PRAYER REQUESTSMary Stewart and family. Multiple family members have serious health issues.

Jeff Bobin and family. His father-in-law, Larry Aldridge, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Joe Patterson and family. His sister, Colleen Sanford, suffered a heart attack and stroke and is continuing her rehabilitation at home with the help of her husband.

Jerome Alsdorf who has health concerns.

Wanda Jewell’s husband, Dave, who will be receiving medical treatments.

Those who were injured or lost their lives in the Las Vegas tragedy.

Those who were affected by the wildfires.

IMPORTANT DATES(Check sections for more information.)

Wednesday, October 25th – Word Pictures: An Evening with Storyteller Rev. John M. Scott (District Events), Root of Peace (Conference Events)

Thursday, October 26th – Love, Inc. of Crawford County Luncheon (Bulletin Board)

Friday, October 27th – Addressing Opioid Addiction (Conference Events)

Saturday, October 28th – Chicken and Biscuit Dinner (District Events), Disaster Spiritual Care (Conference Events), Conference UMW Annual Fall Meeting (Conference Events)

Sunday, October 29th – Church Conferences (District Notables), 100th

Anniversary Church Tour and Chicken Dinner (District Events)

Monday, October 30th – One-on-One Meetings (District Notables)

Wednesday, November 1st – One-on-One Meetings (District Notables), Church Conference (District Notables), Equitable Compensation Applications Due (District Notables)

BIRTHDAYSWednesday, October 25th – Bryon Switala

Thursday, October 26th – Audrey Lovewell & Dave Acker

Friday, October 27th – Mary Stewart

Saturday, October 28th – Noah Greenawalt & Donald Hullenbaugh

Monday, October 30th – Larry Miller

Tuesday, October 31st – Tess Leonard

ANNIVERSARIESWednesday, November 1st – Jim & Donna Parkinson

OFFICE HOURSAndrea Wolf, the new Erie-Meadville District Administrative Assistant, will be available at the office during the following hours each week. Any updates for the weekly bulletin must be submitted by noon on Tuesdays.Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 8:30am – 2:30pmTuesday/Thursday: 8:30am – 1:30pm

CHURCH CONFERENCESSee the email attachment for more details.

CHARGE CONFERENCE SUMMARY FORMThis form is due two weeks before the cluster conference! Use THIS LINK to find all the forms needed for a church conference.

ONE-ON-ONE MEETINGSThe schedule for the fall 2017 one-on-one meetings was sent out last month (see the email attachment for more details). If there are any conflicts, please contact Andrea Wolf, the Erie-Meadville District Administrative Assistant, at 814-783-0105 or erie-meadville.office@wpaumc.org.

Interviews will be held at the District Office (341 Main Street, Suite 3, Saegertown, PA 16433). Park in the gravel lot off Alden Alley, which intersects with Main Street. Enter the Haskins Building through a green door on the south wall (the entrance is well marked with signage). Suite 3 is located at the end of the hall on the right.

Please be sure that your clergy profile is updated online and a copy of your Clergy Evaluation (due May 15th) and Fund Balance Report (audit) (due March 1st) are in before your one-on-one takes place. Remember to bring a printed copy of your completed clergy profile and the church profile for Cabinet. To find the templates, go to the conferences website (www.wpaumc.org) and click on the FORMS tab at the top. As you will see, you need to log in to complete the form. If you need assistance, please call or email Andrea. Please also bring a printed copy of the SELF-CARE COVENANT 2017, provided by the DS. In preparation for its completion, please refer to the HEALTH AS WHOLENESS (HAW) OVERVIEW 2017, which has also been provided by the DS.

2018 EQUITABLE COMPENSATION APPLICATIONSIf applicable, 2018 Equitable Compensation Forms are due Wednesday, November 1st. Find the form HERE.

ATTENTION ALL PASTORS RECEIVING HOSPITALIZATION THROUGH THE CONFERENCE!You should have received enrollment information for hospitalization, which included cost-sharing information, the enrollment application, and any required forms, including instructions for completion. This is a reminder that you are required to enroll before Thursday, November 30th regardless of whether you are remaining with the same plan or not. If you don’t enroll before November 30 th, you will not have hospitalization coverage for 2018. DETAILS

PASTOR’S SALARYPlease make sure that all of the clergy salary information is 100% correct when it is entered on the Charge Conference Summary Form. There is a difference between “Cash Housing” and “Housing Allowance Exclusion.” It is the Administrative Assistant’s job to report the salaries and enter the figures in our data system. From there, it is used to report pension information. If you have any questions, don’t guess; call your district office for clarification!

