Susquehanna LINK, May 2020

Susquehanna LINK PDF

Remembering our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

May – 100 years ago 
St. Paul’s Chapel, Red Lion, dedicated a new frame church building May 2, 1920. The congregation grew out of a fall 1858 United Brethren revival meeting in the barn of George Musser, three miles northeast of the present site, that resulted in 80 conversions. Following that great revival, Mr. Musser built a large spring house, with a second floor to be used for regular religious meetings. In 1880, John Stabley donated land for a chapel – predecessor of the 1920 structure.
The 1920 frame building was replaced by a brick structure in 1936, which was added to in 1950 and 1982. Rev. M.B. Heiland (1885-1979), pastor for both the 1920 and 1936 projects, served the congregation for 23 years and is the namesake of its Heiland Cemetery. The present congregation is known as Chapel UMC.

June – 50 years ago 
The United Methodist Nursing Home at Lewisburg admitted its first patient June 26, 1970. Plans for the new home began in 1966 as a cooperative effort between the former Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren denominations. While the United Evangelical Church had begun operating the Evangelical Home on the site in 1916, that facility was not intended to provide its residents with on-site medical care. Soon a clinic emerged to care for the Home’s orphans and elderly guests, which developed into a community hospital that opened on the grounds in 1926.

The Home transferred 8.8 acres of land to the Evangelical Community Hospital, which opened in 1953, and 7 acres of land to the United Methodist Nursing Home which opened in 1970. Today the Evangelical Community Hospital is a completely separate entity, while the Evangelical Home and United Methodist Nursing Home properties are part of the Riverwoods Senior Living Community operated, along with Normandie Ridge in York, by Albright Care Services – a faith-based non-profit organization strongly affiliated with the Susquehanna Conference.

There is Hope in Disaster

Following is an exerpt from “When the Seas Rage; Be Still!” (copyright pending)—a soon-to-be-published collection of personal devotions for emergency managers, first responders, and those seeking spiritual strength as they work through life’s disasters—written by Doug Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference.

What is a disaster? By definition, it is an event causing great suffering, destruction, and distress, such as a serious accident, crime, or natural catastrophe. It negatively affects society or the environment. They occur once every 100 years or every day in your own lives. Some are small and can be handled on a personal level. Other disasters happen on a larger scale and require a coordinated effort to find relief. The things we call disasters vary from person to person and place to place.

It can be frustrating facing a disaster, big or small. It can be particularly overwhelming if we must face it alone. And, we find ourselves asking a lot questions. Why did it happen? Where will we get help? How will we move forward? Of course, the answers can be as varied as the types of disasters we face. It can be as simple as, I took a wrong turn, or as complex as the meteorological explanation of a hurricane. But, I would also submit to you that the answer is Biblical.

In Matthew 24:7, we are told “there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” The book of Luke foretells the coming of “terrors and great signs from heaven” (chapter 21, verse 11) and there will be “distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves” (chapter 21, verse 25).

Before you get too concerned about the signs of the end times, understand this message is meant to provide you comfort. And, to know that God is sovereign! He is the creator and holds the earth and all that is in it in the palm of His hand. As we learn in Isaiah 45:7, He created the light and the darkness. He is responsible for creating disasters. He confirms this in this verse saying, “I the Lord, do all these things.” So, the answer to the question “why” becomes clear when we look to scripture. The reality is, God said disasters would occur and He is powerful enough to make them happen. But, that is not the end of the story.

There is hope in disaster. During our trials and tribulations, God promises hope and reassurance. Remember, He is sovereign and all powerful. He is the one who created the light and the dark; the crashing waves and the roaring winds. But, in addition to being responsible for “all these things,” Isaiah 45 reveals God also “brings prosperity.” He shares this message of hope again in Isaiah 54. “‘For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you” (verse 10).

As we face the disasters of life, whether personal or public, in our homes or communities, or a nationwide pandemic, know that God, through Christ, assures us there is hope in our suffering. He promises to be with us. And, He will supply a peace that passes all comprehension. In return, we only need to be faithful and committed Him. For, in that dedication, “He will establish your plans...and work out everything to its proper end” (Proverbs 16:3-4).

PRAYER: Sovereign God, creator of all things, thank you for the hope and peace of your presence when storm clouds surround me. We are grateful for your promise to remain with us during the trials and tribulations of life. Give us the ability to share this message with everyone we meet and allow it to provide comfort as they struggle with their own challenges.

