May is Asian-Pacific Islander Month: Find worship resources at umcdiscipleship.org/worship.

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1 Franklin District NewsNotes Many links are included in this publication. If you have trouble with the blue link.hold the Ctrl key down and click on the link. New & Updated items in this issue of NewsNotes: Conference Center Closed May 19 Pg 1 Discussion on Race Pg 3 Annual Conference Updates Pg 4 Writing Workshop Pg 6 Have Questions? Find Answers Pg 9 Pastoral Digital Transitions Pg 10 May Birthdays this week: 19 Rev. Doug Dyson 19 Mrs. Cindy Corner 20 Rev. Tim Bowser 22 Mrs. Goldye Getschman 24 Rev. Ed Clark 24 Rev. Clayton Rhodes Missionshield VIM Insurance Pg 10 Classifieds Pg 10 Preserving Church History Pg 10 Wespath s Center for Health Resources Pg 10 School of Congregational Development Pg 10 May Anniversaries this week: 21 Rev. & Mrs. Roy Gearhart 22 Rev. & Mrs. Kevin Haley 22 Rev. & Mrs. David Janz 22 Rev. & Mrs. Rob Kifer Prayer Concerns: -Carol Morse, wife of Rev. Willard Morse, retired, is hospitalized -Rev. Fred Monk and family at the passing of his father on May 8, The family of Rev. John Sass (retired) who passed on May 7, Rev. Betsy Cooper, retired. Health -Melanie Myers, health issues. -Tammy Hay, Connellsville District Administrative Assistant -Rev. Tim and Eileen Storms (retired) and their son -Nancy Funka (Rev. Tom Funka, retired), health issues -Our Cabinet in the appointment season, pastors and churches receiving new appointments -The Commission on a Way Forward May is Asian-Pacific Islander Month: Find worship resources at umcdiscipleship.org/worship. Attention Local Pastors! As of May 1, use this address for correspondence to Sara Wrona regarding Local Pastor Issues such as mentor reports and Course of Study registrations: Rev. Sara Wrona, First UMC, 134 Custer Avenue, Vandergrift, PA NOTE: When sending in registrations include a stamped and addressed envelope for her to forward the registration on to the school. New- Closed: The United Methodist Center in Cranberry Twp. will be closed on Friday, May 19 while the new driveway from Freedom Road is paved. Workers have competed a parking lot expansion. Read more Christ United Methodist Church s Mission Team Garage and Bake Sale on Friday, May 19 from 8 am 4 pm and Saturday, May 20 from 8 am 1 pm at Christ UMC, 1135 Buffalo Street, Franklin. Baked goods, hot dogs and beverage available both days. Enter from the Chestnut Street parking lot. Lots of items. Benefits missions. 1

2 RUN FOR THE WOODS on Saturday, May 20, This is a 5k/10K Trail Run and 1 mile Kids Fun Run set at Wesley Woods 600-acre property. Expect to encounter some mud along the trail. All runners will receive lunch, a race shirt, and special promotions. Finishers will also receive a medal, and those finishing first in their division (5K Men, 5K Women, 10K Men, 10K Women, and Kids) will be awarded a commemorative plaque. After the race, runners and families are invited to enjoy lunch and live music, look inside one of our cabins, join other families for a hayride, or feed your inner adrenaline junkie on our 650 foot zipline. 10K 9:30am. 5K 10:00am. Kids Fun Run 10:30. Register now! COMMUNITY PIG ROAST Date & Time: May 20 th 12:00pm 5:00pm Where: Two Mile Run County Park (Justus/Mackey Pavilion), 471 Beach Road, Franklin, PA Fun for the entire Family: Live Music Face Painting Whiffle Ball Bounce House Redneck Games Kids Games Pig/Burgers/Hot Dogs/& Drinks Provided (Tureen dishes gladly accepted but not required) *This Year Help Feed a Friend & bring a non-perishable item to be donated to our local food banks. Sponsored by our local churches and area businesses Contact Information: Jerry Burns (814) National and Northeastern Jurisdictional Leadership of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) on May 20-21, 2017 at Monroeville UM Church, 219 Center Road, Monroeville, PA This event is open to ALL LAITY and CLERGY. We must be open to hearing all the stories of our rich history and many UM agencies and caucuses that work together ensuring that EVERYONE has a not only a seat but a voice at the table. Saturday session: 9:30 am - 5 pm. Catered lunch and dinner provided. Sunday session: concludes after worship and lunch. You are responsible for making your own reservations at the Comfort Inn, 699 Rodi Road, Penn Township. Lay Scholarship Grants ($100 max) are also available. (Visit Registration for the program, as well as hotel information, is available online. Last Skate for the summer is Sunday, May 21, 2017 from 4:30 6:30 pm for the Truly Free Family Skate. Please arrive no earlier than 4:20-4:25pm at Skate Capital, 255 Old Salina Road, Seneca, PA. Admission and skate rental is Free. Dan Schall Concert at the White Chapel UMC, 415 New Castle Mercer Road, New Wilmington, PA on Sunday evening, May 21 at 6 PM. 2

