Immigration Immersion Journey 2025

Humane Borders, an organization dedicated to placing jugs of water out in the desert, speaks to our group about their work. 

In a powerful journey of witness and learning, six pilgrims from the Susquehanna and Upper New York Conferences of the United Methodist Church traveled to Tucson, Arizona, for an immigration immersion seminar designed to deepen understanding of the realities faced by migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Over the course of five days, the group engaged with humanitarian organizations, faith leaders, community leaders and individuals directly involved in the immigration system. What they encountered was not just a political issue—it was a profound humanitarian crisis that calls for moral leadership and moral courage, particularly from the Church of Jesus Christ…and even more specifically, United Methodists in Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as Upper New York.  

The immersion seminar, originally coordinated through Michelle Schwartzman, the Susquehanna Conference’s former VIM director, offered participants a firsthand look at the complex layers of migration. From visiting desert aid stations with Humane Borders to touring migrant shelters such as Casa Misericordia in Nogales, Mexico and the Pima County Medical Examiner’s office, the group listened to stories of hardship, hope, and survival. They met with advocacy organizations like Border Community Alliance, Salvavision and Arizona Justice for our Neighbors, whose work on the ground sheds light on the perilous journey migrants face and the legal and systemic obstacles they endure upon arrival.

Casa de la Misericordia in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico is an organization that houses migrants as they await their asylum hearing, something very much under threat as a result of recent US immigration policy.  

One member of the group recounted a sobering visit to a courtroom where migrants—some fleeing violence and persecution—were processed in rapid succession, possibly without adequate legal representation and certainly, under current U.S. policy, without a chance to apply for asylum.   “It felt like a conveyor belt of despair,” they said. “These are human beings, not case numbers. The system treats them as disposable.”

Throughout the immersion journey, the participants were struck by the many injustices migrants face: dangerous border crossings in deadly desert conditions, family separations, prolonged detention, and the criminalization of those seeking a better life. Volunteers shared stories of finding water jugs slashed or shot in the desert—lifesaving supplies intentionally destroyed. Advocates spoke of migrants deported into unfamiliar and unsafe cities, often without resources or contacts.

Rev. Jason Schwartzman, a trip participant, commented “Immigration is not just a matter of national policy— or political preference.  It is a moral issue that demands compassion, justice, and urgent action.” The group emphasized that the Church cannot remain silent in the face of such suffering.

“The Gospel calls us to welcome the stranger, to protect the vulnerable, and to stand with the oppressed,” Schwartzman continued. “If we ignore this, we are ignoring Jesus Himself.”

The group hopes to be a voice of advocacy, education and truth within their own communities, urging churches to move beyond charity to justice—to not only provide aid, but to speak out against the systems that cause suffering. They hope their journey will inspire others in the Church and beyond to recognize immigration not as a political problem to be solved, but as a humanitarian crisis that demands our empathy, our advocacy, and our faith in action.

Rural Life Sunday Worship on a Farm

Jill Seaman, Holy Cross UM Charge

Holy Cross UM Charge, made up of three churches: New Buffalo, Hill, and Bucks United Methodist Churches, worship together as one with our minister, the Rev. Gregory Myers. We enjoy meeting together in one worship service on a rotating schedule at one of our three locations each week.

However, for Rural Life Sunday on June 1, we held an absolutely incredible outdoor worship service at the farm of one of our members, the M. W. Smith Farms in Bucks Valley. THANK YOU is not enough to express our gratitude to the most humble hosts, Hunter and Kathy Smith, for opening their generational family farm and their hearts to our congregation and guests! 

Our congregation grew to well over 110 with members sharing the day with family and friends, along with invited clergy who had filled our pulpit in early 2024 when we had no assigned minister. Pastor Greg’s service only added to the spirituality of the day and having our former “guest” ministers (all fresh on the heels of attending the Susquehanna Annual Conference for the previous three days) participate in the service was inspiring. Those guests were: District Superintendent Rev. Gary Weaver and his wife, Cindy Weaver, Executive Assistant to the Bishop; Rev. Kathy Kind, Director of Connectional Ministries, her mother and her sweet pup, Periwinkle; Rev. Debbie Heisley-Cato and her husband Randy; Rev. Marian Hartman, Assistant to the Board of Ordained Ministry; and Rev. Pat Woolever, widow of one of our former ministers, Rev. Bruce Woolever.

 

After the worship service, Hunter shared the family history of the farm and how it grew over the generations to what it is today. Afterwards, a light picnic lunch was served before folks enjoyed tours of the farm. There were also games for the children which culminated in an egg hunt. 

