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Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Monday, March 17, 2025
Remembering Our Heritage
Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
March – 100 years ago
The 1925 annual session of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church was held March 5-9 at First Church in Milton, Northumberland County. Among the resolutions passed was the following: “Whereas, Governor Pinchot has taken such a fearless stand in favor of law enforcement and proposed legislation to make the 18th Amendment effective; Resolved, That we instruct the Secretary of Conference to write to Governor Pinchot commending him for his fearless attitude.” The 18th Amendment prohibited the production, sale or transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. It was passed in 1919 and repealed in 1933.
The 1897 building in which the 1925 annual session was held was sold in 1929 when the congregation erected its present sanctuary on Lower Market Street and Garfield Avenue. The gymnasium and social hall were added in 1991.
April – 50 years ago
Friday evening April 4, 1975, was a special day for the men and boys of the Central Pennsylvania Conference. In Lewistown, at First UMC, at the annual rally of the Conference United Methodist Men, guest speaker Jimmy Carter – the young, reform-minded Governor of Georgia who pledged that no Georgian should “ever again be deprived of the opportunity for a job, an education, or simple justice because he is poor, rural, black, or not influential” – challenged those in attendance to Christian statesmanship.
On that same evening in Altoona, at Otterbein UMC, the Sixth Annual Pennsylvania United Methodist Church Basketball Tournament began its 22-team, two-weekend event. These highly competitive games, hosted this year by the Central Pennsylvania Conference, began as the State EUB Tournament and continued as such for 17 years before becoming an annual UMC event following the denominational merger.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Staff Update
Michelle has been a trained Volunteer in Mission for 8 years. As SUSUMC VIM Coordinator for the past 6 years, Michelle has passionately promoted and coordinated VIM efforts, including training leaders and participants, throughout SUSUMC and beyond and participated in more than 10 Mission Journeys (in addition to the many before she was trained.)
“I’m grateful for my time here, as I’ve received a lot of support and encouragement,” said Schwartzman. “With the experience here I’ve grown personally and professionally. I will miss my time working within the Susquehanna Conference.”
Thank you Michelle! We wish you all the best and pray for God’s continued work in and through you as you serve through mission engagement.
Summer Camps Previously Held at Greene Hills Now Held at Camp Penn
Previously held at Greene Hills, these camps provide a perfect opportunity for kids to connect with God, enjoy nature, and build lifelong friendships. This year, to make the transition easier for families, transportation will be available from the Huntingdon and Woodbury areas to Camp Penn.
Campers will enjoy all the best parts of summer camp, including delicious meals, fun-filled activities, inspiring worship, and plenty of adventure.
Register at suscrm.org
Camp Connect Mini
June 15-17, Grades 1-3 | Deans: Josh & Angie Tobias
A great introduction to camp, this shorter session allows younger campers to experience the joy of summer camp in a safe and exciting environment.
Cost: $247 (Early Bird: $222)
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Camp Connect
June 15-20, Grades 3-7 | Deans: Josh & Angie Tobias
A full-week adventure packed with outdoor activities, worship, and fun challenges. Third graders can choose between mini-camp or this full-week option.
Cost: $480 (Early Bird: $455)
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Elementary Music & Arts Camp
June 15-21, Grades 2-6 | Dean: Michelle Whitlock
Campers will explore faith through music, theater, and visual arts, concluding with a special performance.
Cost: $515 (Early Bird: $490)
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Youth Musical Theater Camp
June 15-21, Grades 7-12 | Deans: Sara Billman & Jenn Myers
Campers will design sets, create props, and perform Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR! while engaging in games and faith-building activities.
Cost: $525 (Early Bird: $500)
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Register at suscrm.org
Adventure Camps Offered by Camp & Retreat Ministry
This summer, take your love for the outdoors to the next level with Susquehanna Conference Camp & Retreat Ministry adventure camps! Whether you’re paddling through scenic waterways, trying to catch the big one, or conquering your fears while white-water rafting, these camps are designed to challenge, inspire, and create lasting memories. Check out the details below and secure your spot today! Register at suscrm.org
CP Adventures: Potomac River Canoe Trip
May 23-26 | Dean: Sam Richardson
Spend Memorial Day weekend canoeing along the stunning Potomac Water Trail,
enjoying scenic landscapes, peaceful waters, and nights under the stars.
