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.