A Season of Possibility

Dear Friends,

As a new school year approaches, we at Everstand (formerly United Methodist Home for Children) are inviting you to help us launch a season of possibility—for young people who need it most.

With some school supply categories rising more than 20% in cost since the pandemic, for the students we serve, many of whom face significant financial hurdles, this growing burden can make back-to-school season feel overwhelming.

Your support can be the difference between a student simply returning to school and truly thriving. With your generosity, we can provide the tools, support, and stability that pave the way for lifelong success. All donations make an impact—for example:

• $25 could help to offset the cost of essential school supplies, ensuring every student has the basics to start the year with confidence.
• $50 could sponsor one individualized tutoring session, building a strong academic foundation for a struggling learner.
• $100 could provide access to engaging enrichment opportunities like art, culinary, or horticulture programming.
• $250 could supply multiple students with backpacks fully stocked with appropriate grade-level materials.
• $500 could underwrite calming kits or sensory tools to support students coping with trauma or anxiety.

You have the power to ensure that the youth in our programs start this school year ready to succeed—inside the classroom and beyond. You can visit www.everstand.org/backtoschool to make a fast, secure contribution today. No matter the size of your gift, it will create a lasting impact on a young person’s life. If you prefer to support our youth by purchasing supplies directly, please use the link provided to access our Amazon wish list. https://a.co/3OcNDH6

Thank you for being part of the Everstand family. Your support makes all the difference—and we’re so grateful to have you with us as we begin a new school year full of hope and promise.

Warmly,

Laurie Anne “LA” Spagnola, MSW
President & CEO, Everstand

Everstand - Give Our Youth a Chance to Laugh, Learn ... This Summer

Summer is here! 

Would you join us in creating a season full of fun, learning, and connection for the youth at Everstand (formerly United Methodist Home for Children) by supporting our summer enrichment and recreational programs? Your support makes it possible for the young people on our Mechanicsburg campus to enjoy enriching summer programs that boost confidence, teach new skills, and foster lasting friendships. Our inclusive and welcoming programs ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and celebrated all summer long.

Help us kick off summer with a purpose. 

Our Mechanicsburg campus offers a unique setting with beautiful scenery but lacks some of the recreational amenities found at our other campuses, such as a pool or skate park. To enhance the youth’s experiences, we rely significantly on the generosity of donors and are especially grateful to those who help us create memorable experiences despite having fewer built-in recreational features.

Endless possibilities begin with YOU! 

When you donate, you give us the chance to thoughtfully plan impactful activities that bring joy, learning, and community to the youth in our care. As we seek grant funding for music and equine therapy, we’re also seeking funds for a potential pickleball court and a wide range of summer activities, including: outdoor adventures, sporting events, arts and crafts projects, teambuilding exercises, amusement park, bowling, and movie outings, and so much more! Having the funding to provide these experiences for our youth would be such a blessing, and you can help! Every gift matters—and together, we can build a summer full of meaningful memories for the kids in our community.

You can support Everstand’s incredible youth by visiting www.everstand.org/summer to give. You can make an even greater impact by joining us as a monthly Impact Maker and fuel enrichment and recreation all year long. Together, let’s build brighter futures and transform communities. Thank you for standing with us, as we stand by, stand for, and stand beside the youth we serve! 

www.everstand.org/summer

2022 Camp & Retreat Ministry Impact Report

As we move through the opening months of the new year, we can’t help but look back on 2022 with immense gratitude for your support of the outdoor ministry.

In 2022 you were part of....

Giving $91,636.00 in donations and gifts to ensure a bright future for these spaces we love so much. 

This total includes surpassing the funding goals for the annual Matching Monday Campaign and surpassing the funding goals for the first ever Camp Fancy Gala!

Impacting 841 camper lives.

425 volunteers who gave time to volunteer for a week (or more!) of summer camp or came to lend a hand during a work day.

Welcoming 129 retreat guest groups to these treasured places apart.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your support!!!

www.suscrm.org 

Is There More to the Disaster Response Ministry?

Douglas Hoy, Conference Disaster Response Coordinator

At Annual Conference this year, I had the opportunity to speak with attendees about the Disaster Response Ministry. It was a joy to share all the opportunities the ministry has to offer. During one of those conversations, after explaining to connection to UMCOR and how we respond to “headline” disasters, I was asked whether there was more to the ministry. My reply was an emphatic “YES!”

