West Weekly
October 15, 2021
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photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
~Yoda
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Rev. Bumkoo "BK" Chung
Mailing address:
West District
Eastern PA Conference UMC
PO Box 820
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820
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Kenneth Rowe, Methodist historian, dies at 84
By Sam Hodges
Oct. 13, 2021 | UM News
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The Rev. Kenneth Rowe, shown here in the United Methodist archives at Drew University in Madison, N.J., was an author, professor, librarian, archivist and bibliographer. Rowe died Oct. 8, at age 84. File photo courtesy of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.
Methodist history would certainly have happened without the Rev. Kenneth E. Rowe. But colleagues say he did as much as anyone to make sure the story was told well — and in full.
In his various roles, Rowe worked to have an account that went beyond the actions of bishops and other top leaders.
Rowe died on Oct. 8, at age 84, in New Bern, North Carolina, where he lived in retirement with his husband, James Sawyer. Read more.
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Does The UMC fund...?
This content was produced by Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications.
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One of the more frequent questions Ask The UMC receives is about whether The United Methodist Church funds particular non-United Methodist organizations. We also find some people are surprised by the United Methodist-related entities their apportionments fund partially or not at all.
General Conference approves a budget to support vital international, national, and regional missions and ministries. The general church budget is proportionally allocated (apportioned) to annual conferences, which in turn ask each local church to contribute a portion of its tithes and offerings to support these ministries. In this way, each congregation gives a fair share to support the church's work worldwide.
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West District ZOOM Clergy Interviews began on September 22. If you have not already signed up for your interview please contact ( [email protected]) for assistance.
If you have not already done so please send your completed clergy profile to Joan Lawson ( [email protected]). |
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2021 Charge Conference Information |
West Mission Link Charge Conference Schedule
All Charge Conferences start at 6:30
Thursday, October 28, 2021 - South Central
Host church: West Willow UMC
Wednesday, November 3, 2021 - Extended Rivers & SOULanco
Host church: Stehman Memorial UMC
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 - Lebanon City
Host church: Hebron UMC
Tuesday, November 16, 2021 - West Central & North West Lancaster
Host church: Columbia UMC
Thursday, November 18, 2021 - WAC , Palmyra Area & North Lebanon County Host Church: Palmyra: First
Tuesday, November 30, 2021 - Southeastern Lebanon County
Host church: Rocherty UMC
Thursday, December 2, 2021 - The Pikes & Northern Lancaster
Host church: Manheim: Salem UMC
Monday, December 6, 2021 - East Central Lancaster & Northeast Lancaster Host church: Limeville UMC
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Lancaster Urban
Host church: New Creation UMC
2021 Charge Conference Forms Links
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ATTENTION ALL DISTRICT CLERGY:
REQUIRED SUBMISSION
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CLERGY: If you have not already done so, please upload a photo into the EPA photo directory by Oct. 31. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Link to submit clergy photo:
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West District EPAUMC Calendar
● October 15 & 16: Domestic Violence Workshop. Friday October 15 from 7 PM – 9 PM & Saturday October 16th from 9 AM – 12 PM.
● October 16: Conference Council of Youth Ministry (CCYM) BBQ. 11 AM - 3 PM at Carson-Simpson Farm.
● ↻ October 20: Weekly Book Club: Plantation Jesus. Sponsored by CDT and CORR. Wednesdays at 11 AM, on Zoom.
● October 23: 2021 Faith Sharing Event. Evangelism Training with The Rev. Olu Brown.
● ↻ October 27: Weekly Book Club: Plantation Jesus. Sponsored by CDT and CORR. Wednesdays at 11 AM.
● Oct. 29 - Nov 1: Dismantling Racism, Level 1, Virtual.
● Oct. 30 & 31: Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Francis Asbury’s Arrival. November 2021
● November 6: Basic Sexual Ethics, on Zoom. 9 AM - 12 Noon.
