E-News March 23, 2017 Volume VI Issue 12

Butler District

BUCKET LIST

E-news March 23, 2017 Volume VI Issue 12

DISTRICT CALENDAR

Mar 24 District Spring Party - Monaca UMC May 7 District Conference details to follow. June 15 DCOOM – reorganizational meeting

24-Audrey I. (Hughie) Orsborn 24-Evelyn June (Russell) Perry 25-Lois Sam (Christopher) Ciampa 26-Donald Dotterer Chance Kelosky 27-Emmett Anderson 28-Mildred J (David) Lutz 29-Maryann Long

APPOINTMENT CHANGES

Several pastoral appointment changes were announced in churches last Sunday. See wpaumc.org/appointments. Rev Robert Zilhaver Named DS: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi has selected the Rev. Robert Zilhaver, pastor of Lakeside UMC in DuBois, to serve as the Connellsville District Superintendent, effective July 1. He’ll replace the Rev. Bill Blair, who began serving as senior pastor of Indiana Grace UMC earlier this month. See appointment changes 2017 CONFIRMATION CLASS TOUR SCHEDULE

 April 21, Friday - Morning  May 12, Friday - Morning and Afternoon  May 13, Saturday - Morning Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Use the links above to the reservation form for the session you choose. Have a confirmed number of students and adults in your group when you register. Confirmation tour sessions fill up quickly. If you are unable to attend after you register your group, contact Rev. Greg Cox. PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS

 Please remember to keep in prayer:

 Continued prayer for Rev Chance & Chelsea Kelosky and their infant daughter.

 Pastors and churches in transition

CLASSIFIED

Volant UMC, 1100 Main St, Volant, PA Pianist wanted for Volant United Methodist Church. For the 11:00 service. If interested call Pastor Loren McQueen at 724-766-6754. Bairdford UMC – 387 Bairdford Rd, Bairdford, PA 15006 is looking for a children's coordinator call 724-316-8146

DISTRICT BULLETIN BOARD

Chippewa UMC upcoming event schedule-March-April A new session of GRIEFSHARE (Grief Recovery Support Group) began on Thursday evenings, January 12 and will continue through April 13, 2017 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. @ the Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. This special weekly seminar and support group is for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Registration is preferred, but not mandatory. For more information, please contact the Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org

Financial Peace University classes continue on Tuesday evenings through April 11, 2017, 7 to 9 p.m. in the Chippewa United Methodist Church, Wells Room, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. The benefits of taking this class are: it will help you turn your life around by helping you save more, decrease your debts, become better Stewards of God's gifts and help you to develop the spirit of giving. All participants must register online @ www.daveramsey. Please contact the Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website at www.chippewaumc.org .

Looking for a way to stay healthy and fit. Try "pickleball" at the Chippewa United Methodist Church, Community Life Center, 118 McMillen Ave, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Our court is available for singles and doubles players of all ages on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - noon and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. The cost is $5 per person. Please contact our Community Life Center at 724-843-4032 ext 3 for scheduling, others times, and more information.

Lenten lunches began on Wednesdays March 1 and will continue through April 5 from 12 noon to 12:50 p.m. @ the Chippewa United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. The cost is $4. Each week features a different speaker and a different lunch. Come and enjoy a community meal, fellowship and a time of Christian reflection with others in the community. For more information and to register, please contact our Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

Lenten suppers began on Thursdays, March 9 and will continue on March 16, 23, 30 and April 6 beginning at 6:00 p.m. @ the Chippewa United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Each week will feature a different menu. Come and enjoy fellowship with others in the community and a great dinner for a donation. For more information and to register, please contact our Church office @ 724- 843-4828 or visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

Just Us Girls Bible Study for girl’s in middle school, grades 5th, 6th, and 7th began on Sunday’s March 5th and will continue through April 30 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This study will be led by Susan Winters and Molly Suehr and held @ the Chippewa United Methodist Church, Wesley Room, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Come and enjoy fellowship with other young ladies in the community. For more information and to register, please contact our Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

Raised, based on a documentary, explores having faith, losing faith and then regaining faith will be a Lent Study led by Pastor Gary Hilton and began on Wednesdays, March 8 and will continue through April 5th. There are two opportunities to participate in this enriching study: 11 a.m. or 7 p.m. Classes will be held at the Chippewa United Methodist Church, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. For more information and to register, please sign up in our Welcome Centers or contact our Church office at 724-843-4828.

