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| View or download the PDF at https://susumc.org/link/ |
Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church
Monday, March 17, 2025
Remembering Our Heritage
Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist
March – 100 years ago
The 1925 annual session of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Evangelical Church was held March 5-9 at First Church in Milton, Northumberland County. Among the resolutions passed was the following: “Whereas, Governor Pinchot has taken such a fearless stand in favor of law enforcement and proposed legislation to make the 18th Amendment effective; Resolved, That we instruct the Secretary of Conference to write to Governor Pinchot commending him for his fearless attitude.” The 18th Amendment prohibited the production, sale or transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States. It was passed in 1919 and repealed in 1933.
The 1897 building in which the 1925 annual session was held was sold in 1929 when the congregation erected its present sanctuary on Lower Market Street and Garfield Avenue. The gymnasium and social hall were added in 1991.
April – 50 years ago
Friday evening April 4, 1975, was a special day for the men and boys of the Central Pennsylvania Conference. In Lewistown, at First UMC, at the annual rally of the Conference United Methodist Men, guest speaker Jimmy Carter – the young, reform-minded Governor of Georgia who pledged that no Georgian should “ever again be deprived of the opportunity for a job, an education, or simple justice because he is poor, rural, black, or not influential” – challenged those in attendance to Christian statesmanship.
On that same evening in Altoona, at Otterbein UMC, the Sixth Annual Pennsylvania United Methodist Church Basketball Tournament began its 22-team, two-weekend event. These highly competitive games, hosted this year by the Central Pennsylvania Conference, began as the State EUB Tournament and continued as such for 17 years before becoming an annual UMC event following the denominational merger.
Friday, March 14, 2025
Staff Update
Michelle has been a trained Volunteer in Mission for 8 years. As SUSUMC VIM Coordinator for the past 6 years, Michelle has passionately promoted and coordinated VIM efforts, including training leaders and participants, throughout SUSUMC and beyond and participated in more than 10 Mission Journeys (in addition to the many before she was trained.)
“I’m grateful for my time here, as I’ve received a lot of support and encouragement,” said Schwartzman. “With the experience here I’ve grown personally and professionally. I will miss my time working within the Susquehanna Conference.”
Thank you Michelle! We wish you all the best and pray for God’s continued work in and through you as you serve through mission engagement.
Summer Camps Previously Held at Greene Hills Now Held at Camp Penn
Previously held at Greene Hills, these camps provide a perfect opportunity for kids to connect with God, enjoy nature, and build lifelong friendships. This year, to make the transition easier for families, transportation will be available from the Huntingdon and Woodbury areas to Camp Penn.
Campers will enjoy all the best parts of summer camp, including delicious meals, fun-filled activities, inspiring worship, and plenty of adventure.
Register at suscrm.org
Camp Connect Mini
June 15-17, Grades 1-3 | Deans: Josh & Angie Tobias
A great introduction to camp, this shorter session allows younger campers to experience the joy of summer camp in a safe and exciting environment.
Cost: $247 (Early Bird: $222)
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Camp Connect
June 15-20, Grades 3-7 | Deans: Josh & Angie Tobias
A full-week adventure packed with outdoor activities, worship, and fun challenges. Third graders can choose between mini-camp or this full-week option.
Cost: $480 (Early Bird: $455)
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Elementary Music & Arts Camp
June 15-21, Grades 2-6 | Dean: Michelle Whitlock
Campers will explore faith through music, theater, and visual arts, concluding with a special performance.
Cost: $515 (Early Bird: $490)
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Youth Musical Theater Camp
June 15-21, Grades 7-12 | Deans: Sara Billman & Jenn Myers
Campers will design sets, create props, and perform Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR! while engaging in games and faith-building activities.
Cost: $525 (Early Bird: $500)
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Register at suscrm.org
Adventure Camps Offered by Camp & Retreat Ministry
This summer, take your love for the outdoors to the next level with Susquehanna Conference Camp & Retreat Ministry adventure camps! Whether you’re paddling through scenic waterways, trying to catch the big one, or conquering your fears while white-water rafting, these camps are designed to challenge, inspire, and create lasting memories. Check out the details below and secure your spot today! Register at suscrm.org
CP Adventures: Potomac River Canoe Trip
May 23-26 | Dean: Sam Richardson
Spend Memorial Day weekend canoeing along the stunning Potomac Water Trail,
enjoying scenic landscapes, peaceful waters, and nights under the stars.
