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A new Bucket List format coming soon!!!!
CONTENTS
This edition includes:
† Upcoming Events-District Calendar
† Zimbabwe Partnership
† Prayer Concerns & Joys
† Birthdays & Anniversaries – Obituaries
† Financial News
† Clergy Corner
† Continuing Education
† Events
† What & When
† Health
† District/Church News
† Advent Resources
† Conference News
† Youth
† Employment Opportunities
† Publication Links Olmsted Manor Upcoming Events
† Mission Opportunities/VIM
† Looking Ahead to 2014 Many links are included in the publication. If you have trouble with the link….hold the Ctrl key down and click on the link. PLEASE NOTE: Highlighted yellow – new items. Highlighted blue – attachment. NEEDS ATTENTION: - PLEASE READ
BUTLER DISTRICT
BUCKET LIST
E-news November 14, 2013 Volume II Issue 40 Please send your news items to publicize by noon Wednesday to: [email protected]
Yellow highlighted areas are new items……blue highlight means there are attachments.
Photo by Dean D. Ziegler
Welcome to the Butler District Bucket List. The Bucket List is brought to you each Thursday by the Butler District Office and is meant to give you the latest in news and information from around the District.
District Calendar
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, December 6 – Family Christmas Party
Concord UMC
Invitations were mailed this week!
6:00 Gathering & Appetizers
6:30 Dinner
8:00 PM – Entertainment Black Light Puppet Ministry
Saturday, December 7 – Open House at the new District Parsonage.
This year, the Book Club will be held at the District Parsonage 1034 Rte. 288, Fombell, PA 16123
January 14 & 28 April 15 & 29
February 11 & 25 May 6 & 20
March 15 & 29
The first book for discussion: The Pastor, by Eugene Peterson
Continuing Education credit will be awarded.
CHARGE CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Evening schedule: 6:00 PM PPRC 7:00 PM Charge Conference
Sunday, November 17
AM – Springdale – Charge Conference
5:00 PM – One on One – Jean Smith
6:00 PM – Wurtemburg PPRC
7:00 PM – Wurtemburg Charge Conference
Monday, November 18
6:00 PM - Butler: First UMC - PPRC
7:00 PM – Butler: First UMC – Charge Conference
Tuesday, November 19
5:00 PM – One on One – Bob Martin
6:00 PM – Valencia - PPRC
7:00 PM – Valencia UMC - Charge Conference
Wednesday, November 20
5:00 PM – One on One – Todd Davis
6:00 PM – Wampum/West Pittsburg Charge - Joint PPRC (West Pittsburg UMC)
7:00 PM – Wampum/West Pittsburg Charge - Charge Conference
Thursday, November 21
5:00 PM – One on One – Loren McQueen
6:00 PM – West Liberty Charge - Joint PPRC (West Liberty UMC)
7:00 PM – West Liberty Charge - Charge Conference
Erie-Meadville/Franklin Districts January 27 & 28 (Monday/Tuesday) Butler/Pittsburgh Districts February 25 & 26 (Tuesday/Wednesday) Indiana/Kane Districts March 6 & 7 (Thursday/Friday) Connellsville/Johnstown Districts March 24 & 25 (Monday/Tuesday) Greensburg/Washington Districts March 31 & April 1 (Monday/Tuesday)
All Butler District clergy are encouraged to attend our event with the Pittsburgh District on February 25-26, 2014
The location and the precise time schedule are still to be determined. For now, pastors are asked to “save the dates” for this event. Attendance will be required of all full-time clergy. If you absolutely cannot attend the Butler/Pittsburgh overnight, you are encouraged to attend one of the other district events.
ZIMBABWE PARTNERSHIP – BUTLER DISTRICT/MUTARE DISTRICT
PLEASE SEND YOUR CHECKS DIRECTLY TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO BE RECORDED…..THEY WILL BE FORWARDED TO THE CONFERNECE. To learn more about the Zimbabwe Partnership, contact Sandra Matoushaya at [email protected] or 724.776.2300 ext. 249.
•Butler Mutare District Parsonage and Gwese Orphanage Trust Please share your story with us! How is your church helping to raise funds for the Zimbabwe Partnership.
LET US SHARE YOUR STORIES ABOUT FUNDRAISING FOR THIS PROJECT!
Word from the WPA Conference is that we have raised $11,417.28.to date!
