Susquehanna LINK: January 2024

The January 2024 issue of Susquehanna LINK can also be viewed and downloaded at https://susumc.org/link/

Remembering Our Heritage

Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

January – 100 years ago 

United Brethren pastor Rev. Zephaniah Colestock died January 19, 1924, just 2 months shy of his 100th birthday. Born in Littlestown PA in 1824, he served the Church for 66 years (including 4 terms as district superintendent) before retiring in 1912. He is most remembered for giving his house in Mechanicsburg to the Pennsylvania Conference in 1893 to become the Colestock Old People’s Home – the first such benevolent institution in the entire United Brethren denomination. Now a private residence, that Marble Street building, immediately east of the town cemetery, is an official historic site of the Conference and the United Methodist Church. It was used until 1915 when the guests (including Colestock himself) were transferred to the newly acquired facilities at Quincy. Colestock is remembered today as the namesake of the Colestock Health Center at Quincy Village and by a stained glass window in the sanctuary at First UMC in Mechanicsburg. His grave in the Mechanicsburg cemetery is marked by a tall obelisk within sight of his former home.

February – 50 years ago

The February 1974 edition of THE LINK announced a new technological breakthrough for the Central Pennsylvania Conference: “Due to the installation of a telephone-answering machine, you are able to call the Conference Program Office at any time and get your message through. Regular office hours Monday through Friday are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you desire to call at any other time, no matter what the hour of the night – or weekend – please do so. Leave any message you wish and your request will be heard and answered at the beginning of the next working day. Please do not hesitate to use this newly added convenience. It is with you in mind that this service has been created and made possible.”

That same issue encouraged participation in the Harrisburg Audio-Visual Institute featuring such state-of-the-art sessions as “How to use projected audio-visuals with Youth.”

Mission Central

Throughout 2023, Mission Central sought to serve all those in need. Thank you for your assistance in helping us connect God’s resources with human need. We look forward to continuing to do the same in 2024. We often encounter confusion about the difference between Mission Central and UMCOR. In order to make thing clearer, we wanted to provide answers to some of the most frequent questions we receive. 

Mission Central & UMCOR Questions Answered

Is Mission Central UMCOR?

No, Mission Central is its own 501c3 organization. We are not run by the United Methodist Church or UMCOR. We were started by and have a close relationship with the United Methodist Church, but we are ecumenical in nature, working with all those, no matter who they are.

How is Mission Central Funded?

Mission Central is funded almost entirely by contributions from individuals, churches and corporate sponsorships. We receive some private grants as well. We do not receive money from the government or from the United Methodist Church. When you give to UMCOR, you are not giving to Mission Central because we are separately funded organizations.

Mission Central is an UMCOR Affiliate Warehouse. What does that mean?

Mission Central has committed to being a part of the UMCOR Relief Supply Network. There are eight warehouses in the relief supply network. UMCOR Sager Brown is the only warehouse owned, funded, and operated by UMCOR. We pledge to build, verify, collect, warehouse and ship UMCOR kits at our own expense. The network works together in times of disaster to resource kits. Mission Central is ready to send supplies where there is a need. Again, this is at our expense.

We are stronger together - if one of us is down, the others are there to help with supplies, but no money is exchanged. For example, during COVID, UMCOR Sager Brown closed in March 2020 and didn’t reopen until June 2023. During that time, they sent some of the supplies they had on hand to our location since we remained open and continued to operate to keep up with the increased demand around the world and domestically. When supplies were completed, we would send them where inventory was needed.

What are UMCOR kits?

In 2018, UMCOR decreased to three kit types: Cleaning Kit (Flood Bucket), Hygiene Kit, and School Kit. At the end of 2023, they discontinued with the School Kit due to a lack of requests during a disaster. They instituted a disposable Feminine Hygiene Kit instead.

All other kits we talk about are Mission Central kits that we distribute both nationally and internationally. These are completely separate from UMCOR.

