Volunteers in Mission - Using Our Gifts from God

Many years ago, a small church in North Carolina received a part-time-student pastor. The church was small and struggling and the members were concerned that they would not be able to continue in the years to come as they just weren’t able to do what they used to be able to do. Early in the new pastor’s ministry, the membership met to discuss their concerns. The pastor asked them one simple question: “What is one thing you do well?” The answer was “we are good cooks.” So, the pastor helped them develop a new ministry around their gift for cooking. Each week a few members would scour the obituary column. If there had been a death in their community, they would cook and deliver a meal to the family. It wasn’t long before the church began to grow. By the time the pastor was ready to graduate from seminary three years later, the church was ready to become full-time simply because the members used the gift that God had given them to bring comfort and love in a time of distress to their community.

We have a similar story in the Susquehanna conference but instead of cooking they cut wood. At Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC Pastor James Jacobs held an “Out of the Box Outreach” brainstorming session. An idea was born to provide firewood to folks in the area who need it to heat their home but are unable to cut and split it anymore.

Three months later with an implementation plan, a safety plan, a federal grant, and a grant from the Susquehanna Conference the church was ready to start work. The first year over 25 families were provided wood so that they could heat their homes.

The ministry continues to grow with multiple dump trailers, splitters, and wood cutting equipment. Also, the community has gotten involved with local township and tree trimming companies providing a steady stream of wood and also even helping to process some of the wood.

The outreach currently has over 30 cords of wood cut and split ready to deliver to homes for the 2025/2026 heating season as well as providing some for customers at the local food bank to pick up.

Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC thought outside the box, using the gifts God had given them – skills to cut and split wood. So, the question for all of us is “What gifts has God given me?” Someone in your “neighborhood” has a need, a need that you can use your gift to alleviate. It is said that “God works in mysterious ways” but sometimes, even most times, God works through the simple acts of love, comfort, and mercy that each one of us can provide in our own ways. 

Try it. It will change lives – including yours.

Rev. Sara Shaver

VIM Coordinator
vim@susumc.org
Web: www.susumc.org/vim
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One Matters Award: Eatonville & Evans Falls UMCs, North Central Rivers District

 In partnership with Discipleship Ministries, the Susquehanna Conference presents the One Matters Award to one church in each of our districts at Annual Conference.

This award has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, an 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 2025:  

Freedom Trail District
Salem Guldens UMC

Mountain Valley District
Covenant UMC, Lockhaven

North Central Rivers District
Eatonville UMC & Evans Falls UMC

Northern Wilds District
Millerton UMC

River Valley District
Faith UMC, Hallam

Eatonville & Evans Falls UMCs

North Central Rivers District

Nestled along Bowman's Creek in rural Northeastern Pennsylvania, just south of Tunkhannock, the Eatonville and Evans Falls United Methodist Churches are two small, historic congregations rooted in Christ's promise of abundant life. With average attendances of 26 and 17, these senior-age churches remain vibrant in spirit.

Despite the challenges of a shifting local economy and changing demographics, these congregations embody an "Attitude of Gratitude." They faithfully steward their resources, engage joyfully in misison, and remain connected to the wider Church. Their outreach includes weekly meal deliveries through the Endless Mountains Cooperative Ministry and Seven Loaves Soup Kitchen.

Rather than retreat, they're innovating. Last August, Eatonville UMC hosted its first-ever Vacation Bible School for Seniors. Modeled after children's VBS, it included worship, songs, crafts, games, and snacks - drawing participants from ages 17 to 85. The three-week event averaged 18 attendees and led to two professions of faith and a youth confirmation at Evans Falls.

One idea. One invitation. One life. In God's economy, every "ONE" echoes into eternity.

https://www.facebook.com/EatonvilleUnitedMethodist/

https://www.facebook.com/EvansFallsUMC/

One Matters Award: Covenant UMC, Lock Haven Mountain Valley District

In partnership with Discipleship Ministries, the Susquehanna Conference presents the One Matters Award to one church in each of our districts at Annual Conference.

