Events & Special Sundays

Preaching with Power 

June 15, 2019
Faith UMC, 512 Hughes St
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Leader: Dr. Dilip Abayasekara

Pastor - Do you have a word for me today?
Bring your outline for your next sermon to this seminar and right then and there begin to apply the principles you learn on how to craft an message that makes your congregants want to listen. Learn a few simple but powerful ways that you can convert pedestrian delivery into persuasive power. Claim biblical fundamentals so that you don’t depend on personal cleverness but on the power of God unleashed through you and despite you! Will that be a worthwhile investment in your ministry?

Register at http://bit.ly/PreachingWithPower

Peace with Justice Sunday

June 16, 2019
www.umcgiving.org/ministry-articles/peace-with-justice-sunday

Mission u 2019

July 10, 11-13, 27
tinyurl.com/yxufxovd

Mission u Express  
July 10 or July 27
Designed to give clergy and laity a condensed version of the 3-day school, Mission u Express begins at 8:45 a.m. with registration and refreshments. A two-hour overview will be presented for each of the two studies. Lunch will be served between the two sessions. The day ends at 4 p.m. Time is allotted for viewing mission displays and to browse study materials.

Mission u Seminar  
July 11– 13
Gather with other United Methodists for a unique learning opportunity and spiritual renewal. This annual event will motivate, inform and enrich your commitment to global ministry. Join us for Mission u on the campus of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. The Mission u 3-day seminar is a multi-generational gathering offering studies oriented to adults, youth having completed grades 6-12 and children who have completed grades K-5.

Adults of all ages participate in the Spiritual Growth study as well as the Special UMW study. Learn from trained, experienced teachers as well as from each other. Enjoy delicious meals with friends and browse the Book Room and Resource Room, as well as shop for fair trade items in the Marketplace. Expect fun activities in the evening, and time to relax and reflect as well.
Studies are also available for children, Grades K-5 (accompanied by an adult) and Youth, Grades 6-12 (new this year - accompanied by an adult).

Brochure with registration form: tinyurl.com/yxufxovd

NAVIGATE

August 22-24, 2019
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg
1150 Camp Hill Bypass
Camp Hill, PA 17011
www.susumc.org/navigate/

VIM Team Leader Training

Learn how to lead an UMVIM Team locally, nationally, or globally. Topics include: Best Practices, Cultural Awareness, Health & Safety, Team Orientations, Useful Forms, Fundraising, and the connectional system of United Methodist Volunteers In Mission.

Open to all: those who have led teams, those who have never been on a team. Training does not require you to lead a trip but equips you for service. We’ll learn to become better missionaries and servants from the course materials and from one another.

9am - 4pm
Light breakfast and materials provided. Please bring a bagged lunch.

June 15 

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District
Clarks Summit UMC
1310 Morgan Hwy., Clarks Summit, PA 18411

June 22

Williamsport District
St. John’s UMC Newberry
2101 Newberry St., Williamsport, PA 17701

July 27

Altoona District
First UMC
801 Allegheny St., Hollidaysburg, PA 16648

August 17

York District
Gettysburg UMC
30 W. High St., Gettysburg, PA 17325

September 14

Lewisburg District
Trinity UMC
84 Lombard Ave., Danville, PA 17821

October 19

Harrisburg District
Grace UMC
309 Herman Ave. Lemoyne PA 17043

November 2

State College District
First UMC
200 E. 3rd St. Lewistown, PA 17044

RSVP to Michelle Schwartzman, Director Volunteers in Mission
2 weeks prior to the training. 
vim@susumc.org or 717-766-7441 ext.3105

Give Ye Them To Eat - Mission Opportunity

October 11-20, 2019

Puebla & Tlancualpican, Mexico 

You are invited to become “AWARE” (Alternative Work/study Awareness Program) in Mexico, October 11-20, 2019. This trip is open to anyone age 18 or older who has a desire to work and learn in another culture. 

Working with staff of the Give Ye Them To Eat program (www.gytte.org ), we will work alongside new Mexican friends on construction projects, repairs and upgrades in and around the Tree of Life Training Center in Tlancualpican. We will visit villages, participate in health programs, learn about agricultural & livestock development, participate in worship at local Methodist Churches as well as have some time to shop and do some touring. 