Contact Doug Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator, at drc@susumc.org

Answering God’s Call in Rwanda, Africa

By Carol Falke

Its amazing how God gets our attention and places something on our hearts. Something so strong you can’t ignore it. Eleven years ago he did just that to me. It was a call to connect with Mama Arlene Brown, a United Methodist from Williamsport, PA, who was living and serving in Rwanda, Africa. She established Hope Made Real/Urukundo Children’s Home & Learning Center in 2006 to offer a home for vulnerable children.

Since then, Urukundo Learning Center/Hope Made Real has grown to offer so much more. It is woven throughout the community. It provides hope, empowerment, nourishment, joy, love and peace to all who seek.

• It’s a family with 90+ staff that can support their families. 
• Of the children from the home - 5 are university graduates, 13 attend university, 6 are at secondary school. The youngest have been placed with foster or biological families – a government requirement.
• The school: preschool – 6th, opened in 2011 with 30 children now provides an education to over 987 children, with textbooks, library, educational toys, music, sports, and religious studies.  
• Pastor Yves, who we support*, leads Sunday worship, devotions and connects with many in need. 
• The dental clinic reaches those that can not afford essential dental care. 
• The sewing technical school trains young adults in sewing skills, English, business and entrepreneurship giving them opportunities to support themselves and mentor other youth. 
• The farm provides nourishment to Urukundo and supports itself by selling products to businesses. 
• The mom and baby program, an essential community outreach, provides layette kits with baby items for new moms at a local clinic. 
• The Daycare provides safe, loving care for children of staff and others in need. 

As I write this, Mama Arlene’s staff placed her under quarantine and I am finishing 14 days of self-quarantine having just returned from my tenth month-long visit volunteering at Urukundo Learning Center. After one Coronavirus case, the Rwandan government closed the schools, churches, and the airport one day before I was to fly home. Then, the main road was closed to all traffic between communities. As a developing country they were taking this seriously.
Five days later, on March 25, I caught one of the last flights out of Rwanda.

I am safe at home but am concerned for my Rwanda family and the many vulnerable people living there. I am concerned that we can only pay our staff half their salary as donations have slowed. But as Arlene says, “God’s in Charge!”
If you want to learn about my time in Rwanda, go to my public Facebook postings at Carol Falke. Any questions: please contact me at falkes248@gmail.com.

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

Psalm 139:9-10 

Carol Falke is a member of *St. Paul’s UMC, State College, Pa. and President of the board of Hope Made Real, www.hopemadereal.org.

Continue Your Mission

When Lauren Dieter moved into the role of Executive Director at Normandie Ridge in August of 2019, she had no idea what would be on the horizon for her six months later. Lauren was just getting her feet wet in her new position when the Coronavirus outbreak occurred, changing everything for senior living communities the country. Lauren quickly had to learn how to adapt to all of the restrictions put into place, to keep both the residents and her staff safe.

Lauren said, “I did a lot of research and thought of ways to keep our residents safe, but also happy. For me it’s the ideas. I get these crazy ideas and decide we are going to attempt to get them done.” One of those ideas was to place illuminated hearts across the campus to show the residents they are loved during this time of uncertainty.

Lauren has had a variety of great ideas over the past few weeks to help the residents during this tough time, with no visitation on campus due to COVID-19 precautions. They have hosted outdoor concerts and religious services, which residents can enjoy from their balconies. Residents have even used pots and pans to create their own music!

One day, Lauren and her team delivered roses to every resident, which put a smile on their faces. She has also provided residents with coloring pages and pencils, puzzles and other activities they can do to stay busy, including games they can play in the hallway sitting with their apartment doors open. And families can connect with the residents through Facetime on iPads and other devices provided by Normandie Ridge staff members.

Lauren’s staff is also being treated like royalty, with regular treats including hot lunches, ice cream bars, cookies and more, to acknowledge that they are respected and loved for the work they are doing.

When asked about how she deals with the daily challenges, Lauren said, “I think a lot of it is having patience and still being able to ask questions and find out why things are happening. I have also learned a lot through listening to the residents and hearing what they truly want.”

In a short period of time, Lauren has shown how to lead with compassion. She said, “I love to give the residents little pieces of joy. I want to make sure both the staff and the residents know how much I appreciate them. I get a lot of enjoyment from giving people gifts and seeing their reaction from it. I thrive on a good outcome for others when I’m able to have a hand in it.”

