Make-Up Session of the Clergy Ethics Training

We are adding quarterly suppers for pastors who are unable to make it to one of the lunches or breakfasts.
DISTRICT DATES (Subject to Change)
Mar 20 / LP North Mentoring Group / Knox Dale UMC / 9:00
Mar 27 / District Clergy Dialog South / Indiana Trinity / 8:00
Apr 10 / Superintendency / Marion Center / 6:00
Apr 9 / LP South Mentoring Group / Brush Valley / 10:00
Apr 10 / OMG Mentoring Group / District Office / 9:30
Apr 21 / Youth Committee Meeting / Mt. Zion DuBois / 2:00
Apr 24 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - Indiana / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
Apr 24 / LP North Mentoring Group / Knox Dale UMC / 9:00
Apr 24 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Kittanning / Thee Log Cabin / 12:00
Apr 25 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Punxsy / Anchor Inn / 12:00
Apr 26 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - DuBois / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
Apr 26 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Brookville / Denny’s / 12:00
Apr 26 / District Clergy Supper - Punxsy / Anchor Inn / 6:00
May 3 / Ramps / District Office / 4:00
May 5 / Transition Seminar for moving pastors
May 6 / District Conference / Marion Center / 2:30
May 14 / Trustee, Location and Building / District Office / 6:30
May 15 / Retired Pastor’s Luncheon / Marion Center First / 12:00
May 21 / District Clergy Dialog North / Punxsy First / 12:00
May 22 / District Clergy Dialog South / Indiana Trinity / 8:00
June 12 / OMG Mentoring Group / District Office / 9:30
June 18 / District Clergy Dialog North / Punxsy First / 12:00
June 26 / District Clergy Dialog South / Indiana Trinity / 8:00
July 9 / LP South Mentoring Group / Clymer / 10:00
July 10 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - Indiana / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
July 10 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Kittanning / Thee Log Cabin / 12:00
July 11 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - Punxsy / Gimmicks / 12:00
July 11 / New Pastors Luncheon / Punxsy First / 12:00
July 12 / Regional Clergy Breakfast - DuBois / Eat-N-Park / 8:00
July 12 / Regional Clergy Lunch - Brookville / Denny’s / 12:00
July 12 / District Clergy Supper - Punxsy / Anchor Inn / 6:00

New news

Clergy Evaluations due May 15, 2018

Make-up Session of the Clergy Ethics Training

At the Conference Center on Saturday, June 16th from 9 am – 4 pm. All clergy who missed the previous trainingsare expected to attend the full session in order to meet their covenantal expectation. This includes elders, deacons, local pastors (full and part time), extension ministers or anyone serving as clergy. The training is valuable and required by the Book of Discipline. The small fee is to cover a book and lunch.Register

Young Preachers Festival

This event at the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS is designed to encourage and equip a new generation of preachers (leaders 18-34). It’s scheduled for June 27-28. Get details.

Facing the future of church giving with faith, not fear.

New changes in federal tax law allowing fewer taxpayers to itemize deductions, including charitable giving, is an area of great interest, impact and anxiety for church leaders. Some say the impact will be minimal, while others say it could be catastrophic for churches and other nonprofits that rely on smaller gift donors. Join Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship at Discipleship Ministries, on Thursday, March 22 at 6 p.m. (CDT) for a webinar to explore ways churches can be proactive with our donors in this new reality. For more information and to register, go to

Community Engagement Workshop

Rev. Dr. Doug Powe, director of the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and James Logan Professor of Evangelism at Wesley Theological Seminary, will lead a morning workshop on missional engagement for church leaders on Thursday, April 12 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He’ll deliver the annual Albright-Deering Lecture in Methodist studies in the afternoon. Both are open to all, but registration is required for the workshop. Get details at pts.edu/AD-2018.

Camp Allegheny’s

Annual Celebration of Ministry and Booster DinnerSunday, April 15th, 2018 with Appetizers at 5 PM and the Meal/Program at 5:30 PM. Hear about the amazing work that God has done in the past year and also hear some of the improvements planned for 2018! Enjoy entertainment by Somerset’s own Apostle’s Creed. The night will include recognition of our “Volunteer of the Year” and will be highlighted by our guest speaker, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. For more information or to RSVP contact or 814-754-5122.