WORD PICTURES: AN EVENING WITH STORYTELLER REV. JOHN M. SCOTTWednesday, October 25th, 7pm, Erie First UMC (707 Sassafras Street, Erie, PA 16501)This hour of storytelling will deal with issues adults encounter, but children 10 and older may find the stories interesting. All funds received will go to hurricane relief efforts in the Florida Keys. For more information, contact Pastor John Scott at jscotterie@gmail.com.

CHICKEN AND BISCUIT DINNERSaturday, October 28th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Sugar Lake UMC (6680 Sugar Lake Road, Cochranton, PA 16314)Cost is donation. There will also be a bake sale.

100 TH ANNIVERSARY CHURCH TOUR AND CHICKEN SUPPER Sunday, October 29th, 4pm to 7pm, West Springfield UMC (13790 Chestnut Street, West Springfield, PA 16443)Come tour the church and then savor a delicious buffet-style dinner of chicken, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, green beans, applesauce, beverages, and a takeout slice of celebratory cake. Free-will donations are accepted. Handicap accessible.

TURKEY DINNERSaturday, November 4th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm, Grace UMC (49 Franklin Street, Albion, PA 16401)Roast turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash, mixed vegetables, coleslaw, cranberry sauce, bread, homemade pies and cakes, and beverage. Adults $10, children (5 to 12) $6, under 5 FREE. Take outs are available. For more information, call 814-756-3464.

MESSY CHURCHThursday, November 9th, 5:30pm to 7:30pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)Messy Church creates the opportunity for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children to enjoy expressing their creativity, sit down together for a meal, experience worship, and have fun within a church context. Join this once-a-month worship experience. Contact Pastor Connie Hoeke for more information at 814-520-6803.

LEADERSHIP BEYOND REGIONAL CONFERENCEThursday, November 9th to Saturday, November 11th, Camp Fitch (12600 Abels Road, North Springfield, PA 16430)Offered by the International Leadership Institute, this conference equips leaders and spreads the Gospel through eight core values, including intimacy with God, visionary leadership, multiplication of disciples, and faithful stewardship. Registration begins Thursday, November 9 th at 4pm. The conference starts at 5pm on Thursday and ends at 7:30pm on Saturday. Cost of registration is $75 (scholarships are available) and includes materials, lodging, and meals. Checks should be made out to “Asbury United Methodist Church (Note: ILI Conference)” and mailed to Gordon Evans (4390 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506). For more information, contact Gordon at 814-882-0657.

EARLY CHRISTMAS SHOPPINGSaturday, November 11th, 10am to 3pm, Summit UMC (1510 Townhall Road, Erie, PA 16509)Get some early Christmas shopping done at Summit UMC’s vendor and craft fair. Lunch is available for purchase. Sponsored by the Won by One to Jamaica mission team. For more information, call 814-864-3271.

COFFEE MAKER FOR SALEBunn 20900.0008 Duel Brewer with Portable Servers - $250Two 1.5-gallon portable coffee servers included. Brews up to 16.3 gallons per hour with a separate hot water faucet. For more information, contact Barbara Fynan at 814-504-5980. Item can be seen at Park UMC in North East, PA (see picture).

FREE SONG BOOKSTrinity UMC at Conneaut Lake is offering soft cover song books from several of the past years’ performances of the Living Christmas Tree. They are available for free. If you are interested in any or all copies, please contact the church office at 814-382-1121 or tumclake@mdvl.net. The office is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am to 1:30pm. Please respond before November 1st. The titles and number of copies are listed below.

The Hope of Christmas – Choral Book (58 copies), Dave Williamson and Phil Barfoot

Christmas is Coming (Sing for Joy!) (43 copies), Deborah Craig-Claar and Gary Rhodes

Down from His Glory: The Love Story of Christmas (68 copies), Mike Speck and Lari Goss

The Arrival: Celebrating the Joy of His Birth (58 copies), Marty Hamby

Christmas – In His Presence: The Timeless Story of His Coming (17 copies), Marty Hamby and Deborah Craig-Claar

LOVE, INC. OF CRAWFORD COUNTY LUNCHEONLove, Inc. of Crawford County is meeting to express appreciation for its church partners and to encourage more community involvement. The luncheon is on Thursday, October 26th from 11:30am to 1pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 890 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA 16335. The keynote speaker is Debbie Miller, executive director of Love, Inc. Titusville, with additional speakers from the local Love, Inc. Please RSVP by calling 814-724-1417 and leave your name, organization affiliation, number attending, and contact phone number.

