New Places - New People: Faith UMC, Bellefonte

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 at susumc.org/portico/.

Faith UMC, Bellefonte, State College District

By Rev. Brenda Leigy, Superintendent

A few years ago, Faith United Methodist Church, Bellefonte, realized they were well positioned to be intentional to reach people outside the church. The people of Faith Church had a heart for the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and they were willing to use their time, gifts, and treasure to help the mission be accomplished. Not only did new people show up every week; they also joined small groups and began serving.

Faith Church states that it is all about living out the love of Jesus in our everyday lives, both in our relationship with God and with others.

One major way they embrace this journey is through serving others. They believe that by investing their time and resources into God’s work and utilizing their unique talents, they embody the spirit of Jesus. 

They intentionally connect and share the gospel with the people around them, and they continually find ways to make the world around them better by spreading the good news and striving to make a positive impact wherever they go.

Moving forward Faith didn’t know what path God might have for them. With the affirmation of the Administrative Council, Rev. Andy Morgan; Pastor David Carter started collaborating with consultants to assess the church, the people, and the needs in their community. 

Ultimately, they decided the best path forward for the church was embracing that God doesn’t want us to “do life” alone - it’s so much better together! 

So, Faith said YES! and started a network of Fresh Expressions - social groups who would meet around a common interest and provide opportunities to connect and build relationships with others.

In the fall of 2023, Faith launched a Fresh Expression Pioneer Cohort with 25 people from the church. As of spring of 2024, they have 10 Fresh Expressions in the works led by lay people. Some are in the early stages of planning, others have specific dates on the calendar, and others have already started.

Some of the Fresh Expressions that are developing and starting are: ATV riding, Softball, Teens who are bored over the summer, Crafts, Doubts, Running, Writing, neighborhood relationships, and nursing home community. The plans are also in the work to start a Messy Church. All these start with strategic efforts to connect with people outside the church. Faith UMC is looking forward to the fruit this will have in the lives of people in the community as they have said YES to God’s leading.

One Matters Award: Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC

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 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference, the One Matters Award was given to one church in each of our districts.

This award has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, the individual may experience the personal transformation to potentially engage in the church’s mission for the transformation of the world. While most Discipleship Ministries programs focus on existing members, OMA focuses on new members. After all, ONE Matters.

Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC, State College District

Rev. Brenda Leigy, Superintendent

On December 4, 2014, the Holy Spirit moved through the Buffalo Run Valley and three United Methodist congregations: Buffalo Run, Filmore, and Valley View. The three congregations, after much discussion and prayer, took a step of faith to merge and become the Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church. The newly formed pioneering congregation has worked diligently over the years to ensure that Christ’s presence will continue to be felt, heard, and seen in the valley.

The construction of the new church building has been decades in the making, beginning in 1999. With the growth and challenges of a 1930’s sanctuary the need was evident for a new sanctuary that could support the growing number of children, young adults, and the elderly’s needs.

Even though the transition had its challenges, the one church is now stronger, more proactive, and provides more robust programs and outreach into the surrounding community.

The Congregation believes that many years ago, God gave them a vision, not only to merge, but that the valley needed a facility where people could worship, grow in their faith,  and find fellowship and acceptance. The vision and the prompting of the Holy Spirit weighed on the hearts of many of the members and after many years of prayer and seeking God’s will, the time to begin was before the congregation and, as always in God’s perfect timing, the vision started to become a reality. Even, in the midst of a pandemic the congregation continued to move forward in faith.

When the opportunity to purchase land came about, the church members jumped to secure the space.

On April 15, 2023, Greater Buffalo Run Valley United Methodist Church broke ground on the lot for their new church building. Three crosses symbolically bearing the names of the three churches signifying the beginning of the new church where uncovered, while a cross with stones at its base bear the names of the communities in the Buffalo Run Valley and names of the faithful servants who are responsible for leading, directing and inspiring and believing in the vision and where God was leading.

Together, joyfully, and in the rain and some mud, in one accord we sang:

“I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together! All who follow Jesus, all around the world! Yes, we’re the church together!”

Construction began in May 2023, shortly after the groundbreaking. 