Cost for the trip is approximately $2000. Costs include all transportation, meals, lodging, tips and admissions to tourist attractions. 

Contact Rev. Marian Hartman at mhartman@susumc.org for more information or an application. 

Please note that this area of Mexico is NOT a high risk area for violence.

Clergy can receive 3.3 CEUs for participation in the AWARE program. Funds for continuing education can be used. The Board of Ordained Ministry also has continuing formation grants for clergy. 

Our Heritage - Celebrating the History of our Faith

By Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

May – 100 years ago 

United Brethren minister William H. Washinger (1862-1928) was born in Walnut Bottom PA and pastored churches in Harrisburg and Chambersburg before serving as the Pennsylvania Conference superintendent 1902-17 and as a bishop beginning in 1917. As bishop he published an article in the May 1919 issue of the denomination’s THE EVANGEL elaborating on the following four reasons for the shortage of young men entering the ministry.
#4 “the commercial spirit has drawn many young men into its net who ought to have dedicated their lives to the ministry.”
#3 “prevailing worldliness, lack of the old-time revival” and that “today with many sin is only half-sin.”
#2 “lack of spiritual atmosphere in the churches” in “not preparing their young people for the service of the Gospel”
#1 “the decadence of piety in the homes of Christian people.”

June – 50 years ago 

The Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church met June 9-12, 1969, at Lebanon Valley College in Annville PA with Bishop Hermann Kaebnick presiding. The report of the Board of Missions included the following items/recommendations.
1. Selling the Bethlehem church property at 610 Wallace Street in York. This congregation (former Evangelical) merged into Ridge Avenue (former Methodist).
2. Selling the St. Luke church property at 610 West King Street in York. This congregation continued until 1999, when the church closed and the building sold.
3. Selling the Faith church property at 401 South Queen Street in York. This congregation (former United Brethren) merged into Wesley (former Methodist) to form Aldersgate UMC.
4. Selling the Willowbank Street church property in Bellefonte. This congregation (former Evangelical) merged with Grace (former United Brethren) to form Faith UMC.
5. Initiating a study involving the Mechanicsburg area Del Brook and Salem congregations. Del Brook (former EUB) and Salem (former Methodist) later united to form Hope UMC and sold the Del Brook building.

Discovery Place

Discovery Place has recently acquired several new resources:

Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple, by Adam Hamilton. This newest study by Adam Hamilton examines the life of Simon Peter, an ordinary fisherman who heard an extraordinary call. The six-session DVD was filmed on location in Israel and Italy and shows key sites in Simon Peter’s life. Join Hamilton as he takes an in-depth dive into the life, faith, and character of Simon Peter. (Includes DVD, leader guide, and hardcover book. Available separately: Youth Edition and Children’s Leader Guide.)

Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World, by Andy Stanley. What made the first-century Christians’ message so compelling, so defensible, so irresistible? What did they know that we don’t? Buckle up…you’re about to find out! In this six-session study, pastor and author Andy Stanley explains the version of faith we must embrace if we are to be salt and light in an increasingly savior-less and dark world. (Includes DVD, study guide, and hardcover book.)

Journey 101: Knowing, Loving, Serving God. How can you know, love, and serve God in a life-changing way? This three-part course helps to answer this question by describing fifteen core traits of a deeply committed Christian. Created by the staff of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, this is a basic discipleship program. The segments of Knowing, Loving, and Serving are on separate DVDs and can be used in any order. (Includes 3 DVDs, each with six sessions and an accompanying leader guide, participant guide, and daily readings book.)

Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff. This is a study about God’s love…and the most amazing thing about that love is that it’s not just a bunch of rules or stuff we must agree with. God’s love is different. It changes things. It’s active. It works. It risks. God’s love…does. This is a five-session video-based small group experience in doing the love of God. Just imagine what God could do with a whole group of people who are passionate about Jesus’ love and eager to put it into practice! (Includes DVD, study guide with notes to leaders in the back, and book.)