Ages: Adult
Cost: $439 (Early Bird: $414)
Starts: Friday 7:00 pm | Ends: Monday 3:00 pm
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CP Adventures: Canadian Canoe Trip – NEW ADVENTURE CAMP!
May 16-19 & June 27-July 5 | Deans: Josh & Susie Yorks
Explore the untouched beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park on this immersive
canoeing adventure, deepening your connection with nature and faith.
Ages: 16+ without parent, 13+ with parent
Cost: $1000
Starts: Friday 6:00 pm | Ends: Saturday 3:00 pm
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Wesley Forest - Fishing Camp
June 22-27 | Deans: Frank & Mel Bolles
Join this week-long fishing adventure, where campers will explore top fishing spots, improve their angling skills, and enjoy classic camp activities.
Grades: 9-12
Cost: $480
Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 4:00 pm
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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 Elementary
July 13-18 | Deans: Becca Swartz & Amber Heberlig
Young adventurers will experience an action-packed week of canoeing, high ropes, hiking, and sleeping under the stars while learning to live out Hebrews 12.
Grades: 3-6
Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)
Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Tuesday 3:00 pm
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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 – HIGH ADVENTURE CAMP
July 27-August 1 | Deans: Melissa Galla & Susan Yorks
Thrill-seekers will take on white-water rafting, high ropes courses, and outdoor challenges, building confidence and faith through adventure.
Grades: 7-12
Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)
Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 3:00 pm
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Register at suscrm.org
New Social Principles and Advocacy Training
By Rev. Ryan Gephart, SUSUMC Peace with Justice Coordinator, Preaching Faith & Justice Fellow
On Saturday, January 18, 2025, fifty-seven people of the Susquehanna Conference came together to learn about our new Social Principles and receive advocacy training at Calvary UMC, Harrisburg, PA. Rev. Dr. Lillian Smith, Freedom Trail (Altoona) District Superintendent, started our day with a sermon reminding us of the call from Micah 6 along with our United Methodist history to justice work. Dr. Smith stated that we need “to remember who we are” as followers of Jesus Christ.
Colleen Moore, director of Peace With Justice at the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS), then led four sessions on various topics throughout the day. The topics included the new Social Principles of The United Methodist Church, Christian Nationalism, Israel/Palestine, Gun Violence Prevention, Advocacy Training, and other issues like Immigration. We participated in various exercises helping us explore the new Social Principles and how we could teach & relate them to our churches. The new Social Principles can be found at www.umcjustice.org and contain an index of topics from “The Community of All Creation” to “The Economic Community” to “The Social Community” to “The Political Community.“
One of the features of the day was building community for justice work. We are looking to build a peace with justice network for the conference using new resources from the General Board of Church & Society. GBCS has just created a new electronic resource for coordinators to be able to equip people faster for justice & advocacy work. Our new network will leverage this resource for justice & advocacy work.
We need to remember from the call of the prophets:
“What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
If you are interested in joining justice work in our conference, please contact Rev. Ryan Gephart at rgephart@susumc.org or call 814-224-2815.
New Places - New People: Mosaic Community Church, Halifax
Mosaic Community Church, Halifax
River Valley District
Rev. Gary Weaver, Superintendent
The New Places New People award is given to those people who are self-starters, who are visionaries, and who are team builders. Coming out of both COVID and a season of disaffiliation was a confusing time for many of us in the life of the church. Many faith-filled people wandered aimlessly and yet others found their way.
A handful of people in the Halifax area wandered and then found their way, seeking creative connections to their community, to God, and to the individuals around them. Wanting to be connected in a significant way, with inspiration and energy in their heart, they came together.
We have always been, since the beginning, a nomadic people. These people were indeed nomadic and coming together, they found and created a home. Under the connection and support of Calvary United Methodist Church in Harrisburg these nomads made the journey each week to nearby Camp Hebron, that was both home but ultimately temporary. Then, these risk-takers sensed that a time had come to put down roots, so now they meet in an elementary school, where all people are invited to be part of the journey.
As they responded to their changing context, they have been faithful to the opportunities for sharing their faith and those moments of growth with people around them. One of their greatest desires is to continue to be a faith community where people can become who they were created to be, can continue to be followers of Jesus Christ, and know that they are truly welcome no matter who they are.
