May 2009 NEW Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church

Volume 9 Number 4 May 2009 NEW Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

being asked to sign the Code of Con- duct in an effort to reduce irresponsi- ble sale of handguns, illegal trafficking of handguns, and handgun violence. Heeding God’s Call’s grassroots campaign to end gun violence grew out of a January Peace Gathering hosted by Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, and Society of Friends - the historic peace churches in Philadelphia. The informal coalition now includes many individuals and faith organizations. Staggering statistics report that in 2006, more than 400 homicides were committed in Philadelphia, most with handguns. In Harrisburg, the per capita rate of gun death exceeded that of Philadelphia. Heeding God’s Call chose Colosimo’s Gun Center as the site of the Good Friday service, as Colosimo’s is listed as one of the five worst gun shops in the U.S. in terms of guns sold and then recovered from crime, according to the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Vio- lence. From 1989 to 1996, Colosimo’s sold 425 guns traced to crime: 10 homicides, 85 assaults, 30 robberies and 300 additional gun crimes. At the end of the Good Friday service, Pastor David Tatgenhorst and Rev. Mary Laney hold up the 10 point Code of Conduct in front of Colosimo's Gun The Good Friday service at Colo- Center in Philadelphia. An unidentified police officer (right) looks on as these two "Heeding God's Call" leaders present the guidelines which they want simo’s was one of a continuing series Mr. Colosimo to adopt to reduce the selling of guns to straw purchasers. of events organized by Heeding God’s Call. “The campaign will be carried to other Delaware Valley gun shops and the eventual goal is to have all gun Heeding God’s call to end violence shops in the Commonwealth to adopt the Code of Conduct,” said Bryan Miller, By Suzy Keenan took place outside Colosimo’s Gun the Philadelphia Area. At the close of a participant, and executive director of Center at 9th and Spring Garden Streets the worship service, The Rev. David Ceasefire NJ. Miller became involved in ood Friday was filled with mourn- in Philadelphia as a witness against the Tatgenhorst of St. Luke United Meth- Heeding God’s Call because handgun ing and a vigil over senseless devastation of handgun violence. odist Church in Bryn Mawr, PA, and crime in New Jersey is often commit- Gdeath. The Good Friday event was held as Rev. Mary Laney of St. Christopher’s ted using guns sold in Pennsylvania to That is, Good Friday, April 10, 2009, part of a faith-based campaign to pre- Episcopal in Gladwyne, PA, held up a straw buyers. “Heeding God’s Call is a when 300 persons attended an interde- vent gun violence – Heeding God’s Call ten-point gun dealer’s Code of Conduct. non-legislative advocacy campaign that nominational worship and vigil which - which is spreading rapidly throughout Gun dealers throughout the state are enables churches and individuals to get Continued on page 8 Funding ministry in challenging times by suzy keenan sylvania Conference Board of Trustees n these difficult economic times, will fund the program. many churches are struggling to just “Funding Transformational Ministry” Ipay the electric bill. A new Eastern is designed to be a different way of Pennsylvania Conference program will looking at “stewardship,” and moves help move churches from just “paying beyond the one-day workshop model of the bills” to funding transformational learning. The program is the brain- ministry. child of Jack Brooks, executive director Here is the astounding part. Church- of the Foundation. es that owe past apportionments have Brooks said, “Every church is trying an opportunity to have their entire to function efficiently in this difficult past-due sumSpirit forgiven by participating market environment – for some there in the five-step program. 20% will be are financial challenges, for other forgiven for each step completed by the churches it means their services and church up to 100% of past apportion- their ministries are being used more. ment. By relying on each other for support The program is not free, but it will and ideas, supporting each others ef- not cost churches a penny. Grants forts, learning about economics and 23 Asbury Protestant Ministry from the Eastern Pennsylvania-Penin- efficiencies - instead of each! individual students journeyed to Mephis for sula United Methodist Foundation and church starting from scratch – we can a mission of hands and hearts. the Dewees Fund of the Eastern Penn- See story page 9 Continued on page 9 2 September 2009 calendar of events www.epaumc.org NEW

p.m. Cost is $170 for mother and daugh- Tuesday-thursday, june 16-18 May ter (additional daughter - $75). http:// 2009 Annual Conference: Greater www.poconoplateau.org Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 In Memoriam monday, may 4 Station Road, Oaks, PA 19456. www. PRO - A Recovery Institute: Recovery saturday, may 16 epaumc.org. Specialist 7 - Day Training Series. Phila- Urban Academy: How Does the Local Spirit! delphia Department of Behavioral Health Church Enhance its Building Space in saturday, june 20 Mr. Frank Edward˜˜˜ Brenner and Mental Retardation Services at 701 Order that the Church Becomes a Center Heart Saver CPR, First Aid & AED Market Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, of the Community? www.epaumc.org. Training:American Heart Association Mr. Frank Edward “Ed” Brenner, husband PA 19107, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www. CPR, First Aid & AED certification class for of the Rev. Jeannine J. Brenner. Rev. Brenner pro-a.org thursday-Saturday, may 21-23 adults and youth age 15 and over. Cost: served the following appointments: Conestoga United Methodist Student Forum: $90. 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Carson-Simp- UMC and Milton Grove UMC (as retired supply). tuesday, may 5 The registration fee this year has been son Farm 3405 Davisville Rd Hatboro PA A funeral service was held on April 5, 2009, Order of Elders Retreat: at the Jesuit reduced to $75 per person. www.umsm. 19040 215-659-0232 . at Conestoga United Methodist Church. Mr. Center, Wernersville, PA. (610) 623-5781; org/studentforum. Brenner is survived by his wife, Jeannine, two [email protected]. monday, june 22 daughters: Darcy Brenner-Smith, and Amy WEdnesday-Thursday, may 27-28 PRO - A Recovery Institute: Recovery McChesney, and five grandchildren: Andrew wednesday, may 6 Basic Coach Training: 2-day Basic Coach Specialist 7 - Day Training Series. Phila- and Keriann Smith and Robert, Joseph, and Northwest District Small Church Initia- Training event for pastors, ministry lead- delphia Department of Behavioral Health Erica McChesney. Condolences may be sent to tive (Session II): Schuylkill Haven: First ers and laity. www.coaching4clergy.com and Mental Retardation Services at 701 Rev. Jeannine J. Brenner, 428 Rabbit Hill Lane, UMC, 420 Saylor Street, Schuylkill Haven, or [email protected]. Market Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, Lancaster, PA 17603. In lieu of flowers, memo- PA 17972, www.havenfirstumc.org. 6:00 PA 19107, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www. rial contributions may be made to the Cones- to 9:30 p.m. includes light supper. Dona- thursday, may 28 pro-a.org toga United Methodist Church Building Fund, tion of $3 covers meal. 570-624-1471 or PRO - A Recovery Institute: Recovery 71 Sand Hill Road, Conestoga, PA 17516, or the email [email protected]. Specialist 7 - Day Training Series. Phila- Milton Grove United Methodist Building and Im- delphia Department of Behavioral Health monday-friday, june 22-26 provement Fund, 2026 Cloverleaf Road, Mount wednesday, may 6 and Mental Retardation Services at 701 Lancaster Theological Summer Acad- Joy, PA 17552. A Clergy Day Apart: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lunch Market Street, 5th Floor, Phila., PA 19107, emy: 50% tuition scholarships for pastors provided no charge for the day. Pocono from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.pro-a.org for classes and workshops in the Sum- Plateau Camp & Retreat Center, RR2 Box mer Academy. Contact April Anderson at Rev. Charles Daniel Broadhead 2747, Cresco, PA 18326. 570-676-3665, saturday, may 30 717-290-8758 or aanderson@lancast- www.poconoplateau.org; email: camp@ Flea Market: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. erseminary.edu. www.lancasterseminary. Rev. Charles Daniel Brodhead, Jr., retired poconoplateau.org. Gladwyne UMC – Fellowship Hall, 316 edu. elder, on Monday, April 13, 2009. Rev. Brodhead Righters Mill Road, Gladwyn, PA 19035. served the following appointments beginning saturday, may 9 Call Joice Carr: (610) 649-1852 to reserve saturday, june 27 in 1951: Phila.: St. Luke’s Snyder Ave.; Scotts- Time Traveler Event: at Historic St. a table. Urban Academy: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ville; Tobyhanna; Phila.: Sayers Memorial; Phila.: George’s UMC, 235 N. Fourth Street, The Abraham Lincoln - A Wyndham His- Cookman; Phila.: University City, Calvary; Philadelphia, PA 19106, 215-925-7788 toric Hotel, 100 North Fifth Street, Read- Downingtown; Former Phila.: Tacony; Pottstown: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Reservations June ing, PA 19601; (610) 372-3700. (800) Salem; Former Drexel Hill: Covenant; Trevorton; required. 866-6855 or dorothy.watsontatem@ and Millers Crossroads. He retired in 1995. monday, june 1 epaumc.org Funeral services were held on Friday, April 17 at Monday-Wednesday, may 11-20 PRO - A Recovery Institute: Recovery St. Peter’s UMC. He is survived by his brother, License to Preach School: May 11 at Specialist 7 - Day Training Series. Phila- Burns Brodhead, a sister, Betsy Toohey, and 5:00 p.m through Friday May 15 at 3:00 delphia Department of Behavioral Health July nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent p.m and Sunday May 17 at 5:00 p.m. and Mental Retardation Services at 701 to Rev. Burns Brodhead, P.O. Box 8, Orwigsburg, through Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. Market Street, 5th Floor, Philadelphia, Monday-Friday, July 6-10 PA 17961-0008. Memorial contributions may be West River Retreat Center located at: PA 19107, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. www. Lancaster Theological Summer Acad- sent to St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 501 5100 Chalk Point Road, West River, MD pro-a.org emy: 50% tuition scholarships for pastors E. 8th Street, Ocean City, NJ 08226. 20778. http://www.bwcumc.org/con- for classes and workshops in the Sum- tent/license-preach-school. sunday, june 7 mer Academy. Contact April Anderson at Farewell Service for Dr. Alfred Maloney, 717-290-8758 or aanderson@lancast- Rev. Alan S. Brown Tuesday, may 12 Superintendent of the erseminary.edu. www.lancasterseminary. Going Deeper: Dealing Positively with East District: 3:30-6:30 edu. Rev. Alan S. Brown, 70, of Lancaster, who the Anxieties of Aging; 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Huntingdon Valley died Monday, April 13, at Brethren Village. p.m. UMC, 3470 Huntingdon monday-thursday, july 13-16 Rev. Brown served the following appointments Pike, Huntingdon Valley, Imagination 2009: Orlando, Fla. www. beginning in 1964: Lancaster: Otterbein, and thursday, may 14 PA 19006. All are welcome fummwaconvo.org or e-mail the national Grove. He retired in 2001. A memorial ser- Pastoring the Challenging Parishioner to attend. stmatthewtre- office at [email protected]. vice was held at Grandview United Methodist Workshop: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Cost: [email protected]. Church, Saturday, April 18. He is survived by $25 for those who pre-register, $40 for Tuesday-Friday, July 21-24 his wife, Connie; two children: the Rev. Andrea those who register the same day. 610- saturday-wednesday, june 13-17 Church Leaders to Focus on Children: Brown of Lancaster and Scott Brown of Her- 544-1400 or e-mail at [email protected]. Living Justice Seminar: Alma Matthews Indianapolis, IN. www.gbod.org or eford, AZ; and four grandchildren, Zoe, Thea, House in New York City June 13-17, 2009. contact Melanie Gordon at mgordon@ Jakob and Carter. Condolences may be sent to thursday, may 14 [email protected] or blouter@ gbod.org. Mrs. Constance Brown, 2142 Sherwal Ave., Lan- Retirees Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 gbgm-umc.org or 212-870-3850. caster, PA 17601-3020. In lieu of flowers, gifts in p.m. Iron Lakes Country Club, 3625 July 31-August 2 his memory may be sent to Otterbein, Grove or Shankweller Road, Allentown, PA 18104. monday-wednesday, june 15-24 2009 Academy for Laity: Park Ridge Grandview United Methodist Churches or to the Experience Israel and Jordan: Tour the Hotel and Conference Center in King of National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 Northwest friday-sunday, may 15-17 Holy Lands. Kent Kroehler or Katherine Prussia. If you have any questions please 9th Ave., Bob Hope Rd., Miami, FL 33136. Mother/Daughter Retreat: Check-in Spear (tour leaders) at 717-394-7231. feel free to contact me at brendatildon@ Friday at 7 p.m. Check-out on Sunday at 2 aol.com. Continued on page 3

