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Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Remembering Our Heritage
Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
November – 100 years ago
On November 23, 1924, the Robertsdale Methodist Episcopal Church, in Huntingdon County, dedicated a two-story addition to its 1890 structure, making it a modern building of 11 rooms in addition to the sanctuary. The two-point Robertsdale charge then included Robertsdale (87 members) and Woodvale (147). Faced with declining membership and attendance, the congregation held its final service October 17, 2004, and the property reverted to the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company. For several years the building then served as home to the expanded museum of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Historical Society. In 2021 the building moved full circle. The museum returned to the town’s movie theater, which it had been renting to the Reality Church of God, and that congregation now owns and occupies the former Methodist building at Robertsdale.
December – 50 years ago
December 1, 1974, found 1500 youth from across the conference catching their collective breaths following a most successful all-day Youth Rally at Susquehanna University that included worship led by Bishop John B. Warman, two concerts by the 36-voice youth choir “New Voices” (one in formal attire and one in casual dress) of Harrisburg, witness by voice and instrument of noted blind pianist Duncan Holmes of Dallas, TX (who is still giving concerts and gospel programs), and a showing of the movie “A Thief in the Night” followed by a panel discussion. The event was organized by Rev. Guy Baer, conference coordinator of youth ministries, and included participation from pastors Paul Stambach, Louis Barth, Bruce Fisher, and Russell Hart. Also involved were Mrs. Geraldine Heilman of the Woman’s Board of Global Ministries, Conference CCYM president Michelle Kane, and youth representative on the Commission on Enlistment Beth North. The emphasis of the event was to encourage believers to commit themselves to experiencing and sharing the love of Jesus – whether as lay persons or in the ordained ministry.
Mission Central Disaster Response We Need Your Help!
The United States has been hit hard by weather-related disasters in 2024. We have seen devastation at levels we haven’t experienced for almost a decade. Throughout this year, we have resourced over 6,000 Flood Buckets, valued at almost $500,000. With our latest shipment to those areas hit by Hurricane Helene, we have NO Flood Buckets left in the building. We usually have several thousand Flood Buckets on hand, to be prepared to send at all times. Unfortunately, our shelves are now empty. We ask for your help in replenishing those supplies, as we expect this is not the end of the need and response in 2024.
If you have been around Mission Central for a while, you might have heard us say that we never send items without being asked. This is imperative during a disaster. The organizations on the ground know the needs best, know what they can handle, and know the right timing.
It’s our human nature to want to help and to help as soon as we can. But, if we want to help in the right way and ensure the supplies and funds are stewarded well, we have to wait for the organizations we work with to tell us when, where, and specifically what they need. It will be done in God’s perfect timing.
In order to help us handle these tremendous requests, you can:
Donate funds to help us quickly purchase bulk supplies, and adapt quickly to changing needs – donate here.
Donate Flood Bucket and Hygiene Kit supplies (seen on our website: missioncentral.org/kits-projects-and-patterns/) by purchasing in-store, hosting a collection, or shopping from our Amazon Wish List.
Pray for those affected and visit www.missioncentral.org to see other ways to help and to stay up-to-date on Mission Central’s activities.
Celebrating Patricia Frye and Her 10 Years of Ministry in CRM
“Earlier, I worked for travel agencies. I was between positions when a colleague showed me a job opening at the Conference office for the Camp and Retreat Ministry Registrar and Admin. It was perfect timing. I thought to myself that if I could send people to the Caribbean, I could send kids to camp!
It is a joy to serve in a way that is truly beneficial for others. I have really cherished working with the people at the Conference. The atmosphere is uplifting and collaborative. We care about each other and it’s like family.
Getting kids to camp is deeply gratifying, especially for those who really need a loving camp experience. It makes such a difference in their lives.”
Jack Hoover elected as Co-Chair of NEJCYM
High school senior Jack Hoover, a life-long United Methodist and member of Aldersgate UMC in Mechanicsburg, PA, was elected as Co-Chair of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Council on Youth Ministry at the 2024 NEJ Youth Convocation, held in Pittsburgh, PA, in July.
At Aldersgate, Jack teaches K-5 Sunday School and occasionally shares a message of faith with his Youth Group. He’s also been involved in dramas for worship and he was a Lead Now Intern. Conference-wide, Jack has attended multiple church camps at Wesley Forest, Greene Hills, and Camp Penn and in addition to being a camper, he serves as a counselor for elementary camps. “I am very passionate about our conference camping program.” Jack also participated in the VIM McCurdy Mission Trip to New Mexico in August and is a member of the SUSUMC Young People’s Ministry Council.
When asked what he hopes to gain from his experience with NEJCYM, Jack replied, “I want to grow as a leader and become a better advocate for Christ,” —which reflects the mission of NEJCYM: Empowering youth to become leaders and grow in their faith.
Faith Stronger than Fire
By Rev. Renee Ford
On September 14, 2024, Woodycrest United Methodist Church in the State College District faced a devastating fire that left the sanctuary and older parts of the building destroyed, with significant damage throughout. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, one thing is clear: Woodycrest’s faith and mission remain unshaken.
The story of Woodycrest UMC began in 1936, during the Great Depression. A small group of 18 charter members came together in their homes to worship and serve. Over the years, Woodycrest grew into a beacon of love and service, known for community events and ministries like the “Free for All” thrift store and the Little Free Pantry. Yet, on September 14, their legacy faced a severe test. The fire destroyed the sanctuary, leaving heavy damage throughout the building. Miraculously, the bushes outside the sanctuary, right next to the place where the fire started, burned but were not consumed—an echo of the burning bush in Exodus, a clear sign of God’s presence.
