New Director of Camp & Retreat Ministry

Rev. Kevin Witt

Rev. Dr. Tom Salsgiver, Director of Connectional Ministries, is very pleased to announce that Rev. Kevin Witt has been chosen as the Director of Camp & Retreat and Discipleship Ministries for the Susquehanna Conference.

For more than 20 years Witt has been on staff with Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church (formerly General Board of Discipleship) as the Director of Camp and Retreat Ministries. Witt’s ministry includes consultation, training, networking, and strengthening the missional effectiveness of staff, volunteers, and boards who lead camping and retreat ministries throughout the United Methodist Church.

Witt has written numerous articles as well as co-authoring two books, Twists of Faith: Ministry with Youth at the Turning Points of Their Lives, and The Retreat Leader’s Manual. Witt also helped to develop the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Certification program in collaboration with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Witt serves as part of the faculty for this certification.

In addition to his responsibilities with camping , Witt, along with the other Discipleship Ministries staff, has been developing resources for leadership development and ways to encourage and equip transformational spiritual leaders. The focus of Discipleship Ministries is to connect local church, district, and conference leaders with needed resourcing, training, consulting, and networking that support spiritual formation, new church development, revitalization of local churches, and equip world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ.

As part of the re-organization of staffing in the Susquehanna Conference Connectional Ministries, this position will, for now, include camping and discipleship ministries. As the conference leadership continues to realign all our resources to accomplish our three main goals of growing effective leaders, equipping local congregations, and connecting to the world, this position will change.

With Witt’s gifts and past ministries strongly connected to leadership development, Witt will work collaboratively to develop ways to strengthen and nurture leaders in our local churches and throughout our conference.

Prior to working at Discipleship Ministries, Witt was associate director in the Oregon-Idaho Conference. In addition, Witt has served as a manager of a United Methodsit Camp and as pastor.

Witt is an ordained elder, with his membership in the Oregon-Idaho Conference. Witt will, for now, be on loan to the Susquehanna Conference, and his appointment will be extension ministries.

Witt earned a Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, and a Bachelor of Science degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, W.Va.

Witt will officially begin his ministry with the Susquehanna Conference January 1, 2018.

Top four worst, and best, ways to help after a disaster

A street in Everglades City, Fla., is lined with debris following damage to homes from Hurricane Irma. Photo by Kathleen Barry, UMNS. 

By Susan Kim (UMCOR)

When disaster strikes, often we see heart-wrenching images on television. People have lost everything. Their homes are swept away or lie in a tangled heap. Their belongings are ruined.

We immediately want to help – a good intention that stems from compassion for our fellow human beings. However, be certain to couple your compassion with good judgment on the best ways to help disaster survivors.

Here are the top four most common pitfalls into which helpers fall after a disaster – and what they should do instead.

Resist the urge to jump from your couch and drive to the disaster site. 

When Hurricane Sandy struck the mid-Atlantic in 2012, scores of people decided to drive to New Jersey, New York and other affected areas. The result? Clogged interstates, a worsening gasoline shortage, and volunteers arriving in droves and diverting the attention of emergency personnel. What to do instead? When you watch or read the breaking news about a disaster, respond immediately – with prayer or a cash donation [such as through UMCOR.org].

Don’t give the shirt off your back 

Did you know that donations of used clothing are commonly called “the second disaster?” When clothing piles up at a disaster scene, it must be stored, hauled away, or sorted by volunteers who could better use their time helping disaster survivors. Instead, cash donations help disaster survivors purchase needed items from local businesses, which boost an economy weakened by disaster.

Don’t believe that recovery takes only a few days 

Well-intentioned donors often give money or relief-supply kits only while a disaster is prominent in the news headlines. In fact, for a major disaster, recovery can take years. If donations dry up after a week or two, responders no longer have the resources to help disaster survivors. Those survivors feel forgotten, and their recovery doesn’t progress.

Don’t forget your own disaster preparation and training. 

If you want to respond in a safe, helpful way, seek disaster-response training and learn how to prepare yourself so you can respond should the need arise. Preparing can be as simple as forming a plan with your neighbor, or as involved as becoming a specialized responder who serves on a United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Early Response Team.

The next time disaster strikes, put your compassion into action through prayer, cash donations, relief-supply kits, training and volunteering. You will help disaster survivors around the world.

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UMCOR Responds to Current Disasters Around the World

In the wake of recent disasters in the United States and abroad, the United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR) is working to fulfill unmet food, clean water, temporary shelter, hygiene supplies, and non-food item needs. UMCOR’s work starts when search and rescue operations for survivors is over. We accompany communities in their long-term recovery. UMCOR works with Conference Disaster Response Coordinators (CDRC) to assess needs and to design and implement disaster response activities.

Recent disasters that UMCOR is responding to include: Hurricanes in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean; mudslides in Sierra Leone; earthquakes in Mexico; and wildfires on the West Coast.

Help through UMCOR

When you make a financial donation to UMCOR, you can be assured that every dollar will go to the program you specify. UMCOR can guarantee this because all of our administrative costs are covered by the UMCOR Sunday offering and other undesignated gifts. Volunteering or sending relief supplies to one of our supply depots are two more ways you can be a sign of hope for others. Your prayer support is vital to all that UMCOR does.

Visit www.umcor.org for more information and to donate, or you designate your church offering to:
United States Disaster Response Advance #901670 - Support UMCOR’s response to disasters in the US.
International Disaster Response Advance #982450 - Support quick response to meet emergency needs around the world.
Material Resources Advance #901440 - Enhance the purchase of emergency response and disaster relief supplies.

Note: There are many other advance projects to choose from at www.umcor.org

Hearts Strangely Warmed: Joshua Wargo

“While the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” 

— John Wesley, May 24, 1738

God calls us to tell our story so that others may come to know Jesus Christ. “Hearts Strangely Warmed” was created to share these stories about transformational encounters with the Living God.

