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)

susumc.org/annual-conference/

God is Doing a New Thing Through Staff Transitions

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball have appointed Rev. Dr. Paul  Amara to the Trucksville United Methodist Church in the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Supervisory Area, effective July 1, 2024. Paul has many gifts for ministry. The cabinet and the Williamsport Supervisory area have been blessed by those gifts for four years. The bishops believe that Paul’s gifts are particularly needed during this new season to help the community of Trucksville UMC take its next faithful steps in ministry. Paul will be replacing Rev. Jay Jones who will retire after having faithfully served Trucksville for the past 6 years.

Paul has a heart and love for the local church. In addition, he is passionate about bringing people of all ages into the church. He is able to connect with a large population of individuals, especially those who are not currently relating to any local church or faith community. His commitment to an inclusive church, we believe, will help expand the mission and ministry of Trucksville UMC. In addition, he will be able to make important connections and develop relationships with those who are not yet in the church, especially those in the surrounding community. Paul is a charismatic preacher, talented teacher, and he has a heart for mission. These are all gifts that the Trucksville UMC leadership identified as critical gifts for their next pastor.

We give thanks for Paul’s commitment to the United Methodist Church, for his service to the Susquehanna Conference as a Superintendent, and to his passion for ministry. He will be greatly missed around the cabinet table. And we know that the people of the Trucksville community will be just as blessed as the cabinet has been through his ministry. We invite you to be in prayer with us as Paul begins his transition and enters this new chapter in ministry.

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Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball have appointed Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis to First United Methodist Church, Hollidaysburg effective July 1, 2024. First Hollidaysburg is in the Altoona Supervisory Area.

Joleen has many gifts for ministry. Her gifts have been so appreciated both by the Cabinet and also by the Altoona Supervisory Area. The Bishops believe that the gifts for ministry that Joleen has will be a blessing and a gift to First Church, Hollidaysburg. 

Joleen has a heart and a passion for ministry. Her passion has been shown throughout the Altoona Supervisory Area. Her care and commitment to the churches and the people of her supervisory area will be of great benefit and importance to First Church Hollidaysburg as they look forward to God’s preferred future. Rev. Dr. Wesley Jacob, current pastor at First Church will return to ministry in the Wisconsin Annual Conference. Pastor Elizabeth Jacob, spouse of Dr. Jacob will also return to Wisconsin Annual Conference.

Joleen’s passion for ministry in the local church and throughout the community has been exhibited not only in her ministry with the Altoona Supervisory Area, but also in the churches she has served. Joleen’s enthusiasm as well as her commitment to evangelism and reaching the least, the lost, and the lonely have been clearly exhibited in her former local church appointments both at Manor Hill and also at West Side UMC, Clearfield. 

Joleen’s passion for music is integral to her faith. Her gift of singing, playing piano, and in the past directing the Chi Rho Singers is one tangible example of how she uses God’s gifts for ministry.

We give thanks for Joleen’s commitment to the United Methodist Church and her commitment to being part of the Appointive Cabinet. Her enthusiasm, her commitment to our denomination and her understanding of ministry in the Altoona Supervisory Area will be missed around the Cabinet table. However, we know that First Church, Hollidaysburg and the people surrounding First Church will be blessed and energized by Joleen’s ministry among them. We know that you join us in prayer for Joleen as she begins this transition and her new ministry in Hollidaysburg.

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Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball have appointed two new Conference Superintendents effective July 1, 2024. The two new Superintendents bring a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to effective ministry in the United Methodist Church with clergy, laity, and local churches.

Rev. Dr. Lillian Smith has been appointed to the Altoona Supervisory Area. Dr. Smith has held positions throughout the General Church and in local churches. Since 2016, Lillian has been serving as pastor of Cheverly United Methodist Church, Cheverly, MD. Lillian has also served as Pastor at St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge, PA and as Lead Pastor at the historic Tindley Temple in Philadelphia, PA.

Lillian served as the Director, Connectional Ministries and Executive Director of Congregation Transformation with the Eastern PA Conference. While on staff, part of her portfolio was working with “High Potential Churches”, “Large Church Initiative” and “Next Level Ministries.”

Lillian has served as Associate General Secretary, Division on Ministries with Young People with the General Board of Discipleship. She also held the position of Director, Ministries with Women and Persons of Color with the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Lillian is the author of “Words to Live By: Wisdom Keys that Can Change Your Life.” She recently contributed a chapter to the book, “I’m Black, I’m Christian, I’m Methodist.” Her most recent book is “Rooted Again: Re-Establishing Forgotten or Abandoned connections with God and God’s Kingdom Mandate.”