BUTLER DISTRICT HELPSHOP – “CLEAR DAY”Saturday, November 4th, 9am to 12pm, Crossfire Campus of Butler: First UMCMany have asked for a help shop for church leadership, including job descriptions and leadership training in the United Methodist Church. Here it is! Come and get a clear picture of church committee structure and duties. Mark your calendar now and spread the word! All pastors and church leaders are encouraged to attend. Childcare is provided. Classes being offered include:

Church Council – Rev. Sharon Schwab PPRC – Rev. Tom Parkinson Trustees – Tom Hallman, Chairman of the WPA Conference Trustees Finance – Larry Bridge, Conference Treasurer Committee on Nominations and Leadership Development – Rev. Joel Garrett, Butler District Superintendent Lay Leader/Lay Member to Annual Conference – Jerry Rectenwald, Butler District Lay Leader

REGISTER

ONLINE LAY SERVANT WORKSHOPYour Ministry of Leading Worship 101 is Monday, November 6th to Friday, December 8th. This online course will focus on basic understandings of worship, gaining skills for lay servants planning and leading worship, and fulfilling requirements for Lay Speaker Certification. This class is approved by United Methodist Discipleship Ministries as an advanced course in Lay Servant Ministries and is the “worship” class required for Lay Speaker Certification. This course is eligible for 1.0 CEU. MORE DETAILS

SPORTS GEAR FOR NICARAGUA CHURCHRich Schall, leader of the Conference’s Nicaragua partnerships, is collecting gently used youth-size baseball gloves and soccer balls for the youth sports program at the Roberto Clemente Methodist Church in Nicaragua. Rich and his wife, Mary, are heading to Nicaragua to visit the church on Monday, November 13th so he needs donations by Saturday, November 11th. If you can donate, contact him at 814-755-4908 or randmschall@yahoo.com.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MINISTRY COORDINATOR NEEDEDEdinboro UMC, located in a college town, is hiring a full-time Ministry Coordinator. Responsibilities include administrative support of program teams and daily church operations. In addition to organizational skills to enhance current ministries, they are looking for a United Methodist who will assist in creating new places for new people. A passion for leadership development and connecting with the Edinboro community, including the university, will be an asset. Send inquiries for complete position description to pastor@edinboroumc.org.

CLASSIFIEDS SECTION OF WPAUMC WEBSITEGO HERE

APPLY TO BE A GLOBAL MISSION FELLOW!Young adults can apply now to be a Global Mission Fellow and serve two years in mission through the United Methodist Church. Email Stephanie.Gottschalk@wpaumc.org with questions. LEARN MORE

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTBoth lay and clergy will find information about events, ongoing programs, and continuing education opportunities, as well as scholarship applications, on our newly updated WEBPAGE. If you have an event that you’d like to see listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at susan.moudry@wpaumc.org.

HOW TO SET YOUR PASTOR’S 2018 SALARY!The annual GUIDE for setting your pastor’s salary has been posted on the conference website and will be mailed to local churches and active clergy.

NEW UMC HANDBOOKThe new United Methodist Church Handbook, which covers the next four years, is available, providing a detailed overview of the denomination’s beliefs, mission, structure, and history. The handbook is a free, go-to resource for anyone in search of information about the church and is helpful for leaders and new members. GET HANDBOOK

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

WPA MLK RACIAL JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIPIndividuals active in racial justice ministry who are pursuing ordination or licensing as a local pastor may apply for the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Racial Justice Scholarship. It is offered by the Pittsburgh and Greensburg districts. The deadline is Wednesday, November 15th. APPLICATION

VITAL WORSHIP GRANTS PROGRAMThe Vital Worship Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship seeks to foster vital worship in congregations, parishes, and other worshipping communities in North America. This grants program is especially focused on projected that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship. The deadline is Wednesday, January 10th. LEARN MORE

YOUNG PEOPLE AND RACIAL JUSTICEThe Division of Young People’s Ministry offers grants to help United Methodist young people with a passion for racial justice to take action in their church, community, and the world. The grants provide seed money to bring ideas to life and impact a world that tends to be reactionary rather than proactively loving. A $2,500 grant is being awarded on a rolling, monthly basis until $65,000 has been distributed. DETAILS

SCHOLARSHIPSThere are a variety of scholarships at www.umc.org/resources/scholarships and at www.wpaumc.org/scholarshipforms.