Bishop Peggy Johnson - Philadelphia Area Bishop Periodicals postage paid at Norristown, PA 19403. Suzy Keenan - Director of Communications POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: NEWSpirit at NEW Sarah Young - Graphic Design and Layout EPA Conference, P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482. (USPS 19-604) Published 10 times per year. Making Disciples The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of Annual Subscription $12. The United Methodist Church Please submit articles for publication by the 10th of the month of Jesus Christ for the 980 Madison Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403 to: EPAUMC, P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482 or via email to [email protected] Transformation of the World

Spirit! NE W www.epaumc.org Bishop September 2009 3

A Word from the Bishop Spirit! ˜˜˜ Your Gospel Footprint

here is much being said today about carbon As United Methodists we are called to conserve. foot prints. We need to be aware of how our Wesley had very little of the world’s earthly posses- Tlifestyle and our use of energy and the earth’s sions. When he died he only left a few books, and resources leads to global warming and the destruc- one set of bedroom furniture. The chapels Wesley tion of our planet. Conserving energy, using alter- built were simple and multipurpose. Wesley even nate ways of transportation, growing a vegetable gave up drinking tea to save money. garden, changing our light bulbs to the energy We too can find ways to spend less on our clothes efficient kind are all some of the ways we can have and houses and cars and celebrating. We can less of a carbon foot print on the earth. recycle and use less disposable paper products. We What about your Gospel footprint? How much can honor people with gifts to mission instead of of God’s resources are you using up and depriv- buying more things. We can find ways of sharing ing a world of the salvation it needs? In this time our buildings with other faith communities and of financial crisis even more than ever the way we working together so that more ministry can get spend our money can be done wisely so we can give done. more to help the poor and spread the Good News. One of the best examples of keeping a small John Wesley encouraged his followers to raise as Gospel footprint is to give to the United Methodist much money as they can to help people. He actual- Advance Special Program of the Board of Global ly went out in the streets and asked for money when Ministries. Because we have apportionment dollars there was a needy person who was being evicted or paying the overhead for our administration we can had run out of food. He wrote many books to raise be assured that 100% of our gift to the Advance money. He had a number of rich friends that he goes to help the project we are supporting. Your would ask to support his ministry. church can be in a Covenant Relationship with a The Wesley movement also supported educa- United Methodist Missionary for $5 per member. tion so that people could develop skills that could Your gifts to “Nothing but Nets” can help prevent be used for the work of God. We too can learn to malaria. do more things so we can use these skills to help The more money, talent, service, or energy we spread the good news. Why not learn how to play make available for God’s work in the world, the an instrument, learn a foreign language, take a CPR more spiritual power we unleash to bring people to class, develop skills for building, cooking, sewing, Christ. or computer technology? The more we can do the more we can help.

In Memoriam Bishop Johnson announces the following

Continued from page 2 appointments, effective July 1, 2009: Mrs. Dorothy˜˜˜ Weand Misty Fuller to Philadelphia: Sharon L. Vandegrift to Extension