● ↻ November 9: Bivocational & Small Church Network. Every other Month, on the 2nd Tuesday of Month, at 6:30 PM, on Zoom.
● November 10: Order of Elders Gathering, 9:30 AM at Camp Innabah.
● November 13: Dismantling Racism Level II-- “Courageous Conversations on Race and Reconciliation: Getting Started.” 9 AM - 12 PM on Zoom.
● November 13 & 20: By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism. A Zoom-based study offered by the Board of Ordained Ministry. 9 AM - 11:30 AM on two saturdays.
● November 17: Connectional Table Meeting. 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Zoom.
● November 20: Urban Mini-Summit Series. 10 AM – 12 PM via Zoom.
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Domestic Violence Workshop: “Seeking Justice and Mercy” |
The Eastern PA Conference will explore this fall how domestic violence is experienced and addressed by people who face injustice, neglect and other disadvantages because of their race, ethnicity, disability, nationality and other circumstances that relegate them to the margins of society.
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Youth BBQ
Saturday, October 16, from 11 AM to 3 PM
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The Rev. Will Brawner, Eastern PA Conference’s new Youth & Young Adult Ministries coordinator is inviting youth and young adults, ages 12-21, and their ministry leaders to a free CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministry) Barbecue Oct. 16 at Carson Simpson Farm in Hatboro.
The informal Saturday gathering, from 11 AM to 3 PM, will: explore CCYM’s past, present, and future; welcome new members; worship together; develop a youth mission strategy for the conference and beyond; and get some training in conflict resolution. Learn More.
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Next Book Study on Plantation Jesus
October 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
11AM - 12 PM
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The Eastern PA Conference’s Congregational Development Team (CDT) and Commission on Religion & Race (CORR) will collaborate again in October on a second conference-wide book study that focuses on racism in America. The weekly study, via Zoom, will gather readers for lively discussion on Wednesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 11 AM to 12 noon, to explore the racially conscious 2018 book Plantation Jesus .
CORR members will facilitate the study, which will include breakout rooms for small-group discussion. CORR and CDT together will offer free e-books to the first 50 study registrants. Learn More
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THE JOURNEY
September 10 to October 30
Media resources offered weekly to signify the impact of Asbury’s legacy, available at:
THE LANDING
Historic St. George’s UMC, Philadelphia, PA (235 N. 4th Street)
Saturday, October 30
Food & Social Hour: 2pm EST. Program: 3pm EST / 8pm BST
Sunday October 31
10 am EST / 8pm BST
Register Online for In Person Attendance: https://na.eventscloud.com/asbury
Live-streaming available at:
October 1— December 31, 2021
Francis Asbury Archival Exhibit At Historic St. George’s UMC
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2021 Faith Sharing Event
October 23 9 AM to 12 PM
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The Rev. Olu Brown, founding pastor of one of the UMC’s fastest-growing churches will keynote the Eastern PA Conference’s 2021 Faith-Sharing evangelism seminar Oct. 23, at 9 AM to 12 Noon via Zoom. This training meets the evangelism course requirement for clergy, and provides CEUs.
Brown leads Impact Church, in East Point, Ga., part of Metropolitan Atlanta. His vision and leadership has taken the multicultural church from 25 people at its birth in 2007, to more than 5,000 worshipers online now, with 62 staff and a $4 million budget.
Brown will teach about “Rethinking evangelism and connecting in innovative ways with people and communities to share the love of Christ. Learn how to rethink your evangelism model by embracing the world, using technology and pursuing the Great Commission with a grassroots approach.”
He has developed at “Impact Church DCD,” Doing Church Differently™ a model that “redefines the church experience through inclusiveness, relatable messages, energetic weekly gatherings, unique events and activities, relevant youth programs and community outreach…to offer healing, justice and compassion to the world.”
Olu Brown, an author and podcast host, announced in May that he will retire from active pastoral ministry in June 2022. He may then focus more on using his gifts as an author, coach, consultant and speaker to help “empower people and organizations to optimize every moment as they strive to Normalize Next.”