Adult Wrangler Weekend is May 18-20, 2018. Arrival: starts at 4:30 PM Friday; Departure: is at 1:00 PM Sunday. Adults can enjoy a weekend in God’s Creation on one of God’s most noble creatures! Trail rides, spiritual formation, other camp activities, and free time to enjoy rest, relaxation, and recreation are all a part of this wonderful weekend. Renewal, refreshment, and a whole lot of fun are what you can expect! Cost is $150 per person and includes 2 nights, 4 meals, and at least 6 hours of horse time. Guests are welcome to stay for our Open House which will start at 2PM on the 20th. Contact camp for more information or to register: or 814-754-5122.

Work Week & Day April 22-28, 2018. Supporting Camp Allegheny can be more than donating dollars. Our Spring Work Week and Work Day are a great opportunity for youth groups, Men’s and Women’s groups, and service organizations to work with their hands and make a difference in the lives of hundreds of campers. Camp has projects for groups of varied skills and interests. Groups are welcome to come for the day or stay overnight all week long. Lunch is provided for day groups and meals are provided for the duration of an overnight group’s stay. To RSVP, contact or 814-754-5122.

Open House and Alumni Picnic on Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM.Music, fun camp activities, reconnecting with friends, a picnic dinner, or information about our Summer Camp programs; whichever it is that brings you out to Open House you’ll get to experience them all! This completely free event will also feature an Alumni tent, including photos from across the decades in our Camp Allegheny “Memory Lane”. Camper and Staff Alumni can reconnect with old friends and remember how blessed they were by their time at Camp Allegheny! Contact for more information or to RSVP.

Jumonville

Spring Dinner for Kidz2Kamp, Sunday, May 6. Details

Summer Camp Open House-Sunday, May 20 from 3:30-5 p.m. Details

Native American Ministries Sunday, on April 15. Resources

Algonquin Canoe Trips 2018:

Join us for a week of wilderness canoeing and camping in the north woods of Ontario’s Algonquin provincial park. We will travel through a rugged and beautiful land of lakes, rivers, and forests. Along the way, we look for wildlife and camp on the shore. Around the campfire, we learn about God, the wonders of his creation, and what it means to follow Jesus in community. While previous canoeing and camping experience is helpful, it is not necessary. The cost of the trip includes equipment and transportation. Open to adults and teens at least 15 years old. If you are 19 or older, you must have a passport.Register

July 22-31, led by revs. Scott Hamley, Craig Lindahl and Doug Burns.

July 30 to august 8, led by Rev. Dave Coul, Rev. Drew Myers and Lindsey Myers.

For information contact: Rev. Scott Hamley, 724.859.6745

Rev. Dave Coul, , 814.229.2641

Vacation Bible School Follow-up Manual

This 25-page manual is a one-of-kind comprehensive resource to help churches implement a follow-up plan for the unchurched kids who attend VBS. Don't let another VBS go by wishing that you would have thought about follow up with all the great kids that came to VBS! Click hereto be directed to the ABOUT FACE website. Click here to order the book. Paperback Price: $5.99

Polity Questions?

A new book provides a comprehensive, annotated guide to the Book of Discipline for pastors and church leaders. Wesley’s Foundery Books, the publishing arm of GBHEM,has released Quick and Easy Guide to United Methodist Polity.Read press release

Birthdays THIS wEEK
20 Rev. Dan Cunkelman
Anniversaries THIS wEEK
March
New People/New Places Grants
The Conference’s Parish & Community Development Committee is implementing a new process for awarding its “New Places/New People.” Two grant application deadlines have been set for 2018 -- March 23 and September 28. Decisions on grants will be made as soon as possible after each deadline. Get details and grant application.