Mrs. Dorothy Weand, widow of Rev. A. Richard Haven Peniel UMC Ministry: Life Coach to Bridge-the- Weand, who passed away on January 7, 2009. Rev. Weand served the following churches from 1970 ev. Misty Fuller received her M.Div. degree in Gap Life Coaching Services - 1984: Former Phila: Mount Pisgah and Lansdale: May 2004 and is a candidate for a Doctorate of First. He retired in 1984 and served as a Hospi- RMinistry in May 2011. She was one of the Associ- ev. Vandegrift received an M. Div. from Princ- tal Chaplain from 1985 - 1999. Expressions of ate Ministers at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church from eton Theological Seminary in 1984. She has now sympathy may be sent to the family in care of her 2001- 2006. There she was responsible for leading Rcompleted life coach training and is a Certi- surviving daughter: Cathy Louise Weand, at 735 worship, teaching, specialized Bible study classes, fied Life Coach through the Institute for Life Coach Perkiomen Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446. preaching and providing ministe- Training and an Associate Certified rial support for the congregation and Coach with the International Coach- pastor. She was the senior pastor of ing Federation. She has also received Clearview UMC in Philadelphia in Ecclesiastical Endorsement as a Life 2006. She will become a Full Elder in Coach from The United Methodist 2009 Academy the United Methodist Church at An- Endorsing Agency Board of Higher nual Conference in June 2009. Pastor Education and Ministry Division of Fuller brings a number of gifts and Ordained Ministry. Rev. Vandegrift is for Laity graces to Haven Peniel UMC. currently serving as senior pastor at Fuller Haven Peniel UMC is located at 2301 Vandegrift Covenant United Methodist Church in July 31 – August 2, 2009 Oxford St., Philadelphia, PA. Haven Springfield. She has also served in the Peniel has been one of the flagship United Methodist following appointments during her ministry: Ambler: churches in Philadelphia for many years. They have Calvary; Evansburg; Ext. Min.: Swarthmore College, had a decline in membership over the years because Protestant Campus Minister; Trainer: Price Street; Ext. of death, members re-locating, etc. However, Haven Min.: Princeton Seminary; Ext. Min.: Un. Protestant Peniel is on the rise again spiritually and numerically. Ministry: Drexel, Pennsylvania University and Wesley There is a senior citizens residence being built right Foundation; Former Phila.: Roxborough:First; and across the street from the church. Elam. Haven Peniel says they feel a resurgence of a pas- Bridge-the Gap Life Coaching Services offers a practi- For more information including flyer and sion for ministry for our Lord Jesus Christ. There is a cal and convenient way for clients to set goals and do brochure visit www.epaumc.org. feeling of high hopes for the ministry at Haven Peniel the work they really want to do. Rev. Vandegrift works with excitement of a new pastor coming. with individuals as well as small groups. 4 September 2009 ACROSS THE NATION www.epaumc.org NEW Hoops turn fears into friendship By Woody Woodrick helped us find our mission, Spirit what is our purpose, why are ! hat started with the simple act of opening a we here,” she explained. “It is gymnasium door has turned into a ministry yielding tremendous growth Wthat has reconnected Broadmeadow United in people from all walks of Methodist Church with its Jackson community. life, not just basketball. The “The (neighborhood) population changed from program helped us evaluate older families to younger families in lower-income who we are. There are other housing and lots of kids,” said Liz Brister, a member things that have assisted our at Broadmeadow. “The youth in the neighborhood growth, but there is no doubt figured out (we had a) gym, and they came and asked this issue around race and if they could play. We started opening the gym to community and the struggle them.” and resolutions that have That was about 10 years ago. “About five years ago come from it have given new we decided we weren’t doing enough and needed life to our church.” to help them academically,” Brister said. The result Brister said the program was Books and Basketball, a leadership program that has sought to show the assists teenage boys with their schoolwork, but also young men the opportuni- does much more. ties available to them with “We started a tutoring program, but it has grown a good education. When into a comprehensive leadership program,” she they went to New York, they added. “We help them understand what leadership visited the offices of former means and how to solve problems in the community. President Bill Clinton. In But we’re still very tied to basketball; we’ll always Washington, they visited Teenagers with the Books and Basketball program at Broadmeadow United Methodist Church in have that link. Now we require them to go to tutoring Mississippi Senator Thad Co- Jackson, Miss., visit the White House in Washington in 2008. UMNS photos by Bill Brister. and do community service to play.” chran. “We’ve put these kids Neighborhood teens come to the church on Wednes- in contact with major leaders in business and govern- recalled an experience that made him feel proud of days, eat dinner, spend time being tutored and play ment,” she said. the tutors’ work. basketball. They have formed two teams that compete “We’ve just provided the kind of access that they A group of students he was tutoring was reading against other United Methodist churches in the area. weren’t getting at home because their parents are “Romeo and Juliet” and discussing literary terminol- Both Broadmeadow teams won the league champion- struggling to make ends meet by working a couple of ogy, principally the utilization of puns. “When the ships this year. jobs.” group returned the next week, they said that they As the program has grown and expanded to include Some 36 teens are in the program this year. “For were the only ones in class that had known what trips to Washington, New York and a post-Hurricane the first time, we see an appreciation for the pro- puns were.” Katrina mission trip to New Orleans, Broadmeadow gram from the youth,” she said. “We see an interest Miller is reminded of an event with her group as has also grown. in school like we’ve never seen before. We see where well. “(The students gave) everyone in my group a “They are an essential part of who we are,” said they think it’s cool to do well in school.” nickname. Mine is ‘Wonderwoman,’” she laughed. the Rev. Rob Hill, Broadmeadow’s pastor. “Those Now, in addition to basketball, the program offers Brister pointed out that 99 percent of the students who were once basketball boys are now in our youth theatrical training through New Stage Theater. The who become involved in the program graduate from group. Those guys aren’t just part of what we do program is funded in part by a grant from the Com- high school and then either attend a junior or senior outside the church; they’re participating in the life munity Foundation of Greater Jackson. Tutors for college or join the military. “They come because they of church. They are part of the confirmation class, the program come from the community and United do want something better for their lives. They may singing in the adult choir and a majority of our UMYF Methodist-related Millsaps College. About 15 tutors have problems, but this is their way of reaching out group. are part of the Advanced Teaching Writing class in for help,” she added. “They are an example of how to reach more people the Millsaps Writing Center. The class requires a Meanwhile, Broadmeadow has gotten to know its -- younger people and more diverse people.” service component and last fall a group chose to help neighborhood. Getting to that point has taken time, said Brister, with Books and Basketball. “Many of our parishioners live in the same neigh- who plays a key role in the program. When the boys Sophomore Ashley Miller said she enjoys the borhood as these kids. The church has become an first began coming to the church, she was reluctant program and “looks forward to it every week.” Miller extended family for these kids, and that’s what to invite them to attend services. She not only was un- works mostly with the high school juniors and churches should be; that safe place for people in the sure if the boys were ready, but also wondered about seniors, all of whom attend Murrah High. Miller at- community,” she said. “These kids are our neighbors. the church members. tributes the happiness and motivation of the students It has transformed our community. It truly has. We’ve “It’s taken time on both sides for people to become to want to do homework as the major success of the gotten to know the people we used to fear.” comfortable. We had to find out what it means to program. invite people to your church,” she said. “Now, we’re The program not only benefits the church and Woodrick is editor of the Mississippi United Methodist Advocate. grooming some young Methodists.” the high school students, it has had an effect on the David Williams of the “Purple & White,” the student newspaper at Broadmeadow has benefitted spiritually. “It has Millsaps tutors as well. Millsaps junior Michael Mohr Millsaps College, contributed to this story.

