JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 MINISTRY RESOURCE PACKET ONLINE from the Susquehanna Conference Connectional Ministries Office

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018 MINISTRY RESOURCE PACKET ONLINE From the Susquehanna Conference Connectional Ministries Office

This Ministry Resource Packet is a resource to help pastors and laity to make disciples of Christ for the transformation of the world. Please share these items with leaders of your congregation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Navigate Discipleship Event– April 28 Basic Coach Training – February 20 Pre-Annual Conference Workshops – May 30 Resolutions Deadline February 1 Suicide Prevention and Opioid Crisis Mental Health First Aid Trainings – March 3 and April 28 Safe Sanctuaries Trainings 2018 Youth Rallies – Recalculating – Jan 7, Feb 11, April 8 Young People’s Ministry Council Application Mission of Peace Application - Philippines Young Adult Mission Trip to North Carolina – March 2018 Student Loan and Scholarship Guide Volunteers in Mission (VIM) Team Leader/Member Trainings – Jan 27 & Feb 10 Peru VIM Opportunity – October 20-November 3 Volunteer in Mission (VIM) Upcoming Mission Trips Mission Central Seasonal Items from Giant Mission Central Gala – April 14 Chart of Conference Awards – Deadline to Nominate is March 15 Summer Camp 2018 Schedules Stewardship Foundation Updates Center for Spiritual Formation events World Hunger Grant Application – Deadline January 31 Health Ministry Grant Application – Deadline March 1 Parish Paper – 18 Questions for 2018 Parish Paper – Best Practices for Church Members Serving as Staff

Creating Discipleship Pathways

4.28.2018 LEWISBURG HIGH SCHOOL

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: Mike Schreiner Ken Willard Authors of “Stride: Creating a Discipleship Pathway for your Church”

TOPICS: Discipleship Development to Communicating Your Leadership Development Discipleship Pathway (Disciples’ Journey)

Ministry Alignment for Creating a Discipleship Pathway Discipleship for Your Church Size

Registration opens January 15 on susumc.org Early bird pricing until February 28: $39 individual - $30 per person for groups of 4 or more Tuesday, February 20 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Coach Approach to Ministry

Christ Community UMC • 3939 Park Road Selinsgrove, PA 17870

Cost is $25 • Continuing Education Units —.6

What if empowering and equipping people became the norm in our faith communities? At its core, coaching is about empowering others. This class will cover what coaching is, what it is not, how it is different than mentoring, and much more. Whether you are seeking to sharpen your coaching skills, formally coach others, or simply want to have coaching in your ministry toolbox, mark your calendar to attend this event. Clergy and laity are all welcome.

Led by Rev. Dr. Deborah Winters, Coaching4Clergy Faculty Participants will find Deb to be engaging with a creative, energetic approach to teaching. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Pre-Annual Conference Workshops

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 1 to 4 pm Trinity Hummelstown Shuttle busing from Hershey Lodge to Trinity, Hummelstown & back to the Lodge for Annual Conference

****************** Plenty of workshops to choose from Either 2 workshops of 1.45 minutes in length or 1 workshop at 3.45 minutes in length

*************** For more information, contact Growing Effective Churches - gecoffice@susumc. or 717-545-0525

RESOLUTIONS DEADLINE FEBRUARY 1, 2018

MISSION AND OUTREACH TEAM THE SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

November 2017

Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

One of the special expressions of the United Methodist polity is the opportunity for members of the connection to offer a resolution for consideration to a conference. The founders of our movement believed that in conferencing the Holy Spirit of God could guide us to consider the prompting of our members. The opportunity is here once again for you, your congregation or any of its members to offer a resolution for consideration at the 2018 session of Annual Conference.

A resolution typically is formatted with a series of statements beginning with “whereas.” These statements provide the rationale of the petitioner. These statements demonstrate the assumptions that the petitioner holds. They belong to the petitioner. After the series of “whereas” statements, there appears at least one statement that begins “Therefore, be it resolved.” This becomes the main motion that is put before the Conference. If more than one action is being petitioned, another statement may be added beginning “be it further resolved.”

The Mission and Outreach Team is charged with receiving these resolutions and passing them on to conference with either a vote of concurrence or non-concurrence.

Resolutions are to be clearly printed and sent together with supporting documentation. It is preferred that all resolutions be received electronically via email. You can email them to me at [email protected]. And, if you are unable to email the resolutions, you may mail them to:

Mission and Outreach Team Kristopher Sledge PO Box 277 State Line, PA 17263

Please indicate a contact person should we need to contact the petitioner for clarification.

Resolutions must be submitted no later than February 1, 2018.

Sincerely,

Kristopher Sledge, Chair Mission and Outreach Team

ACCORDING TO SAMHSA…  Prevention of mental and/or substance use disorders and related problems in children, adolescents, and young adults is critical to America’s behavioral and physical health.  Behaviors and symptoms that signal the development of a behavioral disorder often manifest 2 to 4 years before a disorder is present.  People with a mental health issue are more likely to use alcohol or drugs than those not affected by a mental health problem.

ACCORDING TO THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE AND NATIONAL RESEARCH…

 A $1 investment in early treatment and prevention programs yields $2 to $10 worth of savings in health costs, criminal and juvenile justice costs, educational costs, and lost productivity.

OPU=Opiate Use Disorder MDE=Major Depressive Episode NMPO=Non-medical Prescription Opiate www.healingmagazine.org … 2016 Vol. 21, No 2

By: Kara Bagot, M.D. – a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and an Assistant Professor in the University of California, San Diego Department

Of Psychiatry. She received her psychiatric and Among adolescents, opiates are second in illicit drug abuse to marijuana. Of growing concern, in Clinical research training at Yale University Child addition to recent increases in heroin use, is use of nonmedical prescription pain medications (i.e. Study Center. Dr. Bagot is a clinician and hydrocodone [Lorco, Vicodin, Norco]; oxycodone [Oxycontin]). Over four million Americans 12 years of age and older report current use of NMPO - approximately 500,000 of whom are between 12 and 17 researcher with expertise in treatment years of age, and 1 million between 18 to 25 years of age. Alarmingly, since 2000 there has been a four- interventions for adolescent substance use to-five-fold increase in mortality and substance treatment admissions related to NMPO use. In the disorders, and has authored and presented United States, 18- to 25-year-olds demonstrate the highest rates of heroin use. The risk of initiating several manuscripts in this field. heroin use is 13 times higher in adolescents and young adults with previous NMPO use, with peak age of heroin initiation being 17-18 years of age. Those who initiate NMPO use between 10-12 years of age are nearly 18 times more likely to transition to heroin use. Those who begin NMPO use at 13-15 or 8-9 years of age have about a 15 times greater risk of transitioning to a four-to-five-fold increase in “So why are we spending so much money mortality heroin use. Adolescents and young adults often transition from NMPO to heroin due to the high cost, reformulation, decreasing availability, and increasing restrictions on pain medications. on suicide prevention and the opioid Progression from NMPO to heroin is associated with more rapid development of dependence, which is epidemic, which are 4th stage* of illness? further associated with lower probability of treatment success. The rates of prescribing opiates for adolescents and young adults have doubled in the past 20 years. In addition to obtaining a prescription, For true system - level impact to reduce teens may also access these medications through diversion from friends, peers and/or family. the number of people incarcerated who have mental health problems focusing on www.AmericanMentalWellness.org [email protected] prevention and 1 st stage of mental illness * 717-957-3432 Office 717-343-4945 Cell * For more information on prevention/signs & symptoms of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th is paramount for success!” Sharon Engdahl, Ex. Dir. AMWA stages go to our website and click on Resources

Since 2009 the Conference in partnership with the Mental Wellness Awareness Association, Inc. has been providing United Methodist Church Members the opportunity to take the 8 hour live, evidence based, Mental Health First Aid USA training (includes substance use disorders) at no cost from offerings received designated for Mental Health Ministries. Non-members through the church’s outreach attend at a MWAA discounted cost of $50.

