November 2025 issue Susquehanna LINK

 

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

Disaster Response Ministry - Tioga County Rebuilding

In late summer of 2024 a flood hit the Tioga County. Particularly hard hit was Westfield and the surrounding area. For over a year many residents affected by the flood have been displaced from their homes. They are living in hotels, campers, and with friends. After assessing the damage a year ago and “mucking out” all the mud and debris the floodwaters brought into the homes, the rebuilding began. As many of you know, it is a slow process. Those who are hoping to get into their homes, sooner rather than later, struggle with the long wait. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour the area that is most affected and see for myself the homes that are in need. One home had a work team from the United Church of Christ in the Frederick, Maryland area. They had successfully pulled out all the walls saturated with water which had created black mold and were beginning to work on the floors that had been damaged as well. Their goal for the week was to get the house ready for the next crew to come in and do plumbing and electrical work so that insulation and dry wall could be installed. Again, it is a slow process – one step at a time. 

There are many other homes in need of repair. Some won’t require as much work as this particular home, some that will also need to be gutted, and some that need debris and overgrowth removed from the outside.

Work teams are needed. All skill levels are needed. Christmas is coming. Let’s put some families back in their homes for Christmas.

For more information you can call Sara Shaver, Disaster Relief/Volunteers in Mission Coordinator at the conference office (717-766-5376) or Kristin Hamilton, Executive Director of the Tioga County Development at khamilton@developtioga.org, 570-723-8232.

Rev. Sara Shaver

Disaster Response Coordinator

drc@susumc.org

Web: www.susumc.org/drm

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Volunteers in Mission - Using Our Gifts from God

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

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

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

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

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

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

Try it. It will change lives – including yours.

Rev. Sara Shaver

VIM Coordinator
vim@susumc.org
Web: www.susumc.org/vim
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Susquehanna LINK, September 2025

 

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

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/ 

Staff Update

Our Susquehanna Conference Volunteer in Missions Coordinator Michelle Schwartzman, has accepted a position with the General Board of Global Ministries as the Northeast Jurisdiction Mission Engagement Liaison. Her last day as the Volunteers in Mission Coordinator was March 13.

Michelle has been a trained Volunteer in Mission for 8 years. As SUSUMC VIM Coordinator for the past 6 years, Michelle has passionately promoted and coordinated VIM efforts, including training leaders and participants, throughout SUSUMC and beyond and participated in more than 10 Mission Journeys (in addition to the many before she was trained.)

“I’m grateful for my time here, as I’ve received a lot of support and encouragement,” said Schwartzman. “With the experience here I’ve grown personally and professionally. I will miss my time working within the Susquehanna Conference.”

Thank you Michelle! We wish you all the best and pray for God’s continued work in and through you as you serve through mission engagement.

Adventure Camps Offered by Camp & Retreat Ministry

This summer, take your love for the outdoors to the next level with Susquehanna Conference Camp & Retreat Ministry adventure camps! Whether you’re paddling through scenic waterways, trying to catch the big one, or conquering your fears while white-water rafting, these camps are designed to challenge, inspire, and create lasting memories. Check out the details below and secure your spot today! Register at suscrm.org

CP Adventures: Potomac River Canoe Trip

May 23-26 | Dean: Sam Richardson

Spend Memorial Day weekend canoeing along the stunning Potomac Water Trail, 

enjoying scenic landscapes, peaceful waters, and nights under the stars.

Ages: Adult

Cost: $439 (Early Bird: $414)

Starts: Friday 7:00 pm | Ends: Monday 3:00 pm

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CP Adventures: Canadian Canoe Trip – NEW ADVENTURE CAMP!

May 16-19 & June 27-July 5 | Deans: Josh & Susie Yorks

Explore the untouched beauty of Algonquin Provincial Park on this immersive 

canoeing adventure, deepening your connection with nature and faith.

Ages: 16+ without parent, 13+ with parent

Cost: $1000

Starts: Friday 6:00 pm | Ends: Saturday 3:00 pm

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Wesley Forest - Fishing Camp

June 22-27 | Deans: Frank & Mel Bolles

Join this week-long fishing adventure, where campers will explore top fishing spots, improve their angling skills, and enjoy classic camp activities.

