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A note from the bishop's desk | |
Fall is my favorite season! Football, apple pie, color exploding on the mountainsides. Autumn also marks the harvest season, and harvest season prompts reflection and evaluation.
“What do I have to show for my work? How much are we reaping for our investments? Is there enough to sustain and to share?“
As we enter this harvest season of 2026, I am reminded in the New Testament that Paul recognized the believers’ tendency to ask these same spiritual harvest questions. They were familiar with discouragement, disappointment, and suffering. He knew they may be tempted to fret and despair. So, over and over again, Paul prompts them to respond with persistent and active faith:
He encouraged the Galatians: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!” (Gal 6:9)
He cheered on the Corinthians: “Our God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Cor 9:8)
Like some of the early Christians, we might be asking ourselves: “What do I have to show for my work? How much are we reaping for our investments? Is there enough to sustain and to share?“
How do you answer these questions in this 2026 harvest season? Are you celebrating a season of abundance? Or do you feel like your field appears more like desolation or failure?
Having served in ministry in farming communities, I have grown to greatly admire our farming friends. They possess a spirit of persistent, hopeful faith. Even in the most dismal years, they have reminded us: “Good is good. He always provides. If this harvest isn’t what we had hoped, he will give us what we need to sow again.” I have been challenged by their faith to be more emboldened in my own spiritual journey as I sow seeds of God’s grace and good news with neighbors, family members, and others.
God is good. He always provides enough. He is working even when we don’t see it. If this year’s sowing doesn’t produce as we had hoped, He will give us the strength and grace to sow again.
This year, as we set out pumpkins, corn, and apples around our home, I am choosing to focus on Paul’s reminders of perseverance and abundance. My friends, our God is working in us, with us, and through us. He will give us all that we need at all times to abound in every good work. We will celebrate the harvest, and we will keep sowing seeds in faith.
Blessings,
Bishop Heather & the Susquehanna Leadership Team
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| | Leadership & Learning Scholarship Recipients Announced | |
In April, the Susquehanna Regional Conferenced announced their new Learning & Leadership Scholarship to support students who value their BIC identity and are pursuing a course of study in any major at a Christian university with a heart for service to Christ and his Kingdom. The selection committee is pleased to announce the recipients for the 2026-27 academic year.
Though facilitated by the Susquehanna Conference, the scholarship was open to all students from any of the seven BIC U.S. conferences. The selection committee prioritized applicants who are Messiah University students and/or children or grandchildren of credentialed BIC ministers.
The following 25 students were selected:
· Christopher Abell – Allegheny, attending Messiah University
· Alana Beaty – Susquehanna, attending Mount Vernon Nazarene University
· Sara Cordova – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Autumn Garman – Susquehanna, attending Liberty University
· Lilianna Griffee – Allegheny, attending Messiah University
· Sabrina Griffee – Allegheny, attending Messiah University
· Lydia Lloyd – Susquehanna, attending Messiah University
· Olivia Hopkins – Susquehanna, attending Messiah University
· Bradley Kreider – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Lillian Mbuu – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Katelyn Miller – Susquehanna, attending Messiah University
· Owen Monday – Allegheny, attending Liberty University
· Jonathan (Jack) Myers – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Samuel Newton – Atlantic, attending Wheaton College
· Elijah Noll – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Rebecca Noll – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Josiah Pletcher – Atlantic, attending Mount Vernon Nazarene University
· Nathan Seibert – Susquehanna, attending Messiah University
· Collin Starr – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Emma Starr – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Andrew Stauffer – Susquehanna, attending Messiah University
· Emily Stauffer – Susquehanna, attending Messiah University
· Katelyn Swope – Allegheny, attending Lancaster Bible College
· Josiah Thompson – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
· Reagan Urbanavage – Atlantic, attending Messiah University
“We believe God is raising up another generation of godly men and women to continue Kingdom work in the coming decades,” says Bishop Heather Beaty of the Susquehanna Conference. “We see this scholarship as one way we can support the development of young BIC servant-leaders who are preparing for this work.”
The 2027-28 application will be available on December 1, 2026. Applications can be submitted January 1 through April 30, 2027, and awards will be determined by June 15, 2027.
| | There are a few important events coming in the next few months. Please make sure they are on your calendar. | | |
Ministry Development Day
Wednesday, October 28, noon-3 pm
Messiah University
Please mark your calendar to reserve this date in October for a Ministry Development Day as we delve into "AI and the Church." The day will begin in the Hostetter Chapel (note the revised location!) with lunch and a workshop with Dr. Brian Doak, followed by a breakout session with our Susquehanna BIC pastors and Dr. Doak.