We encourage continued support for this valuable ministry.

Accordingly, please advertise these up-coming trainings to your membership and the community at large.

1. Beach Lake UMC, Beach Lake, PA – Adult Mental Health First Aid Training – Saturday, March 3, 2018 2. Oakville UMC, Shippensburg, PA – Adult Mental Health First Aid Training – Saturday, April 28, 2018 3. Aldersgate UMC, Mechanicsburg, PA – An Adult or Youth MHFA Training – TBD 4. Your church hosting a Mental Health First Aid Training ?

For further information contact: The Mental Wellness Awareness Association Sharon Engdahl, Exec. Dir. / 717-957-3432 / [email protected] www.mentalwellnessawareness.org SAFE Sanctuaries Training Reducing the Risk of Child Abuse in the Church for Clergy and Laity

sponsored by Susquehanna Conference, The United Methodist Church

Saturday, January 6, 2018 By attending the Barts Centenary UMC Safe Sanctuaries York District 50 E King St., Littlestown, PA 17340 training... 12:30 - 3:30 p.m., $3 for booklet Led by Toni Oplinger • You will gain an understanding of the To register, contact Michelle Johnson at 717-359-5600 scope of child abuse or email: [email protected] • You will understand the church’s Register by December 22 comprehensive strategy against abuse • You will learn how to draft and Monday, December 11, 2017 implement your local church policy Postponed to Monday, January 8, 2018 • You will learn how to recruit and screen Hope UMC workers with children Lewisburg District • You will get proven procedures for 1623 Main St., Port Trevorton, PA 17864 safe ministry with children, youth, and 6:30 p.m., $3 for booklet vulnerable adults Led by Michael Swimley • You will learn how to respond if abuse To register, contact Wanda Kantz at 570-374-5724 does occur Register by January 2 • You will learn about the Suquehanna Conference insurance policy Sunday, January 21, 2018 regarding sexual abuse and Runville UMC molestation State College District 1216 Runville Rd., Bellefonte, PA 16823 2 - 5 p.m., $3 for booklet Who Should Attend? Led by Mike Baumgardner Pastors and those serving local churches To register, contact Doug Mellott at 814-441-3773 Church Staff Register by January 12 Lay Persons responsible for nursery, Wednesday, January 24, 2018 childrens ministry, youth ministry and Lightstreet UMC (“Lighthouse” - Fellowship Hall) ecumenical ministries Lewisburg District 1660 Main St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815 Persons responsible for church (in the village of Lightstreet) sponsored daycare 6 - 8 p.m., $3 for booklet Trustees Led by Jim Jacobs To register, contact Beth Snyder at [email protected] Anyone involved with VBS, Scouts or other Register by January 17 groups sponsored by the local church Saturday, February 10, 2018 Please bring your copy of Bethlehem Stonepile UMC York District the book Safe Sanctuaries* 250 Bethlehem Church Rd., Red Lion, PA 17356 with you. 9 - 11 a.m., $3 for booklet If your church does not have a copy, Led by Fawn McCallister they can be purchased online through To register, contact the church office at 717-244-9540 Cokesbury, www.cokesburynext.com, or email: [email protected] Register by January 31 or Amazon.com. (*SAFE SANCTUARIES Reducing the Risk of Abuse Sunday, March 4, 2018 in the Church for Children and Youth Trinity UMC - By Joy Thornburg Melton) State College District 428 S. Main St., Lewistown, PA 17044 Safe Sanctuaries Training 2 - 5 p.m., $3 for booklet Led by Mike Baumgardner REGISTRATION FORM To register, contact Pastor Mike Baumgardner at 717-504-3600 Register by February 23 Name: ______Address: ______

______

Phone: ______

E-mail: ______

Church: ______

District: ______Date/Location of training you plan to attend: ______Make checks payable to Susquehanna Conference and mail to: Susquehanna Conference 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-3179

For more information call the conference office at 717-766-7441, or e-mail [email protected]

The YPMC is committed to developing student leaders within the Susquehanna Conference. The Council provides practical leadership experiences that help youth gain skills and confidence to lead in their local settings.

YPMC will be accepting new applications for 2018-2019 council members April 1 - July 1, 2018.

Download or Complete Application: igniteyoungpeople.org Questions: Email Audrey Wilder - [email protected]

Events and Meetings: 2-4 Regional Events 1 Saturday meeting review YSF Applications 1 Over Night meetings Fall Event Planning Annual Conference 2019 (May 29-June 1, 2019) Regular communication with team members

Lead by Example: Members will be expected to... Be active in leadership in local church Youth Ministry Encourage local church participation in Conference Events

Mission Of Peace Northeastern Jurisdictional Council on Youth Ministries United Methodist Church

YOUTH INFORMATION PAGE

The 2019 Mission of Peace is to Philippines The approximate dates are December 28, 2018 - January 15, 2019. The approximate/estimated cost per participant is $5,200.

The Mission of Peace application and information material is composed of 3 pages: 1. The Youth Information Page. 2. The MOP Youth Application form. 3. The MOP general information and statement of purpose form.

Please read all three pages of the MOP application and information material carefully. Applicants should understand and appreciate the purpose of the Mission of Peace and be fully aware of the responsibilities and time line for the application process. If selected, please keep a copy of these pages.

NEJ Expectations for Youth Participants: Mission of Peace Package Includes: 1. High School Senior or younger in the year of the trip. * Round trip Air Service from “home” airport 2. Upon return, will share the MOP story at least 5 times. * Accommodations in all cities 3. Individual pre-travel prayer, study, and preparation. Keeping * Full Board....breakfast, lunch, dinner a journal during the MOP. * All transportation during MOP 4. Raise funds and meet payment schedule: * All transfers, tips, taxes and handling fees due on 6/15, 8/1, 9/15, 11/1. * Services of local guides 5. Commit to and keep the MOP “Covenant of Conduct” which is * Family Group Leaders (Adult Advisors) determined by the group during the orientation on the first days * Tours, museums and program fees of the MOP.

SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE EXPECTATIONS: • Post on Susquehanna Young People's Ministry social media outlets during the trip (as able) • Following attendance, submit a letter of 350-500 words to the YPMC describing how they will implement concepts learned on a personal and congregational level. • Be willing to share a short story about the experience at Annual Conference 2019 (will count as one of five MOP requirements)

The following application should be completed and sent to the Young People's Ministry Office at the address listed below. Incomplete information on this form delays your application and may affect the availability of funds. The deadline for submitting the application is March 1, 2018. Susquehanna Conference, The United Methodist Church Young People's Ministry 303 Mulberry Drive,, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Funding support is available through the Youth Service Fund. Applicants wishing to be considered for funding from YSF should submit a grant application according to YSF application guidelines. YSF grant applications should be submitted in the Fall 2018 and grant money will be rewarded in January 2018. Note that possible grant monies received will be given after the trip payments are due.

