Susquehanna LINK - July 2025

Susquehanna LINK, July, 2025.

View or download PDF at susumc.org/link

 

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

July – 100 years ago

     Groundbreaking for York’s new Second United Brethren Church at 401 South Queen Street was held July 12, 1925.  The congregation began in 1873 when Rev. William B. Raber, pastor of York First Church, acting on his own, purchased the plot of ground at the southeast corner of Duke and South Streets.  Before the end of the year, the quarterly conference of First church elected trustees for the property, 26 members of First Church became the charter members of Second Church, and a frame church building had been erected at the site.

     In 1892 a brick structure replaced the original chapel, and in 1906 an addition doubled the size of the building.  In 1926 the congregation relocated to its new building a few blocks east to the southeast corner of Queen and South Streets.  Following the 1968 union to create the United Methodist Church, the congregation was renamed Faith, and in 1969 they joined with Wesley Memorial [the former Duke Street Methodist Episcopal Church which had relocated to Tyler Run Road in 1964] to form Aldersgate UMC.  The building at 401 South Queen now houses the Small Memorial AME Zion Church, and the York Aldersgate congregation disaffiliated from the UMC in 2023.

August – 50 years ago

     The Central Pennsylvania Conference’s annual Schools of Christian Mission took place at Lycoming College in August 1975, with the week-end school August 1-3 and the week-day school August 4-8.  Fees for registration, rooms, board and insurance were $24 for the week-end portion and $42 for the week-day event.  Presentation on the theme “One World Under God” featured conference pastors, conference UMW leaders, missionaries and General Church staff members.  In addition to the presenters and organizers, a total of 97 persons registered for the schools.

     On August 18, 1975, Rev. John Dromazas of the five-point Whitneyville Parish in Tioga County helped bring Christian Missions to life in the Wellsboro area when he and other pastors and lay persons worked together to provide the eleven-member Dong Nhieu immigrant family from Vietnam with clothing, jobs, English lessons and a nine-room house completely furnished “from light bulbs to beds.”  Within six weeks the family was self-sufficient.

Everstand - Give Our Youth a Chance to Laugh, Learn ... This Summer

Summer is here! 

Would you join us in creating a season full of fun, learning, and connection for the youth at Everstand (formerly United Methodist Home for Children) by supporting our summer enrichment and recreational programs? Your support makes it possible for the young people on our Mechanicsburg campus to enjoy enriching summer programs that boost confidence, teach new skills, and foster lasting friendships. Our inclusive and welcoming programs ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and celebrated all summer long.

Help us kick off summer with a purpose. 

Our Mechanicsburg campus offers a unique setting with beautiful scenery but lacks some of the recreational amenities found at our other campuses, such as a pool or skate park. To enhance the youth’s experiences, we rely significantly on the generosity of donors and are especially grateful to those who help us create memorable experiences despite having fewer built-in recreational features.

Endless possibilities begin with YOU! 

When you donate, you give us the chance to thoughtfully plan impactful activities that bring joy, learning, and community to the youth in our care. As we seek grant funding for music and equine therapy, we’re also seeking funds for a potential pickleball court and a wide range of summer activities, including: outdoor adventures, sporting events, arts and crafts projects, teambuilding exercises, amusement park, bowling, and movie outings, and so much more! Having the funding to provide these experiences for our youth would be such a blessing, and you can help! Every gift matters—and together, we can build a summer full of meaningful memories for the kids in our community.

You can support Everstand’s incredible youth by visiting www.everstand.org/summer to give. You can make an even greater impact by joining us as a monthly Impact Maker and fuel enrichment and recreation all year long. Together, let’s build brighter futures and transform communities. Thank you for standing with us, as we stand by, stand for, and stand beside the youth we serve! 

www.everstand.org/summer

Immigration Immersion Journey 2025

Humane Borders, an organization dedicated to placing jugs of water out in the desert, speaks to our group about their work. 

In a powerful journey of witness and learning, six pilgrims from the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of the United Methodist Church traveled to Tucson, Arizona, for an immigration immersion seminar designed to deepen understanding of the realities faced by migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Over the course of five days, the group engaged with humanitarian organizations, faith leaders, community leaders and individuals directly involved in the immigration system. What they encountered was not just a political issue—it was a profound humanitarian crisis that calls for moral leadership and moral courage, particularly from the Church of Jesus Christ…and even more specifically, United Methodists in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as Upper New York.  