An optional add-on takes place Tuesday evening, 10/27/26 at
7 pm in Hostetter Chapel, where Dr. Doak is the keynote speaker for the Religion & Society Lecture. This lecture is free and open to anyone.
Sign up HERE for lunch on Wednesday by October 1.
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Retired Pastors and Christian Workers Luncheon
Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, 11:30 a.m.
Messiah Village Enrichment Center
If you are a retired pastor or Christian worker living in the Susquehanna Conference, we hope you can join us on Wednesday, September 30 for a time of fellowship and a delicious meal.
Invitations have been sent out to those we are aware of, but if you know someone else who should be invited, please share this information with them.
We extending the registration deadline a few days - If you haven't already signed up, please register to attend no later than September 23, 2026.
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As a conference, we would like to assemble a list of free or low cost resources for pastoral rest and refreshment opportunities. Please contact the conference office (bicsusquehanna@bicus.org) if you are aware of any resources that we could add to this list.
We are also happy to introduce you to Anchored Worship Collective, a ministry of Dave Hershberger ("Hersh"), one of our own conference pastors:
Anchored Worship Collective
Where Worship Leadership Meets Soul Care
www.anchoredworshipcollective.com
Anchored Worship Collective exists to invest in worship leaders (and other ministry leaders) through coaching, spiritual direction, leadership development, and resources that encourage healthy, Christ-centered leadership. Dave's hope is to serve leaders by helping them cultivate sustainable rhythms, healthy ministry cultures, and lives that remain deeply anchored in Christ. More than just providing services, he hopes to strengthen and encourage leaders so they can serve their churches with greater health, joy, and longevity.
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Introducing
Steve and Linda Munger
Steve and his wife, Linda, are originally from Minnesota where he served in the Free Methodist Church as Pastor and Conference Superintendent. They moved to Pennsylvania and became part of the Brethren in Christ Church in the fall of 1992. Since moving to Pennsylvania, Steve has served Antrim, Cedar Grove and Big Valley congregations as Senior Pastor and served one term as Associate Director of Brethren in Christ World Missions. Steve officially retired in July 2024 from the Big Valley Church but has found new life in his current assignment as Interim Pastor of the Saville BIC congregation.
Steve and Linda have been married 58 years. They are exceedingly grateful for their salvation at age 29 having accepted Christ on the same day, unknown to each other. They have 3 married children, two sons and a daughter. One son, and their daughter live in Pennsylvania with their families, while their oldest son still lives in Minnesota on a small family farm with his family. They have eleven grandchildren, and are expecting their twelfth great-grandchild this summer! They praise the Lord for the gift of family!
Steve and Linda have enjoyed an active lifestyle having ridden motorcycles around the country for much of their married life, traveling both at home and abroad, and leading mission trips to Mexico, South America, England and Africa.
Steve and Linda remain grateful for the opportunity the Brethren in Christ Church has given them to serve the Lord for these many years!
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Introducing
John Reitz
John Reitz has served as a pastor in the Brethren in Christ Church since 1979, as well as serving as a Marriage and Family Therapist for the past 30 years. He has served congregations in the Atlantic Conference and in the Susquehanna Conference. He has served in established congregations, has served as a church planter, and has also served four congregations as their Interim Pastor.
John also serves as the Regional Administrator for Brethren in Christ World Missions US in the Middle East and Europe as well as serving on the Commission on World Missions US. For three years he served with Cure International as a Staff Chaplain in the United Arab Emirates.
He envisions his faith to be an on-going journey of risk-taking which has led him to take on some energizing assignments: starting a new church for people who question the validity of the established church, serving a 100-year-old congregation, and starting Shelter Cove Counseling when most people are thinking of retiring.
John is married, and together he and his wife, Terry, have blended together a family of four daughters, 12 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
John holds a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage and Family from Palmer Seminary, Master of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling from Ashland University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Messiah College.
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Introducing
Bob Verno
Bob grew up in Erie, Pa and was raised in a Roman Catholic home. At age 15, he began attending a Fundamental Baptist Church. After graduating from Houghton College in 1974 and Ashland Seminary in 1977, he entered the ministry of the BIC Church. Over the last 49 years Bob has pastored churches in Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. On June 30, 2025 he officially retired after serving nearly seven years as sanctuary pastor at The Meeting House.