The simple definition of a mosaic is a decoration made by inlaying small pieces of varied colored material to form a picture or a pattern and indeed that’s what this new place is; an inlaying of individuals who collectively paint a picture of God’s Kingdom here in the Susquehanna Conference.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
One Matters Award: Fishing Creek Salem UMC, Etters
One Matters Award
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:
- Freedom Trail District: Claysburg UMC Charge
- Mountain Valley District: Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC
- North Central Rivers District: Mehoopany UMC
- Northern Wilds District: Holy Trinity UMC
- River Valley District: Fishing Creek Salem UMC
Fishing Creek Salem UMC, River Valley District
Rev. Gary Weaver, Superintendent
The One Matters Award places a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating a person into the church body, an individual may experience personal transformation to potentially engage in the church’s mission for the transformation of the world.
With the One Matters Award, we lift up the importance of discipleship and help interpret across the United Methodist connection that each and every soul matters. Every life matters to God, and every life should matter to us.
Of the many worthy recipients, the 2024 [River Valley District] One Matters Award was presented to Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church in Etters:
- Whose staff and laity are dedicated to ministry and community connections.
- Whose Profession of Faith numbers increased by 5.
- Whose baptized 11 people since July of 2023 – a far cry from where things were.
- And who celebrated a Confirmation Class of 11 people.
We also celebrate that this York County congregation was one of the first congregations to be designated as a Lighthouse Congregation in the Susquehanna Conference, a faith community geared specifically to welcome and support loyal United Methodists whose churches closed or disaffiliated. They live out a deep commitment to hospitality to help displaced United Methodists heal from the pain of losing their church.
Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets Come Together for Missional Collaboration
By Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications
The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one Bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in ministry.
To begin this new journey, the Missional Cabinets from both conferences came together for a joint retreat held in Williamsport, PA, from January 13th to the 15th. The retreat allowed the joint team to build a strong foundation for the new missional partnership while maintaining the distinct identities of the two conferences.
The retreat focused on several key priorities to enhance the partnership:
- Building relationships and fostering unity;
- Learning about each Conference’s missional context;
- Discovering collaboration opportunities for a more significant impact;
- Exploring new possibilities in shared mission;
- Engaging in shared spiritual formation.
“This retreat was a great opportunity to get to know one another through conversation, worship, and activities,” explained Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, Dean of the Upper New York Missional Cabinet. “We learned we have a great deal in common and are intrigued by the possibilities before us to be collaborative in ministry.”
The gathering also served as a reminder of the transformative potential of collaboration in ministry. Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver, Dean of the Susquehanna Missional Cabinet, shared that he “sensed the reassurance that as communication continues beyond the Cabinets, shared work will create both better work and a renewed reality that Kingdom work is not designed to be restricted by lines drawn on a map.”
“As the resident Bishop for the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area, I am excited about God’s new work among us,” said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez. “I am committed to collaborating effectively and maintaining clear, transparent communication. Our focus will be on how this partnership can enhance our ability to serve with excellence in both conferences for the glory of God.”
As the two conferences continue to walk this path together, Bishop Burgos-Núñez invites the prayers and support of clergy, lay leaders, and congregants alike. “I call on all United Methodists in the Susquehanna-Upper New York Episcopal Area to surround this journey in our individual and communal prayers, asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the God-sized possibilities ahead of us as we collaborate in equipping and resourcing our leaders and congregations to fulfill our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” concluded Bishop Burgos-Núñez.
Grace and blessings as we continue this journey together.
Communications Team Launches New Monthly Series Titled “Living Hope: Faith in Action”
Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications
We are excited to introduce a new monthly series on our website, “Living Hope: Faith in Action.” This inspiring series will showcase the countless ways our congregations and communities are living out their faith and bringing the Good News of Christ to the world.
Each month, we will feature stories from each District of groups who are making a difference - whether through acts of service, innovative ministries, or everyday moments of kindness and compassion. “Living Hope: Faith in Action” will provide a platform to celebrate these powerful expressions of faith and to inspire others to take part in their own unique ways.
Our goal is to foster a sense of connection and shared mission, reminding us all that every effort, big or small, contributes to the greater purpose of sharing God’s love. We invite you to engage with these stories, reflect on how you see faith in action in your own life, and even share your own experiences to encourage others.
