Indiana District Newsletter 1/10/17 DISTRICT DATES (Subject to Change) Jan 23 OMG Mentoring Group District Office 9:00 Jan 26 Ramp District Office 4:00 Done EZRA DEADLINE Let s be the first Complete online Start today!! Jan 31 district completed this year. Info below Feb 7 Finance District Office 10:00 Feb 7 Superintendency District Office 1:00 Feb 14 Regional Clergy Breakfast - Indiana Eat-N-Park 8:00 Feb 14 Regional Clergy Lunch - Kittanning Thee Log Cabin 12:00 Feb 15 Regional Clergy Breakfast - Punxsy Gimmick s 8:00 Feb 16 Regional Clergy Breakfast - DuBois Eat-N-Park 8:00 Feb 16 Regional Clergy Lunch - Brookville Denny s 12:00 Feb 18 dcom Punxsy First 8:30 Feb 19 Mar 26 Lay Ministry School Sunday Afternoons Homer City UMC 2:30pm 5:30 pm Mar 4 dcom Punxsy First 8:30
Mar 8 OMG Mentoring Group District Office 9:00 Mar 26 Council Homer City UMC 5:30 Apr 4 Superintendency District Office 1:00 Apr 25 Regional Clergy Breakfast - Indiana Eat-N-Park 8:00 Apr 25 Regional Clergy Lunch - Kittanning Thee Log Cabin 12:00 Apr 26 Regional Clergy Breakfast - Punxsy Gimmick s 8:00 Apr 27 Regional Clergy Breakfast - DuBois Eat-N-Park 8:00 Apr 27 Regional Clergy Lunch - Brookville Denny s 12:00 NEW NEWS Deadline 1/31/17 EZRA Statistical Reports are now Open to be Completed. Arrangements have been made with the General Council on Finance & Administration to use http://www.wpaumc.org/ezra. Username (Your 6 digit church ID#. Only 5 # s??? place a leading 0) Password umchurch (You will need to change the password. PLEASE, make a note of the password so you are able to log back in to complete the forms). Note that Passwords are case sensitive. It is recommend that once you login on the Ezra (GCFA) website select button Blank Report Form from the menu on the right then select button Run Report. When Download PDF appears then click that link and print document that opens in new window. Printing the blank form is better than generic forms (with no church information) because these printed forms from the website have the figures reported last year. This information is helpful when you distribute the forms to be completed by the Membership Secretary (Table 1); the Treasurer (Table 2); and the Financial Secretary (Table 3). Have each officer enter the 2016 figures and return the forms to enter the information online by Tuesday, January 31, 2017. NOTE: The Conference Treasurer will import the figures for the Conference Apportionments and Special Sunday offerings sent to the conference. Do not include these
figures on Table 2. If you have any questions, email John Wilson at conference.secretary@wpaumc.org. Thank you for your assistance in completing this annual responsibility. John R. Wilson Conference Secretary & Statistician How to Complete Your Pastor s Form W-2 Webinar sponsored by the UM Foundation of Western PA that will help church treasurers as they prepare W-2 forms for 2016 taxes. Clergy have some unique tax reporting issues that must be carefully handled each year. This Webinar will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in time to process all information needed to successfully complete the W-2. Details and registration information can be found at http://www.umfoundation.org/module/events/eventdetail/default?id=39. Reorganization of the Indiana District Youth Program We would like to reorganize and start up our district youth again. If you are interested in seeing some youth events for the whole district please come and help us get started. There are some ideas I have heard over the past 6 months, but I am sure there are many many more out there. Now is the time to be heard and to get involved. We will meet at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 5 for a brief meeting (because we all will want to get home to see the Steelers win number 7) at Mt. Zion UMC in Dubois. Please use the parking lot across from the church and enter the double glass doors closest to the road and