The immersion seminar, originally coordinated through Michelle Schwartzman, the Susquehanna Conference’s former VIM director, offered participants a firsthand look at the complex layers of migration. From visiting desert aid stations with Humane Borders to touring migrant shelters such as Casa Misericordia in Nogales, Mexico and the Pima County Medical Examiner’s office, the group listened to stories of hardship, hope, and survival. They met with advocacy organizations like Border Community Alliance, Salvavision and Arizona Justice for our Neighbors, whose work on the ground sheds light on the perilous journey migrants face and the legal and systemic obstacles they endure upon arrival.

Casa de la Misericordia in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico is an organization that houses migrants as they await their asylum hearing, something very much under threat as a result of recent US immigration policy.  

One member of the group recounted a sobering visit to a courtroom where migrants—some fleeing violence and persecution—were processed in rapid succession, possibly without adequate legal representation and certainly, under current U.S. policy, without a chance to apply for asylum.   “It felt like a conveyor belt of despair,” they said. “These are human beings, not case numbers. The system treats them as disposable.”

Throughout the immersion journey, the participants were struck by the many injustices migrants face: dangerous border crossings in deadly desert conditions, family separations, prolonged detention, and the criminalization of those seeking a better life. Volunteers shared stories of finding water jugs slashed or shot in the desert—lifesaving supplies intentionally destroyed. Advocates spoke of migrants deported into unfamiliar and unsafe cities, often without resources or contacts.

Rev. Jason Schwartzman, a trip participant, commented “Immigration is not just a matter of national policy— or political preference.  It is a moral issue that demands compassion, justice, and urgent action.” The group emphasized that the Church cannot remain silent in the face of such suffering.

“The Gospel calls us to welcome the stranger, to protect the vulnerable, and to stand with the oppressed,” Schwartzman continued. “If we ignore this, we are ignoring Jesus Himself.”

The group hopes to be a voice of advocacy, education and truth within their own communities, urging churches to move beyond charity to justice—to not only provide aid, but to speak out against the systems that cause suffering. They hope their journey will inspire others in the Church and beyond to recognize immigration not as a political problem to be solved, but as a humanitarian crisis that demands our empathy, our advocacy, and our faith in action.

Rural Life Sunday Worship on a Farm

Jill Seaman, Holy Cross UM Charge

Holy Cross UM Charge, made up of three churches: New Buffalo, Hill, and Bucks United Methodist Churches, worship together as one with our minister, the Rev. Gregory Myers. We enjoy meeting together in one worship service on a rotating schedule at one of our three locations each week.

However, for Rural Life Sunday on June 1, we held an absolutely incredible outdoor worship service at the farm of one of our members, the M. W. Smith Farms in Bucks Valley. THANK YOU is not enough to express our gratitude to the most humble hosts, Hunter and Kathy Smith, for opening their generational family farm and their hearts to our congregation and guests! 

Our congregation grew to well over 110 with members sharing the day with family and friends, along with invited clergy who had filled our pulpit in early 2024 when we had no assigned minister. Pastor Greg’s service only added to the spirituality of the day and having our former “guest” ministers (all fresh on the heels of attending the Susquehanna Annual Conference for the previous three days) participate in the service was inspiring. Those guests were: District Superintendent Rev. Gary Weaver and his wife, Cindy Weaver, Executive Assistant to the Bishop; Rev. Kathy Kind, Director of Connectional Ministries, her mother and her sweet pup, Periwinkle; Rev. Debbie Heisley-Cato and her husband Randy; Rev. Marian Hartman, Assistant to the Board of Ordained Ministry; and Rev. Pat Woolever, widow of one of our former ministers, Rev. Bruce Woolever.

 

After the worship service, Hunter shared the family history of the farm and how it grew over the generations to what it is today. Afterwards, a light picnic lunch was served before folks enjoyed tours of the farm. There were also games for the children which culminated in an egg hunt. 

Despite the dust and smells of a true working farm, those congregated enjoyed the fellowship and special time of worship with one another.

Together, We Did More: Susquehanna Conference Exceeds Goal for Mission Central Activity Kits

Lisa Landis - Fickes, Mission Central Director of Development and Communications

At this year’s Annual Conference, the churches of the Susquehanna Conference set out on a mission: to gather enough supplies to assemble 1,000 Activity Kits for Mission Central. These kits, filled with school and art supplies, are distributed to children facing hardship - both locally and around the world - offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of care during difficult times.

Thanks to the incredible generosity and coordination across the Conference, that goal wasn’t just met, it was exceeded.