Stay tuned each month for new stories that will warm your heart, spark ideas, and deepen your faith journey. Together, let us continue to live out the hope that is found in Christ and make a lasting impact in our communities and beyond.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Everstand Highlights Human Trafficking Crisis in Annual Report
One of the most compelling features of this year’s report is a special profile on our Regional Navigator and Lotus Programs, which serve survivors and suspected survivors of human trafficking. These programs provide critical support, including safe housing, trauma-informed care, pathways to healing and independence, as well as crucial education to raise awareness within the community.
Human trafficking is a harrowing crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable youth, especially those in the foster care system who have experienced childhood trauma. Studies reveal that youth with a history of abuse, neglect, or unstable living environments are at a significantly higher risk of being exploited by traffickers. For Everstand, this reality underscores the urgency of our work and deepens our commitment to standing against exploitation in all its forms.
Through the Regional Navigator and Lotus Programs, Everstand offers survivors not only safety but also hope. The programs provide wraparound services that prioritize each individual’s unique needs, ensuring they feel seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim their futures. In the last year alone, these programs have provided life-changing support to dozens of survivors, connecting them to resources, legal advocacy, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity.
As we observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month this month, Everstand invites you to join us in standing against the exploitation of children and youth. Together, we can amplify awareness and inspire action to combat human trafficking and support survivors.
On #WearBlueDay, observed annually on January 11th, we encourage our community to wear blue as a symbol of solidarity. By participating and sharing your support on social media, you can help spread the word and stand with us against this devastating issue. Tag us on Facebook (@everstand.social) or Instagram (@everstand_social) and use the hashtag #WearBlueDay to demonstrate your commitment to protecting children and youth from exploitation.
The FY24 Annual Impact Report also includes powerful testimonials from our donors and volunteers, insights into our innovative therapeutic programs, and a look at Everstand’s ongoing efforts to address systemic issues affecting vulnerable populations. We invite you to explore the stories and successes that have defined our year and inspired our vision for the future.
To support our mission and learn more about the impactful work you make possible, visit www.everstand.org. If you’d like to request a hard copy of the FY24 Annual Impact Report—or additional materials such as informational brochures—you can do so easily through our online form at www.everstand.org/supplies.
By working together, we can break the cycle of trauma and exploitation and create a brighter future for all children and youth. Thank you for standing with Everstand as we continue to champion hope, healing, and resilience in the face of profound challenges.
*New name, same great programs! In 2018, The United Methodist Home for Children (UMHC) in Mechanicsburg, PA merged with Board of Child Care. In May of 2024, we began operating under the unifying name of Everstand, which reflects our commitment to standing beside, standing up for, and standing strong with those we serve.
Mission Central Thanks the Churches of The Susquehanna Conference!
Alexis Pigott, Mission Central Director of Development & Communications
From all of us at Mission Central, thank you to the churches of the Susquehanna Conference for being part of our mission! When we called, you answered! Throughout 2024, your generosity enabled us to provide relief and hope to those who needed it most.
Mission Central has been a cornerstone of disaster relief in 2024, coordinating recovery efforts with our partners and churches to provide immediate aid and help communities rebuild. Our disaster response efforts remain one of our most impactful, as we were able to support over 100,205 individuals affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. During a year when weather-related disasters were particularly devastating, we distributed all of the Flood Buckets in our warehouse (over 6,000). Supporters far and wide are helping us replenish our inventory so that we can meet the needs of upcoming disaster victims and continue to send resources to those already affected.
This year, we also hosted our first Gala fundraiser since 2019, our largest event of the year. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of all those who contributed. The evening was filled with inspiring speeches and powerful stories that highlighted Mission Central’s impact. Our live auction energized the room, with attendees bidding generously to support our programs and disaster relief efforts. The silent auction was equally successful, with all items being bid on, thanks to the enthusiasm of our donors and guests. Held at Central Penn College, the event was attended by over 130 supporters dedicated to “Connecting God’s Resources with Human Need.” Thank you for believing in our mission!
As we reflect on the success of our Gala and the support we’ve received throughout 2024, we are filled with gratitude and anticipation for the future. We remain committed to being a source of support for those in need, and with your help, we will continue to make a meaningful impact.