If you send your donations directly to the Conference Center, please mark “Butler District” on the check.
Zimbabwe Immersion Program
More than once, John Wesley wrote, I look upon all the world as my parish." I have always loved this phrase, as it directs our focus
beyond our local church. Now, after spending five weeks in Zimbabwe, I have come to understand more deeply what these words
mean. Although John Wesley's words were often used to silence those critical of his field preaching, they also remind us of a deeper
truth: he did not limit pastoral ministry to one particular congregation. He would not limit himself to one community. Instead, he
insisted on being a preacher and pastor wherever he went, with whoever he encountered. My immersion into Zimbabwean life and
ministry forced me to live this phrase more than ever before. I can now boldly proclaim that I look upon all the world as my parish -
from Chippewa, PA to Mutare, Zimbabwe, and everywhere in between. Rev. Erik Hoeke
BISHOP’S OVERNIGHT WITH CLERGY
Butler and Pittsburgh Districts will welcome Bishop Thomas J Bickerton!
February 25-26, 2014 To be held at Four Points Sheraton, Cranberry Twp.
Please mark your calendar now!
The Western PA Conference Zimbabwe Partnership is looking for clergy and laity who are interested in having an experience like the
Rev. Erik Hoeke, who was part of the first group of Western PA United Methodists to participate
In a Zimbabwe Immersion Program (ZIP) in 2012. Applicants selected for the 2014 program will have an opportunity to spend five to
six weeks in Zimbabwe, probably from July into August. Each one will live with a Zimbabwean Christian family. The immersion
program will help participants observe and learn best practices of ministry in Zimbabwe and be able to bring them back to Western
PA. Selected participants will be responsible for only $500 of the cost. The rest of the
program costs will be paid by the partnership. Download an application from the wpaumc.org. Return the application before
December 15 2013 by email to [email protected] or mail to Sandra Matoushaya,
Zimbabwe Partnership Coordinator, Box 5002, 1204 Freedom Road, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066.
Zimbabwe Immersion Program Application
PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS
† Continued prayer for Rev Gary & Michelle Hilton (Homewood, Koppel and Volant) as they prepare to adopt Emmanuel from the Congo. News in the past few days is concerning. It appears that all adoptions have closed in the Congo. Prayers that this special young man finds his way to his new life with a loving family, here in the USA very soon.
OBITUARIES
Obituaries: Several obituaries were posted on our website this week for those who died recently. Visit
wpaumc.org/obituaries.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 11/16 -Keith McIlwain 11/19 -Julie (R. Andrew) Verner
11/21–John Magargee 11/22 -Mark Ongley 11/24 -Lauri E.(Mark) Ongley Hengust Robinson 11/25 -Connie S. (Kurtis) Knobel 11/25 -Barry Lewis Jean (Hengust) Robinson 11/26- Nelson Thayer 11/27–David Vaughn 11/28- Allison (Matthew) Judd 11/28–Dean Ziegler 11/29–Richard Hawke
A. James “Jim” Lewis
Denise Mains
NOVEMBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
11/14/1969 Howard F. & Carolyn Sue Burrell 11/18/1972 Charles R. & Carol Ann Fowler 11/22/1977 James A. & Joy E. Durlesser 11/29 Bonnie (Rupp) & Robert Fisher
If we missed your special day, please contact the district office. We want to celebrate with you!
DISTRICT BULLETIN BOARD
Faith Community – (formerly Rochester: First UMC)
HAM LOAF DINNER
NOVEMBER 21
4:30 TO 6:00
Tickets are available from
Bob Gill, Bob Monit, Donna Doutt, and the church office.
If you wish to help volunteer or provide desserts, please sign up in the Adult Assembly Room.
COMMUNITY DINNER
Tuesday, December 17
The next free Faith Community Dinner will be held Tuesday, December 17th from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. This
program served approximately 100 meals last month in one dinner, including about 25 children from the
Salvation Army after-school program. This is a vital, and much needed opportunity for many in this
community. If you would like to make a financial contribution to help us continue this ministry, please put
your gift in an envelope marked "community dinner", and place it in the collection plate. Thanks to all who
support and volunteer for these dinners. Remember, there's no wrong way to be a volunteer!
Again, Thank you from the
Mission Committee
If you wish to help with this wonderful service please contact Donna Doutt or Shirley McKinnis
Harmony-Zelienople UMC – upcoming events!