This award has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, an 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 2025:  

Freedom Trail District
Salem Guldens UMC

Mountain Valley District
Covenant UMC, Lockhaven

North Central Rivers District
Eatonville UMC & Evans Falls UMC

Northern Wilds District
Millerton UMC

River Valley District
Faith UMC, Hallam

Covenant UMC, Lockhaven

Mountain Valley District

Covenant United Methodist Church in Lock Haven is becoming a beacon of light in its community. Since Pastor Justin Frear's appointment in July 2022, the church has embraced a renewed vision rooted in prayer, discernment, and relationship. With a new discipleship pathway, members are growing more confident in sharing their faith - through both actions and words.

Their outreach began with a local work camp, One Family at a Time, which is now a cluster-sponsored ministry that helps neighbors with essential home repairs. This inspired a Toolbox Ministry, offering year-round support for small home projects. The church also brings worship beyond its walls with an annual service in the park, creating space for those not yet ready to enter the sanctuary.

New minsitries are emerging organically - a grief support group launched by a visitor (now becoming a member) and the Covenant Cafe, offering care for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Several connected through these ministries now attend worship. In this seaon of growth, the church has celebrated two baptisms and continues to bless the community by providing food to 60 local schoolchildren through Blessings in a Backpack.

Covenant is living its mission - one relationship, one neighbor, one life at a time.

https://covenant.susumc.org/

New Places - New People

The New Places - New People Award is given to a church 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. 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 at https://susumc.org/portico/.

Faith UMC, Woodbury

Freedom Trail District

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

Faith United Methodist Church in Woodbury was honored at this year’s Annual Conference with the prestigious New Places, New People award - a recognition that speaks volumes about its remarkable journey. Just a few years ago, the church averaged around 30 worshippers on a Sunday. Today, thanks to intentional outreach, that number has soared to an impressive 120 worshippers, with one-third of attendees under the age of 18.

Central to this transformation has been Faith UMC’s unwavering focus on young families. Its children’s ministry, youth groups, and family-oriented programming are built not as afterthoughts, but as pillars of the congregation’s mission. “We wanted kids to be part of every aspect of the life of the church,” says Pastor Josh Tobias. “So we really leaned into that as much as we could.” And the results speak for themselves: instead of watching from the sidelines, children and teens are front and center in worship, fellowhip, and service.

This isn’t just a “kid’s zone” kind of place. It’s multigenerational in spirit and in sound - evident in their choir, which includes young voices alongside adult singers, filling the sanctuary with a rich tapestry of harmony. It’s proof that Faith embraces the full spectrum of ages, integrating them in worship in a way that feels genuine and joyful.

The church’s vibrant presence extends beyond its walls too. Every Friday evening, members of Faith UMC gather together to attend Northern Bedford County High School football games. It’s not a gimmick - but a simple, consistent show of care for their community. As Pastor Tobias observes, “And I think if you follow the model of Jesus, it’s not just relating to people, it’s loving them.”

Josh Banaszak, chair of Faith’s church board, encapsulates the congregation’s spirit: “There’s an authenticity at Faith Church that I have not found elsewhere.” Indeed, what sets them apart is their commitment to real connection - without flashy programs or superficial hooks. Their steadily growing attendance, especially among families, lingers not because of novel gimmicks, but because people feel genuinely loved and included.

In honoring Faith UMC with the New Places, New People aware, the Susquehanna Conference has recognized something timeless yet powerful: that church growth rooted in authentic relationships, cross-generational unity, and heartfelt love is not just possible - it’s transformational. Faith UMC, Woodbury has witnessed church renewal, not through trends of hype, but by following the simple, radical love Jesus modeled and inviting everyone - especially the next generation - to participate fully in the journey.

Pastor Josh Tobias and Josh Banaszak accepted the New Places - New People Award on behalf of Faith UMC, Woodbury, at the 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference

 

A Bold Step Forward: The Journey Church and The Neighborhood Center Forge Historic Partnership

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications 

In the heart of Harrisburg, a bold new chapter is unfolding. Two long-standing institutions in the city, The Journey Church and The Neighborhood Center, are embarking on an unprecedented strategic partnership that promises to revitalize the 1801 N. 3rd Street property, reinvigorate community life, and build a future of hope and belonging for all.

Read the FULL ARTICLE HERE.

