Carlisle VIM Journeys to Dresden, TN

By Eric Sands

This year, Carlisle UMC resumed its mission work which had been on pause since February 2020. The following month, COVID-19 closed down businesses, schools and churches throughout the United States and the world. Little did we know it would be three years before we would again head back out to serve as Jesus commanded. Natural disasters continued to occur, but with the virus presenting variant after variant, few churches felt that the circumstances allowed for safe participation.

In February and June of 2023, our church ventured back into the mission field heading into Western Tennessee and Kentucky to assist with the local Volunteers in Mission/UMCOR to work on homes damaged by the December 2021 “Mayfield” tornadoes. After three years of waiting to get back into the field, we believe we were blessed as much as, or more than, the families we served. 

On the way, we worshiped with Brentwood UMC in Brentwood, Tennessee. Worshiping with a different group of Christians was a powerful experience. We found that we heard and felt more of the worship experience. Often, when we worship in our home church, we sit in the same seats, talk to the same people, sing familiar songs, and listen to a familiar pastor’s voice. Worshiping differently with our mission team gave us comfort in being amongst friends and allowed us to both experience God in different ways and better appreciate our own church.

 

As we prepared for work each morning, team members used the time as an opportunity to connect on a deeper level with smaller groups of people. These interactions differed from our normal church activities because it continuously built day after day. Though this continued throughout the day, once we arrived at the work site(s), the focus shifted to the family(s) we served. 

Over the week, our team served three families repairing varying amounts and types of damage. We worked on putting the finishing touches on a house that had been completely destroyed, repaired damage to wiring, ceilings, and cleaned, sealed and painted two rooms and repaired water damage, holes in walls, and painted some more. 

 

The team was blessed to spend time with each of the owners in different ways. We found common interests, listened to stories of young and old, played with children and cheered them on as they showed off their roller blading/bike tricks, and we received notes of thanks and encouragement each day from one owner. As is often the case when we go out and help our neighbors, we are often the ones that learn and grow the most. We felt God working in their lives and ours. 

Photos courtesy of Eric Sands

Calvary Harrisburg Youth VIM Journey

By Lauren Bell, Calvary UMC Youth Group

In June, youth from Calvary UMC in Harrisburg went on a four-day woodsy retreat to Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat Center in Weikert, Pa. Previously, we would use trips to Wesley Forest as an escape from parents and school or as an opportunity to connect with nature, build friendships, and be closer to God. 

This past winter, Wesley Forest experienced a terrible storm which uprooted trees and left the camp in disarray. To ensure the safety of the summer campers and restore Wesley Forest to its former glory, we spent our retreat time helping to clean up and learning the importance of caring for the Earth.

Among the many jobs we completed were extensive yard work around Penns Creek Lodge, removing tree branches and other foliage from paths, and planting flowers around the entrance sign. We ensured that summer campers had clean facilities, like bathhouses and the craft cabin, and safe trails to explore the camp and experience the beauty of nature that surrounds them. 

We worked together on large projects helping build teamwork and strong connections with one another. When everyone relied on one another to accomplish a goal, friendship and understanding blossomed, and inside jokes abounded. 

All this hard work could not have been accomplished without the different skills found within each youth. From one’s knowledge of landscaping, to another’s understanding of gardening, as well as compassion, hard work, high energy, and an obsession with a leaf blower, job after job was completed beyond expectations. 

You may be wondering, “All this hard work seems exhausting and unfair for the kids”. Well, we found time to enjoy some fun, playing 9-square, spoons, gaga ball, and other games, as well as Bible study and, oh yeah, even a trip into town for ice cream! 

Every challenge, obstacle, or job was completed and overcome through hard work and determination from the youth and loving donations from friends, family, and other members of our church. The youth can honestly say that they had a blast and are looking forward to when they can do it all again. 

Calvary’s youth would like to thank Volunteers In Mission (VIM) for helping to organize the trip and the projects. And another thank you to the staff at Wesley Forest for hosting us. We’ll be back in the spring!

For more information about VIM and opportunities, contact

Michelle Schwartzman, VIM Coordinator
vim@susumc.org
Web: www.susmb.org/vim/
Facebook

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

Camp & Retreat Ministry Announces New Director for Wesley Forest

Susquehanna Camp and Retreat Ministries is delighted to announce that TayLavor (TayLa) Fugate has been selected to serve as the new center director for the ministry at Wesley Forest Camp and Retreat Center.

Originally from Southwest Virginia, Fugate is a Pennsylvania transplant by way of New Jersey, pursuing her Master of Divinity at Drew Theological School of Drew University. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she has discovered a passion for building relationships with others through her 10+ years of experience in several different ministry areas including worship/arts, children, youth, young adult/campus, and camp/retreat ministries.

While earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recording Industry at Middle Tennessee State University, she found a home away from home at Cedar Crest Camp in Lyles, TN where she served in different capacities including waterfront director & office administrator. These, among other key ministry experiences, have greatly shaped and influenced her love and passion for camp!

When asked about her own connection to camp ministry, Fugate said, “I deeply believe camp has made every part of me better. It’s helped me learn to slow down, take test, and be WITH that which is around me, all of creation! It’s strengthened my spiritual well-being, my connection with the created, and the creator.”

She continued, “Camping is an incredibly unique experience that invites people out of their comfort zone to be challenged and grow in their faith and spirituality.” Her hope is to bring love and support to all the amazing things Wesley Forest is and all that’s already taking place. She plans to put her best self forward in the form of ideas and passions that may help Wesley Forest grow and expand for the better.

In her free time, you can always find TayLa painting, playing & writing music, at an open mic or a local music show, or out on the water with her pup Zero. She & Zero are overjoyed about heading west to Wesley Forest and can’t wait to meet you and your loved ones!

New Episcopal Office Executive Administrative Assistant Announced

After years of faithful service to our Conference, our Executive Administrative Assistant to the Episcopal Office, Mollye Inners, retired effective September 1, 2023. Mollye has been an invaluable asset and while she will be greatly missed, we thank her and wish her many blessings on the journey ahead! 

Bishop Moore-Koikoi and Bishop Steiner Ball are excited to announce that Cindy Weaver has been chosen to succeed Mollye Inners as the Episcopal Executive Administrative Assistant. Cindy will take over the duties with the retirement of Mollye.

Cindy comes to this position with a vast knowledge of the Annual Conference as well as churches and pastors in our conference. She has worked within the Susquehanna Conference for the past 13 years. 

Cindy served as the Administrative Assistant for the Harrisburg District from 2010-2012. She then was hired from 2013-2018 to help in filling vacancies in the Administrative Assistant position in the Scranton Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, Harrisburg, and Lewisburg Districts. At the same time, Cindy was also the Insurance Claim Processor and Receptionist for a Chiropractic Office.

Since 2018, Cindy has served as the Administrative Assistant for Equipping Vital Congregations, Age-Level Ministries, and the Beloved Community. Cindy will work with Rev. Dr. Kathleen E. Kind, Director of Connectional Ministries, during the transition from her current position to the Episcopal Office. This will ensure that ministry in both offices will continue as staffing structures for Cindy’s former position are re-evaluated.

In 2018, Cindy was also elected as the Susquehanna Conference Secretary, a position she continues to hold.

Along with Cindy’s knowledge of our Conference, she has a deep faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to the United Methodist Church. Her administrative gifts as well as her non-anxious presence will be an asset in her new position.

Cindy is married to the Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver, Conference Superintendent for the Harrisburg Supervisory Area.

Cindy’s new position began September 1, 2023.

Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders: From My Heart to Yours

Kim Shockley, Coordinator of Lay Excellence

I am writing this article today as a lay person who serves within the Susquehanna Conference as the Coordinator of Lay Excellence. 

In recent weeks I have continued my work among you as a coach, consultant, and facilitator/trainer. I have been concerned that we—lay and clergy alike—could do a better job of seeing the big picture of who we are together as the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church. I realize that when I speak or write, sometimes my internal judge comes out and folks feel judged or scolded. Please know up front that is not my intent in writing today. My heart is heavy and it seems to me that I can speak a truth from my perspective that may help us to move forward together in a way that will be winsome to the people around us.