proceed downstairs to the fellowship hall. If you have any questions feel free to contact Brenda Russell 724-601-2409 JANUARY 2016 Apportionment Payments Information Please be advised that the cutoff date for the conference center to receive 2016 apportionment payments is January 12, 2017. These payments must be physically in the conference center on the 12 th by the close of business. Any payments received after the 12 th will be applied to 2017 apportionment payments. If you have question please contact either: Roger White roger.white@wpaumc.org (724) 776-2300 x239 Holly Sawyer hollysawyer@wpaumc.org (724) 776-2300 x261 Human Relations Day On January 15, 2017, United Methodists will celebrate God's call to empower people who struggle and equip change agents to transform the world. Download resources from the Human Relations Day leader and pastor's kit. Teach Adults On-Line Course Course Dates: January 16-27, 2017. If you ve ever wanted to improve your ability to guide adult learners through their faith development, this two-week interactive Discipleship Ministriesapproved Lay Servant course is the way to do it! Learn about Multiple Intelligences, Adult Faith Development, Learning Hooks, and more! Students will need the book Start Here, by Barbara Bruce, and should read it before the course begins. For more information, or to register go to
REGISTER ONLINE Preparing for an Active Shooter This engaging seminar will help to prepare you for a day you hope never comes. Friday, January 20, 2017 from 10 am 2 pm at Wesley Woods, 1001 Fiddlersgreen Road, Grand Valley, PA 16420. Lunch is included. Bonus: Sheepdogs segment 2 pm 2:45 pm. General Admission ticket: $24.95. Group discount: $5 for 99.95. Early Bird pricing ends January 6, 2017. 814-436-7669. Register. There is a brochure attached to my E-Mail but the link is incorrect. The actual link is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/preparing-for-an-active-shooter-wesley-woods-grand-valley-patickets-29058761538 Presenter: Rick Capozzi Review strategies recommended by Homeland Security Move from condition white (oblivious) to condition yellow (aware) Discuss the numerous response considerations and how to choose the most appropriate option for your scenario Run multiple drills in a controlled environment that will build muscle memory Develop a survival mindset SPARK 2017 Friday, January 20 to Sunday, January 22, 2017 Sheraton Station Square, 300 W Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Learn more. Speaker: Bob Lenz Worship Band: Sanctus Real
Early-bird Deadline: November 4, 2016 Final registration deadline: January 6, 2017 Youth: $185/person (4/room) Youth: $210/person (4/room) Adult: $185/person (4/room) Adult: $210/person (4/room) Young Clergy Forum Young clergy serving full time in a local church are invited to the General Board of Church and Society s January 24-27 gathering in Washington, DC. Contact Rev. Kelly Smith, chair of the WPAUMC Board of Church and Society, at kellita00@gmail.com for info and/or financial assistance. Details. Seminars Sat, Jan 28 - Walk Thru the Old Testament, 9 am-3:30 pm at Trinity UMC, Indiana. Led by Rev. Chuck Hildbold, Pastor of Jennerstown UMC, this interactive event uses a hand sign memory system that will help you will learn 77 major people, places, and events of the Old Testament in a fun and exciting way. For ages 8 thru adult. Registration is: $20 per adult (16 and up); $10 per additional adult in a family (16 and up); $5 per youth/children in a family (under 16). Registration includes a workbook, lunch, snacks and the training. Questions/Reservations call 724-465-2015. Pay at the door. Sat, Feb 25 - Terry Teykl Personal Prayer Seminar "How to Pray after You've Kicked the Dog" - 9 am-1 pm at Trinity UMC, Indiana. This study on personal prayer will help you uncover common myths concerning prayer, learn your personal prayer temperament; and how you can pray more effectively. Join us to hear this nationally known UMC pastor, speaker and prayer leader. For youth through adult. Book, workbook, lunch and seminar
