February 2014

Transcription

1 February 2014 January 26, 14 Dear Friends: Over the last several months there are several things I have discovered about myself as your Superintendent. One of them is my sense of direction is sorely lacking. Once I turn off Venetia Road half the time I m not sure if I m going east, west, north or south. If it wasn t for Rt. 19, I 79 and I 70 I m not sure I may ever know. I am however, learning and the large sized District map soon to be mounted on my wall at home is bound to help! One of the other things I have discovered is how much I miss the fellowship of the local church. It s why at the last Cabinet meeting when I received an announcing a Friday night chili and cornbread dinner at First UMC in Houston I wrote my wife, Karen and asked her if she wanted to go. Despite the cold weather and at least one wrong turn (I told you my sense of direction is still poor!) it took only a few minutes of our being there to know we were glad we were! We enjoyed the chili. We enjoyed the company. We enjoyed the ugly sweater and the ugly tie contest too. Mostly, we enjoyed the sharing that took place afterwards. We especially enjoyed the things people said about their experiences as a part of the church and the people who made a difference in their lives when they were young or new. Older adults talked about people now with the Lord who made a difference in their lives as Sunday School teachers. Others talked about people who made a difference as youth leaders. Still others talked about people who made them feel welcomed when they first visited the church because of whom they also came back. Former pastors were mentioned too. To my surprise the people there were even able to name the last 10 pastors who served the church several of whom people said were missed! On the way home Karen and I talked about what a nice evening it was. We also talked about what it meant to live our lives for Jesus in ways like those we heard about lived theirs. My hope is that we will. I have the same hope for you. I do knowing that God s commandment to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28) includes more than physical birth. It also has to do with spiritual birth and God s plan for us as Christ followers married or single alike to bear spiritual fruit in order that we may multiply a godly legacy in the lives of everyone we meet.

2 In case you re wondering I didn t win the ugly tie contest. The truth is I didn t know there was a contest until I got there. I wasn t left out though. In an effort to make me feel welcome and included instead of unwelcomed and excluded, I was given a tie to wear. As simple a thing as it was, it made me feel at home. I also managed not to get it in my chili! With appreciation and love in Christ, Brad Pastors George Dran 2/12 Bill Starr 2/14 Gary Grau 2/18 Ed Hanley 2/27 Spouses CELEBRATE! Scott Hargraves 2/1 Linda Fleming 2/6 Mary Ann Grau 2/8 Linda Lewis 2/1 Bruce & Bonnie Judy 2/11 Alan & Lois Morrison 2/17 Giard & Alice Sayre 2/21 Greene County Hymn Sing February 9, 2014 Waynesburg First 7:00PM Washington District UMW 2014 Theme: GOD ROCKS THE WORLD March 8 8:45 Mission Study Day at West Washington UM Church Cost is $10 & love offering April 9 9AM DEMT at Bentleyville UM Church Morning refreshments provided. April 23 5:45 Spring Retreat at Trinity UM Church Cost is $10 & love offering April Assembly 2014 in Louisville, KY Reminder: Time Line for completing new clergy evaluations Jan/Feb: Clergy are to meet with PPRC to complete sections I & II of form March/April: Complete section III May 15 th is the deadline for submitting the completed evaluation form to D.S. **To: Washington District

