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.

www.fcsalem.org/

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.

Stories: susumc.org/living-hope-faith-in-action/