included. (Cost to be determined). More details to come. FEBRUARY EUMA Extravaganza The new date is Friday, February 24, 2017. The event will be held at the Bel-Aire Hotel and Conference Center, 2800 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505. The date change will follow a complete renovation of the hotel and convention center and give the EUMA board and staff an opportunity to complete a strategic planning process the outcomes of which will be announced at the banquet. We are honored to announce that Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi and members of her cabinet are planning to participate. Additional details will follow and thank you for saving the date. Visit our website at www.euma-erie.org. MARCH Minister s Chorus The Western Pennsylvania Conference Ministers Choir will be at Shippenville UMC, 123 Main Street, Shippenville, PA 16254 on Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 7 8 pm. What a great opportunity to worship the Lord and enjoy a great concert! Workshop Mark your calendars for March 23, 2017, when the Conference will sponsor a workshop in conjunction with the Albright-Deering Lecture at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Paul W. Chilcote, Professor of Historical Theology & Wesleyan Studies at Ashland Theological Seminary, will speak. He describes the workshop as a time for participants to immerse themselves in the time-honored practices of prayer, scripture, and Eucharist, not only talking about but experiencing God s lavish grace. Read Ahead! Before next March, consider reading one of Dr. Chilcote s books, such as
Recapturing the Wesley s Vision; Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit; or She Offered Them Christ with a book group or on your own. APRIL Mission VIMpossible Pilgrimage to Germany Western PA UMs are invited to join a spiritual pilgrimage, On the Trail of Martin Luther, in Germany from April 19-30, 2017. The year marks the 500th anniversary of Luther's Ninety- Five Theses and a major turning point in the Protestant Reformation. Collette, the tour company, will support WPA Volunteer-in-Mission Scholarships to help make VIM service possible for all God's people. Get details and register for a May 24 webinar Winter & Spring 2017 Olmsted Manor Retreats (more information/register, click here) Spring Women's Retreat - April 23-25, 2017: Come laugh, learn, and be rejuvenated with Sue Duffield! Sue is a singer, songwriter, humorist, speaker, author, and advocate who loves to make people laugh with her off-the-wall Jersey logic and sacred sarcasm. Fly Fishing Retreat - April 29 - May 1, 2017: It's finally here - the fly fishing retreat you've been waiting for. Everyone is welcome to come for a weekend of learning, spiritual exploration, and fishing! Gary is a well-known fly fishing instructor and welcomes participants of all skill levels. Mini Mission u - May 7-9, 2017: Join us at Olmsted as we explore topics from this year's WPA Mission u (you need not have attended the event). Come to be refreshed, educated, and empowered. Topics will include "The Bible and Human Sexuality: Claiming God's Good Gift," "Latin America: People and Faith," and "Climate Justice: Call to Hope and Action."
Thrive - Ministry on the Edge April 30 May 2, 2017 at the Double Tree by Hilton, Pittsburgh, PA, 15205 Cutting Edge Speakers Interactive Breakouts Travel/Lodging - Book Room now Registration opens November 1 st Western PA Scholarship Form MAY Professional Association of UM Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) The association s annual gathering for church secretaries is May 4-6, 2017 in Chicago. Encourage your church secretary to attend. Get details. JUNE Youth Zim Camp Applications are now available for the 2017 Youth Zim Camp. The dates are June 20- July 5, 2017. Get details and application. DECEMBER Mission of Peace Each year a group of youth and young adults from the Northeastern Jurisdiction travel shortly after Christmas on a Mission of Peace to another area of the globe. Applications are available now for the 2018 MOP to Cuba. It s scheduled from about December 28, 2017- January 12, 2018. Applications are due to Greg Cox by Feb. 1, 2017. Get application. BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK 16 John Balliet
ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK OFFICE INFORMATION D.S. Rev. James N. Pond indiana.ds@wpaumc.org Cell # (724) 322-1718 Admin. Sherry Meterko indiana.office@wpaumc.org Office Closed Fridays Office # (814) 938-1742 Fax # (814) 938-6457 Calendar: http://www.wpaumc.org/indianacalendar Lay Leader: Corona McKee coronamckee@yahoo.com Lay Servant Ministries: Jennifer Gordon djgordonfam@gmail.com or check out this link: https://sites.google.com/site/indianadlsm/ Treasurer: Don Shaffer mtndew82@gmail.com Please send all monies to him at: 4765 Ramsaytown Rd. Brookville, Pa. 15825