Grades: 9-12

Cost: $480

Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 4:00 pm 

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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 Elementary

July 13-18 | Deans: Becca Swartz & Amber Heberlig

Young adventurers will experience an action-packed week of canoeing, high ropes, hiking, and sleeping under the stars while learning to live out Hebrews 12.

Grades: 3-6

Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)

Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Tuesday 3:00 pm

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Camp Penn - Adrenaline H12 – HIGH ADVENTURE CAMP

July 27-August 1 | Deans: Melissa Galla & Susan Yorks

Thrill-seekers will take on white-water rafting, high ropes courses, and outdoor challenges, building confidence and faith through adventure.

Grades: 7-12

Cost: $575 (Early Bird: $550)

Starts: Sunday 3:00 pm | Ends: Friday 3:00 pm

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Register at suscrm.org

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/

Susquehanna and Upper New York Cabinets Come Together for Missional Collaboration

By Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

The Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of The United Methodist Church have entered an exciting new chapter of shared leadership and mission. Following the decision made by the 2024 General Conference to reduce the allocation of bishops available for assignment for the Northeastern Jurisdiction (NEJ), the two conferences are now under the leadership of one Bishop. This restructuring marks a significant opportunity for deeper collaboration and alignment in ministry.

To begin this new journey, the Missional Cabinets from both conferences came together for a joint retreat held in Williamsport, PA, from January 13th to the 15th. The retreat allowed the joint team to build a strong foundation for the new missional partnership while maintaining the distinct identities of the two conferences.

The retreat focused on several key priorities to enhance the partnership:

• Building relationships and fostering unity;
• Learning about each Conference’s missional context;
• Discovering collaboration opportunities for a more significant impact;
• Exploring new possibilities in shared mission;
• Engaging in shared spiritual formation.

“This retreat was a great opportunity to get to know one another through conversation, worship, and activities,” explained Rev. Dr. Sherri Rood, Dean of the Upper New York Missional Cabinet. “We learned we have a great deal in common and are intrigued by the possibilities before us to be collaborative in ministry.”

The gathering also served as a reminder of the transformative potential of collaboration in ministry. Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver, Dean of the Susquehanna Missional Cabinet, shared that he “sensed the reassurance that as communication continues beyond the Cabinets, shared work will create both better work and a renewed reality that Kingdom work is not designed to be restricted by lines drawn on a map.”

“As the resident Bishop for the Susquehanna and Upper New York Episcopal Area, I am excited about God’s new work among us,” said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez. “I am committed to collaborating effectively and maintaining clear, transparent communication. Our focus will be on how this partnership can enhance our ability to serve with excellence in both conferences for the glory of God.”

As the two conferences continue to walk this path together, Bishop Burgos-Núñez invites the prayers and support of clergy, lay leaders, and congregants alike. “I call on all United Methodists in the Susquehanna-Upper New York Episcopal Area to surround this journey in our individual and communal prayers, asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts to the God-sized possibilities ahead of us as we collaborate in equipping and resourcing our leaders and congregations to fulfill our shared mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” concluded Bishop Burgos-Núñez.

Grace and blessings as we continue this journey together.

Communications Team Launches New Monthly Series Titled “Living Hope: Faith in Action”

 

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

We are excited to introduce a new monthly series on our website, “Living Hope: Faith in Action.” This inspiring series will showcase the countless ways our congregations and communities are living out their faith and bringing the Good News of Christ to the world.

Each month, we will feature stories from each District of groups who are making a difference - whether through acts of service, innovative ministries, or everyday moments of kindness and compassion. “Living Hope: Faith in Action” will provide a platform to celebrate these powerful expressions of faith and to inspire others to take part in their own unique ways.

Our goal is to foster a sense of connection and shared mission, reminding us all that every effort, big or small, contributes to the greater purpose of sharing God’s love. We invite you to engage with these stories, reflect on how you see faith in action in your own life, and even share your own experiences to encourage others.