3 Camp Allegheny Open House Sunday May 21 from 2:00-5:00 pm - Bring your children, youth, families or entire church for a FREE day of fun, fellowship and food! Many activities will be setup, tours, horse drawn wagon rides, climbing wall, archery, face painting and so much more. If you are bringing a large group please us, info@campallegheny.org to let us know. CampAllegheny.org Camp Allegheny Work Teams needed - We are doing some tree removal around our lodges. This will make the area safer, increase sunlight and air to the lodges and will allow us to do some significant landscaping in the future. However right now we need some help cutting up treetops. The firewood is FREE but assistance is needed in removing the tops, chipping them (we are blessed with a large chipper to use) and general cleanup. Help us get ready for summer camp. Any number of persons on any day is greatly appreciated. Please call the camp or Rob@campallegheny.org. Help Float the Boat Painting Party! May 22-24, weather permitting. Come to Erie for At the Lake Ministries painting party, but don t expect to create a masterpiece to take home! Learn more. Pastors Academy at Olmsted Manor May 22-24, 2017 with Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. This event is in coordination with the Continuing Education efforts of the WPA Conference and is intended to help clergy meet their education requirements and fulfill their spiritual needs. Continuing Education Units: 1 Leadership and Fundraising: Learn the four basic steps to effective fundraising and the leader s role in it in an online course offered May through the UMC Cybercampus. Get details. WPA Conference Minister s Chorus on May 25 th, 2017 at Westside in Clearfield (Susq. Conf). Contact Don & Shirley Bloomster ( ), Pat Cleary ( , wpcleary@gmail.com) or Lola Turnbull ( , pastorljt@yahoo.com) with any questions. To be added to the Chorus distribution list, send an e- mail to Deb Rogosky (mother_superior@ .com). WPA Conference Minister s Chorus Future Concerts: September 21, 2017 at Linesville/Harmonsburg UMC October 19, 2017 at Mount Hope UMC November 16, 2017 at Brookville First UMC WPAUMC School of Evangelism: Pastors are encouraged to bring their church laity to this annual event, on Thursday, May 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harmony-Zelienople UMC. Dr. Allyn Ricketts will be the speaker. New- Let s Talk About Race! A Wrestling with Racism group from two urban UM congregations in Pittsburgh will open a discussion at Christ UMC in Bethel Park at 7 pm Tuesday, May 30. Details and registration Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on Saturday, June 3 at 9 am at Beach 11, Presque Isle State Park, Erie. This 5k walk (or optional one-mile fun walk) is presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield to benefit area nonprofits, including Erie United Methodist Alliance! That means 100% of money raised by EUMA walkers will benefit our efforts to end homelessness in NW PA! Registration for the event is FREE, but you can earn a Highmark Walk t-shirt by raising $30. Sign up yourself or your team at 3

4 Orientation to Ministry on Wednesday, June 7. Open to anyone seeking information on the various types of set-apart ministry in the UMC, it is required for anyone pursuing licensed or ordained ministry. Get details Annual Conference 2017 is June 8-11, 2017 New- AC2017 Registration Avoid Late Fee! Register now -- or before May 22 when the late fee kicks in! New- Equalization and Lay Members to Annual Conference: Be sure to register at wpaumc.org/ac. New- Paragraph 4, Article 4: Annual Conference members will be asked to vote on ratification of a proposed amendment to the denomination s Constitution that was approved by the 2016 General Conference. Learn more about it. New- WPAUMC and P4: Rev. Bob Zilhaver, a member of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women, had a hand in crafting the amendment. Both he and Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi talked about it at a celebration of clergy rights for women. Read more. Pre-Conference Journal: The 2017 Pre-Conference Journal, containing legislation, reports and other official documents for the June 8-11 annual conference session is online. Use the links at wpaumc.org/ac Annual Conference 2017: On Thursday morning, a single interactive laity session led by District and Conference lay leaders and lay servants will be offered. UMCOR Kit Collection: Eastbrook Mission Barn will collect Cleaning Buckets, Health Kits, School Kits and Layette Kits at Annual Conference. UMCOR is NOT collecting Birthing Kits now or in the near future. Materials for kits and monetary donations also will be accepted. Undesignated monetary gifts are the most effective way to support the Mission Barn because supplies can be purchased as needed. Updated kit recipes Help Float the Boat! Help launch our new At the Lake Ministries for persons with disabilities. As donations come in, equivalent amounts of water will be added to a large tank with a replica vessel in the Conference display area. Download a Float the Boat brochure with details. AC2017 Leadership Day on Wednesday, June 7 at Grove City College. Workshops will be offered for laity and clergy. Watch for details! Teacher information. Clergy Spouse Brunch: Essential Pieces in the Puzzle of Life is the theme for the Thursday, June 9 Clergy Spouse Brunch at Annual Conference. Get details. United Methodist Women (UMW) dinner at Annual Conference: Friday, June 9-5:00 pm. Cost is $5.00. Registration will be online or by contacting Linda Thayer ( or lsthayer@gmail.com) or Diane Miller ( or diane.miller2747@gmail.com). Fifth Annual Shoe Drive - Now through June 30, EUMA and All God s Children Ministries are holding our Fifth Annual Shoe Drive to benefit our missions to those who are homeless or affected by a disability. How it works: Gather your old, unwanted shoes (condition: gently-used) Rubber band pairs together, packaged 25 pairs per bag Bring them to Annual Conference in Grove City (June 8 to 11). Other drop off sites after AC For questions or packaging supplies, contact: Debbie Hills at deacon.dhills@gmail.com or EUMA administrative office at (814) or info@euma-erie.org. EUMA 4

5 Wesbury s 17 th Annual Senior & Friends Golf Scramble on Thursday, June 15 th with a 10 am shotgun start. Continental breakfast, boxed lunch and picnic buffet dinner. The Wesbury Foundation: Unstoppable 2017 will be held at Olmsted Manor, 17 East Main St, Ludlow, PA Registration at 1:00 on Friday, June 16 and it will last until Sunday, June 18. Find us at or follow us on Facebook and Twitter by Youth Zim Camp: The dates are June 20- July 5, Learn more Music and Worship Workshop at Olmsted Manor June 25-29, 2017: For those who lead or participate in church music programs. On Wednesday, join in an evening of music at First UMC Kane. Traditional cabaret after the service - a fun time to appreciate each other s gifts and talents. Continuing Education Units: 1 Worship, Baseball and Fireworks! Join Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and the Erie-Meadville District for UM Night at UPMC Park, home of the Erie SeaWolves, on Sunday, July 2. Bishop Cynthia will preach from atop the third- base dugout during a community worship experience at 4:30 p.m. Then she ll throw out a ceremonial first pitch before the start of the baseball game. Info at Facebook event page or jeffbobin@gmail.com. Life-Changing Men s Gathering for workshops, worship, service and fellowship at the National Gathering of United Methodist Men on July 7-8. Held at St. Luke s UM Church in Indianapolis, the event will inspire attendees to embrace new possibilities for ministry and discipleship. Learn more. Go to UMM event website Summer Concert Series at State Line UMC, 263 West State Road, Jamestown, PA For directions, call July 9...Tom and Ruth Herrick (Husband & Wife Inspirational singers) July 30...Penn-Ohio Singers August 13...The Devine Inspirations Church Office Professionals Retreat at Olmsted Manor July 9-11, 2016: This retreat is designed for those brave souls who serve our churches and ministries in administrative roles. Spend time away from the office! Wesbury s 5K Chicken Run: 5K Run/Walk/1 Mile Walk on Saturday, July 15 th. Info: Wesbury s 28 th Annual Chicken BBQ & Craft Fair on Sunday, July 16 th from 11 am to 5 pm on Wesbury s campus. Call The Wesbury Foundation for more information at Older Adult Retreat at Olmsted Manor: July 17-21, 2017 (Monday dinner Friday lunch). Stained Glass Windows: Letting God s Holy Spirit Shine! is the theme. Deans: Mrs. Lois Hiles and Mrs. Glenda Merritt. Bible Teacher: Rev. Bruce K. Merritt and Music Director: Robin Swank. Camperships for first time attenders! Olmsted Manor Glenda and Bruce Merritt P.O. Box 8, Ludlow, PA Fells Church Rd, Belle Vernon, PA or info@olmstedmanor.org or pastorbruce56@yahoo.com 5

