Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

May – 100 years ago 

On May 4, 1924, the Wyoming Conference dedicated the Scranton’s new West Park Methodist Episcopal Church at Oram Street and Bromley Avenue. This was a relocation of the Tripp Park congregation on Elizabeth Street, which sold their building in 1914 and worshiped in a temporary tabernacle at the site until the new building was finally ready. In 1976 the congregation became a two-point charge with Simpson, and in 1982 the congregations merged to become Simpson-West Park UMC worshiping in the Simpson building on North Main Avenue. In 2003, that congregation merged into Court Street. The Tripp Park Elizabeth Street building was purchased by the Polish National Church, and the West Park Oram Street building was sold to the Salvation Apostolic Temple – which later outgrew the facility and purchased the Simpson North Main Street building. The building that was dedicated May 4, 1924, was later razed and a modern house facing Bromley Avenue has been erected on the site.

June – 50 years ago 

The 1974 sessions of the Wyoming Annual Conference met June 4-7 at the University of Scranton. At least two of the reports indicate the Conference was still dealing with issues from the Hurricane Agnes flood of 1972.

Archives and History: “Plans are progressing to provide a suitable memorial in Forty Fort for those pastors whose bodies were washed away in the Agnes Flood of 1972.” [Included in that group were four former presidents of Wyoming Seminary whose remains were never recovered.]

Flood Relief Committee: “Our Committee has been providing financial help to people in the black community since the summer of 1972. Now, through cooperation with our Commission on Religion and Race, we are providing a parish worker. This is the first time Wyoming Conference has had a major program in a black community within the Conference boundaries.”

UM Foundation of PA Laity Leadership Academy

Allemansville UMC pastor Rev. Bob Ford (left) and Foundation of Pennsylvania Director of Relationships and Stewardship Development Rev. Barry Robison (right) presented Alice Brady (center) with a certificate of completion for the Laity Leadership Academy. 

In 2019 the United Methodist Foundation of Pennsylvania launched a Laity Leadership Academy designed to empower laity to lead the churches of our region in the ever-changing landscape of congregational life. Participants read some of the greatest books currently available on the topic, experience seminars led by the finest leaders in our conference, engage with one another in dialogue, and build relationships that provide support for the journey.

Each one of the Academies is structured around two modules. The first module is one year long, experienced together in several weekend retreats held at Mount Asbury in Newville. During these retreats, topics relevant to congregational leadership in the current culture are covered.

The second module is custom designed for each participant, allowing her or him to explore an area of leadership individually for which she or he is especially well equipped. That determination is made after an assessment of the participant’s spiritual gifts and strengths. That module is open-ended; it can be accomplished at whatever pace makes sense to the individual participant.

In total, the entire experience provides 100 hours of training.

Alice Brady, a member of Allemansville UMC in Fallentimber, Pa., was part of the fourth class to experience the Laity Leadership Academy, the first group of participants in the Susquehanna Conference after the merger of our foundations. For her project, Alice wrote a book of devotions drawing parallels between the life of a gardener and the life of faith. She illustrated the devotional thoughts with pictures featuring the adventures she experienced personally as a gardener. Each one of the devotions looked at some aspect of spiritual life and the insights that she discovered while tending her corner of God’s creation. Her pastor and mentor, Rev. Robert Ford, himself a published author, has also found insight into the life of the spirit that can be discovered by being attentive to creation. 

About her experience with the Laity Leadership Academy and her project, Alice writes, “I have been thinking long and hard about all of the topics that we covered. The units that took an in-depth look at our local congregations was extremely helpful, but I think that the most helpful were the ones where we really dug into what it meant to look outside of our local church and area and to be reminded that we are a global church. Looking at how we need to connect with one another allowed me to muse about how to make those connections and from that, came the idea of approachable conversations. Gardening allows for a great deal of connection with all sorts of people, those who have a passion for gardening and for those who admire the results but do not have a background in how it all occurs. Faith needs tending just as gardens do and for some, in the tending of their faith, they have come upon obstacles which have stopped them from growing. Linking my faith walk with my gardening efforts will, I hope, allow for approachable conversations to begin and to flourish.”

