Susquehanna LINK, March 2022

 

PDF available to view and download at www.susumc.org/link

Remembering Our Heritage

 Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

March – 100 years ago

At the March 17, 1922, meeting of its Official Board, in response to a growing congregation and Sunday School, the Chinchilla Church, in Lackawanna County on the Clark’s Green charge, stepped out by faith and voted to purchase a new site and to prepare to build in the near future. Classes of the Sunday School had already turned into the treasury the price of the new lot, and the Ladies Aid Society had a fund of several hundred dollars towards the new building. But this was not the first or the last time this congregation would make a move.

The congregation was organized in 1818 and dedicated its first building in 1868. In 1905, a building used by the Baptists on Holgate Avenue was purchased and transformed into the congregation’s second facility. In 1924, the church projected in 1922 was built about where I-81 crosses Layton Road. When Interstate 81 was proposed in the 1950s, that location was in its path, and the building was condemned. The present sanctuary on Church Street was completed by Christmas Eve, 1961, when its first services were held. The congregation currently has about 60 members.

April – 50 years ago

The 1972 General Conference of The United Methodist Church met April 16-28 in Atlanta, Ga. The clergy and lay delegations were headed by: Central Pennsylvania—Rev. Daniel Shearer and Mr. Robert E. Knupp; Wyoming—Rev. Edgar Singer and Mr. Harry Gordon. Being the first General Conference since the 1968 Methodist-EUB union that created The United Methodist Church, the body was tasked with supplying some of the final details regarding that union.

One of the most discussed agenda items was approval of the new denomination’s SOCIAL PRINCIPLES. A final document was approved that gave “reluctant” approval to abortion under certain circumstances, approved remarriage of divorced persons in certain situations, and affirmed—while not condoning the practice of homosexuality—that homosexuals as well as heterosexuals are persons of sacred worth in need of the ministry and guidance of the church and are entitled to having their civil rights insured.

The Power to Make a Change!

By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator

“If you walked by a house fully engulfed in flames and you could hear people screaming, would you keep walking? If a car crashed in front of you, would you drive by it? If a child was about to cross a busy street without looking, would you stay quiet? Well, it’s not a fire, or a crash, or a busy street, but people ARE dying and our health-care workers are drowning, and they are seeing things they will never forget….”

These words were shared by a friend on social media a few months ago. Like many of us, she has been frustrated with the pandemic, a lack of concern for those who are suffering, and the declining support for the decision-makers attempting to guide us. 

My friend went on to share that “we have the power to change the outcome, to lessen the burden. We can be part of the solution.” 

As I read her post, my thoughts turned to a cold day in October when I met with some residents of Knoxville (Williamsport District). That meeting was born out of frustration. Flooding had affected this community in August and, because there was no disaster declaration, it was difficult for them to get the assistance they needed. As I listened to their stories and pleas for help, I couldn’t help but think about their suffering. Most were without heat, their furnaces ruined. Some had mold growing in their basements. I could see the suffering in their eyes and hear it in their voices as they shared their circumstances. Colder weather was coming and snow was in the forecast. Without help, they would spend the winter without heat.

As I left that community, I knew something had to be done. After making some phone calls and sending some emails, I was able to arrange some help. With help from an UMCOR Solidarity Grant, our Volunteers in Mission (VIM) teams and VOAD partners went to work. And, by Christmas, the majority of the needs had been addressed.

Recently, I received a text from one of the families thanking me. As a result of the “help your group has given to our family after the flood it is slowly looking like a house again.” 

As I shared in the January issue of the Susquehanna LINK, your generosity allowed the Disaster Response Ministry to support this work, share in their burden, and make a difference.

This month, we will celebrate UMCOR Sunday (March 27). And, communities around the Annual Conference, across the nation, and worldwide continue to suffer from hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires. Your support on this special Sunday allows UMCOR to train Conference Disaster Response Coordinators like me, certify Early Response Teams, keep the office lights on, and maintain its promise that 100% of any financial support to a specific UMCOR project will go towards that project and not administrative cost.

Your sustaining gifts on UMCOR Sunday and throughout the year lays the foundation for UMCOR to equip local churches, annual conferences and nonprofit organizations to be in mission with their communities, respond to those left most vulnerable during these challenging times, and share God’s love with communities everywhere.

