PRAYERREQUESTS
Mary Stewart and family. Multiple family members have serious health issues.
Jeff Bobin and family. His father-in-law, Larry Aldridge, was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Joe Patterson and family. His sister, Colleen Sanford, suffered a heart attack and stroke and is continuing her rehabilitation at home with the help of her husband.
Jerome Alsdorf who has health concerns.
Wanda Jewell’s husband, Dave, who will be receiving medical treatments.
The family of Gerald Miller who passed away on Saturday.
Those who lost their lives in last Sunday’s shooting at a Baptist church in Texas.
IMPORTANTDATES
(Check sections for more information.)
Wednesday, November 15th – WPA MLK Racial Justice Scholarship Due (Bulletin Board)
Thursday, November 16th – Strategies for Year-End Giving (Conference Events)
Friday, November 17th – Elders Gathering (Conference Events)
Sunday, November 19th – Church Conferences (District Notables)
Tuesday, November 21st – Thanksgiving Service (Bulletin Board)
Wednesday, November 22nd – Office Closed (District Notables)
BIRTHDAYS
Wednesday, November 15th – Eric Oliver
Sunday, November 19th – Julie Verner
Tuesday, November 21st – Jolene Tubbs
Wednesday, November 22nd – Katherine Fehl
ANNIVERSARIES
Saturday, November 18th – Joseph & Kathryn Rial, Sr.
NOTE: 2018 DISTRICT CONFERENCE IS SUNDAY, MAY 20TH AT 2:30PM
(LOCATION TBD)
OFFICE HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
The Erie-Meadville District Office will be closed for Thanksgiving starting Wednesday, November 22nd and will reopen Tuesday, November 28th. Also, the office will be closed for Christmas and New Year’s starting Friday, December 22nd and will reopen Tuesday, January 2, 2018.Joe will be on vacation from Saturday, December 23rd to Monday, January, 1, 2018. Jodie Smith will be on call.
AFTER CHURCH CONFERENCE
Pastors, please remember that following your church conference, your committees and officers must be updated on the dashboard, including contact information. If you do not, your church leaders will not receive conference and district information. Thanks!
ENROLL FOR 2018 UPMC HEALTH INSURANCE
Only active healthcare plan members, pre-65 retirees, and spouses on the Conference’s UPMC plan are required to submit applications during the open enrollment period, which will endThursday, November 30th. Retirees on Medicare plans (Highmark Medicare advantage plans) do NOT need to fill out an enrollment form UNLESS they wish to switch plans for 2018. Get details on cost-sharing, other benefit information, and updates at APPLICATION
ERIE-MEADVILLE DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY
Friday, December 1st, Erie: Asbury UMC (4703 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA 16506)
Please join the Erie-Meadville District for its annual Christmas Party. Doors will open at 6pm and dinner will be served at 6:30pm. There is no cost as the event is a gift to you from the district leadership team. The event is for all district clergy and their families: active, retired, full-time, part-time, elders, deacons, local pastors, Certified Lay Ministers, etc. Please RSVP using THIS LINK. If you have any questions or need help filling out the form, please contact Andrea at 814-783-0105 or . Also, if you are unable to attend the party, please contact Andrea so that you do not receive any unnecessary reminder emails.
CONNECTIONAL APPORTIONMENT
The final day to submit 2017 Connectional Apportionment is Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Any money received after this date will be applied to your 2018 Connectional Apportionment, even if you mail it prior to January 16th. Money received that is not clearly marked for 2018 will be applied to your 2017 Connectional Apportionment if it has not been paid in full. Do not combine 2017 and 2018 money in one check.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Saturday, December 2nd, 11am to 4pm, Lawrence Park UMC (4015 Niagara Place, Erie, PA 16511)
Hundreds of crafted items, homemade soup, sandwiches, baked goods, and candy will be offered. Take out is available on all food items. The popular Lollipop Booth will be featured again. For more information, please call 814-899-9851 or 814-898-1851.
CHRISTMAS AT WOODCOCK MUSICAL
Sunday, December 3rd, 6:30pm, Woodcock UMC (23048 Gravel Run Road, Saegertown, PA 16433)
Featuring local vocalists and musicians. Handicap accessible. Door prizes, free-will offering, and refreshments. All welcome! For more information, call 814-382-4128 or 814-398-2190.