Alice is part of a long tradition in the Judeo-Christian faith community, a traditional that sees creation as God’s handiwork; a tradition that understands that knowledge of God can be found by being close to the created world. But it requires some special insight and sensitivity to discover that insight, and some special talent to be able to communicate that insight in words, which is ultimately a wonderful gift to the people of God. Alice possesses both that insight and that talent and has given us a priceless gift. 

UM Foundation of Pennsylvania Director of Relationships and Stewardship Development Rev. Barry Robison presented Alice Brady with a certificate of completion for the Laity Leadership Academy. 

On April 21 at Allemansville UMC, the Rev. Barry Robison, Director of Relationships and Stewardship Development at the Foundation presented Alice with a Certificate of Completion on behalf of Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the Board of Directors. Rev. Bob Ford also took part in the presentation.

The Laity Leadership Academy has been retooled to meet the needs of congregations who are experiencing hardship in this season. Now known as the Empowered Church Project, the program is designed to assist churches who struggle due to cultural shifting, the effects of the pandemic, and the dynamics within our denomination. If you would like more information about it, please contact the Dean of the Foundation School of Leadership, Dr. Joseph Patterson. He can be reached jpatterson@umfoundation.org.

Wellsboro United Methodist Church Embraces History of Resilience and Commitment to Community

By Liz Lennox, Director of Communications

Nestled on a corner in one of the most picturesque towns in Pennsylvania, The United Methodist Church of Wellsboro stands not just as a place of worship, but as a hub of community activity. This congregation is deeply proud of their history, while exemplifying what it means to be United Methodist in their commitment to community outreach.

Embracing a History of Resilience

The church has its roots in the tradition of circuit riding preachers in the Genesee Conference, which was organized in 1810. Incorporated in 1834 as The Methodist Episcopal Church in Wellsborough, the church’s long history reflects an ingrained spirit of faith and resilience. The first church building, described as a modest structure, was dedicated May 21, 1842, but burned to the ground in 1867. A second building was dedicated in 1869 but faced structural issues, leading to construction of the current building in 1905.

The church has developed a small but rich history center with artifacts from over the years. Some of the items include written narratives, photographs, directories, small bibles carried by soldiers, books, and so much more.

During a tour of the history center, Lay Leader Lori Albin brought attention to an emblem of the church’s historical resilience unearthed during the recent COVID-19 pandemic—a quilt from the 1918 influenza pandemic adorned with the signatures of congregation members of that era. This discovery inspired the creation of a companion signature quilt with signatures of the current members, demonstrating an abiding faith that has endured despite contemporary challenges. These quilts now hang on opposite walls of the church’s rotunda, and the symbolic nature bridges the past and present while serving as powerful testaments to the congregation’s lasting resilience and unity.

This quilt was created after the 1918 influenza pandemic featuring signatures of the church members.

This quilt was created after the recent COVID 19 pandemic featuring signatures of the church members.

A Commitment to the Community

The United Methodist Church of Wellsboro’s commitment to the community is evident in its long list of outreach programs. It houses the Wellsboro Area Food Pantry and hosts significant community groups like Narcotics and Alcoholics Anonymous, the Girl Scouts, and groups supporting those who are survivors of suicide or domestic violence. These programs underscore the church’s role as a crucial support system in Tioga County and acts as a place where people can feel safe to share their innermost vulnerabilities. 

It also provides space for community-oriented events and workshops, ranging from Bible studies to Tai Chi classes open to the public.

One of the church’s unique outreach initiatives provides love and support to people in the community. They do this by regularly placing teddy bears around town, adorned with tags printed by the congregation, that offer a word of hope and comfort. Other individuals hand-knit shawls for those who have suffered a loss or are battling an illness. These comfort items are blessed and prayed over before they are given out, and while those involved in these ministries don’t often see the impact of their labor because of the anonymous nature, they have on occasion received heartfelt gratitude from recipients across the community.

During important events in the community, such as the annual “Dickens of a Christmas” celebration, Wellsboro UMC throws open its doors and welcomes hundreds of visitors for musical performances and hospitality. 

