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| A PDF of the January issue of Susquehanna LINK can be viewed or downloaded at susumc.org/link |
Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Everstand Highlights Human Trafficking Crisis in Annual Report
One of the most compelling features of this year’s report is a special profile on our Regional Navigator and Lotus Programs, which serve survivors and suspected survivors of human trafficking. These programs provide critical support, including safe housing, trauma-informed care, pathways to healing and independence, as well as crucial education to raise awareness within the community.
Human trafficking is a harrowing crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable youth, especially those in the foster care system who have experienced childhood trauma. Studies reveal that youth with a history of abuse, neglect, or unstable living environments are at a significantly higher risk of being exploited by traffickers. For Everstand, this reality underscores the urgency of our work and deepens our commitment to standing against exploitation in all its forms.
Through the Regional Navigator and Lotus Programs, Everstand offers survivors not only safety but also hope. The programs provide wraparound services that prioritize each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim their futures. In the last year alone, these programs have provided life-changing support to dozens of survivors, connecting them to resources, legal advocacy, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.
As we observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month this month, Everstand invites you to join us in standing against the exploitation of children and youth. Together, we can amplify awareness and inspire action to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
On #WearBlueDay, observed annually on January 11th, we encourage our community to wear blue as a symbol of solidarity. By participating and sharing your support on social media, you can help spread the word and stand with us against this devastating issue. Tag us on Facebook (@everstand.social) or Instagram (@everstand_social) and use the hashtag #WearBlueDay to demonstrate your commitment to protecting children and youth from exploitation.
The FY24 Annual Impact Report also includes powerful testimonials from our donors and volunteers, insights into our innovative therapeutic programs, and a look at Everstand’s ongoing efforts to address systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations. We invite you to explore the stories and successes that have defined our year and inspired our vision for the future.
To support our mission and learn more about the impactful work you make possible, visit www.everstand.org. If you’d like to request a hard copy of the FY24 Annual Impact Report—or additional materials such as informational brochures—you can do so easily through our online form at www.everstand.org/supplies.
By working together, we can break the cycle of trauma and exploitation and create a brighter future for all children and youth. Thank you for standing with Everstand as we continue to champion hope, healing, and resilience in the face of profound challenges.
*New name, same great programs! In 2018, The United Methodist Home for Children (UMHC) in Mechanicsburg, PA merged with Board of Child Care. In May of 2024, we began operating under the unifying name of Everstand, which reflects our commitment to standing beside, standing up for, and standing strong with those we serve.
Mission Central Thanks the Churches of The Susquehanna Conference!
Alexis Pigott, Mission Central Director of Development & Communications
From all of us at Mission Central, thank you to the churches of the Susquehanna Conference for being part of our mission! When we called, you answered! Throughout 2024, your generosity enabled us to provide relief and hope to those who needed it most.
Mission Central has been a cornerstone of disaster relief in 2024, coordinating recovery efforts with our partners and churches to provide immediate aid and help communities rebuild. Our disaster response efforts remain one of our most impactful, as we were able to support over 100,205 individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During a year when weather-related disasters were particularly devastating, we distributed all of the Flood Buckets in our warehouse (over 6,000). Supporters far and wide are helping us replenish our inventory so that we can meet the needs of upcoming disaster victims and continue to send resources to those already affected.
This year, we also hosted our first Gala fundraiser since 2019, our largest event of the year. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all those who contributed. The evening was filled with inspiring speeches and powerful stories that highlighted Mission Central’s impact. Our live auction energized the room, with attendees bidding generously to support our programs and disaster relief efforts. The silent auction was equally successful, with all items being bid on, thanks to the enthusiasm of our donors and guests. Held at Central Penn College, the event was attended by over 130 supporters dedicated to “Connecting God’s Resources with Human Need.” Thank you for believing in our mission!
As we reflect on the success of our Gala and the support we’ve received throughout 2024, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation for the future. We remain committed to being a source of support for those in need, and with your help, we will continue to make a meaningful impact.