mini-casinos in restaurants w w w. s top v i de op oke r p a . c o m . around the world that keep himself and asked if he could The Nation in Brief and taverns across the state. people impoverished. Teens lead the renovation effort for A United Methodist Witness Youth fast today to and tweens from Medford his Eagle project. After devot- in Pennsylvania is a growing change tomorrow (N.J.) United Methodist Church ing more than 300 hours to the PA UM’s wor˜˜˜k to block coalition of faith, community The United Methodist and Epworth United Method- project, Kozak was awarded video poker and other organizations urg- Church, through a program ist Church, Elizabeth, N.J., the Eagle Scout Merit on March ing Pennsylvanians opposed called “B1,” is giving hundreds launched a widespread pilot of 28, and Szakacs presented him to this expansion of gambling of young people a way to do the program in February. with “The Good Samaritan to contact Gov. Ed Rendell and something about poverty. B1 Award” on behalf of The North their legislators. “The United stands for “one being, being Ohio youth receives Coast District of United Meth- Methodist Church’s position is one,” suggesting that every- national award odist Men and The Nehemiah clear: gambling is a poison that one has the responsibility Corey Kozak of Boy Scout Mission of Cleveland. hurts families and communi- to live with a sense of con- Troop 636 was looking for For information, contact ties,” said Stephen Drachler, nection to others. The cam- an Eagle Scout project, and Office of Civic Youth-Serving director of the coalition. He paign organizes a 24-hour Jim Szakacs, director of the Agencies/Scouting, General Pennsylvania United Method- urged United Methodists to fast from food, service to the Nehemiah Mission of Cleve- Commission on United Meth- ists are taking a leading role in contact the governor and leg- poor, fundraising for United land, needed help renovating odist Men, P.O. Box 340006, the fight to defeat a proposal islators through the coalition’s Methodist Advance projects a deteriorating sanctuary. Last Nashville, TN 37203-0006, or that could create up to 14,000 new Web site: and education about systems September, Kozak introduced go to www.gcumm.org. NE W www.epaumc.org around the world September 2009 5 Liberian tackles malaria prevention Spirit By Jody Madala and Karen A. Cheng to teach what they could about malaria pre- ! vention to the surrounding communities. s the project manager for the Child Survival Though mosquito nets were not available, Project at Ganta United Methodist Hospital in they taught the community how to cut down ALiberia, Zomonway is committed to helping im- the thick bush and elevated grass, and burn prove community health through malaria education cano seeds from the local palm tree fruit to and other life-saving programs. create smoke that acts as a natural mosquito His drive to serve the Ganta community was ignited repellent. The community learned how to after he was displaced during Liberia’s 14-year civil use nyanaleh, a sandpaper-type substance war. He came of age during those years of struggle, to make swatters and to close windows by which interrupted his plans for a medical career. He 6 p.m. The people were also told to move spent months in hiding, at one time taking on an as- dumping sites away from their homes and sumed identity to protect himself from soldiers who clean out areas of stagnant water. would have killed him because of his ethnic Mano Preventive care was the key to combating roots. malaria, so every focus group discussion included these techniques. Over time, the Beginning and ending at Ganta effort paid off, according to Zomonway. “Peo- Zomonway arrived at the Ganta United Methodist ple are clearly much more knowledgeable. Hospital campus in 1986 as a nursing student, and af- They can even tell you that it’s the female ter graduating in 1988 went to work at the Consolata mosquito that causes all the trouble.” Clinic in Tappita, assessing patients during intake. When rebels attacked the area on March 29, 1990, Net value Zomonway fled, walking through miles of thick bush Today, Ganta Hospital’s Malaria Outreach for almost a week. Program also highlights the proper use of Despite the war, Zomonway returned to Ganta in mosquito nets. Over time and with repeated September 1991 and began serving as assistant su- discussion, the mosquito net becomes a pervisor of the primary health care program, which “must have” item. Now individuals even sew served nearby villages. their own nets out of used clothing. As the war escalated and security risks increased, “This is just the beginning,” Zomonway the PHC team could no longer leave the hospital said. “We want to continue to build capac- compound to serve the Ganta community. By October ity. We started with limited education (about 1994, the conflict escalated to such a point that Ganta malaria) ourselves, but as we trained and Hospital had to close its doors. learned, we are now ready to lead others and After 14 years of civil war, Ganta Hospital is rebuilding into one of Liberia’s Zomonway found himself fleeing from violence show them the way. We know our focus and top teaching and in-patient health facilities. once again, but he kept his focus on serving people. have initiated our own process (here at Ganta An opportunity to return home came in 1998, when Hospital). Prevention first, not just treatment after. In these more peaceful times, Zomonway continues he received a call from Victor Taryor, a fellow-nursing We are seeing that process starting to work with more to work for the success of Ganta Hospital’s commu- classmate who needed his assistance in rebuilding discussions about the facts of malaria, not myths.” nity health programs. the hospital’s capacity. Zomonway’s team empowers Ganta communities Ganta United Methodist Hospital is working to By this time, Ganta Hospital was re-establishing its with knowledge and will soon distribute nets to com- restore its infrastructure and revive its health care community-based health program. The same energy munities that clearly understand the value. facilities following Liberia’s civil war. Donations can that drove him to persevere during the war was now be made to Hospital Revitalization, UMCOR Advance needed to build up Ganta Hospital’s community- ‘I want to do more’ #982168 and placed in church offering plates or sent based health care programs. By 2004, peace finally spread across Liberia. After to Advance GCFA P.O. Box 9068, GPO, New York, NY the long arduous road that Zomonway has traveled, 10087-9068. Credit-card donations can be made by Malaria education and prevention has he changed? calling (888) 252-6174 Part of his vision was Ganta Hospital’s Malaria Pro- He thought about this for a moment before answer- Donations also can be made in the same way to gram, which began in 1999. The community lacked ing in his rapid-fire, Mano-influenced English. “Be- support Community-Based Malaria Control, UMCOR basic information about malaria, and myths sur- fore, I worked just to get paid,” he said. “Now I have Advance #982009, which helps fund the malaria pro- rounding the disease were rampant. more ownership and feeling in what I do. And I want gram at Ganta Hospital and other programs through- Through the outreach of the immunization pro- to do more. We ask ourselves every day, ‘Why are we out Africa. gram, Zomonway and his team took the opportunity doing these things?’” Madala and Cheng are UMCOR Health consultants.

The World in Brief Liberian president sails memoir, “This Child Will Be al medical care,” says Robin ist Church from sheltering through TV interview Great.” Davis, executive director of Zimbabwean refugees in the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a Global Health Action, near At- heart of the country’s com- United Methodist and the first Community workers im- lanta. More than 1,200 health mercial capital. More than Empowering˜˜˜ women in female president of Liberia, prove health in Haiti workers have been trained in 2,600 refugees are awaiting re- Mozambique was poised, serene and smiling In Haiti, miles of bad roads Haiti since the program began location from Verryn’s refuge Many women in this remote through national appearances or treacherous mountain paths in 1982. Each provides year- headquarters in the center of section of Mozambique seek on United States television often separate residents from round health care to about Johannesburg, but estimates help, training and education even though her 13-year-old clinics and hospitals. The near- 100 families, or between 700 say the same number live on at the place they call “Tinga grandson gave her a “heads est facility can be a 10-hour and 800 children and adults. the streets around the church. Tinga.” It’s the Janene Penel up” about one of the talk show walk away. But with the help Global Health Action receives Two men were arrested April Education Center, a United hosts she was meeting. “He of U.S.-based Global Health support as a United Method- 7 in a police sting opera- Methodist outpost that offers told me, ‘You are going to be Action, in partnership with ist mission project and from tion when they went to visit hope to women and their chil- meeting Jon Stewart. Grandma The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women. Verryn in his office after he dren. A four-hour drive from you have to be prepared,’” she community workers are being had received several death Maputo, the center – built in said during her interview with trained to meet the country’s South African bishop threats. The men claimed 2006 with the support of the the host of Comedy Central’s urgent health-care needs. faces death threats they had been paid 30,000 Virginia Annual Conference – “The Daily Show.” Stewart, who “The good news is that prop- He has received several rand (US$2900) by unnamed offers classes in cooking and usually plays for laughs, was erly trained local community death threats and has been shopkeepers to kill Verryn. nutrition, domestic economy, nothing but respectful when health workers can prevent or under guard by South African However, police said the family care, sewing, garden- he interviewed Sirleaf on the treat 80 percent of the ill- police, but that will not stop purpose of their visit was to ing and computer science and April 21 broadcast. Sirleaf is nesses or diseases in their own Bishop Paul Verryn of Johan- try to get a larger sum from other vocational skills. on a book tour promoting her communities without addition- nesburg’s Central Method- Verryn. 6 September 2009 www.epaumc.org NEW www.epaumc.org September 2009 7

Planting Spiritthe! field

U.S. is world’s biggest mission field

seems to follow money and not people, according to he United Methodist Church in the United the Rev. Vance Ross of the United Methodist Board of States loses 1,500 members each week, a decline that Discipleship. “Wesley followed people and the money steadily adds to the country’s designation as “the seemed to come with it,” he said. “How can we get to Tbiggest mission field.” where people need the church?” The denominational decline is contributing to the Butcher pointed out that Path 1 “is not about sav- estimated 195 million “unchurched” people in the ing the church but about saving lives” and avoids country, now considered the third-largest mission being a one-size-fits-all solution. field in the English-speaking world and the fifth By 2012, the denomination wants to equip 1,000 largest globally, according to the United Methodist church planters to start 650 new congregations, Board of Discipleship in Nashville. which would then commit within their first 10 years “Not one county in the United States has a greater to beginning new churches, eventually increasing church population than it did 10 years ago,” said the denominational numbers by millions within 30 Rev. Tom Butcher, coordinator of Path 1, the denomi- years. The United Methodist Board of Global Minis- nation’s new church growth emphasis for creating tries will begin 400 new churches in other countries. faith communities. “The biggest mission field is in The church’s effort to re-evangelize America fo- the United States.” cuses on building leaders, investing in people and The United Methodist Church wants to stop that relationships, going where the “unchurched and decrease and reconnect with its past by planting dechurched” people are and collaborating with churches that reach more people, younger people healthy existing churches to create new places for and diverse people. new people, according to Path 1. “We want to regain our Methodist DNA of Congregational growth is one of the denomi- starting a church a day,” Butcher said. That daily nation’s four areas of emphasis — the others are church planting has not occurred for 40 leadership development, global health and ministry to 50 years, he added. “John Wesley with people in poverty — designed to help United was a church planter. He fol- Methodists commit their energy in ways in which lowed the people.” they can live out their faith. Unlike Wesley, The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference has a goal the founder of of planting twelve new congregations by the year Methodism, 2012. the church Article by Linda Green, UMNS 6 September 2009 www.epaumc.org NEW www.epaumc.org September 2009 7