Out of the Depths Series: Designed to be a companion through difficult times, this series features timely, accurate information on the dynamics of life’s challenges and the healing process. Each booklet has two parts: educational and devotional. Written by mental health professionals and pastors, these books draw from a wealth of expertise and personal experience to provide hope and healing. When life is difficult, you don’t have to go it alone. Take this companion with you, or borrow one for a friend. Titles include: - Your Companion Through Chronic Illness, by Nancy L Long and Elizabeth Shadbolt - Your Companion Through Depression and Anxiety, by James Hightower and Matthew L Kelley - Your Companion Through Grief, by Greta Smith - Your Companion Through Addiction, by James Hightower and Peter Ferguson - Your Companion After Sexual Assault, by Emily Flemming and Greta Smith - To be published this summer and already ordered: Your Companion After Miscarriage or Infant Loss and Your Companion Through Divorce.

We invite you to visit Discovery Place at the Conference Center, 303 Mulberry Drive in Mechanicsburg. We are open from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (close at noon on Fridays in the summer), but other hours can be arranged with advanced notice. Our website is www.discovery-place.org, and you can view our online catalog and place an order through it. We can also be reached by e-mail at discovery@susumc.org, or by calling 717-766-7968. We look forward to hearing from you!

Serving Christ with you, Joni Robison

Where Your Treasure Is

Phyllis Bowers, Executive Director
The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation

We are better together, a collection of notes woven into a song of praise and purpose by God. Our music is called upon to be an offering to God, a witness of joy from the Church and its members.

For those who do not hear or understand our music, we are called to love and find them noteworthy. We acknowledge how often we do not hear or understand too and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us in signs and languages of love.

For those who do not play well, we are called to invite them and to admit we need them too. We examine our own lack of play and ask Jesus to embrace us together as one body so that we may practice connecting with each other in harmony.

For those whose song is not like ours, we are called to encourage and not hinder their ministry just because it is different. We seek grace so God can remove our dissonance and off-key performances. For those who have no voice, we are to give them support and space to find theirs to share. We ask God to help us equip us all to speak up and out for each other, caring for and carrying each other.

We come together again soon at Annual Conference, a collection of extended family members woven into orchestrated lives and melodies in this time and place by God. There is a music we cannot hear or understand that the Spirit leads. There is a joyful play that Jesus directs, working for our good. There is a song that is God’s first that we can only grasp with our hearts because it is too much for our senses. We raise our voices together as one because no one does a ministry alone. Let’s come together at our best in this conference for we are offering ourselves together for God’s glory and plan.

The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation

Rev. Phyllis M. Bowers

Executive Director 

3901 Hartzdale Dr. Suite 110, Camp Hill, PA 17011

Phone 717-766-7343   Toll Free 800-272-0113

Email sfcpa@umstewardship.org

The Journey Begins

The first steps in a new faith community in Harrisburg have been taken. Two United Methodist churches in Harrisburg voted on Sunday, March 17, to merge into a new faith community named The Journey. Those churches are Riverside and 29th Street. We are excited to see how God will move through this combined congregation to reach new people in Harrisburg.

The Journey’s mission is to create life-giving communities across our city. The vision is to connect new people with Jesus while investing in and loving our neighbors.

Pastor Kris Sledge and Pastor Deb Port have been appointed as the pastors to The Journey. “United Methodist churches in Harrisburg voted on their future. I have had the privilege to connect with many of these faithful members over the past few weeks hearing their concerns and dreams for the future. These people are truly amazing! I am grateful for God and these members who took a leap of faith and voted to be a part of this vital merger. In the near future, we will begin worshiping and serving God together, and I am excited to be one of their pastors and share in this faith journey together. I believe that this is not an ending in Harrisburg, but another beginning,” says Pastor Sledge.

The two churches worshiped at their existing locations through Easter. The newly combined congregation began worshiping together on April 28, 2019, at The Journey Church, 750 South 29th Street in Harrisburg, with over 125 people in attendance.

Continue Your Mission at Albright Care Services

A group of residents at Normandie Ridge are working hard to help homeless veterans. “The Plarn People of Normandie Ridge” have been busy making sleeping mats from recycled plastic bags. This involves cutting recycled plastic bags and joining the pieces to make plarn, which is plastic yarn. The plarn is then crocheted into mats. It takes an average of 500 to 700 bags to complete a 2.5 foot by 6 foot mat and approximately 40 to 50 hours of work. Each month, the group meets to continue working on the mats, although a lot of the work is also done individually at home.