Questions: Contact Ted Anderson at PHONE: 585-223-9560 EMAIL: [email protected] Ted Anderson, a Pastor/District Superintendent in the Upper New York Annual Conference and UNY Conference Youth Co-Coordinator, is the NEJ MOP Coordinator. After receiving the MOP recommendations from each Conference, he will send a letter of confirmation and information to each Youth going on the MOP on or about May 1, 2017.

More Information at: http://www.nejumc.org/mop.html

Mission Of Peace Northeastern Jurisdictional Council on Youth Ministries United Methodist Church

Philippines on or about December 28, 2018- January 15, 2019

YOUTH APPLICATION

Last name First name Middle name (as it appears on passport)

Street Address City State Zip code e-mail

Area Code Telephone number Birth date T-Shirt size

Gender Class in school while on MOP UMC Conference

Name of Local Church Number of years at this church Phone # Passport #

Church street address City State Zip code

Rev. Ted Anderson 31 W Church St., Fairport, NY 14450 PHONE: 585-223-9560 EMAIL: [email protected]

YOUTH APPLICATION CONTINUED

PLEASE USE ADDITIONAL SHEETS TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN FULL.

1. Give a brief statement on how you understand yourself as a Christian Peacemaker. 2. Describe your activities in your local Church, District, Conference, Jurisdiction, or General Church. 3. Describe your travel experiences that would relate to the Mission of Peace. 4. Describe your participation in school and community activities, and other groups outside the church. 5. Why do you wish to experience the Mission of Peace? 6. Please have three letters of reference included with application: ....one from your Pastor. ....one from your Youth Advisor/Church School Teacher. ....one from a High School Teacher/Adult outside your church.

PARTICIATION COVENANT I agree to fulfill pre-travel study requirements. I agree to maintain a travel journal. I agree to share my MOP experiences with at least 5 churches/civic groups.

I have read the Mission of Peace purpose statement, all the requirements, and payment schedule. I promise to honor the MOP purpose and all requirements and deadlines if I am selected as a participant in the Mission of Peace.

Signature of Applicant: Date

I/We give permission and will support on the Mission of Peace

Parent / Guardian

______Parents Names and email/phone contacts

Return completed application to Young People’s Ministry Office Due Date: Thursday, March 1, 2018

In the Susquehanna Conference, the Young People's Ministry seeks to do all we can to help provide opportunities for spiritual development for our young people. The Susquehanna Conference Young People's Ministry Council is prepared to nominate four (4) young people from our conference to attend the MOP. There are expectations for those who receive a nomination: • Post on Susquehanna Young People's Ministry social media outlets during the trip (as able) • Following attendance, submit a letter of 350-500 words to the Young People's Ministry Council describing how they will implement concepts learned on a personal and congregational level. • Be willing to share a short story about the experience during the Young People's Ministry presentation at Annual Conference 2018 (this will count as one of your five MOP requirements)

This application should be completed and sent to the Young People's Ministry Office at the address listed below. Incomplete information on this form delays your application and may affect your selection. The deadline for submitting the application is Thursday, March 1 2018. Susquehanna Conference, The United Methodist Church Young People's Ministry 303 Mulberry Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Young Adult Mission Trip Information Where: Tarboro, NC Who: Anyone ages 18-35 When: March 4-10, 2018 Cost: $250.00 Application and $100.00 holds place Deposit: $100.00 due Jan 1 Balance: $150.00 due Feb 15 Team Size: 15 Questions & Applications: Curt Knouse - [email protected]

VIM Team Member Application

The mission trip team leader will not share this information except as required and related to the mission trip (e.g. to treat a medical condi- tion). NAME & LOCATION of PROJECT: ______

Name: ______Home Phone: ______Mailing Address: ______Work Phone: ______City, State, Zip: ______Cell Phone: ______Date of Birth: ______Sex:______Email address: ______Passport Number: ______Date of Issue: ______Place of Issue: ______Occupation: ______Hobbies/interests: ______Languages: ______Construction/Healthcare Specialties: ______Missions experience & location: ______Name of Church: ______Pastor: ______Church Address: ______Pastor's Phone: ______Date of Safe Sanctuaries Certification (if applicable):______T-shirt Size______The deposit holds your place and is refundable until ______Why do you wish to participate? (Please use back or separate page.) Have you traveled to a developing country? ______Which one(s)?______Please indicate your state of physical and emotional health (the project and trip will include rigorous activity and the hours may be long). Is there anything the team leader(s) should know regarding your health (allergies, diet, etc.)? ______4. Team members may be asked during a church service to give a 2-3 minute testimonial before or after the project. Would you be comfortable doing this? ______

5. Please circle all applicable skills below and explain in detail where appropriate: Team assignments will be made based on this information. Building/carpentry/masonry skills: Fair Good Excellent Professional: Other: ______Health Care: Physician Nurse Dentist First Aid training CPR training; Other: ______Teaching Health Care (be specific) ______Other: ______Working with Youth: recreation storytelling art singing crafts: Other :______Singing skills: solo small groups total group only; Instruments: ______Preaching devotionals leading in prayer-related skills ______Photography (explain) ______Keeping and publishing a team trip journal (explain) ______Giving post-trip talks and slide presentations (elaborate) ______Other skills and abilities that will contribute to the team experience: ______

I understand that team members must be cheerful, cooperative, flexible, and patient. I agree to cooperate with the team leader(s) concerning our life together, including daily assignments, food, lodging, and transportation and any other activities involving the team as a whole. I agree to stay with the team from the beginning to end of the trip (except as excused by the team leader), to abstain from the use of alcohol and tobacco while on the mission trip, and generally to behave in a Christian manner.

______Applicant's Signature Date

To Be Completed by the Applicant's Pastor:

I believe that the above applicant is a dedicated Christian, a team player, and a friendly, flexible person who will make a valuable contribution to this mission team. I am / am not personally acquainted with the applicant and recommend her/ him for volunteer mission service. You may contact me for additional information if needed.

______Pastor's Signature Date

Return completed application with deposit to the project organizer or team leader.

Young Adult Mission Trip Information Application Deadline February 1, 2018

SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE STUDENT LOAN AND SCHOLARSHIP GUIDE (All Scholarship applicants must be active UM church members for at least one year)

Scholarships for Undergraduates (with any career objective)

A. STUDENTS ATTENDING UNITED METHODIST SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (see listing of these schools at www.gbhem.org)

1. General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) Scholarships Scholarships are available from the General Church and are awarded each year. Applications are to be made online at http://www.gbhem.org/loans-and-scholarships. Applications accepted January 3-March 7, 2018. Persons will be selected from this application process to receive Susquehanna Conference Merit Scholarships, which are funded from proceeds of our Conference Student Day Offerings. Special interest and ethnic minority scholarships are available.

2. United Methodist Allocation Program – United Methodist schools, colleges and seminaries receive direct scholarship money from GBHEM. The schools determine these scholarships. Contact your financial aid office for more information.

3. Albright College Scholarship Program Albright College in Reading PA has a United Methodist Award, given to freshmen who enroll at Albright College and are active members of the United Methodist Church. Details are available from Albright College. Students interested in receiving this Award must submit a letter from their minister indicating that they are active members of the church. Letters should be sent to: Albright College, Admission Office, P.O. Box 15234, Reading PA 19612- 5234. The scholarship deadline is March 1. Students who apply to Albright may also apply for #1 above.

