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Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Remembering Our Heritage
Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
November – 100 years ago
On November 23, 1924, the Robertsdale Methodist Episcopal Church, in Huntingdon County, dedicated a two-story addition to its 1890 structure, making it a modern building of 11 rooms in addition to the sanctuary. The two-point Robertsdale charge then included Robertsdale (87 members) and Woodvale (147). Faced with declining membership and attendance, the congregation held its final service October 17, 2004, and the property reverted to the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company. For several years the building then served as home to the expanded museum of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Historical Society. In 2021 the building moved full circle. The museum returned to the town’s movie theater, which it had been renting to the Reality Church of God, and that congregation now owns and occupies the former Methodist building at Robertsdale.
December – 50 years ago
December 1, 1974, found 1500 youth from across the conference catching their collective breaths following a most successful all-day Youth Rally at Susquehanna University that included worship led by Bishop John B. Warman, two concerts by the 36-voice youth choir “New Voices” (one in formal attire and one in casual dress) of Harrisburg, witness by voice and instrument of noted blind pianist Duncan Holmes of Dallas, TX (who is still giving concerts and gospel programs), and a showing of the movie “A Thief in the Night” followed by a panel discussion. The event was organized by Rev. Guy Baer, conference coordinator of youth ministries, and included participation from pastors Paul Stambach, Louis Barth, Bruce Fisher, and Russell Hart. Also involved were Mrs. Geraldine Heilman of the Woman’s Board of Global Ministries, Conference CCYM president Michelle Kane, and youth representative on the Commission on Enlistment Beth North. The emphasis of the event was to encourage believers to commit themselves to experiencing and sharing the love of Jesus – whether as lay persons or in the ordained ministry.
Mission Central Disaster Response We Need Your Help!
The United States has been hit hard by weather-related disasters in 2024. We have seen devastation at levels we haven’t experienced for almost a decade. Throughout this year, we have resourced over 6,000 Flood Buckets, valued at almost $500,000. With our latest shipment to those areas hit by Hurricane Helene, we have NO Flood Buckets left in the building. We usually have several thousand Flood Buckets on hand, to be prepared to send at all times. Unfortunately, our shelves are now empty. We ask for your help in replenishing those supplies, as we expect this is not the end of the need and response in 2024.
If you have been around Mission Central for a while, you might have heard us say that we never send items without being asked. This is imperative during a disaster. The organizations on the ground know the needs best, know what they can handle, and know the right timing.
It’s our human nature to want to help and to help as soon as we can. But, if we want to help in the right way and ensure the supplies and funds are stewarded well, we have to wait for the organizations we work with to tell us when, where, and specifically what they need. It will be done in God’s perfect timing.
In order to help us handle these tremendous requests, you can:
Donate funds to help us quickly purchase bulk supplies, and adapt quickly to changing needs – donate here.
Donate Flood Bucket and Hygiene Kit supplies (seen on our website: missioncentral.org/kits-projects-and-patterns/) by purchasing in-store, hosting a collection, or shopping from our Amazon Wish List.
Pray for those affected and visit www.missioncentral.org to see other ways to help and to stay up-to-date on Mission Central’s activities.
Celebrating Patricia Frye and Her 10 Years of Ministry in CRM
“Earlier, I worked for travel agencies. I was between positions when a colleague showed me a job opening at the Conference office for the Camp and Retreat Ministry Registrar and Admin. It was perfect timing. I thought to myself that if I could send people to the Caribbean, I could send kids to camp!
It is a joy to serve in a way that is truly beneficial for others. I have really cherished working with the people at the Conference. The atmosphere is uplifting and collaborative. We care about each other and it’s like family.
Getting kids to camp is deeply gratifying, especially for those who really need a loving camp experience. It makes such a difference in their lives.”
Jack Hoover elected as Co-Chair of NEJCYM
High school senior Jack Hoover, a life-long United Methodist and member of Aldersgate UMC in Mechanicsburg, PA, was elected as Co-Chair of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Council on Youth Ministry at the 2024 NEJ Youth Convocation, held in Pittsburgh, PA, in July.
At Aldersgate, Jack teaches K-5 Sunday School and occasionally shares a message of faith with his Youth Group. He’s also been involved in dramas for worship and he was a Lead Now Intern. Conference-wide, Jack has attended multiple church camps at Wesley Forest, Greene Hills, and Camp Penn and in addition to being a camper, he serves as a counselor for elementary camps. “I am very passionate about our conference camping program.” Jack also participated in the VIM McCurdy Mission Trip to New Mexico in August and is a member of the SUSUMC Young People’s Ministry Council.
When asked what he hopes to gain from his experience with NEJCYM, Jack replied, “I want to grow as a leader and become a better advocate for Christ,” —which reflects the mission of NEJCYM: Empowering youth to become leaders and grow in their faith.