SEMINARY FINANCIAL AIDApplications for the 2016-17 academic year are available at www.wpaumc.org/BOOM.

www.euma-erie.org

EUMA FALL TOURTuesday, November 14th, 9am to noonYou are invited to join EUMA for its annual tour. Participants will enjoy a morning of fellowship, refreshments, and a guided tour of EUMA’s The Refuge, Liberty House, Rainbow Connection Thrift Store, and more. The day starts at Glenwood UMC and concludes there for lunch. Interested individuals and groups can RSVP for this event by calling 814-456-8073 by Thursday, November 9th.

SAVE THE DATEMark your calendar to join EUMA for a special evening at their annual gala, slated for Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center. More information to come.

MINISTRY NEEDSAs cold weather approaches, EUMA is seeking sleeping bags (adult-size, cold-weather rated) to distribute to those in need who either can’t find shelter or opt not to seek shelter. Most bags will be given out through EUMA’s medical outreach program, Healthcare for the Homeless Partnerships (please label donations with “HC4HP”). If you can help, sleeping bags can be dropped off at the administrative office (1033 East 26 th Street) during business hours of at The Refuge (1027 East 26th Street) during evening/weekend hours. Thank you!

http://allgodschildrenministries.org

SEEKING TEAM MEMBERSAll God’s Children Ministries is still seeking team members for an international mission trip to Guatemala from Thursday, February 15, 2018 to Thursday, February 22, 2018. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@gmail.com.

RAMPS OF HOPEhttp://allgodschildrenministries.org/programs/ramps-hope

R A MP BUI L D There are still several more ramps to reclaim. Please contact Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@gmail.com if you can help.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERSRamps of Hope is seeking volunteers to help get ramps ready for winter. If you would be willing to help with applying sealant, please contact Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@gmail.com. This is a great project for a few folks to get together to do and is well suited for youth groups.

Respite Care http://allgodschildrenministries.org/programs/respitecare

SEEKING VOLUNTEERSRespite care volunteers are being sought for one or two Saturday afternoons a month. Options are to help as an ongoing or occasional volunteer. Please contact Sarah Deemer for more information at agcmrespite@gmail.com.

MAKING DISCIPLESSunday, November 5th to Monday, November 6th

Jeff Campbell will be at Olmstead Manor to talk about making disciples. The event will include laity and clergy. More information to follow.

OLMSTEAD CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSESunday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 10th, 4pm to 8pm both eveningsJoin the staff and friends of Olmstead as they open their doors to celebrate the Christmas season. Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and punch next to the warm fireplace or take a tour of the freshly decorated manor. Whether you are coming to visit your “home away from home” or are seeing Olmstead for the first time, they hope you will join them for an evening of celebration and fellowship.

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BRADDOCK ROAD PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION HISTORY SEMINAR Friday, November 3rd to Saturday, November 4th

The annual French and Indian War seminar at Jumonville, held the first weekend of November, is now the largest such annual gathering in Pennsylvania and one of the largest in the country. It features guest speakers, including some of the top historians and museum directors in the field; slideshows, music presentations, and, in 2000, the premier of a major documentary film; exhibits of period artifacts; displays of antiquarian books and rare print dealers; participation by the National Park Service. MORE INFORMATION

FALL WORK TEAMS NEEDEDCamp Allegheny could use your help with many different projects this fall. They have completed some timbering and have some cleanup to do. This also means free firewood. They are also trying to complete the installation of an outdoor amphitheater, a small roofing project, wiring of some new smoke detectors, and more. They can use work teams of one to 21 for any number of days, one to 101 days. Please call the office at 814-754-5122 and ask for Rob or email him at rob@campallegheny.org.

http://www.wesleywoods.com

WELCOME TO WESLEY WOODS!To make visitors feel more welcome and at home, Wesley Woods wants to replace all of its signs with some that are easier to read, accurate, and more exciting. You can help by making a financial donation or sharing your ideas, resources, or talents. To do so, contact Kira Argot, Wesley Woods’ program director at program@wesleywoods.com.