This moment reminds us of Moses standing on holy ground, confronted by a burning bush that was ablaze yet unconsumed. It was here that God’s voice called Moses into something greater. Today, we, too, stand on holy ground. The fire impacted Woodycrest UMC’s building, but it did not consume their spirit, hope, or mission. The predominantly working-class membership embodies a deep, resilient faith that reflects the spirit of Woodycrest’s people—a congregation that has always been about more than its building.
Less than 48 hours after the fire, Woodycrest gathered for an outdoor service on September 15. Now, as they continue to navigate this season of transition, the church has chosen to hold services in the township’s meeting room when we had several offers to worship in neighboring church facilities. This space is not just a temporary solution; it’s an opportunity to reach neighbors who have shown support and asked how they can help. It’s an invitation to welcome them into the faith community. Just as the Israelites wandered and waited while their temple was rebuilt, Woodycrest is embracing this time as a call to deeper connection and outreach with God and our neighbors.
The church is actively communicating its revitalization plan to the Susquehanna Conference, seeking permission to rebuild. This process is about more than restoring the building—it’s about renewal of faith and mission. As Moses asked, “Who am I to go forward?” and God responded, “I will be with you,” Woodycrest also finds strength in knowing they do not walk this path alone. Isaiah 43:2 reminds them, “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Pastors and church members who have faced similar trials understand that recovery is more than replacing walls; it’s about finding God in the flames and being transformed. The fire does not have the last word, and it will not. God’s presence, found even in the ashes and unconsumed bushes, points to a future full of hope and action.
Woodycrest UMC invites your prayers and support as they wander through this wilderness phase. This is not just a moment to rebuild the physical church but to strengthen faith and continue living out the church’s mission of love and service.
In this challenging season, Woodycrest UMC stands as a testament that the fire does not get the last word. God does. And just like Moses, the church responds: “Here I am, Lord.” Ready to rebuild. Ready to follow. Ready to stand on holy ground.
Website: woodycrest-umc.org/
15th Street UMC celebrates 150 years in ministry
By Pastor Barbara Servello
The 15th Street United Methodist church in Huntingdon, PA, recently celebrated their 150th birthday with a weekend of events.
Saturday, September 14, there was an outdoor music and picnic celebration along with children’s activities and fellowship. Musical groups performing were: The 15th Street UMC Choir, Beth Querry, Huntingdon Community Choir (Music, Music, Music), Neil Barben and The Servello Family.
The front lawn of the church was where the celebration took place. Two of the oldest members of the church were there and conversation was centered around Mary Gladfelter and Ed Mansberger. Gladfelter, who celebrated her 100th birthday July 4, 2024, remembered Ed Mansberger, 89, and his family walking to church on Sunday mornings and that was how she knew it was time to go to church as well.
Gladfelter began attending 15th Street UMC at the age of 10 becoming a member at 19 years of age. Mansberger was born into the church and joined at age 11. Mansberger said he has been attending there for “As long as I have been alive, except for two years of military service. I have so many wonderful memories.”
Sunday, September 15, began at nine o’clock with donuts and coffee on the lawn and a special worship service at 10:30am featuring former pastors giving remembrances of their time at the church.
The District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith, gave the sermon, speaking about being the light of Jesus Christ in our neighborhood and community.
There was a dedication to the church’s longest living members, Mary Gladfelter being a member for 81 years and Ed Mansberger a member for 78 years.
Following the service there was a spaghetti luncheon served by the men’s Sunday School class.
The Anniversary Committee members were: Pastor Barbara Servello, Jack Servello, Mike & Cindy Knott, Trudy McElwain (Church Historian), Renee Lucas, Pat Beck, Peggy Hoffman, Shirley Scott, Sue Stratton, Gretchen Booker, Sharon Hendricks, Sue Glenny, and Chris Querry.
Wood for Good
By Rev. James Jacobs
As Pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church in the State College District, I asked the parishioners to start thinking about out-of-the-box outreach opportunities considering the traditional methods of outreach didn’t seem to be working.
The congregation wholeheartedly agreed and formulated an outreach team to come up with new, innovative, and different ways to reach out to our community. Two pages of ideas later several of those out of the box projects have been implemented, some worked and some didn’t.
An outreach program idea one of the parishioners came up with is called “Wood for Good”.
This parishioner approached me with concern for the many people that heat their homes with firewood who either can’t go out in the woods to cut anymore, don’t have the availability of open forest lands to go cut in, or can’t afford to buy firewood.
The parishioner (Craig) asked, “Do you think this is something we might explore?” Considering I believe that “empowered people do great things” I told the parishioner, “It’s your idea, you run with it and we will support you.”
Within 3 months we now have an established “Wood for Good” program. Craig tirelessly worked to formulate a detailed implementation plan, a safety plan, and wrote a grant to the Department of Agricultural which has a green heating imitative. The project received a $10,000 grant to purchase the equipment needed to implement the initiative.
Craig then formed a team of parishioners that have built firewood storage racks and contacted local landscapers and tree trimming companies that have agreed to deliver trees that have been cut down for use in the initiative.
A group of men and women from the church cut and split the donated wood each month.
We started collecting names of folks that would like to receive wood from the people that come to our church food bank. The need was clearly there and our list of folks that have requested support with free firewood is growing, not only from our food bank visitors but others in the community.