Plenty of bags have been donated to the cause by residents and local stores. Jinny Foor is organizer of the Plarn People, “It’s reported that Americans use 100 billion plastic bags a year with the average family taking home almost 1,500 plastic shopping bags a year. However, according to waste management, only one percent of the bags are returned for recycling.” Foor says reusing the recycled bags not only will help homeless veterans, but will reduce waste. The group formed in November to start making the mats. They will be donated to LifePath Christian Ministries in York, a non-profit agency helping the homeless and those living in poverty.

Another benefit of “The Plarn People” is the fellowship the women enjoy when they meet as a group. Foor said, “When the idea came about, I was so surprised at the number of people that wanted to get involved and help. We meet once a month and really enjoy the time together.” “The Plarn People of Normandie Ridge” are always looking for more volunteers to join the group. They are willing to teach interested members how to crochet, but you don’t need to crochet to join the group. “The Plarn People” are a shining example of being called to serve, and Albright is proud that they are part of our family.

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.

A Day with Chi Rho Singers - a Spouse’s Perspective

By Jack Servello

We headed out to State College, PA, to meet The Chi Rho Singers at Park Forrest Village UMC. Arrival time was 12:45 pm and rehearsals started promptly at 1:00 pm.

My wife is Pastor Barb Servello serving at The Leesburg United Methodist Charge in Shippensburg.

It was a long two-hour drive but during that time that we talked about whatever was on our minds, or just conversed in general. Occasionally we discuss what possibilities await us for dinner.

Sometimes I will read books to my wife that she needs to read for special classes she’s taking, or I’ll drive and let her read them!

Usually we make time to stop for lunch in whatever town we’re singing in. Once near Moscow, PA, we stopped at a small pizza shop that served pizza with American Cheese instead of mozzarella! It was a very good meal. Diners make fantastic food too. It’s more time for us to spend together just talking and enjoying each other’s company.
Chi Rho Singers is comprised of clergy from the Susquehanna Annual Conference, both active and retired but mostly they’re all still very busy. The director is Rev. Joleen Willis and the president is Rev. Keith Schmuck. He usually introduces the group during the concerts.

When my wife first started singing with the choir, all I did was hang out and read or keep myself occupied until concert time. This year they asked me to play guitar with a few songs, so I’m doing that.

Sitting through rehearsals is very interesting. Rev. Paul Zieber conducted a song this time and give very detailed notes. Paul directed last year while Joleen attended to family needs.

At 3:15 pm they took a break for coffee and light refreshments, then went back to rehearsals. The men gathered in a separate room to rehearse one number which they sing and the women did the same. Then they got back together to finish rehearsals for the rest of the concert songs. At 5:15 pm it was dinner time.

I have to say, there are lots of things Methodists do well and one of them is cook. We’ve had a wide range of dinner fare from chicken and scalloped potatoes to spaghetti with and without meat sauce; ham, green beans, and potatoes; and much more. One church provided a picnic meal of hamburgers and hotdogs. It’s always good no matter what or where.

After we all eat the members sing a song for the people who prepared the meal. It’s really a fun song, it’s partly to the tune of “Mary Had A Little Lamb”, and is called “Thank You People.”

The choir sings one Thursday a month between September and May somewhere in our Susquehanna Annual Conference. Next month they’ll be at 2nd Avenue UMC in Altoona, PA.

On May 23, their last concert before the summer break, they’ll combine with the Western Pennsylvania Conference Pastors Choir at Greenwood UMC in Altoona.

We have such a good time with one another, but it’s more than just fellowship. It’s worship. It might look like a lot of work, but it’s really just worshiping God all day in song. Striving for the perfect sound and hopefully making a joyful noise.

I’m blessed every month when I get to sit in and just listen to them sing. If you’re ever able to attend a concert you will be blessed as well. If you’ve already heard them you know what I’m talking about.

For more information and events visit www.facebook.com/ChiRhoSingers/ or contact Rev. Joleen Willis, Director, at jwillis@susumc.org

CRM Staff Updates

Sara Richardson has joined the Camp and Retreat Ministry team as the Reservations Specialist. She is assisting with camp registration and communications and will be working with the team to implement online reservations software for all camp and retreat events.