CHER R Y RUN CAMP

http://cherryruncamp.org/youth/

UPCOMINGEVENTS

WPA UMW ANNUAL MEETINGOctober 28thFaith UMC, Delmont

EARLY RESPONSE TRAININGNovember 4th or November 11th

Two Locations

IMPLICIT BIAS WORKSHOPNovember 11th Trinity UMC, McMurray

SPARKJanuary 19th – 21st Sheraton Station Square

View the Calendar

NEWS

BLOGS

CLASSIFIEDS

ENEWS

INFOCUS PUBLICATION

JOYFUL NOISE PUBLICATION

OBITUARIES

PHOTO GALLERIES

REWIND

SUBSCRIBE TO PUBLICATIONS

HELPFUL LINKS

APPOINTMENTS

CALL TO MINISTRY

CAMPING

CLASSIFIEDS

CLERGY RESOURCES

LEADER DEVELOPMENT

OBITUARIES

ONLINE PAYMENTS

HISTORICAL RECORDS

MISSION NEWS

ENEWS ARCHIVE

ROOT OF PEACEWednesday, October 25th, 7pm to 9pm, Pittsburgh Theological SeminaryA Palestinian activist and a Jewish settler will discuss their friendship and their work for peace. 0.2 CEUs available. DETAILS

ADDRESSING OPIOID ADDICTIONFriday, October 27th, 8:30am to 1:30pm, Pittsburgh Theological SeminaryFaith community leaders are invited to breakfast and a workshop to learn how to address addiction in the church and community. DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

DISASTER SPIRITUAL CARESaturday, October 28th, 9am to 2pm, 2802 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222The American Red Cross is offering a Disaster Spiritual Care Fundamentals course for clergy. The course will equip clergy with the knowledge and skills required to offer support to families in the case of a disaster. The Red Cross hopes to assemble local spiritual care teams who can be deployed to disasters as needed. To register, contact sandi.wraith@redcross.org.

CONFERENCE UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW) ANNUAL FALL MEETINGSaturday, October 28th, 9:30am to 2:30pm, Faith Delmont UMC (305 Freeport Street, Delmont, PA 15626)Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi will be the featured speaker. All women are welcome. Contact Diane Miller at diane.miller2747@gmail.com.

EXPLORATION 2017!Friday, November 3rd to Sunday, November 5th, Portland, ORYoung adults who may sense God calling them to ordained ministry in the UMC are invited to attend this event, which is held every two years to help those age 18 to 26 explore their gifts for service as a deacon or elder. LEARN MORE

MORE CHURCH LEADERS/STRONGER CHURCH LEADERSSaturday, November 4th, 10am to 1pm, Washington, D.C. or onlineChurches with vital growing ministries learn to leverage leadership potential within their congregations. Learn strategies to identify and support new leaders and build and maintain effective ministry teams. Discover a more synergistic and fruitful way of being in ministry together. Presenters: Rev. Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., Dr. Ann A. Michel, and Rev. Stephanie Remington. Attendees may participate in person at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. or via live stream from their own computer or mobile device. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

CHRISTIAN UNITY GATHERINGWednesday, November 8th to Friday, November 10th, Silver Spring, MD“Resilience, Resistance, and Persistence” is the theme for the Christian Unity Gathering of the National Council of Churches. Featured speakers include Bishop W. Darin Moore of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. The event also includes a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. REGISTER

REV IT UP!Monday, November 13th to Wednesday, November 15th, Hilton Gulf Front Hotel (Pensacola Beach, Florida)This is a wonderful event Wespath, the United Methodist denomination’s pensions and benefits agency, holds for young clergy ages 25 to 39 throughout the denomination. This year, the Western PA Conference Board of Pensions is offering ten scholarships to clergy who wish to attend the event. The board will reimburse up to $600 for attendance, including registration, hotel (two nights), and airfare. Clergy are responsible for meals not included in registration, airport parking, and other incidental expenses incurred. If you would like to attend, contact Kathleen Lasky at kathleen.lasky@wpaumc.org or Alexis Soohy at alexis.soohy@wpaumc.org for more information or to apply. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and are only for those attending for the first time. EVENT DETAILS

STRATEGIES FOR YEAR-END GIVINGWednesday, November 15th, 10amThe United Methodist Foundation of Western PA will be offering a free webinar entitled “Seven Strategies for Year-End Giving,” which aims to equip pastors and church leaders with practical skills to assist followers of Jesus in making gifts this Christmas season. Register for the webinar using the event link at www.umfoundation.org.

