November 2025 issue Susquehanna LINK

 

The November issue of Susquehanna LINK can be viewed and downloaded at www.susumc.org/link

Help Us Welcome New Susquehanna Conference Staff

We’re excited to welcome two new staff members to the Susquehanna Conference team! Each brings unique gifts to help us love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Please join us in celebrating and praying for them as they begin their work among us.

Sunshine Sassano - Administrative Assistant Freedom Trail District

Sunshine is excited to work alongside those who are making a difference in God’s Kingdom. She finds inspiration in Christ’s endurance to the end, which gives her hope and strength to persevere through challenges. A fun fact about Sunshine - she loves making voices for stuffed animals!

Kelly Stoner - Executive Assistant to the Board of Trustees

Kelly is eager to put her administrative skills to work in meaningful ways for an organization that has been part of her life for many years. She’s inspired by faith-filled conversations with people she respects, which deepens her understanding and commitment.

Turning the Page: The LINK’s Next Chapter

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

For 55 years, The LINK has connected the people and ministries of the Susquehanna Conference through stories of faith, discipleship, and transformation. Across decades and formats - from print to digital - it has served as a thread weaving together our shared witness to Christ’s love at work in the world.

And now, we’re turning the page once again.

This edition marks the final PDF version of The LINK. It’s a change we make not with sadness, but with purpose - because how we communicate must evolve just as our ministry does. This isn’t the end of The LINK; it’s the beginning of its next chapter.

Over the summer, we conducted a communications survey to better understand how clergy and laity engage with the Conference’s communication channels. The results were illuminating. The contrast between readership of the QuikLINK and The LINK was striking: 93% of respondents said they read the QuikLINK every week or most weeks, while only 54% said the same for The LINK. Meanwhile, 24% said they rarely or never read The LINK, compared to less than 2% for the QuikLINK.

These numbers tell a clear story. While The LINK has a loyal readership, it isn’t reaching or engaging people in the ways we hoped. For some, it’s viewed as supplemental - a “nice-to-have” rather than a “need-to-read.” Others shared that they weren’t entirely sure what The LINK was meant to be. Given the significant time and creative energy that goes into producing each PDF edition, the impact simply didn’t match the investment. 

But The LINK’s purpose - to tell stories of God’s work across our Conference - is as vital as ever. If the QuikLINK is our space for news, The LINK is our space for narrative. The QuikLINK delivers headlines; The LINK goes deeper. The QuikLINK tells us what’s happening; The LINK reminds us why it matters.

The survey also confirmed that storytelling is something you want more of - stories that highlight lives transformed by Christ, ministries that make a difference, and people living out our mission of making disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. You also told us you want more videos, podcasts, and multimedia ways to engage those stories.

So we’re reimagining The LINK for a new era of storytelling. Starting in 2026, The LINK will move from a static PDF to a dynamic, interactive email experience, sent directly to your inbox - where we know engagement is highest. This new approach accomplishes several key things:

It meets readers right where they are - their inboxes.

It allows us to track engagement so we can keep improving.

It opens the door to richer content - embedded videos, podcast links, and visual storytelling.

We’ll also move to a quarterly, thematic rhythm - Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall - that gives us space to explore ministry stories in depth. Each edition will focus on a theme and include interviews, features, and reflections that inspire and equip. We may also create special editions around key moments like Annual Conference, Advent, or Back to School.

This evolution also makes production more efficient. By removing the heavy design work of creating PDFs, we can spend more time creating and curating stories, photos, and multimedia that capture the heart of our connectional ministry.

Ultimately, this isn’t about doing less - it’s about doing better. The LINK will remain the Conference’s home for depth, reflection, and storytelling. It will continue to highlight the people and ministries that embody transformation, build shared identity, and remind us that we are linked together in Christ’s mission.

As your Director of Communications, I want to thank everyone who has made The LINK what it is - from those who contributed stories and photos to those who faithfully read each issue over the years. Since its founding in 1970, The LINK has been more than a publication. It’s been a living record of our faith in action - of who we are and how God is moving among us.

The format may be changing, but the mission remains. We will continue to tell the stories that connect us, that deepen our discipleship, and that shine light on the Spirit’s work across our Conference. In this new form, The LINK will carry forward the same spirit that’s animated it for 55 years - a spirit of connection, transformation, and grace.

Thank you for being part of the story thus far. The next chapter begins soon - and I can’t wait to share it with you.

Susquehanna LINK, September 2025

 

Susquehanna LINK, September 2025
Read or download the PDF at https://susumc.org/link/

Welcome Sara Shaver – New Disaster Response /Volunteers in Mission Coordinator

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

The Susquehanna Conference is delighted to welcome Rev. Sara Shaver as our new Disaster Response/Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Coordinator.