4. United Methodist Foundation for Higher Education Scholarships a. Double Your Dollars for Scholars – a matching scholarship for students at UM schools. A local church contributes $1,000 matched by the Foundation. For more information, access this website: http://www.umhef.org/online_applications/umdfs b. United Methodist Foundation Scholarships United Methodist schools receive direct scholarship money from the United Methodist Foundation. The schools distribute these scholarships. Contact your financial aid office for more information.

5. Local Church Scholarships Some churches offer a college scholarship program. Contact your church.

B. STUDENTS ATTENDING NON-UNITED METHODIST SCHOOLS (Includes all other accredited public and private academic institutions)

1. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry – scholarships for students at non-United Methodist schools. Among these scholarships are The Rev. Dr. Karen Layman Gift of Hope scholarship program, which provides scholarships of up to $1,000 to students who show high academic ability and strong leadership potential in the life of the church. Also there are some “United Methodist General Scholarships” which are available to students at non-UM schools. These scholarships are provided in part by the money given to the Student Day Offering. Students must apply online between January 3 and March 7 at www.gbhem.org/loans- scholarships/scholarship-applications

2. Local Church Scholarships Many churches provide scholarships. Contact your church.

C. SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PRE-MINISTERIAL CANDIDATES

1. Susquehanna Conference Certified Candidates who attend a school approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church and who meet grade point average guidelines can receive significant aid from the Conference Student Aid Fund. Contact Rev. Nicholas Keeney at [email protected] 2. Susquehanna Conference Certified Candidates who attend Wesley, Drew, United, Garrett- Evangelical and Duke seminaries may attend tuition free through the 50/50 Match agreement that includes loan forgiveness in exchange for full-time pastoral service after graduation. Contact Rev. Nicholas Keeney at [email protected] 3. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) provides scholarships for ministerial candidates especially at United Methodist seminaries. www.gbhem.org/loans- scholarships/scholarship-applications 4. Local churches often provide scholarship assistance to ministerial sons and daughters.

D. LOANS (for students with any career objective – undergraduate and graduate students)

The United Methodist Student Loan Fund provides small low interest loans to UM students at any accredited school. These can be used for tuition and fees. Go to the Website for more information and to complete an on-line application: www.gbhem.org/loans- scholarships/scholarship-applications

Short Term Mission Team Leader/Member Trainings

January 27, 2018 Christ United Methodist Church 100 S. Church St., Waynesboro PA 17268 Curt Knouse - Facilitator Times to be announced. To register or for more information, contact Curt at [email protected] or 717- 994-6294

February 10, 2018 Trinity United Methodist Church 210 W. Main St., Hummelstown, PA 17036 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Refreshments and light lunch provided. No Fee. Ken Mengel - Facilitator To register, send an e-mail to [email protected] or call Jan Rexrode at 717-215-7047

Short Term Mission Team Leader/Member Training is recommended for anyone thinking about leading a Volunteer In Mission team. This training is also helpful for team members. Each class is 6-hours long.

Some of the topics covered are: • why we do mission • recruitment • budgeting • insurance • resources for being in mission • general best practices

If you would like to host a training at your church, our team is glad to schedule trainings for groups of 6 or more.

Contact Curt- [email protected] for more information or to schedule a training. 2018 Peru Mission Opportunity

Curt Knouse, Director or Volunteers in Mission, will be leading a mission experience to Tarapoto, Peru from October 20 to November 3, 2018. The team will be working with a Johnstown, Pa native in a local school and ministry center. The work will likely be lite construction and possible VBS. The cost will be $2,500 and is limited to 10 people. Contact Curt- [email protected] for an application

Volunteers In Mission Opportunities

Type of Date Location Contact Price Sponsor work

Jan 4-14 Costa Rica Ed Lerch- [email protected] $1,500 VBS & Grace UMC- Construction Lewistown

Jan 16- Costa Rica Ron Lucas- $1,600 Construction Scranton Wilkes- 25 [email protected] Barre District

Jan 29- Haiti Kay Love- [email protected] Construction Haiti Partnership Feb 5

Jan 26- Houston TX Tim [email protected] $300 Flood Central UMC, Feb 4 recovery Honesdale

Jan 26- Sierra Leone Rev Jeff Fisher- $3,700 Relationship Sierra Leone Feb 8 [email protected] Initiative

March 4- Tarboro,NC Curt Knouse- $250 Flood Susquehanna 10 [email protected] recovery Conference

March Haiti Jodi Crimmel- Construction Haiti Partnership 15-26 t [email protected]

April 8- WV Carl Koch- [email protected] $160 Flood Williamsport 14 Recovery District

April 8- Washington,NC Pennsy Waltman- 717-215- $0 Flood Mt Calvary& Faith 14 2931 Recovery UMC’s

Oct 13- Gilgil, Kenya Jill Pecht- $2,950 Various work State College 28 [email protected] District

Oct 20- Tarapoto,Peru Curt Knouse- $2,400 School and Susquehanna Nov 3 [email protected] construction Conference Like us on Facebook: Susquehanna Conference UMC Volunteers In Mission Bookmark us at: www.susmb.org Curt Knouse Director of Volunteers in Mission and Outreach [email protected] 717-994-6294 for information, speakers or to be added to the mission opportunities email list.

Seasonal Giant items will be released on the following schedule. Please contact Ray Harden at 717-766-1533, 2 weeks prior to these dates to begin scheduling appointments.

January 2nd: Valentine’s Day / St. Patrick’s Day March 1st: Easter ** May 1st: Summer October 1st: Halloween November 1st: Thanksgiving December 1st: Christmas / New Year’s Please understand that these dates are approximate and are subject to change for weekends, etc. Using the first business day of the month would be the best planning method. ** Due to the fluctuation of Easter, please use 4 weeks prior to Easter as a starting point annual fundraising dinner

A fun evening featuring live & silent auctions

Camp Hill United Methodist Church 417 S. 22nd St. Camp Hill, PA Connecting God’s Resources with Human Need

save the date For more information please visit April 14, 2018 www.missioncentral.org “Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of 5 Pleasant View Dr., these things to someone overlooked or Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 ignored, that was me – you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:40 (Peterson’s The Message) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

annual fundraising dinner

April 14, 2018 Camp Hill United Methodist Church 417 S. 22nd St., Camp Hill, PA Consider nominating someone for a 2018 Conference Award – deadlines are March 15, 2018 SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE AWARDS Presented at Annual Conference Awards Luncheon

AWARD/SCHOLARSHIP PURPOSE GIVEN BY CONTACT INFO RECIPIENTS RECEIVE J. Marlene Atanasoff Award Recognizes outstanding advocates of Center for Spiritual Rev. Dr. Russell Hart, Certificate of appreciation from John Wesley’s principles of mercy, Formation in memory of Center for Spiritual Formation the Center justice and piety Marlene Atanasoff, a [email protected] graduate of the two-year Ministry of Spiritual Direction program Bishop’s Award for Christian For a lay or clergy person who has Bishop’s Committee on Pastor Laura Kincaid Cash gift for ecumenical ministry Unity and Inter-Religious demonstrated outstanding Christian Unity and Inter- Chair, Bishop’s Commission on of recipient’s choice and framed Concerns involvement in ecumenical ministry. Religious Concerns Christian Unity Certificate of Recognition [email protected]

