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| Read or download the PDF at susumc.org/link |
Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Remembering Our Heritage
Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
May – 100 years ago
The new church building at Marsh Hill on the Ralston charge, Lycoming County, was dedicated May 15, 1921. Although there are hints of Methodist services in Marsh Hill as early as 1873, the congregation always considered its official beginning to be 1895, when the nearby lumbering town of Red Burn was abandoned and its church building given to the people of Marsh Hill. That structure was disassembled, hauled by horse and wagon, and rebuilt on a donated lot. The property was formally transferred to the Methodists in 1919, and the original building was replaced as noted above in 1921. Adjacent land was purchased for a parking lot in 1956. That small congregation, with an average regular attendance of 16, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1995.
The congregation never was large, however, and opted to discontinue in 2004. A closing service was held August 29, 2004 with longtime member Jeannie Hayes leading a time of history and memories and Pastor Ann Overmiller preaching a sermon on “New Forms of Ministry.” The church property reverted to the heirs of the original owner, and the separate parking lot was sold in 2006 for $1000. The building is now a private home.
June – 50 years ago
The Central Pennsylvania Conference UMC held its annual sessions June 14-17, 1971, at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove PA. Business included a report by the Preacher’s Aid Society on the details of the transfer of all Lycoming College stock owned by the Society to the Board of Directors of Lycoming College. That transfer included three stipulations:
1. that the President of the college always be a member of the UMC
2. that at least 2/3 of the Board of Directors always be members of the UMC
3. that the college continue to provide pre-ministerial training and to offer financial assistance to children of UMC ministers
This was a change from the college’s founding condition that the President always be a Methodist clergyperson.
In 2007, the College and the Society agreed to a further formal modification to coincide with current trends in higher education. Stipulations 1 and 2 were changed to require that the President and the Directors be “persons who reflect spiritual standards representative of the Ecumenical Christian Community.” Stipulation 3 remained unchanged. Lycoming College continues to operate on this basis as an active member of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the UMC, with ties to the General Board of Higher Education of the UMC.
Discovery Place: Resources for small groups
To order a resource, there are three options. You may place an order directly through our online catalog, e-mail discovery@susumc.org , or call 717-766-7968. (Leaving a voicemail will send me an email.) We are currently open on a limited basis with no regular office hours, but Discovery Place email is checked daily. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are closed to walk-in visitors until further notice.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Thank You for your 2020 Shares of Ministry
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Hearts Strangely Warmed: Rev. David Keyworth
“While the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” — John Wesley, May 24, 1738
God calls us to tell our story so that others may come to know Jesus Christ. “Hearts Strangely Warmed” was created to share these stories about transformational encounters with the Living God.
Rev. David Keyworth
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| Rev. David Keyworth was ordained in 2020 |
When I went to college, I told myself that I would never become a pastor. Even though the church was my home, I saw the things that my dad went through, both the good and the bad. I wanted to become an eighth-grade history teacher. However, God had different plans. In a chapel service at Albion College, God placed it upon my heart to attend seminary at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore KY. I have a passion for teaching, but God wanted me to be a teacher of God’s history not of American history. When I told my home church that God had called me into ordained ministry, many people told me that they had seen it for years, and that I was probably the only who had not seen it. After several years of prayer and discernment of whether to go back to the Detroit Conference or stay in the Kentucky conference, God led us to the Susquehanna Annual Conference where my wife was born.
In my life, I have experienced many heartbreaks and physical pains, but through it all two scripture passages have been my rock: Psalm 28:6-7 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. Both of these scriptures remind me that in joyful times and even in the pains and heartbreaks, God’s grace is sufficient; thus, I can leap for joy.