Pastor Joshua Wargo

Joshua was invited to share his testimony as part of the altar call at the end of the Service of Commissioning and Ordination at the 2017 Susquehanna Annual Conference, in which he was commissioned as a provisional elder.

I’d like to begin by saying that I didn’t grow up in the type of family where we went to church together. I didn’t grow up in the type of family where we sat down and prayed together, and we most certainly did not love and serve God together, but I always believed in Jesus Christ. However, I was not a disciple of Jesus Christ and I truly believe there is a difference.

I went through a period in my life where I was living in rebellion and rejection to God’s holiness. I was hanging out with the wrong crowd, making poor decisions, and I even dropped out of high school. But even in the midst of all of that brokenness, even among all of that mess, God called me.

My call is very similar to Samuel’s story, because God called me multiple times, but I just kept on saying ‘no.’ I kept on making excuses. I thought that I knew better than God and I tried to run away from him.

1 Samuel 3:7 says, “Samuel did not yet know the Lord and the Word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” 

You see, when God first called me I did not yet know God. So when I was 19 I went through this powerful born-again experience. I asked Jesus into my heart and I became a follower of him. I got involved in my local church, Dorranceton United Methodist Church in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and started to get involved there. I got involved in prison ministry through Exodus Prison Ministry in Scranton, with the late Rev. Charles Otto. I also began working in a homeless shelter because I felt called to serve the least and the lost, the people who felt rejected by churches and society, and the people who thought that their sins were just too great to be forgiven. 

My home church had a retreat in 2010 up at Sky Lake, in the former Wyoming Conference, and I got this crazy idea. My crazy idea was to go and take a walk in the woods, and pray and meditate and talk to God. It was on that walk where I heard that same soft and subtle voice calling me into ordained ministry. 

But I thought that I was too young. I thought I didn’t know the Bible well enough. I thought I didn’t come from the right type of family — yet I had this life-changing experience on this retreat. 

I went back to my friends and said, “Hey, I’m gonna go and be a pastor!” and people laughed in my face. People said, “Wait, wait, you? You’re going to be a pastor? The person who did this and that …” Some people didn’t want to be my friend any more. 

But if you’re [reading this] and maybe you have those same fears or doubts or insecurities, my suggestion to you is, don’t listen to them. We all have those fears, but we need to not look at our fears, we need to look at the promises of God’s Word. We need to look at God’s promise of faithfulness and forgiveness, and the life, death, and resurrection of his son Jesus. Nobody said following Jesus was going to be easy. And nobody said responding to God’s call to ministry was going to be easy. But it’s worth it. It wasn’t easy walking away from my home town, or walking away from my family or my job, or stepping out of my comfort zone, but God’s Holy Spirit was there every step of the way. 

If I, someone with so much brokenness and someone with a past, could respond to God’s call, I hope that is a sign that anybody can respond to God’s call. I didn’t grow up going to Sunday school. I wasn’t confirmed in the United Methodist Church. I am simply a sinner who was saved by God’s grace, who has a desire and a willingness to be obedient and serve the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

New Executive Director of Loans

Lauren Hokamp

Susquehanna Conference is pleased to announce Ms. Lauren Hokamp has joined the Loan Fund as executive director reporting to the conference treasurer, with oversight by the Conference Loan Committee and paid for by the Loan Fund.

The desire is to improve their processes, enhance their policies, and develop standards which will improve their service to their borrowers (churches), as well as mitigate the risks to both their investors as well as the conference itself.

Prior to joining the conference, Ms. Hokamp practiced as an attorney in law firms in the Harrisburg area focusing on business and corporate law, commercial and general civil litigation, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and securities offerings and compliance.

Hokamp graduated from Penn State Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle, Pa., after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in finance with a minor in Business Law from Penn State.

While in school, she interned with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Chief Counsel, Division of Enforcement; the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Office of Chief Counsel; and the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, Office of the Treasurer.

Hokamp is a resident of Silver Spring Township in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and enjoys spending her free time with her husband, Brian, their son Willis, and their dog Rea.

From where I sit: A most interesting day

By Rev. Dr. Tom Salsgiver
Director of Connectional Ministries

I’m writing this article after a most interesting day. The day was interesting because it gave me a glimpse into exactly what Dr. Willis Johnson talked about. Dr. Johnson was the leader for the Clergy Day Apart on September 11-12.

Dr. Johnson is a United Methodist pastor serving in Ferguson, Mo. He serves a predominately African American, intergenerational UM church plant. He also was the pastor in Ferguson in August 2014 when Michael J. Brown was shot. His ministry in those turbulent times helped Dr. Johnson to write a very important book, “Holding Up Your Corner: Talking about Race in Your Community.”

Willis spent the day Monday and Tuesday talking with pastors about how do we hold up our corner as we talk about race and confront the racism that exists in our churches and in our communities.

Willis was prophetic, was pastoral, and shared from his heart. And he pushed us to think about our communities.

I had to leave the event early because I had an appointment with an ophthalmologist who specializes in glaucoma. Yep, I’m now one of the thousands of people who must be treated for glaucoma – but that’s not really the interesting part of the day.

When I arrived for my appointment, I waited to be checked in. The woman at the registration desk was talking on the phone, speaking Spanish. When she was finished, she greeted me and checked me in. If I would have guessed, English was not her native language.

I was escorted to another waiting room, and when it was time to be seen, an African-American woman took me into the exam room and did my eye test and checked my pressure. She led me to another waiting room until the technician could give me my field of vision test.

While sitting in the waiting room, a man and woman were speaking to each other. They were not speaking English. In another part of the room was a little girl in a wheel chair, with oxygen to breath. Her caregiver was speaking quietly and comforting her.

Next to her there was a little girl using sign language to talk with her caregiver.
When it was time for my test, the technician was not Caucasian, and he had a heavy accent. As he explained the test, he took care to make sure that I knew how to work the machine and when to press the button, etc.

Here is the interesting part. I spent the morning with other colleagues talking about racism. The doctor’s office, employees, and waiting room was very multi-cultural, with different languages being heard. This office wasn’t in a big city – it was in central Pa.

