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| The Summer edition of Susquehanna LINK can also be viewed and downloaded at https://susumc.org/link/ |
Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Susquehanna LINK: Summer Edition 2023
Remembering Our Heritage
By Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
July – 100 years ago
The cornerstone for the present West Decatur Calvary UMC was laid July 23, 1923. This congregation’s first church was called Otterbein and erected in 1858 about 1.5 miles southeast of the present location in the Decaturville – Mock Hill area. A Sunday School was established in 1877. In 1904 that church building was moved to the present West Decatur site and in 1905 a parsonage was built. Being the site of the parsonage, West Decatur became the home for a five-church United Brethren circuit that once included West Decatur, Sandy Ridge, New Castle, Ohio and Sanborn.
In 1920, both the church and the parsonage were destroyed by fire. A new parsonage was purchased, and the present concrete block building was erected in 1923. New Castle was discontinued in 2001, and Sanborn in 2022. West Decatur Calvary UMC now has about 150 members.
August – 50 years ago
August 19-26, 1973, Pastor Jack Landis led Salem Church along PA route 104 in Snyder County in celebrating its 100th anniversary in fine style with a week of guest speakers, special music, old-time preaching and enthusiastic signing – with many attendees and speakers dressing in period attire. Services were held in a tent seating over 300 people and equipped with two mourner’s benches. Unfortunately there will be no such 150th anniversary celebration, as the congregation voted to discontinue as of September 25, 2011.
The 1973 services were brought to a close on Sunday, August 26, with memorial and homecoming services. Bishop Hermann W. Kaebnick delivered the message at the 2 pm service, and THE LINK reported the following: “As Bishop Kaebnick stood at the old original pulpit, it was as though one traveled back in time. He spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch from time to time. His remarks on Albright’s view of sanctification made all present search their soul with deep conviction. As his hands pointed toward the old mourner’s bench, one was certain some soul [would] come and once again wet the old bench with tears of repentance.”
Discovery Place: Spiritual Growth Resources for the Summer Months
I enjoyed meeting many of you at the Discovery Place table at Annual Conference. Several folks ordered resources that were on display, and those have been sent. On Friday we had two tables FULL of items to give away, some of which were donated to Discovery Place. I was glad to go home with much less than I brought!
Summer is often the time when folks are away on vacation quite often. It is important, therefore, to offer lessons that are self-contained in one session and not part of a weeks-long series. There are many options that fit this description.
Nooma – This series is comprised of 24 different DVDs, each with one-word titles and lasting 15 minutes or less. Each includes a study guide with thought-provoking questions and Scripture verses. Visit our online catalog at www.discovery-place.org and search by title Nooma for individual titles and a brief description of each.
36 Parables – Labeled by color, each DVD contains three parables.
Cyan: “Spilt Milk” – Parable of the New Wine in Old Wineskins; “A Few Weeks Later” – Parable of the Rich Fool; “Beyond Beautiful” – Parable of the Two Sons.
Purple: “Out of Reach” – Parable of the Friend at Midnight; “The Car Lot” – Parable of the Shrewd Manager; “Sean” – Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.
Amber: “After Life” – Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus; “Tractor Safety Tips” – Parable of the Leafing Fig Tree; “The Good Shepherd” – Parable of the Good Shepherd.
Blue: “The Music Box” – Parable of the Hidden Treasure; “Like Father Like Son” – Parable of the Two Debtors; “Gnobody’s Gnome” – Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.
More complete descriptions with Scripture references are in our online catalog.
Both Nooma and 36 Parables are relatively short DVDs and are suitable for both youth and adult groups. Nooma study guides are in a separate booklet; 36 Parables study guides have been downloaded from their website, and printed copies are in the box with each DVD.
There are six books in this series, each containing six lessons: The Prayers of Jesus, The Parables of Jesus, The Miracles of Jesus, The Forgiveness of Jesus, The Life of Jesus, and The Last Days of Jesus. The video portion of each lesson is 25-30 minutes, with breaks for discussion. Included is a leader’s guide and a participant’s guide. For further details on each study, search our online catalog by title Deeper Connections.
