Connectional Apportionments

DISTRICT NOTABLES

CONNECTIONAL APPORTIONMENTS Please be advised that the cut-off for making 2016 Connectional Apportionment payments is Thursday, January 12, 2017. All payments must by physically received by the conference center by the close of business on January 12, 2017. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Roger White ([email protected], 724-776-2300 ext 239) or Holly Sawyer ([email protected], 724-776- 2300 ext. 261) SEE ATTACHED LETTER CHARGE CONFERENCE FORMS DUE TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE CLUSTER CONFERENCE: 1. Charge Conference Summary Form 2. Examining the Habits and Effectiveness of Our Ministry 3. Examining the Fruit of our Ministry Go to THIS LINK to find the forms. CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 TH 7 p.m. at Girard – Participants: Girard Lake City CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 TH 2 p.m. at Centerville – Participants: Centerville Riceville Union City: Parade Street Corry: Evangelical Elgin McCray Wayne Valley 7 p.m. at Meadville: Grace – Participants Meadville: Grace Blooming Valley Townville Troy Center Littles Corners Hamlin Chapel Bethany Cochranton Meadville: Stone CLERGY CHRISTMAS PARTY – SAVE THE DATE Friday, December 2nd, at Edinboro UMC, 113 High Street, Edinboro, PA 16412 Invitation open to all clergy and their families! Please call or email Kristin ([email protected] or 814-783-0105) to RSVP. Be sure to also mention the number of children that will be coming, their names and ages Meet at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 6:00 p.m. CONNECT! Saturday, December 3rd 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 2615 West 32nd St., Erie, PA Imagine congregations being equipped to build authentic relationships, engage their neighborhoods, connect with their communities, and engage people through service. That’s the focus of the Connect! Workshop. Workshop sessions include: - Make a friend, Be a friend - Love Your Neighbors - Circle of Influence - Engaging Your Community - Connecting through Service In a one-day, six hour workshop, directed by Dr. Phil Maynard, participants explore how they personally can begin to live into the calling to “Go, make disciples…” They also begin to develop the methodology to build into the culture of the congregation the expectation and resources for helping disciples live into this calling For a church to be healthy and vital, it is essential to equip its members how to be the presence of Christ and invite others to discover God’s love. That is what Connect! is all about. Cost is $20 and includes workbook and lunch. For more information email [email protected] or call 814-833-6398 or go to REGISTER. BULLETIN BOARD BISHOP SETS DRESS CODE FOR WPA Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi made the announcement in her sermon when hundreds gathered on October 22 at the Crossfire Campus of Butler First UMC to officially welcome her as the new spiritual leader of the Western Pennsylvania Conference. New dress code - WPA Chic! BISHOP'S WELCOME SERVICE PICTURES Western Pennsylvania United Methodists welcomed Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi as their new leader at an October 22, 2016 service of celebration at Butler First UMC's Crossfire Campus. Bishops and leaders of other denominations and ecumenical agencies were among the guests. Photos by the Revs. Amy Wagner and Jeff Bobin. See pictures. PRESENTS OR PRESENCE? GIFTS THAT MATTER What if we just stop? Stop the madness. Stop the frustrating pursuit of the perfect present. Stop shopping until we drop. Stop trying to "people please" through gift giving. What if we spend less, but give more, love more? What if we use the holidays to worship God more fully? Read more. CLERGY WELLNESS To encourage clergy to care for themselves, the Conference Health as Wholeness team offers information and a self-care covenant in this Clergy Wellness brochure. Find additional resources and information at Wespath’s Center for Health. TIME TO HELP SANTA Christmas is right around the corner! The Sunset Auxiliary at Wesbury is now collecting money to buy gifts for our residents. By playing the role of Santa’s Helpers, the auxiliary aims to provide Christmas gifts for each resident at Wesbury’s Cribbs Residential center with money generously donated by individuals and churches, as well as through memberships. Please consider making a gift of any amount so that we can brighten the faces of every resident this holiday season. Direct questions to Sue McCracken at the Foundation at 814-332-9381. Make checks payable to The Wesbury Foundation and send your gifts to: The Wesbury Foundation Santa’s Helpers 31 N. Park Avenue Meadville, PA 16335 10 WAYS TO REACH UNCHURCHED PEOPLE AT CHRISTMAS Pastor Carey Nieuwhof says unchurched people want to celebrate Christmas, so there is no better time to connect with friends and neighbors who rarely, if ever, go to church. He offers ten ways your church can be involved in the unique opportunity to reach people at Christmas. Read more. COUNCIL OF BISHOPS TO CALL FOR 2019 GENERAL CONFERENCE Through an affirmative vote at their fall meeting this week, the United Methodist Council of Bishops expressed their intent to call for a special session of the General Conference in either February or March of 2019 and asked the business manager of the General Conference to move forward with exploring venues and a bid search. Read More UMCOR GRANTS Nearly $2 million for disaster response funding for flooding in four U.S. states was approved during the annual fall board meeting of the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Learn more. GIVING THANKS Giving thanks is a hallmark of Christianity, but how often do we plan thankfulness as an activity of the church? UM Communications offers some ideas for bringing people together in practicing gratitude. See what they are. TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SEASON! See how much you know about the traditions and symbols of the Advent Season. Click on each of the questions below to test your knowledge. We encourage you to come back each weekday to try a new question. Be sure to share the link to this page with others, too. Advent Quiz Advent Resources:  FAQs about Advent and Christmas  Cokesbury Christmas Resources  Upper Room Seasonal Resources  Imagine No Malaria Resources BeADisciple ONLINE COURSES BeADisciple has several online courses which can help you stay focused throughout the season. You might consider enrolling in Christmas: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly, Advent: A Photography Journey, or Christian Meditation Practices for Advent.

