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| Events and News | Outside the District | Mission News | Miscellaneous |
CHAMBERSBURG DISTRICT NEWSLETTER January 10, 2012
Timothy R. Baer, District Superintendent, e-mail – tbaer@susumc.org
Karen Statler, Administrative Assistant, e-mail – kstatler@susumc.org
550 Cleveland Avenue, Suite 10, Chambersburg, PA 17201
Office (717) 263-5629; Fax 717-263-6792
Regular Office Hours: Monday 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM to 12 Noon
Chambersburg District Web Site — www.appleburg.org
Please share the information in this newsletter with your congregation. Anyone interested in receiving this newsletter can call or e-mail the Chambersburg District Ministry Resource Center. If you have church news items that would be of interest to the entire district, e-mail that information to kstatler@susumc.org.
A DAY WITH BISHOP MIDDLETON AND THE CLERGY OF THE NEW HARRISBURG DISTRICT – January 31, 2012 Noon – 3:00 PM at Cross Point UMC, 430 Colonial Rd, Harrisburg, PA 17109.
This event is for clergy currently serving a congregation or congregations in the New Harrisburg District as well as for those clergy serving in extension ministries.
Reservations are due by Tuesday, January 24th in order that lunch may be provided for all. E-mail your registration to Ann Ahlf aahlf@susumc.org or call 800-317-7745.
"E-TOUR" EVENTS PROVIDE LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR LAITY AND CLERGY
Equip your church with exciting ministry resources!
Empower your leaders for today's mission field!
Engage in transforming workshop experiences!
Connect with other church leaders!
The goal of this "tour" is to take our Connectional Ministries Team, Conference leaders, and resources "on the road" to a church near you. The event is designed to help leaders and future leaders in local churches discover the wealth of resources available to them through our United Methodist connection and the Susquehanna Conference. Through an offering of workshops, displays, media, and interactive learning experiences, participants will benefit greatly by attending and will receive a disc packed with helpful tools and resources to take home.
SAVE THE DATE(S) THE E-TOUR IS COMING TO YOUR AREA
Workshops include:
A. Demographics: Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?.................................. Mike Bealla
B. Discovering Discovery Place.................................................................................Jody Robinson
C. Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Finances..........................................Gary Smith
D. Ministry with Young People.............................................................................Warren Bevacqua
E. Mission Central – Ministry Beyond Boundaries......................................................Rob Visscher
F. A Plan to Help Revitalize the Local Church (Matthew 28 Initiative).........................Dennis Otto
G. Safe Sanctuaries – Providing Safe Places for God’s People.....................................Anne Horton
H. Building a Disciple Making Church..........................................................................Mike Bealla
I. Camping and Retreat Ministries.................................................................................Anne Horton
J. District and Conference Mission Opportunities..........................................................Ken Mengel
K. Funding Ministry - Finding Money Through Grants.................................................Lisa Bender
L. Re-thinking Christian Education.......................................................................Warren Bevacqua
M. Web Sites and Creative Communication...........................................................Jerry Wolgemuth
N. Staff Parish Relations................................................................................................... Tim Baer
Lunch/supper is included in the $5 registration fee.
Deadlines to register are the Friday a week before each event.
You are welcome to attend any of the E-Tour events regardless of your district.
For all the details, including a downloadable brochure listing specific trainings and instructions on how to register, go to: www.susumc.org and click on the E-Tour under "Events. "
For more information, contact Conference Director of Connectional Ministries, Mike Bealla, (mbealla@susumc.org ) or Lisa Bender (lbender@susumc.org ) at 1-800-874-8474 or 717-766-7441.
CELEBRATION WEEKEND AT OTTERBEIN UMC – January 21 & 22, 2012
ALPHA COURSE
First United Methodist Church, 45 N. Washington St. Greencastle PA is doing an 11 week Alpha Course at our Church. The Course will be starting January 30th and run until April 9th (Monday evenings) from 6:00 – 8:30 PM. To register call the church office at 717-597-7314. Alpha is a short, practical introduction to the Christian Faith, offering a relaxed, open, low-key and fun atmosphere where no question is considered too simple or hostile. Each meeting includes dinner, a talk, and small group discussion. The Alpha Course is FREE. Childcare is provided. Open to all ages (Youth 6th grade to 99+). The first night is not a commitment. It’s simply a chance to see if Alpha might be for you. Any questions log on to the website at www.alphausa.org or call Brian Cordell at 717-597-8232.
HAPPENINGS IN THE CHAMBERSBURG DISTRICT CHURCHES
IN OUR PRAYERS
Timothy Cook, son of Rev. Dr. Bob and Shirley Cook ( Christ UMC, Waynesboro) died on Tuesday, December 27th.