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Tuesday, November 21st, 7pm, Grace Health Center’s Barco Chapel (Wesbury Retirement Community, 31 North Park Avenue, Meadville, PA 16335)
The Meadville Area Ministerial Association invites you to their Thanksgiving service. Faith leaders from throughout the community will share prayers, readings, and music for this season of gratitude. For more information, contact Rev. Sam Marchetto, Wesbury Chaplain, at 814-332-9246.
O NIGHT DIVINE: CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS EVE IN HOME, CHURCH, AND IMAGINATION
Written by retired Rev. John M. Scott, “O Night Divine is a collection of original stories, narrative poems, and song that celebrates the mystery, wonder, awe, and joy of the birth of Christ. Some were created for a Christmas Eve candle lighting service. All are ideal for Christmas worship services. They also make a nice gift to yourself, to clergy, to shut-ins, and anyone who would like to enrich the Christmas season with story and song about Christ’s birth.” Scott’s book will be available on Amazon starting this week for $8 plus shipping. He can also supply people with books in person. O Night Divine will be available at the Erie-Meadville District Christmas Party so people can determine whether or not they would like a copy. For more information, contact John Scott at .
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
CLASSIFIEDS SECTION OF WPAUMC WEBSITE
GO HERE
APPLY TO BE A GLOBAL MISSION FELLOW!
Young adults can apply now to be a Global Mission Fellow and serve two years in mission through the United Methodist Church. Email with questions. LEARN MORE
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Both lay and clergy will find information about events, ongoing programs, and continuing education opportunities, as well as scholarship applications, on our newly updated WEBPAGE. If you have an event that you’d like to see listed, contact Rev. Susan Moudry at .
NEW UMC HANDBOOK
The new United Methodist Church Handbook, which covers the next four years, is available, providing a detailed overview of the denomination’s beliefs, mission, structure, and history. The handbook is a free, go-to resource for anyone in search of information about the church and is helpful for leaders and new members.GET HANDBOOK
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
WPA MLK RACIAL JUSTICE SCHOLARSHIP
Individuals active in racial justice ministry who are pursuing ordination or licensing as a local pastor may apply for the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Racial Justice Scholarship. It is offered by the Pittsburgh and Greensburg districts. The deadline is Wednesday, November 15th. APPLICATION
VITAL WORSHIP GRANTS PROGRAM
The Vital Worship Grants Program at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship seeks to foster vital worship in congregations, parishes, and other worshipping communities in North America. This grants program is especially focused on projected that connect public worship to intergenerational faith formation and Christian discipleship. The deadline is Wednesday, January 10th. LEARN MORE
YOUNG PEOPLE AND RACIAL JUSTICE
The Division of Young People’s Ministry offers grants to help United Methodist young people with a passion for racial justice to take action in their church, community, and the world. The grants provide seed money to bring ideas to life and impact a world that tends to be reactionary rather than proactively loving. A $2,500 grant is being awarded on a rolling, monthly basis until $65,000 has been distributed. DETAILS
SCHOLARSHIPS
There are a variety of scholarships at and at
SEMINARY FINANCIAL AID
Applications for the 2016-17 academic year are available at
SAVE THE DATE
Mark your calendar to join EUMA for a special evening at their annual gala, slated for Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Ambassador Banquet and Conference Center. More information and invitations will be issued in December.
MINISTRY NEEDS
As cold weather approaches, EUMA is seeking sleeping bags (adult-size, cold-weather rated) to distribute to those in need who either can’t find shelter or opt not to seek shelter. Most bags will be given out through EUMA’s medical outreach program, Healthcare for the Homeless Partnerships (please label donations with “HC4HP”). If you can help, sleeping bags can be dropped off at the administrative office (1033 East 26th Street) during business hours of at The Refuge (1027 East 26th Street) during evening/weekend hours. Thank you!
SEEKING TEAM MEMBERS
All God’s Children Ministries is still seeking team members for an international mission trip to Guatemala from Thursday, February 15, 2018 to Thursday, February 22, 2018. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Debbie Hills at .
RAMPS OF HOPE
RAMP BUILD
There are still several more ramps to reclaim. Please contact Debbie Hills at if you can help.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Ramps of Hope is seeking volunteers to help get ramps ready for winter. If you would be willing to help with applying sealant, please contact Debbie Hills at . This is a great project for a few folks to get together to do and is well suited for youth groups.