This initiative is a classic case of a parishioner coming up with an out-of-the-box-idea, the pastor empowering the parishioner to take charge, and we now have an initiative that is fulfilling a community need. The hands and feet of Jesus Christ...using a chain saw and wood splitter!
New Places - New People: Mainesburg UMC “Messy Church”
At the 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the New Places - New People Award was given to a church in each district that has experimented with new ways to build relationships and make new disciples. God is calling each of us to be in relationship with others and our churches are commissioned to go to our immediate neighbors as well as the ends of the earth to make new disciples. We celebrate with these churches and the ministries that they are engaging as they offer new places for new people. If you would like to learn more about New Places - New People, there are courses in Portico, our online learning platform that is located on the Conference website. You can access Portico directly here: https://susumc.org/portico/.
Mainesburg UMC “Messy Church” (Williamsport District)
In a small town, a small church felt the call to reconnect with its community. This church longed to better establish and reestablish relationships with families in the surrounding area, especially multi-generational families. This is how Mainesburg UMC began its ministry called “Messy Church.”
If you haven’t heard of Messy Church, I invite you to look online where you can find websites, books, and curriculum to help get this intergenerational experience started.
At Mainesburg, Messy Church meets once a month and engages 40-45 people at each gathering. From newborns to people 88 years old, this is a worship gathering that reflects the community around them. Each month families return because their kids insist that they go to Messy Church.
It is in a gathering like this that a little child can learn about the cross that God used to save her and that this type of church allows for her to wander through all the spaces looking for the different crosses that adorn the church.
It is also in this Messy Church experience that a woman who has been hurt by a church and denied communion was finally able to find healing and receive this beautiful means of grace. Her journey has taken her beyond just Messy Church—she also connects to a weekday devotional group.
Mainesburg has found a way to take the Messy Church model and make it their own. Through the activities, the worship, the meals and stepping out into this new place for new people, Mainesburg has been able to answer that call to better connect with their community.
While churches really can be messy, Mainesburg has found a way to redeem the word messy and to help bring the healing and wholeness of Jesus to their community. In a small town, a small church didn’t let their size or the distance to their neighbors prevent them from creating an experience where people could not only encounter God, but that youngest among them would insist they go to worship at Messy Church. Thanks Mainesburg UMC for stepping out in faith to create New Places for New People.
One Matters Award: Holy Trinity UMC, Troy (Williamsport District)
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 2024 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 2024:
Altoona District
Claysburg UMC Charge
Harrisburg District
Fishing Creek Salem UMC
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District
Mehoopany UMC
State College District
Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC
Williamsport District
Holy Trinity UMC
Holy Trinity UMC, Troy (Williamsport District)
Rev. Paul Amara, former Superintendent
There are so many mission-oriented churches in the Williamsport Supervisory Area. It’s always difficult to choose one among the many for recognition for the One Matters Award.
This year, Holy Trinity United Methodist Church, located in Troy, was chosen for several reasons. Pastor Ken Brown is their pastor.
This church is growing! In 2023, nine new adult members joined the church with a profession of faith, including one baptism.
On Pentecost Sunday, the church also confirmed eight young people, six of which received membership in the church. This included baptizing three confirmands.
Kathy, the pastor’s wife, was their confirmation teacher, and at the youth’s request, with parental assistance, they started a youth fellowship program to allow the youth to continue to stay together.
On July 1, 2023, the youth met for their first meeting, and decided they wanted to meet weekly, immediately after worship on Sundays. Each week, they now gather with some of the youth members’ parents, who provide them with a meal and lesson.
This Youth group started with 8 members and at the end of 2023 the group had grown to 12 in participation. As a group, they also take part in conducting worship, often performing duties of reading scripture, as well as ushering, serving as acolytes, and playing music. They led the Tenebrae service on Good Friday.
The fellowship performs service projects and takes fun trips together. They have fundraisers and sales to benefit them monetarily, as they agreed to stay financially independent from the church.
The Youth also participate in several other mission activities.
They provide over 150 bags of food for the children in the Troy School District each week. With these programs, the Holy Trinity church is doing its part to help end food insecurity for the children in the Troy area.
The Holy Trinity church is growing and has become a beacon of hope and leader in the local community. With God’s grace they will continue to grow and bring the message of Jesus Christ to the Troy community and beyond.
May God continue to bless their ministries and missions.
It’s all about Jesus
Following is the sermon outline of Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith upon her installation as the Altoona District Superintendent, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, held at St. Paul UMC in Chambersburg. View the service here. (Sermon begins at 1:11:30)
By Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith, Altoona District Superintendent
John 10:11-16 NIV
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”
Acts 10: 44-48
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
This evening, we stand in the steps of those who have gone before us. We have inherited the faith and congregations of people who have gone before us. We stand in the legacy of faith of those who worked in mines, those who worked on the railroads, those who were teachers, those who were farmers, and those who served in the military. We worship in congregations that were started by individuals who sacrificed land and resources so that people in our generation could have a place to worship the Lord.
I, like you, stand on the shoulders of those giants of faith who have gone before me. So, I call the roll of family members who were in this Methodist tradition of Christianity: I call Rosetta and Francis Asbury Webb. I call Leah and Edward Poole. Tonight, I remember Eula and Charlie Smith. I remember Lillie and Hayward Webb, and I remember my parents, the late Doris and Rev. C. Jasper Smith. All of them passed on a vibrant understanding and witness of Christianity in the Methodist movement.
I call the roll of churches from which I descend: New Hope, Mount Elon, Cumberland, Asbury in Easton MD, Wattsville VA, Mount Calvary and Asbury in Washington, DC.