ELDERS GATHERINGSThe Order of Elders will convene in regional meetings this fall. Each elder is expected to attend one of the following sessions. See locations/dates and register HERE.

GLOBAL MIGRATION SUNDAYOn Sunday, December 3rd, the first Sunday of Advent, United Methodist churches are encouraged to participate in a day of prayer and special offering to support displaced people around the world. Thomas Kemper, top executive of the UMC Global Ministries, said the mission of Global Migration Sunday is threefold: learn, pray, respond. Find resources at www.umcmigration.org. READ MORE

ORIENTA TION TO MINISTRY Saturday, January 6th, 9:30am to 12:30pm, Christ UMC (1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323)Sponsored by the Conference Board of Ministry, the Orientation is a requirement for anyone pursuing licensed or ordained ministry. However, this initial gathering is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the various types of set-apart ministry that exist within the United Methodist Church. Information will be presented about the broad range of opportunities, including Certified Lay Minister (CLM), professional certification, local pastor, and ordained ministry. Registration is required. There is no registration fee. Send questions to Rev. Janet Lord, Coordinator of Ministerial Services, at jflrd425@aol.com.

SPARKFriday, January 19th to Sunday, January 21st, Sheraton Station Square in PittsburghSPARK 2018 is a retreat for youth in grades 6 through 12 and their leaders. For more information and to register, visit www.wpaumc.org/spark.

INTERNSHIPSSeminary students, undergrads, parents…it’s time to think about summer internships! Applications are due Wednesday, January 31st. For more information and to apply for College Ministry Discernment or Seminary Ministry internship, visit www.wpaumc.org/internships.

MISSION OF PEACECalling all youth! Mission of Peace applications are available now. A yearly trip sponsored by the Northeast Jurisdiction of the UMC, Mission of Peace is on or about Friday, December 28, 2018 to Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the Philippines. Up to four youth can be accepted from each conference. On this trip, youth will get an immersion experience in another culture while meeting youth from other churches and civic organizations. Applications are due by Thursday, March 1st to Amanda Gilligan, the Conference Coordinator of Young People’s Ministry. For the application and more information, visit www.wpaumc.org/mop.

UMW GEARS UP FOR ASSEMBLYThe Power of Bold is the theme for the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for Friday, May 18th to Sunday, May 20th in Columbus, OH. The early registration fee is $295 with a Thursday, November 30th deadline. Regular registration is $330. Registration includes two healthy lunches. Registration closes Monday, April 9th. REGISTER

HOUSING ALLOWANCE CHALLENGEDA federal judge in Wisconsin has struck down as unconstitutional a 1954 law that gives clergy tax-free housing allowances. An appeal to the Circuit Court is likely. The same judge struck down the law in 2013, but that ruling was overturned on appeal. The General Council on Finance and Administration has a webpage with information on the ruling and their legal department’s review. VISIT WEBPAGE

ONLINE PAYMENTSThe Conference now offers a greatly expanded online payment capability! This service will allow churches and individuals to submit payments electronically instead of mailing checks to the Conference Center. Separate webpages have been set-up as indicated by the sections below.

CAMPING AND RETREAT MINISTRIES – BISHOP’S INITIATIVE: As witnessed at the 2017 Annual Conference, Bishop Moore-Koikoi’s initiative to raise $5 million over the next four years for conference camping and retreat ministries was received with overwhelming acceptance and generosity. This site has been established as one avenue to financially support this strategic undertaking. Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card. Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC should give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page.

CONFERENCE SPECIAL APPEAL – AT THE LAKE MINISTRIES: At the Lake Ministries is faithfully dedicated to offering our brothers and sisters in Christ who live with a disability a space in which to foster relationships and build community through faith-based, specialized fishing experiences on Lake Erie. This site has been established to financially support the development of this new fishing ministry and refurbish our vessel, JoAnn M. We can’t do this without the support of the WPAUMC congregations. Individuals and organizations external to WPAUMC can make an online contribution using their bank account or credit card. Individuals affiliated with WPAUMC should give through their local church. Churches can also contribute online; however, they should continue to use the Local Church Remittances page.