I have had many mentors and faith leaders who have made a huge difference in my life. My mom has always been a key faith role model for me. I have always looked to her for guidance. My friend in faith from confirmation class remains a key part in my life. There are three pastors whom I look up to and have deep respect for because they have made such a difference in my life: 1. My father (who will always remain my hero as a child of God and as a Pastor), 2. Jeremy Africa (an ordained elder in the Michigan Conference who was one of my youth pastors at Midland First UMC), and 3. my clergy mentor in the Susquehanna Conference, John Godissart. Another mentor that has made a huge difference in my life was my seminary professor Rev. Dr. Ellsworth Kalas.
My hopes for the church and for my ministry are: I want to be a man and a Pastor that is on fire for God. I hope the church can get to a place where we have another Great Awakening where the church returns to God and realizes that we need God. I hope, by God’s grace, that I and the church can be a beacon of hope in the world that so desperately needs God.
Thank You Susquehanna Conference!
Thank you, Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church! Your steadfast support, prayers and love have been instrumental to all of us at Mission Central. We are grateful for your material and financial donations as well as the support through volunteering.
Because of you, Mission Central had a record breaking 2020. Last year, we assisted over 3.3 million people with over $10.9 million in resources. And as always, all items are provided at no cost to the recipient.
Our annual report can be seen above, but here are some highlights...
In 2020, Mission Central:
- Distributed over $780,000 in medical supplies and equipment to support 241,000 people.
- Sent $369,000 in pet food resourcing over 73,000 animals.
- Launched a school partnership where over 13,000 students and their families received support from Mission Central.
- Sent 42 international shipments to South America, Africa and Eastern Europe.
- Supplied $433,000 in Flood Buckets/Cleaning Kits to recovery efforts.
This year has started strong as well, and our medical ministry is continuing to grow. About 50% of what has gone out of the warehouse so far this year is medical equipment and support. Of course, basic needs like diapers, food and clothing as well as electronics continue to flow from our warehouse daily.
We know now is not the time to slow down. We expect to see needs increase as the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt. And we know we are called to do this important work.
Please keep Mission Central in your prayers and continue to support us in the ways that you have in the past. Please save the dates for a few other Mission Central events as well:
- September 16-19, 2021: Mission Central Online Auction
- October 12, 2021: Mission Central Open House
- October 24 – 31, 2021: Mission Central Mash and Dash (virtual run)
Thank you for your love and support! We are looking forward to another great year.
www.missioncentral.org
I Love a Parade!
Fire trucks. Marching bands. Floats. And, candy, lots of candy. These are some of the childhood images that come to mind when I think of a parade. I remember how exciting it was to grab a grocery bag, sit on the side of the road, and gather all the sweets thrown my way. As I got older, I remember marching with the Scouts and decorating our high school class floats every year for the homecoming parade. When I joined the military, I spent the summer of 1986 learning the precision and detail that marching required. Those skills became very useful because we marched everywhere. Thirty five years later, I still get excited about a parade. I stand a little taller when I hear the heavy beat of a drum. I get chills at the sound of a firm, booming cadence being called. The sound of a group moving in sync is music to my ears. And, when the drum major raises that baton, my excitement grows because I know what is coming next. The air will be filled with the harmonious sounds of a band performing.
In Joshua 6, we learn that God used a parade to provide victory in battle. After crossing the Jordan River and into the Promised Land, the Israelites faced a formidable enemy in the highly fortified city of Jericho. They had no real weapons of significance to make the task of overtaking the city any easier. And, Joshua had to wonder if it was even possible to achieve such a feat. God met him and provided the plan for success.
Joshua followed God’s instructions and the people paraded around the city once each day for six days, while carrying trumpets of rams’ horns. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times and the priests blew the trumpets. And, when they made a long blast, everyone shouted and the wall around Jericho fell. The stronghold on the city was destroyed and the Israelites were victorious.
While God destroyed the city walls, there is so much more to be learned from the Jericho parade. God goes before us in all situations, working on our behalf, to claim victory. He promises to be with us just like he was with them. His message was, and still is, “I will not leave your or forsake you. Be strong and courageous...Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go... Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:5-9, ESV).
