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

 

New Places - New People: Mosaic Community Church, Halifax

At the 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the New Places - New People Award was given to a church in each district that has experimented with new ways to build relationships and make new disciples. God is calling each of us to be in relationship with others and our churches are commissioned to go to our immediate neighbors as well as the ends of the earth to make new disciples. We celebrate with these churches and the ministries that they are engaging as they offer new places for new people. If you would like to learn more about New Places - New People, there are courses in Portico, our online learning platform that is located on the Conference website. You can access Portico directly here: https://susumc.org/portico/.

Mosaic Community Church, Halifax

River Valley District

Rev. Gary Weaver, Superintendent

The New Places New People award is given to those people who are self-starters, who are visionaries, and who are team builders. Coming out of both COVID and a season of disaffiliation was a confusing time for many of us in the life of the church. Many faith-filled people wandered aimlessly and yet others found their way. 

A handful of people in the Halifax area wandered and then found their way, seeking creative connections to their community, to God, and to the individuals around them. Wanting to be connected in a significant way, with inspiration and energy in their heart, they came together. 

We have always been, since the beginning, a nomadic people. These people were indeed nomadic and coming together, they found and created a home. Under the connection and support of Calvary United Methodist Church in Harrisburg these nomads made the journey each week to nearby Camp Hebron, that was both home but ultimately temporary. Then, these risk-takers sensed that a time had come to put down roots, so now they meet in an elementary school, where all people are invited to be part of the journey. 

As they responded to their changing context, they have been faithful to the opportunities for sharing their faith and those moments of growth with people around them. One of their greatest desires is to continue to be a faith community where people can become who they were created to be, can continue to be followers of Jesus Christ, and know that they are truly welcome no matter who they are. 

The simple definition of a mosaic is a decoration made by inlaying small pieces of varied colored material to form a picture or a pattern and indeed that’s what this new place is; an inlaying of individuals who collectively paint a picture of God’s Kingdom here in the Susquehanna Conference. 

mcc-halifax.com/

New Places - New People: 12th St Huntingdon, McConnellsburg, and Mill Creek UMCs

At the 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the New Places - New People Award was given to a church in each district that has experimented with new ways to build relationships and make new disciples. God is calling each of us to be in relationship with others and our churches are commissioned to go to our immediate neighbors as well as the ends of the earth to make new disciples. We celebrate with these churches and the ministries that they are engaging as they offer new places for new people. If you would like to learn more about New Places - New People, there are courses in Portico, our online learning platform that is located on the Conference website. You can access Portico directly here: https://susumc.org/portico/.

Freedom Trail District

Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis, former Superintendent

We celebrate the McConnellsburg, Mill Creek, and 12th Street Huntington United Methodist congregations who have created New Places for New People in creating alternative holiday events. These events provide a way for differently-abled children and adults who have sensory issues, autism, developmental delays, and physical limitations to participate in holiday activities. 

 

The churches provide lower-stress holiday events, with no long lines, no bright lights, no loud noises, etcetera, which can make differently-abled children anxious. Each child has all the time they need meet and greet Santa and the Easter Bunny. These are family-friendly events where siblings are invited to join also, but the focus is the differently-abled. Parents and families are also personally invited to worship and other upcoming events. 

A wonderful example of a specific adaptation was at the Easter egg hunt, where eggs were attached to helium balloons for their wheelchair friend Clayton. Clayton was able to grab the strings to get his eggs. 

We are thankful for the commitment of McConnellsburg, Mill Creek, and 12th St UMCs to designing inclusive experiences for children and adults who often must fit into events that are not considerate of them. They have a future goal to offer an alternative worship experience too. 

Another ministry, birthed by the 12th Street Huntington church, takes place at the Huntington Community Center, during their open gym nights. The church discovered that kids were coming in hungry because there was no one home to provide a meal, let alone any quality family time that happens around the table. So once a month, 12th St. UMC cooks a hot meal and then everyone, volunteers included, sits around the tables with the kids eating and fellowshipping. The church members are sitting side-by-side with the children, talking to them, listening to them, and building relationships with them. They are kind of a surrogate family to these children. In these conversations other needs are often identified, and they may serve to develop further ministry. They also hope to start a youth group with these kids. At Christmas time, a party was planned and in addition to the meals, kids received shirts, socks, blankets, cookies, and candy. Thank you 12th St. UMC for identifying this need in your community and ministering to it. 