She received her Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and her Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Lillian will be on loan to the Susquehanna Conference from the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

Rev. Daniel Wilt will be appointed to the Williamsport Supervisory Area effective July 1, 2024. Daniel is currently the pastor of St. Paul’s UMC, Lewisburg. He has been the pastor at St. Paul’s since 2017. Prior to that appointment, he was the pastor of Chambersburg, St. Johns.

Daniel has been and continues to be very active in the life of the Susquehanna Conference. Daniel has served on the Bishops’ Committee on Unity and Interreligious Concerns. 

Daniel has spent three years as a church camp counselor and an additional four years as Dean. For the past four years, he has been serving on the Camping & Retreat Ministries Board.

Daniel is currently serving on the Equipping Vital Congregations/Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders Committee. He has been serving on this team since 2018.

Daniel is also the Chair of the Lewisburg District Committee on Ministry. With the  realignment of Supervisory areas, this DCOM encompasses former Lewisburg District churches now in the State College, Williamsport, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Supervisory Areas.

Daniel is the co-chair of the Annual Conference Worship Team along with Mindy Gochnaur. Daniel is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College and earned his Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary.

While their appointments will officially begin July 1, 2024, as they are able, they will begin meeting with the Appointive and Coordinating Cabinet.

We know that you will be praying for these new Conference Superintendents as they prepare for their new ministry opportunity. We invite you to welcome them and their leadership when they officially begin serving among the people and churches of the Susquehanna Annual Conference.

New and Improved

Following is the 2023 Susuquehanna Conference Opening Celebration message from Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. You can view a video of the service here. The Bishop’s message begins at 1:00:40.

2 Corinthians 5:16-18 NRSV

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we no longer know him in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation...

Prayer: May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

A conditional statement (also called an If-Then Statement) is a statement with a hypothesis followed by a conclusion. Conditional statements often take the form of, “If this happens, then that will happen.” The if clause is the hypothesis. The then clause offers the conclusion. However, a conditional statement does not have to actually use the words if or then. The statement just needs a hypothesis and a resulting conclusion. I am going somewhere with this, so follow me. 

There are four different types of conditional statement. There is a Zero conditional statement, a first conditional sentence, a second conditional sentence, and third conditional sentence. Zero, first, second, and third.

Third conditional sentences are used to explain that present circumstances would be different if something different had happened in the past. If I had known what it was going to be like to be a bishop, I would not have given up my good government job. 

Second conditional sentences express outcomes that are completely unrealistic or will not likely happen in the future. If Tom Salsgiver ever really retires, then we will throw him a big party.

First conditional sentences are used to express situations in which the outcome is likely (but not guaranteed) to happen in the future. If we care for all of our resolutions efficiently, we will be able to adjourn early.

Then there is the zero conditional sentence. This is the one I really want you to hear. Zero conditional sentences express general truths—situations in which one thing always causes another. Somebody knows where I am going with this. In a zero conditional sentence, both clauses—the hypothesis and the conclusion—are in the present tense. In a zero conditional sentence the words if and when are interchangeable because the outcome will be the same anytime the condition is in place. 

In the verse that provides the foundation for this sermon and our theme for this annual conference, Paul, the writer of 2 Corinthians, utilizes a zero conditional sentence. He is expressing a general truth, a situation in which one thing always causes another. He writes, “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation, everything old has passed away.” And in case the hearers didn’t get it, Paul calls the hearer to attend to the condition, “See, everything has become new!” It’s not in the synoptic gospels, but that there is good news. “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”

Is there anyone in here who is in Christ? Is there anyone here who is in Christ? Let me put it another way. Is there anyone here who trusts in Jesus? Is there anyone here who has faith in the Son of the Living God? Is there anyone here who knows Jesus as Savior? Is there anyone here who has ever had an encounter with the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Is there anyone here who knows the Lily of the Valley, the Bright and Morning Star? Is there anyone here who knows the Alpha and the Omega? Is there anyone here who has ever had a drink from the Living Water? Is there anyone here who knows there is something about that name? Is there anyone here who has ever called on the name of Jesus? Is there anyone here who knows Jesus to be Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace? Is there anyone here who knows he is a way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness? Is there anyone here who is in Christ?

Then you have met the hypothesis. Let me assure you of the conclusion. Beloved, since you are in Christ, then in the present tense, in the here and now you are a new creation. For you, everything old has passed away. See it now, for you everything has become new. Your relationship with God—it is new. Your relationship with your neighbor—it is new. Your spirit has become new. Your ability to love and be loved has become new. Your ability to give and receive grace—it’s new. The hymn writer put it this way, “Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand has provided. Great is thy faithfulness Lord unto me.” So, if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 

Not everything that is new is better than the old. Does anybody remember the DeLorean Motor Company of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s? Not everything that is new is improved. Does anybody remember the new Coke formula in the mid 1980’s? Not everything that is new is improved? How many of you had a BetaMax video player? Not everything that is new is improved? I actually wish there were more people among us who have no idea of the references I am making. Here’s one for the younger crowd. Remember iPods? Not everything that is new is improved.