OUR LIFE TOGETHER – for Active & Retired pastors, spouses, widows and widowers
Tuesday, February 14, 2012.
Lenten Communion at Newburg U.M. Church, 203 High St., Newburg, PA. 9:00 AM to 12 Noon. Lunch & Go
With Rev. Dr. Timothy R. Baer
Lent is not only a time of introspection, repentance and preparation, but also a time of anticipation and hope. Our time will be shared as colleagues together in ministry gathering to worship as a community of Christ followers. We anticipate preparing for and looking forward to celebrating the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Directions to the church are on page 13 of the Chambersburg District Directory.
ADVANCE LAY SPEAKER’S SCHOOL
Saturday, March 3 & 10, 2012 at St. Paul UM Church, 750 Norland Ave., Chambersburg, PA from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Theme: Holy Spirit Driven Leadership taught by Rev. Peggy Jones. This was very well received in our class in November 2011. We had to turn people away. It is being offering it again so that all who want to take the class have the opportunity to participate.
Cost: $30.00. Applications must be sent to the Chambersburg District Ministry Resource Center by Thursday, January 26, 2012. Application attached here
BOOK SIGNINGS
Dianne Bolyard will be doing book signings in the area to promote her children’s book, Happily Ever After.
The rhyming story is a real life fairytale that tells about a very special young boy who was born to loving parents. This boy would grow up to save the world. His name is Jesus.
The book is available in paperback and hardback. There is also a coloring book, all published by Tate Publishing.
See Dianne to get your own autographed copies for your children, grandchildren, friends, and others 530-0467. Or, log on to www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore will be coming out the beginning of 2012.
CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AVAILABLE ON-LINE
Monthly church financial statements are now available on-line. Simply go to the conference website. Click on 'Finance Office'. Click on 'Monthly Church Statements'. Type in your church number. [Do not include the '0' to begin the number.] Statements are now directly available to church treasures.
It is our intention to discontinue actual mailings in the near future. Special arrangements will be made for those churches that do not have internet access.
Gary Smith, Conference Treasurer
DISTRICT & CONFERENCE MISSION NEWS
MISSION TRIP TO NEW HOPE MISSION, FREEPORT, BAHAMAS -February 11-18, 2011 .
We invite you to journey with us to visit Pastor Lenore and be in mission with the good folks of the New Hope community as we work with Bahamas Methodist Habitat. Cost for this venture will be around $1,100 which includes airfare, meals, housing, ground transportation, and work supplies. We are hoping to be able to book flights at a much lower cost. Current passport is needed. This trip is for folks age 14 and up. Please see Pastor Rick Noll if you have questions 717-267-3085 or rnoll@susumc.org .
USED SEWING MACHINES NEEDED AT NEW HOPE CHURCH IN FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA
Rev. Lenore Hosier is hoping to receive resources for a sewing ministry at her church. This ministry would provide a life skill that would be beneficial to those who are working on limited budgets to help extend the life of their existing clothing and might even be utilized for a means for local women to earn income in the future.
If you have a sewing machine that you would be willing to donate to this ministry, contact MaryLee Henderson at 717-504-8742 or e-mail donmarhen@comcast.net .
MISSION CENTRAL PRESENTS: “SPOTLIGHT ON BOLIVIA” The program will begin with a presentation by Bob and Ginny Stevenson about The Bolivia Mission Initiative, an Advance project that provides children’s programs, medical clinics, church development, etc. in Bolivia. From 1:45-2:15 p.m., you will have the opportunity to purchase items from the Bolivia Boutique, a selection of sewn goods and jewelry made by women in Bolivia. The sale of these items enables women to support their families, their church, and a daycare program. In addition, warehouse tours will be available; refreshments will be served; and door prizes will be drawn. From 2:15-3 p.m., you will learn about the many unique ways that you can be involved in this multifaceted mission with our brothers and sisters in Bolivia. There will also be a question and answer session. Come early to check out the Mission Central Store inventory and stop in the Main Hall to check out the wide selection of used VBS curriculum. There is no charge for this event. Registration is not required unless you are bringing a group of 5 or more people. Buses are welcome! For more information or to register a group, contact Wanda Jacobs, Mission Central's Mission Education Chairperson, at 717-645-7424, or buddy.beetle@verizon.net .
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED SPRING 2012
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The next CEF (Christian Educators' Fellowship) Gathering for the Susquehanna Conference will be on Thursday, January 12th from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM at Cross Point UMC (430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg). We will be meeting in Brown Hall.