3 From: Grace Ministries/Ramps of Grace To the pastors and congregations of the Washington District, Due to the response to the Ramps of Grace Ministry, we are being more selective in the new ramps we are accepting. Currently we are in a transition phase, and it is more difficult to get to all the ramps we have agreed to build. We are still receiving requests for ramps, but please contact West Alexander UMC for new ramps. Call Pastor Dan Grimes at , if no answer, please leave a message. District Conference will be held on May 18 th at 3PM at Trinity UMC AUDIT REPORT--DUE MARCH 1, 2014 It s that time of year to do the Audit Report. The Fund Balance Report form is downloadable from the Conference web page, under FORMS. Audits are due in the District office by Mar. 1 st. This allows adequate time for Audit Committees to complete their work. Golden Sneaker Challenge Change If people in your congregation are involved in a group walking or running program, let them know that there s a new way to log miles toward the 2014 Golden Sneaker award. To log miles through the new wpaumc.org, just fill out the form at wpaumc.org/walkchallenge. This will be the last year for this challenge. BISHOP S OVERNIGHT WITH CLERGY 2014 Erie Meadville/Franklin Districts Butler/Pittsburgh Districts Indiana/Kane Districts Connellsville/Johnstown Districts NEW DATES Greensburg/Washington Districts January 27 & 28 (Monday/Tuesday) February 25 & 26 (Tuesday/Wednesday) March 6 & 7 (Thursday/Friday) March 24 & 25 (Monday/Tuesday) April 7 & 8 (Monday & Tuesday) Bishop Bickerton s visit with the clergy this year will be a joint event with the Greensburg and Washington Districts. We will meet April 7 th and 8 th at the Laurelville Mennonite Center. The Laurelville Mennonite Center is located at 941 Laurelville Lane, Mt. Pleasant, PA Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, March 26, 2014 The event begins in the afternoon on the 7 th and concludes after lunch and worship on the 8 th. The costs are: Double Occupancy: $65.00 Single Occupancy: $ Three meals and linens are included in that price as well. ($30 for meals only, if you must return home at night) Registration will be online beginning in February. This is an expense that you can submit to your Reimbursable Account at your church. All appointed clergy are expected to attend. All Washington District clergy are encouraged to plan to attend our event with the Greensburg District. The precise time schedule is still to be determined. For now, pastors are asked to save the dates for this event. Attendance will be required of all full time clergy. If an individual absolutely cannot 3

4 attend the Greensburg/Washington Districts overnight, then they should attend one of the other districts events. Please contact that district office for further information. Workers Compensation The Workers Compensation rate for 2014 is 1.3% or.013. The 2014 Workers Compensation Worksheet is available online as a fillable form, which calculates the total. The premium is due March 31,

5 2014 Social Security Withholding Rates For 2014, the employee tax rate for social security is 6.20%. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 expired on December 31, The employer tax rate for social security remains unchanged at 6.2%. The 2013 social security wage base limit has been raised to $117,000. In 2014, the Medicare Tax rate is 1.45% each for employers and employees, unchanged from There is no wage base limit for Medicare Tax. Self-employed individuals (clergy) are responsible for paying both the employee and the employer portions of the Social Security tax and the Medicare tax. IRS Announces 2014 Mileage Rates WASHINGTON The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2014 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2014, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 56 cents per mile for business miles driven 23.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations Harry Denman Award nominations are needed for clergy, lay person, and youth by April 1, These awards are presented at Annual Conference. Applications can be downloaded from Please send all nominations to Pastor Al Kimmel Grace UMC 61 Hillcrest Drive Punxsutawney, PA alk2733@gmail.com Clergy Tax Seminar March 6, 2014 The annual Clergy Tax seminar will be held at Grace UMC, 210 South Broad Street, Grove City, PA It has been designed to help clergy better understand the filing of their income tax returns for Get details and register by visiting the Events section of The Cabinet and the Board Of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) are underwriting a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program for interested clergy: Congregation Based Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) teaches pastoral leadership and pastoral care for clergy and lay ministers in the church from a Bowen Family Systems Theory perspective. It is designed for experienced pastors, lay workers, and ministers and seminarians new to pastoral work. Ministers strengthen their pastoral and leadership skills, address tension and conflict in the church, and work on their personal growth in ministry. The program focuses on in depth systemic change and leadership development that reduces congregational anxiety and addresses longterm issues in the church. Additional information is available at: If you are interested, please contact the Indiana District Office at indiana.district@wpaumc.org. 5

6 WPA Conference United Methodist Ministers Chorus Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 7 pm Sugarcreek UMC Franklin District March 20, 2014 Summerville U. M. Church Indiana District April 24, 2014 Conneaut Lake: Trinity U. M. Ch. Erie Meadville District May 15, 2014 Scalp Level: trinity U.M. Ch. Combined Concert with the Chi Rho Singers Johnstown District September 18, 2014 Brush Valley U. M. Church Indiana District October 16, 2014 Central Highlands U. M. Ch. Washington District November 20, 2014 Greensburg: First U. M. Church Greensburg District Thursday, April 16, 2015 Warren: Grace U. M. Church Kane District To schedule a concert, contact Rev. John V. King, Ministers Chorus Secretary at or johnbonnieking@verizon.net 6