Planting Spiritthe! field

Wanted: Church Planters Who are church planters?* o you have a calling to prepare the field, plant the seed, and harvest s Path 1 invites all United Methodists to help find 1,000 potential new Dthe fruit that comes with planting new churches? Across this land Achurch planters to support the annual conferences, the team encourages there is hunger for connections. Amidst our abundance, technological looking for clergy and laity with some key attributes and a deep sense of call- advancements, and cherished freedom, souls are starving for meaningful ing. relationships. More than 51% of our population has no religious affiliation, The qualities of a planter, according to the group, center on the three-fold and many of them are searching for spirituality, friendship, acceptance, demonstration of "Fire, Faith and Fruit." Laity and clergy must: love and care. Have a passion for the Gospel and compassion for people; believe in the The work of planting new faith communities is a sacred vocation involv- power of prayer; and be able to gather people to a vision and grow ministries, ing spreading the contagious joy of salvation: God loves us with extravagant businesses or programs. love, God entrusts us with the responsibility of showing extravagant love in Be action-oriented with a clear sense of God's call and vision to reach the our encounters with others. unchurched; Church planters are “missional pastors” because they are in a mission Be driven toward what is practical and what is next, practice spiritual disci- field, ripe with enormous opportunities to touch people’s lives with the plines and have an affinity for the targeted mission field. good news of Jesus Christ through words and concrete actions. Path 1 adds that, if married, a new church missionary must have a partner Church planters believe that if the gospel is shared effectively people who is very supportive and understands the toll that starting a new congrega- will grow in faith and service. If invited, people will form a community of tion will take on the family. worship, study, fellowship and service, where they can be nourished in faith Path 1's discernment process for potential church planters usually spans one and grow in discipleship. year and involves stages where the individual is seeking to answer four key In the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference we have a goal of planting twelve questions: new congregations by the year 2012. This is an ambitious but not impos- 1. Am I a new church missionary? sible vision. Our mission field is fertile and ready for planting. 2. What is involved in starting a new congregation? So, read the sign that is staked at the edge of the field: WANTED: Church 3. What am I called to do? Where am I called to do it? Planters. 4. Do I have confirmation? Do you feel a calling to step up and say, “Here I am Lord; is it I Lord”? Do For those sensing a call to plant a church, Path 1 offers a quick online as- you know of anyone in your congregation among your peers who have the sessment tool at www.path1.org/support.php. Learn more about the Lay Mis- necessary gifts, graces, and desire to plant? sionary Network by e-mailing [email protected] or calling (877) 899-2780, ext. If so, please contact the Rev. Dr. Irving Cotto, director of Congregational 7130. Development for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, 610-666-9090, Ext. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the har- 218 or [email protected]. vest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

You can help plant new congregations!*

Not everyone can actually plant a new congregation—or even be part of one. But the Path 1 team suggests ways that every United Methodist can be a part of developing "New Places for New People." Pray daily for new church start missionaries, their teams and churches starting churches. • Encourage potential new church missionaries to take the first step. • Contribute to support New Church Starts. Encourage our own• conference's efforts to start new churches. Read more about• these ideas and other ways to get involved at www.path1.org.

*Reprinted from Interpreter Magazine, March/April,2009. www.interpretrmagazine.org 8 September 2009 www.epaumc.org NEW

End Violence Peace with Justice Sunday Continued from page 1 June 7 furthering God’s shalom Spirit! involved in direct action with gun shops in s not this the time to share our Fifty percent of the offering is re- that seek alternatives to violence their communities – to save lives from gun bread with the hungry, provide tained in the Annual Conferences and its causes; support alterna- violence. On Good Friday we prayed for the Ishelter for the poor and set the and the remainder is forwarded to tives to war and militarism; shape families of those who have been killed in prisoner free? With proceeds the General Church. To obtain re- economic and social polices that senseless and avoidable gun violence. And from the Peace with Justice Sunday sources for promoting Peace with promote economic justice and the we prayed for the proprietor of the gun shop, offering, grants were awarded for Justice Sunday, go to www.umcgiv- self-development of peoples; or James Colosimo, to sign the Code of Con- the following activities: ing.org/PWJS for free worship promote restorative justice. Vol- duct.” Rock the World Advocacy Camp resources, posters and collection unteer in Mission trips cannot be The ten-point Code of Conduct is based on for middle school/Jr. high school envelopes considered. Individuals participat- a recent partnership agreement between Wal- youth at Gretna Glen addressed (see Support ing in educational activities related mart, the nation’s leading retailer of guns, how our United Methodist faith Materials). to peace with justice and advocacy and Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition. calls us to learn about ways to The Book will be considered. All groups or The Code of Conduct is intended to dimin- further the cause of justice for all of Disci- individuals who receive a grant are ish straw buying and the illegal trafficking people (2008). pline, 2008 expected to submit a report about it supports, thereby closing off the flow of LUMINA in Lancaster provided states that how the grant was used to pro- weapons into criminals’ hands. Straw buyers an educational program designed “Pentecost mote peace activities. are persons paid to purchase handguns by to help break the cycle of hunger celebrates Individual grant applications persons who cannot legally purchase the and poverty through nutritional the outpour- may be submitted at any time. guns themselves, and who often buy hand- education (2008). ing of the Group/organizational grant ap- guns in bulk for the sake of profit. The Ex-Offender Re-entry Holy Spirit plications are due on October 31 or Meetings and demonstrations staged by Program of Monroe County, Inc. calling for March 31 of each year. Be sure to Heeding God’s Call through January and supported ex-offenders as they God’s sha- check out the new Eastern Penn- February, failed to obtain Mr. Colosimo’s returned to their communities lom. Peace sylvania Conference Church and signature and adoption of the gun dealers (2009). with Justice Society Work Team website (where Code of Conduct. During demonstrations The Philadelphia Sabeel Confer- witnesses you can get a Peace with Justice during the week of January 12, two United ence provided a way for Christian to God’s demand for a faithful, grant application and instructions Methodist pastors, Rev. Tatgenhorst and Rev. Palestinians to share their stories just, disarmed and secure world” as well as many other local and na- Jim McIntire, were among and their work for peace and jus- (paragraph 263. 5). The Peace with tional resources related to justice twelve persons of faith who tice in Israel-Palestine (2009). Justice Sunday offering gives the issues) - http://sites.google.com/ were arrested in an attempt The Peace with Justice Sunday people of the United Methodist site/epacswt/Home. For further in- to block the doors - and offering is one of the six Special Church a voice in advocating for formation about grants, to become sales - at Colosimo’s Gun Sundays in the United Methodist peace and justice throughout the involved with Peace with Justice Center. The twelve will be Church. Observed the first Sunday world. activities or to join the Church and tried in Philadelphia on May after Pentecost, this year’s Peace Eastern Pennsylvania Confer- Society Work Team, call Reverend 26. Rev. Tatgenhorst said, “As with Justice Sunday offering will be ence Peace with Justice Grants Carolene Brubaker (610-692-5190). we are tried for trespassing on June 7. Future dates are May 30, are awarded to individuals and For Peace with Justice resources: McIntire and for blocking the doors 2010; June 19, 2011 and June 3, 2012. church/organizational projects www.umcgiving.org to Colosimo’s, we will try to put Mr. Colosimo on trial for selling guns irresponsibly to straw buyers. The twelve of us who were arrested have elected to defend ourselves in court, so we will talk about why we think Mr. Colosimo should sign the Code of Conduct.” The public trial will be held at the Crimi- nal Justice Center at 13th and Filbert in Phila- delphia beginning at 9:00 a.m. There will be a vigil outside so the public can be included in the witness against the continuing problem of gun violence. Among the EPA Conference United Meth- odist Churches that have taken a leading role in Heeding God’s Call as community organizers and hosts are Cookman UMC in North Philadelphia; St. Luke UMC in Bryn Mawr; Drexel Hill UMC; Hope UMC in Havertown; Grace Community UMC in Chester; and Arch Street UMC in Philadelphia. Participants at the 2nd Annual Bridge Walk for Peace commemorating the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Bryan Miller spoke of increasing community involvement: “Heeding God’s Call is new and growing and long-term committed 2nd Annual Bridge Walk for Peace to change in attitudes and regulations about guns, particularly illegal guns. We hope to articipants came from far and Liberties area of Philadelphia for the milestone anniversary and take this to other gun shops – working with wide to join the 2nd Annual an 8:00 AM clean-up project as re-commit ourselves to achieving groups of people on the Main Line, Chester, PBridge Walk for Peace orga- part of Mayor Nutter’s 2nd Philly the type of peace that Dr. King and Kensington, who will take the Code of nized by the Cookman Beloved Spring Clean-Up. The clean-up was worked, lived and died for,” Rev. Conduct and campaign to local gun shops.” Community Coalition of Cookman organized through Global Citizen's David Brown, a member of the Miller added, “If every gun shop in United Methodist Church. Dozens new MLK 365 program, which ministry staff at Cookman United Pennsylvania adopted the Code, it would of people gathered at 6:00 AM on extends the annual Greater Phila- Methodist Church and one of the severely diminish gun trafficking which April 4th to commemorate the delphia Martin Luther King Day Walk organizers, said. “The work would result in far fewer gun deaths. anniversary of the assassination of Service into a year-round civic to achieve Dr. King’s legacy contin- Heeding God’s Call welcomes any and all to of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for a engagement initiative celebrating ues in our communities. We hope be a part of the campaign. It will take the four-mile sunrise walk across the Dr. King’s legacy. this early morning walk and ser- involvement of many of the faithful to bring Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadel- “In 2008, we were able to gather vice project will inspire others to change to Pennsylvania and save hundreds phia. 400 people – including Mayor work toward a new day of peace.” of lives yearly.” For more information: call Following the Bridge Walk, par- Nutter – in the shadow of the Ben For more information, go to ticipants walked to the Northern Franklin Bridge to acknowledge www.BridgeWalkforPeace.org. NE W www.epaumc.org September 2009 9

