaumc.org/files/news/in_focus/InFocus_Feb-Mar2023_web.pdf.
Additional services are available – please see the flyer HERE.
 

WorkPartners Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for WPAUMC  
To access, call 1-844-833-0527 or visit
 www.lifesolutionsforyou.com, click Login,
and enter your company code: WPAUMC.
 
(EAP) services are private and confidential!
The conference does not receive record of individual or identified use.

The past few years have been difficult for us all, due in large part to the COVID pandemic and conversations around disaffiliation. Yet, despite this challenging season we have been witness to innovative ways of doing ministry that cares for both United Methodists and new people seeking a faith community. We celebrate the emerging relationships and opportunities as vital and unique ministries flourish, in spite of significant upheaval. While the full impact of disaffiliation is yet unknown, ... read more

This season of disaffiliation is painful for many, especially for those who wish to remain part of the United Methodist Church but are members of churches that have voted to leave the denomination. Conference leadership has heard from some of these individuals and the most pervasive question is, “Where do I go now?” As conversations evolved about how to best care for those who may be feeling adrift, leadership turned to the connection and researched how other conferences are caring for people ... read more

We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf has entered, having become a high priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.  Hebrews 6:19-20 Siblings in Christ,   I pray that all our souls are anchored in Christ, who is our hope.    This past summer I had the opportunity to rest and relax with my husband and fur baby, be educated around leadership and my African American ... read more