Today, we face our own battles. We wrestle with personal circumstances that seem to take hold of our lives. Publicly, we are fighting a pandemic, struggling to overcome racism, and arguing over human rights. Like Joshua, we may wonder how to achieve triumph over these apparent strongholds. The Battle of Jericho can provide a reminder that victory is possible if we remain faithful and obedient to God. As the weather turns warmer, take some time to “parade” around your community. Pray for your neighbors, friends, and family. If you are talented enough to play an instrument, take it with you. Make a joyful noise. And, share in the excitement of knowing God is already there, will help us overcome our problems, and destroy the walls of sin, sickness, injustice, and hate in our lives.
Rockville Campus a Model Church Plant
The Rockville Campus of Linglestown Life in Harrisburg is a new and exciting model of church planting. Currently they have three successful initiatives underway that are reaching and serving their local community.
community classrooms for students who needed a safe place for online schooling while their parents work, or access to Wi-Fi. Rockville campus has hosted more than 25 students over the past 6 months; students from various districts, various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, and various English-speaking-levels. “These students have taught us about the resilience of kids and the power of education,” said Pastor Taylor Pfaff. The students and parents appreciate the supervision, support, Wi-Fi access, regular meals (many student families live with food insecurity), and personal attention. The community classrooms, supported by a grant from the Young People’s Ministry Council, have been a meaningful way for church members and volunteers to support local families.
Second, Rockville campus started a community garden, intentionally networking with locals who were not [yet] part of the church. Four people having no relationship with Rockville church beforehand showed up to help build the garden beds. Local growers have messaged the church to provide seedlings for the garden. “There’s a clear sense we’ve tapped into a gardening community and that we can build great relationships while growing healthy food for our neighborhood,” said Pfaff.
At the encouragement of Pfaff’s (conference-supplied) ministry coach, Paul Nixon, they’ve made this garden a grass-roots project and invited the community members to take ownership.
Third, Rockville is economizing their church kitchen. Through an online system, they’ve opened the kitchen for rentals in order to make income for their Ray’s Place Community Center. “I had this idea after I was approached by a martial arts group who is renting our basement twice a week — a benefit to them and to our ministry. I realized that our whole church space is something that our community may want to use if we simply welcomed them in and named the value of the space,” said Pfaff, who anticipates a dim future for tithing. “Renting the church space for use as a launching-pad for local commerce is one way we can fund our locally-focused missions and ministry.”
So far, they’ve rented the space in partnership with Crafted Caramel, Comida De Fuego, Rogue Chef, and other local caterers and food trucks. This ‘small business incubator’ allows local entrepreneurs to start and grow their business from an affordable space. As for Rockville campus, “We can build meaningful relationships with people who’d never otherwise enter our space, and it provides income for our ministries.” A win-win.
For more information or if you have other ideas for church-planting and community outreach contact Pastor Taylor Pfaff at tpfaff@susumc.org
God’s Army is Coming to the Susquehanna Conference
United Methodist Action Reach-out Mission by Youth (U.M. ARMY) is a national youth mission organization offering summer mission opportunities for youth, young adults and adults across the United States. U.M. ARMY works with VIM at both the national and local conference level to ensure quality, faith-based, mission weeks.
Last summer, U.M. ARMY had to re-imagine our mission models so we could still answer the call to serve while working within the COVID guidelines. We did this, through God’s blessing, by creating LOCAL and VIRTUAL models. These models provide a balance of gathering across church groups for social interaction, showing God’s love in a hurting world, creating opportunities for spiritual development and encircling safety around everything we do.
We held one of these LOCAL mission weeks in the Susquehanna Conference last summer with great success and many blessings. Due to the ongoing concerns with the pandemic, we have decided to move forward on this LOCAL model again this summer. EXCITING NEWS! We are offering two LOCAL models in the Susquehanna Conference this year. We already have some youth groups lined up to participate in both weeks; however, we have plenty of room for your group to join us in this “day camp” model.