6 Awaken 2017: July in Little Rock, Ark - The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts will explore what it means to engage in transformative worship in communities full of complexity and conflict. Mission u 2017: July at California University of PA is for Adults and Kids. New this year: Mission u in Action hands-on mission projects for men and women 18 and older. Register at Youth Mission u 2017: July at California University of PA. Register at Cherry Run Camp Meeting is Saturday, July 29-Sunday, August 6, Save by registering by June 30 th! Evangelists: Rev. Lane Loman & Stan Key. Missionary: Shannon Eaton. Music Evangelist: Adams Voice Special Events: Clergy Day- Wednesday, August 2: All Clergy receive free lunch Children s Special Music- Wednesday, August 2: Evening service Missionary Day-Thursday, August 3: Mission Marathon at 2 pm & Water slide & balloon toss at 4 pm Talent Show- Thursday, August 3: After evening service Chicken BBQ Dinner-Sunday, August 6 at 4:30 pm Support your Franklin District Camp: Cherry Run Camp needs groups or individuals to work one day or many. The camp especially needs volunteers to help the week prior to camp to clean and prepare the grounds and buildings for camp meeting. Kitchen volunteers are needed to serve and assist the cook in the kitchen and dining room during camp. Individual volunteers or a team of four individuals are needed each day to assist the cook. For more information or to volunteer, contact Judy McQueen, Cherry Run Camp Meeting Board Member at or revmac@comcast.net. Algonquin Canoe Trip Monday, July 31, 2017 to Wednesday, August 9, Cost of the trip: $450 for 18 years old and older & $420 for under 18. Space is limited. Details to follow. Register. New- Writing Workshop with Maureen Ryan Griffin, Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Olmsted Manor, 17 East Main Street Ludlow, PA We invite you to come and explore the benefits writing can provide physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our time together will be ideal for beginners as well as for seasoned writers as we explore the renewal and deepening of our relationship with God, self, others, and the world. More information and brochure. Scholarships for Generosity and Stewardship: The UM Foundation of Western Pennsylvania offers eight scholarships for laity to attend the Generosity and Stewardship Conference at Lakeside Chautauqua in Ohio from August 6-9. Offering 3 CEUs, it's designed for clergy and laity involved in stewardship, finance or development. For scholarship information, contact the Foundation at Get details on event. Encounter with Christ UMVIM Mission to Colombia August 15-23, Location Brisas del Mar, Colombia. We have the cooperation of the Conference of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Columbia, acting as our guides and hosts. The purpose of our proposed mission in Colombia is to do construction and improve the facilities in Brisas del Mar. For a form contact the Mission Team Leader, Dr. David Stains, at 518 Fronheiser Street, Johnstown, PA 15902, or at clementof@hotmail.com. 6

7 5 th Annual Faith Night on Thursday, August 17, Discounted tickets for the Pirates-Cardinals game at 7:05 pm. Stay after the game to hear from Manager Clint Hurdle and many more Pirates Players and Coaches discuss how faith has impacted their lives, both on and off the field. The presentation will last approximately 45 minutes. Groups of 15 or more. Contact Chad Glover: or Installation service for Rev. Bob Zilhaver, Connellsville District Superintendent on Sunday, September 17. Details to be announced. Family Autism Retreat at Jumonville Camp - September 22-24, This weekend retreat allows families of children living with autism to enjoy a mountaintop experience that will combine coveted parental free time with an opportunity for quality family time. Hope is provided through time for worship, rest and relaxation in a safe Christian setting capable