Howard and Elizabeth Brinton For an individual who is an active Conference Missional Curt Knouse A certificate, a subscription to Award member of a local UMC showing Board in memory of the Missional Board New World Outlook and excellence in mission support of the Brinton’s, missionaries in [email protected] Response magazines and a Advance for Christ and His Church Congo and mission monetary award to be designated interpreters with the Rev. Lenore Hosier to an Advance Mission project of General Board of Global Conference Secretary of Global the recipient’s choice. Ministries. Howard Ministries established and served as [email protected] executive director for The Advance

Harry Denman Award For one clergy and one lay person Foundation for Rev. Dr. Thomas Salsgiver, Certificate and letter from and one youth who show outstanding Evangelism, Lake Director of Connectional Foundation for Evangelism achievement in evangelism Junaluska, NC Ministries and Administrative Services [email protected]

The Flying Dove Award To recognize a church that goes The annual conference Rev. Michelle Bodle, An artistic depiction of the flying above and beyond in working for Peace with Justice team Peace with Justice Coordinator dove and a certificate Peace with Justice in the annual [email protected] conference One award will be given to the church that contributed the most financially to the PWJ fund (no recommendation needed.) One award will be given to the person or church that is striving to work for peace with justice in their community (does require a recommendation)

Harry Hosier Award For an individual or congregation that Conference Commission Plaque and letter from moves people from dependence to on Inclusiveness in Pastor Sarah Kim, Chair Conference Commission on independence; works with people memory of Harry Hosier Committee on Inclusiveness, Inclusiveness who are downtrodden and [email protected] empowering them; and helps a congregation move from inactivity to lively worship. Kim Jefferson Urban Ministry For a local church, metro ministry, or Northeast Jurisdiction Rev. Dr. Thomas Salsgiver, Non-monetary award; plaque Award cooperative parish and their Urban Steering Committee Director of Connectional pastor/director in recognition of in memory of Rev. Ministries significant and effective urban Kinmoth “Kim” Jefferson, [email protected] ministry. Office of Urban Ministry, General Board of Global Ministries Bishop D. Frederick Wertz For a clergy or lay person who has Lycoming College in Rev. Jeff LeCrone, Plaque, Medal Award rendered exceptional service to God memory of Bishop Wertz Campus Minister through the church who was President of the [email protected] College from 1955-1968

Thomas K. Cartwright For young adults as they respond to Enlistment and Pastor Adam W. Miller Cash scholarship Scholarship the call to ordained ministry Interpretation Committee [email protected] of the Board of Ordained Ministry in memory of Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Cartwright Jensen/Layman Memorial For female seminarians Susquehanna Conference Rev. Anna Layman Knox, Cash scholarship Scholarship Women in Ministry in Women in Ministry memory of Maud K. [email protected] Jensen and Karen E. Layman Earl N. Rowe Memorial To provide scholarships assistance Stewardship Foundation in Rev. Phyllis Bowers, Executive Cash scholarship Scholarship Award for United Methodist students consultation with the Director, Stewardship enrolled in seminary and/or students Conference Student Aid Foundation in their junior or senior year of Fund [email protected] college who plan to attend seminary.

Updated 1/18 SAVE THE DATE CAMP PENN 2018 SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE

June 10-15 Music, Drama, & Worship Arts Grades 5-12 June 17-22 Disciples Path Backpacking Grades 9-12 June 24 - 26 Double Scoop of Awesomesauce Grades 2-4 June 24-29 Fun, Faith, and Friends Grades 4-8 July 8-13 Spirit Adventure Grades 2-7 July 15-17 Mini Camp Grades 2-4 July 15-20 The Stuff They Don't Teach You at School Grades 4-9 July 22-27 Camp Survivor Prep Grades 5-7 Camp Survivor Grades 8-10 10,000 Point Race Grades 10-12 July 29 - Aug 3 Capture His Light Photography Grades 7-12 Camp New Adventure Grades 4-6 Christ's Motley Crew Grades 7-12 August 5-10 Arts Innovation Grades 3-7

August 13-15 NEW Club Clergy Pastors Select event based on the grade the camper will enter fall of 2018. events LISTED THROUGH GRADE 12 INCLUDE GRADUATING SENIORS. WWW.SUSUMCAMPS.ORG save the date GREENE HILLS 2018 Summer camp scHEDULE June 9-10 Dad and Me Adult/Ages 4-8

June 17-23 Children's Musical Theater Grades 4-7

June 24-28 Archery Adventure Grades 6-12

June 24-29 Soccer Academy 1 Grades 3-6 Soccer Academy 2 Grades 7-10

July 1-6 Kayak Adventure Grades 6-12

July 8-12 Exploring God's Creation Grades 4-7

July 8-14 Youth Musical Theater Grades 7-12

July 15-17 Grands & Me Making Memories Adults/Grades 1-4

July 15-19 Special Needs Ages 18-70

July 25-28 Impact www.snlym.com

July 29 - Aug 3 God of Wonders 1 Grades 4-7 God of Wonders 2 Grades 8-12

August 5-8 Faith Quest - Mini Grades 3-6

August 11-12 Mom and Me Adult/Ages 6-10 Select event based on the grade the camper will enter fall of 2018. events LISTED THROUGH GRADE 12 INCLUDE GRADUATING SENIORS. WWW.SUSUMCAMPS.ORG SAVE THE DATE MOUNT ASBURY 2018 SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE

June 24-26 Mom & Me Adult/Ages 4-8

July 5-8 Mother & Daughter Adult/Ages 8-12

July 9-11 NEW Grandparents & Me Adults/Ages 4-12

July 14-15 Mom & Me Adult/Ages 4-8

July 18-21 Family Camp Intergenerational

July 28-29 Dad & Me Adult/Ages 4-8

August 3-5 NEW Grandparents & Me Adults/Ages 4-12

Select a camp based on the age the child will be at the time of the event

WWW.SUSUMCAMPS.ORG SAVE The DATE WESLEY FOREST 2018 sUMMER cAMP sCHEDULE June 10-15 Fishing Adventure Grades 4-7 NEW Trailblazers Grades 8-12

June 10-16 Singin' It Grades 7-12

June 13-16 Post Grads Ages 18-24

June 17-21 Special Needs Ages 15-40

June 24-27 Mini Camp Grades 1-4

June 24-29 Base Camp #1 Grades 4-12 Nomad Grades 6-9

July 1-3 Family Camp Intergenerational

July 8-13 Camp Splash Grades 4-7 Best Week of Your Life Grades 8-12

July 15-20 Messtival Grades 4-7 NEW Crafts, Leggos, and Wild Sports Grades 4-7 Soaked Grades 8-12

July 22-27 Awesome Elementary Grades 4-7 Venture Grades 8-12 Rock, Raft, and Roll Grades 8-12

July 29 - Aug 3 Wacky Week Grades 3-7 Ignite Grade 8-12

August 5-10 Base Camp #2 Grades 4-12

August 8-16 Canada Adventure Grades 8-12

Select event based on the grade the camper will enter fall of 2018. events LISTED THROUGH GRADE 12 INCLUDE GRADUATING SENIORS. WWW.SUSUCAMPS.ORG Connect Hands, Hearts, and Minds Online — with Stewardship January 24, 2018 from 11 AM – 12 PM 0.1 CEU Available Money and Your Ministry: Balance the Books While Keeping Your Balance

Is your church facing a budget crisis?

Does your church fight about money—or keep secrets about it?