When jokingly asked how the congregation has the time and energy for their vast outreach efforts, a small group of laity laughed but emphasized that it takes a lot of people working together. 

Pastor Elizabeth Jackson prays over new members.

A Diverse and Growing Family

The congregation prides itself on its congregational makeup, representing people of all ages, life experiences, and socioeconomic backgrounds; doctors and farmers, young families and long-time members, those confident in their faith and those still exploring. The congregation continues to see growth and regularly welcomes new members into their faith family. 

“What makes your church special?” the group was asked. They gave nearly identical responses to this question: their identity as a welcoming community is what makes them special. 

The United Methodist Church of Wellsboro represents more than just a place of worship; it is an active center for hope, unity, and outreach.  This church is not just a building; it’s a thriving, living community dedicated to serving and inspiring. The doors remain open, welcoming anyone seeking solace, support, or a chance to give back.

One Matters: Cove Forge UMC, Williamsburg

Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis presented the 2023 Altoona District One Matters Award to Cove Forge UMC in Williamsburg, represented by District Lay Leader Ken Bodle.

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 2023 One Matters Award for Altoona District was awarded to: 

Cove Forge UMC, Williamsburg

By Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, Altoona District Superintendent

There are many small churches in our Conference and in the Altoona District where I serve. I speak of those who may have around 20 people in worship. Cove Forge UMC, located just outside Williamsburg, Pa., is one such church. A beautiful country setting which borders on a “crick” with a nice picnic pavilion and someone with a knack for plants has established a nice little nook of a prayer garden at the corner of the church.

The One Matters Award celebrates those churches who have received, by profession of faith, a member after some years of not having done so. Cove Forge UMC received five. And for Cove Forge it isn’t just about membership, it’s about discipleship; it’s about growing people in Christ; and about people growing in their love and service of God and the Church.

Of the five, four had been attending regularly and were moved to become members—a membership not in name only, but one in which they have become more actively involved in the life of the church, in leadership and in hands-on service.

The fifth became a member as she reached out to the church and the pastor in her time of need, as a family member was approaching death. The pastor and church responded. A visit led to a funeral … which led to a baptism. The death of one family member led to new life for another. 

Personally, my favorite story is that of a mother and son who had attended for years. They became members when the son, a special needs young adult, desired to become a part of God’s kingdom. I celebrate with Cove Forge the gift of surrounding this child of God with the love of Christ, embracing and nurturing him with a faith that stirred within him the desire to make a public confession of what had already happened in their midst, a sense of belonging. I love this story, because of the valuing and inclusion of this young man. But I also love it because this young man’s faith and desire is what led his mother forward in her discipleship journey.

May Cove Forge and may all of our churches foster that sense of belonging; and may we value and recognize the gifts of all God’s children; and may we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world!

One Matters Award: Barts Centenary UMC, Littlestown

Rev. Cathy Boileau (right) presented the 2023 One Matters Award for the York District to Barts Centenary UMC in Littlestown, represented by Rev. Tammy Blose (center) and Lay Member Sharon Hedges (left).

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 2023 One Matters Award for York District was awarded to: 

Barts Centenary UMC, Littlestown

By Rev. Cathy Boileau, (former) York District Superintendent

In John 14, Jesus models us for us a significant ministry, the ministry of preparing a place. In the busyness of ministry we often overlook that ministry, and the fruit that it offers, to intentionally make time for prayer, thought, and planning, to prepare our spaces and ministries so that others outside the church might find a spiritual home.

Like most churches, Barts Centenary UMC was challenged during the COVID pandemic to make disciples for Jesus Christ, and live out the call to love neighbor as themselves. However, rather than just closing down and waiting for the pandemic to pass, led by their pastor, Rev. Tammy Blose, and some key leaders, the congregation used this time to reevaluate their ministries and purpose, with a strategic focus on three key areas:

Discipleship – Growing in spiritual depth as disciples, and with their pastor’s leadership, developing a clear and inviting pathway of discipleship. The pastor developed a mid-week prayer list and message, as well as helped create an inviting space next to the sanctuary which invited prayer and meditation for whomever might have need. The discipleship path: W.In, No Sin, Jump In, offers small group offerings, real communities of support, and help launching into ministry.