PASTORS, DO YOU NEED A BREAK? Like Jesus, good leaders need to know when to walk away from ministry to be refreshed. WPA Conference Evangelist, Rev. Christine Rogan is available to fill in for you. Do you need something unique for advent? Christine does a portrayal of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Give her a call at 814-337-5719. YOUTH ZIM CAMP Applications are now available for the 2017 Youth Zim Camp. The dates are June 20- July 5. Get details and application. FREE ADVENT RESOURCES Rethink Church offers free postcards (while supplies last), door hangers and other resources to invite the community to your church this Christmas season. Get details. UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES: Download the new flyer of continuing education opportunities, open to laity and clergy, here. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE WESTERN PA CONFERENCE go here GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS - can also go to Conference Website at SCHOLARSHIPS MC Scholarships There are a variety of scholarships at http://scholarship.umc.org/ SEMINARY FINANCIAL AID Applications for the 2016-17 academic year are available on the conference website at wpaumc.org/BOOM.

www.euma-erie.org VETERANS DAY REMINDER – This Friday, as we observe Veterans Day, please take a moment to consider the sacrifice, dedication and bravery of our soldiers, past and present — and pray specifically for the men at Liberty House. Thank you. MINISTRY NEED – EUMA is seeking new and “gently-used” mattresses and box springs to assist with client needs. The Refuge also reports a need for paper towels and brown paper bags. If you can help with these specific ministry needs, please drop donations off directly to the shelter at 1027 E. 26th St., Erie.