The theme this year is: GOD @ WORK:CREATING. Each day begins with morning worship to get us focused for the day, followed by service work out in the local community. All projects will either be outside or at a local community service organization with strict COVID guidelines. Each team shares lunch together with guided devotion discussion related to the weekly and daily themes. After a day of service, we gather again for group building activities and closing worship. During the week, we will experience a prayer journey that provides a time of personal reflection and time with God.
Each person is asked to eat breakfast at home, bring their own lunch each day, and eat dinner at home. Water supplies will be provided, along with pre-packaged snacks. We are hoping to offer a closing picnic at the end of the week, if we feel we can serve and eat food safely.
We will be at the following locations/dates this summer:
FISHING CREEK SALEM UMC (Goldsboro, PA) – July 18-23
CHRIST UMC (Mt. Top, PA) – July 11-16
NO WORRIES if you live too far away or if these weeks won’t work for your group. U.M. ARMY is also offering VIRTUAL opportunities this summer. These weeks still provide an opportunity to serve in your local communities in a day camp model; however, worship and interactive activities will be held virtually with other youth groups participating during your same week.
Won’t you join us to help share God’s love and experience God’s creation? God is already at work creating our mission work within the Susquehanna Conference. We just need to be His hands, feet and heart by answering the call to serve.
For more information on U.M. ARMY, please feel free to access our website: umarmy.org
To explore opportunities for your group, please contact Darlene Thomas, Regional Director @ darlenethomas@umarmy.org or 877-771-9484 ext. 1108
Volunteers in Mission updated guidelines during COVID-19
John Wesley summarized God’s teaching into three rules, “Do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.” In this time of a global pandemic, we focus on “Do no harm.” What does that mean for those of us in mission? UMVIM has created and updated Guidelines for US Project Sites and Team Leaders during COVID-19. Please read through the guidelines for the full information. Updates include encouraging all in mission to be vaccinated and this may be required by the site. It recommends outside work, but there are new strategies if projects can’t avoid inside work. Proper mask wearing, hand washing (sanitizing), and social distancing are a must for all service.
This is an instance that we must show love of our neighbor by taking this seriously and doing all we can to protect others.
Find out more about Volunteers in Mission at www.susmb.org - click on the “Volunteers in Mission” tab. Or you may reach out to me with questions or concerns at vim@susumc.org or 717-766-7441 ext. 3105
Peace to you,
Michelle Schwartzman, Volunteers in Missions Coordinator
God’s Feet
On Sunday, October 25, 2020, the last of four services celebrating the appointment of our four new district superintendents was streamed from First UMC, Hollidaysburg. (View here:https://tinyurl.com/28zbftur) This service celebrated the appointment of Rev. Dr. Joleen A. Willis as the new Altoona District Superintendent. Following is an edited version of her installation address.
Scriptures: Isaiah 52:7-10, Luke 4:14-21
Rev. Dr. Joleen A. Willis
Lord, bless this time of meditation upon your Word. May your Holy Spirit inspire and empower us that we might faithfully walk in your footsteps, obedient to your Word, your commands, and your call. Amen.
Most of us don’t think of our feet as beautiful. If anything I use shoes to hide my feet. Little known fact: I have weird feet. Well really it’s my toes. I have an extra amount of space between my big toe and my first smaller toe. So much so, that when I was wearing sandals as a church camp counselor when I was a college student, a camper asked me if I was missing a toe and I was scarred for life.
I even recall a family conversation, where my Aunt Wanda wondered if I would tie or wrap my toes together every night, if that would “fix” them.
Someone not so long ago told me that it is a trait of a particular ancestry. That tended to bring less embarrassment and infused a little pride when I thought of my toes that way.
When I was in the Philippines on a short-term mission trip, we were traveling north, and all of a sudden one of my Filipino traveling companions abruptly exclaimed, “Look” and pointed out an indigenous person climbing a nearby rugged and steep hillside – no special gear, harness, or rope. My friend went on to tell me about this people group, known as mountain people, and especially about their feet – how wide and solid their feet were. They were born with their climbing gear!