Who decides what an UMCOR kit is?

UMCOR decides what is in their kits and often works in collaboration with Church World Services. The items in these kits do not change and are not under our discretion.

When do UMCOR kits get sent?

When a request is put into UMCOR, the kits are sent. UMCOR kits are sent only within the U.S. and mostly in response to disasters.

Should I give money to Mission Central or UMCOR in a disaster?

During international disasters, UMCOR sends relief in the form of monetary grants. UMCOR no longer ships supplies internationally because shipping can be expensive and not as immediate. Because of the way UMCOR is set up, this is the best way for them to steward your donation.

Mission Central, alternately, ships supplies both in the U.S. and internationally because we do not pay for international shipping. We work with partners to receive information on the requested items needed for a disaster. Many times, these are items they are unable to find near the disaster site. Mission Central lets you know what the needed items are, and you can purchase them or send monetary donations to us to facilitate this process.

Every dollar donated to a disaster through Mission Central will be spent towards that disaster. We want to steward your resources well and make sure you are given the proper information to give where is most appropriate for you so that we can all work together to send hope and empowerment in times of crisis around the world and around the corner.

Thank you for your generous support!

Find out more and give at www.missioncentral.org.

Board of Child Care Offering FREE Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Trainings

Board of Child Care in Mechanicsburg, PA (formerly United Methodist Home for Children) understands the vital role that churches and church groups play in nurturing the well-being of our young community members. It is with great pleasure that we announce the availability of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training at no cost to our church and community partners, thanks to a generous grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

What is Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)? 

YMHFA is an 8-hour training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth aged 12 to 18. Our aim is to empower you to reach out and provide initial help and support to young individuals who may be navigating mental health challenges or experiencing a crisis.

Why is this Training Crucial for Church Communities? 

Churches and church groups often serve as pillars of support for youth in our community. The YMHFA training introduces common mental health challenges faced by youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and provides a 5-step action plan for both crisis and non-crisis situations. Armed with this knowledge, you can play an even more impactful role in the lives of the young people you encounter.

The Board of Child Care (BCC) Advantage: 

As a proud YMHFA training site, we are committed to creating a comfortable and respectful learning environment. Our courses, led by certified instructors, maintain an intimate class size of 30 people or less, ensuring a personalized experience for all participants.

What Will You Learn? 

Topics covered in the training include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders with potential psychosis, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to empower you with the insights needed to make a positive difference in the lives of the youth you encounter. After completion of the training course, participations will receive a 3-year certificate from the National Council of Wellbeing.

How to Register:

In-person training is available to any organization or location within a 1-hour drive from our Baltimore (MD), Martinsburg (WV), or Mechanicsburg (PA) campus locations. Alternatively, we are happy to host your training at any of these three locations. Please visit the Contact Us page to see our specific location addresses. To get started, please visit the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training page of our website, or complete the YMHFA Community Partner Training Application. 

Thank you for your dedication to the well-being of our community’s youth. Together, let’s create a network of support that ensures every young person feels heard, understood, and valued.

Donna Phillips
Youth Mental Health First Aid Coordinator
dphillips@boardofchildcare.org
(443) 615-3151

Discovery Place: Lenten Bible Study Resources

Filmed on location in The Middle East, Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God’s Word to life with astounding relevance. By weaving together the Bible’s fascinating historical, cultural, religious, and geographical contexts, teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals keen insights into the Scriptures’ significance for modern believers. These illuminating “faith lessons” afford a new understanding of the Bible that will ground your convictions and transform your life.