Despite the dust and smells of a true working farm, those congregated enjoyed the fellowship and special time of worship with one another.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Places - New People

The New Places - New People Award is given to a church that has experimented with new ways to build relationships and make new disciples. God is calling each of us to be in relationship with others and our churches are commissioned to go to our immediate neighbors as well as the ends of the earth to make new disciples. If you would like to learn more about New Places - New People, there are courses in Portico, our online learning platform that is located on the Conference website at https://susumc.org/portico/.

Faith UMC, Woodbury

Freedom Trail District

Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

Faith United Methodist Church in Woodbury was honored at this year’s Annual Conference with the prestigious New Places, New People award - a recognition that speaks volumes about its remarkable journey. Just a few years ago, the church averaged around 30 worshippers on a Sunday. Today, thanks to intentional outreach, that number has soared to an impressive 120 worshippers, with one-third of attendees under the age of 18.

Central to this transformation has been Faith UMC’s unwavering focus on young families. Its children’s ministry, youth groups, and family-oriented programming are built not as afterthoughts, but as pillars of the congregation’s mission. “We wanted kids to be part of every aspect of the life of the church,” says Pastor Josh Tobias. “So we really leaned into that as much as we could.” And the results speak for themselves: instead of watching from the sidelines, children and teens are front and center in worship, fellowhip, and service.

This isn’t just a “kid’s zone” kind of place. It’s multigenerational in spirit and in sound - evident in their choir, which includes young voices alongside adult singers, filling the sanctuary with a rich tapestry of harmony. It’s proof that Faith embraces the full spectrum of ages, integrating them in worship in a way that feels genuine and joyful.

The church’s vibrant presence extends beyond its walls too. Every Friday evening, members of Faith UMC gather together to attend Northern Bedford County High School football games. It’s not a gimmick - but a simple, consistent show of care for their community. As Pastor Tobias observes, “And I think if you follow the model of Jesus, it’s not just relating to people, it’s loving them.”

Josh Banaszak, chair of Faith’s church board, encapsulates the congregation’s spirit: “There’s an authenticity at Faith Church that I have not found elsewhere.” Indeed, what sets them apart is their commitment to real connection - without flashy programs or superficial hooks. Their steadily growing attendance, especially among families, lingers not because of novel gimmicks, but because people feel genuinely loved and included.

In honoring Faith UMC with the New Places, New People aware, the Susquehanna Conference has recognized something timeless yet powerful: that church growth rooted in authentic relationships, cross-generational unity, and heartfelt love is not just possible - it’s transformational. Faith UMC, Woodbury has witnessed church renewal, not through trends of hype, but by following the simple, radical love Jesus modeled and inviting everyone - especially the next generation - to participate fully in the journey.

Pastor Josh Tobias and Josh Banaszak accepted the New Places - New People Award on behalf of Faith UMC, Woodbury, at the 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference

 

One Matters Award

In partnership with Discipleship Ministries, the Susquehanna Conference presents the One Matters Award to one church in each of our districts at Annual Conference.

This award has a strong focus on making disciples because, by integrating into the church body, an 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.

The following congregations received the One Matters Award in 2025 (watch future issues of Susquehanna LINK for their stories...):

Freedom Trail District

Salem Guldens UMC

Mountain Valley District

Covenant UMC, Lockhaven

North Central Rivers District

Eatonville UMC & Evans Falls UMC

Northern Wilds District

Millerton UMC

River Valley District

Faith UMC, Hallam

2025 Annual Conference Award Recipients

 Congratulations to our Award Winners!

The Bishop D. Frederick Wertz Award

The Bishop D. Frederick Wertz Award Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Joseph (Jay) A. Layman, Jr, Esquire - recipient; and Rev. Dr. John Piper.

The Earl N. Rowe Memorial Scholarship 

Rev. Donald Rowe,  Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Pastor Angela Nett, Wellsville Parish,  River Valley District - recipient; Ed Bailey;  and Rev. Barry Robison.

J. Marlene Atanasoff Spiritual Formation Award 

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Andrea Katz - Carlisle UMC,  River Valley District - recipient;  Rev. Dr. Russell Hart and Rev. JP Bohanan.

The Marty Cox Award for Christian Unity

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Mark Henry; Rev. Dr. Philip T. Wanck  & Rome UMC, Northern Wilds District - recipient; Larry Kacyon;  and Rev. Renee J. Ford.