T-SHIRTS FOR SALE
There have been several requests for new Ramps of Hope t-shirts. Email Debbie Hills at with how many you would like and the size(s) you need. T-shirts are $12 each. If you pay by check, please make it payable to AGCM (cash is fine, too!).
MINISTRY NEEDS
Ramps of Hope is planning on shipping its next container to Bethel Ministries International on Monday, December 18th. The group is always looking for wheelchairs and gently used clothing (especially children’s clothing and black school shoes). Please put the date on your calendar if you could help with loading the container. Volunteers are also needed sometime in the week prior to help inventory what will be going into the container.
RespiteCare
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Respite care volunteers are being sought for one or two Saturday afternoons a month. Options are to help as an ongoing or occasional volunteer. Please contact Sarah Deemer for more information at .
OLMSTEAD CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, December 3rd and Sunday, December 10th, 4pm to 8pm both evenings
Join the staff and friends of Olmstead as they open their doors to celebrate the Christmas season. Guests can enjoy homemade cookies and punch next to the warm fireplace or take a tour of the freshly decorated manor. Whether you are coming to visit your “home away from home” or are seeing Olmstead for the first time, they hope you will join them for an evening of celebration and fellowship.
FALL WORK TEAMS NEEDED
Camp Allegheny could use your help with many different projects this fall. They have completed some timbering and have some cleanup to do. This also means free firewood. They are also trying to complete the installation of an outdoor amphitheater, a small roofing project, wiring of some new smoke detectors, and more. They can use work teams of one to 21 for any number of days, one to 101 days. Please call the office at 814-754-5122 and ask for Rob or email him at .
WELCOME TO WESLEY WOODS!
To make visitors feel more welcome and at home, Wesley Woods wants to replace all of its signs with some that are easier to read, accurate, and more exciting. You can help by making a financial donation or sharing your ideas, resources, or talents. To do so, contact Kira Argot, Wesley Woods’ program director, at .
SPORTSMAN’S SPECIAL
Sunday, November 26th to Saturday, December 9th
Wesley Woods has nearly 600 acres of land available for small and large game hunting. For a special nightly fee of $35 per person, you can stay in one of the cabins and receive a pass to hunt on the property. Each of the cabins has bunks, a shared kitchen and common area, and bathrooms. Linens, pots and pans, cooking utensils, and dishes are provided in the nightly per person fee. Please call the office at 814-436-7802 or email to make your reservations.
CHRISTMAS ON THE MOUNTAIN
Saturday, December 2nd, 5:30pm
Join Wesley Woods as it celebrates Christmas with a very special dinner and a show. A rustic three-course meal will be served at 5:30pm in the main dining hall with entertainment to follow. Cost is $20 per person. Please call 814-436-7803 to make your reservation by Wednesday, November 22nd.
CHERRY RUN
CAMP
UPCOMING
EVENTS
SPARK
January 19th – 21st
Sheraton Station Square
View the Calendar
NEWS
BLOGS
CLASSIFIEDS
ENEWS
INFOCUS PUBLICATION
JOYFUL NOISEPUBLICATION
OBITUARIES
PHOTO GALLERIES
REWIND
SUBSCRIBE TO PUBLICATIONS
HELPFUL LINKS
APPOINTMENTS
CALL TO MINISTRY
CAMPING
CLASSIFIEDS
CLERGY RESOURCES
LEADER DEVELOPMENT
OBITUARIES
ONLINE PAYMENTS
HISTORICAL RECORDS
MISSION NEWS
ENEWS ARCHIVE
NOTE: 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6TH TO SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH
DATE CHANGE! STRATEGIES FOR YEAR-END GIVING
Thursday, November 16th, 10am
The United Methodist Foundation of Western PA will be offering a free webinar entitled “Seven Strategies for Year-End Giving,” which aims to equip pastors and church leaders with practical skills to assist followers of Jesus in making gifts this Christmas season. Register for the webinar using the event link at
ELDERS GATHERING (LAST SESSION)
Friday, November 17th, 10am to 2pm, Allegheny College (520 North Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335)
The Order of Elders will convene in regional meetings this fall. Each elder is expected to attend one of the sessions. REGISTER
UNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY
Help develop principled Christian leaders for the transformation of the world by promoting United Methodist Student Day in your church. Most churches observe #UMSD on Sunday, November 26th. Collect a Special Sunday offering that will provide scholarships to deserving students.LEADER’S KIT
UMC #GIVING TUESDAY
On Tuesday, November 28th, connect your passion with God’s mission. Give through The Advance. Get started at
HOLY SPIRIT SEMINAR
Friday, December 1st, 8:30am to 4pm, United Theological Seminary (4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH 45426)
United Theological Seminary is hosting its 6th annual Holy Spirit Seminar. Guest speakers Guillermo Leon Mighty and Adria Ortiz Núñez, co-pastors of Havana Central Methodist Church in Cuba, will explore Holy Fire: Holiness and the Holy Spirit. DETAILS
GLOBAL MIGRATION SUNDAY
On Sunday, December 3rd, the first Sunday of Advent, United Methodist churches are encouraged to participate in a day of prayer and special offering to support the more than 65 million displaced people around the world. Thomas Kemper, top executive of the UMC Global Ministries, said the mission of Global Migration Sunday is threefold: learn, pray, respond. Find resources at READ MORE
ORIENTATION TO MINISTRY
Saturday, January 6, 2018, 9:30am to 12:30pm, Christ UMC (1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin, PA 16323)
Sponsored by the Conference Board of Ministry, the Orientation is a requirement for anyone pursuing licensed or ordained ministry. However, this initial gathering is open to anyone who would like to learn more about the various types of set-apart ministry that exist within the United Methodist Church. Information will be presented about the broad range of opportunities, including Certified Lay Minister (CLM), professional certification, local pastor, and ordained ministry. Registration is required. There is no registration fee. Send questions to Rev. Janet Lord, Coordinator of Ministerial Services, at .
SPARK
Friday, January 19 to Sunday, January 21, 2018, Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh
SPARK 2018 is a retreat for youth in grades 6 through 12 and their leaders. For more information and to register, visit
CLERGY ETHICS TRAINING
Save one of the following dates to attend clergy ethics training. The training is valuable and required by the Book of Discipline. DETAILS
- Saturday, January 27, 2018, 9am to 4pm, Avery (Washington)
- Monday, January 29, 2018, 9am to 4pm, Dutilh
- Friday, February 9, 2018, 9am to 4pm, TBA (Erie vicinity)
- Saturday, February 10, 2018, 9am to 4pm, Warren: First
- Saturday, February 24, 2018, 9am to 4pm, TBA (Indiana area)
INTERNSHIPS
Seminary students, undergrads, parents…it’s time to think about summer internships! Applications are due Wednesday, January 31, 2018. For more information and to apply for College Ministry Discernment or Seminary Ministry internship, visit
UMW GEARS UP FOR ASSEMBLY
The Power of Bold is the theme for the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for Friday, May 18 to Sunday, May 20, 2018 in Columbus, OH. The early registration fee is $295 with a Thursday, November 30th deadline. Regular registration is $330. Registration includes two healthy lunches. Registration closes Monday, April 9, 2018. REGISTER
MISSION OF PEACE
Calling all youth! Mission of Peace applications are available now. A yearly trip sponsored by the Northeast Jurisdiction of the UMC, Mission of Peace is on or about Friday, December 28, 2018 to Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in the Philippines. Up to four youth can be accepted from each conference. On this trip, youth will get an immersion experience in another culture while meeting youth from other churches and civic organizations. Applications are due by Thursday, March 1, 2018 to Amanda Gilligan, the Conference Coordinator of Young People’s Ministry. For the application and more information, visit
Don’t forget! You can now check a running list of WPA VIM trip opportunities online anytime at . Also, opportunities to give/help can be found at UMCOR.
WPAUMC VOLUNTEERS IN MISSION
United Methodists voluntarily serving people outside the church – local, regionally, nationally, or internationally.
What teams can I join?
How do I learn about leading a team?
Once we have a team planned, what do we do?
Register your team at
Get VIM insurance at
Once our team returns, what do I do?
Where can I find local church resources?
Contact Stephanie Gottschalk at or 724-776-2300, ext. 241
How do I get involved in Disaster Response?