Our Medical Program continues to be one of our most vital services, providing urgent medical equipment to those in need. As demand for this program grows, we are adjusting our medical program operational hours to ensure efficiency. Beginning in January 2025, Medical Program supplies will only be available for pickup on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and must be scheduled in advance.
As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to serving those in greatest need and sharing God’s love to inspire action and support communities around the world. Learn more and discover ways to give at www.missioncentral.org. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025 and beyond.
Thank you!
Emergency Response Team Helps in Augusta, Georgia
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Steve Runyan, ERT
Hurricane Helene impacted the southeast United States from September 24-27, 2024. On Thursday, September 26, Augusta, Georgia received approximately 8-10 inches of rain. In the very early morning hours of Friday, September 27, at approximately 2:30 am, severe winds hit the area. Estimates indicated winds of 100+ miles per hour. The combination of heavy rain soaking the ground and the strong winds resulted in devastation of the community as numerous trees were ripped from the ground, roots and all. Homes were destroyed, as were cars, fences, sheds and everything else to be found in yards and homes.
On December 1, I departed for Augusta with plans to meet up with ERT’s from the Upper New York Conference on December 2. We had housing arranged and provided by Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta. They also provided all our meals. They were a true blessing to our mission.
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On Tuesday, December 3, we started our work. Our arrival was about 10 weeks after the storm, and the devastation observed and the number of people still waiting for any type of assistance was beyond what I can put into words.
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I operated a chainsaw, along with one of the Upper New York ERT’s. We cut any small trees and brush as well as limbing the very large trees that were downed. All material was then transported out to the curb, which was not always a simple feat.
We worked a typical ERT schedule…3 days. We took a day off to rest and recuperate a little, and then worked a second rotation.
We worked at the homes of 10 residents. They were among those most in need and awaiting help. A single mother with 7 foster children, a 73-year-old man with lung cancer, a woman with a disabled daughter in a wheelchair, a man confined to a wheelchair, a widow...the list goes on.
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The work was hard, but the looks of hope and thanks from the homeowners when we finished made it worth the sore muscles. Most of the properties we worked at, we did not finish the job…the trees were simply too big for us to deal with. We cleaned up all the small stuff and prepped the big trees for follow-on teams that were coming with heavy equipment.
It’s not what you do, it’s who you serve!
Rev. Jason Schwartzman
For the past 17 years, I have been proud to lead a team to McCurdy Ministries Community Center in New Mexico. What started out as a one-off trip for a youth group in York has become one of my favorite weeks of the year.
Last year, in collaboration with the Young People’s Ministry Council (YPMC) we brought 22 people (11 adults and 11 youth/young adults) from all over the Susquehanna Conference. The week quickly became one of their favorite weeks too.
But what is it? What is so magical about McCurdy? Of course, we can talk about the breathtaking scenery that exists in Northern New Mexico. We can talk about the architecture of Santa Fe and the relentless charm of Taos. But that’s not what makes it our favorite week. It’s not our favorite week because of the projects we get to do either. Can anyone really say that they love to pull weeds in the unforgiving New Mexico sun at the start of the hottest month of the year? I doubt it.
What makes it our favorite week is not what we do, it’s who we serve. McCurdy week is our favorite week because of the relentless mission that this place carries. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with Tiffany, the executive director of McCurdy Ministries. Her vision and passion for McCurdy is contagious! She sees possibilities and she articulates an irresistible vision for the valley. We couldn’t wait to be a tiny part of that incredible plan! We had a chance to spend some time with Manny on this trip. His talent is over-the-top. This man can do anything at all! But his talent is dwarfed by the size of his heart. We couldn’t wait to help Manny do everything he needed to do to make the campus look great. Why? Because we were all-in. And why were we all-in? Because of the passion that exists for this place, from those who work there.