In order to support our Childcare Center’s Pancake breakfast fundraiser being held the
same day, we’re changing up a bit for the Women’s Thanksgiving Brunch
Saturday, November 23rd,
10:00am to noon at HZUMC, Room #003
Instead of bringing a dish to share for our brunch, we’re asking that you stop by the fellowship hall about 9:30AM to
purchase your breakfast ($6.00) at the fundraiser. Then, bring it upstairs to enjoy with “the girls” as we look forward
to mingling, worshiping and a message of God’s grace from Petra Beck, as she shares her story! We’ll provide
beverages.
Childcare will be provided at no cost.
Please call Donna Best 724.789.7353 or [email protected]
To register your child.
Join Us For a Pancake Breakfast!
Proceeds to Benefit HZUMC Child Care Center
Saturday, November 23, 2013
at HZUMC Fellowship Hall
123 North Pittsburgh Street, Zelienople, PA
Serving 8:00am to Noon
Adults $6.00 Children under 12 $4.00
Center UM Church: Natrona Heights
Center United Methodist Church is having a Lasagna Dinner & Auction on Saturday, November 23 starting
at 5 pm.
Proceeds benefit the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches. Goodwill offering. Lots of wonderful auction
items and services.
Call the church at 724-226-2300 for more details.
MONTHLY Spaghetti Dinner!
Friday, December 27th
4:30-6:30PM
Come for dinner! OR Carry-Out!
Plan ahead and mark your calendars!
Volunteers NEEDED and DESSERTS NEEDED!
You can make a difference!
Thanks for supporting this great community outreach!
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
Extra volunteers for clean-up after dinner. If four or five extra helpers show up at 6:30PM, clean-up should only take an hour. Please consider donating
your time for clean-up.
Upcoming dinners at January 31st and February 28th
There is a worship service called “Encounter” which follows at 7:00PM to 9:00AM
It’s filled worship music, scripture readings and praising to our Lord and King!
Nixon UMC – upcoming events!
Thanksgiving Eve Service
November 27th, 2013
7:00 pm
Nixon United Methodist Church
“Come, Ye Thankful People Come”
Drive Through Nativity
December 14th and 15th, 2013
Nixon United Methodist Church
334 Airport Road, Butler, Pa.
(6 miles south of Butler off of Route 8, across from Butler County Airport)
9 scenes featuring live actors and animals depict the Nativity. A Pamphlet helps guide you through the scenes. The
Nativity is free although donations to help defray expenses are collected. We also will be collecting food for the South
Butler Food Pantry.
For more information, please call 724-586-7372.
FREE CHORAL MUSIC
College Hill UMC in Beaver Falls has 95 selections of SATB choral music to be given away. Feel free to
request some or all of them.
Contact the church at 724-843-4190 or email [email protected].
Trinity UMC in Brackenridge is hosting a Lung Cancer Awareness Vigil on Thursday, Nov. 14th at 6 pm.
This is in memory of one of our members, Jennifer Chiusano, who passed away earlier this year from Lung Cancer. We are one of many sites throughout the nation that will be sponsoring a Vigil on Nov. 14th. Please contact Rev Jeffrey Vanderhoff for more information at 724-224-7300
FINANCIAL NEWS
2014 Hospitalization and Pension Information
Click here for 2014 Pension Obligation Calculator for Church Click here for 2014 UMPIP Contribution Calculator *
There will be no increase in the rate for health care for 2014
CLERGY CORNER – STAY INFORMED!
Advent Wreath Meditations for 2013
The General Board of Discipleship offers five sets of Advent wreath meditations for you to choose from this year. They may be used in worship, Sunday School or the home. See the choices. Organize your Spiritual Life in 2014
A Disciple's Journal 2014, by Stephen Manskar, is a guide for daily prayer, Bible reading and discipleship for Christians in
the Wesleyan tradition who want to grow in holiness of heart and life. The journal follows the liturgical calendar and
contains orders for daily morning and evening prayer, space to record weekly acts of discipleship, a daily lectionary and
more. Readings begin with Advent 2013. To order, go to the Upper Room bookstore.
Stewardship – Seriously?
…is the title of a continuing education event being offered on Wednesday, November 20 from 9:00AM to 3:00PM at
Olmsted Manor, lunch is included.