So, here it is: the most discouraging phrase that I hear from some folks in local churches is an angry, blaming line that says something like, “The Conference did this to us.” I usually hear this during the appointment season when your beloved pastor is being appointed to another congregation, even though it is clear that pastor’s appointments are for one year at a time. And I’ve heard it in every Conference that I’ve served, throughout the United States! I know that these words come from your grief in losing this pastor, and your grief is often expressed early on with anger and blame. Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. We are “The Conference.” All of us together make up the Susquehanna Conference of the UMC! We pay Shares of Ministry to support “The Conference.” We send your pastor and lay people to represent you when “The Conference” meets every year. We are “The Conference!”
2. When we are blaming a change of appointment, we are essentially blaming the difficult work of our Cabinet and Bishops. It may help us to put these faces with the words. The appointment season for 2023 was the most difficult ever. With 141 churches and quite a few pastors disaffiliating, and 25-30 pastors retiring, the work that our Cabinet and Bishops had to do to make sure that churches have pastors was daunting to say the least. They already know that our itinerate system will be difficult for some and many will experience grief. Are we praying for the work that these dedicated men and women of God do on our behalf every year? Could we send them notes of encouragement? A friendly voice in their email inbox would be a welcome experience! Now with increased territory to cover, our prayers and encouragement will be the best part of their day! This also applies to our Bishops, who manage three different Annual Conferences— imagine what their days and nights are like times three! I interact with each of these people in my work. I know they are trying their best to do a nearly impossible task. They need our prayers and encouragement!
3. Let’s talk about the math—if we retire 30 pastors each year and only ordain or commission a handful, how long will we have pastors to send? If our churches or charges doesn’t have a person in the “pipeline” toward professional ministry, that is a real problem for us all! Consider someone who may be called to be a Certified Lay Minister—folks who want to be able serve congregations or live out a specialized ministry either within or beyond their local church. Consider those who may be called to be a Local Pastor—who are the hands and feet of Jesus in a multitude of our communities. Consider those who may be called to Ordained Ministry as Elders and Deacons—they take the extra steps of training and accountability to lead our churches well. All of these people come first from a local church within our connection. They are our people! How are you praying for God’s voice and God’s call to be heard among the people of your congregation?
4. Finally, consider the work of your congregation. How are you praying for and partnering with your pastor? Are you actively looking for the next people to invite to your church? Are you planning special events (mission, fellowship, fun) specifically to invite others to get to know you and your congregation? How do you welcome newcomers? It is everyone’s responsibility to provide that warm and friendly greeting to each other, as well as those who you meet throughout the week – they are your neighbors, and God has told us to love our neighbors! Even a church with a few folks can do the work of being salt and light in their community by being a place of prayer and hospitality.

A friend shared an image that helps me to grab hold of these concepts and put them back together again. Consider the work of our conference today like a wagon wheel. The goal would be to move, like the spokes of the wheel, into the hub where we are closest to God. The one thing that often keeps us from getting closer to one another is our inability to forgive. If we can’t get closer to one another, then we can’t get closer to God. I encourage you to find ways to move through grief and anger toward forgiveness so that you can embrace the new opportunity that has come your way. As a preacher’s wife, I’ve been in this mix many times, but I discovered that God always provides the next right answer, especially if I had an attitude to be able to search for it and embrace it. I pray that you can do the same. God is with us, always!

Communications Ministry: Portico & Lighthouse Congregations

By Liz Lennox, Director of Communications SUSUMC & WPAUMC

In order to better equip our leaders, our Conference has partnered with the West Virginia Conference to launch an online learning platform called Portico. Portico is an easy to use learning tool that allows both clergy and laity to take courses online and at their own pace. 

We are partnering not just with the West Virginia Conference, but multiple other Conferences throughout the connection to share resources and learning opportunities. Through this partnership, we have access to courses that are focused on discipleship, communications, connection building, and so much more! 

Portico is easy to use, with courses organized by topic and progress saved. Additionally, our staff has the ability to build courses that are specific to our Conference. This platform gives us the opportunity to more effectively provide educational opportunities that cater to busy schedules. 

Registering for Portico is easy. You can sign-up by going to susumc.org/portico and following the instructions listed. Once you’re registered, you can immediately begin enrolling in courses. 

Take a look, explore the catalog, and register for courses that appeal to you! If you have any questions, feel free to contact my office and we will be happy to guide you. 

717-766-7441 ext.
llennox@susumc.org

Lighthouse Congregations are local churches in the Susquehanna Conference that are particularly equipped to welcome anyone whose church has closed or disaffiliated and who wish to remain in the United Methodist Church. These congregations will act as a resting place for those seeking a new United Methodist faith community, with people who will care for and provide a haven of peace and grace.

Congregations in our conference are currently going through the process to become Lighthouse Congregations - four have already completed the steps! If you are interested in becoming a Lighthouse Congregation or have questions, please email Rev. Dr. Kathleen E. Kind at kkind@susumc.org. 

See more, including an up to date map of our Lighthouse Congregations, at susumc.org/lighthouse-congregations/

Susquehanna LINK: Summer Edition 2023

 

The Summer edition of Susquehanna LINK can also be viewed and downloaded at https://susumc.org/link/

Remembering Our Heritage

By Dr. Milton Loyer, Conference Archivist

July – 100 years ago

The cornerstone for the present West Decatur Calvary UMC was laid July 23, 1923. This congregation’s first church was called Otterbein and erected in 1858 about 1.5 miles southeast of the present location in the Decaturville – Mock Hill area. A Sunday School was established in 1877. In 1904 that church building was moved to the present West Decatur site and in 1905 a parsonage was built. Being the site of the parsonage, West Decatur became the home for a five-church United Brethren circuit that once included West Decatur, Sandy Ridge, New Castle, Ohio and Sanborn.