A Ministry of Growth: Honoring the Legacy of Seedling Financial Ministry

For more than a century, a quiet but powerful ministry has been at work in our Conference – helping churches grow, expand, and live out their callings with courage and faith. Seedling Financial Ministry, formerly known as the Loan Fund, has officially concluded its ministry, but its impact lives on in worship spaces, classrooms, pavilions, kitchens, and Family Life Centers across our region.

Read the FULL ARTICLE HERE.

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/

Wood for Good

By Rev. James Jacobs

As Pastor of Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church in the State College District, I asked the parishioners to start thinking about out-of-the-box outreach opportunities considering the traditional methods of outreach didn’t seem to be working. 

The congregation wholeheartedly agreed and formulated an outreach team to come up with new, innovative, and different ways to reach out to our community. Two pages of ideas later several of those out of the box projects have been implemented, some worked and some didn’t.

An outreach program idea one of the parishioners came up with is called “Wood for Good”. 

This parishioner approached me with concern for the many people that heat their homes with firewood who either can’t go out in the woods to cut anymore, don’t have the availability of open forest lands to go cut in, or can’t afford to buy firewood. 

The parishioner (Craig) asked, “Do you think this is something we might explore?” Considering I believe that “empowered people do great things” I told the parishioner, “It’s your idea, you run with it and we will support you.”

Within 3 months we now have an established “Wood for Good” program. Craig tirelessly worked to formulate a detailed implementation plan, a safety plan, and wrote a grant to the Department of Agricultural which has a green heating imitative. The project received a $10,000 grant to purchase the equipment needed to implement the initiative.

Craig then formed a team of parishioners that have built firewood storage racks and contacted local landscapers and tree trimming companies that have agreed to deliver trees that have been cut down for use in the initiative.

A group of men and women from the church cut and split the donated wood each month.

We started collecting names of folks that would like to receive wood from the people that come to our church food bank. The need was clearly there and our list of folks that have requested support with free firewood is growing, not only from our food bank visitors but others in the community.

This initiative is a classic case of a parishioner coming up with an out-of-the-box-idea, the pastor empowering the parishioner to take charge, and we now have an initiative that is fulfilling a community need. The hands and feet of Jesus Christ...using a chain saw and wood splitter!

https://greaterbuffalorunvalleyumc.com/

Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: New and Improved Opportunities for All!

By Kim Shockley, Coordinator of Lay Excellence

After my experience with our Annual Conference in May, I came away with a renewed sense of hope, especially for the lay people of the Susquehanna Conference. I spoke with many of you about our Lay Servant Ministry processes and felt great enthusiasm from you about discovering how God wants to use you now! While I continue to be the Coordinator of Lay Excellence, this is what gets me out of bed each morning - connecting lay people to mission and ministry!

We are offering a third Coach Approach Training on August 26, 2023 at First UMC Muncy, 602 S Market St, Muncy, PA 17756-1628, for $15 which includes lunch. The instructors for these 6-hour training events are ICF Certified Coaches in our Conference who are currently active members of our Susquehanna Coaching Network – Ron Doverspike and Kim Shockley. The purpose of Coach Approach Training is to learn the skills of coaching and how to put it into practice. Anyone who leads a group or team will benefit from this training because the end result of a coach approach is greater accomplishment of goals and engagement of people in those goals. 

The posture of a coach approach is curiosity, listening well, and asking powerful questions that lead to committed action steps. Come join us as we learn the basics and several different ways that a coach approach can be used within your local congregation’s ministry. .6 CEU will be offered. The flyer and registration can be found here: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=754045

The third opportunity in our Refresh series happens on September 30, 2023 at Christ Community UMC, 3939 Park Rd, Selinsgrove, PA 1787). Ken Willard, from the West Virginia Conference Development Office, will be with us to Refresh Our Plan! Our time with Ken will be to discuss how to create and/or refresh your ministry plan. He will offer training around how to have a strategic ministry focus. This event is open to everyone, and we especially encourage ministry teams to attend this training together! .6 CEU will be offered. The deadline to register for the third experience of Refresh is Saturday, September 23, 2023: https://susumc.org/refresh/

Don’t forget to check the Lay Ministry page on the SUSUMC website - https://susumc.org/lay-ministry/. Throughout the summer our District Lay Servant Ministry Committees will be developing their roster of courses for Fall 2023. Remember, Lay Servants and Lay Speakers must take 1 CEU (10 hours of instruction) every three years to stay certified. Certified Lay Ministers need 1 CEU every other year to stay in compliance. 