The mission of UMCOR and the Disaster Response Ministry is to provide assistance to alleviate human suffering as the result of disaster. And, most people associate that with helping people after they have been the victims of a natural disaster, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding. While this is true in the traditional sense, human suffering can occur on so many levels in so many places. All we need to do is watch the news every evening to know our neighbors are hurting as the economy continues to slow down and inflation continues to rise. The everyday problems we face as a result are becoming problematic and these problems present an opportunity for the church to help.

In the last issue, I explained that the ministry works during “blue skies” and “gray skies.” And, part of that process involves training congregations to recognize the needs of their neighbors and doing something to meet them. The ministry does this through the Connecting Neighbors: A Disaster Ready Congregations Curriculum of the United Methodist Church program. This UMCOR developed program was created inspire congregations and communities to be better able to minimize the harm caused to people by disasters. To encourage them to respond to our neighbors’ needs in helpful, cooperative and caring ways on behalf of the church and in the spirit of Jesus Christ. And, it enables them to practically and proactively support the most vulnerable, while honoring cultural and faith values and differences within the community.

Attendees learn how to identify types of disasters likely to impact the community, assess the immediate needs of their neighbors, and identify resources the church may have to meet those needs, while connecting the church with the community.

The modules in this training focus on preparing congregants for disasters and guiding them through a process to help others. It also addresses how churches can protect its property and people before and immediately following a disaster, as well as how to appropriately use church property in disaster response. Finally, the training encourages churches to explore their capacity for various disaster response ministry opportunities and to consider ways to become engaged in, and become an integral part of the fabric and culture of the community.

What if America’s greatest asset—its faith-motivated and God-centered people—rose up to embrace the belief that protecting people, places and ministry is our responsibility? What if we saw preparation and planning to be equal partners with building projects and new fellowship halls? What if we understood that stewardship of our bodies (eating healthy foods and exercising) and stewardship of our gifts (teaching, praying, tithing) are twin pillars supporting stewardship of our church family and church home to become the best gifts we have to give to our communities when trouble comes? As one attendee described it, disaster response is about “RESPONSE-ABILITY.”

Scripture tells us to “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10: 23-24). And, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11: 1).

As followers of Christ, we are all called to be engaged in strengthening our communities, making them resilient, and being the hope and comfort in time of need. We are encouraged to earnestly live out our faith in ways that can transform communities—and the lives of those who are our neighbors—to alleviate suffering, including disaster response. As the visible presence of the body of Christ, the local church is well equipped to minister. And, when it gets involved, the door is opened to more ministry opportunities than the headlines will ever reveal.

Congregants and churches that are prepared to respond to their neighbors needs have an opportunity to restore hope, be a caring, Christian presence, and, share the love of Jesus to a world (and community) that is desperately searching.

For more information about the Disaster Response Ministry and the Connecting Neighbors program, contact me.

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/

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! 

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

Kentucky Tornado Support

UMNS photo by Mike Dubose

Responding to a disaster can bring together the connectional system of the United Methodist Church and allow us to be actively involved in supporting the affected area. While we wait for assessments to be completed and plans to be established, there is still much you can do. 

PRAY. Spend time, individually and collectively, praying for the victims, leaders, and emergency responders in these communities. This can be a powerful tool in the immediate and long-term aftermath of a disaster. As you pray, petition God for direction and guidance on how you can be involved.

SUPPORT. The financial need after a disaster is great. Your generous giving makes this possible. To provide financial support, click: UMCOR US Disaster Response and Recovery Advance This will ensure 100 percent of the donation reaches the affected area, supports the work of UMCOR and its partners, and meets the needs of the community.

ACT. While we wait, you can assemble UMCOR cleaning kits, hygiene kits, and school kits. Information about those kits and how to assemble them can be found on the UMCOR website or the Mission Central website.  

UMCOR umcmission.org/united-states-disaster-response/

MISSION CENTRAL missioncentral.org/kits-projects-and-patterns/

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.

