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
September 18, 2020
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Pulpit Supply List at the bottom of this email has been updated as of 5/18/2020. |
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New office hours:
Monday - Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:15pm
in the Conference Office
Thursday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:15pm
working from home
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Kristin's Farewell Zoom and Parade |
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As a reminder Kristin's last day is Tuesday, September 22 and we're going to be celebrating her!
Join us from 2:30 - 3:30pm via Zoom
Meeting ID: 940 9788 0720
Passcode: 046000
One tap mobile
Dial by your location
Meeting ID: 940 9788 0720
Followed by a Farewell Parade at Faith UMC, 1290 Fruitville Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 from 4-5:30pm. Decorate your vehicle and come wave, sign a Friendship book and give Kristin the best Wild West farewell.
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EPAUMC Laity Facebook Page |
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EPAUMC Laity Facebook Page - all laity welcome to join today!! A place for laity to support and resource one another. We hope you will join us. If you have any difficulty finding the page, please notify Conference Lay Leader, Dave Koch confdayleader@epaumc.org or DCM Dawn Taylor-Storm at dtaylorstorm@epaumc.org.
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Christmas and COVID - How to Celebrate Advent and Christmas During COVID |
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Oct. 5, 2020 @ 6:30 - 7:45pm
An Interactive ZOOM Conversation Led by EPA CDT (EPA Congregational Development Team)
Come and share ideas for how to celebrate Advent and Christmas Season during COVID. All are welcome. Free. CDT Team Members, DS Morton and DCM Taylor-Storm will be present to share ideas and answer questions churches may have about meeting safely during the Advent & Christmas season.
- Steve Morton, North District Sharing Ideas – How Large Churches Can Structure for the Christmas season
- Mike Netznik, Reaching the Community – Drive Thru Nativity Ideas//Reaching the Community at Advent
- Suzette James, The Importance of Remaining Connected in COVID
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Click the image to download a full copy of The September Special Edition of The Compass. |
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Dismantling Racism Level II Workshop - TOMORROW |
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Reminder: All clergy must take a level 2 Dismantling Racism training every four years. Clergy, laity and community members are welcome to attend.
The conference Healing the Wounds of Racism Core Team will offer the next Dismantling Racism Level II workshop via Zoom on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 AM to 12 PM. "The Experience and Impact of Racism on People of Asian Ancestry" is the theme. Please register online now. The cost is $15, and scholarships are available.
The Rev. Doris Kung Chi Pui Dalton, a Deacon and former conference staff member, will keynote the interactive discussion. All Eastern PA Conference clergy are required to take a Level II workshop within the quadrennium.
Dalton currently serves as Director of Leadership Development and Intercultural Competency in the UMC’s New York Annual Conference. Ordained a Deacon in this conference, she served on the HWR Core Team for several years before moving to White Plains, NY.
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Basic Sexual Ethics Workshop Part 1 & 2 - Upcoming |
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October 17 and 24 - Presenter - Rev. David Piltz - given on two Saturdays
Rev. David Piltz is a licensed local Pastor, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference’s Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, a Drexel Campus Minister and a Co-Chaplain for the NFL Alumni Association Philadelphia Chapter. He is a member of I-CARE Team and Safe Sanctuaries committee. In addition, he is a Marriage and Family Therapist with a part time practice that he owns called Me Matters, LLC. He has created and presented numerous times on creating safe places, boundaries, and Emotional Intelligence.
Topic: Basic Sexual Ethics Worship Part 1
Time: Oct 17, 2020 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Basic Sexual Ethics Worship Part 2
Time: Oct 24, 2020 12:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Workshop Description - Basic Sexual Ethics
Ethical and moral behavior has been debated since Adam and Eve. What is the ethical thing (more aligned with legality) and the moral thing (more aligned with religious edicts) began with Cain and Abel. Now in 2020, how do those in ministry navigate the immense field of boundaries, self-care, friendship, confidentiality, power bases, sexuality, sex, and attachment? Creating safe spaces and safety is paramount in ministry but our own emotions, feelings and longings can get in the way and create situations in which those with the power (ministry leaders) cross boundaries. These situations are confusing and can be devastating.
This interactive, experiential (yes even on Zoom) workshop will explore the concepts of emotions, ethics, morals, power bases, attachment, sex, and boundaries. After this workshop participants will be able to:
- Define the difference between ethics and moral
- List the pitfalls and challenges of boundary setting
- Describe the various attachment styles and how they form our actions, thoughts and feelings
- Identify personal areas of emotional hurt that could create potential boundary issues
- Identify and explore the concept of sex and how views about sex are formed and how those views can affect ministry
- Create personal action plan on creating healthy boundaries in ministry
This program is presented via Zoom on two separate days. Attendance on both days are needed for full CEU’s. This is participatory and discussion oriented worship so use of cameras and “seeing” each other is needed. In addition break out rooms will be used to explore concepts.
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January 30, 2021 Basic - Zoom workshop - presenter Rev. Wanda Sevey
Basic Sexual Ethics
As ministers we interact with people with many vulnerabilities both in our congregations and our communities. This workshop will provide training regarding how to manage situations in which sexual ethics become an issue in ministry. Participants are invited to bring specific situations and cases from their ministry settings for exploration and discussion. CEU’s are available. Light refreshments and lunch are provided.
Presenter – Rev. Wanda Sevey, MDiv, LMFT
Ms. Sevey’s emphasis is on helping her clients care for themselves and build relationships in which they can flourish. She is skilled at helping individuals, couples and families with communication and relationship skill building; LGBT issues; reducing and coping with stress; sex issues for couples and individuals; recovery from affairs; and anxiety and depression. Ms. Sevey is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Relationship Enhancement Therapy and has led anger management and sexuality/intimacy groups. She is an ordained minister in the progressive United Church of Christ and is interested in helping clients of all (or no) religious and faith backgrounds explore the connections between their own spirituality, religion, sexuality and relationships.
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March 6, 2021 @ 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Advanced Sexual Ethics Workshop
“Ministry with Registered Sex Offenders”
Aldersgate UMC, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803
Speaker: Rev. Joy Thornburg Melton, Esq. (Author of Safe Sanctuaries)
Fee: $35
Lunch Provided
All Clergy and Church Lay Leadership Welcome. 0.5 CEUs Available
Fulfills Advanced Sexual Ethics Requirement
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When Home Hurts - Conference to explore Domestic Violence and Families
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The Eastern PA Conference’s Domestic Violence Committee will focus on children and families when it presents its third annual Domestic Violence Seminar October 9-10. The two-part, virtual event will be a video-conference on Zoom. Its times are on Friday evening, from 7 PM to 9 PM, and on Saturday morning, from 9 AM to 12 PM.
The theme is When Home Hurts: Domestic Violence and Families—The Church Responds.
“Again, we will learn more about this destructive social crisis that hurts individuals, families and communities,” said the committee in announcing the event. “And we will explore how churches can respond.” The virtual seminar will include a keynote address, a panel discussion and topical workshops--all led by experts who play various roles in seeking and offering solutions to this lethal problem.
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Save the Date - CoNAM Planning Virtual Fall Event |
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CoNAM is planning our Fall Meeting as a virtual event on Zoom, Sunday, November 8 at 4 pm. Our guest speaker is Arla Patch, Coalition of Natives and Allies (CNA), on race-based sports mascots. More information to come on registering for this free event. |
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Kairos Spiritual Direction Training Program Enrolling Now
The Parish Resource Center is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for a new cohort of the Kairos Spiritual Direction Training program. The next cohort for this two-year certificate program begins in January. This cohort will have a new emphasis on practicing spiritual kinship with those on the margins who have not had the opportunity or means to participate in spiritual direction. This focus grew out of PRC’s work in food insecurity, immigration, and restorative practices.
The training is designed not only for spiritual directors, but for all those who offer spiritual care and companionship. Through this course, students will learn and develop skills in deep listening and noticing the presence of God as they practice spiritual companionship.
The program is based on the Ignatian tradition and emphasizes in-person instruction and training nine weekends a year. PRC will continue to reassess as the situation changes and has the ability to move the program online on an as-needed basis.
There is an early bird discount of $500 if you register before November 1, 2020. You can find more information and apply online at parishresourcecenter.org/kairos.