Hospitality – the church explored the possibilities and made the decision to renovate both their kitchen and social hall so that there might be a more inviting area for community meals and events. In order to make it happen, the congregation also generously supported the renovations so they could emerge into this next chapter debt free.

Outreach – the church has embarked on several new endeavors to minister to people in the community. A tragic accident that impacted one family in the community led to several levels of care extended by the congregation. The church is also exploring how to use their newly renovated space to build bridges with the community. The church has developed a new ministry called Hungry for More. Hungry for More offers people in the community a real time of connection and relationship building while sharing at the table. In addition, this older congregation supported the launching of a new contemporary worship service designed for younger worshipers.

This past year saw three new professions of faith, the first in several years, and on the Sunday following Annual Conference in which this One Matters Award was presented, children from several families were baptized. 

What is most inspiring about this story is not just new members, but the manner in which this congregation, led by their pastor, used the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic to prayerfully re-envision their facility and ministries, to move towards being a church that is more equipped to make disciples in the coming years.

One Matters Award: State Road UMC, Linden

Rev. Dr. Paul Amara (right) presented the 2023 One Matters Award for the Williamsport District to State Road UMC in Linden, represented by Pastor Elizabeth Jackson (left) and Lay Member Darlene Smith (center).

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 2023 One Matters Award for Williamsport District was:

State Road UMC, Linden

By Rev. Dr. Paul Amara, Williamsport District Superintendent

In October 2022, State Road UMC in Linden had concerns for their future.             

When the pastor reached out to the members of the church about their future, they started holding honest discussions. With the ongoing denominational conflict, 14 people had left the already small-membership church. Many thought that would be the end but while that was happening, seven members came back to the church with their families. 

In 2023, they started to grow their children’s ministry with eight children that started to attend every week. Five of those children were baptized and welcomed with open arms into the church. The church also received two new members. One new family started to attend after the invitation from someone in the congregation, and another family returned and is now actively involved. 

State Road UMC is filled with new life! The children have been eagerly learning about God and they memorized the Lord’s Prayer. They boldly join in with the rest of the congregation every week to recite the Lord’s Prayer. 

In February, the children’s Sunday School shared some love with the Presbyterian Home retirement community, sending beautifully decorated cards to the residents. 

Each month, the collection box fills up with donations for the local food bank, in an effort to love their neighbors. 

The church [was] planning something special for the veterans in the community, collecting socks for the homeless, and helping with the parish Vacation Bible School program. 

Even though resources are tight for them, the church continues to look for ways to be a beacon of hope in their community, sharing the love of Christ.

State Road UMC has become the light of Christ in their community. They may be a small rural church in the middle of nowhere, and the GPS may not be able help you find them easily, but their light shines brightly, their kind hearts continue to beat for Christ, and they are transforming lives. 

I am honored to present them with this One Matters Award on behalf of the [Susquehanna Annual Conference]! 

Please keep this rural, small-town, disciple-making church in your prayers! 

Mission Central Care Kits Have Global Impact.

At Mission Central, we are on a mission to connect God’s resources with human need, and one of the ways we accomplish this is through the distribution of Mission Central Kits. You may be wondering, what is in a Mission Central Kit and who receives these kits.

Mission Central has three types of kits: Mission Central Activity Kit, Mission Central Blessing Kit, and Mission Central Care Kit.

Each kit is filled with items identified to best meet the unique needs of the people we serve. Activity Kits are packed with school supplies and are given to local school districts, community groups, and even to students internationally through mission trips. Blessing Kits include resources for personal hygiene and comfort, such as deodorant, shampoo, rain ponchos, blankets, and water bottles. Many of these kits bless individuals experiencing homelessness. Care Kits include basic hygiene items such as combs, toothbrushes, and washcloths. These kits benefit individuals both locally and around the world.