Gary Blum Sparkle Day will be held on April 1st from 9 a.m. until completed. Everyone is welcome to help beautify the Church grounds @ 2545 Darlington Road and 118 McMillen Avenue in Beaver Falls, PA 15010.

Saturday, April 8th starting at 10:00 a.m. is our Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on the grassy lawn by the Church parking lot @ 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. This is a free Church-sponsored event for toddlers to age 8. Donuts, juice, egg recycling will follow immediately after the egg hunt. For more information, please contact our Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

On Palm Sunday, April 9th, the United Methodist Men are having a Community Breakfast @ 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 in Fellowship Hall. Join with others in the Community after each of our worship services beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. to enjoy a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, fruit cup, and beverage. All donations will benefit our Kids Camp Fund. For more information, please contact our Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

The famed Beaver Valley Choral Society and Orchestra will perform a Lenten Concert of sacred music in our sanctuary on Sunday, April 9, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary. Come, and bring your family including school-aged children, relatives, friends and acquaintances from other Churches to this concert entitled: “The Shepard Becomes the Lamb” and be uplifted through inspiring anthems and musical arrangements performed by an outstanding choral and orchestral ensemble. There is no charge for attending the concert; however, there will be free will offering requested. Come early for the best seating! For more information, please contact our Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

Wednesday, April 12, from 6 - 7 p.m. is our Holy Week Children’s Program “Come, Taste & See!” which is a Hands-on learning center created to replicate The Last Supper Wednesday. This activity is for 1st - 5th grade students. All students must be pre-registered. This event will be in the B rooms at 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. Contact the Church office @ 724-843-4828 for registration forms or stop at our Welcome Centers

Services for Easter begin on April 13 with Maundy Thursday Services @ 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary @ 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. There are two Good Friday services with the first beginning at noon and a later service at 7:30 p.m. Both services will be in the Church Sanctuary. We will have a Saturday service at 5:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary and then conclude Holy Week with 5 Easter services. There are 3 services at our Community Life Center @ 118 McMillen Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA: 7 a.m. Sunrise service, 9:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. We will also have two services in our Church Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Please contact our Church office @ 724-843-4828 or visit our website at www.chippewaumc.org.

Thursday, April 20th will be our last “ALL YOU CAN EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER” from 5 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. We will be taking a break for the summer months and will restart these dinners in September 2017. The dinners are held @ the Chippewa United Methodist Church (CUMC), Fellowship Hall, 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 and include salad, rolls, dessert and beverage. Come and join others in your local community for a great night of food & fellowship. This is a free will offering with all proceeds benefitting our Youth Group. Please contact the Church office @ 724-843-4828 or please visit our website at www.chippewaumc.org.

April 25 & April 26 is the United Methodist Women’s Rummage Sale which will be held at 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA in Fellowship Hall. April 25 includes a baked sales including apple dumplings that begins at 9:00 a.m. and concludes at 6 p.m. April 26 is our $1 bag day sale. Please contact our Church office @ 724- 843-4828 or visit our website at www.chippewaumc.org.

Thursday, April 27th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., our United Methodist Men will hold their annual Chili cook off @ 2545 Darlington Road, Beaver Falls, PA 15010 in Fellowship Hall. You do not need to be a member of the Church - all men are invited to participate by bringing their special chili to share with others. A special time of devotion will also be a part of the evening. Please contact the Church office @ 724-843-4828 or please visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

Sunday, April 30th is our “Coffee House” event featuring Country Christian singer, songwriter and musician Russ Nottingham. A ticket to secure a dessert and beverage is required and our 2017 confirmation class will be serving the public. A free will offering will be taken to help defray expenses for Russ Nottingham. We welcome all to attend this special evening of great music which will take place at our Community Life Center (CLC), 118 McMillen Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010. To register, please contact our Church office or stop by our Welcome Centers (s). For more information, please visit our website @ www.chippewaumc.org.