On the home front, Bob has cherished the partnership of his good wife Luanne for over 53 years. He has two grown daughters, three grandchildren, and a delightful golden doodle (Jax) who walks with him each morning and evening. For fun Bob enjoys a good, challenging hike, day trips, sightseeing, and miniature golf.
Over the years Bob has been grateful for opportunities to serve the greater church on the Board for World Missions, the Commission on Ministry and Doctrine, the Equipping for Ministry Team, and other regional boards. He has also coached Church Boards and pastors. For the 15 years Bob has facilitated a DSP course - Life in the Spirit; and for last 17 years he has coordinated the BIC Theological Study Forum.
Bob counts himself fortunate to have journeyed with the Brethren in Christ Church through his years of ministry and feels he could not have found a better church fit.
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Four Susquehanna Churches Hiring
Mechanicsburg BIC in Mechanicsburg, Cedar Grove BIC in Mifflintown, Saville BIC in Ickesburg, and Eshcol BIC in Newport are at various stages in the pastoral search process as their lead pastor has retired or will soon retire.
Please pray for these churches as they continue to search for new lead pastors. Pray for God to send the right pastor for each church and for the discernment of each search committee as they evaluate applicants. Pray for clarity, unity and patience in the process and that God's church would grow stronger in each of these communities.
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September
Susquehanna BOD Meeting
Wednesday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: Saville BIC, Ickesburg, PA
Retired Pastors and Christian Workers' luncheon
September 30, 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
Enrichment Center, Messiah Village
register to attend by Sept. 23.
October
Theological Study Forum
October 6, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, Zoom
Topic: Centered-Set Church Membership: What Is It and Is It Possible for the Brethren in Christ?
Register by contacting Bob Verno at pastorbob73@gmail.com.
Northern Pastors' Cluster
Tuesday, October 13, 8:45 am
Perkin's, State College
Sider Institute Conference: Renewing Our Imaginations for
Spiritual Formation
Friday, October 16, 2026. Details and registration at Sider Institute
Ministry Development Day
Wed., October 28, noon-3:00 pm
Location: Messiah University
Info and Registration: Register Here no later than Oct. 1
November
York Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, November 11 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Fairview BIC
Carlisle Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, November 18 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Carlisle Panera
December
Susquehanna BOD Meeting
Wednesday, December 9 at 9:00 a.m.
Location: TBD
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January
Week of Prayer and Fasting
January 3-10
York Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, January 13 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: LAE
Northern Pastors' Cluster
Thursday, January 21, 8:45 am
Perkin's, State College
February
Carlisle Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, February 24, 8:30 a.m.
Location: Carlisle Panera
March
York Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, March 10 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Redland Valley BIC
April
Northern Pastors' Cluster
Thursday, April 15, 8:45 am
Location: Perkin's, State College
Susquehanna Conference Annual Meeting
Evening of Prayer and Worship
Friday, April 16, 7:00 pm
Location: Redland Valley BIC,
York Haven, PA
Saturday, April 17, 9:00 am
Location: Redland Valley BIC,
York Haven, PA
May
York Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, May 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Pathway Community Church
Carlisle Pastors' Cluster
Wednesday, May 26, 8:30 a.m.
Location: Carlisle Panera
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Core Courses are four intensive, on-site and virtual classes that provide an introduction to the Brethren in Christ U.S.
Designed to lay a foundation for ministry in the BIC U.S., Core Courses explore BIC history, theology, and leadership and structure. They are also a required component of the credentialing process for BIC U.S. ministers.
Each course is offered at least once a year in various locations across the U.S. The registration fee for each course is $150 (USD). This fee is waived for all BIC U.S. ministers.
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BIC History and Values (English)
Virtual via Zoom
April 12-16, 2027
Leadership and Structure
within the BIC U.S. (English)
Manor Church, Lancaster PA
May 3-5, 2027
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Theology of Salvation (English)
Roxbury Holiness Camp (Ortanna PA)
June 14-16, 2027
Theology of the Church (English)
Mechanicsburg BIC, Mechanicsburg, PA
August 9-11, 2027
Click here for more information or to register: BIC U.S. Core Courses
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Los Cursos Básicos por 2027
| | Historia y valores de la
Iglesia de los HEC
En linea por Zoom
6 de may - 8 de may de 2027
| | Aquí encontrará información adicional y podrá realizar la inscripción. La información sobre otras clases se publicará cuando esté disponible. | | |
Susquehanna Conference of the Brethren in Christ US
431 Grantham Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone 717-461-2230
Email bicsusquehanna@bicus.org
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