Our District Committees are working well to encourage and keep our laity engaged in mission and ministry! The One Matters Awards presented at Annual Conference showed us how fruitful this work is as we developed new and improved ways of seeing our communities and building relationships!

God is with us all!

Commentary: Have You Heard the Bells…and the Message?

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

Last month, my wife and I took the opportunity to go on a date. We decided to take in a movie entitled “I Heard the Bells.” The storyline chronicled how poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow came to write the poem that eventually turned in to a popular Christmas carol. After seeing the movie, I was intrigued by the portrayal of Longfellow’s life, decided to do a little research, and familiarize myself with his writings. The result of that exploration revealed that, while he was considered the most popular poet of that time, Longfellow also lived a real and relatable life.

Without giving away the entire story line, he lived a simple yet very happy life. He experienced family struggles, grief and healing. He was drawn into the conflict created by a charged political and social climate. He grappled with keeping promises and addressing teen rebellion. Longfellow was a widower and single father after tragic circumstances took his second wife, whom he described as the inspiration for his poetry and his life. His faith wavered. His hope for the future was lost.

Over the past few years, we have experienced much of the same. The pandemic turned our world upside down. Social distancing forced many to abandon the sense of community we previously enjoyed. We became distant from our neighbors, friends, and church community. Our ministry and mission suffered.

In the early morning hours of December 25, 1863, while still wrestling with his hopelessness and grief, Longfellow heard the bells of the local church ringing. Justin Taylor, executive vice president for book publishing and publisher for books at Crossway Publishing, explained in his blog that Longfellow heard these bells and “the singing of ‘peace on earth’ (Luke 2:14), but he observed the world of injustice and violence that seemed to mock the truthfulness of this optimistic outlook” (Taylor, 2014). Longfellow recognized this contrast in his own life and in our nation and began to pen the words of the poem that eventually became the Christmas carol: words that lead the reader or listener to understand that peace and hope can be found despite the despair surrounding us.

Last month, we celebrated the birth of our Savior. And, Scripture tells us He came as the Prince of Peace. The angels sang about it. His ministry was filled with the message of peace. Scripture tells us, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). And, when Jesus arose from the dead, He spoke of it saying, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent Me, I also send you” (John 20:21). 

In 1838, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow also wrote the poem, “A Psalm of Life,” in which he encourages readers to make the best of their life. It speaks of having a purpose despite the messiness around us and ends with a call to action. 

“Let us then be up and doing,/ With a heart for any fate;/ Still achieving, still pursuing,/ Learn to labor and to wait.” (Longfellow, 1838)

We have heard the bells ringing and the carolers singing. We have been assured there is peace in knowing and following Jesus. As you begin the New Year, let this message fill your heart. Return to your mission and ministry. And, being commissioned, go out and take action to spread the message that: 

“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:/ ‘God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;/ The Wrong shall fail,/ The Right prevail,/ With peace on earth, good-will to men.’” (Longfellow, Christmas Bells, 1863)

---

Douglas Hoy

Disaster Response Coordinator

Email: drc@susumc.org

Phone: 717-766-7441, ext. 3402

Website: www.susmb.org

Facebook: @SUSDisasterResponse

Twitter: @UMCDisasterResp

Disaster Response Ministry Blog: susdisasterresponse.blogspot.com/

Recycling Becomes a Ministry

Story and photos by Sandii Peiffer

In the midst of COVID pandemic, Wendy Miller, a member of Aldersgate UMC in Mechanicsburg, was inspired by a sermon about stewardship given by Rev. Jan Hughes. Good stewardship isn’t just being wise with money, but also about making the most of our possessions and reducing what we throw away. It got Miller thinking. She knew of some schools that recycled plastic film and wondered if the church could do it too. She contacted NexTrex, the recycling program of the Trex company, and started a new ministry in November 2020.