Upcoming events at FAITH COMMUNITY, Rochester, Faith on 68 AND Riverview Churches

March 25 - Spring Craft Vendor Show @ Riverview UMC

March 28 - Free Community Dinner - Tues. 4:30 - 6:00 pm @ Faith on Jefferson

March 29 - Women's Cross-Charge Inspiration Reading Group - Wed. 6:30 @ Grand Valley Inn, Fallston

April 2 - Sunday between worship and after 11:00 am service - Farewell gathering for Pastor Judy Dye @ Faith on Jefferson

Implicit Bias Workshop: Implicit bias affects the behavior of all people, yet it's so deep-seated, we’re unaware of its presence. Learn how it affects you at a workshop sponsored by the Butler District at Ellwood City First UMC on Saturday morning, March 25. Get details.

You are invited to attend! Family Systems Workshop (Bowen Theory)

“Integrated Leadership: Spirit, Emotions, Intellect, Behavior” Friday, April 28 & Saturday, April 29 2017 A workshop for families, professionals, clergy, co-workers, teachers, medical personnel,

human resource and social service persons, anyone whose lives or livelihood puts them in relationship with others.

New Castle First United Methodist Church 135 Decker Drive Ne w Castle, PA 16105 [email protected]

724-658-5577 Cost $25.00 1 CEU credit for full 2-day participation Family Systems Workshop: New Castle First UMC will host this April 28-29 continuing education event led by the Rev. Bill Selby, founder of the Center for Pastoral Effectiveness of the Rockies. See brochure.

Butler First UMC: Care Team Training Event

The Care Team partners with our staff pastors to extend the shepherding ministry of Jesus to some of our most valuable people in the hospital and long-term care facilities. It is important that these team members regularly participate in worship, demonstrate healthy leadership skills, exhibit essential spiritual and relational qualities needed for lay pastoral care. This training is for those who have undergone a thorough discernment process (active church participation, spiritual gifts assessment, background clearances, an application and conversation with pastor).

 We are opening up our training to church leaders interested in exploring Care Team Ministry.  Place: Butler First UMC 200 E. North St. Butler, PA 16001  Date: Saturday May 6, 2017 (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM)  Cost: $20 (Lunch provided) RSVP by April 7, 2017  To inquire or RSVP please contact Pastor Barbara Stoehr: bstoehr@[email protected] or at 724-283-6160 CLERGY CORNER

A CLERGY TRANSITION SEMINAR for all pastors experiencing a change in ministry setting this year will be held at Dutilh UMC, 1270 Dutilh Rd, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 on Saturday, May 6 from 9-4 pm. Registration will begin at 8:30 am, lunch will be provided. Spouses are welcome. Childcare is offered to those who pre-register. Hosted by the WPAUMC Cabinet, Office of Clergy Excellence, and Office of Congregational Development and Revitalization. Register

Clergy Excellence: There's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment.

CHANGE OF LOCALTION - CLERGY RETIREMENT SEMINAR FOR CLERGY RETIRING IN 2017 Wednesday, April 26 from 9 am to 4 pm at Salem United Methodist Church, in Wexford, PA. This church is approximately 5 miles from the Conference Center and is located at: 350 Manor Road, Wexford, PA 15090; Phone: 724-935-1627. This is a gathering and information session for clergy who are retiring in 2017. Contact Alexis Soohy at [email protected].

Course of Study at United: After a year of consultation with the Board of Higher Education and Ministry, United Theological Seminary has become an Extension of the Course of Study School of Ohio at MTSO. United will offer up to 12 courses each year for part-time local pastors. Students attend weekend intensive classes four times a year and complete their work online within six weeks of the weekend intensives. The first group began classes this month. Get details.

Wellness Incentives: Employees and active clergy covered by the Conference’s UPMC health care plan should check out the wellness requirements and incentives for 2017 at wpaumc.org/2017HealthCare. Clergy Excellence: There's an updated list of continuing education opportunities at wpaumc.org/leadershipdevelopment.