7 2014 Confirmation Tours Set Your confirmation classes are invited to tour the United Methodist Center and meet Bishop Bickerton! Register online at wpaumc.org. Confirmation tours fill up quickly. Reservations are first come, first served basis. If you are unable to attend after your have registered, please contact Rev. Greg Cox at ext. 237 or Registration can also be done by going to click on Events, find the desired tour on the Calendar and click on the Confirmation Class Tour link. February 27, 2014 Thursday at 1 pm Register March 21, 2014 Friday at 9 am Register and 1 pm Register March 28, 2014 Friday at 9 am Register and 1 pm Register March 29, 2014 Saturday at 9 am Register April 4, 2014 Friday at 9 am Register and 1 pm Register May 1, 2014 Thursday at 9 am Register and 1 pm Register The 2014 Youth Retreat at Cherry Run Camp March 14th 16th. The weekend speaker will be Jeff Smith, a Blairsville native who founded Salt and Light Ministries, which uses creative arts to proclaim God's Word. Music will be provided by "Reach the Masses," a local band from Punxsutawney. Any questions? Please contact Brett Dinger at or at brettdinger@yahoo.com Children s Ministry Workshop: Lakeside UMC in DuBois will host C 2 C (Children to Christ - Christ to Children), workshop for those involved in children s ministries from 10 a.m. 3 p.m., Saturday, March 22. Special guest speaker will be Ricardo Miller. For more information, contact Michelle M. Polohonki, District Children's Ministry Coordinator, at lakeside_mdo@yahoo.com. Summer Camp Registration: Registration Open for 2014 Summer Camp registration is now open through the websites of two of our WPAUMC camps Jumonville and Camp Allegheny. Wesley Woods will open soon. To check the schedules and register, go to: CampAllegheny.org Jumonville.org WesleyWoods.com UM Youth in Mission Event at Bakerstown UMC July 6 12 Youth Groups (grades 7 12) of all sizes are invited to participate in a week of local mission work, spiritual growth, and community building. This event is sponsored by U.M. A.R.M.Y. (United Methodist Action & Reach out Mission by Youth) read more about their 35 years of developing youth as mission leaders online. Register now for great group rates! Friday Sunday, August 22 24, 2014 Autism Family Retreat at Jumonville Camp and Conference Center Read about the 2013 retreat at 7

8 ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR WESLEY WOODS SUMMER CAMP OPENS JANUARY 15, 2014 In addition to our jam packed summer 2014 program of Horse and Pony, Adventure, and Specialty Camps, Wesley Woods has three new Summer Camp offerings for school aged children and youth! We've added some unique camps with activities for a variety of interests: N4J N4J, or Nerds for Jesus, is a camp for the self admitted book lover, math whiz, Internet addict, or just plain nerd. Come enjoy a week of activities based on some of your favorite fictional characters and leave with an awesome story of your own. (Ages 13 17; Dates: June 29 July 5) Adventure WPA Adventure in our own backyards! Whether it s climbing McConnell s Mill, exploring Wintergreen Gorge or paddling the three rivers of Pittsburgh, we will experience the adventures Western Pennsylvania has to offer while growing in faith and building relationships with the people around us as only a road trip would allow. Come join us for an adventure you ll never forget! (Ages 14 17; Dates: July 27 Aug. 2) Adventure and Pony Sampler Experience a little of everything at this sampler: A day at the rocks, ponies, the challenge course, fishing, daily Bible study, worship, hiking, cookouts, swimming and a night sleeping under the stars! (Ages 9 12; Dates: June 8 14) We know you want to make plans for the summer now, so we're offering a sneak peak at the 2014 Summer Camp brochure. Quick links to the brochure, schedule at a glance, printable registration and scholarship forms, and Online Registration are available on our website: camp or you may download a.pdf copy of the brochure. 2014_final_output.pdf Don't have time to print out paper forms, fill them in by hand, and then mail them to your camp with a check? That's why we also offer online registration provided by The Active Network. Click Here to Register Online Online registration is a great option because it s automated, available 24/7, secure, and less burdensome for the camp. It includes: Camp selection filters by age and available date Easy to use forms Secure payment processing Automated e mail receipts and confirmation Online parents accounts with payment management Mobile friendly registration We hope you will check out all that Wesley Woods Summer Camp has to offer. If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please contact us at info@wesleywoods.com or We are Able Creating an inclusive atmosphere for campers with special needs March 14 15, am 5 pm at the Conference Center, 1204 Freedom Rd, Cranberry Twp., PA Contact Jessica Gamache at Ext 231 or Jessica Gamache@wpaumc.org 8