Sara brings with her a wealth of experience in ministry and a heart for serving as the hands and feet of Jesus in practical, meaningful ways. Born in Los Alamos, NM, Sara grew up in a Methodist family — her great-grandfather was a Methodist pastor. Her father worked as a chemist in Los Alamos before taking a position in Oak Ridge, TN, and her mother was a World War II war bride. Sara jokes that she doesn’t consider herself “southern” because she’s lived all over the country, moving almost every four years of her life.

With a background in education, Sara first earned a degree in special education before being drawn into church ministry. When the Director of Christian Education at her church moved away, Sara was invited to apply. That open door eventually led her to pursue an M.Div. at Candler School of Theology. She was ordained in the South Alabama Conference, where she went on to serve seven congregations, one church in our conference (Camp Hill, PA) and later as a District Superintendent. After officially retiring on June 30, Sara felt God calling her to continue ministry in a new way.

Having lived through hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding in South Alabama, Sara brings firsthand experience of the urgent need for disaster response. “This is a way to be the hands of helping that the community needs,” she shares. “Much of my work as a DS and pastor was administrative. Now, I’m excited for the chance to be more hands-on and see the fruits of the labor.”

Sara prefers to think of them not as “mission trips” but as mission journeys — opportunities that deepen faith as much as they provide help to others. Her favorite scripture is Romans 8:28, reminding her that God can make good of all things.

When asked what wisdom she would share with the Conference, Sara reflected: “Remember that David didn’t put on Saul’s armor. God has created you to be what he wants you to be.”

Outside of ministry, Sara is a hiker who stays grounded through daily devotions and walking. She’s an “extroverted introvert” who enjoys coffee over tea, is a morning person, and loves ’80s and ’90s pop music. Her favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird”, her favorite season is fall, and she imagines Sandra Bullock playing her if a movie were ever made about her life. Recent travels took her to England (her favorite place so far), and she hopes to visit Alaska and Greece one day.

Sara brings a unique perspective to the Susquehanna Conference, having served in multiple contexts and seen many different ways of doing ministry. “I love the challenge, and I love to learn,” she says. Her first priority will be to get organized and build strong foundations for this vital ministry of connection and response.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Rev. Sara Shaver to her new role as VIM/Disaster Response Coordinator.

Sara can be contacted via email at drm@susumc.org or by calling 717-766-7441 x3402.

 

Together, We Did More: Susquehanna Conference Exceeds Goal for Mission Central Activity Kits

Lisa Landis - Fickes, Mission Central Director of Development and Communications

At this year’s Annual Conference, the churches of the Susquehanna Conference set out on a mission: to gather enough supplies to assemble 1,000 Activity Kits for Mission Central. These kits, filled with school and art supplies, are distributed to children facing hardship - both locally and around the world - offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of care during difficult times.

Thanks to the incredible generosity and coordination across the Conference, that goal wasn’t just met, it was exceeded.

Churches from all five districts rallied to collect specific items - pencils and sharpeners, pens and erasers, notebooks, rulers, scissors, crayons, and colored pencils. In addition to gathering thousands of these essential tools, many congregations stepped up to sew handmade fabric bags to hold the kits, following a shared pattern. The result was an outpouring of support that filled and overflowed four massive Gaylord boxes, each capable of holding up to 5,000 pounds.

The items poured into the Grand Ballroom at the Genetti Hotel during the Conference, creating a vibrant visual reminder of the collective impact churches can have when they unite around a shared purpose. From smaller rural congregations to larger suburban churches - and communities in between – we saw every district show up. Pastors and lay delegates arrived with carloads of donations. Volunteers and staff from Mission Central were on site to help receive, sort, and begin preparing for what came next.

The first wave of kit assembly began immediately. Volunteers from Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Enola, Pa., were among the first to roll up their sleeves and begin packing kits. Their joyful energy reflected the heart of this mission - service rooted in love and a commitment to putting faith into action. Dozens more churches and groups will follow in the coming weeks, helping turn this mountain of supplies into hundreds of neatly packed kits ready for distribution.

Each Activity Kit will go on to serve a child who might otherwise go without. Whether used in disaster response, refugee outreach, or local school partnerships, these kits become more than just supplies - they become tools for healing, creativity, and connection. They let a child know that someone cares.

Mission Central is deeply grateful to the Susquehanna Conference for its overwhelming dedication to this cause. As a mission hub, Mission Central relies on the partnership and support of communities of faith like yours to meet urgent needs both near and far. This was a true Conference-wide effort - and a testament to what’s possible when we come together in service.

To everyone who donated items, sewed bags, encouraged participation, or drove supplies to the Conference - thank you. Your efforts are already making a difference and will continue to ripple outward in ways you may never fully see.

And as we look ahead, we invite you to mark your calendars for our biggest event of the year. Thanks & Giving: An Evening with Mission Central will take place on Saturday, November 15th. This annual gathering is our largest fundraiser - and a celebration of the impact we create together. More details will be shared soon, but for now, we hope you’ll plan to join us for an evening of gratitude, generosity, and shared mission.