College students open hearts to service Funding Spirit Continud from page 1 ! speed the process for transformational giving.” “In the past, stewardship was run as a one day seminar or component of one day seminar,” explained Brooks. “This program is significantly different. It starts with a two- hour workshop, and continues to unfold over an 18-month period of time. Workshops will be held multiple times within each district.” The initial workshop will open with a spiritual component. Then, David Napoleon, Manager of Financial Ministries for the EPA Conference, will discuss modern church budgeting, and will give practical examples for church use. The final component by Jack Brooks will deliver stewardship tools that can be used by the many different types of churches we represent. “We don’t have a giving problem as much as we have a gifting problem,” said Brooks. “This is going to concentrate on transformational giving. Historically people have given out of obligation or through a tithe. The younger generations prefer to give out of a desire to transform people.” He added, “People are generous in America. $300 billion was given away last year, with $100 billion of that given to churches and Asbury Protestant Ministry at Drexel University took 23 students to Memphis at the end of March for its annual Alternative Spring religious organizations. However, 15 years Break trip. Participants stayed at a United Methodist church and community center just outside Memphis, and worked with Habitat for ago, giving to churches and religious orga- Humanity in Memphis throughout the week. nizations represented half of the giving in America. We have to identify and re-ignite by Tim Emmett-Rardin and by the end we are no longer I hope with these trips—and the church as a source that people can give strangers. That is a gift. through all we do at Asbury—that through for the transformation of the lives of resh off our annual Alternative I especially love these trips students begin (or continue) to others.” Spring Break trip—this year to because they give me hope. I am think more critically about why Brooks will discuss some of the tools of FMemphis—I was flat worn out. inspired by the willingness of things are the way they are. And transformational giving: electronic giv- Camping out on a gym floor with students to give up what would then, seeing beyond what is (as ing, use of charitable gift annuities, how 23 college students is apparently certainly be a more restful, more God calls all of us to), imagine to discuss the topic of wills and trusts and not a recipe for good sleep. Neither exciting Spring Break elsewhere how they might be part of making estates, and marketing opportunities, such as is 36 hours in cramped mini-vans. in the interest of doing something things better for all, especially the bulletin inserts. Four days of hard work with good for someone else—in this so-called “least of these.” After members of church leadership attend Habitat for Humanity made use case for several low-income fami- Long after they leave Drexel, the initial session, the next step is to form a of muscles I forgot I had. My back lies in Memphis who will move I hope these trips push them to stewardship committee if one does not yet hurts. And I have a bruise on my into their new homes in May! consider how they might—in big exist. That team will design a formal stew- thumb where I kept mistaking it Admittedly, the work we do and small ways—participate in the ardship plan that identifies the individuals for a nail. makes only a slight impact in the ongoing struggle for justice and responsible for the program and the tools I was sore. I’m still tired. And face of widespread poverty in peace, wherever they end up. And that will work best with the church and its less than two days after arriving Memphis and beyond. whether they are Christian or not, members. back on campus in Philadelphia, Throughout the trip we reflect- live into God’s holy possibility for Steps three through five include six-month, Spring Term was off and running. ed on the Civil Rights Movement, their lives and for the world. one-year, and 18-month evaluations as a No rest for the weary. Back to work what Vincent Harding more aptly On the last day of our trip we barometer of how the program is working, for me, back to classes and co-op describes as “the Black struggle visited the historic Mason Temple what is working, and what may need to be for the students. for freedom in America.” We met where Dr. King delivered his final changed. I say all this not to complain with a local activist organization. speech on the night before he was Rev. Mike Netznik, chair of the Confer- but to reinforce the fact that, in We watched and discussed docu- killed. ence Council on Finance and Administration, spite of the mental and physical mentaries about the Poor People’s His words continue to resonate: hopes that this will have a huge impact on fatigue that generally comes with Campaign and the 1968 sanitation “Now let me say...that we’ve got future opportunities for ministry. He said, these trips, they remain one of the workers’ strike which brought Dr. to give ourselves to this struggle “Through this program, we can strengthen absolute highlights of what we do King to Memphis. We visited the until the end. Nothing would be our churches financially and be more effec- at Asbury Protestant Ministry at National Civil Rights Museum, more tragic than to stop at this tive in ministry.” Drexel University! located next to the Lorraine Motel point in Memphis. We’ve got to see Rev. John Laughlin spoke on behalf of I love getting students far away where Dr. King was killed. it through.” the Conference Board of Trustees: “We are from campus for a week - away What the Movement teaches us And then this, now after pleased to award a grant from our Dewees from the busy-ness and stress that is that long-term, lasting social journeying with Jesus the long Fund to help launch the program. We believe seems too often to define their and economic change requires on- road to Jerusalem, on the heels it will act as seeds planted in fertile soil, pro- lives at Drexel. going work for justice. It requires of Easter and the promise of new ducing a great harvest for our God.” I welcome the opportunity to all of us to get involved—and stay life: “It’s alright to talk about the Brooks added, “We are trying to help build relationships—to meet involved— beyond short-term acts new Jerusalem, but...(we) must talk churches fund congregational growth. It and get to know a diverse group of charity. To address the root about the new New York, the new all comes down to stewardship and trying of students. Some are Asbury causes as well as the effects of Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the to endow churches for a financial future to regulars and/or Alternative Spring injustice. new Los Angeles, the new Mem- better weather difficult financial times in the Break (ASB) veterans, but most are Still, ASB is a good starting phis, Tennessee. This is what we future. This is give and take. We’re looking strangers to me and each other be- place. It does make a difference have to do.”For more information: to develop relationships among our churches fore the trip. And most would not to the families awaiting their www.asburycrossroads.org. so when we hear good ideas or something likely have graced Asbury’s doors new homes. And I know it makes Pastor Tim Emmett-Rardin is director that is working well, we can respond in a way apart from their ASB experience. a difference in the lives of our of Asbury Protestant Ministry and executive that benefits everyone.” We have a good time together, students. director of the Wesley Foundation of Phila. 10 September 2009 www.epaumc.org NEW