How often have we said, “Oh, we only have people like us in our communities?” The reality is that in some places that may be true, but in the majority of our annual conference we are not all Caucasian.

We think our communities look just like our congregations,  but in reality that isn’t really true. We think that just because there are no children, youth, and young people in our churches, they aren’t in our communities.

Just because there are no persons of differing ethnic and racial backgrounds than us in our congregations, they must not be in our community.

The reality is that is not true.

My interesting day proved that, at least in the doctor’s office, we are a diverse community.

The work that we are called to do is to change the make-up of our congregation so that we reflect our community. That’s what Willis Johnson talked about. That is what each of us must be about – changing the culture and the color of our churches so we look and sound like an Acts 2 church with different hues and different accents.

Blessings. Tom

Growing Effective Churches

By Kay Kotan
Director of Congregational Development

As 2017 is nearing its close, are you prepared for 2018? Fall is the typical time to plan for the upcoming year. Has your church planned for how it will be effective in discipling people who disciple others in 2018? What is your strategic, intentional plan?

We all have the best of intentions for the new year. We hope and pray for the best. Yet without intentional planning, we may very well wake up a year from now and regretfully not be in the place we had hope to be.

There are five important elements to strategic ministry planning: mission, vision, core values, goals, and strategies. Let’s take a quick look at each element.

Mission: Review the very purpose for which the church exists – to make new disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. How is the church doing in its alignment and accomplishment? How can the church better align?

Vision: Vision is the unique way your church lives out the mission of disciples discipling others. It is God’s preferred future for your church. Is your church moving toward God’s preferred future? Is the preferred future becoming reality? Is the vision still providing momentum, direction, and energy? If so, great! If not, is it time to re-vision?

Core Values: Whether they have been identified or not, these values exist and guide your church. Naming the core values help leaders know the boundaries of their decision making. Are the stated core values still a correct reflection of the church’s DNA or do they need to be evaluated?

Goals: What are the three to five things your church will focus on in the upcoming year to allow the vision to become reality to make disciples within the boundaries of your core values? Make sure the stated goals are S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and, time-based).

Objectives or strategies: This is where the rubber hits the proverbial road. Ministries are planned based on the goals to live into the vision to accomplish the mission within the boundaries of the core values. Objectives are set by the ministry teams (not the council/board). Budgets are then aligned to the objectives.

The best format for strategic ministry planning is typically the pastor and council/board to go away into a retreat setting. The atypical location and a break from the routine agenda allows for creativity and concentration for this important work.

Every year it is essential for a church to not only intentionally plan, but to also evaluate the current year ending. How did the church do at accomplishing the goals? What is working? What needs to be tweaked? What is to be celebrated? How does what we accomplished this year speak to how we intentionally and strategically plan for next year?

While some dread the idea of planning, the power of being intentional and strategic to align all we do and how we use our resources in our mission is not only essential, but faithful to who God calls us to be as the church! So … what is your strategic ministry plan for 2018?

Behind the Scenes: Who’s in control?

By Shawn Gilgore
Director of Communications Ministry

There’s something about the fall weather. Maybe it’s the drizzle, falling slowly and heavily outside the window. Maybe it’s that unmistakable feeling: “Ahh, it’s finally getting cooler.” And yet, maybe it’s knowing something. Knowing that things change all around us, even as we don’t fully realize it.

For me, God has always worked like this. It’s very rare that I have points in my life that I can look back at and say, “Yes, this was a huge monumental shift for me and my relationship with God.” He was always there, nudging, moving, changing me and my relationship with Him slowly; almost without my knowledge.

He was instrumental in all the decisions of my life, even when I thought I was the one in control. And I still wrestle with that: I want to be in control, I want to go ‘this way.’ But it’s never been my plan for my life. He’s always had His hand on every moment.

Photo by Linda Gilgore

Young People's Ministry

New Young People’s Ministry Council Members

In early August, the members of the Young People’s Ministry Council reviewed applications submitted from youth around the Susquehanna Conference to be part of this leadership team. After prayer and discussion, the council approved all applicants to become new student members of the Young People’s Ministry Council.

We added to our team Hayden, a 12th grader from the Altoona District, who has been attending and serving with us at Annual Conference for several years. We are excited that he has now become an official member of the team. Melissa, an 11th grader from the Williamsport District, has also been attending Annual Conference with us for the last two years. She brings a great attitude of service and behind the scenes leadership. Last, but not least, we bring in some young talent in Lydia, an 8th grader from the Harrisburg District. Lydia has had leadership experience in her local church but is looking to expand her leadership skills and opportunities. We are honored to be a part of her growth as a Christian leader.

Remaining on the team for the upcoming year are Lyndsey, Julia, Jacob, and Alex, our other senior, from the Harrisburg District, Hannah and Julia from the Lewisburg District, Robbie from the Altoona District, and Morgan from the State College District.

The council also consists of ten adults from around the conference serving in a variety of capacities to support these young people in their leadership. The ministries of our students would not be possible without the many hours of support and service these adults provide. Please pray for our students as they continue to explore their faith and the way God is calling them to lead the conference in youth ministry over the coming months.

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Recalculating

If you have ever missed a turn or ended up on Maple STREET instead of Maple AVENUE, then you know how frustrating it can be to be lost. Without proper directions or clear road signs it can be easy to end up somewhere you don’t want to be. This is also certainly true for our spiritual journey, as well as any road trip we might take. Last year the Young People’s Ministry Council came alongside the teens of our conference to talk about how we don’t struggle alone, where God is when we struggle, and how we can depend on God even in the midst of our worst days. We continue this journey of faith with our young disciples, focusing this year on finding the way. At the, “Recalculating” Youth Rallies, we will encourage students to “Think for yourself. Explore your path. Grow your faith,” through worship, group activities, small group discussion, and a mission project.

The YPMC held the first of four youth rallies Sunday, October 22, at Good Shepherd UMC in Tyrone.