To be part of the solution, make a change, and share the burdens of other, support UMCOR Sunday by giving during your congregational offering time. Financial contributions can be collected and submitted through the Conference Treasurer’s Remittance Report in Section A and mailed to the Conference Office. Checks should be made payable to the Susquehanna Conference, with the UMCOR Sunday designation in the memo. To support the ongoing work of UMCOR, please include the appropriate Advance:  UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 901670); or, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery (Advance # 982450). If you wish to allow UMCOR to determine where to use the funds, the offering can be designated “Where Most Needed” (Advance #999895).

For individual giving, these same options are available and can be accomplished online by CLICKING HERE: www.umcmission.org/umcor/give/how-to-give#Your_Gift

The Susquehanna Conference Disaster Response Ministry Advance (Advance # 8055) provides another opportunity to support disaster response. Funds designated to this Advance will support response, relief, and recovery efforts within the Conference as well as support Conference teams when they mobilize to other areas.

For more information about UMCOR, visit www.umcmission.org/umcor. To learn more about the Conference Disaster Response Ministry, visit www.susmb.org/ and click on the Disaster Response tab; or follow on Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse and on Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Douglas Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator
717-766-7441, ext. 3402
drc@susumc.org

PA Advocacy Roundup: February 2022

By Joyce M. Davis, Pennsylvania Advocacy Coordinator

The [Pennsylvania] legislature has been focused on drawing new lines for Congressional and state legislative districts. Seats are at stake and incumbents of both parties have tried to ensure their positions are safe. None of them wants to be pitted against a rival within the same party, or worse, to have the district redrawn to include a majority voters from the rival party.

Both Republicans and Democrats know the redrawn maps will determine the political landscape in Pennsylvania for the next decade. A lot is at stake, and several grassroots organizations such as Draw the Lines PA and Fair Maps PA have kept their eyes on the process to try to minimize “gerrymandering,” or drawing lines so outrageous they zig zag through regions just to strengthen the chances one party will remain in power.

The Congressional map has been the most controversial. The Republican-controlled legislature sent Gov. Tom Wolf, a Democrat, maps that were weighted toward their party. And, as expected, the governor vetoed them. That sent the whole matter to the courts, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will decide the final map.

The Legislative Reapportionment Commission has approved new legislative district maps, but there are signs Republicans may challenge them. They believe Democrats have been provided more of an advantage in several of the new House districts. Both parties seem to be on board with the new state Senate map, which is mostly unchanged except for the creation of a new district in Philadelphia with many Hispanic voters.

It’s important to note the process is behind schedule and could lead to midterm elections being postponed. The new maps were supposed to be announced in time for candidates to start collecting signatures on Feb. 15 for the midterm elections in May.

While redistricting has been center stage, the collapse of the bridge in Pittsburgh has put infrastructure funding back in the limelight, and the legislature will need to take concrete steps to start repairing and maintaining the state’s antiquated roads and bridges. President Joe Biden’s visited to Pittsburgh to tout his $1 trillion bill to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure.

The House of Representatives is also gearing up for a battle over “Critical Race Theory,” as some Republican legislators are even calling for banning books they considered too controversial on racism and the enslavement of Black people in the United States. This issue is likely to be debated along party lines, with Democrats opposing any suggestion of censoring books and blocking teachers from providing factual information on the nation’s racial history.

More pressure also is being put on the legislature to take action to stop placing children accused of crimes in adult prisons. The Pennsylvania Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform has recommended significant changes in the way children are treated in the criminal justice system, noting rampant abuse in juvenile detention facilities and the placement of children as young as 10-years-old in adult jails. The task force offered its recommendations for reform more than six months ago, but legislators have taken no concrete action to change any existing laws to better protect children.

Advocates for people with disabilities are also putting pressure on both Gov. Wolf and the legislators to raise pay rates for home health care workers.

Advocates say families are facing great difficulty hiring and retaining home health-care workers to care for family members with disabilities.   Pennsylvania is facing a shortage of direct support professionals who help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities bathe, get dressed, eat, exercise, socialize, and perform many other fundamental tasks. Putting an exact number on the shortfall is difficult, as employment data on these workers is lumped together with health-care aides generally, but the industry was already experiencing double-digit vacancy and turnover rates nationally before COVID-19 arrived.

Finally, Gov. Wolf is presenting his last budget address this month, as this is his final term in office. The state is gearing up for what is bound to be a hotly contested race among Republicans and Democrats to take his place. Attorney General Josh Shapiro is the Democratic Party nominee, but the Republican primary will be a battleground for a wide field of candidates, including former Congressman Lou Barletta, President pro tempore of the State Senate Jake Corman, Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale, political strategist Charlie Gerow, former U.S. Representative Melissa Hart, former U.S. Attorney William McSwain, State Senator Scott Martin, State Senator Doug Mastriano and former Delaware County Councilmember Dave White.