Stay tuned each month for new stories that will warm your heart, spark ideas, and deepen your faith journey. Together, let us continue to live out the hope that is found in Christ and make a lasting impact in our communities and beyond.

Stories: susumc.org/living-hope-faith-in-action/

Celebrating Patricia Frye and Her 10 Years of Ministry in CRM

Camp and Retreat Ministry Administrative Assistant Tricia Frye will be retiring at the close of 2024. She manages a varied and complex range of leadership responsibilities including registering summer campers, being an information hub for the ministry, organizing staff and volunteer paperwork, and so much more. We have all been blessed by Tricia and her many gifts and abilities. Tricia remembers how it began and reflects on what it has meant for her. 

“Earlier, I worked for travel agencies. I was between positions when a colleague showed me a job opening at the Conference office for the Camp and Retreat Ministry Registrar and Admin. It was perfect timing. I thought to myself that if I could send people to the Caribbean, I could send kids to camp! 

It is a joy to serve in a way that is truly beneficial for others. I have really cherished working with the people at the Conference. The atmosphere is uplifting and collaborative. We care about each other and it’s like family.

Getting kids to camp is deeply gratifying, especially for those who really need a loving camp experience. It makes such a difference in their lives.”

Camp and Retreat Ministry: New Vision Forward Director for CRM

By Kevin Witt Director of Age Level Ministry / Beloved Community Ministry / Camp & Retreat Ministry

Beginning in January of 2025, Charlie Renner will be transitioning from his role as Center Director at Greene Hills Camp and Retreat Center to a new team role as the Vision Forward Director within Camp and Retreat Ministry (CRM). This new position reflects major steps underway to reach new young people and families in collaboration with local churches, enhance facilities and expand programming, enrich volunteer and staff training and preparation, build new relationships and partnerships with growing communities of color, and deepen the Christian missional focus and effectiveness of these important ministries. The Vision Forward Director will specifically facilitate follow through to keep the ministry staff and volunteer leaders moving forward on the vision, new directions, and master plan for CRM. 

Charlie brings many strengths to this new role. His long leadership experience and calling to Camp Retreat Ministry has its roots in childhood church and camp experiences. Grace UMC in Carlisle (Now Carlisle UMC) provided the love and pathways of discipleship that nurtured a heart for service and leadership. During his formative years through college, Charlie was deeply impacted by camp experiences. He went to Mount Asbury with his youth group, achieved Eagle Scout recognition, and worked at Greene Hills, Mount Asbury and Appalachia Service Project during his college years at Penn State. This was when his call to Camp and Retreat Ministry became clear. After first serving as the Program Director for the Keystone Area Council of the Boy Scouts, a deep desire to be involved in Christian leadership and ministry prepared the way for a long and meaningful 14-year tenure as the Center Director for Greene Hills Camp and Retreat Center. All along, Charlie has continued to grow in knowledge and experience through intentional continuing education in this specialized ministry.

Charlie shares the following thoughts and hopes as he enters this new role: 

“First, I am thrilled to be continuing my involvement with Susquehanna Conference Camp and Retreat Ministries. I have personally witnessed the tremendous benefits these experiences provide to campers and guests both related to their journey and their inspiration to share Christ’s love and grace with others in their daily lives. It is vital that we extend these opportunities to new people in new places and steward this ministry forward to fulfill its mission in fresh ways for long-term connection, relevance, and vitality. I feel blessed to be serving as part of our core team as we prayerfully discern and carry out the next steps in strategic planning as we launch a new chapter for Camp and Retreat Ministry.

There have been so many dedicated volunteers over the years who have been integral to the power of this ministry. Community and service are such vital parts of what Camp and Retreat Ministry offers. I cherish the opportunity to celebrate, nurture and create fresh avenues for even more people to find joy and purpose through serving in ways that help them use their own passions and gifts to transform lives. What a blessing it has been to serve at Greene Hills and to bring the heart of those experiences forward in the ongoing impact of Camp and Retreat Ministry here in our Conference. Thanks to all who have and continue to support me in life and ministry.”

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.