Jeff Sterling, pastor of the Warren First United Methodist Church will lead us in a day of discussion, learning, and
strategizing about Christian stewardship, including: our personal stewardship as pastors; stewardship concepts, ideas,
and biblical foundations for successful giving in our local churches; and suggestions about how to approach capital
funding projects and campaigns. Participants should read Dr. Sterling’s monograph entitled “Ten for the World,” before
coming (this text will be emailed to those who register). The event will be worth .5 C.E.U.s.
Sterling is a graduate of the Pastor’s Academy on Stewardship sponsored by The United Methodist Foundation of
Western Pennsylvania. He has written articles on stewardship for several clergy publications, and maintains a website on
“stewardship as personal philanthropy” located at www.tenfortheworld.org. There will be a $10.00 fee to cover the cost
of lunch. Registration is required for this event. [email protected] 814/945-6975
2014 Tentative Program Dates for Olmsted Manor:
March 16-18 Spring Women’s Spirituality Retreat
May 19-21 Pastor’s Academy
June 22-26 Worship Arts Workshop
July 13-15 Church Secretaries Workshop
July 21-25 Retreat for Older Adults
Sept. 14-16 Fall Women’s Spirituality Retreat
Fall Events at Jumonville
November
Heart to Heart (Mother/Daughter Retreat) - Nov. 8-10, 2013
Rock Solid Married Couples Retreat - Nov. 15-16, 2013
EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT WESLEY WOODS!
Want to hear more about Wesley Woods? Rick Frederick, Director, and his staff welcome the opportunity to
come and speak to your congregation about the opportunities, vision, and plans for Wesley Woods. You can
book a Sunday or weekday event by contacting Rick Frederick at E-Mail: [email protected] or call
814/436-7802.
Wesbury
Time to help Santa-The Sunset Auxiliary is collecting money to buy gifts for the Wesbury residents. The auxiliary aims to provide Christmas gifts for each resident at Wesbury’s Cribbs Residential Center. Please making a gift of any amount so that they can brighten the faces of every resident this Christmas. Send your gifts to: The Wesbury Foundation, Santa’s Helpers, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335. Make checks payable to the Wesbury Foundation. Questions? Sue McCracken 814-332-9381
Back Pain? -A discussion on Back Pain, Causes and Treatment in the Senior Population will be held at the Wesbury Institute’s next educational session on Tuesday, November 12 at 1:30 pm in Wesbury’s Campus Community Center. Dr. Anthony Colantonio, the Director of Meadville Medical Center’s Pain Clinic, will explain the causes and treatments for pain. Information: David Venanzi 814-332-9399
Making Birthdays Special at Wesbury-Wesbury provides monthly birthday parties for residents at both Grace Health Center and Cribbs Residential Center. These involve providing a cake or treat, beverages and entertainment for the residents. Then entertainment can include children or youth singers, choirs, poetry readings, games or any activity of your choice! For details or to schedule your group for a birthday party, contact Melissa Swartwood, Activities Director at 814-332-9235.
5th Annual Holiday Sale-The Sunset Auxiliary will be holding a special sale of Christmas and Holiday items as well as jewelry. It will be 1-5 pm on Thursday, November 14th and 9 am-Noon on Friday, November 15th at the Campus Community Center at Wesbury. Donations of slightly used Christmas or Thanksgiving decorations or gently used jewelry are welcomed for this sale. Drop off at any time. Holiday Luminaries-On December 13th Wesbury will place holiday luminaries around the campus to delight residents, employees, volunteers and guests. The annual circle of lights is a symbol of the care compassion and hope we all share. You can be a part of this Christmas tradition by making a gift to Wesbury’s Benevolent Care Fund in memory or honor of your loved ones. A candle will be lit for each donation the night of the Resident-Family Christmas Reception and a luminary candle display will be placed in both buildings throughout the holiday season. This display is in memory of Rev. Herbert E. Boyd, a long-time resident of Wesbury who started this tradition 28 years ago. Send your gift in any amount in honor or memory of your loved ones (include their names) made payable to
The Wesbury Foundation, 31 N. Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335. Include your name and complete address
CONTINUING EDUCATION
WPA Continuing Education Requirements:
Complete 4 CEUs each year.
Exceptions are made for part-time clergy, probationary members and those in a Course of Study or other accredited
or degreed program.
CEUs may be credited for time spent in study group, reading and reflection, listening to instructional CDs and on-
line courses.