PA UM Advocacy: https://umadvocacypa.blogspot.com/

Discovery Place - New Resources Available!

Discovery Place is excited to share a wealth of resources new to us in recent weeks. Check these out for use in your Sunday School class or small group!

  

The Lord’s Prayer by Adam Hamilton (2021). Subtitled “The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught,” this study guides us to really know – and really pray – the Lord’s Prayer. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, leader guide, and hardcover book.)

Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio (2021). Based on Psalm 23, this study helps us to cancel the lies that wreck our lives and take authority over our thoughts. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, and hardcover book.)

Just Say Yes! Unleashing People for Ministry by Robert Schnase (2016). Examining the systems and attitudes that restrain and control ministry, Schnase demonstrates practical ways church leaders can encourage, embolden, and equip people for ministry. (10 sessions. Includes DVD, book, leader guide, and participant guide.)

  

Life-Changing Prayer: Approaching the Throne of Grace by Jim Cymbala (2018). Using interviews with people who received extraordinary answers to their prayers, Cymbala shows how prayer can transform our lives. (6 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.)

Making Your Case for Christ Training Course by Lee Strobel and Mark Mittelberg (2018). In his journey from atheism to faith, Strobel uses historical evidence to back up Jesus’ claims and equips your church with practical tools to communicate this message. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, book, and church campaign starter guide.)

You Were Made For This Moment by Max Lucado (2021). Are you weary from your challenges, wounded by your battles, or worried your world is spinning out of control? If so, this study based on the book of Esther brings welcome news that God hasn’t forgotten you. (5 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, and hardcover book.)

  

Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets by Andy Stanley (2020). “I should’ve asked more questions!” We hear this quite often after making a bad decision. In this study, Stanley equips us with five catalytic questions to ask each time we are faced with a decision. (6 sessions. Includes DVD, study guide, and hardcover book.)

Who Is Jesus? by Louie Giglio (2018). All our lives center on this one question: who is Jesus? In this study, Giglio invites us to meet God in both our intellect and our hearts by uncovering what history and Scripture have to say about Jesus. (5 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.)

For churches interested in exploring ways to Build the Beloved Community, here is a great DVD option:

Vital Conversations: Racism and the U.S. Church – Subtitled “Vital Conversations on Race, Culture, and Justice,” this study was published by The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR). It offers us a way to begin a dialog, face our misconceptions and fears, and move deliberately to spiritual, community, and social transformation. The final session is presented by Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. (7 sessions. Includes DVD and study guide.)

In addition to this DVD study, there are numerous books that will be helpful in dismantling racism. Use our online catalog (see below) and do an advanced search using the subject “Racism.” 

Complete descriptions of these and all our other resources can be found in the online catalog on our website: www.discovery-place.org. You may place an order directly through our online catalog, email discovery@susumc.org, or call 717-766-7968. We look forward to hearing from you!

Serving Christ with you,

Joni Robison

Tornado Recovery Support

There are opportunities to financially support tornado recovery efforts as well as send volunteers to the Kentucky and Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conferences.

Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference

Long Term Recovery efforts are being planned through the Fall of 2022 and volunteer teams that are interested in helping should register their interest at VOLUNTEER FORM. 

If you want to send supplies, contact them at SENDING SUPPLIES FORM. 

Financial giving can be accomplished by clicking Donate to Disaster Response Fund or, mailing a check to Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference, PO Box 440132, Nashville, TN 37244. (Please note Disaster Response in the memo line.)

Kentucky Conference

Currently, the Kentucky Annual Conference is only accepting teams that are ERT led, with a ratio of 1:1 (1 ERT trained* to 1 non-ERT). 

When long term recovery efforts begin, more information will be shared. 

Financial giving can be accomplished by mailing a check made out to Conference Treasurer to Kentucky Annual Conference, Attn: Treasurer, 7400 Floydsburg Road, Crestwood, KY 40014. (Please note KY Disaster Response #200902 in the memo line.)

Please remember, if you do decide to send volunteers, contact Douglas Hoy (drc@susumc.org) or Michelle Schwartzman (vim@susumc.org) to register the mission trip, fill out a roster, and receive the insurance paperwork. 

*The Susquehanna Conference currently has three individuals ERT trained. ERT training courses (virtual) are being scheduled and dates will be published.

