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| Rev. Dr. Paul Amara (right) presented the 2023 One Matters Award for the Williamsport District to State Road UMC in Linden, represented by Pastor Elizabeth Jackson (left) and Lay Member Darlene Smith (center). |
Every year, Discipleship Ministries partners with annual conferences by offering the One Matters Award (OMA) to one eligible congregation at each annual conference. At the 2023 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the One Matters Award was given to one church in each of our districts.
This award has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, the individual may experience the personal transformation to potentially engage in the church’s mission for the transformation of the world. While most Discipleship Ministries programs focus on existing members, OMA focuses on new members. After all, ONE Matters.
The 2023 One Matters Award for Williamsport District was:
State Road UMC, Linden
By Rev. Dr. Paul Amara, Williamsport District Superintendent
In October 2022, State Road UMC in Linden had concerns for their future.
When the pastor reached out to the members of the church about their future, they started holding honest discussions. With the ongoing denominational conflict, 14 people had left the already small-membership church. Many thought that would be the end but while that was happening, seven members came back to the church with their families.
In 2023, they started to grow their children’s ministry with eight children that started to attend every week. Five of those children were baptized and welcomed with open arms into the church. The church also received two new members. One new family started to attend after the invitation from someone in the congregation, and another family returned and is now actively involved.
State Road UMC is filled with new life! The children have been eagerly learning about God and they memorized the Lord’s Prayer. They boldly join in with the rest of the congregation every week to recite the Lord’s Prayer.
In February, the children’s Sunday School shared some love with the Presbyterian Home retirement community, sending beautifully decorated cards to the residents.
Each month, the collection box fills up with donations for the local food bank, in an effort to love their neighbors.
The church [was] planning something special for the veterans in the community, collecting socks for the homeless, and helping with the parish Vacation Bible School program.
Even though resources are tight for them, the church continues to look for ways to be a beacon of hope in their community, sharing the love of Christ.
State Road UMC has become the light of Christ in their community. They may be a small rural church in the middle of nowhere, and the GPS may not be able help you find them easily, but their light shines brightly, their kind hearts continue to beat for Christ, and they are transforming lives.
I am honored to present them with this One Matters Award on behalf of the [Susquehanna Annual Conference]!
Please keep this rural, small-town, disciple-making church in your prayers!