The ministry is one of stewardship and outreach. People are invited to fill collection bins, located inside and outside the church, with soft plastic bags, plastic film, and packing materials including bubble wrap. There are four collection bins at the church that include a picture of the plastics that are accepted. On a regular basis, the donated plastics are collected, consolidated, weighed, the weight recorded, and then they are dropped off at an approved collection point, which is a nearby supermarket. The weights of the donations are tallied and reported monthly online, via an account with NexTrex. When they reach the required goal of 500lbs in six months, NexTrex uses about 15% of the plastic to make a composite park bench, which it donates back to the donor, in this case Aldersgate Church, ready-to-assemble. The rest of the donated plastic is used to make composite decking and building materials. 

Since 2020, Aldersgate Church has met the goal of collecting 500lbs of plastic every six months, and they have received five park benches in return. The first three park benches were placed around the church in a garden area and the preschool playground. Bench number four was gifted to Mission Central, who auctioned it for a fundraiser. Bench number five was given to the nearby Good Hope Fire Station in Mechanicsburg. Future benches already have designated community service recipients and each bench will include a plaque to let people know it is a gift of Aldersgate UMC.

It’s a win-win ministry: good stewardship through recycling, and outreach by letting the community know Aldersgate Church cares about the earth and the community through their donated benches. I addition, NexTrex gets the “waste” materials they need to manufacture their products too. Another win. 

Miller hopes to grow the ministry to provide two park benches every six months - that’s 1 US ton of waste reduced, reused, and recycled every year!

For more information about the plastic recycling/park bench program, check out nextrex.com.

Calvary UMC Volunteers Serve Onondaga Nation, 15th Year

By John Shepler

On July 25, 2022, five Volunteers in Mission from Calvary UMC in Harrisburg arrived at the Onondaga Nation UMC just in time to unload the groceries to make lunch in their Fellowship/Kitchen room. Regis Doyle, Dale Miller, Mike Stephens, Steve Keller and I were part of this team. 

We were greeted by Dickie Crouse, of the Onondaga Nation, who directed us to several projects. Since the church needed a lot of work, we went right to it. Some of our members spent several days replacing the toilet “up-pump,” stove and back door, and repairing and painting the deck/ramp.

That evening we were welcomed to a dinner at Immanuel UMC in Camillus, NY. This was our night-time home. We cannot thank the people at Immanuel enough for their hospitality.

The next few days we patched and painted siding, sealed a deck, and repaired a couple of outside faucets.

On Thursday, we hosted 10 members of the Onondaga Nation at our dinner where friendships are made and renewed over the 15 years we have been visiting there.

Friday morning we visited all the homes we worked on and gifts were given and photos taken. Then, these five tired Volunteers in Mission loaded their tools and personals and headed home feeling good about our week serving the Onondaga Nation.

Camp Hill UMC Strengthens Ties in Panguma, Sierra Leone

By Beth Notarfrancesco

Recently, a team from the Camp Hill United Methodist Church returned to their sister church, Lower Bombara UMC, in Panguma, Sierra Leone, West Africa to rejuvenate the relationship that suffered a 3-year break due to the COVID pandemic. The relationship between the two communities was developed from the partnership the church had with the Sierra Leone Initiative www.susmb.org/sierra-leone-initative/) and grew with yearly voyages to the village. 

The five-person team for 2022 consisted of Jim Clahane, Marsha Curry-Nixon, Beth Notarfrancesco, Denise Paran and Mark Vickrey. Confirming the commitment to the community was the primary focus for the trip although they were also able to spend time with the church, schools, hospital, and dedicating a community market. 

The dedication of the community market was a highlight of the trip for many as the project’s origination started back in the fall of 2015. Camp Hill UMC partnered with Community Empowerment for Livelihood and Development (CELAD) to work with the community-at-large to determine what they most needed. It was decided by the Panguma community leaders and elders that a market structure would be of greatest benefit to the entire community. In 2018 physical construction began and the market came to completion just prior to the team’s arrival in 2022. Two widely loved and respected leaders, Bishop John K Yambasu and Amadu Ndoeka Sr went on to rest with their Lord and Savior during the building of the market and so the dedication of the Amadu Ndoeka Memorial Market became as much of a day of memory and honor as joy and commencement.