Lauren Dieter is a shining example of being called to serve, and Albright Care Services is proud that she is 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.

VIM Action has changed, values remain

Volunteers In Mission (VIM) are often thought of as those who are out in the community, traveling from state to state or all over the world DOING, SERVING, WORKING. However, in these unprecedented times we are taken aback and caught off guard. What do we DO?

One of the core values of UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) teams is to adhere to John Wesley’s three simple rules. Wesley summarized what he felt God calls us to do in these three directives: Do No Harm, Do Good, and Stay in love with God.

For those of us who are non-essential workers, the very best thing we can DO is stay home. It’s very easy to look at this as doing nothing. I challenge you to look closer. Our values state that we are to do no harm. We know that staying at home currently is the best way to care for others, especially the vulnerable. In the Volunteer in Mission Training, we learn that sometimes the practices of mission have the best intentions but can also have the worst impact. We must continually look at how our words and actions through service could be harmful.

Over the past few weeks I’ve witnessed our VIM teams take to heart “Do no harm”. Trips that were saved up for, planned to the very detail and teams built were cancelled. Team leaders are sending out encouraging emails and funny memes to lighten the spirit. Many VIM are gathering on video calls to discuss best practices and new innovative ideas. Many are adding friends and neighbor’s grocery list to theirs as they venture out for their once a week run. They’re donating blood. Mask making is being researched and shared on social media as well as new ways to distribute them in a safe manner. Virtual mission is being planned where you can engage with the site getting the cultural experience as well as donating money to their ministry. VIM teams have donated their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to those on the front lines of the battle with this virus.

Volunteers In Mission: Christian love in action! The action has changed but VIM stay true to their values as they care to love their neighbor in whatever form it may take.

If you had VIM trips cancelled but didn’t send your roster in, please send me an email updating me on the status of your trip. I would like to have a record of how this pandemic has affected our VIM travel. Also, as your teams are working out creative ways to love our neighbor, I’d love to hear your stories.

Peace to you and stay well,

Michelle Schwartzman, Director of Volunteers In Mission
vim@susumc.org ● 717-766-7441 ext. 3105

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

By Rev. Evelyn Madison, Chair of Mental Health Ministries

In 2004, a Mental Health Task Force was created in the former Central Pennsylvania Conference UMC. This group, comprised of laity and clergy, was convened to discuss how to provide education and support to the churches and pastors in the conference, simply because, we ALL have mental health. It’s just that the state of our mental health can vary from day to day and even during each day. The Mental Health Awareness Sunday offering is used to provide education and resources to the congregations in the Susquehanna Annual Conference.

The current pandemic is an added stressor for all of us. Parents have become teachers. Adult children have become caregivers for their parents. We worry about the COVID-19 virus – am I safe going to the store? Can I visit my loved ones or not? What is happening to my mom, my dad, my loved one in the hospital or nursing home? Social isolation or distancing keeps us from gathering with our loved ones to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries or to grieve together when a loved one dies. Wedding plans are being canceled. Graduation ceremonies are on hold. Many people are now unemployed as businesses have closed. College students are home. The cumulative effect of these changes in our lives and losses increases daily.

All of us have mental health, but stress of this type can have a negative impact on any of us. We all need to develop healthy coping habits, especially habits we can use during times such as this.

Here are some suggestions:

• Good sleep hygiene – http://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits
• Find time to exercise
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Get out in nature, if possible. Even stepping out on to your front porch or, if that’s not possible, opening a window to get some fresh air
• Keep connected to family & friends. Phone calls, email, texting, writing letters….we have so many ways to keep connected, while maintaining our distance!
• Spend time with God. Prayer, reading the Bible, participating in worship or Bible study via the internet 

Our mental health is connected to our overall health and well-being. When we become anxious, when worries begin to take control of our thoughts, we need to stop, BREATHE, and remember: God is with us. God is always with us. We are not alone.
Here is a simple breathing exercise that can help:

• Slowly inhale. 1….2….3….4…. 
• SLOWLY is the key word!
• Hold your breath. 1….2….3….4…. 
• FOCUS on holding your breath.
• Slowly exhale. 1….2….3….4…. 
• SLOWLY is the key word.

Repeat these steps at least 3 or 4 times, very slowly. As you inhale, offer a prayer to God – keep it simple: God, thank you for life or Jesus, Son of God, be present with me. As you exhale, picture all the worries, the cares, breathed out into God’s care.