You may place an order through our online catalog at www.discovery-place.org, email discovery@susumc.org, or call 717-766-7968. (Your voicemail will send an email.)
After being involved with Discovery Place for over 20 years and being Director since the spring of 2016, I am retiring in June. Discovery Place will remain open, so please visit our website for hours and more information. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve you all!
Joni Robison
Monday, June 12, 2023
Commentary: Sitting at the Crossroads of Life
By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator
Have you ever found yourself sitting at a crossroad in life, wondering what to do? You know you can’t just sit there. You need to make a decision. Does your life’s path require you to continue in the direction you are traveling? Maybe you need a clear change in your circumstances and need to consider turning left or right. Or, are you so far away from your starting point, that returning to the familiar might be the best option. These crossroads in life can take many forms and cause us to struggle. Fear, sadness, anger and grief begin to creep into our lives. And, when these emotions begin to take over, we to lose sight of our destination or the path to it.
Margaret Benefiel states In her book, Crisis Leadership, that it is at this point we should “sit still long enough and be quiet” and allow God to do amazing things around us. Resist the urge to forge ahead under the assumption that the road we are on must lead us somewhere. Instead of “leaning forward into anxious action,” she suggests we lean back into God. Perhaps this suggestion is akin to pulling off at a roadside rest stop and stretching our legs or reclining our seat and resting our eyes.
Psalm 46 tells us to do this exact thing. “Be still and know that I am God.” Commentary explains this doesn’t mean we should just stop and never move. It urges us to temporarily stop to recognize the situation in which we find ourselves and understand that we serve a great God who is capable of directing us if we only place our focus on Him.
Benefiel refers to this temporary pause in our travels as liminal space. She suggests this space is a “holding environment for gestation” where you can spend time between the old and new, searching for the right pathway or passage to travel. While there, Benefiel encourages that we spend our time observing the bigger picture, diving deeper into prayer, and discerning what direction we should go from that crossroads. Being in this space allows us to rejuvenate ourselves and develop an alertness that can keep us from missing opportunities.
Have you ever been so absorbed in the music playing in your car or the conversation you are having with a passenger, that you miss your turn or exit? In life, we sometimes get so wrapped up in what’s happening around us, we lose sight of where we should be going. And, it is at these times Benefiel says we should be alert and open to where God might be leading us. Look for those whom He is using to guide our path. Be aware of the unexpected signs that will send us from this crossroad back on to the path we need to travel to find our way.
For those of you who are like me, it may be an uncomfortable situation in which to be. We plan and organize the trip. We make sure every detail has been addressed. Of course, we know life can send us detours that prolong our ability to arrive at the planned destination. Benefiel relates that, in these detours, it can be advantageous to follow the advice of Winston Churchill who said, “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Use the seemingly bad situation to find opportunity. Perhaps it is an opportunity to take the country road instead of the major highway. You might find this new path on which you are traveling will be filled with stunning views that provide you with a fresh perspective.
Whatever crossroads you may find yourself sitting in, know that God is already miles ahead of you clearing the path. Whether you are in a season of change such as changing jobs, experiencing an empty nest, or contemplating retirement, understand He is with you. Find comfort in the expression of Psalm 46, that God has promised to be with us and be our “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” if we just pull over and let Him.
Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator
Email: drc@susumc.org
Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402
Website: www.susmb.org
Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse
Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp
Disaster Response Ministry Blog: susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/
Did You Know that Your Church Mission Team is a Volunteer in Mission Team?
Any of our local church mission teams that are sent out in our neighborhoods, our state, our country, and all over the world are considered Volunteers in Mission (VIM).
An exciting benefit of our connection between our local church teams and the Susquehanna Conference VIM is that Susquehanna Conference VIM provides supplemental accident insurance FREE of charge to our teams serving domestically. We contract with AIG through the Northeast Jurisdiction United Methodist VIM to offer you a medical and accident insurance policy with $50,000 coverage for Domestic teams.