9 The 2014 Youth Retreat at Cherry Run Camp March 14th 16th. The weekend speaker will be Jeff Smith, a Blairsville native who founded Salt and Light Ministries, which uses creative arts to proclaim God's Word. Music will be provided by "Reach the Masses," a local band from Punxsutawney. Any questions? Please contact Brett Dinger at or at brettdinger@yahoo.com Continuing Education: New UMC Cyber Campus Website Launches! Welcome to our new UMC Cyber Campus website. UMC Cyber Campus features short video training sessions and lectures to build your Christian leadership skills and a catalog of accredited online theological education courses & degree programs. UMC Cyber Campus aims to enhance global access to free and affordable high-quality theological educational resources throughout the world. We strive to develop confident and knowledgeable Christian leaders on an ongoing basis. Please visit our new website by clicking here. MTSO s Schooler Institute on Preaching features Mark Kelly Tyler Rev. Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler will lead the Schooler Institute on Preaching Feb. 10 and 11 at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio. Tyler is senior pastor of the historic Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and a fully affiliated faculty member at MTSO, where he teaches homiletics and African American studies. Thanks to the generosity of Schooler Family Foundation, the event is offered to the public without cost. Advance registration is required. A complete schedule and online registration form are available at MTSO is offering one CEU credit for a $25 administrative processing fee. CE 22 nd Grampian One Church, Four Generations by Rev. Wade Berkey A continuing education study based upon the book: One Church, Four Generations; Understanding and Reaching All Ages in Your Church by Gary L. McIntosh. the Indiana District Office at indiana.office@wpaumc.org as soon as you decide to attend. Events start at 9am and end at 3pm and the cost is $10 which includes lunch. Living into Scripture as an Inclusive Church February 28, AM-4PM St. Paul s UM Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd, Allison Park, PA Presenters: Bishop Grant Hagiya and Rev. Dr. Steven Tuell.5 CEUs/ Registration prior to Feb. 21 st =$30; after the 21 st =$35/Lunch is included Register at 9