Do you and your leaders struggle with stewardship?

This webinar will help you lead around money matters with lowered anxiety and more clarity to cultivate greater generosity in your church.

Our facilitator, Rev. Margaret Marcuson, helps clergy and churches do their work What you will take away with you: without wearing or burning out. She speaks and writes on leadership and church finance, a new way to approach the money challenges we all face at church. working with church leaders as a consultant and coach.

Margaret is the author of Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry and Money and Your Ministry. A graduate of the Pacific School of Religion, Margaret was the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Gardner, Massachusetts, for 13 years. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Program Sponsored by The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation Please have a computer/mobile device with a web camera and a good internet connection; you must be online for the full hour to earn CEU credit To Register: www.umstewardship.org/events by January 17, 2018 Cost $10; Nonrefundable Connect Hands, Hearts, and Minds Online — with Stewardship February 7, 2018 from 11 AM – 12 PM 0.1 CEU Available

The Elements of a Year Round Stewardship Ministry

Create a stewardship calendar that gives adequate attention to different aspects of generosity such as capital giving, major gift appeals, financial literacy, special and designated giving and stewardship of time and talents.

Goals include the following learning objectives:

1. Develop a strategy to sustain year-round stewardship education in collaboration with laity

2. Empower congregations to practice and understand holistic stewardship Presented by Dr. Ann A. Michel, 3. Create stewardship ministries that go beyond a one week or one the Associate Director of the Lewis month fall emphasis Center for Church Leadership and Editor of the Lewis Center’s online newsletter, Leading Ideas, at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D. C.

JOIN US TO PRACTICE CONTINUOUS LOVE THROUGH YOUR GIVING

Program Sponsored by The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation: Please have a computer/mobile device with a web camera and a good internet connection; you must be online for the full hour to earn CEU credit

To Register: www.umstewardship.org/events by January 30, 2018 Cost $10; Nonrefundable Connect Hands, Hearts, and Minds Online — with Stewardship February 28 from 11 AM – 12 PM 0.1 CEU Available CELEBRATING THE OFFERING

Worship through Giving Your Role in Celebrating the Offering Setting the Tone Celebrating the Offering with and without an Offering Plate

Our presenter, Rev. Melvin Amerson, is a stewardship consultant for the Texas Methodist Foundation and author of Stewardship in African-American Churches: A New Paradigm and co-author of Celebrating the Offering, and Fruit for Celebrating the Offering. While serving as pastor of St. Lo United Methodist Church (now Norris Chapel UMC) in Houston, he was honored with the Small Membership Church Pastor of the Year Award for his leadership in increasing membership and the development of exemplary social programs benefiting the surrounding community .

Program Sponsored by The United Methodist Stewardship Foundation: Please have a computer/mobile device with a camera and a good internet connection

To Register: www.umstewardship.org/events by February 21, 2018 Cost $10; Nonrefundable

CRITERIA TO BE CONSIDERED TO RECEIVE FUNDING

1 Must be a program to feed or provide food for those in need

2 Please indicate the number of people served if possible and/or a description of your hunger ministry

3 Include a budget if applicable

4 Funds must not be used to pay transportation costs, rent subsidies, electric, telephone, heat or fuel

5 There is no funding for administrative costs or salaries

The above items are important for consideration of funding, but if you cannot provide all information, please submit what you have to the committee. Susquehanna U.M.C. 303 Mulberry St., Mechanicsburg PA 17050

World Hunger Offering Application for Funding Name of Congregation/Group:

Address:

*E-mail Address

Name of Contact Person:

Number of Persons receiving assistance from your ministry in 2017: 1. List briefly the services provided by your ministry to meet the needs of hungry people in your community and other needs of residents of your community. Number of years of operation

2. Briefly state how your ministry helps to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and in the communities of the Susquehanna Conference.

3. How did you fund your ministry and get supplies or resources to carry out your ministry in 2017. (List on the back) 4. List any additional 2018 Grants or Funding for food your organization will receiving or applying for through the Susquehanna Conference or other agencies (Please put üformation on the back of this form.) 5. Attach a copy ofcurrent budget for this ministry (if available)

6. Amount of your request from World Hunger Sunday Offering:

Return application by January 31, 2018 to: World Hunger Grant Flo Waybright's contact Information: 717-225- 5933 [email protected] c/o Flo Waybright 371 Little Creek Rd. Spring Grove, PA 17362 GRANT APPLICATION FOR SUSQUEHANNA CONFERENCE HEALTH MINISTRIES FUNDS for Congregations, Networks, and Conference Affiliated Agencies Requests for the Year 2018 Deadline: March 1, 2018

1. Congregation, Network or Affiliated Agency making request:______

2. Name, Address and Phone Number of Person completing this application:______Email______

3. If a Congregation: Name, Address and Phone Number of Pastor: ______

______Email______

4. What community(ies) does your organization serve?______

5. Describe the purpose/outcome of the funds for which you are applying: PROVIDE AS AN ATTACHMENT

6. How do you plan to achieve this (these) purposes/outcomes(s)? PROVIDE AS AN ATTACHMENT

7. How will these funds help you connect with a real community need? PROVIDE AS AN ATTACHMENT

8. How will these funds fit with the Conference goals as outlined in #2 of the Grant Funding Guidelines? PROVIDE AS AN ATTACHMENT

9. Amount Requested:______

10. Attach a copy of your proposed budget for the funds you are requesting AND your congregation's financial statement for its recently completed fiscal year. PROVIDE AS ATTACHMENTS

11. Attach the percentage of Shares of Ministry paid to the Conference within the last 3 years. Indicate the PERCENTAGE of your Shares of Ministry your church has paid. Year______%______Year______%______Year______%______

(The funds that support these grants come from Shares of Ministry. All funds granted are contingent upon your congregation's payment of Shares of Ministry.)

COMPLETE THE SECTION BELOW IF YOU ARE A CONFERENCE AFFILIATED AGENCY OTHER THAN A CONGREGATION OR NETWORK:

1. Official Name of Organization:______1 Susquehanna Conference, Connectional Ministries Grant Application for Conference Health Related Ministries Funds

2. When and Where Created:______

3. Fiscal Year of Organization:______

4. Address To Which Correspondence Should Be Mailed:______

5. Telephone No.______

6. Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN):______

7. Have Federal and PA Government Agencies determined that your organization is tax-exempted? YES______NO______IF YES, attach copy(ies) of exemption letters to this application.

8. List all Officers, Directors, Trustees and Officials in charge of overall management of your organization: (Include names, addresses and titles). PROVIDE AS AN ATTACHMENT

9. Attach a copy of your organizations' financial statement for its recently completed fiscal year, AND your proposed budget for the funds you are requesting. PROVIDE AS ATTACHMENTS ************************************************************************************

Signature:______Title:______

Date:______

Signature of Church Pastor______

Mail Mail Grant Application and supporting documents by March 1 to: Director of Connectional Ministries Susquehanna Conference The United Methodist Church 303 Mulberry Dr Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

DEADLINE - MARCH 1 Incomplete Or Late Applications Will Not Be Reviewed.

TO ALL APPLICANTS AWARDED CONFERENCE GRANTS All those awarded grants are asked to provide a one page summary highlighting the important aspects of the implementation of the ministry for which grant monies were approved. This one page summary is to be sent to Director of Connectional Ministries at the above address. A summary must be received by the Director of Connectional ministries by the end of the year in which grant monies are received.

