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 (, 724-776-2300 ext 239) or Holly Sawyer (, 724-776-2300 ext. 261) SEE ATTACHED LETTER
CONNECTIONAL APPORTIONMENTS as of October 31st
The following churches have paid their Connectional Apportionments (83.3%) or more as of October 31st
Albion: Calvary
Bethany
Bethel
Cambridge Springs: First
Centerville
Conneaut Lake: Trinity
Conneautville: Valley
Corry: First
Deckards
Edinboro
Elgin
Enterprise
Erie: Glenwood
Erie: Kingsley
Erie: Lakewood
Erie: Henderson
Erie: Trinity
Geneva: Faith
Harmonsburg
Hickernell
Hydetown
Lake Pleasant
Linesville
Littles Corners
Mill Village
Mount Hope
Mumford Chapel
New Ireland
New Richmond
Norrisville
North East: Immanuel
North East: Park
North East: State Line
Phillipsville
Riceville
Saegertown
South Harborcreek
Sugar Lake
Townville
Troy Center
Union City: Parade Street
Venango
Waterford: Asbury
Woodcock
CHARGE CONFERENCE FORMS DUE TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE CLUSTER CONFERENCE:
- Charge Conference Summary Form
- Examining the Habits and Effectiveness of Our Ministry
- Examining the Fruit of our Ministry
Go to THIS LINK to find the forms.
CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH
7 p.m. at Girard – Participants:Girard
Lake City
CHURCH CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH
2 p.m. at Centerville – Participants:Centerville
Riceville
Union City: Parade Street
Corry: Evangelical
Elgin
McCray
Wayne Valley
7 p.m. at Meadville: Grace – ParticipantsMeadville: 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 ( 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.
Deadline to register is November 23rd. For more information email or call 814-833-6398 or go to REGISTER.
BULLETIN BOARD
2016 UMC ADVENT QUIZ
To start on Friday, November 18, 2016. Return each day for a new question and answer in the all-new 2016 Advent Quiz. It will be available at
ADVENT RESOURCES
- FAQs about Advent and Christmas
- Cokesbury Christmas Resources
- Upper Room SeasonalResources
- Imagine No Malaria Resources
UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY
Sunday, November 27: Our FREE, downloadable Student Day pastor's kit makes it easy for church leaders to prepare! The pastor's kit has everything needed to promote this Special Sunday including:
- Handy infographics
- Worship presentation
- Short, engaging videos
- Social media images
- Free eBooks — How to Promote United Methodist Student Day and 15 Ways to Welcome College Students - and much more!
Click here to explore the free Student Day pastor's kit. Now is the best time to order supplies for your celebration. Claim your FREE posters and bulletin inserts/offering envelopes here.
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’sCribbs 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.
BeADisciple ONLINE COURSES
BeADisciple has several online courseswhich can help you stay focused throughout the season.You might consider enrolling inChristmas: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly,Advent: A Photography Journey,orChristian 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.
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 CONFERENCEgo here
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS - can also go to Conference Website at SCHOLARSHIPS
MC Scholarships
There are a variety of scholarships at
SEMINARY FINANCIAL AID
Applications for the 2016-17 academic year are available on the conference website at wpaumc.org/BOOM.
MINISTRY NEEDS
EUMA is seeking donations of new and “gently-used” mattresses and box springs to assist with client needs. Please call our administrative office at 814-456-8073 to inquire about local delivery assistance, if needed. Also, the Rainbow Connection Thrift Store, which provides clothing and household items to qualified individuals free-of-charge through the voucher assistance program, is out of small sizes of women’s undergarments (sizes 5 – 8) and socks. If you can help with this need, donations can be delivered directly to the Rainbow Connection at 1516 Buffalo Road, Erie.
“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
CHRISTMAS ON THE MOUNTAIN
You are invited on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and entertainment, $20 per person. Please reserve your seat by calling the office at(814) 436-7802 SEE ATTACHED FLYER
RAMPS OF HOPE
Check out Ramps of Hope Facebook Page for picture and more information. RAMPS OF HOPE
RAMP BUILD
Dave Seib from Glenwood UMC is leading a ramp installation on Woodlawn Street in Erie on Saturday, November 19th, at 9:00 a.m. He will need some folks to help with the installation. If you can help, please contact Debbie (440-812-4624 or )
Also, Please mark your calendars for a ramp build on the West side on Erie onNov. 26th. If you can help, or for more information, please contact Debbie (440-812-4624 or )
NEED A GREAT IDEA FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST?
Summer Camp Gift CertificatesYou 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 hereand 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 candownload 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
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 ( 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.
Deadline to register is November 23rd. For more information,and to register go REGISTERor email or call 814-833-6398.
CHRISTMAS AT WOODCOCK
December 4th, 6:30pm Woodcock United Methodist Church, 23048 Gravel Run RD; featuring: Debbie Miller, DenisePalmero, 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:
CONFERENCE WEBSITE LINKS
CONFERENCE EVENTS
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
CHRISTMAS ON THE MOUNTAIN
You are invited on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. Dinner and entertainment, $20 per person. Please reserve your seat by calling the office at(814) 436-7802 SEE ATTACHED FLYER
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 bookStart 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 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, 2017at 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 theassociation’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 . 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 HOTLINEis 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, , 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:
Mission u – July 2017:
UM A.R.M.Y. –
Eastbrook Mission Barn –