Together, we did more. And together, we’ll keep connecting God’s resources with human need.

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

 

Communications: Jumpstarting Ministry: The Power and Promise of Pastoral Onboarding

By Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

Every year, the Appointive Cabinet of the Susquehanna Conference undertakes the sacred and strategic work of matching pastoral leaders with congregations. Whether due to retirement, a requested change, or a desire to better align gifts with needs, each pastoral transition represents both a risk and an opportunity. It’s not enough to simply make a good appointment on paper - the success of a new pastoral relationship depends on how that transition begins. And that’s where the Onboarding Process makes all the difference. 

The Birth of a Vision

The Susquehanna Conference’s Onboarding Process was born from the insight of lifelong United Methodist and seasoned HR professional Claire Bowen of Atlanta. Since 2013, Bowen has refined this process to address the specific needs and dynamics of the United Methodist Church’s appointment system. Encouraged by a pastor to imagine what intentional onboarding would look like in the church, she designed a structured, relationally focused model that is now helping transform how pastors and congregations begin their ministry together.

“This is one of the best gifts we can offer to a pastor and a congregation moving into a new appointment,” says Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kind. And it’s easy to see why.

A Process Rooted in Intentionality

The Onboarding Process is far more than a checklist. It’s a spiritual and relational investment. It brings together key lay leaders, staff members, and the incoming pastor to share hopes, challenges, stories, and expectations - all in one room, at one time.

Here’s how it works:

• After a pastor is notified of a new appointment, they are connected with a trained onboarding facilitator.
• The facilitator spends time with the pastor to understand their gifts, styles, and needs, and then coordinates a gathering with the church’s leadership.
• During this gathering, the laity engage deeply with guided questions - while the pastor steps out, allowing honest reflection without fear or flattery.
• The facilitator collects responses in real time, sharing them with the pastor to help them prepare for what lies ahead.
• Then, the pastor returns to the room to reflect on what was shared, seek clarification, and begin building relationships rooted in transparency and trust.
• The session ends in prayer, laying a foundation not just for ministry, but for a holy partnership.

It’s structured. It’s spiritual. And it works.

A Model for This Moment in the Church

There was a time when pastors could spend a year simply “getting to know” a church before making changes. But in today’s church - amid cultural shifts, shrinking budgets, and urgent spiritual needs - we no longer have the luxury of waiting.

“The process reflects the urgency of our time,” says Rev. Rachel Wong, who experienced onboarding at Linglestown Life. “It was great. I wish they would do it in every church with a new appointment.”

Indeed, onboarding accelerates connection. It opens the door to healing and clarity. It surfaces unspoken assumptions and old wounds, names golden calves, and points to influential leaders - sometimes before the first sermon is preached.

Pastor Randy Zeiler, who went through onboarding at Fishing Creek Salem UMC, agrees: “It’s incredibly worthwhile. Yes, it’s a time commitment, but it opens up important conversations so much quicker and focuses on trust building… I would highly recommend it for any and all moves.”

Broad Benefits - and a Big Vision

While the program created by Claire Bowenhas already trained more than 230 facilitators across the U.S., we’ve only just begun to tap into its full potential in the Susquehanna Conference. Facilitators - both clergy and laity - undergo rigorous hands-on training. Each onboarding session is tailored to the size and context of the church, whether it’s a single congregation or a multi-point charge. And while costs vary, the Conference currently covers the entire expense as an investment in healthy, thriving pastoral transitions.

Already, Conference staff including Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez and Director of Communications Matthew Shineman have participated in the process. Upcoming sessions are planned for incoming Superintendents Rev. Dr. Lyssette Perez and Rev. Dr. Michelle Bodle - a testament to how valuable this model is not just in the local church, but throughout our entire connection.

Administrative leaders like Shari Bellish, from Middlesex UMC, report that onboarding helped spark honest and hopeful conversations among staff and lay leaders alike. It’s not just about a new pastor; it’s about the whole community getting clear on its vision and values.

What’s Next - and How You Can Help

Today, the Appointive Cabinet identifies a handful of congregations each year for onboarding. But the dream is to grow our capacity so that even more churches and pastors are able to experience onboarding as a part of their transition.

Why? Because onboarding doesn’t just help pastors start well. It helps congregations trust sooner, share openly, and embrace the future together.

It’s a model of effective communication where all voices are heard and respected. It’s an antidote to speculation, triangulation, and slow-burning conflict. It’s efficient, spiritually grounded, and transformational.

To build that future, we need your support. Help us grow awareness, and in times of pastoral transition, support this process in your local church and district. Together we can ensure that every new pastoral appointment begins not with uncertainty, but with clarity, courage, and connection.

Because the way we begin shapes everything that follows. And onboarding ensures we begin with grace, trust, and shared purpose.