Complete 1 CEU every quadrennium in each of the following areas:
1. Theology/Ethics/Bible Study/Wesleyan Studies
2. Practice of Ministry (preaching, pastoral care, administration, & stewardship including environmental, personal
health, & financial)
3. Leadership/Contemporary Church/Mission Awareness & Visioning
4. Prayer & Spirituality
Qualifying Continuing Ed Units is ultimately the decision of the District Superintendent in conversation with the Pastor
and the S/PPRC. If you have questions regarding CEU credit for courses or events you are considering, contact your
District Superintendent.
A great resource for defining CEUs which you may find helpful is The Society for the Advancement of Continuing
Education for Ministry (a network of shared resources representing several denominations): www.sacem.com
For Clergy Continuing Education & Formation events click here: CCEF EVENTS
CONFERENCE NEWS
W PA Conference MissionInsite Demographics Training Sessions
A three hour training session in demographics use offered at 4 different times & locations. For both laity and clergy, this is a practical online program for getting to know who lives in your Church neighborhood for use in your plans to reach out to them.
Trainer: Peter Wernett of MissionInsite.
Choose one of these 4 Training Opportunities:
EXPLORATION 2013 is a three-day event for young adults age 18-26 to hear, discern, and respond to God’s call to
ordained ministry and to explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder in The UMC. A group from our Conference will be attending this event Nov. 15-17 in Denver, Colorado. The Board of Ordained Ministry will cover the travel costs
for participants from our conference. To go with the Conference group, contact the Rev. Keith Dunn at [email protected]. Register before September 20 to take advantage of the early bird discount. Get details at
explorecalling.org/exploration.
The WPA Conference website will have a new look. Therefore, the Butler District page will also have a new look. The communication team at the Conference Center asks for patience during the transition from the old site to the new one. All of the current information will be carried over. Target launch date is November 25th.
Thurs, Nov. 21 8:30-11:30 am Conference Center
Thurs, Nov. 21 2:00-5:00 pm Conference Center
Fri, Nov. 22 8:30-11:30 am Cambridge Springs UMC
Fri, Nov. 22 2:00-5:00 pm Murrysville 1st UMC
For clergy and laity, an online program for getting to know who lives in your Church neighborhood
There is no charge for the training and no charge for subsequent use of the online demographic report generator. The Conference pays a yearly fee to MissionInsite so that our churches can use the demographics tool.
If you want to bring a laptop to use in the training session that would be fine, but you do not need a laptop to benefit from the training.
Coffee & snacks will be provided.
Registration is necessary for us to prepare for the sessions so that latecomers will not find themselves sitting on the floor, sharing the last cup of coffee with two other latecomers. You get the picture.
To register for any one of the 3 hour training times, call Sara McLain at the Conference Center: 800 886 3382 ext 237. We will need your name, your church name, phone number and email, in case we have to contact you in a hurry if, say, it snows heavily.
If you want to ask further questions about this demographics tool before you commit to the training, call Greg Cox, 800 536 9242 or Jim Walker, 800 886 3382 ext 228.
Honor Friends and Family While Helping to Feed the Hungry this Christmas
We are accepting orders for our Alternative Christmas Cards. Our special cards are sent to those you choose; each is a gift to the SoSA program and helps to feed
people in honor of those to whom the cards are sent.
Details and Order Form
While you and your family celebrate the joyous Christmas season, many Americans
will experience the reality of hunger and poverty in our land of abundance. More
than 45 million Americas suffer in poverty. This Christmas you can give them hope
by the simple act of honoring your loved ones with a gift donation to feed the
hungry.
FREE WEBINARS FOR CHURCH LEADERS Register for any of the following or other webinars here.
Free webinar “Creating Sacred Spaces and Praying through Our Senses,” Thursday, Nov.
14 —7 p.m. CT. The final offering in the “Teach Us to Pray” series will look at the value of
creating set-aside space for prayer and devotional time. As Advent approaches, the
webinar also will look at how icons and other visual images, music and incense can
enrich Christians’ experience of drawing nearer to God through prayer. Details.
Free webinar “How We Handle Money in the Church,” Thursday, Nov. 14 — 6:30 p.m. CT.
Every church that has had a crisis of financial impropriety thought what it was doing was
fine until the day the impropriety was discovered. What’s your church’s policy for handing
the gifts people entrust to you? To register.