Registration is open for the remaining three event dates and locations, as listed below. We hope that your church will join the ride with us and our teens on this faith journey.

January 7, 2018 (snow date January 14)
Shepherdstown UMC
1934 S. York St., Mechanicsburg
Registration deadline - January 2

February 11, 2018 (snow date February 18)
Shavertown UMC, 163 N. Pioneer Ave., Shavertown
Registration deadline - January 31

April 8, 2018 
Watsontown UMC
1319 8th Street Dr., Watsontown
Registration deadline - March 28

http://igniteyoungpeople.org/index.php/events/recalculating

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Young People’s Ministry Summer Mission Experience 

Over the past few years the Young People’s Ministry has been encouraging teens in our conference to be in mission with one another. We have held mission days, as well as offered many of our churches grants for mission trips. We are hoping to take another step in the mission direction by offering a small mission trip to Henderson Settlement June 24-30, 2018. 

Our goal for the trip is to create an experience where teens will be highly involved in the planning and leadership, training them to be able to co-lead trips for their own congregations. Those going on the trip will be asked to lead in many ways throughout our time together. 

We are not trying to provide a mission trip for youth groups to attend, but are creating an opportunity for teens from smaller congregations, teens with a passion for mission, or teens craving leadership training a chance to shape their mission experience. If you are interested in a mission trip for your youth group, please contact Curt Knouse, our VIM director, and he will happily help you find a place to serve. 

Please keep this mission experience in mind as you are working with your students this school year. If you had a youth that was highly impacted by a trip this summer, encourage him/her to join us. If you won’t have enough youth for a full trip next summer, join our group. We hope this will be a great learning experience for everyone involved. 

Applications can be found on our Web site, igniteyoungpeople.org, and must be completed by January 2, 2018. 

Dates: Sunday, June 24, 2018 - Saturday, June 30, 2018. Application deadline: January 2, 2018.

Cost: Students $375; Adults $150 (Includes travel, lodging, meals (on site), fellowship activity).

Available spaces: 20 youth, 7 adults.

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Volunteers in Mission and Young People’s Ministry International Mission Trip

The Susquehanna Conference Volunteers in Mission and Young People’s Ministry are partnering together to sponsor a ten-day trip to Central America for young adults interested in serving God. The 15 person team is open to any young adult between the ages of 18-30.

This international trip will be going to Costa Rica. We will be based out of the Methodist Rural Farm outside Quesada, a town north of San Jose, Costa Rica. The team’s primary work will be construction; however, no previous construction experience is required. Our service with others while in the country is not the only goal of the trip. We are hoping that this trip will encourage our young adults to become trained VIM team leaders and begin co-leading their own trips in future years.

Applications are due by January 2, 2018. and can be found at igniteyoungpeople.org. The total cost of the trip is $1,650, which includes airfare, lodging, meals, and transportation in country. A valid passport and proper vaccinations will be necessary to attend.

For more information, questions, or to get an application, email Curt Knouse, Director VIM, at cknouse@susumc.org.

October was Pastor Appreciation Month

We asked how and why you appreciate your pastor... 

Our Pastor is Gordon “Gordie” Trimer. He is pastor at both Mines and Royer United Methodist Churches in Williamsburg. Pastor Gordie is the most caring and loving pastor. When any one of his congregation is in need, he is the first one to respond. He truly cares about us. His sermons are down-to-earth and are often about his own experiences that we can relate to. He has our two congregations working together to help out our little town of Williamsburg. A month ago he and his wife, Karen, took a mission team from our churches to Rosebud, South Dakota, to help out the Tree of Life at the Rosebud Reservation. They have also spread the Word of God and their love to people in Costa Rica, along with members of our congregation. We all love him and enjoy his sense of humor. He is a perfect fit for our congregations. We truly appreciate his service. — Patty H.

Let me tell you about our pastor here at Shiremanstown UMC. He has been at this appointment for six years and has been very attentive to the needs of our congregation. His passion is designing and implementing meaningful worship experiences. He seeks opportunities to share the love of Christ with others and is so welcoming to our community members. He doesn’t stop there, though! He is currently unpacking a Discipleship Pathway for our church family that promotes intentional growth and a disciple’s movement from “milk to meat.” You can expect a sermon that is scripturally sound with contemporary application. When not at the church, you may find Pastor Logan Garth Swanger and his wife, Pai, playing with their grandson, Oliver, and their little dog, Sally. Thank you for all you do for our church. — Ken B.

Kerr Addition United Methodist Church would like to acknowledge our appreciation for Pastor Mark Brower in leading us, guiding us, and teaching us to be disciples for Jesus Christ, and for all the other acts of kindness he does. Thank you and God bless. — Joyce M.

My pastor, Steve Cowfer, is a very talented musician, actor, awesome father to his two children, and loving husband to his wife, Eimy. He has been with us a year now, and already he has stepped into shoes he did not think he would have to fill, such as pianist for Sunday services (on more than one occasion and for more than Sunday services), mediator between parties, aided in several members’ moving days, and playing in the bell choir and singing in the sanctuary choir. He manages all this while still driving his children to York for school every day, helping with homework, cooking meals, and managing a two-point charge. We are very blessed to have him with us and believe he can bring positive things to the church and the Kingdom of God. Thank you, Steve, for all you do and will do for your congregations. — Lori H.

Our shepherd placed in the Rouzerville Charge (Wesley Chapel/Rouzerville UMCs) of the York District, is Pastor Joshua Wargo. I appreciate his laser focus on the gospel message and the absolute authority of Scripture. Christian faith [is] a hard journey in today’s world. Pastor Josh’s leadership helps us remember [to] live out and share our call to make disciples for the transformation of the world. Thanking God for you. — Missy M.

Thank you to Pastor Bob Rice for his service and devotion to our small country church - Stone United Methodist Church, Berwick. — Sharon G.