Faith Lessons: The Path To The Cross by Ray Vander Laan. Five sessions include:

1. The Way of the Essenes 

2. The Way of John the Baptist

3. Into the Desert to be Tested

4. The Last Passover

5. The Fifth Cup–Our Way of Hope

Faith Lessons: The Death & Resurrection Of The Messiah by Ray Vander Laan. Nine sessions include:

1. When Storms come

2. Piercing the Darkness

3. Gates of Hell

4. City of the Great King (Parts 1 and 2)

5. The Lamb of God

6. The Weight of the World

7. Roll Away the Stone

8. Power to the People

9. Total Commitment

Who Needs Christmas/Why Easter Matters by Andy Stanley. In Why Easter Matters Andy looks at the lives of several key people in the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. The circumstances they faced are different than ours, but their actions and mistakes are, unfortunately, not different at all.Four sessions:

1. The High Cost of Following Christ
2. The Risk of Surrendering to God
3. The God Who Can Be Trusted
4. The Foundation of Our Faith

Because of Bethlehem/He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. In He Chose the Nails, a five-session DVD Bible study, Max examines the gifts that Christ gave at his crucifixion. These include not only the gift of the cross, but also the gift of the thorns, the nails, and the empty tomb. The cross is rich with God’s gifts of grace, and as we unwrap them, we will hear him whisper, “I did it just for you.” The session titles are:

1. He Chose to Be One of Us
2. He Chose to Forgive Us
3. He Chose to Invite Us into His Presence
4. He Chose to Love Us Forever 
5. He Chose to Give Us Victory

You can find many more Lenten study resources by searching the Discovery Place catalog using the keyword “Lent.” 

Discovery Place Resource Center

303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-766-7441
email:  discovery@susumc.org
web:  www.discovery-place.org

Planning for Disaster Response Victories

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

In most sports, the coach prepares the team for a game by developing a plan. This blueprint outlines the strategies and tactics to which players will adhere and execute during competition. Using a plan clearly defines roles and responsibilities, establishes goals, and guides the team toward success. When disaster strikes, it is equally important to have a plan and allow God to bless it for success.

This was particularly evident when major flooding swept through the Clarks Summit area (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District) on September 9, 2023, catching many people off guard. As a result, nearly 300 individuals and/or families in and around this community just outside Scranton found themselves wondering how to address their wet basements and damaged property. And, when the call for help went out, the response to meeting this need mirrored the work of a well-practiced team entering competition.

In the hours immediately following the flood, Rev. Mike Bealla and the congregation at Elm Park UMC opened its doors. It’s not the first time they’ve come to the rescue of their neighbors in need. They worked with the American Red Cross to open a temporary shelter at the church. And, because of this witness in the community, those who were displaced by the flooding were able to find refuge and experience the love of Jesus in action.

Over the next few days, most families utilizing the temporary shelter had made more permanent arrangements until their homes were safe, sanitary, secure, and livable. The decision was made to close the temporary shelter. But the Red Cross still had one family of three that was unable to find suitable lodging. And because of the support and generosity of churches and individuals throughout the Conference, the Disaster Response Ministry provided an additional three weeks of temporary housing that enabled them to focus on putting the pieces of their lives back together.

As the weeks passed, PA VOAD partners planned for and started responding to the needs of the Clarks Summit community, specifically providing basement cleaning/muck out and debris removal. Requests for Conference teams were made. Pennsy Waltman and a team from Mt. Calvary UMC (Harrisburg District) answered the call. And plans were made for the team to spend a week in Clarks Summit. Countryside Community Church offered to host the team, providing lodging and a kitchen. Ministry partners from the Baptist Resource Network provided a shower trailer. Tom Meyer, South Gibson UMC, offered to do some property assessments in advance of the team’s arrival so they could be prepared to start work on their first day. 

Mt. Calvary team was joined by volunteers from Countryside Community Church that week. Five homeowners were blessed. This joint team cleaned/sealed basements, removed debris, accomplished landscaping, removed/repaired drywall, and replaced flooring.

God’s promise is clear. As we plan for and pray about doing what He has called us to do, He will guide us toward success. In Psalm 20 and 21, we are told He will give us those things we desire in our heart and grant us success. And, when that success comes, we can be thankful and rejoice in the victory.