The Thomas K. Cartwright Scholarship

Rev. Donald Rowe; Pastor Angela Nett, Wellsville Parish,  River Valley District - recipient;  and Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez.

The Howard & Elizabeth Brinton Individual Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Melissa Smith, Woolrich Community, Mountain Valley District - recipient;  and Rev. Andrew Burd-Harris.

The Howard & Elizabeth Brinton Church Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez; Grace UMC, Lemoyne, River Valley District  - recipient; Michelle Schwartzman; Rev. Jason Schwartzman; Marion Baker; and Rev. Andrew Burd-Harris.

The Flying Dove Individual Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez;  Rev. Judy Young - recipient; and Rev. Jane O’Borski.

The Flying Dove Church Award

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez; Mt Nittany UMC, Mountain Valley District - recipient; Patty DiCapria; Lee Copper; Ellen Copper; and Rev. Jane O’Borski.

Recognition for Service as SUSUMC Volunteer in Mission Coordinator

2019-2025 by the Conference Board of Global Ministries

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez; Michelle Schwartzman;  and Rev. Andrew Burd- Harris.

Congratulations!

 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference
Celebration of Ministry

Left to right: Pastor Paul McReynolds (commissioned), Rev. Jennifer Deutsch Thomas (Deacon), Pastor Patricia Hall (commissioned), Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, Pastor Patricia Shope (commissioned), Rev. Bobby Jones, Jr. (Elder), and Rev. Gary Allshouse (affirmed as Associate Member).  

Rev. Gary Allshouse was affirmed as an Associate Member

Pastor Patricia Hall, Pastor Paul McReynolds, and Pastor Patricia Shope were commissioned as Provisional Members

Rev. Jennifer Deutch Thomas was ordained Deacon

Rev. Bobby Jones Jr. was ordained Elder

2025 Class of Retirees

Back row, left to right: Rev. Edwin D. Seeley; Pastor David A. Walker; Rev. Jon J. Buxton; Rev. Stephen G. Portner; Rev. Brand W. Eaton; Rev. Timothy A. Funk; Rev. Mike A. Bealla; and Pastor Scott A. Ryan.

Front row, left to right: Rev. Brenda K. Leigey; Rev. Judy L. Walker; Pastor Robin L. Fillmore; Rev. Edward J. Preston; Rev. Dennis M. Adams; Pastor Virginia C. Bailey; Rev. Ellen B. Scamahorn; and Rev. JoAnn M. Darrow.

Not Pictured: Pastor John C. Baney; Pastor Rebecca J. Cutchall; Pastor Todd M. Davis; Rev. Bradley J. Gilbert; Rev. Janice F. Hughes; Pastor Margaret “Peg” M. Knapich; Rev. Scott V. McKenzie; Pastor Craig Q. Rose; and Pastor John F. Shaffer.

Believe and See the Glory of God!

The 2025 session of the Susquehanna Conference met in Williamsport, PA on May 29-31, 2025, under the theme “Believe and see the glory of God!” rooted in John 1:1-45. This passage is not just about a miraculous resurrection that happened a long time ago. It is a call from the Spirit, for us today, to nurture the kind of faith that opens our spiritual vision so that we can see, claim, live, and share the glory of God in our everyday lives and ministries.

Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez

In this season, God is inviting us to BELIEVE and SEE. God wants to expand our spiritual vision so that we can see, experience, and share God’s glory in our communities. But let us be honest. Believing is not always easy. Trusting God is, many times, difficult. Martha and Mary, filled with grief, struggled to reconcile their sorrow with their faith. Their brother was dead, and Jesus had delayed his coming. Why did He wait? Why did He not prevent their suffering?

In our discipleship and ministries, we often face challenges (and have as of late, right?): declining attendance, disagreements, and divisions. Struggling communities. Socio- political chaos. Personal doubt and struggles. And, like Martha and Mary, we struggle and ask similar questions.

But through this story, Jesus is calling us to lean into our faith! Jesus is calling us beyond doubt, beyond despair, beyond defeat, into a deeper trust, where our believing unveils God’s glory in ways we could never predict. Ways that open our eyes to see that God is still moving, still working, still bringing life where there seems to be none.

In this season, God is calling us to step forward even when the path is uncertain. Martha believed in resurrection. Yet, she hesitated when Jesus asked for the stone to be rolled away. How often do we do the same? We claim belief in the unlimited power of God, but when action is needed from us, we falter. We hesitate.

The raising of Lazarus was not just an isolated event. It is also an invitation for us to trust, to believe, to put our faith into action! Jesus is asking us today, just as He asked, Martha, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

We are standing before the tombs of our time! Tombs that threaten our communities, our ministries, and our witness to the world.