SAVE-THE-DATE – Please mark your calendars for EUMA’s Our Way Home Gala, slated for Friday, Feb. 24. 2017, at the Bel-Aire Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 W. 8th St., Erie. The Gala is replacing our annual Fall Extravaganza. Additional details and reservation information are forthcoming. HANDS-ON MISSION OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR UM CHURCHES – This winter, our UM churches are challenged with hosting Our Neighbors Place (homeless overflow shelter) for four weeks (January 4 – 18 and March 18 –April 1, 2017). We are currently recruiting and scheduling churches – please use the one of the attached bulletin inserts to help with your internal volunteer recruitment. Then, please have your church coordinator contact Rev. Lee Pomeroy at #814-838-2232 or #814-450-8188 to schedule your date(s). For more information, visit www.euma-erie.org. WOMEN’S CRAFT WEEKEND Wesley Woods will host a craft weekend with Cindy Harger on Nov. 11-13. Download flyer. “ A WALK IN THE WOODS” CRAFT AND VENDOR EVENT November 19, 2016, 9am-5pm. Join us for our first annual craft and vendor show! Filled with local artists and vendors of all kinds! Browse our booths, enjoy food and fun around the bonfire, take part in a hayride or take a walk in the woods. There’s fun for the whole family! Free Admission, $5 Food and Fun Package- hot dog, s’mores and hayride* Contact Rachael Greenway for information: 412-328-4565 SEE ATTACHED FLYER For more information or to register for a retreat, click here KICK-START RETREAT January 9-11, 2017. Are you ready to make change in your church or life? Instead of developing another mission statement that no one remembers, why not learn how to lead your whole church in a process of prayerful discernment? Let's kick-start our 2017 goals! MORE INFORMATION 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

RAMPS OF HOPE Check out Ramps of Hope Facebook Page for picture and more information. RAMPS OF HOPE RAMP BUILD Ramp build in the Springfield area next Saturday, November 12th @ 9am. Loading at Weldon's barn in West Springfield at 8am, then proceeding to the build location at 13079 Ridge Rd, West Springfield. It is a larger ramp and we can use all the help we can get, as there are many holes to be dug. If you can help, please contact Cyndi Howland at [email protected] . Lunch will be provided and there may even be a special treat at the end.

NEED A GREAT IDEA FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST ? Summer Camp Gift Certificates You can give the gift of a summer camp experience to your child, grandchild, neighbor, or friend. These make great gift ideas for Christmas, birthday, or just a way to say, "I love you, and I want to share the gift of camp with you!" Complete an online form here and then you will receive the gift certificate in the mail so you can give it as a gift. That person's summer 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. **THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE SUMMER CAMPING PROGRAM.** DISTRICT EVENTS

THE COST OF CARING Compassion fatigue is the profound exhaustion experienced from constantly giving of ourselves with few opportunities for restoration. Learn the warning signs and what to do about it during a Compassion Fatigue Workshop in Erie on Nov. 9. Get details. STUFFED PORK CHIP DINNER November 12th 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sugar Lake UMC 6690 Sugar Lake Road Cochranton, PA 16314 Cost: Donation Dine in or eat out Bake Sale

MESSY CHURCH GATHERING Messy Church is a fast growing ministry that continues to engage and build relationships with thousands of people outside the usual church context. Messy Church is resourced, supported and enabled by the Bible Reading Fellowship (based in the UK) as one of its core ministries. Mark your calendars: Wednesday, November 16, 2016 Wednesday, December 14, 2016 5:00-6:30 PM DINNER PROVIDED! Free to attend. Donations accepted.Transportation available from certain locations. Contact the church office for more info! All are welcome! Don’t be shy! From young to old, age doesn’t matter! Come with your family and friends, or come alone knowing that you will leave with new friends! If you are a child, you will need to bring an adult with you. Just Come! For more information contact us: Stone United Methodist Church 956 S. Main Street Meadville, PA 16335 814-724-6736 [email protected]

WESLEYAN COVENANT ASSOCIATION INFO NIGHT FOR THE ERIE-MEADVILLE DISTRICT Wednesday, November 16th, Glenwood UMC, 2925 Myrtle St, Erie, PA 16508. 814-456-62268, 6:30 – 8:30pm. Hosted by Pastor Matt Judd

This event is for all interested laity and pastors.

The WCA desires to be a coalition of congregations, clergy, and laity that are committed to promoting ministry that combines a high view of Scripture, Wesleyan vitality, orthodox theology, and Holy Spirit empowerment. The WCA respects a broad range of worship styles and ministry practices. What links the WCA together is our desire to witness to the transforming power of God to change and redeem human lives and societies. We have come together to support, network, and encourage one another as United Methodists.