of caring for children with Autism. All ages are welcome! Registration deadline September 15, Brochure/registration form or Register online Annual Franklin District UMW Meeting on Saturday, September 23 at Sharon First UMC, 237 West Silver Street, Sharon. Registration begins at 9:00 am. Program at 9:30 am. Installation service for Rev. Jodie Smith, Franklin District Superintendent on Sunday, September 24. Details to be announced. Leadership Institute: Registration is now open for the Wednesday-Friday, September 27-29, 2017 Leadership Institute for clergy, church staff and volunteers. It s at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS and is one of the largest mainline training events in the country. Get details. If you are ready to be challenged, motivated for a renewed commitment to ministry, and seeking Christcentered inspiration, you will find all this and more. Start making your plans and getting your group together for a conference which has the power to transform the way your church does ministry. Come and Experience: Expanded Pre-Institute Sessions, featuring workshops covering a wide variety of ministry topics, led by Resurrection staff and guest speakers Inspiring worship Connection and fellowship with church leaders serving a variety of church settings and sizes across the nation A line-up of well-known General Session speakers bringing a three-day infusion of practical tools, leadership growth strategies and a renewed vision for ministry For details and registration, visit: li.cor.org. Register today for the best rates and availability! Questions? Contact us at sharechurchevents@cor.org or Conference United Methodist Women (UMW) Annual Fall Meeting on Saturday, October 28 at Faith Delmont UMC, 305 Freeport Street, Delmont, PA from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Speaker: Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi. All women welcome! Contact Diane Miller at diane.miller2747@gmail.com 7

8 2017 Conference VIM Teams Mission Opportunities: Check the Teams with Openings grid at Contact Rev. Stephanie Gottschalk at or ext 241 Uth4Mission Summer 2017: Mission u July 2017: UM A.R.M.Y. Eastbrook Mission Barn & 2019 UMW Gears Up for Assembly: The Power of Bold is 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. Learn more Watch video 2018 Annual Conference: Wednesday, June 6 Saturday, June 9, (Not on Sunday) YOUTH 2019: The next national gathering of UM Youth will be July 10-14, 2019, in Kansas City, Missouri. Plan now for your youth to attend. The national gathering for UM Youth takes place every four years. Notice to Pastors: Collection for ZIM Clergy: If you are retiring or have had a change in size, please consider donating your robes, clerical shirts/blouses, and stoles to the pastors in Zimbabwe. They greatly appreciate receiving these items. Also, check your library and ask your congregations for the following materials: choir robes and paraments (in good shape), Commentaries, Biblical Studies, Church History, World Religions, Philosophy, Devotionals, Bibles. Please do not send books that are really old and worn, yellowed, and no copyright dates before 1980 s. Please bring to the TNC (The Nyadire Connection) Zimbabwe tables at Annual Conference and give to Diane Welty or April Plants. UMCOR Needs Health, Bedding Kits: Katie Peterson, new executive director of the Eastbrook Mission Barn, notes that UMCOR has put out a call for health and bedding kits. Details at wpaumc.org/missionbarn. Kit instructions: Relief supply kits. 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 program@wesleywoods.com Summer Camps: The summer schedules and registration forms are available for our three Conference camps - - Camp Allegheny, Jumonville and Wesley Woods. To see them, learn more about each camp and download information, follow the links at wpaumc.org/camping. Camp Allegheny Summer 2017 Help Needed: Wranglers, maintenance, male counselors, photographer and Jr. Staff (16-17 year olds) needed. To learn more about job openings or to register for camp, click here. 8