Here’s why I know our newness is new and improved. Our growth comes from the soil of the Word of God, fertilized by the blood of Jesus, nurtured by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the verse that follows our sermonic verse, verse 18 of the 5th chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul writes, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation...”

Our newness is from God. Here this zero conditional sentence. If your newness is from God, it is an improvement. Our newness is made possible because God reconciled us to God’s self through Christ Jesus. The concept of reconciliation that is interesting. Paul uses the Greek term kat-al-las-so which is translated reconciliation. We only find this term in the Bible in Romans and the two letters to the Corinthians. Kat-al-las-so literally means to change, exchange coins for others of equivalent value. It means to reconcile those who at variance, return to favor with, or to receive one into favor. 

Through his death and resurrection, Jesus paid the cost for our reconciliation. Jesus exchanged his sinlessness for our sinfulness. Our sins put us at odds or at variance with God. God used the blood of Jesus to close the variance gap. Jesus stood in the gap for us. God chose to use Jesus to return us to favor with God. Because of Jesus we have been received into the favor of God. Can I get an amen? Maybe your variance gap wasn’t that big. Is there anyone here who loves Jesus. Is there anyone who is in Christ.

New and improved creatures open themselves to self reflection. Out of their love and desire to be in right relationship they make themselves accountable to God and one another. They receive the wisdom, insight, and grace offered by God. And have faith in God’s process of sanctification. 

There are some place and spaces in our annual conference that are valley’s of dry bones. There are places where we have not had new professions of faith in years. There are places where no new ministries been birthed, places no one has received a call and been launched into ministry. There are places where the church has become isolated from the community in which it resides. There are some structures in our annual conference that have supported stagnation and death. There are places where we are so used to being in conflict, we don’t know how to be any other way. There are places where we are so ignorant to our own privilege we believe we are offering radical hospitality when in fact we are not. Truth is some of us thought Disaffiliation would be the death of us. Truth be told some of us are so weary from the cultural and church wars that we feel like dry bones. Some of us are just weary that our bones and our spirits are dry. 

Perhaps God is asking us the ancient question asked of the prophet Ezekiel. “Can these dry bones live? O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.”

When God breathes the breath of life into us, we are not going to be the same old body. The dry bones are going to be a new and improved creation. I hear the word of the Lord.

And when we come to ourselves and arise new and improved. Looked at my hands, my hands looked new. Looked at my feet and they did too. Started to walk, got a brand new walk. Started to talk, got a brand new talk. 

We will live. We will be new and improved.

All of us, all of us gathered here are a part of this new and improved body. All of us who are members of the Susquehanna Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church are new and improved. Everything old has passed away. I need somebody to hear me now. Everything old has passed away. I need somebody to see it. See everything has become new. Can you see it? 

In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—laser focused on love of God and love of neighbor, when distractions come we say get behind me satan.

In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—each local church is such an essential part of the communities in which it finds itself that the community cannot exist without the local church and the local church cannot exist without the community

In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—conference structures and local churches are flexible and nimble so that we all move with the movement of the Holy Spirit and none of us are windbreakers.

In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—we practice a theology of abundance because we really do believe scripture that says that our God shall supply our every need according to God’s riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—we offer radical hospitality and build beloved community so that we reflect the racial and economic diverse demographics of our region.

In the new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference—we know what the Lord requires of us—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.

The new and improved Susquehanna Annual Conference is not going to be smooth sailing. No organization that is truly doing kingdom building work enjoys smooth sailing all the time. Some things will have to end. There will be tears. As we get used to our new feet, there will be times that we will stumble and fall. When the going gets tough, and the road is rough, and the hills are hard to climb, remember what you decided. You decided to make Jesus your choice. Remember that we are together in this because all of us have made Jesus our choice. 

Revelation 21:1-5 NRSV 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and be their God; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.”

And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

God Continues to Do New Things in the Susquehanna Conference

In the first article we wrote as your new bishops, we proclaimed and firmly believed that God was about to do a new thing in that new day and time. Since then, God has been faithful in keeping God’s promise of doing many new things!

We have been witness to churches in the Susquehanna Conference that have moved in new ways in faithful service to Christ. While COVID was difficult and devastating, many of our churches were determined to begin new ministries and new online expressions to be in ministry with new groups of people. God is blessing these churches and their efforts.