Churches from all five districts rallied to collect specific items - pencils and sharpeners, pens and erasers, notebooks, rulers, scissors, crayons, and colored pencils. In addition to gathering thousands of these essential tools, many congregations stepped up to sew handmade fabric bags to hold the kits, following a shared pattern. The result was an outpouring of support that filled and overflowed four massive Gaylord boxes, each capable of holding up to 5,000 pounds.

The items poured into the Grand Ballroom at the Genetti Hotel during the Conference, creating a vibrant visual reminder of the collective impact churches can have when they unite around a shared purpose. From smaller rural congregations to larger suburban churches - and communities in between – we saw every district show up. Pastors and lay delegates arrived with carloads of donations. Volunteers and staff from Mission Central were on site to help receive, sort, and begin preparing for what came next.

The first wave of kit assembly began immediately. Volunteers from Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Enola, Pa., were among the first to roll up their sleeves and begin packing kits. Their joyful energy reflected the heart of this mission - service rooted in love and a commitment to putting faith into action. Dozens more churches and groups will follow in the coming weeks, helping turn this mountain of supplies into hundreds of neatly packed kits ready for distribution.

Each Activity Kit will go on to serve a child who might otherwise go without. Whether used in disaster response, refugee outreach, or local school partnerships, these kits become more than just supplies - they become tools for healing, creativity, and connection. They let a child know that someone cares.

Mission Central is deeply grateful to the Susquehanna Conference for its overwhelming dedication to this cause. As a mission hub, Mission Central relies on the partnership and support of communities of faith like yours to meet urgent needs both near and far. This was a true Conference-wide effort - and a testament to what’s possible when we come together in service.

To everyone who donated items, sewed bags, encouraged participation, or drove supplies to the Conference - thank you. Your efforts are already making a difference and will continue to ripple outward in ways you may never fully see.

And as we look ahead, we invite you to mark your calendars for our biggest event of the year. Thanks & Giving: An Evening with Mission Central will take place on Saturday, November 15th. This annual gathering is our largest fundraiser - and a celebration of the impact we create together. More details will be shared soon, but for now, we hope you’ll plan to join us for an evening of gratitude, generosity, and shared mission.

Together, we did more. And together, we’ll keep connecting God’s resources with human need.

New Places - New People

The New Places - New People Award is given to a church 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. 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 at https://susumc.org/portico/.

Faith UMC, Woodbury

Freedom Trail District

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

Faith United Methodist Church in Woodbury was honored at this year’s Annual Conference with the prestigious New Places, New People award - a recognition that speaks volumes about its remarkable journey. Just a few years ago, the church averaged around 30 worshippers on a Sunday. Today, thanks to intentional outreach, that number has soared to an impressive 120 worshippers, with one-third of attendees under the age of 18.

Central to this transformation has been Faith UMC’s unwavering focus on young families. Its children’s ministry, youth groups, and family-oriented programming are built not as afterthoughts, but as pillars of the congregation’s mission. “We wanted kids to be part of every aspect of the life of the church,” says Pastor Josh Tobias. “So we really leaned into that as much as we could.” And the results speak for themselves: instead of watching from the sidelines, children and teens are front and center in worship, fellowhip, and service.

This isn’t just a “kid’s zone” kind of place. It’s multigenerational in spirit and in sound - evident in their choir, which includes young voices alongside adult singers, filling the sanctuary with a rich tapestry of harmony. It’s proof that Faith embraces the full spectrum of ages, integrating them in worship in a way that feels genuine and joyful.

The church’s vibrant presence extends beyond its walls too. Every Friday evening, members of Faith UMC gather together to attend Northern Bedford County High School football games. It’s not a gimmick - but a simple, consistent show of care for their community. As Pastor Tobias observes, “And I think if you follow the model of Jesus, it’s not just relating to people, it’s loving them.”

Josh Banaszak, chair of Faith’s church board, encapsulates the congregation’s spirit: “There’s an authenticity at Faith Church that I have not found elsewhere.” Indeed, what sets them apart is their commitment to real connection - without flashy programs or superficial hooks. Their steadily growing attendance, especially among families, lingers not because of novel gimmicks, but because people feel genuinely loved and included.

In honoring Faith UMC with the New Places, New People aware, the Susquehanna Conference has recognized something timeless yet powerful: that church growth rooted in authentic relationships, cross-generational unity, and heartfelt love is not just possible - it’s transformational. Faith UMC, Woodbury has witnessed church renewal, not through trends of hype, but by following the simple, radical love Jesus modeled and inviting everyone - especially the next generation - to participate fully in the journey.