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/

One Matters Award: Forty Fort UMC

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: 

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

Rev. Judy Walker (right), Superintendent of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area, presented the 2023 One Matters Award to Forty Fort UMC. Receiving the award were Lay Member Bill Davis (left) and Pastor Richard Bradshaw (center).

Rev. Judy Walker, Superintendent of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area 

During the 2021 appointment season, Forty Fort United Methodist Church in the Scranton Wilkes-Barre District was appointed a new pastor, Pastor Richard Bradshaw, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once a busy church, Forty Fort UMC over the decades had experienced significant decline. During the spring and summer of 2021, the attendance was in the 60s weekly, with zero children. Many ministries and events had ceased, a scary new COVID surge had arrived, and the morale in regard to the future was tempered at best. Forty Fort UMC needed new life — something to give some hope, energy, and a new beginning. 

They also realized they needed to begin to work together — pastor, leadership and the congregation — to have a greater impact and to create a vision that would bring unity of purpose. They established a task force with the purpose of sharing ideas and seeking what moves the hearts of this congregation. The task force was supplied with information from the mission insight report, and prayerfully came to the decision that their vision would be to become “A community that reaches the community.” 

This simple vision, driven by a heart for their neighbors, has become fruitful. Forty Fort has seen measurable growth in numbers and excitement as they continue to follow Christ in word and deed. This goes beyond Sunday service and beyond their doors. Over the past year, they have had a number of outreaches, both individually and corporately, that continue to focus on their vision and have ongoing impact. 

Every opportunity for outreach meets a goal of showing love to their neighbors and intentional sharing of God’s Word with all those they meet. The ministerium and cluster are beginning to shake off the dust of “the same things we’ve always done” with dwindling numbers, and are working together, in connection, on future projects that share the gospel in new and meaningful ways.

Their vision this year is to have 100% of their membership involved in the mission and ministry of the church. They are also beginning the process of evaluating committees and looking to a future where everyone can be involved. Members who have held the positions for years will share their experience and knowledge with new members and build foundational strength. All of this enriches the church as they continue to reach the not-yet-churched and those lost in the margins.

Forty-Fort UMC is pleased to share that they are growing in faith and are part of the greater connectional mission to lead others into a beautiful relationship with Jesus Christ, resulting in “transformation in our world.”

In 2022, their weekly attendance averaged over 90 attendees (up from 60 in 2021) and went from zero professions of faith over at least the past 5 years to 20 professions of faith in 2022. They are excited that there is new life and a purpose in their congregation and a greater realization that everyone is loved, and every one matters. 

VIM: Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus

By Darlene Thomas

Shiremanstown United Methodist Church (SUMC) just celebrated seven years of their HANDS & FEET ministry. Over these seven years, we have completed over 300 projects and served over 100 households in the surrounding area. 

Hands and Feet volunteers are comprised of not just members of SUMC but include youth and adults from several area churches. They meet monthly on a designated Saturday and form teams comprised of adults and youth to serve the community. The workday starts with a hot breakfast for the volunteers, followed by a worship service to help us focus on why God has called us into missions. 

The projects are identified through various referral sources and each site is assessed for viability prior to the workday by our Sites Manager. Materials, tools and supplies are organized ahead of time, so each team is ready for work at the beginning of the day. Each team has a lead who is experienced in the Hands & Feet procedures. Various leadership team members visit the sites throughout the day to ensure the teams have what they need and do any trouble shooting needed. We undertake projects such as: painting, yard work, repair, clean up/organization, small construction, etc.

We feel the work is important; however, we know God calls to each of these homes for a purpose that sometimes isn’t visible to the human eye. We trust God has us there for a reason! Building relationships with the people we serve is part of what God calls us to do. We invite them to share lunch with us and have a devotional during that time. This is a wonderful time of fellowship for the team and the neighbor they serve.

If your church is within the local community of SUMC, we invite you to join us on an upcoming Saturday. Adults and youth are welcome!