Connect Parish nurses offer leadership in health ministries by Barbara E. Drake My own work as a parish nurse started the eggs. I still get kidded about mySpirit first Ten Thousand Doors with a week-long course in parish nursing. article, but UMM now offer cereal at their ! An innovative Web ave you ever been told you had Then I began to volunteer as parish nurse monthly breakfasts for those who want to site inviting a new high blood pressure?” asked in my home church, after approval of this eat less fat. generation into a life “Hthe parish nurse. “No,” replied position by the Administrative Board. Parish nurses assess the needs in the of faith and service. John, who had just had his blood pres- That was in January 1994, and my first churches they serve, and then try to meet Backed by a national sure checked following Sunday worship. activity was an article for the February those needs. Some will teach baby care advertising campaign, “Well, your pressure is a little high today,” newsletter in which I explained what I and parenting skills, while others will de- The United Methodist replied the nurse, who went on to explain would be doing, shared some thoughts vote much of their time to visiting home- Church on April that high blood pressure usually has no on heart health, wrote about the health- bound folks who are lonely. Health fairs 20 launched www. warning signs but often occurs in people ful benefits of loving relationships and might be used to serve communities lack- tenthousanddoors. who are overweight, inactive, or having healthy eating. Because our United ing in health services. Dealing with com- org. The site is part of difficulty coping with stressful situa- Methodist Men (UMM) had a long tradi- munity violence and child abuse might be the denomination’s tions. John admitted he was much less tion of serving family breakfasts with a addressed by another parish nurse. Rethink Church active since retiring from his job, so she menu of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and sweet The United Methodist Church has held campaign, which is encouraged him to find another retired buns, with plenty for seconds, I suggested four national conferences on health minis- using nontraditional man to join him in a daily activity such as in the article that perhaps the men could tries and has established global health as methods to reach walking. cook just one serving of bacon per person. one of the four areas of focus for all Unit- young adults and This scenario is becoming common ed Methodists. UMCOR Health now has a others in relevant around the country, as churches recog- National Parish Nurse Consultant, Sharon ways. nize that having a parish nurse can help Hinton. She has established the United the congregation carry out health min- Methodist Parish Nursing Network (an www.RethinkChurch. istries. The number of people without email listserv). For more information, go com health insurance is more than 15% and to: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/parishnurs- What if “open” were growing, due in part to the economic ing. The network is a place to ask ques- a verb? Rethink “open downturn and job layoffs. Parish nurses tions, share ideas, and find fellowship hearts, open minds, will have a growing role in helping to meet with other parish nurses. Announcements open doors.” This health needs, while promoting health for training, conferences, job listings, and welcoming ministry care reform that will enable all people to more will also be posted. of the UM Church receive the care they need. The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference helps churches open A parish nurse is a registered nurse will also begin a coordinated health min- to younger and more who serves the congregation and com- Barbara Drake, RN, MSN, Parish Nurse, takes the istry effort. If your church has a parish diverse people. www. munity in a volunteer or paid position. blood pressure of Pastor Mary Jane Kirby at Union nurse, please ask them to contact me at rethinkchurch.org One of the major responsibilities is to UMC, Havertown. [email protected]. If you would like to be a health educator who focuses on the establish parish nursing in your church, www.YouTube.com physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and Although the February breakfast had to be or would like to know more about parish See Bishop Peggy relational aspects of health. Parish nurses cancelled due to snow, one man jokingly nursing, please call me at 610-446-1394. Johnson’s messages in help folks recognize the changes in life- tells folks the reason for the cancellation English and American style that would help them be healthier was that the new parish nurse couldn’t Barbara E. Drake serves as Parish Nurse and Lay Leader Sign Language. persons. figure out how to remove the yolks from at Union UMC, Havertown. Watch for more in the near future. www.youtube.com/ PhiladelphiaAreaUMC Ministry with the poor continues in difficult times www.facebook.com by Suzy Keenan moving in. The four churches – Frank- move women from public assistance to Did you know that ford Memorial, Central, Rehoboth, and full employment. EPA Clergy have a rankford Group Ministries has been St. Thomas - wanted to help, but couldn’t “In a typical day, we see all aspects of group on Facebook? a beacon of hope in an impoverished reach too many of the poor operating our community: Latinos, African Ameri- EPAUMC Clergy FPhiladelphia community for more individually, so they formed a coopera- cans, and Caucasians, seniors and single than 30 years. In these difficult economic tive ministry. Frankford Group Ministries parents,” Rev. Carrero explained. “Now Other UM groups: times, 90% of its ministry with poor opened in 1973 with a food cupboard and couples are coming, too, because of lost • Global Praise persons is now gone due to city funding a clothing closet. jobs. It looks bleak for people who have • Rethink Church cutbacks. “Last year, we provided a total of over not prepared themselves for the economy • United Methodist Until last fall, Frankford Group Minis- 24,000 units of service,” said Rev. Carlos –many are struggling to find employment. Church Young tries (FGM) operated Frankford Beacon, Carrero, FGM’s director. “If a woman We find that we are constantly and gen- Adult Network an afterschool program at Frankford comes into FGM for food for herself and erationally providing emergency services. • Nothing But Nets High School; the Neighborhood Parenting her five children, it is counted as six units We would love to develop programs to • General Board of Program, now running under Methodist of service. Clients may come once a week move people from dependence to indepen- Church and Society Services for Children and Families; and for clothing; they may come once a month dence.” Service to Children in their Own Homes for food, which provides 3 to 7 days of “We are grateful for the United Method- www.myspace.com (SCOH), run by social workers trying to nutritional food.” ist connection. Many people thought we Connect with others keep at-risk children in their own homes. With the cutbacks in funding and pro- closed, but we are still serving the com- online and express Its Northeast Curfew Center, which took grams, FGM moved from its location in the munity! We do need help,” Rev. Carrero who you are. Does children to church instead of precincts at former Central UMC to the first floor of said. Partner churches that give consid- your youth group have night, helped to make streets safer in one the church’s parsonage. This is because of erable support include Lehman, New- a “myspace”? of the highest crime areas of the city. the high costs of utilities in the large old town, and Warrington: St . Pauls. United “Mayor Michael Nutter had to slash church building. Methodist Women donate new clothing www.linkedin.com many programs trying to balance the city “Our stats have increased by as much as collected through the yearly Ingathering. Make connections budget, as the city was in huge financial 25 percent. Since the economic downturn “Individuals with a heart for the least, with past and present trouble,” said Rev. Tom Brooks, pastor of it’s been terrible trying to keep up our the last, the lost are encouraged to volun- colleagues. Frankford Memorial United Methodist supply of food,” Rev. Carrero said. “De- teer, as well as confirmation classes, and Church. “We have downsized tremen- mand is up, but supply is down.” mission teams,” said Rev. Brooks. “If each www.twitter.com dously – we’ve gone back to our roots of Rev. Carrero is the only employee for church gave even a small sum or food Forget instant emergency services to the community. ” FGM, and he is appointed to this ministry donations, it wouldn’t take much to keep messaging, twitter In the early 1970’s, four United Meth- by the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference. us in ministry in this needy community.” instead. Connect with odist churches of the Frankford area of He is assisted by six young women provid- Contact: Rev. Carlos Carrero, Frankford family and friends. Philadelphia recognized that Frankford ed by the Transitional Work Corporation. Group Ministry, 1511 Orthodox Street, was changing, with many poor people They are part of a program that helps to First Floor, Philadelphia, PA; 215-992-5505. NE W www.epaumc.org September 2009 11