Five District Plan: Moving Forward in Mission and Ministry

The Susquehanna Annual Conference adopted Resolution 6 “Five District Plan; Moving Forward in Ministry and Mission” which effective July 1, 2024, will set the number of districts in the Susquehanna Conference at five. 

The Bishops and Cabinet will continue to balance the newly aligned districts and each new district will hold a District Conference in the Fall of 2024 in order to complete district nominations and to attend to other matters as needed. The assets will be transitioned appropriately as determined by conference fiscal policies in discussion with the Conference Treasurer and Appointive Cabinet. 

By January 1, 2025, all churches will be aligned to their new district and will be instructed with regards to annual reports, etc.

Communications Ministry: Immigration Immersion Journey

Welcome to the House of Hope Community Center for Immigrant Care

By Liz Lennox, Director of Communications SUSUMC & WPAUMC

In mid September, a group of seven from the Susquehanna and Western PA Conferences traveled to Tuscon, Arizona for an educational mission journey to learn more about immigration and the organizations that provide support at the border. As a communicator, I joined the team to document every step of the way and share our experiences when we returned. Having done this sort of thing before, most notably in 2019 as part of a disaster response team in Puerto Rico, I thought I was prepared - I had a vision of what I would share and how I would share it. The reality was very different from what I initially expected and I was unprepared for what I would learn and see and experience. 

It’s been a full month since our return and I can confidently say that writing about this journey has been the most difficult assignment I’ve ever tackled. I’ve spent more time than I care to admit staring at a blank Word document, watching the cursor blink as I attempted to neatly package into my 750 word allotment everything that needs to be said about this emotionally taxing yet life-changing week. There are countless stories to tell and an endless amount of vital information that MUST be told. 

This project I’ve embarked on cannot be neatly packaged and should not be. The truth of what is happening at our southern border is not tidy or easy to digest. The truth is, the situation is complex and messy and heart-breaking. The narrative perpetuated by the media is full of disinformation and exaggerations, enhanced with dehumanizing language and rhetoric meant to scare and polarize. What we saw and what we experienced shattered all the preconceived notions we arrived with, and it is our duty and responsibility to tell our story and the story of those we encountered.

Immigration Immersion Journey participants (l-r) Sandra Matoushaya, Michelle Schwartzman, Liz Lennox, Dotsy Miles Baiza, Corinner Dyer, Lisa Mitchell, and Janet Gyekis at the Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona. 

This reflection will give you an overview of our week-long journey as an introduction to a more in-depth chronicle of what we experienced and how we felt. This will be done through a multi-part blog series which will include written testimony, photos, and videos. But for the time being, allow me to share a brief synopsis of our week in Tuscon, Arizona.

The first day of our journey began in St. Francis at the Foothills United Methodist Church. This church is well-known for its dedication to social justice and many of the members have dedicated themselves to caring for migrants. One notable member is Scott Morris, the individual who diligently planned our activities and experiences alongside our Volunteers In Mission coordinator, Michelle Schwartzman. Worship was uplifting and inspirational, and the call for justice was prevalent throughout the entire worship experience. We then spent a very hot afternoon at the Sonoran Desert Museum, which introduced us to the beautiful but unforgiving environment that many migrants travel through out of desperation and in search of a better future. 

The following days were spent visiting the various organizations working tirelessly to care for migrants through all stages of their journey. Our first stop was at The Inn, a shelter for migrants that began in the basement of a local United Methodist Church. Now its own 501C3, The Inn works with the county to provide rooms in a re-purposed hotel for migrants who have been processed by immigration and are ready to travel to be with their sponsors all over the United States. Generally they stay at this shelter for 24-48 hours and have a safe place to rest, eat, shower, and prepare for the last stages of their journey. We also visited the United Methodist Church that continues to support the organization with clothing and volunteers. 

A difficult truth that we confronted was the loss of human life because of a broken immigration system and decades of poor policies implemented by the US government. A representative from the Colibrí Center for Human Rights met with us to explain how immigration has been handled and why these policies have contributed to increasing numbers of migrant deaths in the desert. The main mission of this organization is to help identify through DNA testing the migrants who have been found deceased in order to restore their humanity and give their loved ones closure. We also joined a larger group to meet with the Pima County medical examiner who shared a more scientific, yet no less devastating presentation about the high numbers of migrants who are found dead and the circumstances that caused their deaths.