SS-MR-SNS-AST Training
Safe Sanctuary-Mandated Reporting-Security and Safety-Active Situation Training
This training is very important training for the church and its people.
This training that is a quadrennial requirement by the church for all clergy and paid staff of the church and also expected of leadership and volunteer staff such as, Sunday school teachers, youth ministry teams, ushers, greeters, safety walkers, kitchen workers, VBS volunteers, Etc.
March 24, 2018 / 8 AM – 12 Noon
1st United Methodist Church
100 W. Long Ave.
DuBois, PA
Office: 814-371-5150
Please signup or contact the office of the
1st United Methodist Church DuBois
So we may have material for all of those attending.
E-Mail:

Disciple Making Training
from9am-12pm on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Crossroads UMC-Boyce Road Campus, 1120 Boyce Rd, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241. Learn to help others begin a relationship with Jesus Christ through sharing the Gospel in a natural way. Led by Pastor Steve Cordle. ALL Conference clergy and laity, including youth, are welcome! No Cost. Registration deadline is March 21, 2018. Register via the Washington District office at or

Men's Retreat
March 24th from 9 until 2
Mt Pleasant Church.
There is no cost
To pre-register call Don Shaffer at 814-221-2161
April
Youth Information

Youth Leader Skill Day-Saturday, April 28th from 9-3 at Dutihl UMC (I have attached the flyer with all the other info) Registration is open!
Annual Conference-to sign up to be a page or youth delegate, fill out the Youth Caucus application. It is due April1!
Applications for The Timothy Award This award is for youth who embody the characteristics of 1 Tim 4:11-12. Applications due April 1.
Know a youth leader who is outstanding? Nominate them for the Youth Worker of the Year Award! Also due April 1.
Uth 4 Missions (a missions event for youth groups) is July 16-20 at Jumonville (new location). Both work sites and outreach sites will be available. Cost is $220/person. Registration will open this Spring.

Man Campat Wesley Woods
April 6-8, 2018. Join guest speaker, John Royer of Leatherwood Outdoors, local pastor, Rick Hamrick, and Wesley Woods’ staff as they dig deeper into God’s calling of leadership on the lives of men. Register online at:

Stay at Wesley Woods:$86/Personincludes lodging Friday and Saturday, 3 meals Saturday and breakfast Sunday, and activities and sessions with guest speakers.
Live Local Stay at Home:$65/Personincludes 3 meals Saturday, Breakfast Sunday, and activities and sessions with guest speakers.

2018 Father/Son Retreat
Friday, April 6th with registration at 6pm in the Welcome Center through Sunday, April 8th at 10 am. We will be staying in either the Inn or Washington Lodge.Craig Meeder and Rev. Jude Urso will lead this fun-filled weekend retreat for fathers and sons. Pastor Jude will be teaching on Joseph and Jesus and the relationship they had with one another. Craig will be taking care of all the fun activities likelearning to usea compass out in the woods, archery, tomahawk throwing, hikes, campfires, and a variety of challenges in our adventure center. The cost is $125 for dadand $65 per son. This includes lodging, food, and program supplies. If you have questions please callus at 724-439-4912 or email Pastor Jude . Register Here For The Father/Son Retreat

2018 Confirmation Program Reboot
After more years than we can count (on two hands), the Conference is revamping its programming for Confirmation Class visits. To emphasize programming related to youth and allow for more significant time with our Bishop, leaders can choose one of five dates to bring their group to one of four locations around Western PA from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch included). Online registration opens Monday at wpaumc.org/Confirmation2018. Choices include:

4/6 and 4/7 - UM Conference Center, Cranberry
4/14 - Wesley Woods.

Clergy Retirement Seminar
For Clergy retiring in 2018 on Tuesday, April 10 from 9 am – 4 pm at the United Methodist Center - Hickman Room, 1204 Freedom Rd, Cranberry Twp., Pa. 16066. Contact Alexis Soohy .

The 2018 NEJ UMVIM Academy
Which brings together mission leaders and instructors from UMCOR, Global Ministries, and more will be held April 11 - 14, 2018at Pecometh Camp in Centreville, MD. Registration will open in January. Among the courses will be specific preparation to serve in Puerto Rico, how to welcome those displaced by disasters of all kinds into your community, UMCOR courses, and possible chainsaw certification. CEUs. Contact or Calvin Cook if interested.