The tomb of decline, as many churches face shrinking resources and growing uncertainty.

The tomb of lingering disappointment and mistrust after years of disagreements and divisions.

The tomb of exhaustion, as many of our leaders wrestle with doubt, frustration, and burnout.

The tomb of isolation, as loneliness, division, addictions, and hopelessness grip many of our neighbors.

The tomb of injustice, as racism, exclusion, and inequity distort God’s vision for creation.

The tomb of oppression, as power is abused, and the rich are prioritized over the poor, the elderly, those with disabilities, people of color, and immigrants – just to name a few.

As we stand before these tombs, what are we going to do? Now more than ever, as followers of Jesus Christ, as servant leaders in Christ’s church, as United Methodists, our faith must move beyond passive belief. Beyond doctrinal assent. Beyond labels that seek to separate us. Beyond rituals and traditions and become a holy living action. An embodiment of the Risen Christ!

As we stand before these tombs, what will we do? We believe. We step forward. We trust that God’s unlimited power will move in our lives in our churches, and through our ministries, bringing new life through the healing, and liberating love of Jesus Christ!

In our churches and ministries, we must do the important, yet difficult work that leads to healing and reconciliation we must protect our unity amid our diversity. And I say, “protect our unity”, because we must understand that, contrary to what some believe, the unity of the Body of Christ it is not a human endeavor. As the Scriptures clarify in Ephesians 4, in Christ, GOD brought us together to fulfill God’s purposes.

The common denominator that brings us here and compels us to be together is our shared faith and love for Jesus Christ! Therefore, this season, God is inviting us to recalibrate our hearts again, to Christ, to recommit to one another as those called by God to journey together, to put aside everything that might be harmful, to forsake anything that may be distracting us, and to take the next faithful steps into God’s vision for our lives and ministries as United Methodists here in the Susquehanna Conference.

In our ministries, we must also stop mourning decline, as if it were inevitable or permanent, holding on to what is, and clinging to nostalgia, and instead, go about living the gospel and embodying God’s love with our neighbors in all places in ways that are meaningful to them, even if it is sometimes uncomfortable for us. We must innovate, experiment, and take risks for the sake of the gospel. We do not fear resource shortages, and instead trust in God’s sufficient provision. We do all this together, so that SO THAT we grow and form disciples of Jesus Christ, develop Christ-like servant leaders, journey in solidarity with the poor and the most vulnerable, and we seek health and wellbeing of all people and creation.

In our leadership, what are we going to do? We step forward in faith. Trusting the One who called us. We care for ourselves and one another, knowing that exhaustion is NOT failure, but a call for renewal. We build community. We embrace collaboration, knowing that the Holy Spirit moves in community, not in isolation, and that we are stronger TOGETHER. We hold each other accountable in love and with grace. We preach the gospel with conviction, boldly proclaiming that through the Holy Spirit, God’s power, in Jesus Christ, still moves stones bringing hope and new life.

In our communities, what will we do? We embody Christ’s love and hope. We refuse to accept brokenness, division, and loneliness as inevitable. We preach God’s grace in Jesus and invite people to embrace God’s boundless love through active discipleship. We build bridges. We reconcile relationships. We offer a place to belong. We reject systems that oppress, lifting the poor, defending the marginalized, and advocating for justice. We speak God’s truth to power, refusing to let the idols of this era distort Christ’s call to love all people without distinctions or favoritism.

In the world, what will we do? We are BOLD in faith! Racism, white supremacy, and Christian nationalism are NOT of God. So, we dismantle them with truth and love. Abusive leadership, greed and exploitation contradict the Gospel. So, we lead with compassion and justice, prioritizing the vulnerable above the powerful, just like Jesus did.

 And in every act of love, service, and prophetic witness: we proclaim the resurrection, not as a distant hope, but as a present reality, that, thanks to Jesus Christ, is available today to all who call on the name of the Lord, alleluia!

Resurrection, new life, is possible. Not in our strengths, but, yes, in the power of the Risen Christ. In our lives, in our servant leadership, in our congregations, and, in our communities. So, let us open our eyes and see the glory of God! Resurrection is happening. Resurrection is OURS, by the power of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Resurrection is OURS. Let’s believe it, let’s claim it, let’s live it, AND most importantly, let’s share it freely with as many people as possible.

God did not leave Lazarus in the tomb and God will NOT leave us in the tombs of our times! But faith requires deep trust and obedience. It requires action. It requires rolling away the stones even BEFORE we see the miracles!