9 Appointments: See recently announced appointments at wpaumc.org/appointments. Mother s Day: The special day to honor moms can be painful for some. UMCom offers some ideas for honoring mothers without making things worse for those in the congregation who are experiencing pain. Training for Busy Church Leaders: Church leaders are often in a time crunch. That s why UM Communications developed a series of self-guided courses to help strengthen your ministry. Each is open for registration at any time. Beat that for convenience! See course offerings Ministry with the Poor? The WPAUMC Poverty Team may be able to help. wpaumc.org/povertyteam. Vehicle Needed! The Eastbrook Mission Barn is in the market for a vehicle to pull its trailer when installing ramps; looking for a used vehicle with at least a one-ton towing capacity for a good price or donation. If you have one or know of one, contact Katie Peterson at ktpete@gmail.com or Apply now for Summer VIM teams! Teams for Zimbabwe and Fiji are full, with Colombia close behind. But there are still plenty of spaces for most of our US-based Volunteers in Mission teams. You can see the list and apply for all of these online at wpaumc.org/summer2017vim. 7 Key Questions for Fundraising with Spiritual Integrity: How can we raise money with spiritual integrity? Anyone who wants their work in cultivating generosity to reflect the gospel needs to wrestle with seven key questions from Peter Harris and Rod Wilson's book Keeping Faith in Fundraising. Read more. 50 Ways to Take Church to the Community: Churches can no longer open their doors and expect that people will come in. Effective congregations go into the world to encounter those in need of the gospel. See tips on reaching beyond the walls of your church with worship, community events, ministries, and service. Learn more Turn Your Church Inside-Out! Taking ministry outside is as old as dirt, but sometimes we forget how important it is, says Ben Ingebretson. He offers six practical ways to take your ministry into public spaces. Help the Ruth M. Smith Center through Warren Gives: The Ruth M. Smith located in Sheffield, PA is a national mission institute of the National Organization United Methodist Women. We are a licensed personal care home and day care. We serve individuals that are elderly, have mental health issues, or intellectual disabilities. Many of the people served would be homeless without our services. We are participating in Warren Gives, an online fundraiser on May 17th from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. We plan to use the money raised for much needed building and grounds improvements. Help us reach our goal by participating in the fundraiser at (Go to organizations, click on Ruth M. Smith Center, click the red donate button, and follow the directions). Minimum donation is $10, maximum donation that will be matched is $1000. New- Have questions? Find answers. Did you know: The church s InfoServ team replies to queries of all kinds, such as Can God really love a sinner? and What should godparents do? Ask the UMC 9

10 New- Digital Transitions When Pastors Change: In our modern digital world, pastors and congregations have more things than ever to consider when facing a pastoral transition. Will Rice explains how with a little planning, websites, s, data storage, and other digital platforms can be maintained with integrity through the change of clergy leadership. Read more. New- Missionshield VIM Insurance Offered: As health care laws change and deductibles grow, it is important to have coverage for volunteer teams serving in the U.S. as well as abroad. The Northeastern Jurisdiction UMVIM board has worked with Seven Corners to make policies available for all VIM teams. Forms and details New- Classifieds: Some new ads have been posted at wpaumc.org/classifieds. New- Tips for Preserving Church History: Doris Wills, who has training in preservation of church documents and photos, offers these pointers to help local churches start saving pieces of the past. See video New- Share the Path to Well-Being! Wespath s Center for Health offers newsletters and bulletin inserts with useful personal wellness information. Learn more. Get the April-June 2017 issue New- At the Lord s Table School of Congregational Development Thursday, August 17 Sunday, August 20 in Atlanta, Georgia. Register at Scholarships for racial-ethnic leaders and small-church leaders are available. Registration Rates & Deadlines: Pre-conference Session: $25 Regular: $375 by July 15 Late/on-site: $425 Seminary Student: $175 by July 15 Book your hotel before July 5, 2017 Franklin District Office PO Box 590 Franklin, PA Rev. Allan K. Brooks, District Superintendent allan.brooks@wpaumc.org Julie Lake, Administrative Assistant franklin.office@wpaumc.org 10