10 FAITH SHARING SEMINAR March 8, 2014 at Cranberry UM Church, Rt. 322, Cranberry, PA Speakers: Rev. Seth McPherson Sharing Faith with the Lost Generations Rev. Roy Gearhart Sharing Faith with the De Churched Paul Morelli Sharing Faith With those Who Have Never Believed Registration begins at 9:30AM, lunch will be provided (free will offering) and dismissal at 2PM. To register or for questions, please contact Rev. Calvin cook at or CE Mar. 24 Clymer Youth Ministry in the Smaller Church by Rev. Brian Keller the Indiana District Office at indiana.office@wpaumc.org as soon as you decide to attend. Events start at 9am and end at 3pm and the cost is $10 which includes lunch. Tricky Business: Save the Date of Saturday, March 1 to attend Tricky Business: Making Change for a Diverse World. The Conference Anti Racism Team has invited Rev. Michael Russell and James Addington from Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training to lead the daylong event at Anne Ashley UMC in Munhall. Be prepared to laugh, share, and dig into the serious business of eliminating racism! Food, beverages, and child care provided. Watch wpaumc.org for details. MEN S NIGHT featuring Jon Kolb on Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 6 8:30PM at Grace UM Church located at 320 Flegar Rd, Somerset, PA For more information: Licensing School The commuter school begins on March 1st and runs through the end of April (no classes will be held Easter weekend). Location: Manorville UMC (near Kittanning), 800 Water Street, Manorville, PA The summer residential school will be held August 3 13th at Olmsted. The registration form should be ready soon. Certified Lay Ministry Training: It s time for church members interested in Certified Lay Ministry to apply for the Spring 2014 training sessions. The training begins March 1 and continues through the end of April. It includes two three-day retreats. Get details and download application. For Clergy Continuing Education & Formation events click here: CCEF EVENTS Deadline to apply for 2014 Urban Fellows and Missional Fellows programs at Wesley Theological Seminary. Saturday, Feb. 1 Urban and Missional Fellows receive a $10,000 stipend for educational and living expenses. Details. Banquet at Southern Methodist University s Perkins School of Theology, Monday, Feb. 3 6 p.m. CT, During Minister s Week, the Distinguished Alumna Award will be presented to the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, recently retired top executive of the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. Details. Preaching workshop on Preaching Lent and Holy Week: Dying and Rising with Christ, Friday, Feb. 7 8:45 a.m. 4:20 p.m. ET at United Theological Seminary, 4501 Denlinger Road, Dayton, OH $95. Details. Lake Junaluska Signature Series featuring Rachel Held Evans, Saturday, Feb a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. The popular blogger and author will talk about how the Bible is meant to be a conversation starter, not a conversation ender. $25-$35. Details. More Webinars: See full list of upcoming webinars for church leaders at GBOD.org. Continuing Education Event Schedule Events.htm 10

11 Like Olmsted Manor? Keep up with happenings by liking their Facebook page Olmsted Manor Retreat Center, PO Box 8, Ludlow, PA * info@olmstedmanor.org 2014 Tentative Program Dates for Olmsted Manor: March Spring Women s Spirituality Retreat May Pastor s Academy June Worship Arts Workshop July Church Secretaries Workshop July Retreat for Older Adults Sept Fall Women s Spirituality Retreat More Webinars: See full list of upcoming webinars for church leaders at GBOD.org. Free Webinars for Church Leaders More Webinars: See full list of upcoming webinars for church leaders at GBOD.org. Lombard Mennonite Peace Center: Mediation Skills Training Institutes for Church Leaders: March in Memphis, TN May in Minneapolis, MN August 4 8 in Glen Ellyn, IL (Chicago area) Oct in Kansas City, MO Nov in Georgetown, TX (North of Austin) To register, call Clergy Clinic in Family Emotional Process All sessions will be held at First Church of Lombard, UCC, 220 South Main St, Lombard, IL Dates for Group A Dates for Group B Oct Nov Feb. 9 11, 2015 Feb , 2015 April 20 22, 2015 May 4 6, questions to admin@lmpeacecenter.org/website: 11

12 2014 Webinar Series The cost of each webinar individually is $25. The cost of registering for all 5 webinars is discounted to $100. To receive a discount by registering for all 5 webinars at once, please click here to receive the discounted price. After payment, you will receive confirmation of your registrations with more information. Register for Individual Webinars Each of the following webinars will start at 10:00 AM ET (9:00 AM CT, 8:00 AM MT, 7:00 AM PT) and will last approximately 1.5 hours. By clicking on the dates below, you will be directed to the individual registration pages at GoToWebinar. January 23rd, Cultivating JustPeace Leaders and Communities - Led by JustPeace Staff February 19th, Homiletical Hot Potatoes: Preaching on Difficult Topics - Led by Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie March 20th, Narrative, Trauma Transformation and Faith Communities - Led by David Anderson Hooker April 30th, Appreciative Inquiry, Conflict Transformation and Faith Communities - Led by Dr. Joy Samuels May 21st, Emotional Systems, Conflict Transformation and Faith Communities - Led by Dr. W. Craig Gilliam Webinar descriptions: Marriage Enrichment Weekend SHERATON STATION SQUARE - PITTSBURGH PA FEB MARCH 2, 2014 FEATURING - DAN SEABORN, Nationally Known Marriage Expert Cost: $199 per couple (Lodging is Additional - Special Event Rate is $99 per night!!) Main Presenter: National speaker, pastor, author, and founder of Winning at Home, Dan Seaborn. SIGN UP SOON!!! This event will sell out! Plan now to attend this event with your loved one. This is a great gift idea. This will be the weekend that will keep you talking all year. Come and Refuel, Re-Connect, and Re-Commit to an excellent marriage, "From This Day Forward"! Click Here to Sign Up on Our Website! For More Information or to Sign Up- Call us Our dedicated staff will be glad to help you!website: Christiancounselingwpa.com Change the World Lead Strong! The line up of speakers and breakout sessions has been announced for the next Change the World missional conference on April 3 4, The annual event held at Ginghamsburg UMC in Tipp City, Ohio, is designed for all church leaders who are ready to stop playing church and start being the Church. Information and to register 12