I am truly thankful for those who passed on a faith which has held me and kept me to this day.
I am going to talk on the topic of following the Good Shepherd.
In the gospel of John, Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. It is Jesus who not only protects the sheep but also protects the door to the sheepfold. The sheepfold is an open area that was surrounded in some way, such as by stones that were built up like a little wall and sometimes would be topped with thistles and thorns, and it had one door by which the sheep could go in and out. It was the Good Shepherd who stood in front of the door to make sure that the enemies, the predators—those things that wanted to destroy the sheep—could not come in.
An interesting thing about sheep is that sheep are not too smart. They are vulnerable and are easily attacked and destroyed by wolves, cougars, bears, foxes and other animals.
Humans are very like sheep, in that we have an enemy of our soul that is trying to destroy us. People are very vulnerable and they need protection.
There’s a story of Shrek the sheep that became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone having shorn it. When he was finally shorn, his fleece weighed an amazing 60lbs—50 lbs more than normal and enough to make twenty men’s suits.
Shrek carried six times the regular weight of his fleece simply because he was away from his shepherd. It took a professional sheerer less than a half hour to rid him of his burden. We can get weighed down with the effects of sin and the attacks of the enemy, but if we follow the Good Shepherd, he will take care of us.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the savior of our souls. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through him.
The passage in John reminds us also that Jesus said that he has other sheep who are not a part of this fold; people in our communities that are vulnerable and need protection. There are people today who need to be freed from the weight of sin and pain. They need the Good Shepherd.
In these times in which we find ourselves, we need to follow the Good Shepherd, and we need to bring others with us.
We will soon be the Freedom Trail District. In this district, freedom was fought for at the Gettysburg Battlefield. In this district, President Abraham Lincoln shared the Gettysburg Address. In this district, people sought freedom through the Underground Railroad.
From Raystown Lake to Gettysburg Battlefield, we are going to reach more people for Jesus Christ. In the boroughs, towns, cities, mountains, valleys, and farmlands of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Franklin, Fulton, and Huntingdon Counties let’s go and tell lost sheep about the Shepherd from Galilee. Let’s usher them into a relationship with the good shepherd. We are called to share God’s love and the good news of the gospel with our neighbors, our family members, friends, and associates.
In these perilous times, people need the Lord. We need to get past our arguing. We need to put our eyes back on Jesus and do what he calls us to do.
We are called to reclaim an understanding of the mission of the church. Every congregation is called by God to make disciples of all people, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them all that Jesus taught us.
A lot of what we talk and bicker about takes our attention off our mission. There are sheep in our neighborhoods who need to come into the sheepfold of our God.
Beloved, it’s about Jesus, it’s not about us.
In this district, one congregation provided a gift bag for 600 students of their neighborhood and provided a back-to-school meal to the teachers. Another congregation provides a middle-of-the-day kids club at their church so that children can come to know, love, and follow Jesus.
The scripture passage for the District Conference was Matthew 9:35-38. In our charge conferences we share in a Lectio Divina to reflect on the passage, and it is reminding us to go to the least and the lost—regardless of whether we agree or not—and love who God loves.
Every congregation, every congregation, is called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. To make disciples, we need to be disciples, spending time with Jesus to learn more of Him. Disciples imitate Jesus in ministry. Disciples invite others on the journey.
One of the on-boarding questions for me was, “What are your missional priorities?” My missional priorities are to:
- Increase the level of prayer in the churches of the new Freedom Trail District.
- Help congregations grow in their discipleship. Bible study, small groups, and other gatherings that help us grow in our faith.
- Help congregations engage or re-engage their neighbors.
- Increase outreach and evangelism.
We cannot combat the Enemy on our own, through programs or slogans. It is only by the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit that we will be able to contend with powers and principalities as we pray and fight for our families, communities, and our nation.
The following things are needed:
- Reclamation of God’s Kingdom mandate.
- Renew and Strengthen relationship with God -Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Engage our communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Get to know our neighbors.
- Get past our fear of sharing our faith.
- Intentionally cultivate relationships with others outside our churches
- Embrace the Christian understanding of what it means to be in ministry with our communities, following the direction of and yielding to the Holy Spirit.
What would it look like? It would look like the kingdom of God on earth.
It is my prayer and expectation that God will move in mighty ways in this district, conference, and entire area.
Holy Spirit, do it again. Holy Spirit, have your way. Holy Spirit we’re asking for fresh wind and fresh fire. Lead us where you want to, not where we want to. Holy Spirit, have your way! Amen.
Camp and Retreat Ministry: New Vision Forward Director for CRM
By Kevin Witt Director of Age Level Ministry / Beloved Community Ministry / Camp & Retreat Ministry
Beginning in January of 2025, Charlie Renner will be transitioning from his role as Center Director at Greene Hills Camp and Retreat Center to a new team role as the Vision Forward Director within Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM). This new position reflects major steps underway to reach new young people and families in collaboration with local churches, enhance facilities and expand programming, enrich volunteer and staff training and preparation, build new relationships and partnerships with growing communities of color, and deepen the Christian missional focus and effectiveness of these important ministries. The Vision Forward Director will specifically facilitate follow through to keep the ministry staff and volunteer leaders moving forward on the vision, new directions, and master plan for CRM.
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Charlie shares the following thoughts and hopes as he enters this new role:
“First, I am thrilled to be continuing my involvement with Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries. I have personally witnessed the tremendous benefits these experiences provide to campers and guests both related to their journey and their inspiration to share Christ’s love and grace with others in their daily lives. It is vital that we extend these opportunities to new people in new places and steward this ministry forward to fulfill its mission in fresh ways for long-term connection, relevance, and vitality. I feel blessed to be serving as part of our core team as we prayerfully discern and carry out the next steps in strategic planning as we launch a new chapter for Camp and Retreat Ministry.