Since the passage of ¶2553 in 2019, some congregations have had difficult conversations about disaffiliation. The overwhelming majority of our churches and clergy in the Susquehanna Annual Conference are remaining United Methodist. Some members of disaffiliating congregations have already switched their membership to churches that are remaining United Methodist, thus creating new relationships and opportunities for ministry. We are also using this season to look at ways to be in ministry with new people in new places.

As your bishops, in collaboration and partnership with the Cabinet and Conference Leadership, we are following God’s desire for new ways of doing our ministry of supervision. We are experiencing some natural transitions in our congregations and our conference, allowing all of us to dream of new ways of doing our ministry of supervision. Through these transitions, we believe that God is pointing us in some new ways of being an annual conference, districts, and local churches.

As we have prayed and discerned God’s will for doing a new ministry, we are excited to announce that we will begin a new model of supervision for pastors and for churches. With these natural transitions, God is providing a unique opportunity for God’s church to continue to new things – even in supervision.

Reverend Barry Robison is finishing his eight years on the Cabinet and tenure as Dean. He will retire at this Annual Conference. He will be the new Director of Relationships and Stewardship Development for the UM Foundation of PA.

Reverend Cathy Boileau also recently announced her retirement, effective July 1, 2023. Cathy has been a strong supporter of local churches, a tireless worker and a loving, caring superintendent of the York District. She has worked with many churches to help them move out into mission opportunities both in the district and throughout the world. Cathy will spend time in her retirement continuing to be a clergy member of the Susquehanna Conference and spending time with her beloved husband, Mike.

In addition to the transition of leadership openings in the Harrisburg and York Districts, we recognize transitions in church and communities as some churches disaffiliate, which will require a nimbleness in supervision.

Beginning July 1, there will be five Conference Superintendents to provide supervisory care and oversight. To accomplish this new form of supervision, we will be creating five supervisory areas. The supervisory areas will include the areas of the former seven districts. We are not recommending redistricting as part of this supervisory plan. We are simply reorganizing and creating supervisory areas.

The five Conference Superintendents will be: Paul Amara, Brenda Leigey, Judy Walker, Joleen Willis, and Gary Weaver. As already announced, Gary Weaver will also serve as the Dean of the new Cabinet.

The following are the Conference Superintendents and their coverage area:

1. Paul Amara will cover churches within the Williamsport District as well as most churches within the Lewisburg District. The office for this coverage area will be the current office located at 2420 Nottingham Road, Williamsport.
2. Brenda Leigey will cover churches within the State College District, as well as portions of the Lewisburg and Altoona Districts. The office will continue to be at 1200 Haymaker Road, State College.
3. Judy Walker will cover churches within the Scranton/Wilkes Barre District and some churches within the Lewisburg District. The office will still be located in the Trucksville UM Church, 40 Knob Road, Trucksville.
4. Joleen Willis will cover churches within the Altoona District and portions of the York District. They will begin to look for office space possibly within a local church in the Altoona Area.
5. Gary Weaver will cover the churches within most of the Harrisburg District as well as portions of the York District. This coverage area will continue to utilize the former Harrisburg District Office in the Conference Center. Gary and Cindy will move to what is now the Harrisburg District Parsonage.

As we shift to a new model of supervision, we will also be shifting some district offices. The York office will work toward closure by July 1, 2023.

The Lewisburg Office will stay open only through the retirement of the current Administrative Assistant which will be December 2023. She will also provide support to other coverage areas as needed in this time of transition.

There are some important facts as we begin to move into this new model of supervision.

1. These decisions are made with the full understanding that God is expecting God’s church to always be open to change for a new day and for new possibilities. These decisions are made out of a sense of newness and possibility.
2. These coverage areas will allow the new number of churches/charges per superintendent to remain similar to the current numbers.
3. The boundaries of the coverage areas have been made for the most part around county lines. This will make is easier to do things across former district lines.
4. There will be new ways of supervision. One way is to utilize effective local pastors and elders as ministry partners to do some of the ongoing work of ministry in the coverage area.
5. Every church and every pastor will have a superintendent with whom they will relate and have direct contact.
6. Current district committees will work with the Conference Superintendent to determine what is the best way to accomplish their tasks.
7. This current change in supervision will position the Susquehanna Conference well for whatever General and Jurisdictional Conference may decide about number of episcopal areas and number of bishops.
8. This new way of doing supervision will also allow us to be nimbler and provide new ways of being in ministry.

We will keep you updated as things progress. In the coming weeks we will release a conference map showing the new supervision areas. Included with that map will be the number of churches and charges in that new area.

We welcome your questions. Feel free to send an email to our office or to your current Conference Superintendent. We will be working on an FAQ sheet to put on the Conference website.

In this season of transitions, we celebrate that God is providing transitions and openings for us to do ministry and supervision in a new way. Now is the time for bold action and ministry – following where God is leading.