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Orientation to Ministry Workshop |
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Orientation to Ministry” is an overview of the diverse ways in which one can enter into professional ministry in the United Methodist Church. It is designed to guide individuals in the process of answering a call to ministry. Those who take this class will gain an understanding of different categories of professional ministry as well as a practical step by step understanding of the candidacy process. This is a required course for all candidates for professional ministry in the Eastern PA Conference.
Date - September 12, 2020
Time - 10:00 am
Presenter - Michael Roberts
Meeting through ZOOM.
A ZOOM link for the meeting is included in the confirmation email.
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Leading Racial Reconciliation for Youth Leaders |
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In this experiential workshop for those who work with youth, the facilitators will present the biblical foundation of racial reconciliation and how to effectively implement it in your churches and youth and young adult groups. During this experience, participants will examine their own biases while learning how to navigate the tricky conversations with youth while being sensitive to the youth’s parent’s perspective.
This training is meant to equip youth leaders, support staff, and church groups with the resources required for intentional conversations regarding racial reconciliation. The training is meant to be used, experienced, and shared as a tool with students, parents, and ministry personnel.
This training is meant to equip youth leaders, support staff, and church groups with the resources required for intentional conversations regarding racial reconciliation. The training is meant to be used, experienced, and shared as a tool with students, parents, and ministry personnel.
At the end of the workshop participants will be able to:
- Define trauma
- Develop an historical context and basis for controversial conversations
- Establish empathic listening and response techniques to create a foundation for emotional healing.
- Define reconciliation from a theological perspective
- Create an action plan of moving forward to pioneer racial reconciliation in your own context
Cost is $20/person to help defray the costs of the speakers. Scholarships available, please contact David Piltz at dpiltz@epaumc.org or 814-883-0118.
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2020 EPA Annual Conference Announcement from Bishop Peggy Johnson |
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Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
I am writing to let the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference know that I have prayerfully decided that the bulk of our annual conference sessions this fall will be virtual and not in-person (face to face). The continual rise in COVID 19 cases, the threat of a second wave in the fall, the age of most of our constituents, and the budgetary challenges we are facing has led me to this decision.
I will be meeting with the annual conference session committee to determine the details and we will be in touch as plans are worked out with more specific information. We plan to keep the same dates that have been previously announced, but with a few changes. We will not be gathering at the Oaks Convention Center. Understanding that all social distancing and other health precautions will be observed, the dates are:
- Tues. October 13, 2020 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Clergy Session (virtual/live streaming) and there will be no laity session.
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Tues. October 13, 2020 - 1:00 am - 5:00 pm - Annual Conference (virtual/live streaming).
- Wed. October 14, 2020 - 10:00 am - Memorial Service (at a local church yet to be confirmed). This will be in person but by ticket only with limited seating and live streaming available.
- Wed. October 14, 2020 - 2:00 pm - Ordination Service (at a local church yet to be confirmed). This will also be in person but by ticket only with limited seating and live streaming available.
Many annual conferences across the country have opted for virtual sessions with great success so we will be able to learn from their experiences. Ensuring electronic accessibility for our voting delegates is a priority for us. We are committed to providing accessibility for individuals with disabilities and those who speak Spanish. We will also continue to receive our special Annual Conference offerings online and/or by mail.
I realize this is a huge change from what we are used to doing. The fellowship and resourcing that is typical of an in-person event will be limited and the agenda will be smaller. However, this will help us to do things in a new way that may facilitate even greater options for ministry in the future. As Isaiah 43:19 reminds us "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Our God is a way-maker, doing new things for a new generation. Please be in prayer as we embark on this venture of Annual Conference 2020.
Bishop Peggy A. Johnson
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PT Church Administrative Assistant/Communications Manager
Annville UMC is seeking an Admin Assistant/Communications Manager. The Church Administrative Assistant/Communications Manager provides essential support to the pastor. In this role, one facilitates the flow of information in the community and the church, keeps the church office running efficiently, and manages the resources needed for the ministries of the church to be effective. Success in this role will reveal organized systems that record and share information within the church structure, as well as on our digital media.
Expected Proficiencies:
• Microsoft Office (expected proficiency in Word, Excel, Publisher, & PowerPoint)
• Ability to learn Church Management Software
• Google Calendar and Docs
• Ability to use and navigate online resources
• Working knowledge of social media
• Appropriate proficiency in writing and editing skills
This position is 15 hours per week.
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PT Director of Multi-Media Ministries
Lititz United Methodist Church is seeking a part-time Director of Multi-Media Ministries.
Compensation: Hourly rate determined by experience
Employment type: part-time
The ideal candidate will have a good understanding and working knowledge of current multi-media technologies, good verbal written and interpersonal skills and an eye for detail. The Candidate will oversee and work with the volunteer Multi-Media Production Team. Must be able to lead and train in all technical aspects of Sound, Lighting, Computer and Computer Graphics for worship services and special events. Other duties include overseeing the development and maintenance of the church website. He or she will act in accordance with Lititz United Methodists’ core values and mission statement. Prefer at least two years of experience. Position is 20 hours a week.
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PT Director of Youth
The Director of Youth is responsible for the development and administration of all youth ministries, including youth groups, Sunday school classes, retreats, activities, discipleship groups, Bible studies, parent discussion groups, and other support groups, for grades 6 to college age. The DY is responsible to teach, equip and work with the youth of FUMC, along with adult leaders and parents, to see all lives transformed into Christ's likeness, through participation in worship, prayer, fellowship and instruction. To apply, please contact Church Secretary, Sharon Heagy at secretary@engagegodfirst.org. Click here to download the full job description.
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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**
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Sept. 21: District Conference. Zoom webinar. 6:30 PM.
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Sept. 26: Emotional Intelligence Workshop.
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Oct. 3: Connectional Ministries Leadership Training Event. Zoom online meeting.
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Oct. 4: Practice Vote & Information Session for Annual Conference. 3 PM, Zoom webinar. Demonstration and Q&A with the Bishop.
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Oct. 9 & 10: Domestic Violence Seminar. Friday, Oct. 9, 7-9 PM and Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 AM-12 PM. Zoom meeting.
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Oct. 17: ERT/VIM Training. 8 AM – 4 PM, Eastwick UMC.
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Oct. 23-25: Dismantling Racism Training. Friday 5 PM – Sunday 3 PM, Desmond Hotel.
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Nov. 14: Annual Faith-Sharing Event. Topic: Evangelism in a Changing Landscape. Zoom meeting, 9 AM – 12 PM. Register online.
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Dec. 13: Annual “Celebrating our Cultures” Event. Zoom meeting.
2021
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March 13: Tools for Ministry. Time and Place TBD.
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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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Plan now to attend the EPA Conference’s 2020 Faith-Sharing Event
November 14, 2020
8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Theme: Evangelism in a Changing Landscape
Teams are encouraged to attend. 0.6 CEUs are available. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Our featured speaker:
The Rev. Lisa Greenwood
Vice-President for Leadership Ministry of TMF
(the Texas Methodist Foundation), Dallas, Texas
This one-day event will stimulate reflections on the changing landscape of our mission field—both its challenges and opportunities—and invite us into conversations about the implications for our church leaders and ministries. Congregations are encouraged to send teams to learn, strategize and prepare to grow together.
Ever feel like we have inherited models for ministry that just aren’t working? Has evangelism taken on the qualities of an unwanted virus (thus, to be avoided like the plague!)?
And yet, we know that we are compelled to share Christ’s good news of love and grace, justice and hope. What does that call mean for us as leaders and for the churches we serve?
Lisa Greenwood works with church leaders across the UMC connection to help them understand and foster “deep change” by facilitating purposeful conversations of courage, learning, generosity and innovation. She brings wisdom and experience from serving suburban, urban and rural churches as a pastor in the North Texas Annual Conference for 20 years. She also has served on the Board of Ordained Ministry, four General Conference delegations (2004-2019), and as ministry strategist for the Horizons Stewardship Company.
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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 Coordinator,
Conference Office - 610-666-9090 / 800-828-9093
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MISSION CENTRAL HUBS IN OUR DISTRICT |
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. 9th 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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