It’s not what you do, it’s who you serve!

Rev. Jason Schwartzman

For the past 17 years, I have been proud to lead a team to McCurdy Ministries Community Center in New Mexico. What started out as a one-off trip for a youth group in York has become one of my favorite weeks of the year. 

Last year, in collaboration with the Young People’s Ministry Council (YPMC) we brought 22 people (11 adults and 11 youth/young adults) from all over the Susquehanna Conference. The week quickly became one of their favorite weeks too. 

But what is it? What is so magical about McCurdy? Of course, we can talk about the breathtaking scenery that exists in Northern New Mexico. We can talk about the architecture of Santa Fe and the relentless charm of Taos. But that’s not what makes it our favorite week. It’s not our favorite week because of the projects we get to do either. Can anyone really say that they love to pull weeds in the unforgiving New Mexico sun at the start of the hottest month of the year? I doubt it. 

What makes it our favorite week is not what we do, it’s who we serve. McCurdy week is our favorite week because of the relentless mission that this place carries. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with Tiffany, the executive director of McCurdy Ministries. Her vision and passion for McCurdy is contagious! She sees possibilities and she articulates an irresistible vision for the valley. We couldn’t wait to be a tiny part of that incredible plan! We had a chance to spend some time with Manny on this trip. His talent is over-the-top. This man can do anything at all! But his talent is dwarfed by the size of his heart. We couldn’t wait to help Manny do everything he needed to do to make the campus look great. Why? Because we were all-in. And why were we all-in? Because of the passion that exists for this place, from those who work there. 

I have no doubt that the people who work at McCurdy are talented enough to make a lot more money somewhere else. They could be construction supervisors, or they could be the CEO of a fancy company. Instead, they give their lives to the mission…they pour out their professional lives to try to give others a fair shot. The way they live out their faith is more than inspiring. It is a practical example of John Wesley’s call to “Do good…in all the ways you can.” Their passion has ignited hearts for this place. It has taught us the valuable lesson: It’s not what you do, it’s who you serve. I am so proud to lead a team to McCurdy on behalf of Young People’s Ministry Council and in cooperation with Volunteers in Mission. They have the vision, we have the hands. 

I am so passionate about McCurdy that I would love to chat with anyone about leading a trip there! You can reach me by email at jschwartzman@susumc.org. I love this place! It has impacted my faith, my call, and my story. In God’s economy, we give and we give and we give and in the end we all have more. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen that truth in Espanola, New Mexico. 

Michelle Schwartzman

VIM Coordinator

vim@susumc.org

Web: www.susumc.org/vim

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What makes you proud to #BeUMC?

#BeUMC honors the core values that connect the people of The United Methodist Church (The UMC). We are reclaiming our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

The UMC is founded on a Wesleyan theology of grace, anchored in Scripture, and based in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit.

Share your story! The full story of The UMC reflects each one of us. Consider our common roots, how you and your congregation have been renewed, and your answer to the question, “Why am I United Methodist?” Then, post on your preferred social media platform using the hashtag #BeUMC and also send it to link@susumc.org.

www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/our-people/beumc

Rev. Jason Schwartzman

I’m a United Methodist because I believe wholeheartedly in what John Wesley espoused when he said, “There is no holiness but social holiness”. I am a United Methodist because I have chosen to commit my life to “resisting evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves”. I am a United Methodist because I believe we can do things here and now to alleviate human suffering in the name of Jesus Christ. I am a United Methodist not because I don’t want to see people go to Hell…but because I don’t want them to live in Hell here on Earth. 

Hearts Strangely Warmed

“While the leader was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” — John Wesley, May 24, 1738 

God calls us to tell our story so that others may come to know Jesus Christ. “Hearts Strangely Warmed” was created to share these stories about transformational encounters with the Living God.

Rev. Jason Schwartzman

I had been offered a chance to pastor a church while I was a youth director at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in York. I flatly refused. I wasn’t a pastor. I was a youth director and I loved everything about that job! I was happy there and had no interest in being a pastor at all! God was patient. 

Circumstances changed and soon my family discerned a call to be missionaries in India. I wanted to go there to help foster and build a deep sense of community and care. On September 12, 2011—24 hours before our plane left New York City—Michelle (my wife) and I were making a last run or two to CVS and some other places. We passed Otterbein United Methodist Church in York. I casually said to Michelle, “Now if I was ever asked to be the pastor of THAT church, I wouldn’t say no”. We finished our errands and boarded our plane the next afternoon. God was patient. 

I can fill pages about the incredible and wonderful experiences we had in India. The stories of those children are forever etched in my heart and in my mind. Their courage, their joy and their SENSE OF COMMUNITY changed my life. It wasn’t long before I realized that I was the one who was learning while I was in India. I was learning that sense of community that I longed for so deeply was very present in that village and at that school. And that’s what I longed to bring home to the United States. God was patient…and wise. 

Upon our arrival back in the US, the first few weeks were a blur! My daughter was born just a few weeks after we got back, there were a few places of employment that I would rather forget, but there was also a life-changing phone call. “Jason, I know you said no before…but I really think that this church would be a great match for you….” I sheepishly responded “Okay, which church…?” Wouldn’t you believe, it was Otterbein UMC in York? God was patient. God was wise. I couldn’t say no. I promised I wouldn’t say no! 

Once again, I could fill PAGES with the joy that was becoming the pastor of Otterbein Church in York (RIP). I saw the sense of community that I longed to experience actually come to fruition in so many tangible ways at Otterbein! The following appointments have been equally as rewarding: East End/Fairview UMCs in Altoona and now Grace UMC in Lemoyne. It has always been, and I imagine always will be, my goal to make the church a part of the community in deep and meaningful ways. We, the church —every church—exist for the people who have not yet walked into our doors and have not yet experienced a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. This work is worth giving my life to! God was patient, even when I wasn’t. God was wise, even when I wasn’t. 

I am honored to have been ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church. There are not enough pages in The LINK to thank the people that made this day possible. I am so filled with gratitude and awe of the tremendous churches I have had the privilege of serving, my incredible family who has supported every step of this journey, and of course the amazing grace of God, who was patient.