Sara is a graduate of Thiel College, where she studied psychology and English. She has worked in a variety of ministry and non-profit settings in programming, marketing, and development. Sara operates a small design business, S Richardson Creative, which offers personalized marketing and design services to churches, camps, and small businesses. She is passionate about sharing the stories of those bringing good things to the world.

Sara’s life was forever changed by camping at Wesley Woods in Western PA, where she met Jesus “face to face.” While serving on summer staff, she met her husband, Sam, and they later launched the Camp-to-Camp Project. For two years, the couple traveled the country visiting and learning from Christian camps across a spectrum of denominations, sizes, beliefs, and cultures.

Sara is excited to be following up the Camp-to-Camp journey with a new opportunity to serve on an amazing team. She is looking forward to supporting the valuable camping ministries in the Susquehanna conference both as the Reservations Specialist and as a volunteer in new donor relations and development efforts.

Volunteers in Mission

Michelle Schwartzman, Director of Volunteers in Mission and Outreach

Where you will find Volunteers in Mission? In the local church, helping those down the block, at our church camps, in other towns in Pennsylvania, around the United States, in countries all over the world!!!

From January to May, 2019, VIM Teams have been to Sierra Leone, Haiti, Mexico, Costa Rica, Uganda, Florida, Rwanda, Honduras, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and right here in Pennsylvania.

As your Volunteer in Mission Director I gather information to celebrate the work that’s being done by our local congregations. It’s my goal to increase the connections in our Conference in order to build up our web of volunteers. I would love to come and speak at your church about what Volunteers in Mission is about. I know a lot of mission is happening in the local congregations that we don’t know about, I’d like to change that.

You can join me at the Pre-Conference Workshops “Navigate Expeditions”. My workshop, “When Helping Hurts” is Wednesday, May 29 from 1-2:30pm. You can register online at https://susumc.org/navigate-expeditions-2019 We will explore how our helping can help and how it can hurt. Mission and outreach programs are built on the best of intentions. What happens when those good intentions have negative long-term impacts on the community we are trying to help? What are the best practices for making sure our mission work has the desired outcomes and long-term success?

Beginning in June, I will be leading one VIM Team Leader Training in each District. See page 20 for information and dates; visit www.susmb.org/index.php/vim/training; or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SusquehannaConferenceUmcVolunteersInMission.

Those of you looking for volunteer opportunities, please don’t hesitate to contact me and check out our site at www.susmb.org/index.php/vim/vim-trips.

We envision creating a culture of mission throughout our conference because that is what Jesus calls us to. Contact me at vim@susumc.org or 717-766-7441 ext. 3105. “Like” us on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/SusquehannaConferenceUmcVolunteersInMission where we specifically celebrate our mission teams.

Calvary UMC - A Lighthouse in York - Part 1

This is the first in a series of stories highlighting some of the ways God is at work in and through Calvary United Methodist Church and its many partner churches to transform the city of York, Pa.

Written by Sandii Peiffer, edited by Pamela Brossman

Five years ago, a revolution began in York, Pa., but it has nothing to do with baseball. In 2014, Rev. Dr. B. Michael “Mike” Brossman was appointed to serve Calvary UMC to infuse new life, renewed vision, and fresh energy into a dwindling congregation and underutilized church facility.

Located west of downtown York near the York Fairgrounds, Calvary lies in a culturally and economically diverse neighborhood. The community demographics are one-third black, one-third white, one-third Latino, and 1% other. “To be an all-white congregation in our community wasn’t working,” said Brossman.

Prior to Brossman’s arrival, the church had three worship services and Christian education on Sunday mornings and a service/community meal and Alcoholics Anonymous meeting during the week. “When Pastor Mike arrived, things started happening,” said church sexton Mike Gurtizen.

From less than 100 worshipers five years ago to a congregation of nearly 350 people; from three worship services to five, including a bilingual Spanish/English service; from two days of facility usage a week to seven, by more than 20 church and community groups—Calvary’s growth is reflected not only in numbers, but also in service, ministry, missions, and outreach. And there is a whole lot more going on in the community too.

Leadership Development

With a doctorate in Church Leadership Excellence and a church planter by nature, Brossman has been a “turnaround guy” for most of his 28 years of ordained ministry.

When he arrived at Calvary, there were a lot of issues to process and understand and a lot of healing that needed to happen. Listening intentionally and caring were key. “The saying ‘people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care’ really is true,” Brossman said.