2 Susquehanna Conference, Connectional Ministries Grant Application for Conference Health Related Ministries Funds

Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist Church Mission and Outreach Team

Health Ministries Grant Policy

Mission Statement Health Ministries Grants are a resource to help provide appropriate financial support for congregational ministries which promote the health and wellbeing of all God’s people.

Purpose The grants are for Susquehanna Conference United Methodist congregations, affiliated ministries and connectional ministries that offer programs related to the spiritual, physical, emotional or psychosocial health and wellbeing of individuals.

Grant Funding Guidelines 1. The funds that support these grants come from Shares of Ministry. All funds granted are contingent upon your congregation's 100% payment of Shares of Ministry. 2. Available money will be awarded first to new programs, keeping in mind Susquehanna Conference goals: a. Develop new places for new people, b. Strengthen, enhance, and continue development of vital congregations and transformational leaders c. Discover our “connectionalism” for the 21st century 3. As funding permits, consideration will be given to support emerging ministries that demonstrate success over a period of three years, with declining amounts each year. Renewals are not guaranteed. 4. Preference will be given to projects that focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. 5. Preference will be given to innovative connectional programs that are meeting a real community need in connection with other local ministries. Networking among churches is advantageous and encouraged. 6. Grant applications must be completed fully and must include all required supporting documentation. 7. Funds are limited. Applicants can request up to $5,000 per program.

Maximum Reimbursement Guidelines While we favor health ministries that demonstrate creativity, innovation and experimentation appropriate to the context, requests for health-related equipment in support of these ministries will follow these guidelines: 1. The initial training for parish nurses or community health minister - $350. 2. 80% of purchase price up to $800 toward the purchase of one AED per church, after submission of proof of purchase. 3. Up to $50 per person for official CPR/AED training that leads to certification, after submission of proof of completion. (Groups are encouraged to seek certified trainers who offer training at no or reduced cost.) 4. Books, brochures and pamphlets required to begin a program - $100. (Many materials are available at no cost from community and government agencies and on various websites.) 5. The purchase of appropriate age appropriate blood pressure apparatus to begin a health ministry program. We will support up to $40 per one extra large sphygmomanometer, up to $20 for one adult sized cuff; and up to $35 for one stethoscope. 6. The purchase of first aid kits - $50.

Expenses That Cannot be Funded 1. Utilities 2. Paper supplies and copying materials 3. Purchase of computers 4. Purchase of food 5. Honorariums for speakers 6. Replenishing supplies 7. Gas or travel expenses 8. Salaries 9. Facility expenses or improvements

Funding Notification, Unused Monies and Reporting 1. Results of the review process will be announced in writing as soon as possible. Grants awarded may be distributed in two or more installments. 2. Unused grant money is to be returned to the Susquehanna Conference if not utilized in the year that it was awarded. The request may be re-submitted when the program is ready to begin and will be made a priority for review. 3. A report that highlights the implementation and success of the new program must be submitted to the Mission and Outreach Team within one year from the date that the grant monies are received. Groups are encouraged to submit innovative programs and photos to the LINK for possible publication.

February 2015

THE PARISH PAPER IDEAS AND INSIGHTS FOR ACTIVE CONGREGATIONS EDITORS: CYNTHIA WOOLEVER AND DANA HORRELL—WWW.THEPARISHPAPER.COM

18 Questions for 2018

Tim Shapiro, from the Indianapolis Center for Congre- harmony? Satisfying the preferences of our current gations, believes that vibrant congregations exhibit a members? commitment to increasing congregational capacity. As 3. What size is God calling this worshiping commu- demands on congregations grow, clergy and laity strug- nity to be? Does our current building and location limit gle to “maintain agency over their problems rather or facilitate our size goals? Are there strategic decisions than the problems having hold on them.”1 Through the that we could make about buying or selling property or learning process, congregations can discover how to other assets that could benefit our long-range vision? solve a challenge that once outran them. Based on his 4. Are our programs, governance, and staffing consis- congregational theory of development, he explains that tent with our current size? Do we have a sense of how the first step is defining the challenge. The following we compare to other churches of our size in terms of exercise helps members identify their goals: what they leveraging resources for ministry? already know, what they still need to learn, and how 5. How strong is the desire for community among cur- their plan fits into the church’s overall mission. rent members? How does this preference balance with those who feel more comfortable with anonymity? Do Questions to Ignite Conversations these contrasting preferences inhibit decision-making Ask members of the governing board or any leadership about church growth, outreach, or staffing priorities? group in the congregation to review these eighteen 6. What approach is best for our congregation to questions.2 Invite them to select three questions they design worship experiences that meet the spiritual believe are most crucial for the congregation to discuss. needs of multiple generations? How does worship con- At the first meeting, take a tally of the questions that nect to the teaching ministries of the congregation? were chosen. This tally alone will indicate if leaders are focused on the same issues or are concerned about a quite diverse group of questions. Have a conversation about the three questions that received the most votes. Over the course of several meetings, help the group to identify their top questions or concerns. Next, assess the congregation’s level of capacity. Before taking any action steps, determine if the leaders need more information, training, education, or transformation.3 1. What is the distinctive theological message this church seeks to send? What words do we use to define our core values and identity? Do our pastor and lay leaders find agreement and unity around this message? 2. What will be the number one driving force for the allocation of scarce resources (such as time and energy of volunteers, staff time, money, building use) in the future planning of our church’s ministry? Local or world missions? Children’s ministry? Becoming a more diverse worshiping community? Maintaining 7. How committed is our congregation to continued problems. Does our congregation allow members to learning for adults? How many adult classes or groups express their fears and are there processes to acknowl- do we want? When and where will they meet? Who will edge practical realities in our future planning? lead them? Do we have a mechanism for the creation of 16. How does our congregation respond to disap- new groups or classes? pointment? Can we describe some setbacks and what 8. How many “congregations” make up this church? we learned from the experience? Did we find an alter- In a typical church, about one in three participants native path forward?4 regularly attend, give generously, and volunteer many 17. Will the passage of time expand our range hours in church programs and ministries. Another of attractive choices? In general, the best time to “congregation” consists of less committed members strengthen and reinforce ministry is the present. What who attend worship but who rarely serve as leaders or immediate actions would allow us to take advantage of participants in church programs. They tend to give only multiple options? when they attend. The third “congregation” consists 18. Are our congregation’s best days ahead of us or of members who demonstrate minimal involvement behind us? What evidence points to our “best days” as a and rarely attend. What percentage of your church congregation? Are our criteria consistent with our core membership falls into each of the categories? Has this religious commitments? changed over the past five years? What factors could explain these patterns? Could Something Be Better? 9. What proportion of the operating budget should Our theological views and commitments color the ways we allocate to increase the church’s visibility and to we think about the past, present, and future of our con- invite new people to participate in our church’s min- gregation. And as American churches embrace broader istries? narratives about our nation’s history, their own church 10. Does our congregation reflect the racial, ethnic, story reflects those themes. For example, historians find and economic diversity of our neighborhood or region? two distinct American “jeremiads”—stories of decline, If not, what barriers keep newcomers from becoming like the prophecies of Jeremiah.5 The traditionalist jere- active participants in our church? miad sees the past as virtuous and the present as full of 11. Are we a regional church, neighborhood church, problems. On the other hand, the progressive jeremiad or something else? What is our primary calling in this sees the past as the source of our best ideals or prin- geographic location? ciples, upon which we can build a better future. Both 12. What assumptions underlie our current jeremiads acknowledge our present problems. But the church-staffing model? Does our mission depend on traditionalist jeremiad asserts that the best approach to staffing at least one full-time ordained clergy person? overcoming present challenges is to return to past ways How might a bi-vocational, part-time, or second career of believing and behaving. Whereas the progressive pastoral leader enhance our effectiveness? jeremiad finds heroic examples of people facing pre- 13. What do we anticipate the church’s challenges dicaments and overcoming injustice. Both views reflect and opportunities to be ten years from now? What a tension between despair in the present and a hope ministries are likely to become more important or less for the future. Disappointment in the present is central important because of those changes? to the American narrative and central to what drives 14. What is the greatest impediment to designing and churches to take on their next challenge. implementing a new five-year plan? Is one of the obsta- cles a high level of contentment with the status quo? 1. Tim Shapiro, How Your Congregation Learns: The Learning Journey from Challenge to Achievement (Lanham, MD: Rowman Another possibility is a long list of attractive alternative & Littlefield: 2017), 4-8, xv. courses of action and the reluctance to choose out of 2. Many of these questions are similar to ones asked by church fear of making the wrong choice. consultants Lyle Schaller and Herb Miller in their ministry with 15. Does fear play a role our decision-making? For congregations. example, in some church locations, fear arises from 3. Shapiro, 36. 4. Ibid., 77. incidents of vandalism and crime in the neighbor- 5. Andrew R. Murphy, Prodigal Nation: Moral Decline and hood. In other instances, fear stems from a sense that Divine Punishment from New England to 9/11 (New York: Oxford the church lacks measures to address future potential University Press, 2009). Copyright © 2018 by cynthia woolever—www.TheParishPaper.com THE PARISH PAPER IDEAS AND INSIGHTS FOR ACTIVE CONGREGATIONS EDITORS: CYNTHIA WOOLEVER AND DANA HORRELL—WWW.THEPARISHPAPER.COM