In 2024, Mission Central already distributed 10,640 Care Kits to serve 31,920 individuals, a value of $127,000. The Care Kits traveled to several local organizations for distribution in Pennsylvania, and also to Honduras and Africa through international shipments. In Central Pennsylvania, Care Kits and Menstrual Kits were distributed through the Allison Hill Project which serves 150 people weekly in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Through the Hope for Haiti Foundation, Care Kits were given to refugee families arriving at the New American Welcome Center in York, Pennsylvania. Care Kits were also distributed to Honduran villages during a medical missions trip. 

Care Kits provide essential resources to those in need in our neighborhood and around the world. Our kit distributions would not be possible without the generous donations of kit items and the volunteers who give their time to assemble and pack kits. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Susquehanna Conference at this year’s Annual Conference to collect items for Mission Central Care Kits! Thank you for your continued support and partnership to connect God’s resources with human need. 

This year at Annual Conference we are collecting items for Mission Central Care Kits. You are invited as a Church to collect items and have your pastor or lay delegate bring them to Annual Conference. There will be a place in the Grand Ballroom at the Genetti Hotel to drop off donations as well as assemble kits from the collected items. 

Each Supervisory Area is asked to provide items used to build the Care Kits. See below for the list of items.

Conference Staff Changes

The Conference Disaster Response Coordinator Douglas Hoy, has taken a job with the PA Emergency Management Agency and has had to step away from his role with the Conference. We’re sorry to see him go, but glad that we will probably still work with him through various disaster response needs.

Helen Meyers, the State College Area Administrative Assistant will be retiring on May 1. Congratulations Helen! Alexis Perry will be the new State College Area AA and began training with Helen on April 22! Welcome Alexis!

Elsa Rodriguez, the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre Area Administrative Assistant relocated to the Lebanon area and stepped away from her position effective April 18. Valerie Simmons is the new Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area AA and began April 15. Welcome Valerie!

Jill Johnston, the Williamsport Area Administrative Assistant, was recently promoted to Senior Supervisory Area Administrative Assistant. Her wealth of experience makes her a knowledgeable training resource for all of our Area AAs. Congratulations Jill!

Rev. Jason Mackey will be leaving the Conference Benefits Administrator role and heading to Camp Hill UMC as a part-time associate pastor effective July 1. Thank you for your ministry among us at the conference office Jason! Chris Sims, Director of Seedling Ministry, will replace Jason.

Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, Altoona Area Superintendent, will be heading to First UMC, Hollidaysburg. She will be replaced by Rev. Lillian Smith, who comes to us from the Baltimore Washington Conference.

Rev. Dr. Paul Amara, Williamsport Area Superintendent, will be heading to Trucksville UMC. He will be replaced by Rev. Daniel Wilt, who is leaving St. Paul’s UMC, Lewisburg.

Connectional Ministries: Conference Season

By REV. DR. KATHLEEN E. KIND, Director of Connectional Ministries

It is Conference season! General, Annual, and Jurisdictional Conferences have happened, are about to happen, or are just around the corner. Our Conferences are opportunities to reconnect and to do our work of holy conferencing. When we gather, there is business to be accomplished. There is always business. But, the reason we gather to care for this business is so that we have our structure and organization in place so that we focus on our mission of being followers of Jesus who are making new followers of Jesus. 

As we look forward to our Annual Conference May 30 - June 1, I invite us to begin to prepare to make a positive impact on the Williamsport community. Whether we are commuting or staying in area hotels, carrying our meals from home or eating in the local restaurants we do have the opportunity to reflect Christ to everyone we meet. We have the opportunity to extend grace when there are lines waiting to get checked in or get a table. We have the opportunity to be kind as we interact with staff who are serving us in the Community Arts Center, hotels, and restaurants. We have the opportunity to bring contagious joy to one another and those we meet. It is my hope and prayer that during this Conference season that others will know that we are followers of Jesus because of the ways in which we how our love to one another. 

It will be good to see each other at Annual Conference. I look forward to seeing what God is doing among as the harvest certainly is plentiful. 

Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference

July 8-12, 2024   -   Pittsburgh, PA

THEME: OVERFLOWING WITH HOPE

www.nejumc.org