Faith Stronger than Fire
By Rev. Renee Ford
On September 14, 2024, Woodycrest United Methodist Church in the State College District faced a devastating fire that left the sanctuary and older parts of the building destroyed, with significant damage throughout. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, one thing is clear: Woodycrest’s faith and mission remain unshaken.
The story of Woodycrest UMC began in 1936, during the Great Depression. A small group of 18 charter members came together in their homes to worship and serve. Over the years, Woodycrest grew into a beacon of love and service, known for community events and ministries like the “Free for All” thrift store and the Little Free Pantry. Yet, on September 14, their legacy faced a severe test. The fire destroyed the sanctuary, leaving heavy damage throughout the building. Miraculously, the bushes outside the sanctuary, right next to the place where the fire started, burned but were not consumed—an echo of the burning bush in Exodus, a clear sign of God’s presence.
This moment reminds us of Moses standing on holy ground, confronted by a burning bush that was ablaze yet unconsumed. It was here that God’s voice called Moses into something greater. Today, we, too, stand on holy ground. The fire impacted Woodycrest UMC’s building, but it did not consume their spirit, hope, or mission. The predominantly working-class membership embodies a deep, resilient faith that reflects the spirit of Woodycrest’s people—a congregation that has always been about more than its building.
Less than 48 hours after the fire, Woodycrest gathered for an outdoor service on September 15. Now, as they continue to navigate this season of transition, the church has chosen to hold services in the township’s meeting room when we had several offers to worship in neighboring church facilities. This space is not just a temporary solution; it’s an opportunity to reach neighbors who have shown support and asked how they can help. It’s an invitation to welcome them into the faith community. Just as the Israelites wandered and waited while their temple was rebuilt, Woodycrest is embracing this time as a call to deeper connection and outreach with God and our neighbors.
The church is actively communicating its revitalization plan to the Susquehanna Conference, seeking permission to rebuild. This process is about more than restoring the building—it’s about renewal of faith and mission. As Moses asked, “Who am I to go forward?” and God responded, “I will be with you,” Woodycrest also finds strength in knowing they do not walk this path alone. Isaiah 43:2 reminds them, “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Pastors and church members who have faced similar trials understand that recovery is more than replacing walls; it’s about finding God in the flames and being transformed. The fire does not have the last word, and it will not. God’s presence, found even in the ashes and unconsumed bushes, points to a future full of hope and action.
Woodycrest UMC invites your prayers and support as they wander through this wilderness phase. This is not just a moment to rebuild the physical church but to strengthen faith and continue living out the church’s mission of love and service.
In this challenging season, Woodycrest UMC stands as a testament that the fire does not get the last word. God does. And just like Moses, the church responds: “Here I am, Lord.” Ready to rebuild. Ready to follow. Ready to stand on holy ground.
Website: woodycrest-umc.org/
15th Street UMC celebrates 150 years in ministry
By Pastor Barbara Servello
The 15th Street United Methodist church in Huntingdon, PA, recently celebrated their 150th birthday with a weekend of events.
Saturday, September 14, there was an outdoor music and picnic celebration along with children’s activities and fellowship. Musical groups performing were: The 15th Street UMC Choir, Beth Querry, Huntingdon Community Choir (Music, Music, Music), Neil Barben and The Servello Family.
The front lawn of the church was where the celebration took place. Two of the oldest members of the church were there and conversation was centered around Mary Gladfelter and Ed Mansberger. Gladfelter, who celebrated her 100th birthday July 4, 2024, remembered Ed Mansberger, 89, and his family walking to church on Sunday mornings and that was how she knew it was time to go to church as well.
Gladfelter began attending 15th Street UMC at the age of 10 becoming a member at 19 years of age. Mansberger was born into the church and joined at age 11. Mansberger said he has been attending there for “As long as I have been alive, except for two years of military service. I have so many wonderful memories.”
Sunday, September 15, began at nine o’clock with donuts and coffee on the lawn and a special worship service at 10:30am featuring former pastors giving remembrances of their time at the church.
The District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith, gave the sermon, speaking about being the light of Jesus Christ in our neighborhood and community.
There was a dedication to the church’s longest living members, Mary Gladfelter being a member for 81 years and Ed Mansberger a member for 78 years.
Following the service there was a spaghetti luncheon served by the men’s Sunday School class.
The Anniversary Committee members were: Pastor Barbara Servello, Jack Servello, Mike & Cindy Knott, Trudy McElwain (Church Historian), Renee Lucas, Pat Beck, Peggy Hoffman, Shirley Scott, Sue Stratton, Gretchen Booker, Sharon Hendricks, Sue Glenny, and Chris Querry.
Wood for Good
By Rev. James Jacobs
As Pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church in the State College District, I asked the parishioners to start thinking about out-of-the-box outreach opportunities considering the traditional methods of outreach didn’t seem to be working.
The congregation wholeheartedly agreed and formulated an outreach team to come up with new, innovative, and different ways to reach out to our community. Two pages of ideas later several of those out of the box projects have been implemented, some worked and some didn’t.