Breath is a source of life. When we focus on our breathing in this intentional way, we cannot also be worrying, allowing thoughts to race through our minds, because it takes focus to control your breathing.

In the beginning, when God created us, male & female, God breathed life into us. In the valley of dry bones, Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the wind, the Spirit, which brings breath into the bones. After the resurrection, Jesus breathes on the disciples, sharing with them the Holy Spirit.

When we are under stress, it affects the way in which we breathe. May practicing this intentional breathing exercise help reduce the stress, the anxiety, the worry you are experiencing during this time.

Mental Health First Aid Training 

Rescheduled to June 3, 2020 
Mental Health First Aid training originally scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Wesley UMC
306 Rhoads Ave, Selinsgrove, PA.

Cost for United Methodists: $30 Includes manual and lunch.

CEUs are available.

To register, contact Evelyn Madison (emadison@susumc.org).  Registration fee should be mailed to her at 2511 Juniata Gap Rd., Altoona PA 16601.
Pre-registration is required.

In the Midst of Our Changes, God IS Doing a New Thing!

Rev. Gary A. Shockley, Director of Equipping Vital Congregations

One of the pastors I spoke with this week made this observation, “We have never been here before and we can never go back to the way it used to be.”

These might have been the words of God’s people down through the ages who, like us, were shocked and shaken by things they could not control. The Coronavirus pandemic is just such a time for us. Like our ancestors before us, we turn to God for guidance. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

I think back to the book of Exodus which tells the story of God rescuing his people from captivity in Egypt and leading them away from everything familiar to an unfamiliar place (Promised Land) which at the time seemed a mere dream or idea. In order for them to get to this new place they had to let go of so many things- routines, houses, material possessions, daily provisions of food and water and even extended family and friends (remember, some of them married Egyptians and worked to shoulder to shoulder with others). To get to a new place they had to leave so many things behind.

Isn’t this kind of where we are right now? In this season of Viral Captivity, aren’t there many things being taken from us? What might these be for you? I imagine some of the losses you’re experiencing are especially painful. God knows. God cares for you. God is with you.

Maybe, not everything we’re being asked to give up is bad. Surely there are habits, practices, attitudes and behaviors that have hindered us from being the people God wants us to be. Maybe there are some things we SHOULD lose and NEVER return to. Can you name a few for yourself? For your church?

Losses are painful and the transitions that comes with change can be disorienting. Maybe it helps to know that in our time of change God is up to something new. I certainly don’t want to miss the new things God is up to because I’m still focused on the old things that have been taken from me.

In the time of the Babylonian Empire, during Judah’s exile, God spoke these words of hope and promise of renewal through the prophet Isaiah, “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:18,19 NRSV)

Right now, right here, in the midst of the worst week of this pandemic God is already doing something new in YOU, in the CHURCH, and in the WORLD.
Can you begin to see it? Are you earnestly looking for it?

This has been a wild season of rapid innovation giving birth to fresh expressions of the Gospel all around us. Just think about how much change your church has had to navigate in such a short period of time? Online worship, virtual prayer groups and Bible Studies, online classes and meetings, new forms of community engagement and support. God is doing a new thing in and through his people. We are already becoming a new church. This is the work of God in our midst. Can you see it? Will you actively look for it? What are some of the new things of God you are seeing in yourself and in your church?

Yes, a great deal has been taken from us by this pandemic BUT a great deal has been given to us as well. Let’s name and claim these things as signs of God’s abiding presence and power!

In her book, Fragments of Your Ancient Name, Joyce Rupp wrote this prayer for the day I finished writing this article. It’s powerful.

Wake us up

To what needs doing,

And what needs undoing.

Wake us up

To what we must let go, 

And what to draw closer.

Wake us up to what enlarges love

And what diminishes it.

In all parts of our life,

Disturb us and wake us up!

May God wake us up. May we see the new things God is doing. May we follow God wholeheartedly into whatever lies ahead.

You are not alone! The Equipping Vital Churches Team is always ready to encourage and support you. Let us know what you need as God has already begun a new thing in YOU!

GROW Past COVID-19

Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders
Kim Shockley, Coordinator for Pathways of Spiritual Leadership

If ever there was a time to live with great intention and sensitivity as spiritually transformed leaders, it is now! Laity and clergy alike can be Spiritual Transformational Leaders who engage others in abundant Christian love that transforms lives wherever they go! What forms can love take in a time of uncertainty? How can we inspire people to healthy forms of creative community, which go the extra mile beyond “social distancing” alone? How do we acknowledge fear and still act with love while we inspire others to bring the same healing and resilient presence to their circles of family, friendship, work, school, and communities?