 

 

Missionary Covenant Support

By Rebecca (Becky) Parsons, Missionary Serving as Mission Advocate in the NEJ

Churches are learning so much about who they are as Christ’s disciples in these 20 months into living in a pandemic: grief sharing, community connections, healthy relationships, technology, and how the holy spirit calls us even deeper into connection with one another in new ways.

One connection point in the United Methodist Church is to our 220 Missionaries in 60 countries. Local churches and individuals covenant with a missionary; covenants are statements of relationship and financial commitment: mutual care and witnesses to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ calls us to love one another in our local community and around the world. The around-the-world part is made possible by the work of missionaries serving in the local communities all over the world.

Covenants take what we treasure most: compassion, justice and peace and transform it into acts of love in missions, where we can join into the activity of the holy spirit through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.

What do you treasure most? How are you sharing it?

You treasure your time? Have you spent some of that time in prayer for Rev. Andrew Lee as Andrew coordinates the church activities of the UMC in Cambodia.

Or have you covenanted with Temba Nkomozepi at Mujila Falls Zambia, where it is so remote that it takes the ‘call to serve unto the ends of the Earth’ past that! Temba is an agriculturalist who attended Africa University—a world class university sponsored by a portion of every apportionment dollar you send to the global church.

Have you and your church been on a virtual Volunteer in Mission journey with Nan McCurdy and Miguel Mairena? Nothing will separate us from the love of God who calls us to love one another, and you don’t even have to leave your home to build relationships with people in Christian communities and learn how the holy spirit is transforming lives. Gather a group and visit your favorite missionary and the community they serve!

This year, your church can make a covenant with, pray for, and support our 220 missionaries serving in 60 countries sharing the good news, inviting all to warm themselves in the light of Christ, and transforming the world for the ‘Kin-dom’ of God. This advent season, as we prepare for Jesus coming into the world, consider inviting families, your congregation, or individuals to support a missionary. You’ll be glad you did.

The Conference Secretary of Global Ministries or I can help you navigate choosing a missionary. Contact me, Rebecca Parsons, Missionary Serving as Mission Advocate with the Northeastern Jourisdiction at 540-314-7911 or rparsons@umcmission.org.

May God’s peace strengthen you on this journey of love.

Thank You Susquehanna Conference!

Thank you, Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church! Your steadfast support, prayers and love have been instrumental to all of us at Mission Central. We are grateful for your material and financial donations as well as the support through volunteering. 

Because of you, Mission Central had a record breaking 2020. Last year, we assisted over 3.3 million people with over $10.9 million in resources. And as always, all items are provided at no cost to the recipient. 

Our annual report can be seen above, but here are some highlights...

In 2020, Mission Central:

• Distributed over $780,000 in medical supplies and equipment to support 241,000 people. 
• Sent $369,000 in pet food resourcing over 73,000 animals.
• Launched a school partnership where over 13,000 students and their families received support from Mission Central. 
• Sent 42 international shipments to South America, Africa and Eastern Europe.
• Supplied $433,000 in Flood Buckets/Cleaning Kits to recovery efforts.

This year has started strong as well, and our medical ministry is continuing to grow. About 50% of what has gone out of the warehouse so far this year is medical equipment and support. Of course, basic needs like diapers, food and clothing as well as electronics continue to flow from our warehouse daily.

We know now is not the time to slow down. We expect to see needs increase as the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt. And we know we are called to do this important work. 

Please keep Mission Central in your prayers and continue to support us in the ways that you have in the past. Please save the dates for a few other Mission Central events as well:

• September 16-19, 2021: Mission Central Online Auction
• October 12, 2021: Mission Central Open House
• October 24 – 31, 2021: Mission Central Mash and Dash (virtual run)

Thank you for your love and support! We are looking forward to another great year. 

www.missioncentral.org

Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: A Great Collaboration is Bringing Summer Camp Back for 2021!!

Rev. Kevin Witt, Director of Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders

Meister Eckhart, renowned 14th Century Christian teacher, said “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” The spiritual practice of gratitude notices the good, trusts in God’s love, and participates in new possibilities. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 offers some counter intuitive wisdom encouraging us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks in all circumstances (not necessarily for all circumstances). Thanksgiving helps us avoid quenching the Spirit’s work within and among us. 