There have been so many dedicated volunteers over the years who have been integral to the power of this ministry. Community and service are such vital parts of what Camp and Retreat Ministry offers. I cherish the opportunity to celebrate, nurture and create fresh avenues for even more people to find joy and purpose through serving in ways that help them use their own passions and gifts to transform lives. What a blessing it has been to serve at Greene Hills and to bring the heart of those experiences forward in the ongoing impact of Camp and Retreat Ministry here in our Conference. Thanks to all who have and continue to support me in life and ministry.”
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Preaching Justice In Light of The Entire Gospel
George Floyd International Memorial, Minneapolis, MN.
By Rev. Ryan K. Gephart, Peace with Justice Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference UMC and Preaching Justice Fellow with The Center for Faith and Justice
At Conference Superintendent Lillian Smith’s Installation, a Haitian Choir that is part of a Haitian Church that meets at First UMC, Chambersburg, sang some beautiful anthems. The inspiring music was part of a Spirit-filled installation worship service. As the choir was introduced, a disturbing thought entered my mind that would not have even occurred to me months ago. I wondered, due to everything that has occurred in political discourse in American politics and especially in light of what has happened in Springfield, OH, if the Haitian community in Chambersburg was safe. I wondered if First UMC, Chambersburg has had any fallout from hosting our brothers and sisters in Christ from Haiti. I pray that these random thoughts have not occurred in real life. However, to even have these brief notions disturbed me. It reminded me that “othering” or scapegoating is alive and well in America. It reminded me that the experiences I have had being part of the Faith and Justice Preaching Fellowship these past months have only reinforced that much work, guided by the Holy Spirit, needs to be done to combat the recurring problem of blaming others (especially the marginalized and disenfranchised) for difficulties in society.
My fellowship cohort leader, Rev. Tyler Sit, was our main presenter on the first night of our in-person fellowship gathering in Minneapolis, MN. He relayed to us that, “empire has a way of making even new communities for marginalized communities turn into what it was not for; hence we need places where we encounter God with worship that has inner transformation and justice which has outer transformation (personal piety and social holiness).” Rev. Sit is the lead pastor at Northeast UMC “which celebrates and affirms the LGBTQ+ community. Many of their leaders, including their pastor, are queer. In affirming the LGBTQ+ community, they remember that God is love (1 John 4:7).” (from their website https://northeastumc.com/) Northeast UMC is one of the fastest growing churches in the Minnesota Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Approximately 60% of their members identify as queer. “Northeast UMC strives to be an actively anti-racist community. Their Embodied Anti-Racism programming is a core part of following Jesus, who came to liberate the oppressed and set captives free (Luke 4:18). Northeast UMC loves the earth, and they strive to counteract climate change in both policy and practice. They converted their yard to a garden. They believe the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1-2).” (from their website https://northeastumc.com/) Northeast UMC is the embodiment of attracting people who are not seeking to make the great commission of making disciples for Jesus Christ into building their own chiefdom or empire. They, instead, build beloved Christ-following communities as a United Methodist Church. These communities are, as Rev. Sit states, seeking to bring people into inner transformation through worship and outer transformation through justice work. As their new community grows they seek to not forget that as people made up of historically marginalized groups, that they themselves will not turn into empire builders, but beloved community people following Christ.
As I reflect on my experience with the fellowship over the first two months of our work, I continue to ask the question: Does Great Commission theology as we practice it build the beloved community or are we empire building in the name of Jesus Christ? You see as Peter Choi one of the leaders of the Center for Faith and Justice stated in day two of our in-person fellowship, “Great Commission theology for American Christianity is a profitable business that makes for a great excuse for empire building, slogan making, and money making while it is actually killing us (church and clergy).” I worry that in the name of making disciples, we will stay silent when justice issues of “othering”/scapegoating come up. I also worry that great commission theology, that is based on the end of the Gospel from Matthew, does not and will not see making disciples through the lens of the entire Gospel of Matthew. A Gospel that includes the Beatitudes and the Sermon on the Mount. Instead great commission theology, if not coupled with transformation and justice work (Sermon on the Mount teaching and theology), has and will be about American Church empire building. If new disciples are about being part of the transformation of the world to be more like the Sermon on the Mount, then we are part of God’s beloved community kingdom work.
If church growth ends up being about personal empire building disguising itself as making disciples but really is about building power, then the results have and will be disastrous for the church. Not only will it be disastrous, it has and will make churches and clergy ill (see Duke clergy health studies) while actually not providing sustainable growth. Sustainable growth that reaches new generations must be authentic in places and churches that seek to be disciples who try to embody the Sermon on the Mount and beloved community principles through justice work. If it is not, then current and new generations will “turn the channel” on us. They will see us as trying to make a buck selling a product (American Christian empire building) instead of offering a way of life following Jesus.
One of the most moving experiences of the in-person fellowship gathering was our visit to the George Floyd International Memorial. The visit was solemn and started at the “Say Their Names Cemetery.” Channel 5 ABC news KTSP described the cemetery in this fashion: “In an open green space off 37th Street in south Minneapolis, a unique memorial has appeared. It’s called the “Say Their Names” cemetery. Each of the 100 graves is inscribed with the name of an African American who was killed by law enforcement.” Since its inception in 2020, the cemetery has had to add more names of those who are victims (and this does not even come close to the countless victims we do and do not know of throughout American history). As we started the journey, I pondered the prophetic question of the Scriptures: How long O Lord must this continue? How long will the church say the right things and be present for a brief moment but then move on to business as usual? A business that cannot be about disciples who are disaffected by the world’s injustices. How will I be transformed to strive for more beloved community work in my life as I follow Christ?