If you know of someone who could use our help, and they are within approx. 20-30 minutes drive of SUMC, please contact us. We would love to show God’s love to these neighbors.

If your church is outside of our designated radius and you are interested in starting up a similar ministry, we would be happy to share our processes to help you build a similar ministry in your area.

We look forward to being in service with your church in whatever capacity God has planned! There is plenty of need in this hurting world. Won’t you partner with us to serve others and share God’s love??

For more information, contact: Darlene Thomas, Director Hands & Feet at gabrielt0303@gmail.com or call Shiremanstown UMC at 717-737-6621.

This ministry is a certified Volunteers in Mission (VIM) ministry recognized by the Susquehanna Conference. Leadership positions of the ministry participated in VIM training several years ago and we report our monthly workday information to the conference for record keeping.

VIM Immigration Immersion Journey

Painting of a Humane Borders water station by Janet Gyekis, VIM Immigration Immersion Journey participant.

Michelle Schwartzman, SUSUMC VIM Coordinator

The impact of a mission journey is diverse. Impact can be providing a ramp for a new wheelchair user. It can be listening to someone who lost their home in a flood. It can be the feeling we get when we are able to help someone. It can be learning about immigration. It can be providing dental work. It is experiential. 

Missio Dei, “the mission of God”, is at the center of our theology. We are called to be a community, called to be one. It’s not a stagnant, one-time event but it is moving. We continue to relate, continue to learn, and continue to live the message with the community. This community and this desire to give and love one another is where work camps and mission trips often start. It’s where UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) was born. 

In UMVIM we now say “Mission Journey” instead of “Mission Trip” because it’s not just about the week-long trip or project, it’s part of the Missio Dei, it’s moving and a continual part of our life, not a one-time event.

Western culture is goal-oriented, stereotypically. That makes it hard for us as individuals, for our churches, for our society to not have a specific task or project to complete. When I began promoting the VIM Immigration Immersion Journey I was asked repeatedly, but “what will you DO while you’re there?” The participants of the journey even expressed that churches asked the same or the participants themselves were asking the same. The answer was that this was an educational journey. We would travel to Arizona and Mexico and meet with different organizations to learn about their experience and work with immigration. We would learn to be advocates for immigrants and put that into practice when we got back.

Six other women joined me for the Journey in September. Since we’ve been back, they each have continued this journey; speaking at their churches, to local civic organizations, to boards and writing articles. They’ve raised funds and signed petitions. I hope that you’ve read our Director of Communications’ article in the November 2023 LINK issue. It gives an account of the different organizations we visited and the dire need for more advocates. Please take a few minutes to read it if you haven’t. 

Consequently, the “DOing”, the task that is in question, comes after the actual trip to Arizona/Mexico and lasts a lifetime. Our “DOing” is what Jesus calls us to do. When Jesus talks about the Good Samaritan, at the end, he says that the neighbor was the one who showed mercy and that we should go and do the same.

The Mexico/USA border wall in Arizona and a child’s sweatshirt by the border wall.
What story does this garment hold?

Dotsy Baiza, VIM Journey participant writes in her church newsletter, “We also assisted 60 women with small children, who had been picked up and immediately sent back over the border. A shelter, La Casa de la Esperanza in Sasabe, Mexico is run by volunteers who give the immigrants food, water, and a shower before they must return to Mexico. This was so heart-wrenching, after all they had been through. The Inn of Southern Arizona, a shelter run by a UMC offers beds, food, water, and clothing. The Inn helps immigrants connect with their sponsor, provides transport to the airport, bus, etc. I met a young mother with a 2-year-old son. For 30 days, she walked to the Mexican border from Guatemala. With a small child. How intolerable her life must have been to even consider the journey.”