Immediately, he started using “us” or team language. The church leadership assessed where they were so they could find out how to move forward, discovering a vision that they could test and tweak together.

“Our goal is to reach our potential as a leadership church. We had great leaders with great hearts and great willingness—it was just a matter of tapping into that by talking, healing, affirming, and being patient with each other,” said Brossman.

“We surround ourselves with people who disagree with us, who balance us, whose strengths are our weaknesses or vice versa, so we have to work together. Together we’ll make more of a difference than any one of us can on our own.”

“We pray that God will grow our impact, influence, and territory, and we practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting, worship, Bible Study, and memorization. Then, led by the Holy Spirit, we present all ideas for mission and ministry and look for where God is nudging us.”

Brossman also encourages leaders to nurture a “Timothy”—a person they can mentor to carry on the legacy of leadership, ministry, and service.

A Strategy for Growth 

“We can’t do what God calls us to do if we stay the same; we have to grow,” said Brossman. “We follow a pattern: Life involves change and always brings conflict which exposes our fears. Fears properly dealt with give us the breakthrough we are looking for.”

Part of Calvary’s growth resulted from a merger with St Paul’s UMC in 2015. Then, Otterbein and Asbury UMCs merged in 2018, and some of those members came to Calvary, including First Spanish, who had been using the Otterbein building. Calvary hired pastoral couple Josué Marrero and Vivien Rodriguez to start and lead Genesis, a new Spanish/English congregation. The couple are originally from Puerto Rico.

Sunday school, Bible study, fellowship, fundraising, and mission-oriented groups within the church have grown, as have the connections with surrounding churches and the community.

Expanding the Territory

Three years ago, Calvary started reaching out to community leaders and formed Hope Church Leadership Network. The network has grown to more than 200 community organizations that help the under-served in York. They meet monthly at Calvary.

Many community organizations were invited to use Calvary UMC for their meetings and programs.

Lenten and Advent services are shared with neighboring St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. “The advantage of ecumenism is that each church gets closer to finding their own identity,” said Calvary’s Associate Pastor Tanya Brubaker.

Recently, Calvary, Grace, and Asbury UMCs began holding Courageous Leadership Conversations, sharing about the unique things happening at their locations and focusing on four topics: youth, marketing, the Latino community, and vacation Bible school. What would it look like for the three congregations to work together on those four things, to pool and share resources and not duplicate efforts?

“28 years in and I’m full speed ahead,” said Brossman. Physical discipline and spiritual discipline are the same thing for him—he’s in shape. “I’m excited about what’s going on and excited about the leaders I work with and those I meet in the other congregations and in the community.”

To be continued...  

Discerning Next Steps for Equipping Vital Congregations

The apostle Paul tells us, “The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose.… For we are God’s servants, working together.”  1 Corinthians 3:8-9

Over the past two years, a movement has sparked that has led to new ministries and new opportunities for making disciples of Jesus Christ. Kay Kotan, Director of Equipping Vital Congregations has been a faithful co-worker planting seeds throughout our beloved Susquehanna Conference.

As a part of her work, countless congregations have begun to develop strategic plans and discipleship pathways that will help reach new people. Dozens of Fresh Expressions have been launched and Vitality Teams are in each of our districts, equipped to walk with local churches through visioning and reflection.

New initiatives such as The Valley in State College, The Journey in Harrisburg, and The Open Door in Dillsburg are widening circles of relationships and community engagement. All of these missional areas are the embodiment of the beloved community of disciple-making congregations.

However, last month I received a call from Bishop Gary Mueller. The Arkansas Conference wanted to extend an offer to Kay to be their new Director of the Center for Vitality and New Places for New People. She has accepted. She will begin this new position on July 1, 2019. As a passionate innovator, Kay will bring a significant contribution to her place of ministry and the Arkansas Conference will be blessed to have her on the team.

Here in the Susquehanna Conference, the Cabinet and I realize the vital importance of the spark that has become a flame, and we will discern the next faithful steps for the office of Equipping Vital Congregations (EVC). We are fully committed to the EVC team and continuing the work of equipping and resourcing local congregations into vitality and creating new places for new people.