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.

Communications: Making Our Values Visible: The Susquehanna Conference Branding Initiative

pixabay.com

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

As Director of Communications, I’ve been leading a rebranding initiative designed to reflect our theological identity, shared values, and collective mission more clearly and consistently. This process has not been about reimagining ourselves from scratch, but rather about faithfully expressing what already exists - our identity rooted in Christ, discerned in community, and shaped by our Wesleyan heritage. At its heart, this initiative is about witness.

Wrestling with Words: Faithful Language for a Faithful Purpose

Throughout this journey, I’ve heard some honest concerns about the term “branding.” One colleague put it plainly:

“I hate the words ‘branding’ and ‘brand identity.’ Jesus didn’t care about marketing—he cared about truth, relationships, and transformation.”

I understand the concern - “branding” can sound corporate or manipulative, clashing with the gospel’s call to humility and authenticity. Here’s my “yes, and”: When done with theological integrity, branding can be a form of faithful witness - Spirit-led communication that expresses who we are in Christ and invites others into that journey.

Jesus didn’t use the word “brand,” but he was intentional in how he communicated - through parables, symbols, and relationships. The early Church developed a recognizable identity that helped spread across cultures.

So whether we call it “Expression of Mission” or “Branding,” what we’re really doing is making our values visible - clearly, consistently, and in ways rooted in faith and discipleship.

A Theologically Grounded Identity

Our identity is, first and foremost, rooted in Christ. But it is also shaped in community - discerned through our theology, our context, and our collective call. The rebranding initiative has sought to express that identity with clarity and coherence - not to reinvent our values, but to live into them more fully.

Part of this expression includes naming what makes us distinctly United Methodist. It’s not about being better than other denominations - it’s about being clear. How do we understand grace, community, discipleship, and justice in ways that are uniquely shaped by Wesleyan theology? How do those values guide our ministries and mission?

When used thoughtfully, tools like branding can help us answer those questions. Not in opposition to our witness, but in service of it. Thoughtful communication isn’t a threat to discipleship - it’s part of how we embody it.

An Inclusive and Discernment-Led Process

This rebranding initiative has been deeply collaborative. Rather than a top-down directive, it’s been a journey of listening and dialogue. We’ve gathered insights from:

• Key Staff and Ministry Leaders – to understand how different parts of the Conference perceive our current identity.
• The Missional Cabinet – to ensure alignment with our strategic vision and the needs of our congregations.
• Clergy Focus Groups – to capture on-the-ground perspectives from those leading local churches.
• The Board of Laity – to center the voices of lay leaders who embody our mission in everyday discipleship.

All of this has shaped the development of brand guidelines that are not about control but about coherence. When our communications - from email newsletters to social media posts - share a common tone, style, and look, we build trust and clarity across our connection.

Why Brand Guidelines Matter

While it is mostly an internal tool, our brand guidelines will help us:

• Enhance recognition – so people can easily identify and trust communications from the Conference.
• Support engagement – by creating a consistent and welcoming presence across platforms.
• Reflect our mission – so our materials speak authentically to who we are and what we stand for.
• Evaluate programs – by offering a framework to test whether new initiatives align with our values and identity.

Moving Forward with Integrity

This isn’t about adopting a corporate mindset. It’s about committing to clear, consistent, and faithful communication - so that the mission of the Susquehanna Conference is not just heard, but understood. When we make our values visible, we open the door to deeper connection, more effective ministry, and a more compelling witness to the world.

Together, we’re not just branding—we’re bearing witness. And that makes all the difference.

Read the FULL ARTICLE HERE.

Susquehanna LINK, March 2025

 

View or download the PDF at https://susumc.org/link/ 

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/

Remembering Our Heritage

Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

November – 100 years ago

On November 23, 1924, the Robertsdale Methodist Episcopal Church, in Huntingdon County, dedicated a two-story addition to its 1890 structure, making it a modern building of 11 rooms in addition to the sanctuary. The two-point Robertsdale charge then included Robertsdale (87 members) and Woodvale (147). Faced with declining membership and attendance, the congregation held its final service October 17, 2004, and the property reverted to the East Broad Top Railroad and Coal Company. For several years the building then served as home to the expanded museum of the Broad Top Area Coal Miners Historical Society. In 2021 the building moved full circle. The museum returned to the town’s movie theater, which it had been renting to the Reality Church of God, and that congregation now owns and occupies the former Methodist building at Robertsdale.