Best Practices for Church Members Serving as Staff

Jean grew up in a large Methodist church in Ohio— • Members want to join the staff to get inside in- confirmed there, active as a young adult, and married formation or have a closer connection to the there. To accept a part-time job at the church, and later pastor. to go full time as the youth director, felt like a natu- • Pastors often supervise on either extreme of the ral fit. “But to be on that side of the fence, attending spectrum: little to no supervision, or micro- staff meetings, was different,” she said. “I was seeing the managing. magic behind the scenes that I didn’t know about. It • There’s no training support for pastors regard- was all about numbers. I still needed to be filled spiri- ing effective supervision techniques. tually, to learn and to grow, and all of a sudden it was a • Job descriptions are unclear, which sets up business.” conflict between the expectations of the pas- During eight years on staff, she watched things get tor as a supervisor and the member-employee worse under a new senior pastor and neglected her own who was not well-informed of her or his job spiritual life while running a large, busy youth group. “I duties. watched as other staff members walked out the door,” • Regular employee evaluations are either non- she said. “We were trapped in a toxic environment.” existent or not helpful. The birth of her third child gave her a convenient rea- Each of these can be remedied by taking the time son to leave. to be clear about expectations, having review param- Ultimately, Jean’s story has a happy ending. After eters in place, and following through on corrective a two-year break from her church employment, a actions. George Bullard,2 a veteran church consul- change in senior leadership improved morale. When tant, takes this one step further, recommending that the new pastor offered her a different full-time job, she accepted. “I still struggle with the balance of worship for myself,” she said. “You’ve got to be intentional about your own spiritual growth.” After everything she’s been through, she would still encourage a friend to apply for a church job, “but you have to be strong emotionally to separate the business side from the spiritual, religious side. I don’t care who you are, they don’t blend well.” Understanding and Avoiding Potential Problems Having done consulting in both church and corporate settings, Susan Beaumont1 has found that corporate employees are generally happier than church workers. The difference, she thinks, is that corporations tend to have very clear policies and require accountability from employees. Beaumont lists the following potential problems to watch out for: churches and member-employees work out a cov- church governing board should work together to enant agreement (“not a contract”) for one to three locate training options for the pastor so that her or years that spells out goals, roles, and responsibilities. his supervisory skills may improve. That makes it clear to both sides that the job is not a permanent entitlement and leaves room to renew it if Making the Decision the arrangement is working well. And this covenant Churches, with guidance from the pastor, need to works both ways. The senior pastor does have a legit- decide whether or not they should hire members to imate role, or even a responsibility, for the spiritual staff positions. Some churches refuse to hire mem- development of the staff. Whether they are members bers altogether in order to avoid situations like what of that church, a different church, or no church, Bul- Jean experienced. Of course, as Beaumont points lard argues that pastors “should focus on the minis- out, there are also benefits to hiring members, par- try of God and relationships of people to God, to one ticularly for program or mission positions, because another, to the community.” those members feel strongly connected to the mis- And if an employee obviously isn’t working out? sion. While there will be difficult decisions to make, as No matter the position a person holds, if churches Bullard argues, you can provide discipline or even let decide to allow members to work as staff, potential someone go in a way that is redemptive. For exam- member-employees need a clear understanding that ple, if a person has substance abuse or emotional their relationship to the congregation will change problems, “a secular business would just fire them. A from covenantal to employment. Additionally, for church has a responsibility to help them connect with anyone on a church staff, whether member or not, systems that will redeem them.” Bullard reminds us that “the principal relationship is one of employment, not pastoral care.” Pastors Not Called to Management Of the potential problems listed above, poor manage- Balancing Member and Employee Roles ment skills from the pastor can be the biggest issue A pastor or a church committee often want to hire for member-employees who see the pastor both as a someone from the congregation whom they already spiritual guide and as a boss. This issue is highlighted know, but clear guidelines are necessary to make the by Beaumont, who points out that “people don’t feel situation work well. Of course, many relationships called into ministry to do supervision.” Furthermore, between a church and its member-employees work Bullard argues that the “majority of senior pastors smoothly. don’t have an arena where they learned manage- Patti, who joined her Presbyterian church in Ken- ment skills.” This can cause conflict to develop in the tucky more than twenty-five years ago, accepted a church office, or the pastor may hand off manage- position as the church’s administrative assistant in ment responsibilities to businesspeople who make 2002 and is still on the job. The pastor “encouraged up the church’s governing board. The former causes me to set boundaries for myself,” Patti said. Patti’s the souring of the spiritual relationship between the biggest temptation is to jump in and do a job herself pastor and the member-employee, whereas the latter rather than delegating, but that is a tension of her own can lead to those businesspeople pressuring the pas- making. She said her role as a worshiper on Sunday tor “to allow business principles to overwhelm what morning is not affected, and that even if she has to should be a caring, Christ-like relationship.” talk shop with congregants, she doesn’t mind. Patti’s Ultimately, Beaumont argues that pastors need a pastor recalled, “I remember saying to our personnel covenant relationship with their congregation and an chair that Patti was probably the only church member employment relationship with their staff. Part of that we should consider. So the short answer is: it can work employment relationship requires pastors to under- if it’s the right person.” stand and employ effective supervisory techniques. If staff members are reporting dissatisfaction with 1. All quotes from Susan Beaumont are from an interview with David Lewellen. how the pastor is providing management (either too 2. All quotes from George Bullard are from an interview with much or too little), the personnel committee and David Lewellen.