Pastor Josh Tobias and Josh Banaszak accepted the New Places - New People Award on behalf of Faith UMC, Woodbury, at the 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference

 

One Matters Award

In partnership with Discipleship Ministries, the Susquehanna Conference presents the One Matters Award to one church in each of our districts at Annual Conference.

This award has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, an 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 2025 (watch future issues of Susquehanna LINK for their stories...):

Freedom Trail District

Salem Guldens UMC

Mountain Valley District

Covenant UMC, Lockhaven

North Central Rivers District

Eatonville UMC & Evans Falls UMC

Northern Wilds District

Millerton UMC

River Valley District

Faith UMC, Hallam

2025 Annual Conference Award Recipients

 Congratulations to our Award Winners!

The Bishop D. Frederick Wertz Award

The Bishop D. Frederick Wertz Award Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Joseph (Jay) A. Layman, Jr, Esquire - recipient; and Rev. Dr. John Piper.

The Earl N. Rowe Memorial Scholarship 

Rev. Donald Rowe,  Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Pastor Angela Nett, Wellsville Parish,  River Valley District - recipient; Ed Bailey;  and Rev. Barry Robison.

J. Marlene Atanasoff Spiritual Formation Award 

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Andrea Katz - Carlisle UMC,  River Valley District - recipient;  Rev. Dr. Russell Hart and Rev. JP Bohanan.

The Marty Cox Award for Christian Unity

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Mark Henry; Rev. Dr. Philip T. Wanck  & Rome UMC, Northern Wilds District - recipient; Larry Kacyon;  and Rev. Renee J. Ford.

The Thomas K. Cartwright Scholarship

Rev. Donald Rowe; Pastor Angela Nett, Wellsville Parish,  River Valley District - recipient;  and Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez.

The Howard & Elizabeth Brinton Individual Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Melissa Smith, Woolrich Community, Mountain Valley District - recipient;  and Rev. Andrew Burd-Harris.

The Howard & Elizabeth Brinton Church Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez; Grace UMC, Lemoyne, River Valley District  - recipient; Michelle Schwartzman; Rev. Jason Schwartzman; Marion Baker; and Rev. Andrew Burd-Harris.

The Flying Dove Individual Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Rev. Judy Young - recipient; and Rev. Jane O’Borski.

The Flying Dove Church Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez; Mt Nittany UMC, Mountain Valley District - recipient; Patty DiCapria; Lee Copper; Ellen Copper; and Rev. Jane O’Borski.

Recognition for Service as SUSUMC Volunteer in Mission Coordinator

2019-2025 by the Conference Board of Global Ministries

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez; Michelle Schwartzman;  and Rev. Andrew Burd- Harris.

Congratulations!

 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference
Celebration of Ministry

Left to right: Pastor Paul McReynolds (commissioned), Rev. Jennifer Deutsch Thomas (Deacon), Pastor Patricia Hall (commissioned), Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, Pastor Patricia Shope (commissioned), Rev. Bobby Jones, Jr. (Elder), and Rev. Gary Allshouse (affirmed as Associate Member).  

Rev. Gary Allshouse was affirmed as an Associate Member

Pastor Patricia Hall, Pastor Paul McReynolds, and Pastor Patricia Shope were commissioned as Provisional Members

Rev. Jennifer Deutch Thomas was ordained Deacon

Rev. Bobby Jones Jr. was ordained Elder

2025 Class of Retirees

Back row, left to right: Rev. Edwin D. Seeley; Pastor David A. Walker; Rev. Jon J. Buxton; Rev. Stephen G. Portner; Rev. Brand W. Eaton; Rev. Timothy A. Funk; Rev. Mike A. Bealla; and Pastor Scott A. Ryan.

Front row, left to right: Rev. Brenda K. Leigey; Rev. Judy L. Walker; Pastor Robin L. Fillmore; Rev. Edward J. Preston; Rev. Dennis M. Adams; Pastor Virginia C. Bailey; Rev. Ellen B. Scamahorn; and Rev. JoAnn M. Darrow.

Not Pictured: Pastor John C. Baney; Pastor Rebecca J. Cutchall; Pastor Todd M. Davis; Rev. Bradley J. Gilbert; Rev. Janice F. Hughes; Pastor Margaret “Peg” M. Knapich; Rev. Scott V. McKenzie; Pastor Craig Q. Rose; and Pastor John F. Shaffer.