In 1920, both the church and the parsonage were destroyed by fire. A new parsonage was purchased, and the present concrete block building was erected in 1923. New Castle was discontinued in 2001, and Sanborn in 2022. West Decatur Calvary UMC now has about 150 members.

August – 50 years ago

August 19-26, 1973, Pastor Jack Landis led Salem Church along PA route 104 in Snyder County in celebrating its 100th anniversary in fine style with a week of guest speakers, special music, old-time preaching and enthusiastic signing – with many attendees and speakers dressing in period attire. Services were held in a tent seating over 300 people and equipped with two mourner’s benches. Unfortunately there will be no such 150th anniversary celebration, as the congregation voted to discontinue as of September 25, 2011.

The 1973 services were brought to a close on Sunday, August 26, with memorial and homecoming services. Bishop Hermann W. Kaebnick delivered the message at the 2 pm service, and THE LINK reported the following: “As Bishop Kaebnick stood at the old original pulpit, it was as though one traveled back in time. He spoke in Pennsylvania Dutch from time to time. His remarks on Albright’s view of sanctification made all present search their soul with deep conviction. As his hands pointed toward the old mourner’s bench, one was certain some soul [would] come and once again wet the old bench with tears of repentance.”

Discovery Place: Spiritual Growth Resources for the Summer Months

I enjoyed meeting many of you at the Discovery Place table at Annual Conference. Several folks ordered resources that were on display, and those have been sent. On Friday we had two tables FULL of items to give away, some of which were donated to Discovery Place. I was glad to go home with much less than I brought!

Summer is often the time when folks are away on vacation quite often. It is important, therefore, to offer lessons that are self-contained in one session and not part of a weeks-long series. There are many options that fit this description.

Nooma – This series is comprised of 24 different DVDs, each with one-word titles and lasting 15 minutes or less. Each includes a study guide with thought-provoking questions and Scripture verses. Visit our online catalog at www.discovery-place.org and search by title Nooma for individual titles and a brief description of each.

36 Parables – Labeled by color, each DVD contains three parables. 

Lime: “Charlie” - Parable of the Mustard Seed; “Wise/Foolish” – Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders; “Together” – Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds.

Cyan: “Spilt Milk” – Parable of the New Wine in Old Wineskins; “A Few Weeks Later” – Parable of the Rich Fool; “Beyond Beautiful” – Parable of the Two Sons.

Yellow: “Found” – Parable of the Lost Coin; “Buried Talent” – Parable of the Talents; “Buen Vecino” – Parable of the Good Samaritan.

Purple: “Out of Reach” – Parable of the Friend at Midnight; “The Car Lot” – Parable of the Shrewd Manager; “Sean” – Parable of the Barren Fig Tree.

Amber: “After Life” – Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus; “Tractor Safety Tips” – Parable of the Leafing Fig Tree; “The Good Shepherd” – Parable of the Good Shepherd.

Blue: “The Music Box” – Parable of the Hidden Treasure; “Like Father Like Son” – Parable of the Two Debtors; “Gnobody’s Gnome” – Parable of the Unmerciful Servant.

More complete descriptions with Scripture references are in our online catalog. 

Both Nooma and 36 Parables are relatively short DVDs and are suitable for both youth and adult groups. Nooma study guides are in a separate booklet; 36 Parables study guides have been downloaded from their website, and printed copies are in the box with each DVD. 

Deeper Connections Series – These visually stunning DVDs are written and taught by biblical experts – six professors with specialized areas of knowledge. Don’t let the word “deeper” scare you. These engaging and accessible studies are for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of God’s Word and apply it more faithfully and effectively. 

There are six books in this series, each containing six lessons: The Prayers of Jesus, The Parables of Jesus, The Miracles of Jesus, The Forgiveness of Jesus, The Life of Jesus, and The Last Days of Jesus. The video portion of each lesson is 25-30 minutes, with breaks for discussion. Included is a leader’s guide and a participant’s guide. For further details on each study, search our online catalog by title Deeper Connections.

You may place an order through our online catalog at www.discovery-place.org, email discovery@susumc.org, or call 717-766-7968. (Your voicemail will send an email.) 

After being involved with Discovery Place for over 20 years and being Director since the spring of 2016, I am retiring in June. Discovery Place will remain open, so please visit our website for hours and more information. It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve you all! 

Joni Robison