“Day1,” Sundays, Nov. 17 and 24 — The Rev. Amy L. Gearhart, senior pastor of Missouri
United Methodist Church in Columbia, will be the featured speaker on the nationally
syndicated radio program “Day1.” To listen.
Free webinar “Using Children’s Literature in Children’s Ministry,” Tuesday, Nov. 19 — 10
a.m. CT. Children's ministers from across the connection will discuss ways to incorporate
children's literature in Sunday school, weekday ministries, small groups, nursery and
other activities in the church. To register.
Free webinar “Pastors Read — ‘The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brains,’”
Wednesday, Nov. 20 — 10 a.m. CT, an interactive small-group discussion on the book by
Nicholas Carr. To register.
Free webinar “Maximizing the Mission Through Debt Reduction,” Wednesday, Nov. 20 — 3
p.m. CT, covers specific steps taken by Ceta Canyon Camp leaders and stakeholders
that turned around a $1.4 million debt. To register.
United Methodist Student Day, Sunday, Nov. 24 — Celebrate the United Methodist college
and university students in your church. Offerings for this Special Sunday supports
scholarships and loans for students attending United Methodist-related and other
accredited colleges and universities. To learn more.
Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28 — Worship resources from the United Methodist Board
of Discipleship.
Online course “Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent,” Dec. 1-25 —
eRetreat featuring Pamela Hawkins’s Advent resource “Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness
in the Season of Advent,” presented by Upper Room eLearning and BeADisciple, $40.
Details.
Online course “The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God during Advent and
Christmas,” Dec. 1– Jan. 5, 2014 — eRetreat offers guided reflection through the weeks of
Advent on through Epiphany. Each day provides a quotation, scripture passage,
reflection, prayer. This online retreat is presented by Upper Room eLearning and
BeADisciple, $40. Details.
Advent, Dec. 1-24 — Resources for Advent wreath lighting and sermons from the United
Methodist Board of Discipleship and resources for drawing and welcoming visitors to
Advent and Christmas services from United Methodist Communications.
World AIDS Day, Sunday, Dec. 1 — The United Methodist Global AIDS Fund Committee
asks local congregations to observe the 15th anniversary of World AIDS Day committing
to Just Save One child from contracting the disease. The committee developed
downloadable resources in cooperation with the United Methodist boards of Church and
Society and Global Ministries. To donate.
#GivingTuesday, Dec. 3 — United Methodists are invited to participate in #GivingTuesday,
when every gift made online through the The Advance will be matched dollar for dollar up
to $500,000 total and $50,000 for any one project. Visit umcmission.org/give.
Free webinar “Best Practices for Teaching and Implementing Creation Care and
Appreciation,” Wednesday, Dec. 4 — 3 p.m. CT. Seminar highlights the best practices of
United Methodist camp and retreat ministries through their operations and programs. To
register.
Holy Spirit Seminar: Signs and Wonders, Friday, Dec. 6 — 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, United
Theological Seminary will present speaker Randy Clark, founder of Global Awakening, at
Ginghamsburg (United Methodist) Church, 6759 S. County Road 25A, Tipp City, Ohio.
Details.
More Webinars: See full list of upcoming webinars for church leaders at GBOD.org.
WHAT AND WHEN –…….. Required Annual Forms & Due Dates for Clergy & Churches
Nov 1 Cabinet Worksheet for Clergy (completed online –clergy login required)
Cabinet Worksheet for Church (completed online –church login required)
2014 – a new evaluation process will begin. Rev Joan Reasinger presented the new process at our pre-charge briefings earlier this month. The Power Point presented by Joan will be sent as an email to all pastors soon. A copy of the CHARGE CONFERENCE FORM “An Assessment of Fruitfulness” is attached. Please make sure you use this document as your prepare for you 2013 Charge Conference.
ADVENT RESOURCES
Advent Devotional from SOSA: By using Miracle in the Manger, the Society of St. Andrew’s 2013 Advent
devotional program, your congregation can support SOSA’s feeding ministries and reflect Jesus’ concern for the
least, the last and the lost. Learn more at endhungernow.org/advent.
Advent Wreath Meditations for 2013: The General Board of Discipleship offers five sets of Advent wreat
meditations for you to choose from this year. They may be used in worship, Sunday School or the home. See the
choices.
