Twenty clergy and lay persons from Susquehanna Conference attended the conference-sponsored United Nations Seminar February 4-7, 2018.
The 2018 United Nations Seminar caught my attention when I read the theme was to be Terrorism, Violence, and Peace. For many years I had wanted to stand in the space of the United Nations building in New York City — where people from countries throughout the world dared to work toward peace. Touring the United Nations I “felt” the presence of people who had come together for that purpose. As a pastor of a local church, I have felt an increased urgency to develop more tools to work toward peace. As we listened to input and shared our experience, despair, and hope, I found help in adding to my toolkit. Thanks to the United Methodist Women’s seminar planning staff who led us! — Rev. Susan Halverstadt
On our trip to the Church Center for the United Nations, we learned about the importance of having difficult conversations in our local churches. We can’t sit back and pretend social issues are not happening, simply because it’s uncomfortable to talk about. As leaders, I feel we all need to learn to be better listeners. My most important take away from our trip is that we can disagree and still be friends. — Pastor Joshua Wargo, Rouzerville Charge
I was truly blessed to be a part of the recent UN Seminar. I have attended many conferences, seminars, and extended learning events over the years, but this one was one of the best! We had a great and diverse group and we're able to spend much time together learning about terror and violence. We explored issues like root causes, proper definitions, and action steps we could make. We also toured the UN building, which was special in itself. A well planned, fine event! — Rev. Stevan Atanasoff, Geyers United Methodist Church