We crossed the border by foot into Nogales, Mexico and spent an entire day with guides from the Community Border Alliance who introduced us to the border town. We visited Casa de la Misericordia, a long-term shelter for asylum seekers that allows families to stay together and provides schooling for the children. The process to obtain asylum is extremely confusing and difficult to navigate, so migrants staying here are given support and guidance through the long and tedious process. 

Another day, we had the opportunity to meet with the director of Arizona Justice for our Neighbors, which is a United Methodist supported immigration ministry that provides free or low-cost legal services to people going through the immigration process. We also met with volunteers who visit detainees in Eloy Detention Center and build connections with those who are detained. We spent one evening with a presenter from the Sierra Club who shared the negative impact the recently built border wall has had on the environment.

Our last full day was the most memorable but also the most heartbreaking. On the way to see the border wall near Sasabe with Tuscon Samaritans, we had stopped to check on a water tank in the desert. Our guide, Gail, received a call asking for immediate assistance at a community center over the border. Casa de la Esperanza was preparing to receive over 100 migrants who had been deported and would be stopping at the center to receive food and water and clothing. When we arrived, our group did what we could to support those who ran the shelter by buying toilet paper, helping record names, and washing dishes.

We quickly realized that the majority of those deported were women and children. I will never forget the scenes from those hours we spent there. A young woman clutching her infant while she cried… another mother repeating, “Estoy tan cansada, estoy tan cansada,” which translates to “I am so tired”... members of the local cartel circling the streets, waiting to pick up and “help” all these vulnerable people. 

The emotional toll of this experience weighs heavy on my mind and my soul and while I can only speak for myself, I suspect my fellow travelers feel the same. Throughout the week, it became abundantly clear that our current immigration policies dehumanize and criminalize migrants while making it nearly impossible for those who are escaping violence and poverty and oppression to immigrate legally to the United States. It is our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ to do what we can to advocate and care for those suffering at our border, rather than turn a blind eye. 

As I mentioned before, this article only scratches the surface of what we experienced and learned on our educational mission journey to Tuscon. In the coming weeks, I will delve more fully into the organizations we met with and share personal testimonies from the other participants, while examining the contributing factors to this crisis and dispelling some of the pervasive myths about migrants. Stay tuned.

One Matters Award: Trinity UMC, Bellefonte

Every year, Discipleship Ministries partners with annual conferences by offering the One Matters Award (OMA) to one eligible congregation at each annual conference. At the 2023 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the One Matters Award was given to one church in each of our districts.

Trinity UMC, Bellefonte

Pastor Doug Conway 

The One Matters Award for State College district was given to Trinity UMC in Bellefonte. Trinity Bellefonte’s approach to making disciples for Jesus Christ is all about Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” 
One of Trinity’s goals is to feed as many people as they can, as often as they can, and give every person a place to belong and be accepted. 
The sharing of food for the physical body often leads to many opportunities for the sharing of Spiritual food.

• Each Wednesday evening a hot meal is offered. Participants can eat in but the church also arranges for pick up and delivery. An invitation is extended to everyone to the informal Wednesday evening worship. Called “The Gathering.” Trinity currently serves approximately 80 meals and served more than 3,800 meals in 2022.
• Tuesday and Thursday mornings is the Drop-in Centre – The church provides coffee, pastry, and breakfast sandwiches twice per week. It’s a time when people can come in, sit and enjoy the company of others.
• Prayer Breakfast – On the last Saturday of each month, Trinity serves a prayer breakfast, open to all. 
• Dinners are provided for Thanksgiving and New Years Day. There are also Thanksgiving food baskets and a Christmas toy distribution.

Trinity focuses on the immediate needs of people, so there is the opportunity to develop friendships and relationships. In time, the relationships that are built at Trinity enable them to make disciples for Jesus Christ and to tell the Gospel story, encourage believers and nurture servants and future church leaders.