Once the shell of the building was built, members of the congregation used their skills, talents, gifts, time, and hard work to begin the necessary work outside and inside, working together as the vision and reality continued to unfold.

Even though the church has numerous traditional outreach programs the congregation is committed and believes that they can reach out and make a difference in the lives of young adults through “out of the box” programs.

A few of these non-traditional “out of the box” programs that the church has implemented is a kids computer club, (a number of ten and 11-year-olds are now developing their own software programs) and this summer a model rocket club will be formed, teaching engineering design and aerodynamics with actual model rocket launches.

It is through programs like these that an 11-year-old young lady started coming to church and to Sunday school.

Shortly after, the holy spirit was on fire in this young lady. Her newfound love of Christ exuded from her and to say the least, was contagious. Her journey can also be attributed to the nurturing and support of the youth leadership. On her baptism day, the Holy Spirit could be felt throughout the church and she continues to be an inspiration to all around her.

The Greater Buffalo Run Valley UMC is continuing to reach out to the surrounding community and it clearly shows because the congregation is growing and even though they just graced the doorstep of moving into a beautiful new church on April 21, 2024, they may need an addition or a second service sooner than later!

 

AC2024: Annual Conference Award Recipients

Congratulations to the Recipients of our Annual Conference Awards!

 The Rev. Dr. Maud K. Jensen/Rev. Dr. Karen E. Layman Memorial Scholarship

Rosalyn Price English

J. Marlene Atanasoff Spiritual Formation Award

Rev. Karen L. Weiss

The Marty Cox Award for Christian Unity

Rev. David D. Biser, CrossPoint UMC

The Howard & Elizabeth Brinton Individual Awards

Lisa Morrow

Rev. Marian E. Hartman

The Flying Dove Church Award

Carlisle UMC

The Harry Hoosier Award

Rev. Dr. Charles W. Salisbury

The Bishop D. Frederick Wertz Award

Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Salsgiver

AC2024: Retirees Class of 2024

Retirees Class of 2024

Back row, left to right: Rev. Judi A. Herrold; Pastor Gloria J. Montgomery; Rev. Mark S. Brower; Rev. Robert A. Vizthum; Rev Dr. Dennis R. Keller; Pastor Harold Schorr; Rev. Jennett Wertz; and Rev. Jean M. Blackie. 

Front row, left to right: Pastor Sarah H. Kim; Rev. Laura E. King; Pastor Carol J. Folk; Pastor Blanca N. Baker; Pastor Cathy B. Wilcox; Rev. Dr. Michael L. Stine; Rev. Karen L. McCachren; and Rev. Robert E. Stump. 

Not Pictured: Rev. Laura C. Baber; Rev. William Caraballo-Lopez Jr.; Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox; Pastor Mark D. Johnson; Rev. Jay E. Jones;  Rev. Steven M. Livermore; and Pastor James F. McGee.  

Photo: Sandii Peiffer

Thank You for Your Faithful Service

AC2024: The Harvest Begins with Seeds

By Liz Lennox, SUSUMC Director of Communications 

In a sermon delivered during the opening worship at the 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference, Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball inspired the congregation with a message that not only reflected the Annual Conference scripture from Matthew 9:37, but also spoke to the parable of the sower found in Matthew 13:18-23. 

She challenged the common interpretation of this parable, proposing a thought-provoking question: “What if this parable isn’t so much about the soil as it is about the seed and the sower?” She argued that solely focusing on ourselves as the soil and focusing on the condition of the soil can lead to many centering themselves, rather than God. She reminds that in the gospel of Luke, where this story can also be found, Jesus clarifies that the seed is the word of God. 

“The seed is the good treasure that has been entrusted to us,” she said.  “Why? Because the word of God is the only thing that has the power to change the human heart.” 

Bishop Steiner Ball questioned whether excessive programs and activity can obscure the true purpose of the church. “It’s possible to mistake business for godliness, activity for spirituality,” she said. “The church should not be about programs but about ministry.” She underscored the necessity of a word-centered ministry, which alone can cultivate lasting growth and yield a meaningful harvest. She reminded the congregation that while preaching and programs are valuable tools, they are ineffectual without the core message of the Gospel. 