We love Pastor Scott because of his love for Christ, how he teaches us to be more like Christ, to love one another, to forgive, and to reach out to others. He leads by example. — St. Paul’s UMC, Scranton.

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate Pastor Ken Kitzmiller at Bucks Valley UMC. After many years of browsing for a new church home I was drawn to a quiet little church in the woods. There I met a friendly and inviting congregation led by Pastor Ken. That first meeting was at the home of an elderly parishioner who could not make it to church. We rode a school bus to her house and set up our lawn chairs in her driveway. It was an enlightening service. A church congregation and Pastor that would go the extra mile to fulfill “Love thy neighbor”. We sang by guitar accompaniment, we touched each other’s hearts, and we were fed by a sermon of service and love for our fellow man. Thanks be to God that love, kindness, hope, and charity are encouraged by Pastor Ken. Sincerely thankful — Joan C.

Making dreams come true

Many families experience hardships that can make the celebration of holidays, such as Christmas, only a dream. For the past ten years the members of McConnellstown UMC have helped make dreams come true.

With the help of the Center for Community Action in Huntingdon they identify needy families in their community, then church members buy and wrap gifts, both needed things and wishful things, based upon ages of the family members.
“We always receive lovely thank you notes from the families sharing how much they appreciate the kindness of others, and how it helped make Christmas special for their children,” said Violet Confer. “McConnellstown UMC has been blessed by this outreach. There are many more families in need, and our hope is that more churches and organizations will participate in an outreach opportunity like this.”

Continue your Mission at Albright Care: Gloria Maust

At the 2017 LeadingAge PA annual conference, RiverWoods staff member Gloria Maust was named Caregiver of the Year in Direct Care. LeadingAge PA is the trade association representing more than 360 not-for-profit providers of senior housing, healthcare and community services across the commonwealth. The Distinguished Service Awards honor individuals and groups who are making a difference through their commitment and service. These exceptional people give of their time, talents and abundant energy to their communities and demonstrate a deep commitment to serving seniors.

Gloria has shown exceptional dedication to her career, having worked at RiverWoods for 46 years. Through the multitude of changes in health care regulations, capital projects and management alterations, she has been an unwavering employee. She works effortlessly to adapt to every change and has become an invaluable role model for numerous nursing assistant trainees. Gloria always goes the extra mile for residents and takes time to develop personal relationships with each one. This connection allows her to recognize resident’s needs often before they do, and enables her to give observant and thoughtful updates on their health and progress. Gloria’s patience and kindness is recognized by staff and residents alike. Her positive attitude does not waver, even on the most challenging days and under stressful circumstances.
“For her dedication and love of her profession, and commitment to our residents, mission and values, I wholeheartedly believe that Gloria exemplifies the attributes of this esteemed award,” said Nea Brown, RiverWoods executive director.

Gloria has been the recipient of numerous accolades and compliments from residents, family members and staff over the years, both for the compassionate care that she gives and for her friendship, support and caring demeanor. In 2016, she received Albright’s Best of the Best award, honoring employees who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in the areas of attitude, dedication, innovation, motivation, skills, enthusiasm and contributions to the corporation.
Albright Care Services is grateful for the many years of caregiving Gloria has provided for residents of RiverWoods. Albright invites you to continue your mission by joining us at one of our six locations. Visit www.albrightcare.org for information on senior living, day programs, giving or volunteering.

Faith family supports woman convicted of killing baby

Members of Calvary United Methodist Church chartered two buses and rode to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to support Tina Brosius during her parole board hearing September 15. There were so many people, about half had to be turned away because the hearing room was full.
Photo courtesy of Calvary UMC.

Click on the link below to read a UMNS story about one of our local churches, Calvary UMC.

Faith family supports woman convicted of killing baby

Lay Servant Ministries

In 2012 the General Conference of The United Methodist Church approved legislation to change the name of Lay Speaking Ministries to Lay Servant Ministries. The new name was chosen to better define the role of those laity who wished to help lead in church beyond speaking alone.

The term “servant” best describes what Jesus told his disciples in John 13 after he himself had performed the duties of the lowliest servant. Just as Jesus called his disciples into service, we are called to live out our lives as servant leaders in the life of the church today.

Lay servants can choose from different levels of training, all of which will help our churches raise up quality transformational leaders who can help our churches in their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Persons who are already lay speakers or certified lay speakers are “grand-parented” into the new model. To continue in those roles, they will need to be renewed and re-certified by completing the new re-certification courses now developed.

In an effort to make our lay servant process simple yet effective, “Equipping God’s People” is the basic course requirement for the Susquehanna Conference. This course is designed to help people in local churches grow in leadership of guiding their congregations to greater effectiveness in disciple making.
For information about Lay Servant Ministries and “Equipping God’s People” courses being offered, contact your district office or go to the Lay Ministry page on the conference Web site: www.susumc.org/layministry.

Please Note: Although we are offering the “Equipping God’s People” course as the requirement for Lay Servant Ministries, individuals or churches can benefit from the training experience, too.

Churches are encouraged to send teams of people (ideal teams are about ten percent of the average worship attendance) to training sessions. These sessions will provide books, materials, and teaching for one fee. The groups will generally meet on Saturday or Sunday afternoons for three hours (total course time 24 hours) Groups may be cluster- or district-based. 

A further step — Certified Lay Ministry

In order to enhance the quality of ministry to small-membership churches, expand team ministry in churches, and in deference to an expression of the gifts and evidence of God’s grace associated with the lay ministry of early Methodism, the certified lay minister is to be recognized and shall preach the Word, provide a care ministry to the congregation, assist in program leadership, and be a witness in the community for the growth, missional, and connectional thrust of the United Methodist Church, as a part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person.

The CLM may help lead the congregation in various ways. Each CLM and Staff Parish Relations Committee will create a covenant defining the ways in which the CLM shall serve as well as the responsibilities of the congregation. Each CLM will be assigned to a supervising elder who will assist the CLM and the SPRC as needed. The CLM may serve as part of a staff or may be the only pastoral leader assigned to a small-membership charge.