In ministry with you,

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball

Resident Bishops

A Message from our Bishops - We Are Encouraged

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball and Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

As we navigate the waters of church disaffiliations, we are encouraged. We are encouraged that many people are learning and relearning United Methodist theology and falling in love with it for the first time or once again. Many are discovering and rediscovering how United Methodist theology is consistent with their understanding of scripture. If you are interested in rediscovering who we are as United Methodists, check out this group discussion guide.

We are also encouraged that congregations whose theology is not consistent with the theology of The United Methodist Church are finding their way to either be independent churches or to be part of other denominations that are more consistent with their theology.

We remain hopeful that as we make these discoveries we will be able to do so without discrediting, demonizing, making accusations about or denigrating persons who have made decisions different than our own. It is beneath our Christian witness to use intimidation, exaggeration, fear or misinformation to bolster our argument and convince others to join “our side”.

We are encouraged that there are a number of churches in our annual conference that identify their theology as traditional and are choosing to remain United Methodist. These churches recognize that United Methodist theology embraces diversity of perspective and interpretation on a number of matters. They have found that, even though most of their members may have more traditional perspectives, they have always had active members with diverse perspectives with whom they have been able to do vital ministry. They view this diversity as a blessing.

There are some churches that have gone through the process of taking a vote to disaffiliate and while a majority did vote to disaffiliate, they were not able to reach the 2/3 majority required by The Book of Discipline. For some of these churches, the process of taking such a vote has been challenging. We are encouraged that some of these congregations have requested help to move forward so that they might emerge even stronger than before they voted.

In some cases, churches have reached the 2/3 majority needed to disaffiliate but a significant minority of members want to remain United Methodist. We are encouraged that in those cases the cabinet is working to find United Methodist churches for those members who want to remain United Methodist. In addition, we are developing plans to start some new United Methodist communities for those who want to remain. If you would like to be a part of one of those new communities, please email our team at beumc@susumc.org.

We are encouraged by the hope and joy that is ours through Jesus Christ in the midst of disaffiliation. We are not perfect, but we are encouraged that as a church we are striving to be perfected in love of God and one another. We are encouraged by all of you who are on this journey with us as we work out our souls’ salvation, fulfilling our membership covenant of being loyal to Christ through The United Methodist Church and doing all that we can to strengthen its ministries.

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi - Resident Bishop, SUSUMC

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball - Resident Bishop, SUSUMC

2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference Summary

 

The Susquehanna Conference delegation to the 2022 Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference and our episcopal leaders, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball (center left), and Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi (center right). Photo by Liz Lennox

By Liz Lennox, Director of Communications

The Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the United Methodist Church met November 1-4 to worship, elect and consecrate a new bishop, celebrate retirees, hear reports, and vote on various legislation. While there were many moments worth celebrating, such as the election of the jurisdiction’s first Hispanic bishop and the retirement of four bishops, the delegation grappled with dead-locked voting during the election of a second bishop and a vital but difficult discussion about racism. The specter of COVID lingered as evidenced by masked participants and legislation regarding the future of online conferencing. Full inclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community was at the forefront of discussion and featured heavily in the questions asked of the endorsed candidates. A resolution entitled, “Queer Delegates’ Call to Center Justice and Empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ People in the UMC” passed with 75% support.

The Susquehanna Conference actively participated in the various happenings, with numerous delegates speaking to a number of motions during the plenary sessions. The Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Salsgiver provided guidance and organization throughout the entire conference as the NEJ secretary. He was subsequently elected to continue in this role.

Alongside other Directors of Connectional Ministries from the Northeastern Jurisdiction, Rev. Dr. Kathleen E. Kind delivered a report on progress made on the Call to Action (CTA) adopted by the NEJ in 2016, which charges the conferences of the NEJ to “engage in the important work of creating an anti-racist, diverse, equitable and inclusive United Methodist church.” Progress throughout the jurisdiction was celebrated throughout this report and demonstrated the work being done to dismantle racism. A plan was laid out for the NEJ as it seeks to live into anti-racism work, including progress reports, learning opportunities, and a platform for discussions.

A discussion on racism emerged from this presentation and many BIPOC people shared the hurt and trauma they have experienced as part of the church and society and the racism they still see every day. Systems of oppression were examined, and white people were called upon to examine these systems and their own privilege.

Bishop John Schol delivered the State of the NEJ Address. “As the Northeastern Jurisdiction, we gather together to be in ministry with the world. Yet there are those who are troubled among us,” he began.