December – 50 years ago

December 1, 1974, found 1500 youth from across the conference catching their collective breaths following a most successful all-day Youth Rally at Susquehanna University that included worship led by Bishop John B. Warman, two concerts by the 36-voice youth choir “New Voices” (one in formal attire and one in casual dress) of Harrisburg, witness by voice and instrument of noted blind pianist Duncan Holmes of Dallas, TX (who is still giving concerts and gospel programs), and a showing of the movie “A Thief in the Night” followed by a panel discussion. The event was organized by Rev. Guy Baer, conference coordinator of youth ministries, and included participation from pastors Paul Stambach, Louis Barth, Bruce Fisher, and Russell Hart. Also involved were Mrs. Geraldine Heilman of the Woman’s Board of Global Ministries, Conference CCYM president Michelle Kane, and youth representative on the Commission on Enlistment Beth North. The emphasis of the event was to encourage believers to commit themselves to experiencing and sharing the love of Jesus – whether as lay persons or in the ordained ministry.

It’s all about Jesus

Following is the sermon outline of Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith upon her installation as the Altoona District Superintendent, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, held at St. Paul UMC in Chambersburg. View the service here. (Sermon begins at 1:11:30)

By Rev. Dr. Lillian C. Smith, Altoona District Superintendent 

John 10:11-16 NIV

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”

Acts 10: 44-48

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

 

This evening, we stand in the steps of those who have gone before us. We have inherited the faith and congregations of people who have gone before us. We stand in the legacy of faith of those who worked in mines, those who worked on the railroads, those who were teachers, those who were farmers, and those who served in the military. We worship in congregations that were started by individuals who sacrificed land and resources so that people in our generation could have a place to worship the Lord. 

I, like you, stand on the shoulders of those giants of faith who have gone before me. So, I call the roll of family members who were in this Methodist tradition of Christianity: I call Rosetta and Francis Asbury Webb. I call Leah and Edward Poole. Tonight, I remember Eula and Charlie Smith. I remember Lillie and Hayward Webb, and I remember my parents, the late Doris and Rev. C. Jasper Smith. All of them passed on a vibrant understanding and witness of Christianity in the Methodist movement.

I call the roll of churches from which I descend: New Hope, Mount Elon, Cumberland, Asbury in Easton MD, Wattsville VA, Mount Calvary and Asbury in Washington, DC. 

I am truly thankful for those who passed on a faith which has held me and kept me to this day.

I am going to talk on the topic of following the Good Shepherd. 

In the gospel of John, Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. It is Jesus who not only protects the sheep but also protects the door to the sheepfold. The sheepfold is an open area that was surrounded in some way, such as by stones that were built up like a little wall and sometimes would be topped with thistles and thorns, and it had one door by which the sheep could go in and out. It was the Good Shepherd who stood in front of the door to make sure that the enemies, the predators—those things that wanted to destroy the sheep—could not come in. 

An interesting thing about sheep is that sheep are not too smart. They are vulnerable and are easily attacked and destroyed by wolves, cougars, bears, foxes and other animals. 

Humans are very like sheep, in that we have an enemy of our soul that is trying to destroy us. People are very vulnerable and they need protection. 

There’s a story of Shrek the sheep that became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone having shorn it. When he was finally shorn, his fleece weighed an amazing 60lbs—50 lbs more than normal and enough to make twenty men’s suits. 

Shrek carried six times the regular weight of his fleece simply because he was away from his shepherd. It took a professional sheerer less than a half hour to rid him of his burden. We can get weighed down with the effects of sin and the attacks of the enemy, but if we follow the Good Shepherd, he will take care of us.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He is the savior of our souls. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through him.

The passage in John reminds us also that Jesus said that he has other sheep who are not a part of this fold; people in our communities that are vulnerable and need protection. There are people today who need to be freed from the weight of sin and pain. They need the Good Shepherd. 

In these times in which we find ourselves, we need to follow the Good Shepherd, and we need to bring others with us. 

We will soon be the Freedom Trail District. In this district, freedom was fought for at the Gettysburg Battlefield. In this district, President Abraham Lincoln shared the Gettysburg Address. In this district, people sought freedom through the Underground Railroad.

From Raystown Lake to Gettysburg Battlefield, we are going to reach more people for Jesus Christ. In the boroughs, towns, cities, mountains, valleys, and farmlands of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Franklin, Fulton, and Huntingdon Counties let’s go and tell lost sheep about the Shepherd from Galilee. Let’s usher them into a relationship with the good shepherd. We are called to share God’s love and the good news of the gospel with our neighbors, our family members, friends, and associates. 

In these perilous times, people need the Lord. We need to get past our arguing. We need to put our eyes back on Jesus and do what he calls us to do.

We are called to reclaim an understanding of the mission of the church. Every congregation is called by God to make disciples of all people, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them all that Jesus taught us. 

A lot of what we talk and bicker about takes our attention off our mission. There are sheep in our neighborhoods who need to come into the sheepfold of our God.

Beloved, it’s about Jesus, it’s not about us. 

In this district, one congregation provided a gift bag for 600 students of their neighborhood and provided a back-to-school meal to the teachers. Another congregation provides a middle-of-the-day kids club at their church so that children can come to know, love, and follow Jesus.