Ministry Internships: This year ministry internships also will be open to college juniors and seniors in addition to seminary students. Learn more about internships. Download internship application Summer Camp: The summer schedules and registration forms are available for our three Conference camps -- Camp Allegheny, Jumonville and Wesley Woods. To see them, learn more about each camp and download information, follow the links at wpaumc.org/camping. Does your church send or help church or community kids go to camp? Tell us about it. Email [email protected]. Youth Ministry Info: Forms are online to nominate youth for the Timothy Award and adult leaders for Youth Worker of the Year awards.

Timothy Award application (Due April 1): The purpose of the Timothy Award is to highlight students who model the characteristics of Timothy 4:11-12 to their peers and those around them. Details & Form Youth Worker Award application (Due April 1): Must have worked with youth of Western PA for at least one year in the same setting. A church, conference, agency, camp or organization may nominate a person who is no longer working with their youth. Must be 19 years old or older. Details & Form

Youth Page application for 2017 Annual Conference: Download the details and form. (Due April 1)

June 6-11, 2017. Youth Ministry Team: Spiritually Equipping & Empowering Youth to See and Follow Jesus

Getting Comfortable with Discomfort: Youth from Western Pennsylvania experienced some discomfort about 10 days ago while watching the documentary I’m Not a Racist...Am I? But they got to look at things from other perspectives -- and talk about it. Learn more.

Youth Zim Camp: Applications are now available for the 2017 Youth Zim Camp. The dates are June 20- July 5. Get details and application.

YOUTH 2019 The next national gathering of United Methodist youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Ministries, a division of Discipleship Ministries, is announcing details of the event to give churches time to plan for their youth to attend. The national gathering for United Methodist youth takes place every four years. Read press release

SCHOLARSHIPS AND LOANS

Communication Grants: United Methodist Communications has established a series of grants and resources to support local church communications. Learn more about the grants

Scholarships for Christian Unity Workshop: The Council of Bishops offers scholarships for young adult (age 18- 25) first-time participants to attend the National Workshop on Christian Unity and United Methodist Ecumenical and Inter-religious Training. Learn more.

Registration opens November 1st Western PA Scholarship Form

CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER EVENTS

MAN CAMP March 31st – April 2nd. Men Ages 18 to 118. Come spend a weekend in the woods sharing in fellowship, teaching, worship, and other MANLY activities. MAN CAMP starts at 7pm Friday, March 31st and wraps up at 11am Sunday, April 2nd. $83 per Man. Meals and snacks provided. All lodging will be dormitory style, so please, bring a sleeping bag and pillow. REGISTER NOW! Christian Ashram: On April 21-22, Wesley Woods will host a Christian Ashram spiritual retreat on Saturday, April 22, with informal fellowship on Friday evening, April 21. Overnight accommodations available through Wesley Woods. Learn more about the Christian Ashram movement, started by Missionary E. Stanley Jones here For details on the Wesley Woods event, contact Amy Bunnell at 814-676-1765 or [email protected].

WESLEY WOODS WORK WEEK April 28th – May 6th. Spend all week or just a day in the woods helping us prepare for the summer camping season. If you have any specific skills, please let us know so we can plan projects accordingly. Call (814)436-7802 or email [email protected] with the number attending, days you will be here, and any skills you have.

YOUTH SPRING THING April 28 – 30. Identity – Who are you! For more information, contact Wesley Woods at 814.436.7802 or [email protected] Or REGISTER NOW

For more information or to register for a retreat, click here

SPRING WOMEN'S RETREAT April 23-25, 2017. Come laugh, learn, and be rejuvenated with Sue Duffield! Sue is a singer, songwriter, humorist, speaker, author, and advocate who loves to make people laugh with her off-the-wall Jersey logic and sacred sarcasm. MORE INFORMATION

FLY FISHING RETREAT April 29 - May 1, 2017. It's finally here - the fly fishing retreat you've been waiting for. Everyone is welcome to come for a weekend of learning, spiritual exploration, and fishing! Gary is a well- known fly fishing instructor and welcomes participants of all skill levels. MORE INFORMATION

MINI MISSION U May 7-9, 2017. Join us at Olmsted as we explore topics from this year's WPA Mission u (you need not have attended the event). Come to be refreshed, educated, and empowered. Topics will include "The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God's Good Gift," "Latin America: People and Faith," and "Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action." MORE INFORMATION