Camp and Retreat Ministry noticed something amid the mass cancellations due to COVID, the financial hardship, furloughing of staff, and the illness and suffering many of our camper families and local churches went through. Amid all that struggle, an outpouring of love and stunning generosity emerged. We see the good and thank God for YOU! 

You turned a time of hardship into a fountain of blessing. Many individuals and congregations stepped up as donor partners and volunteers to create a different outcome by contributing to the vitality of our 5 Camp and Retreat Centers. You make it possible to offer sacred spaces and experiences that transform so many lives. People need faith journeys in community that become milestones of inspiration in their life with Jesus. In 2020, you provided over $170,000 in gifts for the Camp Comeback Campaign, scholarships, and much needed projects. In addition, thousands of volunteer hours improved the centers. Your generosity makes all the difference for those served by a ministry we all have a part in as United Methodists across Central PA.

Summer Camp is coming back in 2021 with your help! We thank the many volunteers who will play pivotal roles as leaders with the campers this summer. They are now preparing diligently along with the Center staff. Pray for all those who will live the way of love as Christian mentors for the children, youth and families attending this summer. It will be a more complex and demanding summer due to additional health protocols. At the same time, it promises to be one of the most meaningful summers ever for campers who really need to connect with God and each other as they grow in discipleship. Children and youth long to regain a sense of adventure, joy, and fun, which camp also offers in a big way. For information on Summer Camp in 2021 and to register go to: www.susumcamps.org

Donor support is crucial again this year! We deeply appreciate every gift you will give to the 2021 Camp Comeback Campaign, and we want to be sure you realize how much it is needed. Almost all groups cancelled again this Spring due to COVID restrictions and concerns. Summer camp will operate at ½ of our normal capacity this summer. We will need to bring additional staff back on for the summer, but our revenue will be much less than normal. Outdoor canopies will need to be purchased so groups can spread out, food service operations will be more costly in providing meals differently, more equipment will be required, etc. Families where parents have been furloughed or lost jobs will need scholarship help from all of us who can give. Together we can reach the $100,000 goal for 2021.

Give Online: www.susumcamps.org and click on the donate button in the upper right corner. 

Donate by Check: Make payable to “The Susquehanna Conference UMC” and on the description line indicate Camp and Retreat Ministry. Send to: SUS Camp and Retreat Ministry, 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050.

Thank you Everyone! We cherish being in ministry with you!

Mission Central Still Going Strong

Thank you to the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church for your ongoing support of Mission Central. Your monetary gifts, material donations, volunteer hours and prayer help Mission Central with our mission of “Connecting God’s Resources with Human Need.” 

Last year, 2020, was a challenging one on all fronts. We are grateful that Mission Central was open throughout the pandemic supporting those in need. Thanks to your support, over 3.3 million people were assisted with over $10.9 million in resources just last year alone. (That is nothing short of miraculous!)

Our medical ministry continues to be Mission Central’s fastest growing ministry. Over $780,000 in supplies and equipment went out to support 241,000 people. Our pet food ministry has grown with the increased needs. In 2020, $369,000 in pet food resourced 73,000 animals.

As we looked at increased needs throughout Pennsylvania, we added a school partnership where Mission Central supplied medical support, school supplies, musical instruments, hygiene items and food to struggling students and their families. Over 13,000 students and their families received support from Mission Central. This will be an ongoing program.

While curtailed briefly at the beginning of the year, we had 42 international shipments that went out supporting Zimbabwe, Romania, Ghana, Liberia and beyond. In this epic year for disasters, we supplied $433,000 in Flood Buckets/Cleaning Kits through UMCOR to Louisiana, Florida and Texas. This recovery work will continue in the year(s) ahead.  

Mission Central continues to supply low cost, no cost warehouse space to our in house partners. Through their food banks, furniture ministries, diaper banks and electronics ministry, we further our reach. 

Now is not the time to slow down. We expect to see needs increase as the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt. And we know (with your support), we are called to do this important work. 

Thank you again for your steadfast commitment to Mission Central. We appreciate the prayers, material and monetary gifts and your ongoing support. You are truly a part of this wonderful family. 

We wish you a safe, happy and healthy 2021!

***

WEB: missioncentral.org
CALL: 717-766-1533
GIVE: missioncentral.org/donations/