The scripture passage for the District Conference was Matthew 9:35-38. In our charge conferences we share in a Lectio Divina to reflect on the passage, and it is reminding us to go to the least and the lost—regardless of whether we agree or not—and love who God loves.

Every congregation, every congregation, is called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. To make disciples, we need to be disciples, spending time with Jesus to learn more of Him. Disciples imitate Jesus in ministry. Disciples invite others on the journey. 

One of the on-boarding questions for me was, “What are your missional priorities?” My missional priorities are to:

• Increase the level of prayer in the churches of the new Freedom Trail District.
• Help congregations grow in their discipleship. Bible study, small groups, and other gatherings that help us grow in our faith.
• Help congregations engage or re-engage their neighbors. 
• Increase outreach and evangelism.

We cannot combat the Enemy on our own, through programs or slogans. It is only by the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit that we will be able to contend with powers and principalities as we pray and fight for our families, communities, and our nation. 

The following things are needed:

• Reclamation of God’s Kingdom mandate.
• Renew and Strengthen relationship with God -Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• Engage our communities with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
• Get to know our neighbors.
• Get past our fear of sharing our faith. 
• Intentionally cultivate relationships with others outside our churches
• Embrace the Christian understanding of what it means to be in ministry with our communities, following the direction of and yielding to the Holy Spirit.

What would it look like? It would look like the kingdom of God on earth. 

It is my prayer and expectation that God will move in mighty ways in this district, conference, and entire area.

Holy Spirit, do it again. Holy Spirit, have your way. Holy Spirit we’re asking for fresh wind and fresh fire. Lead us where you want to, not where we want to. Holy Spirit, have your way! Amen.

Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope in the State College District

By Pastor Robin Fillmore

From August 31 to September 2, 2024, clergy and laity of the Susquehanna Conference embarked upon a Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope in the State College area. This was the second Pilgrimage hosted as an expression of the Conference’s Commission on the Beloved Community.

On this journey, the participants heard from compelling storytellers who spoke of the injustices faced by BIPOC persons (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) in the past and present day. The intention for holding these annual events is to explore and reflect upon the geography, history and stories of the people they are called to serve—stepping transformed together into a future that is faithful.  

As they traveled through the State College District, they heard first from Kathy Pletcher, an enrolled tribal member of the Band River Bend of Lake Superior Ojibwe and local activist on issues supporting Native Americans on the Penn State main campus and in the community. A guided tour through the Palmer Museum of Art introduced the participants to the work of local indigenous artists, which was followed by a panel discussion with Penn State faculty member, Drs. Tony Leach, SeriaShia Chatters and Darrin Thornton on the racial history of “We Are” for Penn State and how this identification is being lived into currently. The first day's events ended with a spectacular musical presentation by Essence of Joy, a choral group of Penn State students offering sacred and secular music derived from African and African American choral traditions.

The second day began with worship at Albright Bethune UMC, where the pilgrims heard stories of this yoked congregation between predominantly black and white churches. They then traveled to nearby Bellefonte to learn of the area’s history as a stop on the Underground Railroad, the work of residents following the Civil War for school desegregation and racial justice with Matt Maris, a local historian. The day concluded with a presentation by Bruce Teeple who spoke on the history of the KKK throughout the region.

 

 The pilgrimage concluded in State College with storytellers Divine Lipscomb, who had been formerly incarcerated and went on to graduate from Penn State and serve as the first African American Council Member in the State College Borough and Leslie Laing, who has worked to bring justice for Osaze Osagie, a young Black man who was killed in 2019 by police while experiencing a mental health crisis.

Throughout the Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope, there was time for reflection and discussion grounded in the work of Trevor Hudson’s book A Mile in My Shoes. Hudson speaks to the concept of pilgrimage as “coming as pilgrims, not as tourists; as learners, not as teachers; as receivers, not as givers; as listeners, not as talkers.” Throughout this journey, the organizer’s prayer was that through this pilgrimage, all participants would experience together Hudson’s path of Encounter—Reflection—Transformation. 

While learning of the area’s history was important, these Pilgrimages of Pain and Hope also provided an opportunity to grow and sustain the body of Christ. On the journey, the participants foster a community of support that nurtures each other’s courage to live and enables them to lead others in the call of God to dismantle systems of racism, proactively building the Beloved Community together.

For more information, contact Pastor Robin Fillmore, RFillmore@susumc.org, 570-392-9092.

Two Superintendents to transition out from Cabinet

Dear partners in ministry,  

Recently, Rev. Judy L. Walker, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Superintendent, and Rev. Brenda K. Leigey, State College Superintendent, shared with me their intention to retire from active pastoral ministry. 