Ages: Adult
Cost: $439 (Early Bird: $414)
Starts: Friday 7:00 pm | Ends: Monday 3:00 pm
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CP Adventures: Canadian Canoe Trip – NEW ADVENTURE CAMP!
May 16-19 & June 27-July 5 | Deans: Josh & Susie Yorks
Explore the untouched beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park on this immersive
canoeing adventure, deepening your connection with nature and faith.
Ages: 16+ without parent, 13+ with parent
Cost: $1000
Starts: Friday 6:00 pm | Ends: Saturday 3:00 pm
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Wesley Forest - Fishing Camp
June 22-27 | Deans: Frank & Mel Bolles
Join this week-long fishing adventure, where campers will explore top fishing spots, improve their angling skills, and enjoy classic camp activities.
Grades: 9-12
Cost: $480
Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 4:00 pm
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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 Elementary
July 13-18 | Deans: Becca Swartz & Amber Heberlig
Young adventurers will experience an action-packed week of canoeing, high ropes, hiking, and sleeping under the stars while learning to live out Hebrews 12.
Grades: 3-6
Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)
Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Tuesday 3:00 pm
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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 – HIGH ADVENTURE CAMP
July 27-August 1 | Deans: Melissa Galla & Susan Yorks
Thrill-seekers will take on white-water rafting, high ropes courses, and outdoor challenges, building confidence and faith through adventure.
Grades: 7-12
Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)
Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 3:00 pm
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Register at suscrm.org
New Social Principles and Advocacy Training
By Rev. Ryan Gephart, SUSUMC Peace with Justice Coordinator, Preaching Faith & Justice Fellow
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, fifty-seven people of the Susquehanna Conference came together to learn about our new Social Principles and receive advocacy training at Calvary UMC, Harrisburg, PA. Rev. Dr. Lillian Smith, Freedom Trail (Altoona) District Superintendent, started our day with a sermon reminding us of the call from Micah 6 along with our United Methodist history to justice work. Dr. Smith stated that we need “to remember who we are” as followers of Jesus Christ.
Colleen Moore, director of Peace With Justice at the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS), then led four sessions on various topics throughout the day. The topics included the new Social Principles of The United Methodist Church, Christian Nationalism, Israel/Palestine, Gun Violence Prevention, Advocacy Training, and other issues like Immigration. We participated in various exercises helping us explore the new Social Principles and how we could teach & relate them to our churches. The new Social Principles can be found at www.umcjustice.org and contain an index of topics from “The Community of All Creation” to “The Economic Community” to “The Social Community” to “The Political Community.“
One of the features of the day was building community for justice work. We are looking to build a peace with justice network for the conference using new resources from the General Board of Church & Society. GBCS has just created a new electronic resource for coordinators to be able to equip people faster for justice & advocacy work. Our new network will leverage this resource for justice & advocacy work.
We need to remember from the call of the prophets:
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
If you are interested in joining justice work in our conference, please contact Rev. Ryan Gephart at rgephart@susumc.org or call 814-224-2815.
New Places - New People: Mosaic Community Church, Halifax
Mosaic Community Church, Halifax
River Valley District
Rev. Gary Weaver, Superintendent
The New Places New People award is given to those people who are self-starters, who are visionaries, and who are team builders. Coming out of both COVID and a season of disaffiliation was a confusing time for many of us in the life of the church. Many faith-filled people wandered aimlessly and yet others found their way.
A handful of people in the Halifax area wandered and then found their way, seeking creative connections to their community, to God, and to the individuals around them. Wanting to be connected in a significant way, with inspiration and energy in their heart, they came together.