PASTORS' ACADEMY May 22-24, 2017 with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. Come gather with your peers as you learn and dig deeper into the ministry of serving a church. This event is in coordination with the Continuing Education efforts of the WPA Conference and is intended to help clergy meet their education requirements and fulfill their spiritual needs. Continuing Education Units: 1. MORE INFORMATION UNSTOPPABLE 2017 Will be held at Olmsted Manor, 17 East Main St, Ludlow, PA 16333. This is a change in location. The Olmsted Manor retreat center is filled with activities such as bowling and a landscape to intrigue the nature lovers. Registration begins at 1:00 on Friday, June 16 and the weekend of spiritual growth, learning and community with others will last until Sunday, June 18. The focus of this year’s event is “From the Bottom Up,” which will inspire young women with the topics: organization, successfulness and world issues. Find us at www.wpaumc.org/unstoppable or follow us on Facebook and Twitter by searching @umwunstoppable.

OLDER ADULT RETREAT July 17-21, 2017 (Mon. dinner – Friday lunch)

Theme: “Stained Glass Windows: Letting God’s Holy Spirit Shine!” Deans: Mrs. Lois Hiles and Mrs. Glenda Merritt Bible Teacher: Rev. Bruce K. Merritt Music Director: Robin Swank Cost: Tuition: $16.00 + Room and Board: $264 = $280 Price includes class, 4 nights stay, 12 meals, evening entertainment Camperships available for first time attenders! For more information: Olmsted Manor P.O. Box 8, Ludlow, Pa. 16333 814-945-6512 [email protected] www.olmstedmanor.org

SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE This summer's camp schedule and registration form is ready! Start your summer plans today by visiting the Jumonville website. You can give the gift of a summer camp experience to your child, grandchild, neighbor, or friend. Complete an online form here and you will receive the gift certificate in the mail to give it as a gift. That person's camp account will be credited with the amount of the gift certificate.

If you prefer, you can download this pdf file. Print the pdf file, complete it, and mail it to Jumonville with your check. We will then follow up by mailing your Gift Certificate to the address that you provide.

Family Autism Retreat at Jumonville Camp - September 22-24, 2017. This weekend retreat allows families of children living with autism to enjoy a mountaintop experience that will combine coveted parental free time with an opportunity for quality family time. Hope is provided through time for worship, rest and relaxation in a safe Christian setting capable of caring for children with Autism. All ages are welcome! Registration deadline September 15, 2017. Brochure/registration form or Register online CHERRY RUN CAMPMEETING is Saturday, July 29-Sunday, August 6, 2017. Information to be announced. SHORT-TERM MISSION PROJECT OPPORTUNITY AT CHERRY RUN CAMP This Franklin District camp is always in need of adult volunteers to help with the work of the camp. Working and helping at Cherry Run is a great short-term local mission project for church groups or for individuals. Work one day or as many as you are able.

Cherry Run Camp especially needs volunteers to help the week prior to camp to clean and prepare the grounds and buildings for camp. They are also looking for volunteers to serve in the kitchen during camp. They have a camp cook who plans and buys for the camp, but he needs extra hands to prepare and to serve the meals. Individual volunteers or a team of four individuals are needed each day to assist the cook.

Your help is greatly sought-after and appreciated. For more information or to volunteer, contact Judy McQueen, Cherry Run Camp meeting Board Member at 724-846-7565 or [email protected]. CAMP ALLEGHENY SUMMER 2017 HELP NEEDED Wranglers, maintenance, male counselors, photographer and Jr. Staff(16-17 year olds) needed. To learn more about job openings or to register for camp, click here. Camp Help Wanted: Camp Allegheny is looking for wranglers, maintenance, male counselors, a photographer and Jr. Staff(16-17 year olds) for Summer 2017. To learn more, apply or register for camp, visit campallegheny.org. ******************************************************************************** *

Pastors' Academy at Olmsted Manor May 22-24, 2017 with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. Come gather with your peers as you learn and dig deeper into the ministry of serving a church. This event is in coordination with the Continuing Education efforts of the WPA Conference and is intended to help clergy meet their education requirements and fulfill their spiritual needs. Continuing Education Units: 1

CONFERENCE NEWS

HARRY DENMAN AWARDS At Annual Conference each year, the Evangelism Team honors three persons who possess a desire to increase the Kingdom of God with the Harry Denman Award. The Categories are Clergy, Youth and Laity. The Team encourages congregations to nominate candidates for these awards now so they may be recognized at our 2017 Annual Conference. What distinguishes a Harry Denman Award recipient is an on-going commitment to introduce others to the good news of Jesus Christ in various ministry settings. They will be recognized for help numbers of people ignite or re-ignite their faith journey. Does your pastor fit that description? Is there a youth or lay-person in your church who needs to be considered? Then, please, begin the nomination process.