Rev. Judy Walker

Rev. Walker has served as a pastor in The United Methodist Church for 19 years. During her six-years as a Superintendent assigned to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre District, Rev. Walker has been passionate about parish ministry, especially with small churches. She has faithfully lived her commitment to helping local churches thrive and continue to be in mission and ministry. Rev. Walker served faithfully as the Cabinet Secretary. In 2023-2024, Rev. Walker offered critical leadership engaging pastors and congregations discerning whether to leave or stay in the United Methodist Church. Alongside a team, Rev. Walker helped congregations work through the disaffiliation process. Rev. Walker’s retirement is effective December 31, 2024.  

When Judy retires at end of 2024, she and her husband Dave are looking forward to living close and spending time with the children and grandchildren. 

Rev. Brenda Leigey 

Rev. Leigey has served as a pastor in The United Methodist Church for 35 years. She was appointed Conference Superintendent in 2019, and faithfully and with great commitment served in both the former Lewisburg and current State College district. Rev. Leigey has always shown a commitment to the local church, pastors and churches in the district she serves. She has been a tireless advocate for mission and ministry as well as working to help congregations reach new people. From the smallest, theologically conservative church to the reconciling congregation, Rev. Leigey has encouraged people to be committed United Methodists. Rev. Leigey’s retirement is effective June 30, 2025.  

When Brenda retires June 30, 2025, she is looking forward to spending time with her husband Allen. 

On behalf of the cabinet, I express our deepest gratitude to these two faithful servants for their adaptive leadership throughout the years, especially during their time serving in the cabinet. They have led with integrity, grace, passion, and resilience during an extended season of challenges, conflict, and uncertainty, being agents of hope for those they lead. I look forward to serving alongside them during their remaining time in the cabinet.  

In the coming weeks, I will share next steps regarding coverage for the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre district after the New Year, and the discernment process for selecting the new superintendents. In the meantime, please join me in celebrating the ministry of Rev. Walker and Rev. Leigey and praying for them as they begin this important transition. 

Thank you for living the gospel, embodying God’s love with your neighbors, and nurturing disciples of Jesus Christ who share faith, love, mercy and justice everyday and everywhere.  

Together in the journey, 

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez

Resident Bishop
Susquehanna & Upper New York Episcopal Area
The United Methodist Church

Thank You Liz Lennox

Our shared SUSUMC/WPAUMC Director of Communications, Liz Lennox, accepted a new employment opportunity which began on August 26.

Her new position with an early childhood education advocacy organization will draw from and be enhanced by her previous experience as a preschool teacher.

Liz was in the communications team for the Western Pennsylvania Conference for seven years and her leadership was extended to the Susquehanna Conference for the past two years, as we worked cooperatively with Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Conferences and shared their respective bishops, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball. 

Stacy Eckert and I would like to express our sincerest and heartfelt thanks to Liz for her leadership of our Susquehanna Conference communications team these past two years.

“My departure feels bittersweet,” Liz said. “While I am excited about beginning this new chapter, I will deeply miss the people of the Susquehanna Conference.”

We wish Liz all the best in her new job and ask that you pray for the Conference leaders as they discern the future leadership of the communications team.

Welcome Our New Disaster Response Coordinator

Deb Currinder (pictured at left) will serve as the new Disaster Response Coordinator for the Susquehanna Conference. 

She has a background in law enforcement, teaching, and Emergency Medical Services. 

Deb has been married to her husband Glenn for almost 35 years, and they have a daughter and two grandkids that live in the Roanoke, Virginia area. She has been a United Methodist for over 30 years and currently attends Clarkstown United Methodist Church in Muncy, PA. 

“When I saw the posting for this position, I was sure that the Lord was calling me to use my skills in the ministry for His purpose,” she shared. “I am looking forward to working with you all!”

Contact Deb at drc@susumc.org.

From the Bishop: Stewards of the Present

“Steep your life in God’s Reality, God’s Initiative, and God’s Provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find that all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” — Matthew 6:33b-34 (MSG)

Dear siblings in Christ, 

May the grace and peace of God be with you in this new season of ministry!

I thank God for the honor of serving the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church as your new episcopal leader. My family and I are grateful for the many expressions of hospitality from clergy, laity, and staff as we transition into a new missional assignment, shared housing situation, and community. We are hopeful and look forward to getting to know you better and doing life and ministry together in the coming years. You can learn more about our journey thus far here. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram @BishopHectorABurgos. 

In late August, I went through a formal onboarding process with the Susquehanna Conference staff and cabinet, which allowed me to get to know them (and you) better and provided invaluable insights about who you are and your hopes for our future together. In the coming weeks and months, I will collaborate with the cabinet to organize our ministry for the remainder of 2024 and beyond and prepare for the 2025 appointment season. 

The past 4-6 years have been filled with numerous blessings. These have also been years that required significant adaptations in how we go about our ministry, given the realities created by an unprecedented global pandemic, reduced financial resources, an extended season of disagreements and disaffiliation in our denomination, and the many challenges impacting our communities, nation, and the world. In all, I can proclaim with joy that God has been good. God has sustained us and provided for our needs.