Please pray for Kay and her husband Bob as they transition into her new position. Please also pray for our Conference as we navigate through these new changes.

With you in Christ’s Ministry,
Bishop Jeremiah Park

Equipping Vital Congregations - Taking Advantage

Kay L. Kotan, Director of Equipping Vital Congregations

Over the new few months, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of some very special equipping opportunities. These opportunities will not be available again any time soon. So jump on board and do not miss them!

To start, you will want to be sure to sign up for pre-conference workshops. We refer to these learning opportunities as Navigate Expeditions. There will be three different times to choose your equipping opportunity. The first two times will be a series of workshops offered Wednesday afternoon, May 29. The third opportunity will be a choice of two key notes on Thursday morning before the official kickoff of Annual Conference on May 30.
Over these three learning opportunities, you will have access to key national speakers such as Rev. Sue Nilson-Kibbey, Rev. Dr. Ken Nash, Ken Willard, Rev. Phil Schroeder, Jason Moore, Rosario Picardo, and more. You can explore topics such as small church vitality, children and youth ministries, simplified, accountable structure, leadership development, worship, stewardship, missions, and prayer. Bring your team and take care of these excellent equipping opportunities.

Mark your calendars now for Navigate, August 22-24, 2019. This is our second annual event but expanded! We have expanded the days, the topics, the experience, the speaker selection, and who is invited. It is a national event! You are welcome to attend for all three days or just Saturday, August 24. It will be held at the Radisson at Camp Hill. Our theme this year is leadership. Once again you will have access to national speakers such as Olu Brown, Kenda Creasy Dean, Val Hastings, Kelly Brown, Dereck Deblase, Chuck Salter, Paul Nixon, and Blake Bradford. There will be tracks for revitalization, small church, the lay pastor, new places for new people, young leaders, and conference leaders. Check out www.susumc.org/navigate/ for more information and registration.

We have a value of providing excellent speakers and workshop leaders to bring you the best of the best to help equip you in your local church mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Your continued interest and attendance help us bring these exciting opportunities to you. So, gather your team and register today to add more tools in your tinder box to create new places for new people and spark vitality in your church.

We must all continue to an evolving, ever-learning leader in today’s church to continue to prepare and equip for the church of tomorrow. In the Susquehanna Conference, we strive for a culture of continuous learning and growing for both clergy and laity. These next few months are packed full of opportunities. Take full advantage!

For more information and registration go to:

Navigate Expeditions: (pre-conference workshops)
https://www.susumc.org/navigate-expeditions-2019/

Navigate: https://www.susumc.org/navigate/

Fill the Trailer at Annual Conference

Disasters come in many shapes, sizes, and causes. When they occur, both physical and spiritual devastation result. It places victims in a situation where they may be unable to see the hope and reassurance of God’s promises. And, in the midst of these situations, the connectional system of the United Methodist Church can provide a message of encouragement and restoration.

As 1 Peter 5:10 indicates, “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

The Disaster Response Ministry is conducting a “Fill the Trailer” campaign during Annual Conference. The goal of this initiative is to furnish the Conference’s newest disaster response trailer with the tools and equipment necessary to support early response teams (ERTs) and Volunteers in Mission teams (VIMs) as they follow God’s calling into restorative ministry.

Each congregational delegation is encouraged to prayerfully consider supporting this initiative by either brining specific tools for the trailer or providing financial support to equip it. If you are led to provide tools, ask your congregation to support their purchase from the attached list of ministry needs. The list is categorized by District. If your delegation feels called to provide financial support, please consider a free-will offering or fundraising effort to fulfill that calling.

When you arrive at Annual Conference, drop your tools and equipment in the trailer that will be at the Disaster Response Ministry informational table. Your financial support can also be dropped off at the table or sent directly to the Conference office noting Disaster Response Ministry Advance #8055.

When Noah was asked to build an Ark, he was provided with the tools to complete the task. Moses was summoned to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and equipped by God to do the job. And, when Jesus sent the disciples out two by two to share the word of God, He assured them they were outfitted with the proper tools.