You can download nomination forms from the following website: www.foundationforevangelism.org. The Evangelism Team asks for all nominations to be in by May 5. We need time to make our selections and order the awards from the Foundation of Evangelism. If you have nominated someone before and they were not selected, please try again. Help the Evangelism Team honor folks who deserve recognition for the Kingdom-work they are performing. If you have question or trouble downloading the forms, call Pastor Al Kimmel at 814-758-3667. Submit your nomination via email at this address: [email protected] or send them to Pastor Al Kimmel, Herminie UMC, 3365 Pike Street, Herminie, PA 15637. Please mark “Denman Award” on the envelope.

INTERNSHIPS FOR SEMINARY STUDENTS These newly focused internships are offered to current seminary students and provide a place for participants to deepen their sense of call and explore their gifts. Internships are an excellent way for the Church to provide the space needed for young people to explore what it means to be called to ministry and the various forms that can take. Won’t you consider making that investment by hosting an intern? If you are still trying to understand your own sense of call, is now the time to respond? Host site applications for summer 2017, as well as applications to serve as an intern can be found at http://www.wpaumc.org/CalltoMinistry. For more information, email [email protected]. - 2017 Ministry Internship Application - Host Site Application for Ministry Intern

UMVIM/UMCOR TRAINING ACADEMY Registration is open for the Northeast Jurisdiction’s 2017 Academy, set for March 26-29 at Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center in Cresco, PA. Get details

UMCOR Sunday? Formerly known as One Great Hour of Sharing, this church-wide Special Sunday is March 26. It supports operations of UMCOR so the church is ready to respond when disaster strikes. Download resources to promote UMCOR Sunday. CHILDREN’S MINISTRY CONFERENCE Saturday, April 29 from 8:30am-3:30pm, doors open at 8; First UM Church, 1102 Liberty St., Franklin. Child Evangelism Fellowship will be hosting this event featuring a guest speaker and break-out sessions geared to equipping attendees with valuable tools for reaching children with the Gospel message. If you would like more info, contact CEF director Kelly O’Hara at 814-676- 6319.

Thrive - Ministry on the Edge

April 30 – May 2, 2017 Double Tree by Hilton, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205 Cutting Edge Speakers Interactive Breakouts Travel/Lodging - Book Room now

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION OF UM CHURCH SECRETARIES Registration is open for the association’s annual gathering for church secretaries. It’s May 4-6, 2017 in Chicago. Encourage your church secretary to attend. Get details.

LIFE-CHANGING MEN’S GATHERING About 1,000 men are expected to come together for worship, workshops, service and fellowship at the National Gathering of United Methodist Men on July 7- 8. Held at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis, the event will inspire attendees to embrace new possibilities for ministry and discipleship. Learn more. Go to UMM event website

July 27-30

Mission u is an annual event offering opportunities for adults, youth and children to grow spiritually, learn about issues affecting society and experience Christian mission in its many forms. New in 2017 is a Mission in Action option; participants will travel to work sites each morning and return to the Cal u campus for afternoon/evening classes or activities.

Youth Mission u for youth in grades 6-12 begins two days before the main event to allow more time for building relationships and serving neighbors through hands-on work.