The parable of the sower, as Bishop Steiner Ball emphasized greatly, teaches that the outcome of sowing cannot be predicted— some seeds will fall on rocky ground, others among thorns, and some on fertile land. The key is to sow indiscriminately, for the sower does not know in advance which seeds will flourish. This indiscriminate sowing mirrors the grace of God, who disperses his gifts without regard to the condition of the terrain. 

Bishop Steiner Ball passionately called on all believers, not just clergy, to engage in this act of sowing. Every Christian, she asserted, has a role in spreading the Gospel—through words, actions, and by living out the faith authentically. 

She drew a vivid picture of a sower who, despite the odds, continues to spread the seed, knowing that while not all will take root, some will thrive and produce abundantly. “We can’t know in advance where all will fall- so just sow. Just sow! Sow the good seeds of God’s word and trust God to bring life to the seed we cast!” 

“Cultivate good soil wherever you discover the possibilities,” Bishop urged. “It’s easy for church leaders to be sidetracked into a thousand urgent things, keeping them from engaging in what matters. We’ve been disengaged and sidetracked and distracted for many years now.” 

Acknowledging that while it seems like good soil is hard to find, she once again encouraged all to be the sower that pays little attention to the condition of the soil. “God is the sower,” she proclaimed. “We are made in God’s image and God is reckless with goodness. God tosses life giving word upon the fields of our lives, landing on saint and sinner alike, wildly sowing the seeds of the kingdom without an eye to the condition of the soil.” 

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball’s sermon serves as a powerful reminder of our potential and responsibility in responding to God’s call. It is a call to sow with generosity and faith, trusting in God to do the rest. She concluded her message with an optimistic entreaty, saying, “I hope and pray that you are sowing God’s word, the good treasure entrusted to us… sowing generously and extravagantly so we can indeed stand up proudly and show the world who we are.” 

Hearkening back to the overall theme of this Annual Conference, she closed with the reminder that “The harvest begins with seed, and there will be a glorious, abundant, and extravagant harvest in God’s time, by God’s grace, and for God’s glory.”

View the Opening Celebration of Annual Conference 2024 here. (Sermon begins at 32:45)

AC2024: Ordained & Commissioned Class of 2024

L-R: Rev. Elizabeth Jackson, Rev. Christopher Weems, Rev. Adam Miller, Ordained Elders Class of 2024.

Ordained Elders:

Elizabeth Grace Jackson was born in Red Lion, PA and graduated from Red Lion Area Senior High School. She attended United Seminary. She is married to Gregory. They have two daughters, Sadie and Callie. She was recommended for ministry by the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lebanon PA (Eastern PA Conference) and currently serves the UMC of Wellsboro in the Williamsport District. Her favorite scripture is Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV) 

Adam Wesley Miller was born in Williamsport, PA. He graduated from Jersey Shore Area High School. He attended United Theological Seminary. He is married to Lauren, and they are the parents of a son, Grant, and a daughter, Madeline. He was recommended for ministry by Trinity UMC, Jersey Shore in the Williamsport District. He is currently serving the Catawissa Parish in the Lewisburg District, and will be moving to Clarks Green/Clarks Summit Charge on July 1. His favorite scripture verse is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) 

Christopher Edward Weems was born in Atlanta, GA and graduated from Pebblebrook High School. Chris attended Interdenominational Theological Center (Gammon). Chris is married to Brianna and is the father of Kamien Jordon Smith. He was recommended for ministry by Balls Mills United Methodist Church in the Williamsport District. He is currently serving Athens UMC in the Williamsport District. His favorite scripture is Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)

Commissioned as Provisional Elder: 

Christina Diane Moyer was born in King of Prussia, PA. She attended United Theological Seminary. She is married to Michael. They have two sons, Thomas and Alexander. She was recommended for ministry by Baughman Memorial United Methodist Church. She is currently serving the Christ Otterbein Charge in the Harrisburg District. Her favorite scripture is Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (NIV)

View the 2024 Annual Conference Celebration of Ministry Service here.

Urukundo Travel with a Purpose

Experience the Heart of Rwanda with Mama Arlene and Urukundo (transl. Love.)