“There are United Methodists among us today and in our congregations who feel harmed, unheard and unseen. They feel the United Methodist system oppresses and devalues their gifts, their calling and their service. There are United Methodists among us today and in our congregations who are seen and yet feel their income, race, sexual orientation, gender, ableness, theology, nation of origin, have relegated them to second class status or even no status. There are United Methodists among us today and in our congregations who are pandemic exhausted, anxious, burned out, fearful of whether or not their congregations will come back. There are United Methodists among us who are tired of the fight, of the continual push and pull, of rulemaking, rule bending and rule breaking, who would rather disaffiliate or feel the church is trying to push them out. We are turning on each other, rather than turning to each other and turning together toward God in ministry to all the world. Let us be honest: the state of the church, of ministry, of our people is beaten down. We are weary, anxious, frustrated and some are angry.”

His address held some optimism for the present and future of the church, however. He highlighted a number of ministries throughout the jurisdiction, including the recent Civil Rights Journey embarked on by the Susquehanna Conference Cabinet, along with clergy and laity.

Bishop Schol closed by saying, “Emerging from a pandemic, ending the sin of racism, living with differences and raising up and developing leaders is hard work, deep work. Deep work, hard work can lead to making judgements, or it can lead us to be more curious and seek to discover the signs all around us that God is ready to do a new thing. It will take the mind of Christ Jesus and humble hearts to see others as better than ourselves and to move into our communities together…to truly be in ministry with all the world together. Yes, together. Let it begin with us?”

Read his full remarks in the November 3 edition of the Daily Christian Advocate.

Election of Bishops

Endorsed candidates interviewed with delegates all day Tuesday, November 1. After the conclusion of interviews, the delegations convened to discuss their impressions. The Susquehanna delegation met for some time to gather their thoughts and express their hopes for the future bishops in the Northeastern Jurisdiction.

Initially, the body reaffirmed the October 15 decision to elect two bishops after a motion to increase that number to three failed.

In only a few rounds of voting, the delegates elected Rev. Hector Burgos to be consecrated as a bishop in the Northeastern Jurisdiction. As the room erupted in cheers around him, he sat quietly with his eyes closed before standing and celebrating with his colleagues and family.

When later asked about this moment, he shared that he heard the voices of his mother and grandmother and the encouragement they had given him in the past during hard times. The atmosphere in the room was joyous as people clapped and danced in celebration.

“Dios es bueno,” Burgos spoke to the crowd. “Todo el tiempo. God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good.”

The election of Bishop Burgos was historic, as he is the first Hispanic bishop to be elected in the NEJ and the first Puerto Rican in the entire denomination. He was the endorsed candidate of MARCHA, the Hispanic/Latino Caucus of The United Methodist Church.

The election of the second bishop was less fruitful. Rev. Dr. Jay Williams from the New England Conference, while not an endorsed candidate, had enough votes to allow him to circulate his biography. In subsequent votes, he and Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn from Western Pennsylvania alternated for the most votes but neither achieved the necessary majority. Multiple endorsed candidates removed themselves from the ballot over the course of voting. Other candidates vied to be elected, including a write-in, but it became apparent after 18 rounds of voting that the body was dead-locked.

Various motions explored to address this issue were explored but not passed. Ultimately, delegate Rev. Matthew E. Lake from Susquehanna put forth a motion to suspend the rules in order to postpone the election of a second bishop until 2024. This motion ultimately passed, and a second bishop was not elected.

Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn, Rev. Dr. Jay Williams, and Rev. Cristian De La Rosa gave heartfelt speeches from the floor after this decision.

A consecration service was held early Friday afternoon for Bishop Burgos.

 Episcopal Coverage

On Friday, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling announced the assignments for episcopal leadership. Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball will continue to provide shared coverage for the Susquehanna Conference. Bishop Moore-Koikoi will also continue to serve the Western Pennsylvania Conference and Bishop Steiner Ball will continue to serve the West Virginia conference. See the full list of episcopal assignments:

Baltimore-Washington: Bishop Latrelle Easterling

Eastern Pennsylvania: Bishop John Schol

Greater New Jersey: Bishop John Schol

New England: (servant leader to be announced very soon)

New York: Bishop Thomas Bickerton

Peninsula-Delaware: Bishop Latrelle Easterling

Susquehanna: Bishops Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Sandra Steiner Ball

Upper New York: Bishop Hector Burgos

Western Pennsylvania: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

West Virginia: Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball

Newly elected Bishop Burgos will serve the Upper New York Annual Conference. The New England Conference has not been assigned a bishop yet, but discernment is under way to find coverage for that conference.

Approved Resolutions

The body voted on and approved legislation during the plenary sessions over two days. The resolutions can be read in their entirety in the Daily Christian Advocate. Summary of passed legislation:

APPROVED: Resolution #1: Relating to Child Care during Jurisdictional Conference Sessions The resolution was brought by Bethany Amey of the Greater New Jersey Conference, who said that safe, affordable, accessible childcare during the session is needed in order not to disenfranchise delegates who are parents of young children, particularly women and younger people

APPROVED: Budget Delegates approved the jurisdiction’s budget after hearing from Treasurer, the Rev. David W. Simpson, who offered an update to the balance sheet printed in the ADCA to $1,141,016.26.