All persons serving a local church beyond pulpit supply who are not in the process of being licensed or ordained must be enrolled in the Certified Lay Minister Program (requirements are posted at www.susumc.org/layministry.) Persons must complete the entrance requirements for this program or [they] will not be permitted to serve beyond pulpit supply. This will be monitored by the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. Upon completion of the entrance requirements, a person may serve a church or charge as a candidate for lay ministry. Lay minister candidates and certified lay ministers are assigned, not appointed. The CLM remains a lay person and does not have sacramental privileges. The supervising elder works with the CLM to provide the sacraments to the assigned charge.

The Lay Servant Journey
The following describes three levels of lay servant ministry. Lay persons are encouraged to grow in their leadership skills by beginning as a certified lay servant. For those who want to continue to deepen their leadership role, they may become certified lay ministers, or lay speakers for those who desire to fill the pulpit. Below are the descriptions for each from the “United Methodist Book of Discipline.” Requirements for each level of certification can be found in the chart below left.

Certified Lay Servant 
A certified lay servant desires to serve the church, knows and is committed to Scripture and the doctrine, heritage, organization, and life of the United Methodist Church, and who has received specific training to witness to the Christian faith through spoken communication, to lead within a church or community, and to provide caring ministry. The certified lay servant serves the local church or charge (or beyond the walls of the local church or charge) in ways in which his or her witness, leadership, and service inspires others to a deeper commitment to Christ and more effective discipleship. The certified lay servant should prepare to undertake one or more of the following functions: provide leadership, assistance, and support to the program of the church; lead meetings for prayer, training, study, and discussion when requested; conduct or assist with services of worship, preach the word, or give addresses as requested; work with committees and teams which provide leadership or caring ministries; assist in Holy Communion; teach the Scriptures, doctrine, organization, and ministries of the United Methodist Church. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶266.1, 266.2)

Certified Lay Speaker 
A certified lay speaker is a certified lay servant whose call has been affirmed ... to serve the church in pulpit supply. The certified lay speaker serves by preaching the Word when requested. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶267.1, 267.2)

Certified Lay Minister 
A certified lay minister is a certified lay servant, certified lay missioner (¶269), or equivalent ... who is called and equipped to conduct public worship, care for the congregation, assist in program leadership, develop new and existing faith communities, preach the Word, lead small groups, or establish community outreach ministries as part of a ministry team with the supervision and support of a clergy person. The CLM serves to enhance the quality of ministry through service to the local church, circuit, or cooperative parish, or by expanding team ministry in other churches and charges. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶268.1, 268.2)

Hygiene kits for hurricane victims

By Pastor Tina Hawkins

Children from the West Branch United Methodist Charge (Fairview-Morrisdale, Palestine, Morrisdale, and Summit Hill churches) assembled hygiene kits to be sent to recent hurricane victims. Members of the charge donated the items for the kits.

A list of items needed for hygiene kits and other disaster response kits can be found at missioncentral.org/how-can-i-help/donate-items/

Discovery Place - Now is the time to get your Advent resources

Susquehanna Conference
303 Mulberry Dr., Ste. 400
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-766-79680
e-mail  discovery@susumc.org
web  www.discovery-place.org
Open 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. weekdays

Merry Christmas! Yes, I know I’m a little (okay, a LOT!) early, but If you plan to borrow a study from Discovery Place to use during Advent, now is the time to call or e-mail to reserve it. Here are some suggestions to help you in the process. All studies listed here include a DVD, a book, and a leader’s guide.

Sent: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas, by Jorge Acevedo (2015). God sent Christ at Christmas. And Christ sends us. Each session is led by a different presenter, all of whom are clergy. The sessions begin with a story about Advent or Christmas, followed by a lively discussion among the presenters. Five sessions.

All I Want for Christmas: Opening the Gifts of God’s Grace, by James W. Moore (2016). Christmas has some amazing gifts for us, but we often need the miracle of God’s grace to experience and celebrate them. This study asks a very personal question: What are the gifts you would really like to receive from Christmas this year? Five sessions.

Not a Silent Night: Mary Looks Back to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton (2014). In this book, Hamilton begins at the end, with Mary at the crucifixion and the resurrection. He then travels back in time as Jesus’ life and ministry unfolds, ending at the beginning: with the Christ Child being born in a stable. Five sessions.

Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph, by Adam Hamilton (2017). As the earthly father of Jesus, Joseph’s place in the Nativity story is sometimes overlooked, but contains valuable lessons for all of us. Four sessions.

Christmas Gifts That Won’t Break, by James W. Moore (2017). As we journey through Advent, we reflect on the unbreakable gifts that God has given us: hope, love, joy, and peace … and, of course, the greatest gift of all: Jesus. Five sessions.

Down to Earth, by Mike Slaughter (2016). Have we ever really grasped the miracle that took place in Jesus’ birth? We will be challenged in this study to respond to this miracle with down-to-earth love, humility, lifestyle, and obedience. Four sessions.

The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem, by Adam Hamilton (2011). Filmed in the Holy Land, this study retraces the actual path of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Five sessions, plus a bonus session: The Holy Land Today.

In addition to these seven studies, there are numerous others from which to choose. Go to our Web site, www.discovery-place.org. Click on “online catalog.” You can search by title or author and read full descriptions of each resource listed above. You can also choose “advanced search” and under subject, use the drop-down menu and select Christmas/Advent. This will give you a complete listing of everything in Discovery Place that relates to this blessed season. You can place an order directly from the on-line catalog, call 717-766-7968 (toll-free 800-682-2615), or e-mail discovery@susumc.org. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Serving Christ with you,
Joni Robison

Where your Treasure is

By Rev. Phyllis Bowers
Executive Director United Methodist Stewardship Foundation

I recently read an article on leadership listing the five traits required as building blocks. The stewardship challenge I would add though is that for Christians, these traits need to be developed in the right order.