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Virtual Dismantling Racism I |
Friday, October 29 - Sunday, November 1, 2021
The Schedule for these Zoom meetings will be:
Friday: 2 PM - 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 1 PM, 2 PM - 5 PM
Sunday: 2 PM - 5 PM
Register Here:
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Dismantling Racism Level II – “Courageous Conversations on Race and Reconciliation: Getting Started” |
The Eastern PA Conference Healing the Wounds of Racism (HWR) CORE Team will host “Courageous Conversations on Race and Reconciliation” in a new, online Dismantling Racism Level II workshop on Zoom, on Saturday, Nov. 13, at 9 AM to 12 PM.
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By Water & the Spirit: Theology & Practice of Baptism |
- Saturday November 13, 9:00-11:30 AM
- Saturday November 20, 9:00-11:30 AM
Baptism is at the core of who we are as Christians -- but how well do we truly understand this sacrament? Those of us who serve in church leadership often face practical questions with deep theological roots. Why do we baptize? What happens in baptism? Why do we baptize infants? What do we mean when we say "remember your baptism" -- especially if baptized as an infant?... Learn More
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The Eastern PA Conference’s half-hour prayer meetings, held on Tuesdays at noon by video-chat on Zoom, welcomes a new cadre of prayer leaders in March.
Here is the Zoom access information:
Meeting ID: 591 129 374. Or Call in: +1 646 558 8656
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WEEKLY PREACHING FORUM for SERMON COLLABORATION
(EVERY TUESDAY @ 2)
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12 Preachers from Across the Conference will lead us. Come as you are able (it's ok if you can't make every week). Each week we will look @ the text for Sunday. We will also collaborate on sermon ideas, illustrations, liturgy and more. Hope you will join us.
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Bivocational & Small Church Network |
Every other Month, on the 2nd Tuesday of Month, at 6:30 PM, on Zoom
“This is a group designed exclusively for church leaders of smaller churches, welcoming part-time, bivocational, retired and all other small-church leaders, both clergy and lay,” said the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Connectional Ministries Director. “Small churches are the backbone of The United Methodist Church, and we want to provide a bimonthly small group for conversation that relates to the unique opportunities found in our small, vital churches."
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Engaging the Community for Social Transformation |
Local churches, non-profits, and community organizations can be excellent resources for finding best practices, discerning action steps, and offering wisdom in overcoming obstacles as we seek to partner with God and engage the community.
Our first webinar session features Dan Billingsley, Chief Strategy Officer at Community Service Council in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dan has twenty-two years of experience in the non-profit world with the focus areas of institutional advancement, leadership positioning, and public policy change in community services, education, and the arts as well as in diversity, equity and inclusion, mental health, and civic engagement. With a strong faith background, Dan offers insight from a non-profit lens on how the local church can engage the community and build relationships in ways that bring about tangible change.
The webinar series is offered monthly through the end of the year at 11 a.m. Central Time.
Dates are Sept. 23, Oct. 28, Nov. 18, and Dec. 16.
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Post Pandemic Clergy Group
Hosted by Samaritan Counseling Center
September 23 - November 11
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The Post-Pandemic Clergy Group will help clergy leaders face the realities of their position today and in the future by supporting participants as they consider where things are now and where they want to be.
David Harris, a trained and experienced leadership coach, will facilitate this group and help to create a safe place for participants to be open and honest with each other.
In eight 90-minute sessions pastors, clergy and faith leaders will creatively reflect, listen, encourage, and create their own plan of action.
Have questions about the clergy group? Contact Clergy & Congregation Care Coordinator David Miron at [email protected] or 717-560-1949.
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Certified Lay Minister Program
Class of 2022 * Certification 2023
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Introduction Orientation Sessions
All sessions will be held via ZOOM video conferencing
Attendance at one orientation session is required for program admission
Saturday, October 9 - 10:00-12:00 PM
Wednesday, October 13 - 6:30-8:30 PM
Thursday, October 21 - 6:30- 8:30 PM
Monday, October 25 - 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Tuesday, October 26 - 6:30 -8:30 PM
Saturday, November 6 - 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Contact Judy Ehninger, CLM Program Coordinator, with questions, for further information, and to register for an Orientation Session.