JOIN US for a WCA INFO NIGHT in WPA. We hope you’ll receive what we received at the WCA event: A good dose of HOPE - not in any system, but in the person of Jesus Christ. A celebration of our ROOTS - a Wesleyan DNA that is worthy of celebrating and building upon. Accurate information about the WCA and its goals. The opportunity to CONNECT with others that want to stand together to affirm the historic, orthodox tenets of our faith.

For more information on the Wesleyan Covenant Association go to www.wesleyancovenant.org CLERGY CHRISTMAS PARTY Friday, December 2nd, at Edinboro UMC, 113 High Street, Edinboro, PA 16412 Invitation open to all clergy and their families! Please call or email Kristin ([email protected] or 814-783-0105) to RSVP. Be sure to mention the number of children that will be coming, their names and ages. Meet at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 6:00 p.m.

LIVING CHRISTMAS TREE CHOIR The Living Christmas Tree Choir proudly presents: The Arrival. December 2 – 4 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional performance Sunday, December 3rd at 3:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, 240 North 3rd Street, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316. Please bring a non- perishable food item for the local food bank for our neighbors in need.

CONNECT! Saturday, December 3rd 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., at Christ United Methodist Church, 2615 West 32nd St., Erie, PA Imagine congregations being equipped to build authentic relationships, engage their neighborhoods, connect with their communities, and engage people through service. That’s the focus of the Connect! Workshop. For more information, email [email protected] or call 814-833-6398. REGISTER

CHRISTMAS AT WOODCOCK December 4th, 6:30pm Woodcock United Methodist Church, 23048 Gravel Run RD; featuring: Debbie Miller, Denise Palmero, Nancy & Don Diley; Mary Lou Schuler-Karr; Becky Patterson, Casey Costello, Veronica Asay, Cheryl Larson, Rose Hilliard and other area vocalists and instrumentalists. Free-will offering and refreshments. All welcome! 814-382-4128.

DISTRICT CONTACT INFORMATION

Erie-Meadville District Office 341 Main Street, Suite 3 P.O. Box 488 Saegertown PA 16433

Phone: 814-783-0105 Fax: 814-783-0107 Email: [email protected] CONFERENCE WEBSITE LINKS CONFERENCE EVENTS

THE COST OF CARING Compassion fatigue is the profound exhaustion experienced from constantly giving of ourselves with few opportunities for restoration. Learn the warning signs and what to do about it during a Compassion Fatigue Workshop in Erie on Nov. 9. Get details. CELEBRATING 60! WPAUMC’s Commission on the Status and Role of Women will host a luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 9 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ordination of women in our denomination. It’s from noon-2 p.m. at Salem UMC in Wexford. RSVP to Rev. Beth Nelson at 724-935-1627.

WOMEN’S CRAFT WEEKEND Wesley Woods will host a craft weekend with Cindy Harger on Nov. 11-13. Download flyer. HOW TO MAKE THE ASK SEMINAR “How to Make the Ask” a seminar offered by the UM Foundation of Western PA, will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Christ United Methodist Church in Erie, from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. It will help pastors and others who speak to donors about the importance of giving. Get details. “ A WALK IN THE WOODS” CRAFT AND VENDOR EVENT November 19, 2016 9am-5pm Join us for our first annual craft and vendor show! Filled with local artists and vendors of all kinds! Browse our booths, enjoy food and fun around the bonfire, take part in a hayride or take a walk in the woods. There’s fun for the whole family! SEE ATTACHED FLYER Free Admission $5 Food and Fun Package- hot dog, s’mores and hayride* Wesley Woods Camp and Conference Center 1001 Fiddlersgreen Road Grand Valley, PA 16420 Contact Rachael Greenway for information: 412-328-4565 MANN IN CONCERT Faith Community Church in Rochester PA will host up-and-coming Canadian folk singer Lauren Mann in concert at its Faith on 68th campus at 7p.m., Nov. 26. Get details.