In order to receive this insurance for your domestic journey you simply submit a Team Roster. The old team roster got an upgrade too! Click here for the NEW Team Roster. Simply complete the form and hit the submit button. Your form will be processed, and you will receive notification of your insurance from Susquehanna Conference VIM. Please be sure to submit the roster 2 weeks prior to your mission unless prior arrangements have been made.
For International Journeys, we ask that teams register with the new Team Roster and purchase low-cost supplemental insurance from UMVIM-NEJ.
The old Team Roster will no longer be accepted.
For more information on the domestic AND international insurance go to https://www.umvim.org/nej-insurance.
Another benefit of the Susquehanna Conference Volunteers in Mission is that we love to celebrate you and your mission partnerships. Articles of VIM teams can be found here in the LINK, on the VIM website, and our Volunteers in Mission Facebook page.
The Volunteers in Mission Conference Coordinator, Michelle Schwartzman, provides VIM training. VIM Training prepares us to have a positive impact in mission whether it is a few hours or weeks, local, national, or global. It is open to those who have led teams and those who have never been on a mission trip. Taking this training does not require you to lead a trip but equips you for service. Topics covered include Best Practices, Cultural Awareness, Health & Safety, Team Orientation, Useful Forms, Insurance and Fundraising.
For questions about resources for our Susquehanna Conference Teams, please contact Michelle Schwartzman, VIM Coordinator: vim@susumc.org.
Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: New and Improved Opportunities for All!
By Kim Shockley, Coordinator of Lay Excellence
After my experience with our Annual Conference in May, I came away with a renewed sense of hope, especially for the lay people of the Susquehanna Conference. I spoke with many of you about our Lay Servant Ministry processes and felt great enthusiasm from you about discovering how God wants to use you now! While I continue to be the Coordinator of Lay Excellence, this is what gets me out of bed each morning - connecting lay people to mission and ministry!
We are offering a third Coach Approach Training on August 26, 2023 at First UMC Muncy, 602 S Market St, Muncy, PA 17756-1628, for $15 which includes lunch. The instructors for these 6-hour training events are ICF Certified Coaches in our Conference who are currently active members of our Susquehanna Coaching Network – Ron Doverspike and Kim Shockley. The purpose of Coach Approach Training is to learn the skills of coaching and how to put it into practice. Anyone who leads a group or team will benefit from this training because the end result of a coach approach is greater accomplishment of goals and engagement of people in those goals.
The posture of a coach approach is curiosity, listening well, and asking powerful questions that lead to committed action steps. Come join us as we learn the basics and several different ways that a coach approach can be used within your local congregation’s ministry. .6 CEU will be offered. The flyer and registration can be found here: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=754045
The third opportunity in our Refresh series happens on September 30, 2023 at Christ Community UMC, 3939 Park Rd, Selinsgrove, PA 1787). Ken Willard, from the West Virginia Conference Development Office, will be with us to Refresh Our Plan! Our time with Ken will be to discuss how to create and/or refresh your ministry plan. He will offer training around how to have a strategic ministry focus. This event is open to everyone, and we especially encourage ministry teams to attend this training together! .6 CEU will be offered. The deadline to register for the third experience of Refresh is Saturday, September 23, 2023: https://susumc.org/refresh/
Don’t forget to check the Lay Ministry page on the SUSUMC website - https://susumc.org/lay-ministry/. Throughout the summer our District Lay Servant Ministry Committees will be developing their roster of courses for Fall 2023. Remember, Lay Servants and Lay Speakers must take 1 CEU (10 hours of instruction) every three years to stay certified. Certified Lay Ministers need 1 CEU every other year to stay in compliance.
Our District Committees are working well to encourage and keep our laity engaged in mission and ministry! The One Matters Awards presented at Annual Conference showed us how fruitful this work is as we developed new and improved ways of seeing our communities and building relationships!
God is with us all!