The team also spent time revisiting a long-standing scholarship program in which the church has raised and invested more than $340,000 over 12 years to assist in the education of students within the UMC schools in Panguma. Changes in educational funding in recent years as well as changes in leadership determined the need for this re-evaluation. With the wisdom and assistance of Josepha Pormai, Secretary of Secondary Education for the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, the team was able to gather the information necessary to bridge the educational partnership between the two communities into its next season. This partnership is helping to improve the education and opportunity for education to children living in Panguma with the hope of bettering the lives of families one child at a time. 

The team returned home encouraged by the many ways they saw God at work throughout their journey and credits the Sierra Leone Initiative for opening the door of opportunity for the development of this relationship which has changed lives on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean to and for the glory of God. 

God is good all the time. All the time God is good! 

United Methodist Women now United Women in Faith

United Methodist Women is now United Women in Faith! The move is part of a refreshing of the organization that includes a new logo and an array of new and improved programs to nurture current members and welcome new women to join to put their love in action on behalf of women, children and youth.

The organization announced the new operating name in the March-April edition of response, its bimonthly magazine for members.

The new programs are fruits of research conducted over the past five years with more than 24,000 United Methodists and women of other Christian traditions participating in the surveys, focus groups and interviews. This input informed the prayerful discernment of staff and elected leaders.

The changes are designed to address the different needs and life stages of current members and new women and expand options for membership and engagement. The new name also aims to welcome current members whose local churches may choose to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church as well as women of other faith traditions who want to join.

New and innovative programs will be rolled out throughout 2022, including:

A new, easier to navigate website with a homepage designed to pique new women’s interest in United Women in Faith and a special portal set to come online later this year where members can log in to access additional resources.

A new “All-Access” National Membership Option enabling women to join United Women in Faith via the new website and participate online or in person at local units or larger events

Soul Care Retreats, a pilot recruitment program for members and their nonmember friends and new women focused on nurturing women’s bodies, minds, and spirits.

Innovations to Mission u, the organization’s longtime spiritual growth and transformative education program. Beginning in spring 2022, Mission u will introduce new curricula each year—one for children, one for youth and one for adults—all focused on a shared biblical theme. The new Mission u curricula will be more adaptable for use in small groups, local churches, vacation Bible schools, retreats, and other settings. Through these vibrant, relevant, justice-oriented, and biblically centered curricula, Mission u will continue its commitment to learning together for the transformation of the world and expand its impact.

“This is an exciting time for our organization!” said Harriett Jane Olson, CEO of United Women in Faith. “Looking back, we see the through lines for our organization—faith in God, love for each other and commitment to putting our faith into action supporting women, children and youth. These commitments have been expressed in different ways at different times using different names, always calling women to world changing action. This combination of a new look, more accessible resources for members and new ways to participate positions us for impact in our own journeys and in how we engage the world that God so loves.”

The organization remains incorporated in New York as United Methodist Women and is doing business as United Women in Faith.

Read full press release HERE.

Thank You For Supporting Mission Central

As a monumental year comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to thank all the Susquehanna Conference United Methodist Church churches for your support throughout 2021! We recognize that this year continued to bring many challenges, and we are incredibly grateful for the support that has been shown to Mission Central. 

Every item, every prayer, every dollar and every shared gift has assisted us in fulfilling our mission of ‘connecting God’s resources with human need.’  We are thankful for each of you and appreciate you sharing your gifts with us. 

This was a record breaking year for Mission Central and, while numbers aren’t final, we assisted close to 4 million people with over $15 million in resources. We couldn’t have done this without your support!

Our medical ministry continues to be the fastest growing ministry and grew by 300% this year over 2020 (which was a record-breaking year as well). Our school program quadrupled and we continue to assist students and their families with medical equipment, food, clothing, school supplies and hygiene/cleaning items. Mission Central continues a big focus on disaster relief and are still the largest warehouse for UMCOR. 

Next year is a big year for us – we celebrate 20 years of this important work! Check out our end-of-year Mission Link for ways that you and your church can support us as we work toward another 20! If you have the opportunity, please follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our MissionLink (a weekly eNews letter). 

Also, please make sure you “Save the Dates” for a few Mission Central events of 2022: 

• Mission Central Gala: May 15, 2022 (at Liberty Forge)

• Mission Central Monster Mash and Dash (our virtual run): October, 2022

We wish you a Happy New Year filled with many blessings. 

Thank you for everything you do for Mission Central! 

www.missioncentral.org

Disaster Response Ministry: What’s the Catch?

Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator SUSUMC 

Have you ever seen those advertisements offering an all-expense paid, week-long vacation to a tropical location? It’s an offer that seems almost too good to be true, right? Just spend a few hours touring a vacation resort and listening to a salesperson attempting to sell you a condo. No strings attached. Just give them a few hours of your precious time. How bad could it be? Fill out the registration form. Provide them with your mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Convinced it’s worth it because all expenses are paid? It’s a great opportunity because you were planning to take a vacation anyway. Then, you start receiving junk mail and spam e-mails. Your phone rings constantly. The texts never stop. You discover the airfare is free—well, except for the taxes and fees. Suddenly, what seemed like a great opportunity with no “catches” has turned into an expensive, time-consuming nuisance.

Recently, I felt like one of those sales persons. I was assessing a home that had been damaged from one of the storms that passed through Knoxville in north-central Pennsylvania. As the homeowner accompanied me, we documented the damage and discussed what needed to be done to fix it. Remove the mud. Dispose of the debris. Re-build the basement staircase. Replace the hot water heater. Inspect and repair the electrical service. As we talked, I could see the concern becoming evident in his eyes. He was already overwhelmed by the circumstances surrounding the flood and being forced from his home. 

Then he asked the question, “What is this going to cost me?” What’s the catch?

This year, the Disaster Response Ministry was active in supporting the relief and recovery efforts for multiple disasters. Of course, supporting the on-going pandemic is at the top of a list that also included helping with storm clean-up at Camp Penn; resourcing various Conference and local church ministries, providing national crisis hotline operators to record disaster needs; doing flood relief, cleanup, and rebuilding in multiple locations throughout the Conference.

We learn from scripture that “God loves a cheerful giver.” More specifically, 2 Corinthians 9:7 clarifies that we should give without reluctance or compulsion. The people of the Susquehanna Conference have been generous with its financial support. And, that generosity has enabled the Disaster Response Ministry and UMCOR to be a caring, Christian presence in the aftermath of these disasters. We have been able to meet the needs of survivors by providing them with temporary heating, replacing medical equipment, paying for utilities, meeting essential needs, and awarding grants to assist with recovery to name a few.

As I spoke with that homeowner a few months ago, I thought about your willingness to give without hesitation. I turned to the homeowner and confidently shared that he would not incur any costs. Immediately, I could see the relief in his eyes. The stress he was experiencing faded quickly as he processed that idea that there was no “catch.”

As we move into a new year, I look forward to continuing in ministry and mission with you, being the hands and feet of Jesus, and sharing His love with those who are suffering ... with no catch! Contact me at drc@susumc.org or call 717-766-7441 ext. 3402.

 

 

Youth Service Fund Applications

 

The Youth Service Fund was established by the global United Methodist Church to support youth and youth ministries in their endeavors to live and grow as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. The Susquehanna Conference supports the global Youth Service Fund with 30% of all raised funds. The remaining 70% of funds are distributed by the discernment of the Young People’s Ministry Council. Grants are administered to ministries and experiences that further the mission and priorities of the Susquehanna Conference Young People’s Ministry Council. 

Mission and Priorities 

The mission of the Susquehanna Conference Young People’s Ministry Council is to empower young people to equip their peers to make disciples. The Susquehanna Conference YPMC seeks to live into its mission through providing experiences for young leaders to engage in leadership development. Therefore, grants will be distributed to applicants that are seeking to develop new or expand existing ministries that: 

1. Develop spiritual leadership in young disciples between the ages of 12-18 years old
2. Provide opportunities for young leaders to mentor, teach, and support their peers in discipleship development
3. Increase the racial or ethnic involvement in the ministry
4. Are fully planned and executed by young leaders (between 12-18 years old)
5. Change the culture of the local church to be more inclusive of young leadership