Mission u is sponsored jointly by the Conference Global Ministries team and the United Methodist Women. Set up as a long weekend at California University of Pennsylvania, it begins on Thursday evening, but the schedule allows for participation for those who can't arrive until Friday. Families are encouraged to attend and discount rates are offered for family members who room together. For more details, click here WRITING WORKSHOP with Maureen Ryan Griffin, August 4-6, 2016 We invite you to come and explore the benefits writing can provide—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our time together will be ideal for beginners as well as for seasoned writers as we explore the renewal and deepening of our relationship with God, self, others, and the world. MORE INFORMATION

The 5th Annual Faith Night will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017. Enjoy discounted tickets for the Pirates-Cardinals game at 7:05 pm and stay after the game to hear from Manager Clint Hurdle and many more Pirates Players and Coaches discuss how faith has impacted their lives, both on and off the field. The Faith Night presentation will last approximately 45 minutes. Early bird pricing for groups of 15 or more. Contact Chad Glover at (412) 325-4756 or [email protected] or Ryan Vizzini at (412) 325-4777 or [email protected] .

Generosity and Stewardship Conference: This August 6-9 conference at Lakeside Chautauqua in Ohio will feature the Rev. Dr. Clayton Smith, Executive Minister for Generosity at Church of the Resurrection and author of At the Crossroads: Leadership Lessons for the Second Half of Life and J. Clif Christopher, president and founder of Horizons and author of Whose Offering Plate Is It? Get details.

RESOURCES

NEW RESOURCES Interpreter magazine has a listing of several new Lenten resources from The Upper Room, Abingdon Press and others. Read it.

Get Creative with Men’s Ministry! Start thinking outside the box to help the men in your community engage with your church. UM Communications offers 5 Out-of-the Box Ideas. Build Relationships with Police: Baltimore pastor Tony Hunt says congregations need to work proactively to strengthen community relations and build trust with police and public officials, He provides 10 ways to do this. Read more. How to Market Your Church: The new MyCom podcast teaches communities of faith how to effectively find their audience and share their story with the world. Episode one explores the fundamentals. Listen WEBINARS

See full list of upcoming webinars at gbod.org/webinars DISASTER RESPONSE Spring, Summer Volunteers Needed in Connellsville: The Connellsville Flood Recovery Center still has 109 active cases in the aftermath of flooding last August. Volunteer assistance is needed for repair and rebuilding work at many of those homes. UM volunteers from several districts, including Erie, Butler, Connellsville, Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Johnstown have helped.. Housing and hospitality for teams serving multiple days is available, but one-day teams are common. One team from Latrobe UMC serves once a month! Volunteers can register online at connellsvillevolunteers.org/2016/09/08/how-to-volunteer/ or email [email protected]. Give monetary donations to WPA Disaster Response (Advance Special #DR0000911) for the response, including supplies, administration and volunteer support, and direct assistance to survivors of the Connellsville area.

UMCOR Kits Cleaning buckets, health kit, and bedding kit ingredients can be gathered by local communities and congregations. UMCOR kits can be received at Eastbrook Mission Barn, at the Conference Center or at one of the official Mission Barn sub-depots. Eastbrook Mission Barn is on call to deploy their kits through the UMCOR Relief Supply Network through their national system. Kits collected in UMCOR's name are UMCOR property and unverified kits cannot be given out in UMCOR's name by local groups.

MISSION

UMVIM-UMCOR Academy: Eleven people from Western PA will attend the Northeastern Jurisdiction’s UMVIM-UMCOR Academy at Pocono-Plateau Camp outside Scranton next week. UMCOR staff will provide training on various stages of Disaster Response, Spiritual and Emotional Care Teams, and Connecting Neighbors. Other presenters from GCORR, UMC's Global Health Initiative, the new UM Center for Mission Innovation, and the Polis Institute will focus on topics that intersect with the mission of disaster response and community development in our multi- cultural world. UMCOR Sunday is March 26! Offerings on UMCOR Sunday underwrite the cost of doing business for our denomination’s relief agency, which helps to ensure that 100 percent of gifts given to address a specific need go to that need. See UMCOR Explainer video

Check out these ways to serve in Western Pennsylvania:

Uth4Mission – Summer 2017: www.wpaumc.org/youth Hands-on service, worship, and fellowship for Youth 6 – 12th grade at Pitt at Johnstown. Estimated cost: $275

Mission u – July 2017: www.wpaumc.org/missionu Service and learning for kids, teens and adults at Cal U.