Annual Conference Awards Recipients
J. Marlene Atanasoff Spiritual Formation Award:
Rev. Melissa Madara
The Marty Cox Award for Christian Unity:
Rev. Renee J. Ford
The Howard & Elizabeth Brinton Church Award:
Woodland UMC Area Parish, Altoona District
The Howard and Elizabeth Brinton Individual Award:
Amy Whitworth from Wesley UMC, Marysville, Harrisburg District
The Flying Dove Church Award:
Calvary UMC, Harrisburg, Harrisburg District
The Flying Dove Individual Award:
Rev. Andrew Burd-Harris
The Harry Hoosier Award:
Pastor Robin L. Fillmore - Lake Winola Charge,
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District
Pastor Paul R. McReynolds & Jacqueline Peagler -
Albright Bethune UMC, State College District
Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Salsgiver
The Bishop D. Frederick Wertz Award:
Rev. Joanne Montgomery Link
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One Matters Awards
Every year, Discipleship Ministries partners with Annual Conferences by offering the One Matters Award (OMA) to one eligible congregation at each annual conference. At the 2023 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the One Matters Award was given to one church in each of our districts.
This award has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, the individual may experience the personal transformation to potentially engage in the church’s mission for the transformation of the world. While most Discipleship Ministries Programs focus on existing members, OMA focuses on new members. After all, ONE Matters.
The following congregations received the One Matters Award in 2023. Each church’s story will be highlighted in future issues of Susquehanna LINK.
Altoona District
Cove Forge UMC, Williamsburg
Harrisburg District
Wesley UMC, Marysville
Lewisburg District
St. Pauls UMC, Berwick
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District
Forty Fort UMC
State College District
Trinity UMC, Bellefonte
Williamsport District
State Road UMC, Cogan Station
York District
Barts-Centenary UMC, Littlestown
AC2023 Retirees
2023 Class of Retirees
Back row, left to right: Pastor Gerald Richard Miller, Rev. George Scott Reynolds, Rev. Ronald L. Doverspike, Rev. Barry C. Robison, Rev. Carvel Kenneth May, and Rev. Bryan L. Mann. Middle row, left to right: Pastor Tina M. Hawkins, Rev. Lori J. Steffensen, Rev. Candace Susan Arnold, Pastor Ruth Liples, Rev. Audrey M. Brosious, Pastor Susan Knorr, and Rev. Dr. Dilip R. Abayasekara. Front row, left to right: Pastor Duane J. Coy, Pastor Layne Miller Vizthum, Pastor Kari Irene Swigart, Pastor Steve C. Swigart, and Rev. Douglas M. Eberly. Not Pictured: Rev. Catherine E. Boileau, Pastor Wendy M. D’Agostino, Rev. GayAnn Gearhart, Rev. Michael D. Gingerich, Pastor Donna L. Hildebrand, Rev. Randy S. Hughes, Pastor Barbara J. Jensen, Pastor J. Paul Jensen, Rev. Evelyn L. Madison, Rev. David E. McDowell, Rev. Dale E. Parker, Pastor Thomas Phillips, Chaplain Jerry C. Sieg, and Pastor Jennifer Wolf.
Thank you for your ministry
2023 Class of Retirees
Back row, left to right: Pastor Gerald Richard Miller, Rev. George Scott Reynolds, Rev. Ronald L. Doverspike, Rev. Barry C. Robison, Rev. Carvel Kenneth May, and Rev. Bryan L. Mann.
Middle row, left to right: Pastor Tina M. Hawkins, Rev. Lori J. Steffensen, Rev. Candace Susan Arnold, Pastor Ruth Liples, Rev. Audrey M. Brosious, Pastor Susan Knorr, and Rev. Dr. Dilip R. Abayasekara.
Front row, left to right: Pastor Duane J. Coy, Pastor Layne Miller Vizthum, Pastor Kari Irene Swigart, Pastor Steve C. Swigart, and Rev. Douglas M. Eberly.