Our Medical Program continues to be one of our most vital services, providing urgent medical equipment to those in need. As demand for this program grows, we are adjusting our medical program operational hours to ensure efficiency. Beginning in January 2025, Medical Program supplies will only be available for pickup on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and must be scheduled in advance.
As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to serving those in greatest need and sharing God’s love to inspire action and support communities around the world. Learn more and discover ways to give at www.missioncentral.org. We look forward to partnering with you in 2025 and beyond.
Thank you!
Emergency Response Team Helps in Augusta, Georgia
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Steve Runyan, ERT
Hurricane Helene impacted the southeast United States from September 24-27, 2024. On Thursday, September 26, Augusta, Georgia received approximately 8-10 inches of rain. In the very early morning hours of Friday, September 27, at approximately 2:30 am, severe winds hit the area. Estimates indicated winds of 100+ miles per hour. The combination of heavy rain soaking the ground and the strong winds resulted in devastation of the community as numerous trees were ripped from the ground, roots and all. Homes were destroyed, as were cars, fences, sheds and everything else to be found in yards and homes.
On December 1, I departed for Augusta with plans to meet up with ERT’s from the Upper New York Conference on December 2. We had housing arranged and provided by Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta. They also provided all our meals. They were a true blessing to our mission.
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On Tuesday, December 3, we started our work. Our arrival was about 10 weeks after the storm, and the devastation observed and the number of people still waiting for any type of assistance was beyond what I can put into words.
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I operated a chainsaw, along with one of the Upper New York ERT’s. We cut any small trees and brush as well as limbing the very large trees that were downed. All material was then transported out to the curb, which was not always a simple feat.
We worked a typical ERT schedule…3 days. We took a day off to rest and recuperate a little, and then worked a second rotation.
We worked at the homes of 10 residents. They were among those most in need and awaiting help. A single mother with 7 foster children, a 73-year-old man with lung cancer, a woman with a disabled daughter in a wheelchair, a man confined to a wheelchair, a widow...the list goes on.
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The work was hard, but the looks of hope and thanks from the homeowners when we finished made it worth the sore muscles. Most of the properties we worked at, we did not finish the job…the trees were simply too big for us to deal with. We cleaned up all the small stuff and prepped the big trees for follow-on teams that were coming with heavy equipment.
It’s not what you do, it’s who you serve!
Rev. Jason Schwartzman
For the past 17 years, I have been proud to lead a team to McCurdy Ministries Community Center in New Mexico. What started out as a one-off trip for a youth group in York has become one of my favorite weeks of the year.
Last year, in collaboration with the Young People’s Ministry Council (YPMC) we brought 22 people (11 adults and 11 youth/young adults) from all over the Susquehanna Conference. The week quickly became one of their favorite weeks too.
But what is it? What is so magical about McCurdy? Of course, we can talk about the breathtaking scenery that exists in Northern New Mexico. We can talk about the architecture of Santa Fe and the relentless charm of Taos. But that’s not what makes it our favorite week. It’s not our favorite week because of the projects we get to do either. Can anyone really say that they love to pull weeds in the unforgiving New Mexico sun at the start of the hottest month of the year? I doubt it.
What makes it our favorite week is not what we do, it’s who we serve. McCurdy week is our favorite week because of the relentless mission that this place carries. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with Tiffany, the executive director of McCurdy Ministries. Her vision and passion for McCurdy is contagious! She sees possibilities and she articulates an irresistible vision for the valley. We couldn’t wait to be a tiny part of that incredible plan! We had a chance to spend some time with Manny on this trip. His talent is over-the-top. This man can do anything at all! But his talent is dwarfed by the size of his heart. We couldn’t wait to help Manny do everything he needed to do to make the campus look great. Why? Because we were all-in. And why were we all-in? Because of the passion that exists for this place, from those who work there.
I have no doubt that the people who work at McCurdy are talented enough to make a lot more money somewhere else. They could be construction supervisors, or they could be the CEO of a fancy company. Instead, they give their lives to the mission…they pour out their professional lives to try to give others a fair shot. The way they live out their faith is more than inspiring. It is a practical example of John Wesley’s call to “Do good…in all the ways you can.” Their passion has ignited hearts for this place. It has taught us the valuable lesson: It’s not what you do, it’s who you serve. I am so proud to lead a team to McCurdy on behalf of Young People’s Ministry Council and in cooperation with Volunteers in Mission. They have the vision, we have the hands.