50 Career in Ministry Scholarships
CM CARES, the Church Mutual Insurance Company Foundation, has announced that it is now accepting applications for its second annual Religious Scholarship Program, offering up to $250,000 in scholarships to graduate and doctoral students who are committed to a career in ministry. Scholars who wish to apply must be enrolled full-time in an advanced degree program in theology, ministry, or other field of religious study at an accredited theological seminary, college, or university during the 2018-19 academic year.Complete detailsDeadline: April 14, 2018

mini Mission u
from Sunday, April 15 to Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at Olmsted Manor, 17 E Main St, Ludlow, PA 16333. Spiritual Growth Theme – Living as a Covenant Community. Leader: Rev. Lisa Grant. Contact Diane r Dara . Details to be announced.

Nuts And Bolts Of Boomer And Older Adult Ministries
Sunday - April 15 from 2:30 - 9 p.m.
Monday - April 16 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Cost: $60/person
RSVP Deadline: April 2, 2018
This practical time will be led by Rev. Dr. Will Randolph. Formerly of WPA, Rev. Will Randolph is the Director of Aging and Older Adult Ministries for the United Methodist Church. Toregister online, pleaseclickhereto be directed to the district website. The registration link is under “Announcements”, located along the left side of the page.Todownload a brochure and print out a registration form,click here(or see attachment at bottom of this email newsletter)
(More information is in the "green folder" that has been distributed to the SPRC committees prior to church conferences.)
Upcoming Older Adult Ministry Webinars
Click herefor a list of upcoming webinars related to older adult ministers. Take advantage of these informative and practical resources to enhance your ministry to and with older adults. To learn more information, download materials or to sign up for the webinars,click here.

Christian Unity Workshop
The annual National Workshop on Christian Unity is scheduled for April 16-19 in Silver Spring, MD. The workshop has brought together people from various Christian communities for more than 50 years and is the only national gathering of its kind. Laity and clergy interested in ecumenical ministry are encouraged to attend. Get details. Young adult scholarships available-see below.

Voice for Life
Lakeside UMC
Apr. 21st 9:30am – 12:30pm
Lunch provided
Brochure attached to email

The Congregational Care Ministry Seminar
April 19 - 21at The Church of the Resurrection,Leawood, KS campus. It is designed to train volunteers to become partners in ministry with pastors and staff to provide care for a congregation.Registration is limited. Early bird pricing of $159 for the Seminar and $25 for the Pre-Conference is available through March 8. A Pre-Conference is offered Thursday, April 19 from 9:30-11:30 am as an opportunity to dig deeper into particular topics. Choose from 3 class options. For more information, please visit our webpage, cor.org/ccm-seminar. Contact Kathy Carter at or 913-544-0272

Poverty Summit
The Many Faces of Poverty: will be Saturday, April 21 from 9 am-3 pm, in the Covenant Center of Kittanning First UMC, 301 N Jefferson St, Kittanning, PA 16201. To learn more about how to effectively be in ministry with the poor, bring a team from your church. Get details and register

District Youth Committee Meeting
We are going to have a District Youth meeting on Saturday, April 21st at 2:00 pm at the Mt. Zion UMC in Dubois. Please come and join us as we discuss possible summer events and plan a fall event.

Beyond these Walls 2018
April 26-28 at Chapelwood UMC, 11140 Greenbay St, Houston, TX 77024. It will mobilize and equip you and your congregation through the "best of the best" mission practices so you can fulfill your divine calling... making disciples of all the nations. Keynote speaker, Adam Weber, invites you to join him as he shares how your congregation can take the church outside the walls. Early Bird Registration through March 15th - $95. After March 15th, registration will go up to $115. 713-465-3467

Creating Discipleship Pathways
Mike Schreiner and Ken Willard, authors of the book Stridewill be keynote speakers at Navigate: Creating Discipleship Pathways, a daylong conference in Lewisburg, PA on Saturday, April 28. Groups from Western PA congregations are invited to attend. Get details.