Not Pictured: Rev. Catherine E. Boileau, Pastor Wendy M. D’Agostino, Rev. GayAnn Gearhart, Rev. Michael D. Gingerich, Pastor Donna L. Hildebrand, Rev. Randy S. Hughes, Pastor Barbara J. Jensen, Pastor J. Paul Jensen, Rev. Evelyn L. Madison, Rev. David E. McDowell, Rev. Dale E. Parker, Pastor Thomas Phillips, Chaplain Jerry C. Sieg, and Pastor Jennifer Wolf.
Rev. Dr. Dilip R. Abayasekara
Rev. Candace Susan Arnold
Rev. Catherine Erskine Boileau
Rev. Audrey M. Brosious
Pastor Duane J. Coy
Pastor Wendy M. D’Agostino
Rev. Ronald L. Doverspike
Rev. Douglas M. Eberly
Rev. GayAnn Gearhart
Rev. Michael D. Gingerich
Pastor Tina M. Hawkins
Pastor Donna L. Hildebrand
Rev. Randy S. Hughes
Barbara J. Jensen Pastor
Pastor J. Paul Jensen
Pastor Susan Knorr
Pastor Ruth Liples
Rev. Evelyn Louise Madison
Rev. Bryan L. Mann
Rev. Carvel Kenneth May
Rev. David E. McDowell
Pastor Gerald Richard Miller
Rev. Dale E. Parker
Pastor Thomas Phillips
Rev. George Scott Reynolds
Rev. Barry C. Robison
Chaplain Rev. Jerry C. Sieg
Rev. Lori J. Steffensen
Pastor Kari Irene Swigart
Pastor Steve C. Swigart
Pastor Layne Miller Vizthum
Pastor Jennifer Wolf
AC2023 Commissioned as Provisional Elders
New and Improved
Following is the 2023 Susuquehanna Conference Opening Celebration message from Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. You can view a video of the service here. The Bishop’s message begins at 1:00:40.
2 Corinthians 5:16-18 NRSV
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we no longer know him in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation...
Prayer: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
A conditional statement (also called an If-Then Statement) is a statement with a hypothesis followed by a conclusion. Conditional statements often take the form of, “If this happens, then that will happen.” The if clause is the hypothesis. The then clause offers the conclusion. However, a conditional statement does not have to actually use the words if or then. The statement just needs a hypothesis and a resulting conclusion. I am going somewhere with this, so follow me.
There are four different types of conditional statement. There is a Zero conditional statement, a first conditional sentence, a second conditional sentence, and third conditional sentence. Zero, first, second, and third.
Third conditional sentences are used to explain that present circumstances would be different if something different had happened in the past. If I had known what it was going to be like to be a bishop, I would not have given up my good government job.
Second conditional sentences express outcomes that are completely unrealistic or will not likely happen in the future. If Tom Salsgiver ever really retires, then we will throw him a big party.
First conditional sentences are used to express situations in which the outcome is likely (but not guaranteed) to happen in the future. If we care for all of our resolutions efficiently, we will be able to adjourn early.
Then there is the zero conditional sentence. This is the one I really want you to hear. Zero conditional sentences express general truths—situations in which one thing always causes another. Somebody knows where I am going with this. In a zero conditional sentence, both clauses—the hypothesis and the conclusion—are in the present tense. In a zero conditional sentence the words if and when are interchangeable because the outcome will be the same anytime the condition is in place.
In the verse that provides the foundation for this sermon and our theme for this annual conference, Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, utilizes a zero conditional sentence. He is expressing a general truth, a situation in which one thing always causes another. He writes, “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, everything old has passed away.” And in case the hearers didn’t get it, Paul calls the hearer to attend to the condition, “See, everything has become new!” It’s not in the synoptic gospels, but that there is good news. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”
Is there anyone in here who is in Christ? Is there anyone here who is in Christ? Let me put it another way. Is there anyone here who trusts in Jesus? Is there anyone here who has faith in the Son of the Living God? Is there anyone here who knows Jesus as Savior? Is there anyone here who has ever had an encounter with the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Is there anyone here who knows the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star? Is there anyone here who knows the Alpha and the Omega? Is there anyone here who has ever had a drink from the Living Water? Is there anyone here who knows there is something about that name? Is there anyone here who has ever called on the name of Jesus? Is there anyone here who knows Jesus to be Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace? Is there anyone here who knows he is a way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness? Is there anyone here who is in Christ?