Our journey continued around the area till we stopped at the convenience store named Cup Foods where George Floyd’s life was taken by Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis Police Officer. The experience, which was a pilgrimage, felt jarring. On the one hand, Faith and Justice Center had properly contacted local people/leaders and prepared for us not to be tourists but true pilgrims (much in the light of what the Susquehanna Conference has been doing). The sharing, the story-telling, the witnesses, and the poets leading and being with us allowed it to be a pilgrimage. On the other hand, we were still visiting the site where someone brutally lost their life. This felt disconcerting and left a “pit in my stomach.” One major learning of the pilgrimage time was about those who have been left behind in the years following George Floyd’s death and the protests in the aftermath. In the present, many of the community businesses and people who were witnesses to the crime have been struggling financially and mentally with little to no resources supporting them. Many groups made money for their causes off of what occurred, however, the local people and community have been left behind. Again, questions of transformative justice flood my soul and leave me struggling. The causes and movements that continued or were born out of what happened are mostly noble and important. Justice work has come about from those areas. Yet, why are the people living and working in that area abandoned?
Peter Choi, in his presentation, spoke to the fact that there are four endings to the Gospels. We do not have just Matthew’s Great Commission ending but also Luke’s call to stay until the Holy Spirit comes. We have John’s Gospel ending which calls us to follow the way of Christ. Mark’s ending which leaves us perplexed, afraid, and with hearts trembling. Peter Choi points out that to look at most American Christian mission statements, you would think there is only one ending to the story after Jesus’ resurrection. However, there are four endings to the Gospels. What would it look like for the community around George Floyd memorial square if Christians heard the Gospel ending from Luke that called people to stay? How would that community have benefitted if American Christians embraced a stay and work with the Holy Spirit attitude? How would the feeding my sheep/following Jesus ending to the Gospel of John have benefited the community in the area of George Floyd’s death?
None of these questions come with easy answers. I struggle with what my next steps in the work of faith and justice will be as I live out my call as a disciple of Jesus Christ. With that said, I think we need to examine if our Great Commission theology and mission statement truly embodies disciples who will be about transforming the world. Do we read the Gospel of Matthew’s ending through the lens of Jesus’ teachings (Sermon on the Mount of Matthew) or are we empire building, even if it is attempted empire building because we are afraid of our own demise? Do we need some more stay with the Holy Spirit, feed my sheep by following Christ, and even yes some fear and trembling theology and discussion to bring about healthy followers of Christ? I know I do!
The journey we are on following Christ as United Methodists is in a time of transition (you have probably heard that said before). I believe that all of Wesleyan theology and practices speaks to this time and can be our guide to being the church that welcomes new people as we follow Christ. If we embrace our heritage of acts of devotion, worship, compassion, and justice (works of piety and mercy in private and public ways); then we will not be about building an empire but following Christ. This is the call of the Church. And as its call, we are not told to just do the first three acts if the fourth is too hard and controversial. No, if justice is placed on the sidelines then the Church is not authentically living out its mission. It is not always easy to live out the Wesleyan Christian way of life but it is our call as United Methodists. In my first two months of fellowship learning, I am more affirmed in that calling. I continue to look forward to the ways I will be challenged by others in my cohort and in the entire preaching faith and justice community.
Enhance your new member classes with the Belong series
Dear claity (clergy & lay leaders) of the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area,
May grace and peace from Christ be with you.
Understanding and celebrating who we are as followers of Christ and United Methodists is key to fruitful discipleship, missional unity, and impact. As we strengthen our identity as disciples, the Holy Spirit unleashes us to live the gospel and be God’s love with our neighbors in all places.
Recently, Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church released the Belong series, a comprehensive suite of resources designed to introduce new disciples and help current disciples deepen their engagement with the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion and their commitment to our membership vows.
The Belong booklets offer a dynamic layout with approachable language for new members, small groups, Sunday school, and confirmation classes. These guides:
- Encourage personal reflection and group discussion.
- Use accessible language and dynamic visuals to bring theological concepts to life.
- Provide practical applications for integrating sacramental practices into daily life.
- Soon, they will be available in 11 different languages.
These resources can:
- Enhance faith formation and new member classes.
- Transform abstract theological concepts into relatable, lived experiences.
- Support discipleship growth by highlighting the Wesleyan doctrines of grace and salvation.
I encourage clergy, youth, and Christian education leaders in our congregations to prioritize incorporating this new resource into their discipleship strategy. Later this winter, we will release a companion piece with ideas and session outlines on how to use these resources in your new membership classes and small groups. The first companion piece will be on Membership Vows.
I am happy to share that you will receive 20% off when you order five or more of any of the Belong titles by using the coupon code: HECTOR during check out (my gift to you!)You can learn more and order your Belong booklets here.
Together, we are nurturing passionate disciples of Jesus Christ who embody faith, love, mercy, and justice in their everyday lives the Wesleyan way.
Always remember that we all belong to God, and through God, we belong to one another.
Together in mission,
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
The United Methodist Church
Serving the Susquehanna & Upper New York Area
Monday, November 4, 2024
Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope in the State College District
By Pastor Robin Fillmore
From August 31 to September 2, 2024, clergy and laity of the
Susquehanna Conference embarked upon a Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope in the State
College area. This was the second Pilgrimage hosted as an expression of the
Conference’s Commission on the Beloved Community.