Racism, Justice & Spirit ! Violence Devotion eeking submissions from all over the world for a devotional to present a cre- Sative and motivational work that encourages people to intentionally think about the issues of racism, violence, and justice, and how they impact each of us, our families, churches, workplaces and society. Please consider submitting a devotion, and encourage your friends, colleagues, co-workers, church members and families to share this information and promote participation in the project. Your submission can be written to address the topics individually or collectively. Guidelines: About70 participants attended the Life in the Spirit Seminar given by Dr. Frank Billman at the Methodist Center in Kathmandu, Nepal. • Focus: Issues of “Racism, Justice and Violence” • Page set-up: • S c r i p t u r e / S t o r y / r e f l e c t i o n o f i s s u e Volunteers in Mission in Nepal • Identify action (needed or currently engaged in personally or in group) by Aldersgate Renewal Ministries Church Relations for ARM and down those dusty dirt roads. • Prayer Focus - Person(s) or issue pastor of Forest Grove UMC in At Tanmunna about 120 par- • Short prayer or many years the Hindu King- Joelton, coordinated the Life in the ticipants gathered, even though • Name, age, State, Country dom of Nepal (located north of Spirit Seminar at the Methodist the location was changed just two Please include your contact information FIndia and South of Tibet) was Center in Kathmandu, the capital days before. This seminar went (which will not be included in the book). closed to all Westerners. In the city of Nepal. There were about 70 well, too. Participants experienced Deadline: Sept. 7, 2009. 1950’s the first Westerners allowed participants. Additional partici- forms of prayer they never tried Send submissions to: into the country were Method- pants, who intended to come, were before. At the worship service Rev. Hilda M. Campbell ists, Dr. Bob and Bethel Fleming. prevented from doing so by po- there were eight visitors who had Director, Human Relations & Leadership The Flemings and a Presbyterian litical unrest in other parts of the never been in a Christian wor- Eastern Pennsylvania Conference UMC couple formed the United Mission country. The presence of the Holy ship service before, including the P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482 to Nepal, an organization under Spirit was quite evident through- bus driver. A man who had been [email protected] which different denominations co- out the seminar. After a presenta- paralyzed testified that the United 610-666-9090 x224 operated to do ministry in Nepal. tion on the Baptism in the Holy Methodists came and prayed for “Transformation is needed, not a debate, not a Within the past 10 years The Spirit, prayer was offered over the him, he was healed, and he left promise, action!” - Micah 6:8 United Methodist Church has people asking the Spirit to come Hinduism to follow Christ. A for- been planted in Nepal. There are down upon the participants as at mer Hindu priest and former idol now 40 churches and about 4,000 Pentecost. Some of United Methodists in Nepal. The the people began to largest of the churches has a shake, others began Free Trip to Nashville, TN membership of 400. Converted to weep, still others he Eastern Pennsylvania Conference from Hinduism, Devi Bhujel is the cried out to God. It United Methodist Men is offering ten pastor who started the UMC in was very much like Tfull scholarships to the “10th National Nepal and he is now the District early Methodist meet- Gathering of United Methodist Men” in Nash- Superintendent for Nepal. Nepal ings! When healing ville Tenn., July 10-12, 2009. This includes is regarded as a mission district prayer was offered free round trip airfare from Philadelphia to under Bishop Rudy Juan of the most of the group re- Nashville, lodging and registration. These Philippines, but financially it is sponded. A number scholarships are available to United Method- fully supported by the Board of of people then testi- Members of the VIM team connected to the EPA Conference. ist men of the EPC who are between the ages Global Ministries. fied to being healed. Left to right: The Rev. Frank Billman, Peggi Billman, Sue of 19 and 30 years old, with a maximum of District Superintendent Bhujel There was a 3-hour Fetzer, Rich Fetzer, Audrey Newton and Ted Newton. two scholarships per church. This “UMM invited Aldersgate Renewal Minis- worship service with National Gathering” runs every four years tries [ARM] to send a team to Nepal praise and prayer, testimonies, carver both testified to coming to and attracts over 5,000 United Methodist to lead the Life in the Spirit seminar Frank’s preaching and Holy Com- Christ. A woman whose daughter Men from across the United States. For more and Lord Teach Us to Pray seminar. munion. suffered from epilepsy said that information: www.gcumm.org, After much planning and prepara- Peggi Billman coordinated Lord the United Methodists prayed for We ask that all Pastors and men of the EPC tion work, on March 8th a team of Teach Us to Pray at the Tanmunna her daughter and she was healed consider attending this great gathering of ten boarded a plane in Los Angeles UMC in Sunsari, Nepal. Due to po- so the woman gave her life to Christian men. Think about having one of for a United Methodist Volunteers litical unrest, the location of this Christ. Another woman whose son your young men and your pastor go together, in Mission trip to Nepal. Six mem- seminar had to be changed from was mentally ill was prayed for by along with other men of your congregation. bers of the team are connected its original intended location in the United Methodists and healed Pastors will receive “continuing education with the Eastern Pennsylvania Con- East Nepal to Tanmunna just two so she gave her life to Christ as credits” for attending. ference: Rev. Frank Billman is in days prior to the seminar. Sev- well. A former Buddhist woman This would be a great way to kick off a new extension ministry on loan to the eral people had been killed in the gave her life to Christ and is now men’s ministry in your church. Tennessee Conference but retains original area. studying to become a United Meth- For further information go to the brochure charge conference membership Tanmunna was the first UMC odist evangelist. A study revealed or call Ross Brightwell, Pres. of the UMM of at Somerton UMC in Philadelphia. planted in Nepal by Devi Bhujel. It that about 34% of the people in the EPC, 215/643-1269 or rossbrightwell@ His wife, Peggi was on the team. is located an 11-hour bus ride away Nepal have come to Christ because verizon.net. Rich and Sue Fetzer are members from Kathmandu, about 15 min- of a healing. of Tabor UMC in Woxall. Ted and utes from the border with India. Frank has been invited by Unit- Audrey Newton are members at There are no paved roads within ed Methodist Bishop John Innis to Covenant UMC, Moore Township. miles of the church. The town is bring these seminars to the theo- Other team members were from made up of homes with bamboo logical school in Liberia in 2010. North Carolina, Missouri, Tennes- walls and thatched roofs. Our Aldersgate Renewal Ministries has see, and Virginia. minibus filled with white folks conducted these same seminars in Dr. Frank Billman, Director of was met with stares as we drove churches across the United States. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks 100 Station Road, Oaks, PA 19456 Annual Conference Speakers Schedule Overview Tuesday, June 16, 2009 Bishop Peggy A. Johnson Bishop of The Philadelphia Area of The 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. Annual Conference Registration United Methodist Church - Bishop John- 9:30 a.m. Clergy Session son is the pastoral leader for nearly 1,000 Laity Session churches in the Eastern Pennsylvania and 11:30 a.m. - 1:45 p.m. Annual Conference Registration/Lunch Peninsula-Delaware Conferences. She 2:00 p.m. Opening Devotions was elected Bishop in July of 2008 by the “Sharing the Connection: New Places for New People & Renewing Existing Congregations” Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference after Holy Conferencing having served as pastor of Christ Church for the Deaf in Baltimore for more than 20 years. Bishop Johnson 5:00 p.m. Dinner Extension Ministry Dinner will preach for the Service of Ordination. 7:00 p.m. Opening Worship (Communion and Offering) - The Rev. Vance P. Ross preaching The Rev. Harold J. Recinos Wednesday, June 17, 2009 Professor of Church and Society, Southern 9:00 a.m. Bible Study – The Rev. Dr. Harold J. Recinos Methodist University - Perkins School of “Sharing the Connection: Engaging in Ministry with the Poor” and Stamping Out Killer Diseases Theology - Harold J. Recinos received his by Improving Health Globally” B.A. from the College of Wooster in 1978 Holy Conferencing followed by his M.Div. from Union Theologi- 10:45 a.m. Retiree Recognition cal Seminary in 1982. In 1986 he graduated Noon Lunch from New York Theological Seminary with a D.Min. and in 1993 received his Ph.D. from 2:00 p.m. Holy Conferencing American University. He has written and published many 5:00 p.m. Dinner things including Good News from the Barrio: Prophetic Wit- Memorial Dinner ness for the Church (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 6:30 p.m. Memorial Service -The Rev. Vance P. Ross preaching 2006), “Evangelization and Church Growth: A Lesson from “Sharing the Connection: Stamping Out Killer Diseases by Improving Health Globally” the Barrios” in W. Stephen Gunter and Elaine Robinson, eds., Thursday, June 18, 2009 Considering the Great Commission: Evangelism and Mission in the Wesleyan Spirit (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005). 9:00 a.m. Bible Study - The Rev. Dr. Harld J. Recinos “Sharing the Connection: Developing Principled Christian Leaders for the Church and World” The Rev. Vance P. Ross Holy Conferencing Associate General Secretary of the Dis- Noon Lunch cipleship Ministries Division of the General 2:30 p.m. Ordination Service (Offering) - Bishop Peggy A. Johnson preaching Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Ten- “Sharing the Connection: Developing Principled Christian Leaders for the Church and World” nessee - Vance P. Ross is a proud native of Bluefield, WV. He was educated in Bluefield Public Schools and earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in Government/Youth Services from West Virginia Wesleyan College. In June of 2009 Annual Conference Mission Project 1985 he entered the Gammon Theological Seminary (ITC) where Donate items for Methodist Services for Children and These items will be used as part of the school based he graduated with honors. Rev. Ross currently serves as the As- Families (Methodist Home for Children) programs in eight schools and for the foster care and sociate General Secretary of the Discipleship Ministries Division This year, congregations are again asked to support residential living programs, which serves 600-800 children of the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, Tennessee. ministry with needy children and families by donating these daily. He provides leadership to the Family Lifespan/Hispanic Latino items: Ask your congregation, Sunday School, youth group, etc. Ministries Team, the Congregational Leaders Team and the • Gift cards from Walmart, JC Penney, Sears, Target, to support this mission project. Then please bring the items Conference Leaders Team. In addition, he supervises the Office etc. to Annual Conference and deposit them in the designated of Operations and Fund Development. From July 1998 to Janu- • Hygiene kits, packed in baggies, which should include receptacle in the Expo Center. ary 2004, Rev. Ross served as the Senior Pastor of the First United toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, comb, shampoo, and For more information on Methodist Services: www. Methodist Church of Hyattsville, Maryland. conditioner. methodistservices.org. Offerings at Annual Conference Please encourage your entire congregation to support these ministries of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, and then bring your offering to Annual Conference • Opening Worship: Hope for the Children, supporting children's ministries in Pennsylvania and Africa • Service of Ordination: Scholarships for Seminary and Undergraduate Students of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference • Nothing But Nets: A roving offering - Watch for Mozzy the Mosquito, who will "bug" you until you hand over $10. $10 buys a bed net to protect a family from malaria. Send a net. Save a life! Annual Conference Resources Online Visit www.epaumc.org to download a copy of the 2009 Annual Conference Resolutions, 2009 General Conference Amendments or the 2010 Budget.