Rejoice
always
,
pray
without ceasing
,
give thanks
in all circumstances;
for
THIS
is the WILL OF
GOD
in
Christ Jesus
for you.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
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West District Weekly
January 23, 2020
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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 to 4:30p
Please
DO NOT
drop items or paperwork off if no one is at the office. There is currently no drop box.
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 at the bottom of this email has been updated as of 12/11/19.
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Volunteers Needed for Annual Conference
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10 people are needed to stuff Annual Conference tote bags between June 8th and 15th
4 greeters to offer attendees directions and hospitality on the first morning (June 18th)
Donor to fund the purchase of the ever popular Annual Conference tote bags... approximately $1500 to $2000 and donor can promote their organization name on the tote bag
To volunteer or for more information, contact Regina Babcock at the Conference Office at 610-666-9090 ext 1002 or
rbabcock@epaumc.org
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Attention Lead Pastors -- Tax Exemption Status
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We've received questions from churches looking for the tax exemption forms that need to be renewed by the end of March. Please note that the local churches fall under the Conference umbrella, and the Conference Office is currently working on the tax exemption renewal.
No action needs to be taken by the local churches at this time. Once approved, churches will receive their certificate from the State.
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Dismantling Racism - March 20 - March 22
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March 20 @ 5:00 pm - March 22 @ 3:00 pm
Desmond Hotel Malvern
1 Liberty Blvd
Malvern, PA 19355
March 20, 2020 – March 22, 2020
Begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner. Ends by 3:00 pm on Sunday
This is not a commuter event.
Casual dress code.
Registration fee – $300.00
Registration includes a single room and meals.
Full Payment is Due at Time of Registration
The Registration Deadline is March 6, 2020.
Note: No refunds will be issued for participant cancellations less than 30 days prior to the start date of the event.
DISMANTLING RACISM WORKSHOPS GENERAL INFORMATION
This is a 3 day workshop and participation all 3 days is expected.
Participants will learn concrete strategies for:
·
Developing skills for addressing and changing attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate bias, discrimination, and other obstacles to equity
·
Understanding the personal costs to everyone of system of privilege and disadvantage
·
Recognizing institutional racism and other forms of systemic oppression and discrimination that affect members of historically excluded groups
·
Changing dysfunctional intraracial and interracial behavior that undermine effective partnerships
·
Learning to acknowledge and interrupt the subtle (and often unintentional) dynamics that play out between “modern” forms of oppression and “internalized oppression”.
·
This workshop will be led by a cross-racial, cross gender team of two facilitators from Visions, Inc. For more information on Visions, Inc. visit their website: visions-inc.org
2 Continuing Education Units
are awarded upon completion of the training and this satisfies the requirement for Healing the Wounds
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Bishop appeals for donations to help Puerto Rico recover from earthquakes
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Bishop Peggy Johnson is asking members and friends of the Eastern PA Conference to offer heartfelt prayers as they learn and share the latest news about Puerto Rico’s continuing onslaught of earthquakes. A 5.9 magnitude quake struck the island on Saturday morning, Jan. 11, following the stronger 6.4 magnitude one last Tuesday. Aftershocks have been continuous.
Bishop Johnson also appeals to us all to please
support the
relief efforts
of
UMCOR
(UM Committee on Relief) and its Methodist Church of Puerto Rico partner agency,
REHACE
, by donating funds now to
Advance #901670
.
You can also give through our conference’s
Advance Special Project #
0345PR
for Puerto Rico
,
by sending your donations to the
Eastern PA Conference Treasurer
, at P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482.
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West District Lay Equalizing Delegates to Annual Conference
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Please let Kristin Reifsnyder know by Friday, March 6, 2020, whether or not you plan to serve this year and will be able to be in attendance at Annual Conference all three days.
We will fill slots according to your replies.
Annual Conference
will be the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, June 18 @ 8 a.m. - June 20 @ 5 p.m.
District Conference
will be on Sunday, May 17, tentatively at Salem UMC, Maheim, at 3 p.m. Equalizers are expected to attend District Conference.
If you served as a delegate last year, you're automatically a delegate this year, but if you're unable to serve, we need to know so we can remove you and open your spot.
If you have been licensed as a local pastor since the last AC you may not serve as a Lay Equalizing Delegate. If you are a Certified Lay Minister (CLM) you may serve as an Equalizing Delegate. Please let us know if your status has changed.
Thank you for your prompt reply.
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Tools for Ministry to include:
- Conflict Leadership
- Seniors Serving Seniors
- Bible2School
- Connecting Children to Christ
- Sexual Misconduct (iCare)
- Prison Ministry
- Christ Servant Minister/Certified Lay Speaker
- Let's Talk about Suicide
- Candidacy Process for Ministry in EPA
- Church Marketing
- and MORE!
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2020
Snow Date: Saturday, March 21, 2020
Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Location: Church of the Good Shepherd, 1500 Quentin Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042
Cost:
$10.00
Registration details coming soon for Tools for Ministry!
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North District Offers Lenten Bible Study
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Lenten Bible Study will be available in mid February, free of charge. They are offering the study on the North District webpage of the EPA Conference website as well as on a DVD or thumb drive. It is helpful to know the # folks interested in either the DVD or thumb drive so we can order the correct amount.
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Spanish Workshops Offered at North District Tools for Ministry by EPA Council on Latino Plan Ministries
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The North District Tools for Ministry will host the Conference Council on Latino Plan & Ministries workshops. Each workshop is open to everyone in the conference and will run during both sessions 1 and 2 beginning at 9:30 am.
#17 - La Buena Administracion de la Gracia de Dios
- Este es un taller sobre la mayordomia cristiana en el que se examina la responsabilidad de toda iglesia local en cuanto al uso adecuado de los recursos de tiempo, talento y tesoro que Dios ha puestoa nuestro alcance. Se le dara un enfasis primordial a la mayordomia de nuestras finanzas ( 1 Pedro 4:10 RVC).
The Good Administration of the Grace of God
This workshop about Christian stewardship examines the local church's responsibility regarding its adequate use of the time, talent and treasure God has placed at our disposal. Primary emphasis will be given to our financial stewardship ( 1 Peter 4:10, NRSV).
Presenter : Rev. Dr. Irving Cotto, pastor at Warrington: St. Paul’s, and former North District DS
#18 - A Fin de Equipar a los Santos:
Este taller examina la organizacion, funcion y responsabilidad del Comite de Relaciones entre el Liderato Pastoral y la Parroquia Se le dara atencion especial al apoyo espiritual y a la comunicacion para un pastorado saludable (Efesios 4:11-16 RVC).
In Order to Equip the Saints:
This workshop examines the organization, function and responsibility of the Pastor and Parish Relations Committee. Special attention will be given to the spiritual support and communicarion for a healthy pastoral ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16 NRSV).
Presenter Rev. Evodia Villalva, pastor at West Chester: El Buen Samaritano
This is held on Saturday, March 7, 2020.
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District Church Building and Location Committee Needs You!
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At the end of December the Church Building and Location Committee's numbers will be dwindling down to six members.
The Book of Discipline says we can have between 6 and 9 members, 1/3
rd
clergy, 1/3
rd
laymen, 1/3
rd
laywomen is desirable. The 2020 Board will only have one laywoman so two additional women is desirable.
Qualifications would include background and interest in the following:
A desire to assist West District churches with plans to expand existing or build new churches, sell property or close churches.
Professional experience in finance, building construction, law, subdivision and land development, stormwater control, zoning, real estate, architecture and related professions will be beneficial.
If you are interested in serving, please contact the district office at:
westdistrict@epaumc.org
. A copy of your most recent resume and information about your experience with the above would be excellent.
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Calling all Sewers! Bishop Johnson would like to present lightweight clerical robes to 10 Congolese pastors.
If you would be willing to be part of the sewing team, please contact Elaine Spangler (Grandview UMC) at
ejsgac76@aol.com
or 717-419-9193. A time to gather together will be arranged once sewers have responded.
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Bible Study Available
Lickdale: Trinity has 25 Believe bible study books available to whomever needs.
Contact the church office at 717-865-4361
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Millersville Community Church invites you to our "Souper Bowl Sunday Supper" on January 26, 2020.
(The Sunday before the big football game.) Drop in between 5:00 PM & 7:00 PM at 163 West Frederick St, Millersville, PA. We will be serving soup, sandwiches, salad and desserts. The meal is free with a suggested donation of a can(s) soup to donate to our local food pantries. Snow date is set for Monday, January 27 at the same time.
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Commercial Kitchen Equipment needed
Do you have commercial kitchen equipment you can give or sell to St. Luke's, Lebanon at a good price?? They will pick up. They are opening a Food Pantry in their church. Please contact Rev. Bruny Martinez at 717-940-4090 with info.
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If you have a need,
please email
the district office - the ad will run for two weeks in the newsletter, but will be available on the
District website
for one month. Additional listings are available on the District website.
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2020 Events
**Details listed in articles above/below**
- Equipping Church Leaders - Saturday, January 25, 2020 - Salem UMC, 140 N. Penn St., Manheim, PA 17545
- Youth Winter Blast Retreat - Friday, February 7 - Saturday, February 8, 2020 - Gretna Glen, 87 Old Mine Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
- Free Youth Night - Sunday, February 16, 2020 - Gretna Glen, 87 Old Mine Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
- Lenten Day Apart - Monday, February 24, 2020 - Washington Crossing UMC, 1895 Wrightstown Rd, Washington Crossing, PA 18977
- Tools for Ministry - Saturday, March 7, 2020 - Church of the Good Shepherd, 1500 Quentin Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042
- Free Youth Night - Sunday, March 15, 2020 - Gretna Glen, 87 Old Mine Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
- General Conference Listening Session #1 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - Church of the Good Shepherd, 1500 Quentin Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042
- General Conference Listening Session #2 - Thursday, April 2, 2020 - Downingtown UMC, 751 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335
- General Conference Listening Session #3 - Saturday, April 4, 2020 - Simpson House, 2101 Belmont Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131
- Spring Work Day - Saturday, April 18, 2020 - Gretna Glen, 87 Old Mine Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
- Free Youth Night - Sunday, April 19, 2020 - Gretna Glen, 87 Old Mine Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
- General Conference Listening Session #4 - Monday, April 20, 2020 - Epworth UMC, 3245 Oakland Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18020
- Advanced Sexual Ethics - Saturday, May 2, 2020 - Elam UMC, 1073 Smithbridge Rd., Glen Mills, PA 19342
- Gretna Gritty - Saturday, May 9, 2020 - Gretna Glen, 87 Old Mine Road, Lebanon, PA 17042
- Basic Sexual Ethics - Saturday, May 16, 2020 - Faith UMC, 1290 Fruitville Pike, Lititz, PA 17543
- Basic Sexual Ethics - Saturday, August 20, 2020 - St. Matthew's UMC, 600 Walker Rd., Wayne, PA 19087
- Basic Sexual Ethics - Saturday, September 26, 2020 - Conshohocken UMC, 20 W. 6th Ave., Conshohocken, PA 19428
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Annual Retreat for Associate Members and Local Pastors April 26-28, 2020
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A Time for Listening and Discernment - General Conference Listening Sessions
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Every four years in preparation for General Conference, the elected General – Jurisdictional Conference Delegation schedules
Listening
Sessions
, to hear from the members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference the concerns and understanding regarding proposed legislation coming before the General Conference for action. Please save the following dates, choose a site and plan to attend one of these sessions. Information regarding resolutions will be published prior to these sessions in the NEWSpirit and District newsletters.
Guidelines and format for the sessions will be published closer to the dates.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 – 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Church of the Good Shepherd UMC
1500 Quentin Road, Lebanon PA 17042
Thursday, April 2, 2020 – 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Downingtown UMC
751 E Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown PA 19335
**In addition to this in person meeting, a
Zoom Conference Call number and instructions will be published in the NEWSpirit and District e-newsletters and on the epaumc.org web site**
Saturday, April 4, 2020 – 10 am to Noon
Simpson House,
2101 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19131
Monday, April 20, 2020 – 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Epworth UMC
3245 Oakland Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020
Watch for more information in the NEWSpirit and District newsletters.
Please encourage all to pray for the Delegation, the Listening Sessions, and General Conference 2020.
Contact Delegation co-chairs with any questions
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Reminder - Those required to take a sexual ethics workshop every quadrennium can begin anew January 2020. The Basic Workshops are a prerequisite to the Advanced Workshops.
Saturday May 2, 2020 Advanced Sexual Ethics
Time – 9:30am - 3pm
Cost - $35
Presenter - Attorney Joy Melton - Legal Ramifications of Safe Sanctuary and the Reentrance for Offenders
Place - Elam UMC
1073 Smithbridge Rd, Glen Mills, PA 19342
CEU’s are available. Light refreshments and lunch are provided.
Saturday May 16, 2020 Basic Sexual Ethics
Time – 9:30am - 3pm
Cost $35
Presenter - Linda Crockett – Director of Safe Communities
Place – Faith UMC, 1290 Fruitville Pike, Lititz, PA 17543
CEU’s are available. Light refreshments and lunch are provided.
Thursday August 20, 2020 Advanced Sexual Ethics
Time – 9:30am – 3pm
Cost $35
Presenter – FR. Charles Mauer -
Council on Relationships
Place – St. Matthews’s UMC 600 Walker Rd, Wayne, PA 19087
CEU’s are available. Light refreshments and lunch are provided.
Saturday September 26, 2020 Basic Sexual Ethics
Time 9:30 – 3pm
Cost $35
Presenter – Rev. Wanda Sevey, Council on Relationships
Place – Conshohocken UMC - 20 W 6th Ave, Conshohocken, PA 19428
CEU’s are available. Light refreshments and lunch are provided.
Click here
for full flyer and details on each workshop.
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Donations 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.
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 Weekly:
The West District Weekly 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 Weekly 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
westdistrict@epaumc.org
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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