Working together with other churches in the community, regardless of denomination or affiliation, has allowed Trinity to expand their service of outreach to those who seek companionship and a place to belong; many walk through the church doors, that otherwise might not ever consider it. When they do, Trinity is able to extend the love of God, which is the starting point on the journey to the gift of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ. 

Trinity has experienced that the more the doors are open the more people come in. Being open 6 days a week and sometimes 7, enables Trinity to make great in-roads into the community. 

Hearts for the Homeless

Trinity Bellefonte’s growing food programs have [revealed the] need for a homeless assistance program in the Bellefonte community. The congregation of Trinity is committed to being a leader in addressing the issue. On April 7, 2023, for a 24-hour period, Trinity Bellefonte hosted its first Hearts for the Homeless Challenge to raise both awareness and funds for their ministry to:

• Meet the immediate needs of those who find themselves homeless in our Bellefonte community and 
• Seek a more consistent and permanent assistance program for them. 

Trinity UMC meets people where they are and addresses immediate needs. God works in amazing ways when we allow God to lead. In 2023, Trinity added 8 new members and celebrated 2 baptisms, not to mention the countless new relationships that are being fostered.

By Rev. Brenda Leigey, Conference Superintendent

Susquehanna LINK, May 2023

 

View and download the PDF at susumc.org/link

Remembering Our Heritage

May – 100 years ago 

The present sanctuary of Fairview UMC in Altoona was dedicated on Sunday, May 13, 1923. In 1890, members of the First and Chestnut Avenue Methodist Episcopal congregations living in the Fairview area organized and erected a 32 x 50 frame structure at 22nd Avenue and Fifth Street. In 1906, a 32 x 50 addition was built and the original building was refinished. By 1923 the congregation had outgrown its facilities and the present brick structure was erected a block away at 23rd Avenue and Fifth Street – despite warning that the property was unsuitable for building because it was over a spring. By 1951 the underlying water problems could no longer be ignored and, at great expense and commitment, the facility was completely renovated.

Fairview has seen two of its members become ordained ministers, each of whom served congregations in the Central Pennsylvania Conference and had extensive broader ministries: Charles C. Cole (1890-1984) who was instrumental in forming what is now the National Council of Churches, and Judith (DeStefano) Coleman (1942-2005) who was reportedly the second clergywoman in history to be guest chaplain of the United States Senate. 

June – 50 years ago 

On June 9, 1973, at its annual session meeting in Scranton, the Wyoming Conference officially closed the historic but barely viable Lanesboro church in Susquehanna County. When the Presbyterian congregation in nearby Susquehanna lost their building by fire, it was agreed to join the congregations – with all assets going to the Lanesboro Community Church as a United Presbyterian congregation, which continues to this day.

Lanesboro was once a major transportation hub – boasting one of the few area bridges across the Susquehanna, that stood from 1837 until it washed away in the flood of 1859. The Lanesboro class was formed in 1812, and the church building was complete and occupied in the latter part of 1837, the same year the bridge was erected. Pew rents were charged until 1880, when it was resolved that all seats in the church be free. Lanesboro became a separate charge in 1855 that for many years included Susquehanna County’s nearby Bethel Hill (abandoned in 1991) and Stevens Point (abandoned in 2008) appointments.

Camp Scholarship Fund: Camp is for Everyone!

Have you heard about the camp scholarship fund?

The scholarship fund exists to help send children, youth, and young adults to camp. Generous donors continue to give to the scholarship fund because they believe in the power of outdoor ministry and desire to remove financial barriers so that more youth can experience camp!

We welcome anyone to apply for a scholarship regardless of church affiliation, faith community, and life circumstances. The fund can cover any amount of the listed camp fee. Anyone needing financial assistance simply needs to complete THIS FORM.

Additional resources such as sleeping bags, Bibles, and other packing list items can also be provided. For questions about these possibilities, please contact the Camping Office at 717-766-7395 or email camps@susumc.org.

If you’d like to donate to the Scholarship Fund, click HERE.

www.suscrm.org