Over the past 18 months, as I have engaged with different constituencies in my newer role as a bishop, I have noticed that one of the most significant challenges these days for most of us, as servant leaders in the church, given all that’s going on in the world and the church, is staying focused on the present—fully being present to one another in the NOW. 

Questions, concerns, and uncertainties about the future of our congregations, communities, and beloved denomination are becoming a heavy burden for many, especially those called to leadership in the church, even in this new season post-general conference, which is pregnant with hope and new possibilities and opportunities. Given these realities and challenges, we can draw encouragement from the wisdom found in Matthew 6:33-34. This wisdom can guide us in our roles as leaders in the church today and into the future. 

According to the “experts” on organizational leadership, one of the core functions of influential leaders is to carry the burden of tomorrow with us—to carry the weight of future uncertainties, strategize, and plan for what may lie ahead. We all know what this looks like; perhaps you are working on an important project right now or dealing with a personal situation that is important and urgent in the now, while at the same time, in the back of your mind, you are also preoccupied with the future. We carry the burden of tomorrow with us because that’s what we are told we should do. 

However, Matthew 6:34 exposes us to the gospel’s countercultural message. While the world’s wisdom tells us that we need to carry the burdens of the future, Jesus calls us to release the burden of tomorrow, trust God, and fully engage in every season of our lives and ministries. 

By saying this, I am not suggesting that we should not consider the future and reflect on the best ways to take the next faithful steps toward it. I am not suggesting that we should not project into the future or use data and trends to inform what future possibilities and probabilities might be. I am not suggesting that we should not do scenario planning or cast vision. All this is important and necessary as we seek to be good stewards of God’s mission in the world and our local context here in central and northeastern Pennsylvania. 

However, as leaders and, most importantly, as followers of Christ, we constantly need to remind ourselves that there is a big difference between considering the future and being burdened by the future.  We can’t allow the “what ifs” of tomorrow to prevent us from doing what God is calling us to do today. 

This is essential stuff. Mission critical—many leaders, congregations, and institutions are not fully engaging in their God-given mission TODAY because they are overburdened with the “what ifs” of TOMORROW! These “what ifs,” when they are articulated/ verbalized, become debilitating burdens that, when we dig deeper, are a symptom of a dangerous scarcity mindset that’s contrary to the principles of the reign of God and that glorify challenges, obstacles, and pessimistic scenarios about what could happen in the future —and even worse, in light of verse 33, possibly an unseen sign of a debilitated faith.

We cannot live abundantly (John 10:10) or lead effectively if we are constantly overburdened by these “what ifs.” We must release our anxieties about the future and surrender them to God. We must fully engage the present with all its beauty and ugliness, trusting that God’s provision for today (and tomorrow) is enough to live into God’s dream for our lives and ministries.

Another challenge we face as leaders when considering the future is the fear of the unknown. The things we don’t know or can’t anticipate. Fear of the unknown can cripple effective discipleship and leadership. If we allow it, it can paralyze and rob us of the joy of following and serving Christ – especially during these challenging and uncertain times. 

In Matthew 6:34, Jesus encourages us as leaders to replace fear of the unknown with FAITH. I know it is easier said than done. However, the Holy Spirit reminds us today that we can replace fear with faith because, as I mentioned before, God’s provision is abundant and because while the future might be unknown to us, it is not to God. 

God knows about our future. Not only does God know, but Scripture also proclaims that God has a plan for our future, and it’s good! (Even if everything around us tells us otherwise). The prophet Jeremiah, speaking from God, once said. “I know (meaning God) the plans I have for you. Plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” — Jeremiah 29:11 AVB

When we release the burden of the future that we often carry with us, a burden that is frequently self-imposed and heavier than God intended it to be, when we let go of our anxieties, when we replace our fears with faith, then we can be better stewards of the present. We can entirely give ourselves to the opportunities and responsibilities in the present. We can engage in the challenges we face with our hearts at peace.  We can fully live the gospel of Christ today and strive to embody God’s love with our neighbors. 

Do you know what else happens when we release our anxieties and fears about the future, seek God, and fully engage in the present? We pave the way for a future that aligns with God’s vision and purposes. 

Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as being faithful to God “tomorrow” (so why worry so much about it)—God calls and needs us to be faithful TODAY!

The invitation for us as disciples and leaders at the Susquehanna Conference is simple yet life-changing: release your anxieties and fears about the future, focus on the tasks at hand with faith, trust that God’s plan is unfolding and that God’s provision is more than enough.

In this news season, let’s be good stewards of the present. Let’s give ourselves entirely to today’s realities, challenges, and opportunities and release our anxieties about tomorrow, knowing we are not alone. God is with us. We have everything needed to live into God’s vision for the church and the world. 

Our future is in good hands—because it is in God’s hands. 

Paz,

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez
Resident Bishop