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

Eastbrook Mission Barn – www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn VIM Leader Trainings March 22; April 8,25,29; May 7 Various Locations

DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION

Butler District Office Email: [email protected] (Rev. Joel Garrett) [email protected] (Thelma Castor)

ANNUAL CONFERENCE - JUNE 8-11, 2017

NEED SPACE FOR AN AC2017 GATHERING? To request space for a special meal or gathering during annual conference, download the appropriate form, complete it and email it to Barb Moore [email protected]. Download meal request form Download meeting room request form

Leadership Day: Two teachers have been named for the pre-Annual Conference leadership training event on Wednesday, June 7 at Grove City College. Get details. Want Time on the AC17 Agenda? You have less than a week to request it! E-mail Rev. Alan J Morrison at [email protected] by February 28 and indicate the type of presentation, its length, and how it benefits the AC members and the organization/program featured. Not all requests can be approved. Shuttle Drivers Needed: Volunteers are needed to drive shuttles from Wed. June 7 through Sunday June 11 during Annual Conference at Grove City. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license. Depending on the number of volunteers, shifts may only be two or three hours each day. Contact Rev. Arnie McFarland at [email protected] or 814-445-2577, or send your contact info to him at Calvary UMC, 239 W. Church Street, Somerset PA 15501. Luggage Porters Needed: The AC Hospitality Team is looking for Boy Scout troops or other youth groups in the Grove City area who might volunteer to help people carry their luggage into the Grove City College dormitories. Help will be needed on Wednesday June 7 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. and Thursday, June 8 from 7 a.m. – 12 noon. To volunteer, email Rev. Arnie McFarland at [email protected] or call 814-445-2577. AC Info: To keep up with announcements and information about Annual Conference 2017, visit wpaumc.org/AC. Be a Section Leader! Serving as a section leader at our June annual conference is a chance to get involved beyond the local church and to develop leadership skills. Training sessions for section leaders will be held on the second Saturdays of March and May, 2017. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Rev. Greg Spencer at 724-224-2370 (h), 724-224-7300 (o) or [email protected] or Guinevere Gregory at 412-731-6155 or [email protected]. Annual Conference Agenda: To request time on the agenda, email Rev. Alan J Morrison at [email protected] by February 28. Indicate the type of presentation, its length, and how it benefits the AC members and the organization/program featured. Not all requests can be approved 2020 General Conference: A new Commission on the General Conference met last week and preparations have begun for a 2020 worldwide legislative gathering in Minneapolis. Learn more

HELPFUL LINKS  Obituaries  Online Payments  WV Flood Relief  Clergy Continuing Ed  Historical Records  Mission News  Enews Archive

 Western PA UM Conference - www.wpaumc.org  Butler District - http://www.wpaumc.org/butler -  In Focus Publication - http://www.wpaumc.org/infocus  Joyful Noise - http://www.wpaumc.org/joyfulnoise  Subscribe to Publications - http://www.wpaumc.org/subscribe  Conference Resources - http://www.wpaumc.org/resources  Reflections! wpaumc.org/blogs.  Imagine No Malaria -https://www.facebook.com/ImagineNoMalaria  A link for the Winter 2015 Newsletter. Prison Outreach Ministry 2015 Winter Newsletter Keep up with United Methodist news from around the connection with a free subscription to the News Service Daily Digest. Subscribe at umc.org/news-and-media/umns-subscription-form  Discipleship Ministries umcdiscipleship.org.  Learn how to update your FindAChurch profile.  People are looking for a church to visit during Advent. Help them find you! update-your-find-a-church

 Special Sundays for 2016: Conference and General Church Special Sundays/Weekends for 2016 are listed on the Conference website. See the dates at wpaumc.org/SpecialSundays

 Official Journal Online: wpaumc.org/2015journal.

 Spiritual Gifts: Help your church members identify their gifts using the free online Spiritual Gifts Assessment at UMC.org.

 REQUIRED ANNUAL FORMS – (all district forms listed with due dates) http://www.wpaumc.org/annualforms

 PENSION BOARD NAME CHANGE: The UMC Board of Pension and Health Benefits has changed its name to Wespath Benefits and Investments. To see why, r ead press release

 Want to keep up with breaking news in the UMC? See the latest on the UMNS Facebook page. Follow UMNS