APPROVED: Boundaries Committee budget request for proposed Task Force.

APPROVED: Apportionment structure (outlined in the ADCA).

APPROVED: Resolution # 2: Endorse Christmas Covenant (with amendments). This resolution calls for the Northeastern Jurisdiction to endorse the Christmas Covenant legislation, including the creation of a U.S. Regional Conference, and urges all Northeastern Jurisdiction delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conference, including alternates, to support the Christmas Covenant and to make such legislation a priority for the delegation; and

APPROVED: Resolution #3: Leading with Integrity. This resolution reads, in part, “The Northeastern Jurisdiction expresses both respect and gratitude to those who have voluntarily stepped away from positions of leadership as they journey away from membership in The United Methodist Church … as we continue this period of transition the Northeastern Jurisdiction calls upon every United Methodist, as a disciple of Jesus the Christ, to move forward in fairness and with integrity.”

APPROVED: Resolution #5: Queer Delegates’ Call to Center Justice and Empowerment fo LGBTQIA+ People in the UMC. This resolution supports and amplifies the queer delegates’ call to justice and empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community in the jurisdiction, within and beyond our churches and agencies, amongst other resolves.

This article summarizes the major events of the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. However, please note that this summary is not all-inclusive and detailed information about the events of each day can be viewed in the Daily Christian Advocate, which was published each day of the conference. View here.

You can view the photo gallery from Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference here.

Prayers For Peace In The Ukraine

The United Methodist Church, Harrisburg Area - Susquehanna Conference
Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball

As United Methodists in Pennsylvania, we join in prayer with those all around the world who are entreating God for peace in the Ukraine. In a Facebook post in early March, Bishop Eduard Khegay, who oversees Russia and Ukraine, urged us to pray for the community in Lugansk, Ukraine, who, as they pray, hear the “sounds of guns. Mass mobilization of men under 55 is going on. “The situation is complicated and disturbing.” 

As Methodists, it has always been part of our tradition to pray and work for peace. In our most current Book of Discipline, we find these words:

We believe war is incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ. We therefore reject war as an instrument of national foreign policy. We oppose unilateral first/preemptive strike actions and strategies on the part of any government. As disciples of Christ, we are called to love our enemies, seek justice, and serve as reconcilers of conflict…We believe that human values must outweigh military claims as governments determine their priorities; that the militarization of society must be challenged and stopped; that the manufacture, sale, and deployment of armaments must be reduced and controlled; and that the production, possession, or use of nuclear weapons be condemned. - ¶ 165(c) The Book of Discipline 2016

As his colleague and sister in Christ, I affirm Bishop Khegay’s conclusion that the situation in Ukraine is complicated. Those of you who have connections to that part of the world have a much better understanding of the situation than do I. I am grateful to Nordic-Baltic Area Bishop Christian Alsted, who issued a pastoral letter helping us to understand some of the dynamics of that region of the world.

I do understand the tension that comes in simultaneously calling for peace while supporting the Ukrainian people in their “fight” for freedom. We can do both. We can applaud Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s declaration in a recent address to the European Union Parliament that every square in Ukraine is “Freedom Square.” We can pray for the safety of soldiers on both sides of the war as we affirm Bishop Alsted’s statement that “War and violence are evil and always entail considerable human costs.” We can also pray that Ukrainian and Russian officials continue to try to negotiate a peace. 

Further, we can and must pray for peace and act to combat the impact of war. Both the Western Pennsylvania and Susquehanna Annual Conferences have familial and missional connections to Ukraine. Because of our connection we have mechanisms to put our prayers into action.

First United Methodist Church in Hershey, PA, has been involved in mission projects in Ukraine for nearly 30 years. They have partnered with Raising Hope Ukraine,” the ministry of missionaries Archana and Ruslan Tkachuk, since 2007. Archie, an American, and Ruslan, a native Ukrainian, have been ministering to those on the ground by providing food, fuel, and other supplies as well as a safe place to sleep for those who are displaced by the war. You can read more about their current situation on the Raising Hope Ukraine Facebook page (facebook.com/raisinghopeukraine). You may support their efforts by donating online at raisinghopeukraine.com/partner-with-us/financial/ OR by mailing checks made out to “Raising Hope Ukraine” to 836 Appenzell Dr., Hummelstown PA 17036.

Although United Methodist Global Ministries currently does not have missionaries on the ground in Ukraine, UMCOR is communicating with partners in the region to coordinate a humanitarian response. We can support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by making a gift to Advance #982450. Global Ministries’ Advance #14053A supports pastors in Ukraine and Moldova.