Watching the Disney movie, “Moana”, the feet of the main character, Moana, caught my attention. Her feet were mountain feet! Moana was not the typical Disney princess with the dainty, “Barbie- like” feet formed in the shape of high heels. Moana was ready for action! Moana was ready for adventure! And for salvation. The ocean had not been kind to her people; and Moana was called to set things right.
So, some of you by this time are thinking, too much information! We really didn’t come to hear about feet and we really didn’t need to know about your feet.
But feet are important. And the Bible speaks a lot about feet. We talk a lot more about speech, when it comes to proclamation; however, Isaiah 52:7 brings feet and voice together: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who procalim salvation...
In the Old Testament, the prophets bring good news (and sometimes they brought bad news to lead people to the “Good News”.) John the Baptist brings good news. Jesus Christ brings good news. The first disciples were in training to bring the good news. The apostles bring good news.
Chapter 52 then transitions to the fourth servant song, the promise of a Savior, the suffering Servant. If you thought feet were uncomfortable to look upon, what about the marred and disfigured appearance that Jesus, our deliverer, would take on?
In the New Testament, I can’t help but think about the woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears, drying them with her hair, anointing them with perfume, and then she kissed the feet of Jesus. To this woman, in the midst of criticism, Jesus spoke words of Good News, “Your sins are forgiven.” (Luke 7:36-50)
And then remember that night, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples? Later that night he would be arrested, beaten, tried, and then crucified. The one who was to have nails pierced through his feet, washed the dirty, dusty feet of those whom he loved, those whom he knew would soon scatter in fear, disillusionment, and doubt.
But this was the path Jesus walked to bring the Good News to fulfillment.
Isaiah speaks the good news of the promise of things being set right for the people of Israel. They have been in bondage and exile: first in Egypt, then Assyria, then Babylon. They cry out for God’s deliverance, saying …
Isaiah 51.9 reads: Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! Awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not you who delivered us in the past? (paraphrased)
Israel cries out for God to awake, but God calls for Israel to awake!
Later, in Chapter 51 and into the opening of chapter 52 God calls the people to “Awake!” Awake and remember His faithfulness. Awake, for they have been forgiven. Awake, for they shall be redeemed. It is they who had fallen asleep; it is they who needed to wake up to a genuine and active faith.
We are to get our feet ready for service!
Ephesians 6 talks about the armor of God, reminding us our feet are fitted with the readiness that comes from the Gospel of peace.
Are your feet fitted and ready with the Gospel?
Do you have your work shoes on?
Or, maybe we first need to take them off? Maybe we need to start with how we “get ready; get fitted.” Maybe we first have to take our shoes off and let Jesus wash them. Maybe we need to spend time with God in prayer, reading and studying The Word, seeking God, looking for His guidance, listening for God’s voice, both personally and as the Church.
Have you ever had your feet washed? It’s a humbling experience. I grew up in a tradition of foot washing. We viewed it as a Sacrament. I remember Bishop Middleton, taking the ordinands together before we were ordained and washing our feet. She modelled service and she was preparing us for service. It was a sacred time. It was holy ground.
When we traveled to Korea to adopt Ethan and Sarah, the primary cultural practice we were instructed in was removing our shoes when we went into someone’s home or office. We had the privilege of worshiping in some churches in Korea and were struck by the pastor taking off his shoes and putting on the slippers when approaching the front (nave) of the sanctuary.
There’s a time to take off your shoes, in humility and worship, and seeking an encounter with God, and there is a time to put your shoes on, and go out with Gospel. We can’t do one without the other.
In Luke 4, Jesus went into the wilderness for a time of testing; then he returns to read the words of Isaiah in the synagogue; that he is anointed to proclaim the Good News, preach freedom for prisoners, recovery of sight to the blind, and to set the oppressed free. Only after ‘taking his shoes off’ (i.e. spending time with God, his Father) is he ready to proclaim that the Good News is now fulfilled.