Volunteers in Mission

In case you missed it, VIM has a new website under the Conference Board of Global Ministries (CBGM). Go to www.susmb.org/vim to check it out! You can find what VIM is all about, see photos of teams from the past year, find a project to work on or a training that would suit you, and Mission resources. These pages are constantly being updated with new materials and projects so check it out regularly.

Keep an eye out for upcoming VIM Training, sessions are scheduled regularly or by request. VIM Training prepares us to have a positive impact in mission whether it is a few hours or weeks; local, national, or global. It is open to those who have led teams and those who have never served on a project. Taking this training does not require you to lead a trip but equips you for service. Topics covered include Best Practices, Cultural Awareness, Health & Safety, Team Orientations, Useful Forms, Insurance and Fundraising. If you, your mission committee, or mission team are interested in the VIM Training, contact Michelle at vim@susumc.org or 717-766-7441 ext. 3105.

A gem that the Susquehanna Conference VIM provide is supplemental accident insurance for your teams FREE of charge. If you’re serving in your local community or sending teams out further into Pennsylvania, other states, or other countries, contact Michelle for information on how to acquire this insurance. It’s another way we care for our teams and all the work you do.

What to look for in 2022??? 

Right now, the Susquehanna Conference VIM offers a grant for VIM team’s material costs. Check it out at https://susmb.org/resources/. We’re creating a new grant that will debut later this year to help the journey costs of new missioners. But we can’t continue to offer these grants without the help of generous donors! You know that it all adds up and any amount donated helps tremendously! The grants come from United Methodist Advances and that means that 100% of the money donated is used for the grants, not administrative fees! 

Please consider a donation to VIM, here’s how to donate to our VIM Advances

Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Advance Special (#4055)

VIM is a grassroots movement of United Methodists who seek to put their “Christian Love in Action.” VIM offers a connectional framework through which disciples can engage in short-term mission journeys locally, nationally, and globally. VIM provides training, resources, insurance, and support to our VIM teams.

Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Materials Advance Special (#7010)

This ministry helps with the costs of materials for VIM work including local mission, domestic and international VIM Journeys.

Make checks payable and send to:

“Susquehanna Conference UMC” - Memo line: Advance and number
303 Mulberry Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

VIM is the short-term mission agency of the United Methodist Church who seek to put their “Christian Love in Action”. I celebrate all our Conference Missioners and those who support us with your prayers, monetary gifts, and relationship. I’ll leave you with one of our core values from John Wesley: Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.

Michelle Schwartzman, VIM Coordinator 

vim@susumc.org  •  717-766-7441 ext. 3105.

Spiritual Gifts: How do We Discover Our Gifts? Why does it Matter?

By Audrey Stanton-Smith. Reprinted with permission.

This is the second of a series of articles that will help you learn more about spiritual gifts, how to discover yours, and how they might be used to benefit the church and community. 

As director of Young Disciples and Outdoor Ministries for the West Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Shea James uses creative ways to challenge students and campers to grow in faith. Sometimes it’s a song. Sometimes it’s a game. At the 2021 Fall Workshop, she asked youth to complete a spiritual gifts inventory.

They answered a series of questions to help them determine which of the 20 spiritual gifts — named in the New Testament  — God has freely bestowed upon them to help them grow in relationship with God and fulfill their call to discipleship and ministry.

“Spiritual gifts are God’s generosity poured out,” Shea said. “They are diverse and unique to each believer, and best understood, expressed, and strengthened in Christian community. Spiritual gifts are how we respond to God’s work in our lives, enabling us to be channels of God’s grace towards others.”

Leaders like Shea, whose spiritual gifts are leading, teaching, and shepherding, help others grow, explore, and utilize those gifts for the building up of the body of Christ.

After the youth took their inventories, they met virtually in small groups to discuss and explore their gifts, Shea explained, clarifying that the Spiritual Gifts Assessment is merely a good starting point from which a Christian community can help young disciples grow.

A spiritual gifts assessment is only a step toward the development of those gifts, not only for youth but for all Christians at all points in their faith journeys.

“Once you know your spiritual gifts, you should turn to your community (church, family, friends) and share your results,” Shea said. “Ask them: do they see those gifts in you, can they think of examples when they witnessed you using your gifts, and what opportunities are there for you to do more? You cannot fully understand your spiritual gifts outside the Christian community, so find people you trust to process your results.”

Ken Willard, WVUMC director of Congregational Vitality, agreed.

“One of the best ways I know of to help people discern their own spiritual gifts is through intentional conversation,” said Ken, who has been gifted in leadership, teaching, and faith. “One way to do this is what I refer to as discipleship coaching.