People hunger for nourishment that cannot come from simply pointing out the difficulty, harping on what is wrong, or litanies of critique and complaint. What observable actions bear fruit and strengthen people beyond accurate information and understanding of what is happening? Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) provides sage guidance about what we can bring and actively do by staying deeply connected with God.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” It is insightful that the writer of Galatians included that last sentence – “against such things there is no law!” 

When was the last time a parent told their child to stop being so joyful? Or a young person was accused of having too much self-control! How have you been punished for being faithful or gentle or kind? It is energizing to realize that we are also free to greatly expand our lives in ways that have no limitations. It is vital that we embrace the enormous power of love because Jesus identified love as the heart of Christian discipleship and leadership. The point is that the Fruit of the Spirit can nourish and heal when we distribute them through our daily lives and interactions. Print out these two verses and hang them in a prominent place during this time of COVID-19 to remind yourself of the presence and power of the Spirit with and within you.

There is a sense that even within the COVID-19 experience positive change emerges if we have the eyes to see it. I have seen kindness return as we interact with others at the grocery store, people standing outside of windows with signs to cheer people up, and the way in which tips are given to those few wait staff who are working the carry-out restaurant business. Our appreciation for pharmacy techs and convenience store clerks takes expression in patience as we wait in line 6 feet apart from one another. Joy wells up as we walk the neighborhood to see the colorful chalk drawings and greet our neighbors celebrating the daily gifts of sunlight and fresh air, heretofore, taken for granted.
We, too, have an opportunity to be kind to others because we don’t know what their daily struggle might look like!

Another passage gives us similar guidance: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:12-14 – NIV)

 As counter intuitive as it may seem, now is an incredible time when your congregation can unite together to “be” the church through intentional living today wherever they are. Building these new habits of loving relationships will help us “be” the church well into our future. We agree when we join a local congregation to uplift the church’s purpose and ministry with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Our witness to the good news of God’s love in our community is most poignantly communicated in how we interact with all people within our daily relationships. Discipleship is relationship. The nature of a church’s relationship with their community and wider world takes shape in how each one of us who is a part of the body live from a heart of love. All things are connected.

Right now during COVID 19, when we seem to be limited in what we can do, remember the encouragement of Mother Teresa. “We cannot do great things, only small things with great love.” Engage your people as distributors of the Fruit of the Spirit during the pandemic and beyond so there will be no shortage of love. Whatever we do, no matter how small, if done with great love feeds the soul and brings life to all the people. We are part of God’s love for the world and Jesus’ way of life. We thank God for all of you and your leadership.

UMCOR COVID-19 Response Fund Advance # 3022612

Since the start of the novel coronavirus outbreak, UMCOR has been working with health boards, medical professionals, disaster management coordinators and faith leaders to prevent the further spread of this disease. Now it is clear that the impact of COVID-19 will be far-reaching and demands an even greater response.

Through the UMCOR COVID-19 Response fund, grants will be rapidly released to equip partners to assist vulnerable populations around the world impacted by COVID-19, including racial/ethnic and indigenous communities in the United States. Grants from this fund will be disbursed quickly and efficiently to address health concerns, food insecurity, water and hygiene limitations and other pressing needs.

Even as you shelter in place, you can be there for others. When you say “yes” to supporting the UMCOR COVID-19 Response, you will help bring God’s love to life for those who need it most.

Questions or comments? Please contact Tom Farley, Director of Development at tfarley@umcmission.org, or call (800) 862-4246.

Support the UMCOR COVID-19 Response at tinyurl.com/ybmoc9nr

Return to Gathering Guidelines

Grace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of our Brokenness, and Hope of the World!

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good… Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”  Romans 12:9,12

I thank God every day for you. You have risen to this very great challenge to offer ministry to church members and neighbors from a distance. You have learned and applied communications technology to worship and spiritual formation activities. Your churches are finding appropriate ways to extend ministries of compassion to their communities. Through it all, your commitment and care have not waned. What Paul expressed to God’s people of the Church in Corinth deeply resonates with me: “I have great confidence in you; I take pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bound.” (2 Corinthians 7:4)

Gov. Tom Wolf has begun a gradual and deliberate process of reopening businesses and gathering places in Pennsylvania. This county-by-county plan moves through three phases: red, yellow, and green. The strategy begins Friday, May 8, and its progress depends on how the virus spreads or abates. (You can learn the specific requirements of the phases here.)