The Western Pennsylvania Conference credit union, Common Roots, is part of a global network of credit unions whose humanitarian arm, the Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, has established the Ukrainian Credit Union Displacement Fund, to directly support credit union members and employees in the short term and the credit union system in the long term. You may donate online here.

“ they shall beat their swords into plowshares,
 and their spears into pruning hooks;
nation shall not lift up sword
against nation,
neither shall they learn
war any more.” 

- Isaiah 2:4b

Peace and blessings,

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi 

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball

News from our Bishops

The United Methodist Church:  Harrisburg Area - Susquehanna Conference

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball

Staff Transitions

December 22, 2021

Dear Siblings in Christ,

As we rapidly move toward Christmas Day, we give thanks to God for God’s unfathomable gift of God’s son Jesus the Christ. That first Christmas Day reminds the world that God did a new thing in sending God’s son into this world. We give thanks that God continually does new things – even in this day.

The Susquehanna Conference is in the midst of doing a new thing with the Western PA and West Virginia Annual Conferences. We are starting to explore and discover new ways of working and being The Church.

At the same time God is doing a new thing, we give thanks to God for those staff persons who have served this Annual Conference. As you are aware, Rev. Gary Shockley has discerned that this is the time for him to do a new thing in retirement. Earlier in the fall, Rev. Greg Myers also retired, and Christy Mackey resigned to start a new journey in the world of insurance. Sarah Filizzi, part-time staff in the Episcopal Office, has also decided to submit her resignation. She has accepted a position with the Pennsylvania Council of Churches. We also give thanks to God for Rev. Victoria Rebeck. Victoria will be leaving her position as the Director of Connecting Ministries at the beginning of 2022. Victoria’s last day in the office will be December 31, 2021.

As God continues to move and do a new thing, we know that God will continue to use Victoria, Gary, Greg, Christy, and Sarah.

Please know that as God’s plan for the Susquehanna Conference is discerned and decisions are made, we will keep you informed.

May your spirit be touched and renewed as again you hear the words recorded in Luke:

“Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2: 10-11)

God’s Christmas Peace,                                                  

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball

***

COVID Update 

December 30, 2021 

Dear Siblings in Christ,

Please know that we continue to pray for the health and wholeness of each one of you and for people around the world. In light of the very contagious Omicron variant of COVID-19, we urge you to review your in-person worship and discipleship plans. Keep yourself updated on the latest information for infection rates in your area. Continue to access Center for Disease Control (CDC) and official local health department guidelines for how to best protect yourself, your congregations, and your family. Please know that we support you as you provide on-line worship and gathering experiences. If at any time due to high infection rates, after consultation with the clergy and lay leadership, you determine that the church needs to return to all virtual gatherings until infection rates are lower, we will support your decision.

Laity, we urge you to extend an extra dose of grace to your pastors as they enter the third calendar year of bearing the responsibility of balancing the tension between keeping everyone safe while advancing the mission of the church. Physical and emotional exhaustion is real among our pastors. The best Christmas and New Year’s gifts you can give them are your grace and words of good cheer.

We encourage the following behaviors and procedures recognizing that persons without symptoms can spread the virus. We love our neighbors and need to be intentional about protecting others:

• Please strongly encourage, if not require, mask wearing at all church gatherings and remember masks that do not gap are best. Small children and some persons with particular mental health issues have difficulty wearing masks so exercise good judgment.
• Please encourage members of the church to get vaccinated and boosted when it is time.
• Encourage unvaccinated church and community members to take advantage of on-line worship opportunities.
• Stay away and encourage others to stay away from gatherings if they are not feeling well
• Follow the CDC and local health official quarantine and disinfection guidelines for anyone who has tested positive or been exposed to COVID.
• Practice maintaining distance between persons who are not living together in the same household.
• Pass the peace or greet persons by waving, bowing, a nod of the head. Avoid hugs and handshakes. Do not hold hands for prayer.
• Do not use a Common Cup for Communion. Do not leave water in your baptismal fonts.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces – put sanitizing wipes in your Church bathrooms. Consider pausing childcare and moving children’s ministries on-line when infection rates are high.
• Establish organized ways to check in and check up on persons who become ill for any reason so that your congregation may establish helpful ways of making sure those who are sick or shut in can get access to necessities.

Your Bishops, Conference Superintendents, and Conference staff all desire for all of our church buildings to be places of sanctuary or safety. Please put into practice the actions and decisions – both individually and communally - that will help to keep the coronavirus from spreading.

We join our prayers with yours as we navigate how to share God’s love with the communities we serve in ever-changing circumstances.

Blessings to you,

Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball