West District Weekly
April 17, 2019
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If you are dropping something off,
please call before coming to the office
to ensure someone is here as the DS and DRA attend off-site meetings. There is no external drop box or mail slot at this time. The phone number is: 717-569-9673.
- Regular hours Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm.
- The office will be closed on Friday, April 19 for Good Friday.
- The office will also be closed Wednesday-Friday, April 24-26 and will reopen on Monday, April 29 at 9am.
Please
DO NOT
drop items or paperwork off if no one is at the office. There is no drop box.
Please be sure to read the entire newsletter so you don't miss things. Things are often rotated weekly to ensure enough coverage.
In some email platforms, you may have to expand your view by clicking
MORE
at the bottom of your email - this is not something the district can change.
It is an issue within your email client.
Pulpit Supply List is at the bottom of this email.
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The conference is looking for someone to play piano for a hymn sing on Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 12pm to 2pm at Lititz Family Cupboard during their annual Retirees Luncheon. If interested, please contact Regina Raiford Babcock at
rbabcock@epaumc.org or 484-762-8222.
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New name for Mission Connections..
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Due to the copyright of the previous Mission Grounpings, we have changed the name to Mission Link. This will officially be voted on by resolution at Annual Conference. Please start referring to your grouping as Mission Link.
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Sunday, May 5, 2019
3 pm
Salem United Methodist Church
140 North Penn St., Manheim, PA 17545
Who should attend?
Appointed clergy, lay members to Annual Conference, Equalizing Lay Members to Annual Conference, and anyone interested in attending.
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2019 Equalizing Lay Delegates
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If you are interested in serving as an Equalizing Lay Delegate to Annual Conference (you must be able to attend Annual Conference to be a delegate), please submit your name to the district office by April 24. Include your pastor on the email as well.
We will vote on the delegates at District Conference on Sunday, May 5, at 3pm. Location to be determine.
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2019 Annual Conference Registration is NOW OPEN!
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June 13 - 15, 2019
Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
100 Station Avenue
Oaks, PA, 19456
When you click on the registration button (below) you find all
the details including nearby hotel accommodation info.
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Associate Chaplain - Cornwall Manor
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JOB TITLE:
Associate Chaplain, Cornwall Manor Retirement Community
BASIC DUTIES:
Responsible for preaching the 2nd & 5th Sunday services at 2:00 p.m. in the Health Center & 3:30 p.m. in Zerr Chapel; on call for pastoral emergency situations and the Lead Chaplain's vacation schedule and his/her day off.
REQUIREMENTS: United Methodist clergy or endorsed by a denomination; minimum 3 years in the pastoral ministry or experience in chaplaincy.
SCHEDULE:
Part Time; varied schedule as needed; 32 hours/pay period. Approx. $20.00 per hour.
PLEASE CONTACT:
Mr. Gregory Weaber, VP of Human Resources, 717-675-1567.
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To all local church representatives for Native American Ministries
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Thank you for your involvement in Native American Ministries.
The Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) continues with you to celebrate the contributions of Native Americans and to advocate for justice and fairness when they are negatively impacted by government and corporate interests.
We remind you that the Act of Repentance calls us to “actively engage in the process of healing through listening and learning with Native Americans. We are called to be the living and resurrected body of Christ in the world remembering that when one part is neglected or mistreated the entire body suffers.” EPA Act of Repentance Worship Service, June 2016.
CoNAM announces the
Spring Worship at Camp Innabah
on April 28, 2019, at 4 pm.
The topic:
“NATIVE CRISIS: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”
Please download the attached flyer and share it with your congregation
. We look forward to seeing you there.
At
ANNUAL CONFERENCE, June 13-15 we want to share stories about what churches are doing for Native American Sunday.
Tell us what you have done or are planning to do to create awareness of the tragic history as well as the continued struggles for Native Americans today. What blessings have you experienced in your engagement with Native Americans?
Send your story
with contact information so that we can be in touch with you. Your stories will be incorporated in our presentation at the plenary session of Annual Conference.
Thank you for your faithful service,
EPA Committee on Native American Ministries
Verna Colliver, Secretary
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The 21st Century Church and Volcanic Culture
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Dear Seminary and Church Friends and Neighbors,
Church and Culture visionary
Dr. Leonard Sweet will be giving a seminar on the
21
st
Century Church and Volcanic Culture on Monday, June 10, 2019 to be held at Quakertown United Methodist Church, 1875 Freier Rd., Quakertown, PA 18951. The morning and afternoon sessions will include material from Len’s new upcoming book on church and culture,
Rings of Fire –the long-awaited dynamic
sequel to
Soul Tsunami
to be released by the publisher this November. Be the first to benefit from Len’s laser sharp eye on our current culture and learn how the church can not only cope but soar into a new and vital future!
The event will be held from 9 AM until 4 PM. Doors open at 8:30 AM for a continental breakfast. A full luncheon will be served 12-1 pm. Water and coffee will be available throughout the day.
9-12 morning session with Len Sweet
12-1 luncheon in Miller Hall
1-4 afternoon session with Len Sweet
EPC United Methodists can earn .6 CEU credits through the conference by attending this seminar.
The price per person is $20, which includes the day and all meals.
Len Sweet will be available to sign your books and will have some of his recent books at the event for purchase.
The event is open to
pastors, seminary professors and staff, church staff, and church key ministry representatives and includes churches from all denominations, as well as non-denominational churches.
To register, please fill out the form below with the number attending and include your check, payable to QUMC. Please write in the memo line: Len Sweet Workshop. Please direct questions to Pastor Lori Wagner of Quakertown UMC, at
loribethwagner@gmail.com. You may also pay by credit card by filling in the appropriate information in the form below.
We look forward to seeing you on June 10
th!
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Focus Group for Spouses of Part-time Pastors
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April 28, 2019 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116
Come to this dynamic, interesting small group conversation among clergy spouses like you. Help shape future clergy spouse programs to include your unique needs. Share your experiences, tips, and suggestions in the following areas:
- Boundaries
- Rearing children
- Balancing more complex demands of living with a bi-vocational spouse
Rest assured, only summarized and anonymous comments will be shared outside of the focus group meeting.
Healthy snacks provided.
There is no charge for this event, but you must register because space is limited.
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Facilitator – Julie Anderman
- Executive Director, Artos Retreats
- 20 years as EPA Conference UMC clergy spouse
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Upcoming Advanced Sexual Ethics Workshop
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This is a reminder of the next Advanced Sexual Ethics workshop:
An Advanced Sexual Ethics workshop is scheduled for April 30th 2019 from 9 30 to 3 at Asbury UMC in Allentown led by Rev. Beverly Andrews and Mrs. Elaine Spangler. Cost is $35. Light refreshments and lunch are provided. CEU’s are available.
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Two Christ Servant Ministry Courses being offered May 17 & 18
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Asbury UMC Allentown (1533 Springhouse Road).
Judy Ehninger
will teach
“Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry”
for persons who want to learn about how Christ Servant Ministry can help members grow in a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Rev. Harold Burkett
will teach
“Speaking 1.”
This advanced course is open to members who feel called to witness by effectively telling others how God's Holy Spirit is working in and through their lives.
A $35 registration fee for either class helps pay for class materials and light refreshments. Registration is required. Additional information and /or registration materials, are available from George Hollich by email at
hollich@comcast.net
or calling 717-838-2812 or Judy Ehninger
judy.ehninger@gmail.com
610-442-3140.
Registration forms:
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Transitioning Pastor's & Relating to Clergy Spouses Workshop
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June 8, 2019 at 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Holy Cross UMC, 329 N. 5th Street, Reading, PA 19601
Session 1 9:00 AM - Noon
Session 2 Noon -2:00 PM
Registration Closes on May 24, 2019
Session 1: Transitioning Clergy Workshop
Open to all transitioning clergy, spouses, and SPRC members
This workshop will assist both clergy spouses, clergy and S/PPR teams in facilitating a positive transition with their new appointments. It's helpful, proactive, dynamic, relational and even, at times, humorous. If you're moving to a new church, or you're a church receiving a new pastor, this workshop is for you!
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Led by Rev. Dave Woolverton
Session 2: Relating With Clergy Spouses (Lunch & Learn)
Open to SPRC and any other church leaders
A lunch-n-learn workshop to help church leaders start a healthy relationship with your pastor’s spouse. Learn five key questions and how to ask them. Hear tips from an SPRC chair and male and female clergy spouses – all with experience in multiple appointment transitions. $5 fee to cover sandwiches and salad from Panera Bread
12:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Led by Julie Anderman, UMC Clergy Spouse
Registration Closes on May 24, 2019
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2019 Events
- Focus Group for Spouses of Part-time Pastors - Sunday, April 28, 2019 - Cranaleith Spiritual Center, Philadelphia
- Annual Conference 2019 - Thursday, June 13 - Saturday, June 15, 2019 - Greater Philadelphia Convention Center, Oaks, PA
- Healthy Transitions for Clergy Spouses - Saturday, July 27 - Daylesford Abbey, Paoli, PA
- Laity Academy - August 2-4, 2019 - Eastern University, Radnor
- Claiming Sabbath for Clergy Spouses Retreat - Saturday, September 21, 2019 - Franciscan Spiritual Center, Aston, PA
- Churches as First Responders to the Military & Veteran Population - Saturday, November 2, 2019 - First UMC, Phoenixville
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Vocational Intern Program deadline extended to May 1
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The Vocational Intern Program is a project of the Board of Ordained Ministry for men and women college age and beyond who are considering a vocation in ministry in the United Methodist Church. The Vocational Intern Program provides an opportunity for participants to have “real life” experiences of Christian ministry in parish situations or specialized settings.
The intern receives $ 3,000.00 stipend (50 % is reimbursed by the Board of Ordained Ministry at the completion of the internship to the church or ministry site). If you would be interested in having an intern serve at your church or if you would know of someone in your congregation who could benefit by serving as an intern, please contact the Rev. Tracy Duncan, Vocational Intern Program, at
revtracy51@email.com
.
This is a great opportunity to get a close-up view with valuable on-the-ground training in ministry. Congregations and pastors who would welcome a helping hand (and an inquiring mind) during the summer could find themselves preparing a next-generation leader for the church.
The intern’s assignment in a rural, suburban, urban or inner-city situation will be made on the basis of a mutual selection between the applicant, the church and the VIP Committee. The pastor or director of the specialized ministry will provide supervision and mentoring. The church pays the $3,000 stipend, but the conference Board of Ordained Ministry reimburses one-half of it at the completion of the 10-week internship.
Applicants must have completed at least one year of college and be a member of the United Methodist Church.
Ministry Sites, please submit an internship program plan by
May 1
. Interns, the application deadline is also
May 1
.
“The Vocational Internship Program was for me a key factor in discerning a call to the ordained ministry,” says the Rev. Bill Lentz, pastor of Lehman UMC in Hatboro. “Thirty-one years later, I look back on those days when local churches of our annual conference gave me the opportunity to spread my wings by giving me room to explore my gifts and calling for service. I have enjoyed making that same experience available to others looking for room to grow in grace as they explore the call.”
To take the next step, print and fill out the following materials:
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Donations being accepted for Sierra Leone
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In the past we have sent several barrels of medication, clothing and toys to Rev. Dorcas Kamanda in Sierra Leone for the Children's Village she started. We have been extremely successful with this mission and we would like to start sending more to the Village in the new year.
At the end of September the District presented Dorcas with a check for $2,038 for supplies and medication needed for the Village. These funds came from donations received from YOU (district conference, direct donations, etc.). These funds were also used for purchasing barrels and covering the shipping costs on all of these barrels.
Therefore, we are in need of barrels (pictured) and supplies to go into barrels. Last time we obtained shipping barrels they cost approximately
$50 each
. If someone knows where we can obtain plastic barrels at a cheaper cost or has clean, plastic shipping barrels, we would greatly appreciate info. Shipping was
$150.00 per barrel.
Each barrel should be
55 gallons with a removable lid
, preferably a solid lid.
If you are able to point us in a direction to obtaining barrels, we would grateful, as would the Village.
We have received an updated list of items that are needed for the both NarSarah Clinic and the Children's Village - both started by Dorcas.
Needs for Clinic
Clinic really needs surgical equipment for minor surgeries e.g. appendix.
OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS
pain medications, antibiotics, anti-diarrhea, cold sores meds; cold medications, children's vitamins; vitamins for older women e.g. Centrum etc., rash medication, folic acid, prenatal/post-natal
Needs for Childen's Village
Children’s clothes and shoes especially tennis shoes for children ages 4 to 10 years, socks, NEW underwear, soccer balls, bathing soaps.
We need a water well to address our water need.
We need solar panels to increase our energy demand.
We need a playground for the orphans and children from the village.
We will need a school bus as our numbers increase.
Please contact the District Office with questions by phone at 717-569-9673 or email Kristin at
kreifsnyder@epaumc.org
.
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Do you find yourself wondering where you can obtain a 501(c)3 letter? Clergy W-2s? Various other bits of information that is crucial for churches? Look no further than the
Local Church Resources tab on the EPA website and you can answer these questions.
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LOCAL CHURCH & CONNECTIONAL EVENTS
Please don't forget that we love sharing the events you have going on in your churches and Connections. Be sure to share them with the district either on
Facebook
or via
email
. We can't share what we don't know is happening!
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PULPIT SUPPLY LIST
If you would like to be added to this list, please contact the
district office with your name, which category you're in, phone number and area you can cover. We have limited names for the Lebanon area, if you are interested, please contact us as soon as possible!
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Rev. Tim Smith, Chair of District Committee on Ordained Ministry
-
ts3707@gmail.com
Mrs. Lynn McCord, District Christ Servant Minister Coordinato
r,
Conference Office
- 610-666-9090 / 800-828-9093
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MISSION CENTRAL HUBS IN OUR DISTRICT
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1)
Elizabethtown: St. Paul’s
(Liz Helm, coordinator), 398 N. Locust Street, Elizabethtown, PA. 717-367-1889 **call to make sure someone will be there**
2)
Lebanon: Covenant
(Mariellen Lantz, coordinator), 346 N. 9
th
Street, Lebanon, PA. 717-272-0672
3)
Cleona: Immanuel
(Jeanne Earnshaw, coordinator), 29 E. Maple Street, Cleona, PA. 717-926-2305 **call to make sure someone will be there**
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Editorial Policy of the West District E-Alert:
The West District E-alert is published on an as-needed basis on Wednesdays. Articles will appear once as new information; thereafter, they will be Reminders or Calendar Items. Spaghetti dinners, fundraisers, concerts, VBSs, bazaars, etc. are included only on the
Local Church and Connetional Events page
.
Job postings can be found in the
Classifieds
section of the website. The E-Alert is sent to Pastors and Church Offices on the West District and to lay people who have requested having their names added to the distribution list. Please feel free to copy any article for your church’s bulletin or newsletter. Appointed clergy may not unsubscribe. All articles and announcements should be sent to the District Resource Assistant at
epawestdistrict@comcast.net
by 3:00pm Tuesday afternoon for consideration. Articles should be in the body of an email or an attached Word document (please no PDFs). Submissions made by telephone will
not
be accepted. Articles may be edited for clarity and space. The District Office makes all decisions regarding publication.
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