Youth Leader Skill Day
Saturday, April 28th from 9 am – 3 pm at Dutihl UMC, 1270 Dutihl Rd, Cranberry Twp., PA 16066. Worship by Bay Allen. Keynote Speaker: Brad Fiscus, Author of “Smaller Church Youth Ministry: No Staff, No Money, No Problem”. Breakout options led by our own WPA youth leaders, including: Creative Fundraising, Speaking to Youth, Social Justice & Youth, Creating Safe Spaces and Community Youth Ministry. Cost is $12 and includes lunch (Bring three or more leaders and cost is just $10 each.) Continuing Ed credits are available for clergy. Register by April 14th. Here is the flyer!
may
2018 Spring Loan Application
Available until May 2, 2018. Apply for a Loan

Pastoral Transitions Seminar
Saturday, May 5, 2018 from 9:00 am -3:00 pm. Invitations will be sent to pastors in transition with details and location.

UMW Gears Up for Assembly
The Power of Boldis the theme for the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for May 18-20, 2018, in Columbus. A promotional video and other resources are already available. The early registration fee is $295 with aNovember 30 deadline. Regular registration is $330. Includes two healthy lunches.Registrationcloses April 9, 2018.Learn more Watch video.

Pastors Academy 2018
The annual Pastors Academy at Olmsted Manor will feature Dr. Jennifer McBride and focus on Radical Discipleship, Public Witness, and Liturgical Politics: The Social and Political Implications of the Gospel. It’s set for May 21-23.Get details.
june
Mental Health First Aid
8-hour course on Monday, June 4 that teaches you how to help someone whomay be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. The training helps you identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. From 8:30 am – 5:30 pm at Clarion County MH/MR, 214 South 7th Ave, Clarion, PA 16214.Instructor:Jen Bankard .

Annual Conference Agenda
Annual Conference is Thursday, June 7 - Saturday, June 9 at Grove City College. To request time on the agenda, email Faith Geer y February 15.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.

FAQ’s Online registration
Annual Conference Leadership Day
Nancy Beach, who served 20 years as teaching pastor at Willow Creek Church and now is a leadership coach, will be the speaker for the Annual Conference Day of Preparation workshop from 1-5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6. She’ll focus on building healthy teams. All Annual Conference members are encouraged to attend both leadership training and a Bible Study planned for Wednesday evening. Save the date. Details will follow.Learn more about Nancy Beach.
Youth @ AC
Come be a page or delegateJune 6-9th, 2018 at Grove City College.

Youth Caucus (page and youth delegate)applicationis due April 1.
Application for the Timothy Award ishereand due by April 1 for youth who embody the characteristics of 1 Tim 4:11-12.
Youth Worker of the Year Awardapplicationis also due April 1.

Convergence
Where Faith and Science Meet is a 9-day program (June 23-July 1, 2018) that allows rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to come to Randolph-Macon’s campus in Ashland, Virginia and learn about the intersection of science and Christian faith. They will dive deeper into their religious beliefs, deeper into the study of science, and will meet other high school students and Randolph-Macon College student leaders with those same interests. There will be time in the classroom and outdoor experiences throughout the region. The cost to participate is only $100 for this 9-day program. Upon high school graduation, if a Convergence participant chooses to attend Randolph-Macon, they will receive a $1,000 annual scholarship for each year they participated in Convergence.
Please visit the website to learn more. If you would like to nominate a participant,click here to fill out the nomination form, and the Convergence staff will contact your nominee with further information. The application form for participants is available here.For questions about the program, please .
July
Unstoppable Women
The Unstoppable retreat for young women (high school - mid-20s) is scheduled for July 6-8 at Olmsted Manor retreat center. The cost is just $25 because Unstoppable Scholarships are available. Email Laramie () or Denise () for scholarship details.
Visit the Unstoppable Facebook page:

2018 Wesley Pilgrimage in England
Monday, July 9-Thursday, July 19. Explore places where the Wesley brothers lived and served on a 10-day immersion trip in Wesleyan missional leadership and a spiritual retreat. View aninteractive mapof the annual pilgrimage in England, featuring videos of pilgrims visiting the places where John and Charles Wesley lived and served.Registration information.

Youth Mission u
For youth in grades 6-12 will beheld at California University of PA, 250 University Ave, California, PAfrom Tuesday-Sunday, July 10-15. Registration opens soon. Brochure

YOUTH 2019