An outreach program idea one of the parishioners came up with is called “Wood for Good”.
This parishioner approached me with concern for the many people that heat their homes with firewood who either can’t go out in the woods to cut anymore, don’t have the availability of open forest lands to go cut in, or can’t afford to buy firewood.
The parishioner (Craig) asked, “Do you think this is something we might explore?” Considering I believe that “empowered people do great things” I told the parishioner, “It’s your idea, you run with it and we will support you.”
Within 3 months we now have an established “Wood for Good” program. Craig tirelessly worked to formulate a detailed implementation plan, a safety plan, and wrote a grant to the Department of Agricultural which has a green heating imitative. The project received a $10,000 grant to purchase the equipment needed to implement the initiative.
Craig then formed a team of parishioners that have built firewood storage racks and contacted local landscapers and tree trimming companies that have agreed to deliver trees that have been cut down for use in the initiative.
A group of men and women from the church cut and split the donated wood each month.
We started collecting names of folks that would like to receive wood from the people that come to our church food bank. The need was clearly there and our list of folks that have requested support with free firewood is growing, not only from our food bank visitors but others in the community.
This initiative is a classic case of a parishioner coming up with an out-of-the-box-idea, the pastor empowering the parishioner to take charge, and we now have an initiative that is fulfilling a community need. The hands and feet of Jesus Christ...using a chain saw and wood splitter!
New Places - New People: Mainesburg UMC “Messy Church”
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/.
Mainesburg UMC “Messy Church” (Williamsport District)
In a small town, a small church felt the call to reconnect with its community. This church longed to better establish and reestablish relationships with families in the surrounding area, especially multi-generational families. This is how Mainesburg UMC began its ministry called “Messy Church.”
If you haven’t heard of Messy Church, I invite you to look online where you can find websites, books, and curriculum to help get this intergenerational experience started.
At Mainesburg, Messy Church meets once a month and engages 40-45 people at each gathering. From newborns to people 88 years old, this is a worship gathering that reflects the community around them. Each month families return because their kids insist that they go to Messy Church.
It is in a gathering like this that a little child can learn about the cross that God used to save her and that this type of church allows for her to wander through all the spaces looking for the different crosses that adorn the church.
It is also in this Messy Church experience that a woman who has been hurt by a church and denied communion was finally able to find healing and receive this beautiful means of grace. Her journey has taken her beyond just Messy Church—she also connects to a weekday devotional group.
Mainesburg has found a way to take the Messy Church model and make it their own. Through the activities, the worship, the meals and stepping out into this new place for new people, Mainesburg has been able to answer that call to better connect with their community.
While churches really can be messy, Mainesburg has found a way to redeem the word messy and to help bring the healing and wholeness of Jesus to their community. In a small town, a small church didn’t let their size or the distance to their neighbors prevent them from creating an experience where people could not only encounter God, but that youngest among them would insist they go to worship at Messy Church. Thanks Mainesburg UMC for stepping out in faith to create New Places for New People.
One Matters Award: Holy Trinity UMC, Troy (Williamsport District)
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:
Altoona District
Claysburg UMC Charge
Harrisburg District
Fishing Creek Salem UMC
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District
Mehoopany UMC
State College District
Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC
Williamsport District
Holy Trinity UMC
Holy Trinity UMC, Troy (Williamsport District)
Rev. Paul Amara, former Superintendent
There are so many mission-oriented churches in the Williamsport Supervisory Area. It’s always difficult to choose one among the many for recognition for the One Matters Award.
This year, Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, located in Troy, was chosen for several reasons. Pastor Ken Brown is their pastor.
This church is growing! In 2023, nine new adult members joined the church with a profession of faith, including one baptism.
On Pentecost Sunday, the church also confirmed eight young people, six of which received membership in the church. This included baptizing three confirmands.
Kathy, the pastor’s wife, was their confirmation teacher, and at the youth’s request, with parental assistance, they started a youth fellowship program to allow the youth to continue to stay together.
On July 1, 2023, the youth met for their first meeting, and decided they wanted to meet weekly, immediately after worship on Sundays. Each week, they now gather with some of the youth members’ parents, who provide them with a meal and lesson.
This Youth group started with 8 members and at the end of 2023 the group had grown to 12 in participation. As a group, they also take part in conducting worship, often performing duties of reading scripture, as well as ushering, serving as acolytes, and playing music. They led the Tenebrae service on Good Friday.
The fellowship performs service projects and takes fun trips together. They have fundraisers and sales to benefit them monetarily, as they agreed to stay financially independent from the church.
The Youth also participate in several other mission activities.
They provide over 150 bags of food for the children in the Troy School District each week. With these programs, the Holy Trinity church is doing its part to help end food insecurity for the children in the Troy area.
The Holy Trinity church is growing and has become a beacon of hope and leader in the local community. With God’s grace they will continue to grow and bring the message of Jesus Christ to the Troy community and beyond.
May God continue to bless their ministries and missions.
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