I have no doubt that the people who work at McCurdy are talented enough to make a lot more money somewhere else. They could be construction supervisors, or they could be the CEO of a fancy company. Instead, they give their lives to the mission…they pour out their professional lives to try to give others a fair shot. The way they live out their faith is more than inspiring. It is a practical example of John Wesley’s call to “Do good…in all the ways you can.” Their passion has ignited hearts for this place. It has taught us the valuable lesson: It’s not what you do, it’s who you serve. I am so proud to lead a team to McCurdy on behalf of Young People’s Ministry Council and in cooperation with Volunteers in Mission. They have the vision, we have the hands.
I am so passionate about McCurdy that I would love to chat with anyone about leading a trip there! You can reach me by email at jschwartzman@susumc.org. I love this place! It has impacted my faith, my call, and my story. In God’s economy, we give and we give and we give and in the end we all have more. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen that truth in Espanola, New Mexico.
Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum
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| UMC young adult clergy at the Church and Society 2024 Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum, Washington, D.C., October 2024. |
Rev. David Keyworth
From October 28-30, 2024, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum at the United Methodist Building in D.C. It was an opportunity to gather with young clergy across our connection. Clergy from across the United States and one clergy from Southern Germany attended.
We had opportunities to worship and share in communion, eat together, and have conversation around various issues that were important to us and our ministry contexts. Each day members of the Global Board of Church and Society shared with us their portfolios and the topics that they were passionate about and advocating for.
We had the honor and the privilege to meet with Reverend Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben, the chaplain for the House of Representatives. She shared with us her call to ministry and how she became the chaplain for the House of Representatives. She explained her role as chaplain in the House and how she strives to care for all people regardless of status and political party.
We spent the final day together preparing for a visit with our congressional representatives or their staff. Another clergy from the Western PA Conference and I met with three members of Senator Bob Casey’s staff. I shared with Senator Casey’s staff my experience relating to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and how my son, Joshua, was born and is a part of our family because of this medical procedure. I expressed that because of my experiences, I am an advocate for IVF and for the families who struggle through the pains and hurts of miscarriage and loss. I thanked Senator Casey for voting yes on Senate Bill 4445 - Right to IVF Act, which protects families who need this medical procedure to have a family.
This leadership forum was a great way to connect with other young clergy and to create lasting friendships. There is a group of us that still connect and chat weekly to support, encourage, and give advice to each other.
I really appreciated hearing from Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben about how she interacts and works with people across the aisle in a divided space, and how we as pastors in local churches can do the same. I appreciated hearing from the General Board of Church and Society about the hard work they do on a daily basis.
One new idea that I hope to implement within my ministry is using new ways of having difficult conversations with individuals around difficult topics. This leadership forum gave me tools of how discuss to our social principles in the life the church.
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Find out more about the Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum at https://tinyurl.com/38xsezdv
Monday, January 20, 2025
New Places - New People: 12th St Huntingdon, McConnellsburg, and Mill Creek UMCs
At the 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the New Places - New People Award was given to a church in each district that has experimented with new ways to build relationships and make new disciples. God is calling each of us to be in relationship with others and our churches are commissioned to go to our immediate neighbors as well as the ends of the earth to make new disciples. We celebrate with these churches and the ministries that they are engaging as they offer new places for new people. If you would like to learn more about New Places - New People, there are courses in Portico, our online learning platform that is located on the Conference website. You can access Portico directly here: https://susumc.org/portico/.
Freedom Trail District
Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, former Superintendent
We celebrate the McConnellsburg, Mill Creek, and 12th Street Huntington United Methodist congregations who have created New Places for New People in creating alternative holiday events. These events provide a way for differently-abled children and adults who have sensory issues, autism, developmental delays, and physical limitations to participate in holiday activities.
The churches provide lower-stress holiday events, with no long lines, no bright lights, no loud noises, etcetera, which can make differently-abled children anxious. Each child has all the time they need meet and greet Santa and the Easter Bunny. These are family-friendly events where siblings are invited to join also, but the focus is the differently-abled. Parents and families are also personally invited to worship and other upcoming events.