Requirements for Selection of YSF Projects 

When applying for Youth Service Fund (YSF) grants, the YPMC will evaluate the applicant’s execution of the above-mentioned priorities. The more closely aligned the application is to all the priorities, the higher the opportunity for funding. Beyond aligning with the priorities set by the YPMC, all applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Ministries or experiences must incorporate youth leadership and development in every aspect of the experience. (12-18 years of age, have been leaders in the creation, development, implementation and evaluation of a project.)
2. YSF money is to be used to develop new projects or expand existing ministries that will become self-supporting. YSF grants will not be used to fund a deficit or partially or fully pay salary or commission. There is no guarantee of funding after one year. No ministry or experience will receive grant money more than three times.
3. YSF grants could have a substantial impact on the project but will not fund the entire project.
4. Grants will only go to fund experiences in connection with local United Methodist churches or UM Boards and Agencies. Ecumenical ministry experiences could receive support if United Methodist young leaders serve in key leadership positions.
5. Applications will be accepted April 1, 2021 - October 31, 2021. Applications received after October 31 will not be considered.

Progress Not Perfection: a story from Breezewood Trucker Traveler Ministry

Rev. Bruce B. Maxwell, Chaplain, Breezewood Trucker Traveler Ministry

God is Still at Work

In the midst of all the masks, social distancing and fear, God is still moving in the hearts and lives of people. This article attests to His continued presence and concern for His creation. God still saves, keeps, and moves among those living and working in these times; He also protects and guides those who desire it.

The Breezewood Trucker/Traveler Ministry is still operating in this transient area to aid those who need assistance – whether it be spiritual or material. The Chaplain has been meeting with people, lending assistance, providing housing and counsel among his sundry duties. We are so thankful for those who have not forgotten this work of love for those in need – God bless you all.

Billy and his Mom can’t live together. Billy is rough around the edges and knows how to move on when the staying is too much. Billy loves his Mom; she lives in St. Louis and gets a visit from Billy every few years. She gave birth to Billy at age 15 and was dealing with her own adolescent issues. Billy nearly died as a toddler, being poisoned with hair dye. Fortunately there was a hospital across the street; his stomach was pumped and his life saved. He was raised as an only child and recalls a memory of attending his first music concert with his Mom (the Beatles in 1966 at the St. Louis ball field), but most of his early years were with Great Grandma, who lived off contrived but profitable legal settlements with large St. Louis area corporations. Mom was out sowing her wild oats, and eventually brought home the step-Dad from hades. 

Billy was surrounded by a dysfunctional family and a social circle of gangsters, mobsters, drinkers, and drug users. He became a user himself, and joined the family business of lawlessness, ending up in jail for a total of 27 years (that doesn’t include 3 years in juvenile). His offenses were armed robbery and auto theft. There was a brief window in his 20’s when he lived in an apartment and worked for a paycheck, but it was short lived. He eventually ended up on the streets of Sunset Strip (Hollywood) and rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous (June Pointer, Jim Carrey, Andy Gibb, etc.) back in the 80’s when cocaine use was part of the status. He was a hardened man with a hard heart.

He moved from place to place living in motels; the life style choices and addictions eventually brought great damage to his body. In 2010, two drug dealers in Houston pinned his legs with a car and beat him badly. He spent 4 weeks in ICU, but declined further surgeries to put his bones back together, and hence his leg strength can only handle about 10 minutes out of the wheelchair. Fast forward to 2013 at age 58, he was continuing his free-wheeling motorized chair journey of “any town” USA and found himself in Alabama receiving a Bible tract from a young family as he sat in his wheel chair on the street corner. The two young children in this family were innocent and tender; his usual brash dismissal was silent. He received the salvation tract, and began reading it. The evil one tried to get him to put it down; but Billy didn’t. He said the sinner’s prayer, and then found himself enveloped in a cloak of warmth and protection and security, knowing at that moment “everything is going to be OK.” He thought: “is this LSD” or some other drug induced state of mind, but he wasn’t on any drug! Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit made a home in his heart. It changed his life. 

Spiritual progress can show itself in many ways; for Billy staying out of the bars and living clean is a huge step. His wandering wheel chair journey of America included Breezewood for 5 weeks in a motel room and an occasional lapse into old habits, but I celebrated his progress not his 

(im)perfections. No one but Jesus is perfect; we are all a work in progress. Encouragement begets more courage and affirmation begets more determination for a Savior worthy of His promises. I thank God for His love that meets Billy right where he is. That’s a promise God made to all.

Find out more about this ministry at breezewoodtruckertraveler.org or email Maxwell.bruce@gatewaytravelplaza.com