A leader cares. Not only do we have Scripture on the importance of sacrificial love, but we are warned of the emptiness of trying to do anything without it. “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)

A leader has courage. God is always there with his perfect love so we have the courage to stand, to be accountable, and to be changed by God - “for the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 2:7)

A leader has character. Character comes from the practice of persistence and humility from someone willing to be loved by God with the courage to follow him. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

A leader communicates. Once you genuinely model and keep growing in love, courage, and character, you cannot keep your light hidden; you become a leader. Your words communicate in unity with your actions. “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply, and how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23)

A leader has competence. While we do our best to present ourselves to God “as one approved” (2 Timothy 2:15) we also admit the paradoxical truth: “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God.” (2 Corinthians 3:5)

As we give thanks for all we have, let’s thank God for lessons on leadership. He has given us our example and taught us everything. Let’s lead others to church and learn even more together.


The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation
3901 Hartzdale Dr. Suite 110
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Phone 717-766-7343   Toll Free 800-272-0113
sfcpa@umstewardship.org

Port Royal UMC celebrates 175th Anniversary

More than 200 people gathered in September to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Port Royal UMC. Rev. Terrence Brosius directed the choir as they sang “There’s Within My Heart a Melody.”

On Sunday, September 24, 2017, Port Royal United Methodist Church celebrated their 175th Anniversary. More than 210 people filled the sanctuary for the special worship service that included the hymns “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” “Shall We Gather at the River,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “To God Be The Glory.” The choir sang “There’s Within My Heart a Melody.”

Rev. David Biser, pastor at Crosspoint UMC in Harrisburg, who had been a student pastor at Port Royal (Juniata Parish) from 1989-1997, was invited to give the sermon. His message was titled “Dreams Take Time,” based on the Scripture passage Genesis 37:1-11.

Rev. Lori Steffensen, State College District Superintendent, offered the pastoral prayer.

Over 150 people gathered after the service to share in a celebratory meal and fellowship. Misty Henry made a 175th Anniversary Cake.

Since 1900, the Port Royal church has been served by thirty-five pastors, with Rev. Terrence Brosius currently serving.

Rev. Terrence Brosius and Misty Henry show the special cake she made for the celebration.

Rev. David Biser (left) was invited by Rev. Terrence Brosius (right) to give the sermon for the anniversary celebration. Biser had served the church as a student pastor.

Call to the church to observe Global Migration Sunday

Brothers and Sisters of The United Methodist Church,

Grace and peace to you in the compassionate name of our Lord Christ Jesus.
I write to you on behalf of our Council of Bishops to invite you to observe Global Migration Sunday on December 3, 2017. This is the first Sunday of the season of Advent, a time when we remember the coming birth of the Christ child who himself was a migrant.

From Asia and Europe to Africa and the Americas, the plight of more than 65 million men, women, and children forced to leave their homes and migrate to places unknown calls all Christians to remember what God requires of us.

Wars, natural disasters, persecution, economic hardships, and growing violence around the world are the major root causes of the unprecedented global migration we witness with grave concern today. As if these deadly forces were not enough, migrants also face myriad problems including hazardous travel, cultural barriers, and the physical and emotional costs of arriving in strange lands where they are not always welcome and they often face persecution.

For most of these migrants, the decision to flee their homeland comes as a last resort effort to live. We are reminded of Joseph and Mary as they sought to save their lives and especially the life of the Christ child as they fled to Africa to escape the wrath of King Herod, who (threatened by the birth of Jesus) ordered the massacre of children (Matthew 2:13‑14).

As United Methodists, we believe that the prayers of God’s people can cause the outpouring of God’s mercy and justice. As your bishops, it is our fervent hope that on Global Migration Sunday on December 3, United Methodist congregations in all the places we serve around the world will join our voices to pray for our brothers and sisters who are suffering the journey of forced migration. In addition, as a people who pray and act upon those prayers, we ask that all our congregations gather an offering dedicated to the human suffering inflicted by forced migration. Offerings collected should be sent to the Migration Advance No. 3022144.

We are grateful for our general agencies who have prepared excellent resources for Global Migration Sunday in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish — including the prayer that we ask all pray on December 3.

Jesus said, “When you welcome the sojourner, you welcome me.” (Matthew 25:35)

Let us welcome our migrant brothers and sisters with compassionate care, pray for them without ceasing, and give generously that they, too, may have life.

Grace and peace,
Bishop Bruce R. Ough
President, Council of Bishops

Global Migration Sunday is a partnership between four general agencies of The United Methodist Church: the Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Communications, the Board of Church and Society, and Discipleship Ministries.
Many resources including bulletin inserts, PowerPoint presentations, videos, Social Media images, Web banners, devotional booklets, worship resources, and more are available at umcmigration.org

Linglestown Life hosts active shooter training

By Rev. George Reynolds

‘It’ll never happen here.’

That’s the response of many people when you bring up the idea that an armed intruder could strike at your church.

But as several church leaders learned during a recent Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Confront, and Evacuate Training event at Linglestown Life, not only is it possible, but failing to prepare your people for how to respond is irresponsible.
When it comes to the safety of our members on a Sunday morning, we’ve prepared procedures to reduce the risks of abuse to children, youth, and vulnerable adults in the ministries of the local churches (SUSUMC Safe Sanctuaries Policy), but we have failed to produce procedures and training to reduce the risk of injury and death associated with an armed intruder.
As Betty Secrest, pastor at Center and Clear Ridge churches said, “The reality is this kind of violence is present in our society. And it doesn’t matter if you are in a rural setting or a larger city. You need to be prepared and you need to prepare your people.”

That’s why 28 people participated in ALICE Training’s Train the Trainer event at Linglestown Life on October 9 and 10. Of those 28, seven people represented five different United Methodist congregations, ranging from small rural congregations to larger suburban congregations. Each one walked away with a sense of gratitude that they had attended and a mission to better prepare their congregations.

Kerry Barefoot from Bedford said, “The world is changing, and we need to be more aware of our surroundings in church and out in the community.”