On this journey, the participants heard from compelling
storytellers who spoke of the injustices faced by BIPOC persons (Black,
Indigenous, and people of color) in the past and present day. The intention for
holding these annual events is to explore and reflect upon the geography,
history and stories of the people they are called to serve—stepping transformed
together into a future that is faithful.
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As they traveled through the State College District, they
heard first from Kathy Pletcher, an enrolled tribal member of the Band River
Bend of Lake Superior Ojibwe and local activist on issues supporting Native
Americans on the Penn State main campus and in the community. A guided tour
through the Palmer Museum of Art introduced the participants to the work of
local indigenous artists, which was followed by a panel discussion with Penn
State faculty member, Drs. Tony Leach, SeriaShia Chatters and Darrin Thornton
on the racial history of “We Are” for Penn State and how this identification is
being lived into currently. The first day's events ended with a spectacular
musical presentation by Essence of Joy, a choral group of Penn State students
offering sacred and secular music derived from African and African American
choral traditions.
The second day began with worship at Albright Bethune UMC,
where the pilgrims heard stories of this yoked congregation between
predominantly black and white churches. They then traveled to nearby Bellefonte
to learn of the area’s history as a stop on the Underground Railroad, the work
of residents following the Civil War for school desegregation and racial
justice with Matt Maris, a local historian. The day concluded with a
presentation by Bruce Teeple who spoke on the history of the KKK throughout the
region.
The pilgrimage concluded in State College with storytellers Divine Lipscomb, who had been formerly incarcerated and went on to graduate from Penn State and serve as the first African American Council Member in the State College Borough and Leslie Laing, who has worked to bring justice for Osaze Osagie, a young Black man who was killed in 2019 by police while experiencing a mental health crisis.
Throughout the Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, there was time for reflection and discussion grounded in the work of Trevor Hudson’s book A Mile in My Shoes. Hudson speaks to the concept of pilgrimage as “coming as pilgrims, not as tourists; as learners, not as teachers; as receivers, not as givers; as listeners, not as talkers.” Throughout this journey, the organizer’s prayer was that through this pilgrimage, all participants would experience together Hudson’s path of Encounter—Reflection—Transformation.
While learning of the area’s history was important, these
Pilgrimages of Pain and Hope also provided an opportunity to grow and sustain
the body of Christ. On the journey, the participants foster a community of
support that nurtures each other’s courage to live and enables them to lead
others in the call of God to dismantle systems of racism, proactively building
the Beloved Community together.
For more information, contact Pastor Robin Fillmore, RFillmore@susumc.org, 570-392-9092.
Jesus is on the Move
By Liz Lennox, former Director of Communications
The Celebration of Ministry Service for the 2024 Annual Conference of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church was held on the evening of May 31, 2024 at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. This worship service celebrated the plentiful harvest, culminating in the commissioning of one and ordination of three. Newly licensed local pastors and retirees were also honored. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi preached a passionate sermon about the movement of Jesus in the Susquehanna Conference and the tools he has given his people for the harvest. The congregation celebrated Holy Communion, and the service concluded with an invitation for those discerning a call to come forward.
Luke 10:1-2
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
In a passionate sermon during the Celebration of Ministry service Friday night, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi heralded the continuous movement of Jesus throughout history and into the present day. She illustrated how Jesus was a “man on the move”, taking us through his journey from Bethlehem to Egypt as an infant, from Nazareth to Jerusalem as a child, from the River Jordan to the wilderness as a young adult.. “From heaven to earth, from earth to the grave, from the grave to the sky, Jesus was a man on the move.”
The Bishop underscored that Jesus’ mission persists even now. She invoked the hymn, “He lives, He lives. He’s in the world today...He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way,” reinforcing that Jesus continues to move through the world - and here in the Susquehanna Annual Conference.
In her sermon, Bishop Moore-Koikoi likened Jesus to a migrant worker, “moving from harvest to harvest,” emphasizing that he doesn’t leave any field unharvested and is continuously appointing new laborers to prepare his way.
Jesus is on the move in the Susquehanna Annual Conference and he is saying this to us today, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
Bishop Moore-Koikoi addressed the members of the Conference, acknowledging their role as answers to prayers. “Beloved, you are what we asked for! You are an answer to prayer.” She then spoke directly to those newly commissioned and ordained by name, lifting them up as tangible answers to the prayers of the annual conference.
“We are sending you into the harvest,” she told them, “ to seek out those new places among those new people to bring to them a word of peace, to heal them, and to declare to all that the kingdom of God is at hand.”
She emphasized the urgency of this work by sharing a personal story about planting kale in her garden, only to return from a trip to f ind it eaten. “We had missed the opportunity to reap the harvest.” Drawing from this, she warned that distractions and delays could lead to lost opportunities in ministry: “The enemy is out to steal, kill, and destroy the harvest...God needs us to stay focused…”
Bishop Moore-Koikoi laid out Jesus’ guidelines for the harvest, akin to a “Farmer’s Almanac.” She reminded us that Jesus said not to carry a purse, a bag or sandals; basically, to not be bogged down by “stuff.” The metaphorical “stuff,”- like insecurities, cultural biases, pride and arrogance, or righteous indignation—preventing people from going to the places they need to or bringing peace when they arrive. She also advised to “greet no one on the road,” underscoring the importance of maintaining focus and avoiding the distraction of picking up others’ “stuff.”