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Glossbrenner UMC (Mount Joy) is looking for a Worship Leader for two Sundays each month. Our goal is for the worship leader to help visitors and longtime members feel welcome and comfortable. If anyone is interested or knows of someone who might be interested, please contact the pastor, Brian Albert at 717-653-5683 or via email at [email protected].
St. John's UMC is looking for an organist/pianist for one or more Sundays each month. If anyone is interested or knows of someone who might be interested, please contact the pastor, Matthew Whayland, at 717-202-5215 or [email protected].
Ludwig UMC Bainbridge, PA
Seeking a pianist or organist 1-2 Sundays a month.
Please contact Pastor Jeff Snyder at 717-449-9387.
Children’s Ministry Director, First UMC, Ephrata, PA
Ephrata First United Methodist Church is looking for an enthusiastic individual who has a heart for children and a desire to see them learn to love and follow Jesus. This is a 20-hour part-time position that provides leadership for the various ministries for children from birth to sixth grade, including nursery, Sunday school, children’s church program, and Vacation Bible school.
This individual must have a strong and growing relationship with Jesus Christ. She/he must have excellent leadership, interpersonal, recruiting, equipping, and organizational skills. This should be a “people person” since it will be important for this person to communicate and relate well with the children, parents, volunteers, and fellow staff members. Experience in childhood/Christian education is preferred, and a degree in education is helpful. Familiarity with the United Methodist church is a plus.
Qualified persons should forward a resume to: Lead Pastor, First UMC, 68 N. Church St., Ephrata, PA 17522 or email [email protected].
Preschool Teacher Assistant, Ephrata: Hope
We are looking for qualified Preschool Teacher Assistants to join our team of dedicated childcare providers. We work to prepare small children for kindergarten by easing them into organized education. You will teach them important elements that they will need in and outside the classroom. A preschool teacher assistant must have a great love and patience for children. Qualifications needed to teach them effectively include knowledge of best practices and preschool educational methods, as well as the ability to engage them and earn their trust and attention. The goal is to contribute to the healthy mental and emotional development of the child so they can more easily acclimate in the next level of education.
Youth Leader, Lampeter UMC
Lampeter United Methodist Church, 1101 Village Road, Lampeter 17537, is seeking a youth leader for the church’s youth group. The preferred candidate is someone who loves the Lord, has a passion and experience in working with youth and sharing his/her faith, is able to teach and organize youth helpers, is able to plan and lead mission trips, and is able to build connections with the community. Appropriate clearances for working with children and youth is required and someone with at least an associate’s degree is preferred. Primary responsibilities include leading the mid-week youth group meetings, teaching the Sunday morning youth Sunday school class, and planning and leading youth activities in conjunction with the Youth Ministry Team. The position requires 15-20 hours per week. For further information please contact Darryl Keener at (717) 808-0863. Resumes and at least two references may be sent to: [email protected] or [email protected].
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West District Resource Center |
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Rev. Elaine Bortman, Chair of Committee on the District Superindency - [email protected]
Mrs. Lynn McCord, District Christ Servant Minister Coordinator,
Conference Office - 610-666-9090 / 800-828-9093
Request For Clergy Photos
All clergy are encouraged to submit photos in for preparation for the Episcopal transition.
Link to submit clergy photos:
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**
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!
Willing Servants Needed for 2021-2022 Conference Year
Would you like to shape the financial life of our conference? Do you have a passion for racial justice & reconciliation? Can you use your gifts for long-term care of our clergy pension program? Are you interested in serving on CCFA, Board of Pensions, Commission on Religion & Race, Camping Board or other conference teams? If so, please fill out the information form at the link below.
Questions?
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