Urukundo welcomes volunteers to an unforgettable journey where a real impact can be made in the lives of children with Mama Arlene and the dedicated Urukundo teachers and staff. While volunteering you can discover the rich cultural tapestry of Rwanda through exciting tours and adventures.

Why Choose Urukundo Travel with a Purpose?

1. Give Back and Make a Difference

Come to Urukundo to join forces and make a positive impact; to both contribute and learn. Come share your particular expertise. 

2. Gain a New Perspective

Immerse yourself in a new country and culture for a transformative experience. Your trip to Urukundo will allow you to see the world with fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding of a different culture and way of life.

3. Meet New People 

Connect with the Urukundo faculty and staff, who are members of the local community, as you work together toward a common goal. Volunteers often form life-long friendships and connections, enriching their journey. 

4. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

Step out of your comfort zone; discover a new sense of purpose and redefine your life. This challenging and rewarding opportunity is a chance for personal growth, discovering strengths and weaknesses, and shaping your purpose.

Accommodations

$50 USD donation per day per person covers lodging 3 meals a day, purified water, and Fiber-optic internet WiFi. This can be prepaid by sending a check to HMR or upon arrival. 

Guest House (2 options)

• Private rooms with a double bed and a single in each room and private bath. 
• Male and female dorms with baths for groups.
• Residence
• Three bedrooms are available with a choice of single occupancy or double occupancy. Both have a shared bath.

Urukundo Campus Volunteer Opportunities (examples)

• Preschool and Primary School Teacher’s Assistant
• Children’s Library
• Music Program
• Dental Clinic Project
• Farm Animal Project
• Staff and Community Daycare Program 
• Vocational Sewing School 
• Mama-Baby Outreach Project
• All Faiths Community and Visitor Worship Center
• Kitchen Project – Worker/Kitchen Aide or Nutrition Advisor
• Sharing Your Expertise – Do you have a special ability, talent, hobby, or expertise? Let us know before you come, and we can help you determine how it might best be utilized.

We are here to answer your questions and inquiries to make your visit the very best. 

• U.S. Contact: Patricia D. Brown, pdbrown@spiritworks.org, www.spiritworks.org
• Rwandan Contact: Arlene D. Brown, brown.arlene30@gmail.com
• European Contact: Louise Medland, lsmedland@gmail.com

Website: www.hopemadereal.org

Mama Arlene Brown (left) and Rev. Dr. Patricia D. Brown (right)

Urukundo: Hope Made Real in Rwanda Africa

 

By Michelle Schwartzman, VIM Coordinator

An exciting moment of celebration at the 2024 Susquehanna Annual Conference was the formal recognition of our mission in Rwanda, Africa; Hope Made Real/Urukundo (translated “Love”). 

The approved resolution acknowledges the humanitarian work of Arlene D. Brown, lovingly known as “Mama Arlene”, a lay member of St. Johns UMC, Williamsport. Her ministry began by providing a home for girls, caring for their well-being and education. 

Today, the expanding Urukundo Learning Center campus holds over 1200 students, a Community Daycare, Sewing Technical Center, Dental Clinic, Mama-Baby Outreach, Community Worship Center, and Guest House. Urukundo is the largest employer of Rwandan people in the region. See the work for yourself at www.hopemadereal.org.

As your Volunteers in Mission Coordinator, I urge you to consider traveling to Urukundo and see the difference they’re making (see page 11 for more information.) Work with their staff and Mama Arlene (now in her 90’s.) Also, keep an eye out for a Susquehanna Conference- wide mission journey opportunity in 2025.

AC2024: Coordinating Cabinet Urge All to Say “YES”

By Liz Lennox, SUSUMC Director of Communications 

Every year at Annual Conference, the Susquehanna Conference Coordinating Cabinet delivers a Leadership Report highlighting the past year while looking towards the future. This year, they focused on what it means to say “YES” — and encouraged a commitment to collaboration, creativity, community outreach, and discipleship. 