Furthermore, she stressed the power of peace in ministry. “Jesus gave us peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. It is a precious gift—a gift that is not to be hoarded, but a gift that is to be freely given to others” She reminded us that peace is not the absence of differences of opinions and does not mandate agreement. Peace, according to the Bishop, transcends differences and disagreements, underlining the importance of positive and constructive communication. “You negate the peace you have spoken...if you don’t have anything positive to say about anyone or any situation.”
On the subject of healing, she stated, “I believe in miraculous healing” through prayer, touch, or words, while recognizing that healing can manifest in various forms, including mending broken hearts or wounded souls, or the liberation of individuals from addiction.
“And sometimes… God uses just being in relationship with others— sitting at table with them, listening to them, eating their food, speaking peace to them, just being with them right where they are, being curious about their journeys without judgment —to bring about miraculous healing.”
Bishop Moore-Koikoi concluded her sermon by emphasizing the importance of declaring the nearness of God’s kingdom. “Tell them the kingdom of God is justice and joy, mercy and grace. Tell them the whole truth. Tell them the kingdom of God is challenge and choice. The Kingdom of God is a gift and a goal.”
With her sermon, Bishop Moore-Koikoi offered a profound call to action and faith, reminding those gathered that “Jesus is on the move,” urging them to stay focused, live out their faith through peace and healing, and actively partake in the divine harvest with the unwavering hope and determination that “the kingdom of God has come near to you.”
View the Celebration of Ministry Service of Annual Conference 2024 here. (Sermon begins at 43:00)
Wood for Good
By Rev. James Jacobs
As Pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church in the State College District, I asked the parishioners to start thinking about out-of-the-box outreach opportunities considering the traditional methods of outreach didn’t seem to be working.
The congregation wholeheartedly agreed and formulated an outreach team to come up with new, innovative, and different ways to reach out to our community. Two pages of ideas later several of those out of the box projects have been implemented, some worked and some didn’t.
An outreach program idea one of the parishioners came up with is called “Wood for Good”.
This parishioner approached me with concern for the many people that heat their homes with firewood who either can’t go out in the woods to cut anymore, don’t have the availability of open forest lands to go cut in, or can’t afford to buy firewood.
The parishioner (Craig) asked, “Do you think this is something we might explore?” Considering I believe that “empowered people do great things” I told the parishioner, “It’s your idea, you run with it and we will support you.”
Within 3 months we now have an established “Wood for Good” program. Craig tirelessly worked to formulate a detailed implementation plan, a safety plan, and wrote a grant to the Department of Agricultural which has a green heating imitative. The project received a $10,000 grant to purchase the equipment needed to implement the initiative.
Craig then formed a team of parishioners that have built firewood storage racks and contacted local landscapers and tree trimming companies that have agreed to deliver trees that have been cut down for use in the initiative.
A group of men and women from the church cut and split the donated wood each month.
We started collecting names of folks that would like to receive wood from the people that come to our church food bank. The need was clearly there and our list of folks that have requested support with free firewood is growing, not only from our food bank visitors but others in the community.
This initiative is a classic case of a parishioner coming up with an out-of-the-box-idea, the pastor empowering the parishioner to take charge, and we now have an initiative that is fulfilling a community need. The hands and feet of Jesus Christ...using a chain saw and wood splitter!
https://greaterbuffalorunvalleyumc.com/
Thanksgiving All Year Round
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” —Philippians 4:4
This month, like we do every year, we will celebrate one of the most iconic holidays in the United States, Thanksgiving. A day, that since the beginning of this tradition, people have taken to give thanks and rejoice for good things. For Christians, Thanksgiving presents a special opportunity to thank God for life, for health, for provision, and for those people and experiences that have marked us positively. Sometimes we give thanks even for the not-so-good moments, and even the bad ones, because through them we learned about the things that are most important in life.
Being thankful is a Christian imperative! No matter what season of your life you are in, rejoice in the Lord, and be thankful. We do not need special days to be thankful, when in Christ, we have the invitation to rejoice, to give thanks, for everything, and always – everyday, in all times.
Why wait until Christmas Day to thank God for the gift of hope that came to the world in Jesus, if we can do it every day? Every day should be Christmas. Every day we should give thanks for Christ, our Lord, and Savior!
Why wait until Easter to give thanks to God for the gifts of life and salvation we receive from God through Jesus Christ if we can do it every day?
Why, as a church, wait for the day of Pentecost to thank God for the reality of Christ’s presence today through the Holy Spirit, if we can do it every day?
Why wait for Valentine’s Day to give thanks to the people who love us and have expressions of affection with them, if we can do it every day?
Why wait for Mother’s or Father’s Day, to thank God for our parents and express love to them, if we can do it every day?
Why wait for Pastor Appreciation Day, to thank God (and pastors) for the love, guidance, and care of our pastors, if we can do it every day?
Why wait for Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History month, or Native American Heritage Month to celebrate our diversity if we can do it every day?
Why wait – if we can be thankful all year round!
When was the last time you paused to give thanks for the love of God and the many ways it manifests in your life? Who in your life are you thankful for, who are the people that make you smile? That accept you for who you are, and care for you? When was the last time you let them know how much they mean to you?
Thanksgiving is not a holiday – it is a way of life that springs out of a grateful heart, and as children of God, we have the eternal source and reason for thanksgiving, in Jesus Christ. Let us give thanks to God every day and find meaningful ways to thank others for the ways they bless our lives.
Thank you for the countless ways you are making the love of Jesus Christ visible in your communities and the world.
Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
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