Jason Fisher of First UMC in Mechanicsburg noted, “The eye-opening scenarios really drove home the course content.”

Michael Harris, Evangelical UMC, Middletown, mentioned, “Getting more people aware, trained, and focused increases your chances of survival.”

Both Harris and Fisher have law enforcement backgrounds, but saw the need for the kind of training offered to churches by ALICE Training.

Linglestown Life has three individuals who have completed the ALICE Training Train the Trainer course. The church is also using an ALICE Training e-learning module to provide computer-based training for church and nursery school staff, Sunday school teachers, and other hospitality volunteers. Eventually everyone in the congregation will have the opportunity to take the e-learning module.

As George Reynolds, lead pastor at Linglestown Life noted, “What you learn in the ALICE Training is applicable to any situation you ever find yourself in. The training just makes you more situationally aware in every setting.”

After completing the e-learning module, all of the individuals at Linglestown Life are receiving training that equips them to understand procedures, and most importantly, participate in actual training scenarios. “We are all used to fire drills,” Reynolds continued, “although the likelihood of a fire is remote. But have you ever thought through the options available to you in the event of an armed intruder?”

That’s the value of ALICE. ALICE teaches participants a proactive, options-based plan for civilian response to a violent critical incident. ALICE authorizes and empowers individuals to utilize human action, building infrastructure, and communication options to increase their chance of survival. Simply put, ALICE’s mission is to save more lives.

As Rev. Howard Woodruff, Wesley UMC, Marysville, stated, “It’s about time we get serious about these threats and how to respond.”

A number of churches believe that having an armed member of the congregation will provide protection for their people, but the reality is that it leaves people with a false sense of security. Training volunteer leaders, and ultimately the entire congregation, is the best way to assure people have the skills necessary to make a decision that can save lives.

While ‘It’ll never happen here’ may be true, being prepared through education and training at least demonstrates that we are aware that the days in which we live are drastically different than our past.

Persons wanting to learn more about the ALICE Training programs can explore their website at www.ALICETraining.com. Churches interested in exploring the way that Linglestown Life is implementing ALICE Training may contact George Reynolds by email at GReynolds@susumc.org.

By Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist 

October – 50 years ago
The October 11, 1967, first Methodist Men’s Fall Rally was a huge success. Attendance at [what would become an annual] spring rally held each April in Lewistown had increased to the point where men where “standing three-deep around the wall, sitting on the floor in the aisles, crowding the stairways, and filling the fellowship hall in the basement.” It was felt that more men could be reached by holding two annual rallies.

The fall rally filled Williamsport’s Pine Street Methodist Church and featured internationally known singer and recording artist Bill Mann. That gathering was held in the imposing Pine Street cathedral-like structure that was destroyed by fire in 1977, the congregation worshiping in the Calvary building on Fourth Street until the present, modern Pine Street building was erected in 1980. While there is no longer an annual conference-wide fall rally, the spring event continues – and the 62nd annual Men’s Rally was held this past April in Lewistown.

November – 100 years ago
The November 1917 volume of Woman’s Evangel, the monthly magazine of the Woman’s Missionary Association of the United Brethren Church, carried the following article about Lohr Memorial Church: “The chapter at Hanover, Pa., which is only seven months old, reports much enthusiasm in the work. At their picnic, they provided supper for seventeen soldier boys camping near the town, which induced quite a number of them to visit the Sunday School and church services, and several have joined a young men’s Bible class. Their president, Kathleen Kohr, has resigned to take up the missionary course at Bonebrake [United] Seminary in Dayton.”

As it turns out, Miss Kathleen Rebecca Kohr (1898-1958) left Dayton with more [than] a completed missionary course. She graduated from seminary in 1920, became the first woman ordained in the Virginia Conference of United Brethren Church, and served in that state for 35 years with her husband, Rev. E.B. Caplinger.

On to Glory

Rev. Lyle S. Bundy, Retired, of South Pine Street, Red Lion. Pa., died Saturday, August 26, 2017, at Rest Haven, York, Pa. Private memorial services were held at the convenience of the family. Interment was in Laurel Cemetery, White Haven, Pa.

Rev. Arthur W. Davis, Retired, of Mount Cobb Road, Lake Ariel, Pa., currently serving Asbury UMC, Scranton, Pa., died Friday, September 22, 2017. Memorial services were held Tuesday, September 26, 2017, in Asbury United Methodist Church, Scranton, Pa. Interment was in Sandy Banks Cemetery, Greenfield Township, Pa.

Rev. George C. Kramer, Retired, of Delaware Street, Scranton, Pa., died Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at home. Among his survivors is his wife, Madelyn Goldsworthy Kramer. Memorial services were held Saturday, September 16, 2017, in Solfanelli-Fiorillo Funeral Home Inc., Scranton, Pa. Interment was in Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hanover Township, Pa.
Rev. Edwin L. Martin, Retired, of Hard Road, Columbus, Ohio, died Monday, September 18, 2017.  Among his survivors is his wife, Mary (Mullarkey) Martin. Memorial services were held September 23, 2017, in Harrisburg United Methodist Church, Harrisburg, Ohio.

Rev. Ronald W. Onder, of Spring Street, Jessup, Pa., died Saturday, August 26, 2017, at home. Private memorial services and interment was held at the convenience of the family.

Rev. Kenneth L. Rebok, Retired, of Deer Hollow Road, Huber Heights, Ohio, died Monday, August 7, 2017, in Kettering Medical Center, Kettering, Ohio. Memorial services were held Saturday, September 2, 2017, in Wayne High School Cafetorium, Huber Heights, Ohio.

Mrs. Shirley June (Yarnell) Shenk, of Kreamer, Pa., died Friday, September 29, 2017, in Massachusetts while visiting her son. She was the widow of Rev. Jay R. Shenk. Memorial services were held Saturday, October 21, 2017, in Christ United Methodist Church, Selinsgrove, Pa. Interment was at the convenience of the family.