In Isaiah 52, the watchmen see the messenger coming with Good News; and lifts their voices with joy.The messenger has arrived, the Good News is heard:
The passage concludes with these directions “Depart. Go out from there...The Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard.” (Is 52:12)
Are you ready to depart? To go out with God before you and behind?
Have you heard the Good News?
Are your feet fit with the Gospel of Christ?
Are you ready to be God’s feet and to follow God’s leading?
Do you hear God’s call, “Awake, Church! Awake, Altoona District!”?
Where will the message of the Good News take your feet?
Loving Their Neighbors
Dalton and Factoryville United Methodist church friends baked cookies (30 people), packaged them (6 people) and delivered them on Valentine’s Day (8 other people) to local fire companies, police, EMTs, county dispatchers, local governments, medical caregivers, community seniors and homebound friends – to thank them for all they do. Their kindness shared God’s love throughout their community!
Honor our Bishop by Building the Beloved Community
Now we have the task of trying to say goodbye to a leader that has not only led us for 2 quadrennia, but also then continued a full year beyond, when he planned to retire, based on the needs of the church. As the Episcopal Leadership Transition team met, they asked themselves “What should our Conference get a retiring Bishop who has done so much for our Conference and has gone above and beyond during these trying times?” As we all know, our Bishop has a heart for other people and a gift that would ultimately end up helping others is what the committee discerned would be best.
Fifty percent of the donations to the fund will be overseen by the Commission on the Beloved Community. The commission will disperse much of the money in the form of grants to churches and church entities that propose a specific project toward eradicating racism and enhancing and celebrating diversity. The commission will also use some of the money to fund initiatives on behalf of the conference as a whole. The other fifty percent of the money collected will be overseen by the Cabinet to fund programs like diversity training, supporting cross-cultural appointments, and promoting diversity.
We know that you and your congregation have a heart for mission and ministry and a commitment to becoming the beloved community God calls us to be.
You can donate to the BBCF online on our conference website at susumc.org/endracism or by mailing a check to Susquehanna Conference, Attn: Finance Office, 303 Mulberry Dr., Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Please make the check out to the Susquehanna Conference and write "BBCF-9300" in the memo line. Churches can send in money and list it on their remittance report (BBCF-9300). We will announce the gift to Bishop Park at Annual Conference in June and let him know the gifts that have been received up to that point. We can think of no better gift to our Bishop than to promote a fund developed to help us live into those goals; ensuring that our work can and will continue as we strive to shove the love of God to all God’s children.
The College of Bishops Northeastern Jurisdiction
Grace and Peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ,
We thank God for you and commend the clergy and congregational leaders for your leadership. These have been difficult and isolating times for many and yet you are leading our most vital ministry, congregations and community ministries with conviction and determination. You have demonstrated the gifts of courage, leadership, innovation and grace. Thank you.
On March 29, 2021, we announced the coverage of Episcopal Areas in the Northeastern Jurisdiction effective September 1, 2021.
The pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges in the life of the church. One area of challenge has been our ability to conference together in the General and Jurisdictional Conferences. General Conference sets the policies for the church, elects new general agency leadership and sets the global direction and budget for the church. The Jurisdictional Conference elects new bishops and assigns bishops to episcopal areas.
Due to the 2020 General Conference being postponed a second time, it has meant the continual postponement of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. Two of the Northeastern Jurisdiction bishops, Bishops Peggy Johnson and Jeremiah Park have requested and been granted voluntarily retirement starting September 1, 2021 under paragraph 408.2 (b) of The Book of Discipline.
Bishop Johnson will move to Virginia in August of 2021 to employ her gifts and experience to serve in ministry with congregations and provide consultation with deaf and disability ministry in the NEJ and across the connection.
Bishop Park will move to New Jersey in August of 2021 to employ his gifts and experience to serve in ministry as the Presiding Bishop with both the Northeastern Jurisdiction Korean Mission and the United Methodist Mission in Mongolia.