I am so passionate about McCurdy that I would love to chat with anyone about leading a trip there! You can reach me by email at jschwartzman@susumc.org. I love this place! It has impacted my faith, my call, and my story. In God’s economy, we give and we give and we give and in the end we all have more. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen that truth in Espanola, New Mexico.
Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum
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| UMC young adult clergy at the Church and Society 2024 Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum, Washington, D.C., October 2024. |
Rev. David Keyworth
From October 28-30, 2024, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum at the United Methodist Building in D.C. It was an opportunity to gather with young clergy across our connection. Clergy from across the United States and one clergy from Southern Germany attended.
We had opportunities to worship and share in communion, eat together, and have conversation around various issues that were important to us and our ministry contexts. Each day members of the Global Board of Church and Society shared with us their portfolios and the topics that they were passionate about and advocating for.
We had the honor and the privilege to meet with Reverend Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben, the chaplain for the House of Representatives. She shared with us her call to ministry and how she became the chaplain for the House of Representatives. She explained her role as chaplain in the House and how she strives to care for all people regardless of status and political party.
We spent the final day together preparing for a visit with our congressional representatives or their staff. Another clergy from the Western PA Conference and I met with three members of Senator Bob Casey’s staff. I shared with Senator Casey’s staff my experience relating to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and how my son, Joshua, was born and is a part of our family because of this medical procedure. I expressed that because of my experiences, I am an advocate for IVF and for the families who struggle through the pains and hurts of miscarriage and loss. I thanked Senator Casey for voting yes on Senate Bill 4445 - Right to IVF Act, which protects families who need this medical procedure to have a family.
This leadership forum was a great way to connect with other young clergy and to create lasting friendships. There is a group of us that still connect and chat weekly to support, encourage, and give advice to each other.
I really appreciated hearing from Rev. Dr. Margaret Grun Kibben about how she interacts and works with people across the aisle in a divided space, and how we as pastors in local churches can do the same. I appreciated hearing from the General Board of Church and Society about the hard work they do on a daily basis.
One new idea that I hope to implement within my ministry is using new ways of having difficult conversations with individuals around difficult topics. This leadership forum gave me tools of how discuss to our social principles in the life the church.
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Find out more about the Young Adult Clergy Leadership Forum at https://tinyurl.com/38xsezdv
Monday, January 20, 2025
New Places - New People: 12th St Huntingdon, McConnellsburg, and Mill Creek UMCs
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/.
Freedom Trail District
Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, former Superintendent
We celebrate the McConnellsburg, Mill Creek, and 12th Street Huntington United Methodist congregations who have created New Places for New People in creating alternative holiday events. These events provide a way for differently-abled children and adults who have sensory issues, autism, developmental delays, and physical limitations to participate in holiday activities.
The churches provide lower-stress holiday events, with no long lines, no bright lights, no loud noises, etcetera, which can make differently-abled children anxious. Each child has all the time they need meet and greet Santa and the Easter Bunny. These are family-friendly events where siblings are invited to join also, but the focus is the differently-abled. Parents and families are also personally invited to worship and other upcoming events.
A wonderful example of a specific adaptation was at the Easter egg hunt, where eggs were attached to helium balloons for their wheelchair friend Clayton. Clayton was able to grab the strings to get his eggs.
We are thankful for the commitment of McConnellsburg, Mill Creek, and 12th St UMCs to designing inclusive experiences for children and adults who often must fit into events that are not considerate of them. They have a future goal to offer an alternative worship experience too.
Another ministry, birthed by the 12th Street Huntington church, takes place at the Huntington Community Center, during their open gym nights. The church discovered that kids were coming in hungry because there was no one home to provide a meal, let alone any quality family time that happens around the table. So once a month, 12th St. UMC cooks a hot meal and then everyone, volunteers included, sits around the tables with the kids eating and fellowshipping. The church members are sitting side-by-side with the children, talking to them, listening to them, and building relationships with them. They are kind of a surrogate family to these children. In these conversations other needs are often identified, and they may serve to develop further ministry. They also hope to start a youth group with these kids. At Christmas time, a party was planned and in addition to the meals, kids received shirts, socks, blankets, cookies, and candy. Thank you 12th St. UMC for identifying this need in your community and ministering to it.
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