“By asking questions about where they are drawn to in ministry, where they have felt most at home, where they have seen and felt God at work with them, what are they most passionate about, what breaks their heart, where have they served and it did not feel like work, etc. Their responses will usually point out where they have been gifted,” Ken continued. “Another way is to have someone who might be new to the faith to test out some areas in order to best find their fit. Spiritual gifts assessments can be helpful, too. But I have found there is no substitute for a one-on-one conversation.”

It’s important to know and explore spiritual gifts because “we need to honor what we have been given,” Ken said. “We need to grow those gifts, and the Kingdom of God needs us to use our gifts in order to produce a more fruitful harvest.”

But first, these gifts should be discovered, then nurtured.

“We help people to discern their spiritual gifts when we follow one of the commandments that Christ called the most important — to love each other,” said Kim Matthews, CLM, vice president of the United Methodist Foundation of West Virginia and chair of Lay Servant Ministries for the WVUMC. Kim’s spiritual gifts include teaching, serving, administration, and leadership.

“When we listen to each other, we can help others to discern their calls to ministry,” Kim said. “When we encourage each other, we can help others to recognize their own spiritual gifts. Both listening and encouragement are acts of love, and when we help people discern their spiritual gifts, we give them the possibility of another gift: the joy of using that gift in ministry.”

To take your spiritual gift assessment, and to learn more about Spiritual gifts please follow this link.

Article source: www.wvumc.org/2021/10/spiritual-gifts-how-do-we-discover-our-gifts-why-does-it-matter/

Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: God is on the Move through Youth Ministry

Rev. Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders
Kim Shockley, Coordinator for Pathways of Spiritual Leadership

Youth ministries in many congregations have felt a profound impact from COVID resulting in a major disruption of what used to work and a significant change in the future landscape for youth ministry. Yet, we sense that God is on the move, so 2022 will be an exciting year of listening and retooling the Young People’s Ministry Council to come alongside our youth, youth workers, and congregations more broadly. Leadership will be expanded from across the Susquehanna Conference. 

Focused teams are being established to strengthen Youth Workers and Congregational Youth Ministry, Youth Discipleship, Young People in Mission, and Equipping Youth for Active Leadership Now. We will be focusing on deep listening and sharing of stories about what is happening and promising possibilities that are growing. If you want to learn more or help YPMC and its work in the coming years, don’t hesitate to contact our co-chairs: Alex Raser (rasergirl2@outlook.com) and Ryan Craig (ryan.craig@millgreenumc.org), or staff liaisons: Kim Shockley (kshockley@susumc.org), or Kevin Witt (kwitt@susumc.org)

On February 25-27, our Young People’s Ministry Council (YPMC) sponsored a “Rest and Renewal” retreat for youth workers at Wesley Forest. Kenda Creasy Dean, professor of youth ministry at Princeton Seminary, came to stir our imaginations about refreshingly new avenues for youth ministry. She spoke passionately about the centrality of love and the many forms it can take in re-imagining youth ministry. 

We used a wonderful game, Ripple Effect, to identify real challenges our youth and youth ministries are facing, then broke them down into specific impacts and repercussions. Next, we gave attention to very concrete ways we could bring love to these specific situations and how that might change the form youth ministry can take. Many of the emerging opportunities shared in dialogue with each other did not depend upon a congregation having a typical “youth group model” to implement.

During our retreat we offered a meditative walk in the woods and spiritual direction conversations. In these deeply reflective times, an idea was born in Brien McChesney, the youth director at Lake Winola UMC. He is feeling a call to develop a process for how local churches can “reboot” or start new youth ministries. We could easily provide coaches to walk alongside congregations as they do this work. These are the kinds of ideas directly from leaders in local churches that become sparks of inspiration for collaboration and the work of the Young People’s Ministry Council as we journey and explore together. 

When I arrived home from the retreat, I had a message from our SUSUMC Cabinet that one of the offerings of Annual Conference 2022 will be in support of new initiatives that will certainly arise as the restructured Young Peoples Ministry Council forms and does its work. I immediately saw the potential of linking these funds to Brien’s idea and other ideas that will come forth! God is on the move in this!

Send us your ideas and possibilities so they can be in the mix as we discern God’s lead. Your gifts to the Annual Conference offering and many other forms of support will be needed in discovering new ways to build relationships of love with young people in our communities. Whatever you can contribute to the joint effort - talent, time, inspiration, or financial gifts will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for supporting your youth locally and beyond. We are all in this together!