The 2020 postponed General Conference will gather in person August 29 through September 6, 2022 in Minneapolis, MN followed by U.S. Jurisdictional Conferences to be held in October of 2022 for the election and assignment of bishops.
Because two bishops will retire this year, effective September 1, 2021, The Book of Discipline authorizes the College of Bishops to provide coverage of open episcopal areas until new bishops are elected and assigned by the Jurisdictional Conference. This coverage will be for 16 months from September 1, 2021 through December 31, 2022.
The College of Bishops after consulting with the Northeastern Jurisdiction Episcopacy Committee and individual bishops, and after prayer and meeting several times about coverage during this interim period, announces the following bishops will provide episcopal leadership and coverage within the Northeastern Jurisdiction.
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| Bishop Moore-Koikoi |
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| Bishop Steiner Ball |
Harrisburg Area (Susquehanna Conference), Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball.
Episcopal Areas: Washington Area (Baltimore-Washington Conference) and Philadelphia Area (Peninsula Delaware Conference) – Bishop LaTrelle Easterling.
Episcopal Areas: New Jersey Area (Greater New Jersey Conference) and Philadelphia Area (Eastern Pennsylvania Conference) – Bishop John Schol.
Upper New York Area (Upper New York Conference), Bishop Mark Webb.
Boston Area (New England Conference), Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar.
New York Area (New York Conference), Bishop Thomas Bickerton.
These are temporary arrangements and configurations to provide coverage. The next in-person Jurisdictional Conference will set the episcopal areas and assignments of bishops for the next quadrennium.
We thank you for your continued ministry and service within The United Methodist Church and the world. We invite you to pray for the church and our leadership as bishops as we serve together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
In Christ,
Boston Area
Sudarshana Devadhar
Harrisburg Area
Jeremiah J. Park
New Jersey Area
John R. Schol
New York Area
Thomas J. Bickerton
Philadelphia Area
Peggy A. Johnson
Pittsburgh Area
Cynthia Moore Koikoi
Upper New York Area
Mark Webb
Washington Area
LaTrelle Easterling
West Virginia Area
Sandra Steiner Ball
Retired
George W. Bashore, Violet L. Fisher, William Boyd Grove, Susan W. Hassinger, Neil L. Irons, Clifton S. Ives, Alfred Johnson, Ernest S. Lyght, Marcus Matthews, Jane Allen Middleton, Susan M. Morrison, Forrest C. Stith, Peter D. Weaver, Joseph H. Yeakel
Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: A Great Collaboration is Bringing Summer Camp Back for 2021!!
Rev. Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders
Meister Eckhart, renowned 14th Century Christian teacher, said “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” The spiritual practice of gratitude notices the good, trusts in God’s love, and participates in new possibilities. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 offers some counter intuitive wisdom encouraging us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances (not necessarily for all circumstances). Thanksgiving helps us avoid quenching the Spirit’s work within and among us.
Camp and Retreat Ministry noticed something amid the mass cancellations due to COVID, the financial hardship, furloughing of staff, and the illness and suffering many of our camper families and local churches went through. Amid all that struggle, an outpouring of love and stunning generosity emerged. We see the good and thank God for YOU!
You turned a time of hardship into a fountain of blessing. Many individuals and congregations stepped up as donor partners and volunteers to create a different outcome by contributing to the vitality of our 5 Camp and Retreat Centers. You make it possible to offer sacred spaces and experiences that transform so many lives. People need faith journeys in community that become milestones of inspiration in their life with Jesus. In 2020, you provided over $170,000 in gifts for the Camp Comeback Campaign, scholarships, and much needed projects. In addition, thousands of volunteer hours improved the centers. Your generosity makes all the difference for those served by a ministry we all have a part in as United Methodists across Central PA.