In those counties in the yellow phase (some of which are in our conference), a few types of businesses and organizations can reopen with limitations. Social-distancing practices remain in place. Group gatherings are limited to 25 people. (Again, please review the governor’s web site linked above for specifics.) The remainder of the state remains in the red phase.

The Cabinet has developed the attached guidelines, “Return to Gathering” for the gradual resumption of church activities. Please review them closely whether you are in a yellow or red zone. The guidelines can help clergy and leadership teams think through the safest practices for reopening the church buildings and gatherings. Many of you have begun making some carefully considered plans. The guidelines may inform those continuing conversations.

We are all eager to return to our familiar lives, especially to worship, minister, and fellowship with our Christian sisters and brothers. While the government carefully determines its rules for reopening, we, as the church, must uphold even higher standards. Jesus taught us that loving God and loving neighbor are the two greatest commandments. By maintaining high standards of safety and protection for all, we express our love of God and neighbor. We also will be following John Wesley’s rule, “First, do no harm.” Please keep in mind that some groups remain particularly vulnerable, such as people aged 65 and older and those with certain underlying medical conditions and that many of our people are seniors. (Find specific information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

You and your congregations remain in my daily prayers, for your continued health, safety, wisdom, and courage as you so diligently give witness to faith, hope, and love in Christ Jesus for such a time as this. 

In Ministry with You,
Bishop Jeremiah Park

Return to Gathering Guidelines: tinyurl.com/ycx5bhxj

2020 Susquehanna Annual Conference Rescheduled

Grace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of our Brokenness, and Hope of the World!

In consultation with the Cabinet and the Sessions Committee, I have approved the rescheduling of the 2020 Session of Annual Conference to Saturday, October 3, at the Williamsport Community Arts Center, 220 W. Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. We waited until now to officially make this decision because we had a contract with Hershey Lodge and faced penalties if we cancelled prematurely. With the State government’s prohibition of a large gathering extended beyond the month of May, Hershey Lodge and our conference have mutually agreed that the May dates for Annual Conference will not work this year.

Clearly, we are in uncharted territory. Indeed, it is true that “we’ve never done it this way before.” The October 3 session will be different from those we’ve held in the past. It will be an abbreviated annual conference later in the year than we have ever had it before. But for such a time as this, we must be flexible and open to doing things a new way.

Please give attention to the following information that will help you plan for this one-day session of the 2020 annual conference:

• We will conduct only the business that is absolutely essential. The Agenda Committee is carefully crafting a schedule that will be as efficient as possible, so that in our limited time-frame we can accomplish what is absolutely required.
• We will hold all submitted resolutions until the 2021 annual conference. All reports, except what is absolutely required to be acted upon this year, will be received in written form.
• We regret that this year, we will not be able to hold all the special worship services that have blessed us in the past. But be assured that we will find ways to recognize appropriately our retirees and those clergy, spouses, and lay members who have died since last we gathered.
• We are also working on rescheduling clergy session, in consultation with the cabinet and the executive committee of the Board of Ministry. We will share the new date and time as soon as we have confirmed the details.
• The 2020 Annual Conference Session on October 3 will end with the Ordination/Commissioning Service.
• By June 30, the Sessions and Agenda Committees will send out complete information regarding the day. 

You will receive instructions for when and where to register as well as a modified workbook that will contain only the business items and reports that we must act upon at session. All other reports and information will be posted online after Oct. 3.

Please know that those already elected as members are the ones who should attend, and new Charge Conference elections are not warranted unless the member and alternate are not available.

Please also know that all decisions regarding Annual Conference and the Clergy Session are being made with the utmost regard for public safety and the health of all our participants. Particularly in this time, we all must recognize that things can change daily.

We will continue to keep you apprised of decisions as they are made.
I give thanks for each of you and the creative ways that you are offering God’s love to a hurting community. I am inspired by reports of your compassion and care, as well as your faithfulness and steadfastness. I know by your passion and perseverance that the mission of Jesus Christ continues.

Please know that the Sessions and Agenda Committees and the cabinet are diligently working to guide us into God’s preferred future: a future with hope!

In Ministry With You,
Bishop Jeremiah Park