13 Engaging All Generations: Registration is now open for Continuum Engaging All Generations," the 2014 Large Church Initiative Conference of the United Methodist Church. LCI 2014 will be held April in Johns Creek, GA at Mount Pisgah United Methodist. Online registration, early bird rates, and a complete conference schedule are now available at LCI2014.com. Make it Happen at UMW Assembly 2014 Women from around the country and mission partners from across the globe are called to the 19th quadrennial Assembly of United Methodist Women, set for April 25 27, 2014 at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, KY. Click here for the registration form and brochure National PAUMCS members can register by February 17 and save $50! Questions about the conference? Contact Cheryl Thompson. Download the brochure and registration form. *You may complete the registration (PDF fillable) form by computer, but you'll still need to print it out and mail it with your payment.* Clergy Benefits Academy CANCELLED April 29th and 30th, Wesleyan Heritage Pilgrimage: Clergy and Laity are invited to join Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton on the 2014 tour of Wesley sites in England. The dates are May and the cost is $3175 per person from Pittsburgh. Get brochure ANNUAL CONFERENCE JUNE 5-8, Clergy Please do not schedule weddings, mission trips, vacations, etc. during Annual Conference. Plan to be in attendance! Mission u-july 11-13, 2014-Weekend Event Mission u-july 13-17, 2014-Weekday School Developing Healthy Clergy & Congregations Conference August 19-21, 2014 Discovery UMC, Richmond, VA - This conference will provide training on how to handle conflict and become a more healthy church. Healthy Clergy & Congregations Leadership Conference October 19 21, 2014 FUMC Arlington, TX This conference will provide information in all areas of leadership from planning, Finances, management, staffing, evangelism and effective leadership. More details coming soon! 13

14 2014 Lands of the Bible, Then and Now! Tour with Bishop Bickerton November 12 21, 2014 All inclusive price from Pittsburgh Register early and get the best discount! Information at Limited amount of brochures available in the District Office or go to &group=#p=4 Save the dates for next year's SPARK: January 9 11, MISSION OPPORTUNITIES Washington District: ministries.us Please check our website for ways to volunteer. Online Mission Trips: You and your congregation can engage in global mission without leaving your church. An online mission trip could include Skype calls, video testimonies, online prayer rooms and more. Get your tech gurus excited and involve people unable to be part of a typical on site mission team. Learn more UMCOR/Mission Barn News: Throughout 2013, health kits and school kits have been in urgent demand. Supplies of all kits (except cleaning buckets) are nearly exhausted at many UMCOR depots. Eastbrook Mission Barn Director Nelson Thayer suggests monetary donations to help replenish the supplies of kit materials. Donations may be sent to the Conference Treasurer's office designated for the Mission Barn. The request for birthing kits for Zimbabwe 'is not over' and the collection will continue as we seek to fulfill the request for 5,000 kits. Birthing Kit info and instructions are on the UMCOR website! Change the World Sunday is coming May 17-18! If you haven't started planning an outreach to take church into your community, start now before the Lent-Easter season gets underway. Resources can be found online or contact me, Stephanie Gottschalk, if you'd like some assistance in planning. New Volunteers In Mission Handbook - The General Board of Global Ministries has a brand-new UMVIM Handbook through Upper Room Publishing, entitled "A Mission Journey: A Handbook for Volunteers." Discounted books will be available through WPAUMC or e-book versions are available at amazon.com. Impatient folks can order their own at UpperRoom.org. Watch for dates for VIM Leader Training and re-certification coming soon! 2014 Youth Opportunity: SOWER Mission Camp at Epworth Center in SE Ohio The Epworth Center is excited to announce three scholarships for camper fees for SOWER Work Mission, summer The theme for SOWER 2014 is Rebuild. Restore. Renew." Because of a grant received through the Youth Service Fund of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, other funding can be designated to help first time work mission participants. Two scholarships are available for youth, ages 12 17, on their first mission trip through the First Steps program. One scholarship is available for a full week SOWER participant, ages 12 24, on his/her first mission trip. Visit or call for more information. It is our prayer that these scholarships will allow youth / young adults who may not be able to afford the mission trip to be able to have the experience of helping others and faith building. Deadline for application is April 15,