Rev. Daniel Wilt began the report by asking everyone to consider all the ways they say “YES” — from personal joys to participating in the life of the church. He emphasized that all pale in comparison to saying yes to “the healing, wholeness, and abundant life that Christ continuously offers us.” Rev. Wilt then painted a picture of current challenges and broader issues requiring a creative and spirit-filled response. 

“YES can be looking at the current landscape and owning that we are in unique and unsettled times once again,” he explained. “AND yet friends… people need to be fed, communities need to heal, and Christ needs to be proclaimed.” This can and should be done through collaboration and reimagination. 

Rev. Judy Walker continued on this theme, stressing the importance of looking beyond the routine to imagine new possibilities. She spoke about the need to dream and visualize together, extending an invitation to venture beyond comfort zones and explore new forms of church community and outreach. Rev. Walker offered a vision for a new future in the Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist church, one of collaborative and ecumenical efforts tackling important issues like food scarcity, poverty, and injustices. 

Rev. Kevin Witt focused on the vital role of youth in the church, highlighting the numerous opportunities for young people to lead and serve. From internships at Aldersgate UMC in Mechanicsburg to campus ministries providing support and fellowship, Witt celebrated the proactive engagement of youth across the conference. 

Mark Knecht, offering insights into the administrative aspects of ministry, discussed the importance of effective management in facilitating the church’s mission. He underscored the role of administration in stewarding resources wisely and ensuring organizational effectiveness. 

Rev. Dr. Gary Weaver expressed gratitude, praising the invaluable contributions of the Susquehanna Conference staff, while Rev. Dr. Kathleen Kind championed the educational initiatives and collaborative events designed to foster connection, revitalization, and educational and spiritual growth. 

“Church — we say YES to the opportunities that help us to be faithful to the mission of the church,” said Rev. Dr. Kind.  “[Opportunities] that help us to be faithful to be followers of Jesus who are making new followers of Jesus. 

Lastly, Rev. Dr. Tom Salsgiver and Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis spoke to the foundational aspects of connectivity and relationship-building within the church and beyond. Rev. Dr. Salsgiver elaborated on the concept of being connected and connectional, saying, “When we are connected to other United Methodist Churches in our community, in our cluster, in our county, in our district and in our Annual Conference, we are saying YES to being involved in life giving ministry that we could never do solely by ourselves. 

Rev. Dr. Joleen Willis then shared a personal testament to the challenges and rewards of developing and fostering relationships with people outside our church circles, emphasizing the importance of expanding one’s schedule and comfort zone to fulfill Christ’s mission. She extended an invitation, saying, “Today, I invite you to say YES, to be intentional about showing and sharing God’s love, whether it be in relationships you develop along your daily routine, or in new places you strategically place yourself, or the unexpected prompting of the Holy Spirit … Today, let’s say YES, and offer ourselves to God to spread the love of God.” 

Together, the Coordinating Cabinet of the Susquehanna Annual Conference painted a picture of a deeply interconnected community, committed to innovation, inclusion, and initiative. As they look to the future, their united “YES” speaks not just to acceptance but to an eager anticipation of the transformative work ahead, grounded deeply in faith, collaboration, and dedicated service. 

This vision cannot be fulfilled without the gifts and talents of our laity. Joyce Davis made clear that the church “cannot be the light of the world without an engaged, excited, enthusiastic, and energized laity.” She continued on, “We must say YES not only to be good and faithful followers of our anointed clergy, but to be inspiring leaders in our churches and communities.” 

Rev. Brenda Leigey and Rev. Dr. Paul Amara uplifted One Matters” award winner Faith Bellefonte and “New Places, New People” award winner Holy Trinity as examples of faith communities transforming their communities through mission and discipleship. These churches are reaching people in unique ways, going beyond the church doors and meeting people where they are at. 

This report not only reinforced the core values of the United Methodist Church but also set a proactive agenda for our Conference to explore and implement throughout the upcoming year. The call to action was clear: to embrace the spirit of “YES” in every facet of life and leadership as we move forward together as the Susquehanna Conference. Incoming superintendent  Rev. Dr. Lillian Smith concluded the report with a word of prayer.

Susquehanna LINK, July 2024

 

Susquehanna LINK can also be viewed and downloaded at www.susumc.org/LINK