Then you have met the hypothesis. Let me assure you of the conclusion. Beloved, since you are in Christ, then in the present tense, in the here and now you are a new creation. For you, everything old has passed away. See it now, for you everything has become new. Your relationship with God—it is new. Your relationship with your neighbor—it is new. Your spirit has become new. Your ability to love and be loved has become new. Your ability to give and receive grace—it’s new. The hymn writer put it this way, “Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand has provided. Great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me.” So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!
Not everything that is new is better than the old. Does anybody remember the DeLorean Motor Company of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s? Not everything that is new is improved. Does anybody remember the new Coke formula in the mid 1980’s? Not everything that is new is improved? How many of you had a BetaMax video player? Not everything that is new is improved? I actually wish there were more people among us who have no idea of the references I am making. Here’s one for the younger crowd. Remember iPods? Not everything that is new is improved.
Here’s why I know our newness is new and improved. Our growth comes from the soil of the Word of God, fertilized by the blood of Jesus, nurtured by the power of the Holy Spirit.
In the verse that follows our sermonic verse, verse 18 of the 5th chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul writes, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation...”
Our newness is from God. Here this zero conditional sentence. If your newness is from God, it is an improvement. Our newness is made possible because God reconciled us to God’s self through Christ Jesus. The concept of reconciliation that is interesting. Paul uses the Greek term kat-al-las-so which is translated reconciliation. We only find this term in the Bible in Romans and the two letters to the Corinthians. Kat-al-las-so literally means to change, exchange coins for others of equivalent value. It means to reconcile those who at variance, return to favor with, or to receive one into favor.
Through his death and resurrection, Jesus paid the cost for our reconciliation. Jesus exchanged his sinlessness for our sinfulness. Our sins put us at odds or at variance with God. God used the blood of Jesus to close the variance gap. Jesus stood in the gap for us. God chose to use Jesus to return us to favor with God. Because of Jesus we have been received into the favor of God. Can I get an amen? Maybe your variance gap wasn’t that big. Is there anyone here who loves Jesus. Is there anyone who is in Christ.
New and improved creatures open themselves to self reflection. Out of their love and desire to be in right relationship they make themselves accountable to God and one another. They receive the wisdom, insight, and grace offered by God. And have faith in God’s process of sanctification.
There are some place and spaces in our annual conference that are valley’s of dry bones. There are places where we have not had new professions of faith in years. There are places where no new ministries been birthed, places no one has received a call and been launched into ministry. There are places where the church has become isolated from the community in which it resides. There are some structures in our annual conference that have supported stagnation and death. There are places where we are so used to being in conflict, we don’t know how to be any other way. There are places where we are so ignorant to our own privilege we believe we are offering radical hospitality when in fact we are not. Truth is some of us thought Disaffiliation would be the death of us. Truth be told some of us are so weary from the cultural and church wars that we feel like dry bones. Some of us are just weary that our bones and our spirits are dry.
Perhaps God is asking us the ancient question asked of the prophet Ezekiel. “Can these dry bones live? O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.”
When God breathes the breath of life into us, we are not going to be the same old body. The dry bones are going to be a new and improved creation. I hear the word of the Lord.
And when we come to ourselves and arise new and improved. Looked at my hands, my hands looked new. Looked at my feet and they did too. Started to walk, got a brand new walk. Started to talk, got a brand new talk.
We will live. We will be new and improved.
All of us, all of us gathered here are a part of this new and improved body. All of us who are members of the Susquehanna Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church are new and improved. Everything old has passed away. I need somebody to hear me now. Everything old has passed away. I need somebody to see it. See everything has become new. Can you see it?
In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—laser focused on love of God and love of neighbor, when distractions come we say get behind me satan.