15 Food Justice Mission Trip: Goodness Grows, a faith-based, nonprofit in Youngstown, Ohio, invites volunteers to participate in a Food Justice Mission Trip this summer. Work alongside community members, farmers, and kids growing fruit and vegetables and creating a sustainable food system. Find out more here Zimbabwe Youth Trip: Senior high school students are invited to apply to be part of a WPAUMC youth team traveling to Zimbabwe from August 5-21 to participate in a revival known as the Ebenezer Convention. Get details. UM Youth in Mission Event at Bakerstown UMC July Youth Groups (grades 7-12) of all sizes are invited to participate in a week of local mission work, spiritual growth, and community building. This even is sponsored by U.M. A.R.M.Y. (United Methodist Action & Reach-out Mission by Youth) - read more about their 35 years of developing youth as mission leaders online or see the files attached to this letter for an overview of the program. Register now for great group rates! VIM TRIP OPPORTUNITIES: Encounter with Christ Sponsor Paraguay Trip in July 2014 Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean (WPAUMC Chapter) is organizing a mission to Paraguay July 31-Aug 9, The main task is building improvement of the Seminary facilities there but If enough people express interest in it, we will work to set up a children s ministry / Bible school program to present to children in churches and schools. The estimated cost is $2,000 to $2,400 to cover all expenses. We will get a clearer picture on this as we go. We hope to have our team formed by late January and expect to begin to have team meetings by late March. Contact David Stains, Pastor of Oak View United Methodist Church (160 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, PA 15370) if you are interested in applying via or at (724) Alaska Recovery Blitz Invitation - In May 2013, the Yukon River in Alaska flooded, damaging many homes. UMVIM teams from across the US spent the summer working on homes to make the homes habitable for the winter so the evacuees could return home. These homes were by no means complete. FEMA has extended Invitational Travel (round trip airfare to Galena) and the State of Alaska is offering food and lodging to UMVIM volunteers who are willing to commit to working two weeks to help complete the recovery. They have set a goal of completing the recovery in 100 days. As of today, there are 4 homes to be built from kits and between 14 and 30 homes that need repairs ranging from minor to major.the final number will be determined in late March. We estimate this will require approximately 100 volunteers. Anyone who is interested in helping with this recovery is encouraged to contact Jim Truitt. You can also view a list of frequently asked questions that are attached to this . PrimeTimers is a short-term mission volunteer program designed for older adults through the General Board of Global Ministries. There are 6 Events for three are in the US and three are international. I encourage you to share this opportunity in your churches and mission circles. Contact Nancy Eubanks with any questions and check out the attached flyer and registration information. Don't forget! You can now check our running list of WPA VIM Trip Opportunities online anytime at 15

16 District Contact Information Washington District Office 29 North College Street Washington, PA Phone: Fax: Hours: 8:30AM 3:00PM Monday Thursday Rev. Dr. Brad Lauster, District Superintendent Collette Charnik, Administrative Assistant The Washington District website Send us your newsworthy items by mid month for publication in the following month s edition of our monthly district newsletter. 16