A wonderful example of a specific adaptation was at the Easter egg hunt, where eggs were attached to helium balloons for their wheelchair friend Clayton. Clayton was able to grab the strings to get his eggs.
We are thankful for the commitment of McConnellsburg, Mill Creek, and 12th St UMCs to designing inclusive experiences for children and adults who often must fit into events that are not considerate of them. They have a future goal to offer an alternative worship experience too.
Another ministry, birthed by the 12th Street Huntington church, takes place at the Huntington Community Center, during their open gym nights. The church discovered that kids were coming in hungry because there was no one home to provide a meal, let alone any quality family time that happens around the table. So once a month, 12th St. UMC cooks a hot meal and then everyone, volunteers included, sits around the tables with the kids eating and fellowshipping. The church members are sitting side-by-side with the children, talking to them, listening to them, and building relationships with them. They are kind of a surrogate family to these children. In these conversations other needs are often identified, and they may serve to develop further ministry. They also hope to start a youth group with these kids. At Christmas time, a party was planned and in addition to the meals, kids received shirts, socks, blankets, cookies, and candy. Thank you 12th St. UMC for identifying this need in your community and ministering to it.
One Matters Award: Claysburg UMC Charge
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
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Claysburg Charge, Freedom Trail District
Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, former Superintendent
The One Matters Award is exactly that: one matters. To go from zero professions of faith to one is something to celebrate. It brings to mind John 15 where there is much celebration in heaven over the one who comes into the fold. Accepting the award is pastor Calvin Miller and his wife Trina. Claysburg United Methodist charge is their ministry.
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| Claysburg UMC |
Claysburg UMC went from zero to one in their professions of faith. On the other side of the spectrum, Weyant UMC went from zero to 13 professions of faith. The third church in the charge Queen UMC also had a profession of faith following additional professions of faith from the previous year.
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| Weyant UMC |
A couple of the stories: one woman connected through the love of the congregation; the congregation supported her through a number of surgeries; she attended worship; she participated in the ministries of the church; and she could see God working in and through the church as well as in her own life. She especially grew through conversations of doctrine and in her understanding of grace.
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| Queen UMC |
Another story: a single mom struggled with drugs for years. While on parole, following her arrest and serving her sentence, she entered and encountered the love and acceptance and support of these churches. She is baptized into a new life in Christ and growing in her relationship with Christ, she has gained employment, and the church celebrates that she has gained custody once again of her three children.
Through conversations, confirmation, and new member classes many are encountering God’s grace, love, forgiveness, and provision and experiencing the love and support of the faith community.
Some are beginning their journey through the churches outreach events at Halloween, egg hunts, community days, a wild game dinner. Claysburg UMC hosted back to school event and in addition to giving away school supplies and refreshments they offer a clothing giveaway and free haircuts. The children of Queen UMC held a spaghetti dinner and raised $900 for Operation Christmas Child. This small congregation also donates over 250 boxes for OCC each year. Weyant UMC kicked off “Building Bridges.” The seeds were planted by the previous pastor and stalled during the pandemic. Now every two weeks a dinner is provided and a study using the Bible Project.
Here are three churches and three communities doing some of the same ministries and some ministries that are unique to their setting—three churches in love with Jesus and shining bright in their communities.
Friday, January 17, 2025
SUSUMC Staff Updates
Christine Sims, Conference Benefits Administrator
Please join us in welcoming Jarrett Eyer as the new Administrative Assistant to the Northern Wilds District. He began on December 31, 2024. Jill Johnston retired as AA after 24 years. “I’ve been so blessed to have great Superintendents, Assisting Elders and Administrative Assistant sisters. And everyone at the Conference Office & IT have always been so helpful.”
Please also join us in welcoming Ashlyn Miller as the new Camping & Retreat Ministry Executive Assistant. She will begin on January 13.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
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