#GivingTuesday On November 29, please join with other United Methodists around the world to change lives. You are sure to find a project that fits your passion and desire to make a difference. Last year, nearly 6,000 donors from 27 countries donated $2.8 million through The Advance to support mission and ministries around the world. The Advance continues to allocate 100 percent of all giving to the designated projects and missionaries. Through The Advance, you can choose from more than 800 United Methodistrelated projects worldwide and more than 300 United Methodist missionaries. The projects meet a range of needs, from helping survivors cope with natural or civil disasters to helping communities establish new faith communities, feed and educate children, equip hospitals and clinics, and so much more. On UMC #GivingTuesday, Give through The Advance

KICK-START RETREAT January 9-11, 2017 Are you ready to make change in your church or life? Instead of developing another mission statement that no one remembers, why not learn how to lead your whole church in a process of prayerful discernment? Let's kick-start our 2017 goals! MORE INFORMATION TEACH ADULTS ON-LINE COURSE Course Dates: January 16-27, 2017 If you’ve ever wanted to improve your ability to guide adult learners through their faith development, this two-week interactive Discipleship Ministries-approved Lay Servant course is the way to do it! Learn about Multiple Intelligences, Adult Faith Development, Learning Hooks, and more! Students will need the book Start Here , by Barbara Bruce, and should read it before the course begins. For more information, or to register go to REGISTER ONLINE YOUNG CLERGY FORUM Young clergy serving full time in a local church are invited to the General Board of Church and Society’s January 24-27 gathering in Washington, DC. Contact Rev. Kelly Smith, chair of the WPAUMC Board of Church and Society, at [email protected] for info and/or financial assistance. Get details. SPARK 2017 will be Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 22, 2017 at Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Learn more . Speaker: Bob Lenz Worship Band: Sanctus Real EARLY-BIRD DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 4, 2016 Youth: $185/person (4/room) Adult: $185/person (4/room)

Final registration deadline: January 6, 2017 Youth: $210/person (4/room) Adult: $210/person (4/room) THRIVE - MINISTRY ON THE EDGE April 30 – May 2, 2017 at the Double Tree by Hilton, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205 Cutting Edge Speakers Interactive Breakouts Travel/Lodging - Book Room now Registration opens November 1st Western PA Scholarship Form

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. MISSION OPPORTUNITIES Don't forget! You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at www.wpaumc.org/opportunities. Also, opportunities to give/help can be found at UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) MISSION OF PEACE Each year a group of youth and young adults from the Northeastern Jurisdiction travel shortly after Christmas on a Mission of Peace to another area of the globe. Applications are available now for the 2018 MOP to Cuba. It’s scheduled from about Dec. 28, 2017- Jan. 12, 2018. Applications are due to Greg Cox by Feb. 1, 2017. Get application. UMCOR HOTLINE is on hiatus as it moves to the new General Board of Global Ministries headquarters in Atlanta. In the meantime, you can stay connected with UMCOR through Facebook. 2017 CONFERENCE VIM TEAMS Contact Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk for more information, [email protected], 724-776- 2300 ext. 241 Bahamas Young Adult Team – January 8-14, 2017 Texas Disaster Recovery Team – February 2017 Mission VIMpossible Pilgrimage to Germany: April 19 – May 1, 2017 House of the Carpenter Team – June 18-24, 2017 Red Bird Family Team – July 9-15, 2017 UMCOR Sager Brown Team – July 30-August 5, 2017 ZIM Camp – July-August 2017 Fiji Team – Fall 2017 (Dates to be determined) Check out these ways to serve in Western Pennsylvania: Uth4Mission – Summer 2017: www.wpaumc.org/youth Mission u – July 2017: www.wpaumc.org/missionu UM A.R.M.Y. – www.ne.umarmy.org. Eastbrook Mission Barn – www.wpaumc.org/missionbarn