UPMC HEALTHCARE UPDATEConference Benefits Coordinator Kathleen Lasky reports that, in response to concerns expressed by local churches, the Board of Pensions Executive Committee determined that the 2018 blended rate charged to the local church for clergy enrolled in the UPMC plan will be $1,511 per month, including medical, vision, and dental coverage. This is a reduction of $45 per month from the current 2017 rate. Clergy will share costs in 2018 by contributing $70 per month for a family, $35 per month for two people, and $20 per month for a single person. Complete details will be sent to churches and those covered by the plan.

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIPA new resource to help congregations develop an intentional discipleship system includes WPAUMC’s Road to Discipleship map and an article by Rev. Chris Kindle, our director of discipleship. DISCIPLESHIP MAP

Don’t forget! You can now check a running list of WPA VIM trip opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities. Also, opportunities to give/help can be found at UMCOR.

WPAUMC VOLUNTEERS IN MISSIONUnited Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – local, regionally, nationally, or internationally.

What teams can I join? www.wpaumc.org/opportunitiesHow do I learn about leading a team? www.wpaumc.org/VIMtrainingOnce we have a team planned, what do we do?

Register your team at www.wpaumc.org/RegisterVIMteamsGet VIM insurance at www.umvimnej.org

Once our team returns, what do I do? www.wpaumc.org/MissionReportWhere can I find local church resources?

www.wpaumc.org/localchurchmissionsContact Stephanie Gottschalk at Stephanie.Gottschalk@wpaumc.org or 724-776-2300, ext. 241

How do I get involved in Disaster Response?Take UMCOR training at www.wpaumc.org/DisasterResponsseMake sure your local church has a local disaster planVolunteer at Eastbrook Mission Barn or one of its satellites

What if there is a disaster in my church’s community?Local pastor reports damage to church and with their community to their District SuperintendentLocal pastor reports damage to church and with their community to Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, Rev. Calvin Cook at 814-442-5899

MISSIONSHIELD VIM INSURANCE OFFEREDAs health care laws change and deductibles grow, it is important to have coverage for volunteer teams serving in the U.S. as well as abroad. This Northeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM board has worked with Seven Corners to make policies available for all VIM teams. Get forms and details at www.umvimnej.org/mission-insurance.

2017 CONFERENCE VIM TEAMSContact Stephanie Gottschalk for more information: Stephanie.Gottschalk@wpaumc.org or 724-776-2300, ext. 241

HOME CAMP UMC INVITES YOU TO GO TO JAMAICASunday, November 5th to Sunday, November 12th

The total mission trip price of $1,550 includes airfare, accommodations, transportation, food, building material, wages, tips, and taxes. The trip will be partnering with Won by One to Jamaica (www.wonbyonetojamaica.com), a group with over 25 years of experience in bringing mission groups to Jamaica. A down payment of $100 reserves your spot on the trip. Don’t worry about being the only one from your church on the trip. As a part of God’s family, we are all part of the same group. After attending for the first time last year, this congregation has seen the change that it has made their pastor’s life and he advises anyone that has ever wanted to go on a trip to contact him at rphowe@yahoo.com or 814-583-7330 if they have any questions or wish to reserve a spot.

CHECK OUT THESE WAYS TO SERVE IN WESTERN PA

UM A.R.M.Y – www.ne.umarmy.orgYour church can be a youth work camp as youth and chaperones partner with UM A.R.M.Y to love your neighbors.

EASTBROOK MISSION BARN – www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn

UPDATESSee what’s happening at the Eastbrook Mission barn in their BLOG.

UMCOR KITSUMCOR Disaster Supply Network officials sent a thank you for all the congregations and groups who have contributed cleaning buckets and reported that their main supply depot was full. If you are thinking of launching a collection effort, please hold off for now. If you’ve already started, the Mission Barn or its satellites will accept them. Meanwhile, the Mission Barn can always use volunteers.

MAGNET AND T-SHIRT SALEShow your support by purchasing a magnet for the suggested donation of $5 each or a t-shirt for $15 each. All profits will support the mission projects with the Eastbrook Mission Barn. For more information or to place an order, call the Mission Barn at 724-856-8241. Make checks payable to Eastbrook Mission Barn (226 Church Lane, New Castle, PA 16101).