YOUTH
Using Children's Literature in Children's Ministry: Join children's ministers from across the denomination for a free webinar at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19 to look at ways to incorporate children's literature in Sunday school, weekday ministries, small groups, nursery, and other ministries and activities in the church. Look for the UM Children Pinterest Board "Books for Children" for helpful pins on choosing books for children of all ages. Get details.
Summer Camp Registration: Registration Open for 2014 Summer Camp registration is now open through the websites of two of our WPAUMC camps – Jumonville and Camp Allegheny. Wesley Woods’ will open soon. To check the schedules and register, go to: CampAllegheny.org Jumonville.org WesleyWoods.com
Youth Energize
November 8th – 10th for youth in Grades 7 – 12. (A smaller version of SPARK.) Cost is $150 per person or $140 per
person if a group of 10 or more register together from one congregation. One adult chaperone free with each 5
youth. This year our presenter is Christian Comic Alan Marx (aka Mark Ristine), a Youth Director for congregations
in eastern PA. Weekend includes: food, games, free time, worship and spiritual presentations. Housing is at main
camp. Information: www.wesleywoods.com or call 814/436-7802.
♪park! 2014
January 10-12, 2014 - Sheraton – Station Square, Pittsburgh. Special guest speaker will be David Nassar (www.davidnassar.com) along with Illusionist Jared Hall. Rush of Fools will be leading worship for the weekend and offer a concert on Saturday night. Register by October 26 for the Early-Bird rate! www.wpaumc.org/youth. More information at http://www.wpaumc.org/events/detail/6937
SPARK Youth Event: The early bird registration discount deadline for SPARK has passed. If your youth
haven’t registered yet, be sure they don’t miss out altogether on the Jan. 10-12 at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh! Register now!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
Click here Check our classifieds.
CONFERENCE PUBLICATIONS
The Latest (ctrl+click to follow links)
Cross & Flame –the Cross and Flame is being discontinued.
November Interlink: The November issue of the WPAUMC newspaper, Interlink, is now available at
wpaumc.org/Interlink.
A new publication is being created to replace the Interlink. The Interlink is no longer being published. This publication will come directly from the WPA Conference to our churches.
INTERPRETER ENROLLMENT
Please submit your list of subscribers using one of the following methods:
Complete the online form at umcom.org/subscriptions. You will need your customer’s number and password,
provided below.
» Church customer number: 35087024
» Church password: uLSnmNjTBH
Or print, complete and return the form via:
» Fax – 615-742-5499
» Email – [email protected]
» Mail – P.O. Box 440229, Nashville, TN 37244-0229
Please make sure all correspondence includes your church’s customer number and password.
If you have any questions, please contact our customer service team at [email protected] or toll-free at 888-346-
3862.
Here’s An Offer We Hope You Cannot Refuse
Order the 2014 Official United Methodist Program Calendar now
and receive 20% off with a purchase of $25 or more.
It may be the most important organizational investment you make this year. Use Promo Code:
CAL142YNP (all caps).
OLMSTED MANOR EVENTS
Continuing Education Event Schedule - http://olmstedmanor.org/CCEF/CCEF-Events.htm
Like Olmsted Manor? Keep up with happenings by liking their Facebook page
Olmsted Manor Retreat Center, PO Box 8, Ludlow, PA 16333 www.olmstedmanor.org
814-945-6512 * [email protected]
MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
Congratulations, Stephanie! Stephanie and John Headly were married on November 2, 2013.
Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk Selected as Volunteers in Mission Coordinator: The Rev.
Stephanie Gottschalk, pastor of Emauel UMC in Pittsburgh and associate director of UM Church Union, will begin serving as Conference Volunteers in Mission coordinator this fall. She will take over the role from Diane Miller, who retired after seven years in the post. Learn more.
UMCOR Kit Update: The Eastbrook Mission Barn leaders met with UMCOR representatives last week and learned
there is a special need for layette, sewing and bedding kits. As always, the Mission Barn is happy to take any
UMCOR kits, but would appreciate donors focusing on these current needs.
Apply Now for 2014 Zimbabwe Immersion Program: Applications are being accepted from laity and clergy who want to
spend five to six weeks living with a Christian family in Zimbabwe next summer. Learn more and get application at
wpaumc.org/zip.