We have always been, since the beginning, a nomadic people. These people were indeed nomadic and coming together, they found and created a home. Under the connection and support of Calvary United Methodist Church in Harrisburg these nomads made the journey each week to nearby Camp Hebron, that was both home but ultimately temporary. Then, these risk-takers sensed that a time had come to put down roots, so now they meet in an elementary school, where all people are invited to be part of the journey.
As they responded to their changing context, they have been faithful to the opportunities for sharing their faith and those moments of growth with people around them. One of their greatest desires is to continue to be a faith community where people can become who they were created to be, can continue to be followers of Jesus Christ, and know that they are truly welcome no matter who they are.
The simple definition of a mosaic is a decoration made by inlaying small pieces of varied colored material to form a picture or a pattern and indeed that’s what this new place is; an inlaying of individuals who collectively paint a picture of God’s Kingdom here in the Susquehanna Conference.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
One Matters Award: Fishing Creek Salem UMC, Etters
One Matters Award
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 2024 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 following congregations received the One Matters Award in 2024:
- Freedom Trail District: Claysburg UMC Charge
- Mountain Valley District: Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC
- North Central Rivers District: Mehoopany UMC
- Northern Wilds District: Holy Trinity UMC
- River Valley District: Fishing Creek Salem UMC
Fishing Creek Salem UMC, River Valley District
Rev. Gary Weaver, Superintendent
The One Matters Award places a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating a person into the church body, an individual may experience personal transformation to potentially engage in the church’s mission for the transformation of the world.
With the One Matters Award, we lift up the importance of discipleship and help interpret across the United Methodist connection that each and every soul matters. Every life matters to God, and every life should matter to us.
Of the many worthy recipients, the 2024 [River Valley District] One Matters Award was presented to Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church in Etters:
- Whose staff and laity are dedicated to ministry and community connections.
- Whose Profession of Faith numbers increased by 5.
- Whose baptized 11 people since July of 2023 – a far cry from where things were.
- And who celebrated a Confirmation Class of 11 people.
We also celebrate that this York County congregation was one of the first congregations to be designated as a Lighthouse Congregation in the Susquehanna Conference, a faith community geared specifically to welcome and support loyal United Methodists whose churches closed or disaffiliated. They live out a deep commitment to hospitality to help displaced United Methodists heal from the pain of losing their church.
Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets Come Together for Missional Collaboration
By Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications
The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one Bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in ministry.
To begin this new journey, the Missional Cabinets from both conferences came together for a joint retreat held in Williamsport, PA, from January 13th to the 15th. The retreat allowed the joint team to build a strong foundation for the new missional partnership while maintaining the distinct identities of the two conferences.
The retreat focused on several key priorities to enhance the partnership:
- Building relationships and fostering unity;
- Learning about each Conference’s missional context;
- Discovering collaboration opportunities for a more significant impact;
- Exploring new possibilities in shared mission;
- Engaging in shared spiritual formation.
“This retreat was a great opportunity to get to know one another through conversation, worship, and activities,” explained Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, Dean of the Upper New York Missional Cabinet. “We learned we have a great deal in common and are intrigued by the possibilities before us to be collaborative in ministry.”
The gathering also served as a reminder of the transformative potential of collaboration in ministry. Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver, Dean of the Susquehanna Missional Cabinet, shared that he “sensed the reassurance that as communication continues beyond the Cabinets, shared work will create both better work and a renewed reality that Kingdom work is not designed to be restricted by lines drawn on a map.”
“As the resident Bishop for the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area, I am excited about God’s new work among us,” said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez. “I am committed to collaborating effectively and maintaining clear, transparent communication. Our focus will be on how this partnership can enhance our ability to serve with excellence in both conferences for the glory of God.”
As the two conferences continue to walk this path together, Bishop Burgos-Núñez invites the prayers and support of clergy, lay leaders, and congregants alike. “I call on all United Methodists in the Susquehanna-Upper New York Episcopal Area to surround this journey in our individual and communal prayers, asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the God-sized possibilities ahead of us as we collaborate in equipping and resourcing our leaders and congregations to fulfill our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” concluded Bishop Burgos-Núñez.
Grace and blessings as we continue this journey together.
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