New Places - New People: Christ UMC, Mountain Top, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District

Rev. Judy Walker, Conference Superintendent

Christ UMC in Mountain Top was formed by the union of two smaller churches in the Mountain Top area in 1960. The original building underwent an extensive expansion project in 1981 to support the growth of the congregation.

Their ancestor churches, the Mountaintop and Albert UMC congregations, were formed to offer Christ to the growing community on the mountain. Their union was strategic, focused on being better together at sharing Christ with their neighbors.

Today, Christ UMC continues to share the same calling in their community. 

Christ UMC offers several opportunities to connect with new people in new places:

Adventure Church gathers every Saturday morning for about an hour and a half hike in various locations across the area. They pause on the trail to read Scripture and pray together and continue in conversation as they hike. Four legged friends are invited to hike along as well! 

Pub Church meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at the Mountaintop Pub and Eatery for fellowship and conversation and Scripture. 

Christ UMC also finds opportunities to intentionally connect with their online community through Living Room Church as those who attend live in the sanctuary and online are invited to interact with one another and the worship leader in the chat.

With a preference to see life unfold, Christ UMC is throwing away the molds and inviting each person to be the person they were meant to be...to be themselves.

In new places, new people come from all walks of life, and are drawn together in community by a new awareness of God’s love. New friends, new purpose, new life. 

The 2024 New Places/New People Award for the Scranton Wilkes-Barre District was presented to Rev. JP Bohanan and Christ United Methodist Church located in Mountain Top.

https://christonthemountaintop.org/

New Places - New People: Faith UMC, Bellefonte

At the 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the New Places - New People Award was given to a church in each district that has experimented with new ways to build relationships and make new disciples. God is calling each of us to be in relationship with others and our churches are commissioned to go to our immediate neighbors as well as the ends of the earth to make new disciples. We celebrate with these churches and the ministries that they are engaging as they offer new places for new people. If you would like to learn more about New Places - New People, there are courses in Portico, our online learning platform that is located on the Conference website at susumc.org/portico/.

Faith UMC, Bellefonte, State College District

By Rev. Brenda Leigy, Superintendent

A few years ago, Faith United Methodist Church, Bellefonte, realized they were well positioned to be intentional to reach people outside the church. The people of Faith Church had a heart for the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and they were willing to use their time, gifts, and treasure to help the mission be accomplished. Not only did new people show up every week; they also joined small groups and began serving.

Faith Church states that it is all about living out the love of Jesus in our everyday lives, both in our relationship with God and with others.

One major way they embrace this journey is through serving others. They believe that by investing their time and resources into God’s work and utilizing their unique talents, they embody the spirit of Jesus. 

They intentionally connect and share the gospel with the people around them, and they continually find ways to make the world around them better by spreading the good news and striving to make a positive impact wherever they go.

Moving forward Faith didn’t know what path God might have for them. With the affirmation of the Administrative Council, Rev. Andy Morgan; Pastor David Carter started collaborating with consultants to assess the church, the people, and the needs in their community. 

Ultimately, they decided the best path forward for the church was embracing that God doesn’t want us to “do life” alone - it’s so much better together! 

So, Faith said YES! and started a network of Fresh Expressions - social groups who would meet around a common interest and provide opportunities to connect and build relationships with others.

In the fall of 2023, Faith launched a Fresh Expression Pioneer Cohort with 25 people from the church. As of spring of 2024, they have 10 Fresh Expressions in the works led by lay people. Some are in the early stages of planning, others have specific dates on the calendar, and others have already started.

Some of the Fresh Expressions that are developing and starting are: ATV riding, Softball, Teens who are bored over the summer, Crafts, Doubts, Running, Writing, neighborhood relationships, and nursing home community. The plans are also in the work to start a Messy Church. All these start with strategic efforts to connect with people outside the church. Faith UMC is looking forward to the fruit this will have in the lives of people in the community as they have said YES to God’s leading.