Summer Camp is coming back in 2021 with your help! We thank the many volunteers who will play pivotal roles as leaders with the campers this summer. They are now preparing diligently along with the Center staff. Pray for all those who will live the way of love as Christian mentors for the children, youth and families attending this summer. It will be a more complex and demanding summer due to additional health protocols. At the same time, it promises to be one of the most meaningful summers ever for campers who really need to connect with God and each other as they grow in discipleship. Children and youth long to regain a sense of adventure, joy, and fun, which camp also offers in a big way. For information on Summer Camp in 2021 and to register go to: www.susumcamps.org
Donor support is crucial again this year! We deeply appreciate every gift you will give to the 2021 Camp Comeback Campaign, and we want to be sure you realize how much it is needed. Almost all groups cancelled again this Spring due to COVID restrictions and concerns. Summer camp will operate at ½ of our normal capacity this summer. We will need to bring additional staff back on for the summer, but our revenue will be much less than normal. Outdoor canopies will need to be purchased so groups can spread out, food service operations will be more costly in providing meals differently, more equipment will be required, etc. Families where parents have been furloughed or lost jobs will need scholarship help from all of us who can give. Together we can reach the $100,000 goal for 2021.
Give Online: www.susumcamps.org and click on the donate button in the upper right corner.
Donate by Check: Make payable to “The Susquehanna Conference UMC” and on the description line indicate Camp and Retreat Ministry. Send to: SUS Camp and Retreat Ministry, 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Thank you Everyone! We cherish being in ministry with you!
Connecting Ministries: Blown Away by Pentecost
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| Rev. Victoria Rebeck (left) and her friend Jerioth Gichigi, a United Methodist Deacon from Kenya. |
Rev. Victoria Rebeck, Director of Connecting Ministries
Now that Easter has revived our gratitude for new life, what do we do with this great gift?
Pentecost tells us. We take the power of the Holy Spirit and follow God’s lead—even if we do not know where she leads us.
Looking back on it, from the perspective of 2,000 years later, the church’s first Pentecost seems exciting. Tongues of flame landing on everyone! They can preach in languages they never learned! What a glorious sending of Christ’s followers into the world.
When I think about this story, however, I imagine that the incident could have been scary. We’re sitting indoors and a violent wind blows through the room? Close the windows! Flames on the top of our heads? Get a bucket of water! I just hope the doors open outward so we can make a run for it.
As frightening as this may have been, we’ve learned from the Bible that God does some of God’s best work when our world is shaken up.
We’ve been in a year of disruption together. We’ve had to quickly change to a more constricted life. The end is not actually in sight. Yet God still gives us the power of the Holy Spirit and expects us to reach the world.
It’s a holy disruption, however. It’s opened up new spaces for the wind of the Holy Spirit pass through.
As difficult as this time has been for us, it’s been more challenging for others.
Last month I received a text from my friend the Rev. Jerioth Gichigi, who is a United Methodist deacon from Kenya. (Texting is one of their affordable forms of communication.) Though Kenya’s economy is one of the most developed in eastern and central Africa, about a third of Kenyans live below the poverty line. The internet is not universally accessible. COVID-19 seemed to be easing at the beginning of this year, but now infections are rising again, and people are limited to their homes. Church buildings are closed, and no one knows when they might reopen.
While we begrudgingly rough it with online worship, that luxury is not available to them.
“But we are trusting,” Jerioth says. And they are.
Before this, however, a great windstorm had come through their town and demolished the building of her congregation, the First United Methodist Church of Moheto.
A wind that destroys church buildings is but a puff compared to the Holy Spirit. Drawing on donations from United Methodists from other parts of the world, she and the church members are buying stones to reconstruct their church building. They have faith that God continues to work with and through them. Neither pandemics nor storms can separate them from the love of God in Jesus Christ.
Their lives are severely upended, though they were already precarious. But they have the Holy Spirit, and that gives them the power to spread Christ’s love, in any situation.
Pentecost reminds us that God often uses disruption to clear the way for something new. That is what it takes sometimes: the familiar to which we cling is swept away, making us available for something else. God was starting something new.
Our Kenyan United Methodist brothers and sisters know that God is empowering them to do something new. Let’s welcome the Spirit to blow away the old so that we can share God’s love in ways we never imagined.
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