If we prayerfully seek God’s call to provide hope and restoration in times of disaster and rely on Him to provide us with the tools we need, we can be assured He will bless us abundantly with all we need to “abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Doug Hoy - drc@susumc.org
Disaster Response Coordinator

Find the FILL-THE-TRAILER WISH LIST here: tinyurl.com/yxn8ld7y

Young People’s Ministry and the Youth Service Fund

   

The Young People’s Ministry Council needs your prayers and your support. Come and check out our display table at Annual Conference and support our fundraisers. We will also have YSF grant applications.

Our total combined fundraising goal for AC2019 is $11,000.

Support the Youth Service Fund by participating in one of our fundraisers.
Conference delegates can purchase a workbook for $12.

Candy Change Challenge. Hershey Kisses vs. Twizzlers - which one is your favorite? Vote by putting your spare change in the bucket for the candy you like the best.

Charging Station available during sessions for phones, laptops, or tablets - by donation.

Annual silent basket auction. Bidding will open Thursday between 9 and 10 am and will close Saturday morning at 9 am.

Youth Scholarships help offset the cost for youth to attend Annual Conference. It is especially helpful when churches send more than one youth and helps allow smaller churches to be able to afford to send youth. We will be selling “Better Together” and “YPMC” t-shirts and name tag holders to raise money for scholarships.

If you have youth in your church that have leadership potential encourage them to get involved.

A Call to Prayer and Holy Conferencing

2019 Susquehanna Annual Conference
May 30 - June 1
Hershey, Pennsylvania

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of Our Brokenness and Hope of the World! May you experience the closeness of God’s presence in your journey in a more intimate and noticeable way during this season of Lent. 

Within a short time, we will gather for the Tenth Session of the Susquehanna Annual Conference at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa., from May 30 through June 1. The theme this year is: “Better Together: One with Each Other”.

We have just concluded a very divisive and conflicted special General Conference. We increasingly see our nation and the world more divided rather than unified. We are called to be in witness to the reign of God for such a time as this. As the conference vision statement says, people of “Susquehanna Conference will [gather together to] embody the beloved community of disciple making congregations”.

Article II under Section - VI Annual Conferences on page 35 of the 2016 Book of Discipline reads: “The annual conference is the basic body in the Church and as such shall have reserved to it the right to vote on constitutional amendments, on the election of clergy and lay delegates to the General and Jurisdictional conferences, on all matters relating to the character and conference relations of the clergy members, and on the ordination of clergy and such others as have not been delegated to the General Conference under the Constitution.” Accordingly, we will elect the delegates to the 2020 General and Jurisdictional Conferences.

Keynote Speakers

Rev. Brenda Leigey, the incoming State College District Superintendent, will preach at our Memorial Service on Thursday evening. 

Our Bible Study on Saturday morning will be taught by Rev. Dr. Jong Chun “J.C.” Park, President of the World Methodist Council. He is a professor of systematic theology of the Methodist Theological University in Seoul, Korea. 

Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, will be the preacher for the Ordination Service on Saturday. He has served as a minister in the Methodist Church of South Africa. 

I know that we will be richly blessed and uplifted by their sharing of the Word. 

Mr. Kirby Hickey, a lay delegate from Bethany Church, Red Lion, who serves as the treasurer for the World Council of Churches, represents a gift from The United Methodist Church to the world-wide Wesleyan family. As an annual conference, we will have a privileged moment in celebration of our connection to and partnership with the global community of the diverse Methodist traditions. We are honored to have their presence with us.

Offerings

The offering for the Memorial Service on Thursday evening will go to the “Cup of Water” fund. The fund is used to assist laity in need. 

The offering for the Celebration of Ministry on Friday evening will go to the Preacher’s Aid Society fund in celebration of its 150th anniversary. The fund offers help to clergy in need. 

The offering for the Ordination Service on Saturday afternoon will go to the Bishop’s Partners in Mission fund to provide financial resources to Mission Central and the denominational campaign of Imagine No Malaria. 

Thanks be to God for your faithful stewardship as reflected in your generous giving. It is a powerful witness to a church alive in mission.

I look forward to greeting you at Annual Conference. Your prayers for God’s Spirit to surround our gathering as the people of the Susquehanna Annual Conference with grace and power would be greatly appreciated.

With you in Christ’s Ministry,
Bishop Jeremiah Park

Susquehanna LINK, May 2019

A PDF of the May issue of Susquehanna LINK can be
viewed and downloaded at www.susumc.org/link