UMCOR Grants: During their semiannual meeting, the board of directors of the UMCOR approved grants for ongoing
US disaster recovery work in five conferences. Nearly $700,000 in new grants will support long-term recovery
efforts from multiple disasters which occurred earlier this year, as well as the ongoing recovery efforts of the New
York and the Susquehanna Conferences following Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and Hurricane Irene and Tropical
Storm Lee in 2011. Learn more.
UMCOR Zimbabwe Grant: UMCOR also approved funding to support UMCOR’s Zimbabwe office work to meet the
needs of orphans and vulnerable children in the rural Chimanimani District.
Visit the UMCOR site for Kit “recipes” http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2014!-
2014 Creativity Conference!
January 28-30, 2014
Winter Park FUMC Orlando, Florida
Host Pastor, Bob Bushong
Make plans to join us for the 2014 Creativity Conference in Orlando, FL. We
will be featuring some of the most creative individuals in ministry, along with some very creative Christian staff
from the Walt Disney theme parks. More details coming soon!
Engaging All Generations: Registration is now open for Continuum - “Engaging All Generations," the 2014
Large Church Initiative Conference of the United Methodist Church. LCI 2014 will be held April 28–30 in Johns
Creek, GA at Mount Pisgah United Methodist. Online registration, early bird rates, and a complete conference
schedule are now available at LCI2014.com.
PAUMCS
Professional Association of United Methodist Church Secretaries
Register now for the 2014 Annual Conference!
Click here for the registration form and brochure National PAUMCS members can register by February 17 and save $50!
Questions about the conference? Contact Cheryl Thompson.
Download the brochure and registration form.
*You may complete the registration (PDF-fillable) form by computer,
but you'll still need to print it out and mail it with your payment.*
Shift Happens: Hope in the Midst of Transition A gathering of Urban and Rural Practitioners January 16 - 18, 2014 - Houston, Texas
Take home insights from gifted speakers, relevant workshops, and best practices for leading renewal in today's challenging urban and rural context. Reserve your room at the Westin Galleria in Houston by OCT 17th!! Block discount (Rural & Urban Network Gathering) rooms only $119/night - call (713) 960-8100 or use their website "early bird" registration fee of $155 per person from now through September 30, 2013. After that date, the registration fee will be $185. per person. Click Here to Register!
Make it Happen at UMW Assembly 2014
Women from around the country and mission partners from across the globe are called to the 19th
quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for April 25 -27, 2014 at the Kentucky
International Convention Center in Louisville, KY.
Clergy Benefits Academy-
April 29th and 30th, 2014
Held at the Sheraton in Cranberry
Keynote will be Cliff Christopher.
This is a clergy only event – spouses are welcome.
Classes will be on a track – there will be approx. 8 different classes plus the keynote
Classes will include topics such as: Clergy Tax Laws, Planning for the Future: Beyond the Basics. Unexpected
Events: Benefits You Need the Most, United Methodist Pension Benefits Review, Healthy you…Healthy Church,
Legal papers you need to have NOW and why.
2014 Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage: Clergy and Laity are invited to join Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton on
the 2014 tour of Wesley sites in England. The dates are May 11-20 and the cost is $3175 per person from
Pittsburgh. Get brochure.
2014
Lands of the Bible, Then and Now! Tour with Bishop Bickerton
November 12-21, 2014 All inclusive price from Pittsburgh
Register early and get the best discount!
Information at [email protected]
Limited amount of brochures available in the District Office or go to http://www.eo.travelwithus.com/find_trip/detail.aspx?tour=HL14/P&d=11-12-2014&group=#p=4
2014 ANNUAL CONFERENCE – JUNE 5-8, 2014-
Clergy- Please do not schedule weddings, mission trips, vacations, etc. during Annual Conference.
Plan to be in attendance!
Want To Be A Section Leader? Rev. Greg Spencer and Guin Gregory are recruiting section leaders for the 2014 annual conference session from June 5-8. If you’re interested in helping to facilitate legislative section discussion, email Guinevere Gregory ([email protected]) by Wednesday October 30 and attend Section Leader training session scheduled Feb. 8 and May 10. You’ll get details via email. You do NOT have to be a voting member of the annual conference to serve.
DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION
Butler District Office
317 German Street
Harmony PA 16037
Phone: 724-452-0589
Fax: 724-452-1628
Email: [email protected] (Joel Garrett)
[email protected] (Thelma Castor)
Website: http://www.wpaumc.org/districts/detail/24
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