In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—each local church is such an essential part of the communities in which it finds itself that the community cannot exist without the local church and the local church cannot exist without the community
In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—conference structures and local churches are flexible and nimble so that we all move with the movement of the Holy Spirit and none of us are windbreakers.
In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—we practice a theology of abundance because we really do believe scripture that says that our God shall supply our every need according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—we offer radical hospitality and build beloved community so that we reflect the racial and economic diverse demographics of our region.
In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—we know what the Lord requires of us—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
The new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference is not going to be smooth sailing. No organization that is truly doing kingdom building work enjoys smooth sailing all the time. Some things will have to end. There will be tears. As we get used to our new feet, there will be times that we will stumble and fall. When the going gets tough, and the road is rough, and the hills are hard to climb, remember what you decided. You decided to make Jesus your choice. Remember that we are together in this because all of us have made Jesus our choice.
Revelation 21:1-5 NRSV
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and be their God; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”
And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
2023 Susquehanna Annual Conference Summary
By Liz Lennox, Director of Communications
New and Improved Through Christ was the theme for the 2023 Susquehanna Annual Conference. The annual conference met at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, PA, first on May 17 for a special session on disaffiliation and from May 18-20 for the regular session. During the special session, the conference ratified all the requested 141 disaffiliation agreements. The regular session included ordination, Bible studies and plenary sessions.
OPENING SESSION
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi opened the session with worship, preaching on the theme and focusing on 2 Corinthians 5:17. The praise band from The Journey Church enhanced worship with their inspirational and spirit-filled music, and a prayer that focused on both the joys and challenges of this moment set the tone.
Bishop Moore-Koikoi offered well-received words of hope and a vision for the future, in spite of the uncertainty and transition in our conference. “This new and improved Susquehanna Conference is not going to be smooth sailing. No organization that is truly doing Kingdom work enjoys smooth sailing. There are some things that are going to have to end, so there will be some tears. There will be times we stumble and fall, but a saint is just a sinner who fell down and got back up again. When the going gets tough and the road is rough and the hills are hard to climb, remember what you decided. You decided to make Jesus your choice.”
Opening worship was concluded with the celebration of Holy Communion alongside Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, followed by closing music.
CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY
paraphrased from a Daily LINK article by Rev. Rebecca Holland.
The overarching theme for this worship service was the power of sacred memory. During worship, the conference celebrated those people who will be taking a new step in their ministry journey while honoring retirees and giving thanks for their faithful ministry. Bishop Sandra Steiner-Ball brought us a heartfelt message about the power of sacred memory inspired by Deuteronomy 6:1-12. Her sermon was entitled, “Something Known and Something New.”
“Remembering is part of what we are called to do in the church,” said Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball. “It is a sacred practice of recounting what God has done, is doing, and will do through us. Our relationship with God in Christ is something known and something new… We are in the process of becoming new and improved.”
This special worship service was divided into multiple sections: The Celebration of Local Pastors, The Celebration of Other Essential Ministries, the Proclamation of the Word, the Offertory, the Celebration of Ordained Ministry, Examination & Commissioning of Elders, the Celebration of Retiring Elders and Deacon, and a Celebration and Invitation to All Ministries.
We also celebrated and gave thanks for one retiring Deacon, sixteen elders with a combined 408 years of service and fourteen licensed local pastors combined 141 years of service.
Three individuals were commissioned as elders: Justin Frear, Bobby Jones Jr., and Brian Moyer.
LEADERSHIP REPORTS
Three members of the cabinet performed a creative skit, melding popular music with valuable reminders. They encouraged everyone to not live in the past but build upon it; remember that while it feels like things are moving fast, we’re often playing catch-up; to partner with God to shape the future; and to change the “beat” of life. They reiterated Jesus’ direction to replace worry with faith and that the God has the ideas and answers we seek.
Others in leadership spoke on the struggle with racism and shared a video from the Civil Rights Journey the Cabinet and others embarked on last year. A number of resources were shared highlighting camping and retreat ministries, campus ministry, a new online learning platform, Grow and Equip educational opportunities, and an exciting event planned for the fall called “Level Up: New Places, New People”.