United Methodists of the Susquehanna Conference, let’s seek the kind of faith that manifests God’s power that transforms lives and communities. That brings new life through the boundless love of Jesus Christ! Let’s roll away the tombstones. Let’s shed grave clothes. Let’s believe and see what God can do!

2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference Highlights

 2025 Susquehanna Annual Conference
May 29-31   Community Arts Center, Williamsport, PA

Highlights from the 16th Session of Annual Conference

Thursday, May 29

The Board of Laity, led by Dr. Joyce Davis, opened Annual Conference with a powerful Laity Session, reminding us that the call to ministry is for all followers of Christ - not just clergy. [Watch the session here.]

Opening Worship, centered on John 11:1-45, explored resurrection not as a past miracle, but as a present call to transformation. Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez challenged us to expand our spiritual vision: “If we believe in resurrection, then we must believe it is a present reality - the new life is possible now.” [Watch Opening Worship here.]

Friday, May 30

Bishop Héctor opened the day with his Episcopal Address, introducing the new UMC vision and its implications for our shared mission in Susquehanna. [Watch starting at 1:16:00.]

The Memorial Service moved to Friday morning, welcoming over 40 family members and friends to honor clergy and spouses who passed this year. Rev. Brenda Leigey, Superintendent of the Mountain Valley District, preached a moving message on discipleship as a spiritual marathon, inspired by Paul’s words in Philippians and 2 Timothy: “We run because Jesus ran. The Holy Spirit is our coach.” [Watch the service here.]

Rev. Kris Sledge and Rev. Rachel Gilmore led a critical session on why younger generations are leaving the church - and how we can faithfully response. [Watch their presentation here.] [Order their book here.]

 That evening, clergy and laity celebrated ministries across the Conference. Joy filled the Community Arts Center as we honored retiring pastors, new ordinands, and commissioned and licensed ministers. Bishop Robin Dease, Resident Bishop of the Georgia Episcopal Area, preached a stirring word of hope, drawn from her experience as a police chaplain and rooted in Acts 4:1-20. She reminded us that in times of crisis, people need hope - and that preachers are called to share the hope of Christ with boldness. [Watch the service here.]

Saturday, May 31

Annual Conference concluded with a Closing Worship service, reaffirming out call to faithful witness and praying over those appointed to new churches. [Watch the service here.] [See the updated list of appointments here.]

All Things Considered

In addition to the usual business of approving the budget and nominations, the body also considered 4 constitutional amendments and 11 resolutions. Information about the constitutional amendments can be found here. Below are the 11 resolutions considered during our 16th Session (all of which were approved). You can read more about them here.

1. Strategic Visioning and Planning Process
2. Call to Respond to Inequality and Injustice
3. Disability Awareness Sunday
4. Increasing Accessibility in Annual Conference
5. Support for Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools
6. Gun Violence Prevention
7. Creation of a Commission on Sacred Worth
8. Support of Conference Advance Specials
9. Involvement in Peace with Justice Ministry 
10. United Methodist Immigration Response
11. Designate a Beloved Community Sunday

Impact Through Giving

We are deeply grateful for the spirit of generosity shown at Annual Conference this year. Together, you gave over $23,000 toward our three special offerings: Building the Beloved Community, Cup of Water, and the Preacher’s Aid Society.

In addition, more than $3,000 was raised for YPMC (Young People’s Ministry Council). We give special thanks to Faith Bellefonte (Mountain Valley District) for their incredible generosity in fully matching those funds - and to our Bishop and the Missional Cabinet, who were inspired to do the same. Your stewardship is making a lasting impact!

Save The Dates For Annual Conference 2026

The dates will be Thursday, June 4 - Saturday, June 6, 2026 and will once again be held at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, PA. Closer to the time, information will be provided on how to serve as a youth or lay member-at-large, registration, and lodging.

What Else Happened at Annual Conference?

Visit the 2025 Annual Conference Webpage to view the Susquehanna Daily LINKs, the Livestream Archive, and the photo gallery, and keep your eye on future issues of Susquehanna LINK for keynote addresses, stories highlighting churches that received awards, and other Annual Conference highlights. 

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

By Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications

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

The Birth of a Vision

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

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

A Process Rooted in Intentionality

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

Here’s how it works:

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

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

A Model for This Moment in the Church

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

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

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

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

Broad Benefits - and a Big Vision

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

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

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

What’s Next - and How You Can Help

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

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

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

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

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