This is a complex issue but we must not lose sight of what is at the core: humanity. When we talk about “Issues”, we often label to the point of dehumanizing people. That cannot be what Jesus is asking us to do. Studying the Good Samaritan, we learn that the others that pass him by are following policy or practices that they are holding above the suffering of a human. In our journey, we can listen to the experiences of immigrants and to the experiences of those working with them. We can tell the story, and fight for mercy to be shown. To learn more about the organizations we met with you can see them in the November LINK or contact me. 

What we experienced (saw, smelled, tasted, felt, learned) in Arizona and Mexico was heavy. It was a lot to take in; one, just because we visited so many different organizations and two, for the gravity of it all. Returning home, it took some time to process it all. When we have experiences like this with Mission Journeys, it’s important to take time for this. It might be playing with your children, going on a hike, reading a fun book, laughing with friends, getting sucked into a TV series, or cuddling with your pets or all the above. The seven of us that went on this journey are spread throughout Pennsylvania and we talked about this through email after we got back. We also will meet on Zoom to catch up in February. We will talk about how our journey reflects us doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God (paraphrased Micah 6:8).

I’m looking to lead this journey again for our Conference in the future. If you’re interested, please reach out. Once plans are in place I will advertise.

Michelle Schwartzman
VIM Coordinator

vim@susumc.org
www.susmb.org/vim/
Facebook

Communications: The Power of Connection

Liz Lennox, Director of Communications SUSUMC & WPAUMC

During the second week of January, the extended cabinets from the Susquehanna, Western Pennsylvania, and West Virginia Conferences will come together at Jumonville Camp & Retreat Center in Hopwood, Pa., for their third annual joint cabinet retreat. The group will participate in professional development and strategic planning and while I can only speak for myself, I sense that others also might feel that the value of the time spent together goes beyond just the educational training we will receive. 

The ability to learn, fellowship, and worship with our colleagues outside of our own conference is a gift. When we do so, we deepen the connection that is a core value of The United Methodist Church - the Book of Discipline even tells us that our connectional system “enables us to carry out our mission in unity and strength.” When we come together, we’re granted the opportunity to see different perspectives and other ways to do ministry. We leave our time together with fresh ideas, renewed vision, and an awareness that we have a team of people beyond our conference boundaries. 

Last October, I had the opportunity to come together with other United Methodist communicators from around the country for the United Methodist Association of Communicators annual meeting, my first as a director of communications. I quickly recognized when talking to other communicators that we had all experienced similar challenges and frustrations, joys and triumphs. My soul felt lighter realizing that there were people I could relate to within the denomination, who knew exactly what I was experiencing and feeling. I came away assured that there are so many people who I can lean on and seek help from. 

Recently, our tri-conference collaboration went beyond Conference leadership. In early November, participants from the three conferences came together for Level Up, a learning and equipping event focused on new places for new people. The seed for this event was planted in the minds of the tri-conference congregational developers (Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kind, Ken Willard, and Rev. Rob Wilson), who have been a collaborative team for over two years. The three recognized the benefit of collaboration and mutual support because of their own continued work together, and dreamt up an event that would bring local church leaders together from all three conferences.

The two-day event involved keynote speakers, workshops, worship, games, and a dinner. Participants had the opportunity to get to know new people and many took advantage. At the end of the event, the three developers anointed and sent forward the participants. Rev. Wilson recounted that some came up in groups of two and three, joining together as they took the next steps in their ministry. He shared that two women from different conferences who had just met the day before also came up to be anointed together. This moment speaks to the relationships that can be built and perfectly demonstrates the power of our connection.

Embracing your own connection doesn’t have to be across conference or jurisdictional boundaries. You can urge your congregation to take intentional steps to connect with other churches nearby; join together for worship, create a Bible study or hobby group, or develop a shared ministry. Get creative! Additionally, you may consider connecting more fully with conference-level ministries like United Women in Faith or Volunteers in Mission. There are countless opportunities to more fully live into our United Methodist connection - you never know what you might discover about yourself, your neighbor, or our beloved denomination.