Dr. Joyce Davis delivered the laity report, praising the work of the board of laity and encouraging all laity and clergy to move toward together to become stronger and more focused on mission.
The Young People’s Ministry Council had a lot to report as their repeated refrain reminded us; “but wait…there’s more!”
The new Dean of the Cabinet Rev. Gary Weaver shared information about the new supervisory model, which establishes areas of supervision covered by five superintendents.
MEMORIAL
Rev. Cathy Boileau shared a personal story of grief and loss during her memorial service message, telling of her father’s letters and messages and notes to his loved ones. She celebrated the “letter writers” who make up the church and gave thanks to those who have gone into Eternal glory.
VOTING & LEGISLATION
Multiple openings on the Jurisdictional and General Conference delegation necessitated the election of both clergy and laity delegates. Cindy Weaver was elected to the General Conference as a lay delegate. No clergy was elected to General Conference. Rev. Mira Hewlett and Rev. Kristopher Sledge were elected as clergy delegates to the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. Lisa Bender, John Konieczny, KimAnn Shockley, Wesley Bealla, JoAnne Konick-McMahan, and Diane Konieczny were elected as laity delegates to the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference.
Passed Resolutions:
- Res #1 Mental Health
- Res #2 Disability Awareness & #3 Captioning for future AC gatherings
- Res #4 Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church’s Acknowledgement of Land
- Res #5 Resolution Denouncing the Carlisle Indian School and Committing to Repentance, Equity, and Inclusion in the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
- Res #6 Choosing Love over Division
- Res #7 Renewing Our Belief in the Primacy of Scripture
- Res #8 Support for Christmas Covenant Legislation
- Res #11 A Call to The End of Conversion Therapy
- Res #15 - Support for Extending Sunset Date of ¶2553 until 2026
- Res #18 - Severance of the Affiliation between the Susquehanna Conference and Wyoming Seminary
More details about the discussions and voting on Annual Conference Resolutions can be found on page 5 of Saturday, May 20, Daily LINK, and page 4 of Saturday, May 20, Daily LINK Wrap Up issues.
All Things AC2023
Susquehanna Annual Conference was held May 18 - 20, 2023 at Community Arts Center in Williamsport, Pa., with a Special Session held Wednesday evening, May 17.
The theme for AC2023 was New & Improved through Christ, inspired by 2 Cornithians 5:17, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” (NRSV)
ANNUAL CONFERENCE ARCHIVE:
https://susumc.org/annual-conference/
VIDEO ARCHIVE:
https://www.facebook.com/SUSUMC/videos
DAILY LINKS:
Daily news summaries from each day of AC2023.
PHOTO GALLERY:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/f62J2joKdNGeJT6V7
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AC Special Offerings
BUILDING THE BELOVED COMMUNITY FUND (BBCF)
#9300 Online Donation Form
Received so far: $9,188.00
THE CUP OF WATER FUND
#8160 Online Donation Form
Received so far: $8,231.00
THE WEST END CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CENTER (WECC)
#9400 Online Donation Form
Received so far: $7,242.00
You are invited to give by using the links provided.
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YPMC Fundraising
The Young People’s Ministry Council held a number of fundraisers at Annual Conference to support the Youth Service Fund (YSF) and ministries of YPMC.
- $2,080 was raised for the Youth Service Fund through the gift basket silent auction and nametag holder sales
- $2,194.58 was raised for the Youth Scholarship Fund through the sale of printed workbooks & t-shirts
The total raised for YPMC was $4,274.58.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED YPMC!
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Transfer of Membership to Susquehanna Conference
If the church where you hold membership is disaffiliating, and you would like to remain United Methodist but haven’t found a new place to call home, we invite you to move your membership to The Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church. This is a place to hold your membership in the meantime. Once you complete the form linked below, the conference will receive your church membership and notify your current church.
Transfer your membership here: https://forms.gle/9wjj98SZLLA89Xns5
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