Please register by contacting Laura Gingrich by January 5th at (717) 533-9668 (ext. 116) or laura.gingrich@firstumchershey.org.
Please bring the following: A "gift" you would like to share-this could be a book, resource, project, website address or concept that worked well for you in 2011. Everyone will have the chance to talk about the gift they brought. · $7 for lunch!
A Friend! CEF is open to everyone! We encourage you to bring those on your ministry teams.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S MINISTRY COUNCIL is offering confirmation retreats based on the new Credo confirmation curriculum this year. The dates of the retreats are as follows:
Part 2: Confirming Your Faith - January 27-29, 2012
Part 3: Living Your Commitment - March 2-4, 2012
Both retreats will be held at Camp Wesley Forest and there is limited availability. The cost of each retreat will be $50 per person / per weekend and you do not need to attend all of the weekend retreats in this series. Pick one or both. More information about these retreats can be found on the Young People's Ministry webpage (igniteyoungpeople.org).
For additional questions, please contact Warren Bevacqua at warren@susumc.org.
WOMEN’S WINTER BEACH PARTY MOUNT ASBURY RETREAT CENTER
Are you looking for new ideas to connect your women's ministry?
Have you considered a get-away day or weekend retreat?
Are you looking for a place for the women of your church to get away to spend time seeking God's presence in their lives?
Are you looking for a break from your winter routine?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, join us at Mount Asbury Retreat Center in Newville, PA, on Saturday, February 4. This is a special one-day event to introduce you to the amazing journey God wants to share with you when you meet him at Mount Asbury. For a registration form and additional information, contact the district office or check the conference website.
THE NARNIA EXPERIENCE is a youth retreat offered by the Young People's Ministry Council that is designed around C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia" series and looks at how C.S. Lewis shared the Christian message in a unique and fanciful way through his books.
Participants will learn how to share the Christian message through allegory and story as we compare the popular "Chronicles of Narnia" movies with Jesus' parables.
The dates of the retreats are as follows:
February 17-19, 2012 at Wesley Forest Camp, Weikert, PA
Deadline: February 3, 2012
March 16-18, 2012 at Sky Lake, Windsor, NY
Deadline: March 2, 2012
There is limited availability. The cost is $50.00 per person/per weekend.
More information and online registration for these retreats can be found on the Young People's Ministry website (igniteyoungpeople.org).
For additional questions, please contact Warren Bevacqua at warren@susumc.org.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ANNUAL CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions are to be clearly printed and sent together with supporting documentation. It is preferred that all resolutions be received electronically via email. You can email them to kkind@susumc.org. If you are unable to email the resolutions, you may mail them :
The Board of Church and Society
Rev. Kathy Kind, Chair
3939 Park Rd.
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
All resolutions must reach the board no later than January 31, 2012. Please indicate a contact person should the Board need to contact the petitioner for clarification
IRS Announces 2012 Standard Mileage Rates, Most Rates Are the Same as in July
WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2012 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, 2012, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
The rate for business miles driven is unchanged from the mid-year adjustment that became effective on July 1, 2011. The moving rate has been reduced by 0.5 cents per mile.
The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for moving purposes is based on the variable costs as determined by the same study. Independent contractor Runzheimer International conducted the study.
BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION
To all Pastors and Volunteers:
At the last Annual Conference Session a new Safe Sanctuaries Policy for the Conference was approved. With their approval you need to be aware of the following changes that relate to background checks. This can be done through the Trak-1 system or if they would rather stay with the PA Police and Child Abuse, that is fine, they need to make sure their policy states that. These clearances are good for three (3) years. This clearance will cover all 50 states and includes both background check and sex offender check. The price for these two checks together is $13.99. See below for instructions to complete a background check.
STEPS FOR DOING A BACKGROUND CHECK
• Go to www.susumc.org
• Click on Safe Sanctuaries button.
• Click here to begin applying for background check.
• Enter Name, E-mail address, district & church & click “send invite”.
• Go to your e-mail and check for the invite.
• Click on Training Program.
You will create a personal profile with name, address, social, birthday, credit card payment. Please make sure you go through to the training page even though online training is not yet available.
• This completes the process.
• You will be able to return to your account by going to www.smart-trak.com and entering your user name (which is your e-mail address) and password.
• You do not have to print the background check out. This is being managed through
Trak-1.
Your church may contact the Conference Office and speak with either Joni Robison or Anne Horton. We can provide you with a list of people from your church who have had their checks completed. The list will verify if they are approved or not to work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
Your staff and volunteers can do these at home. All records will be held through Trak-1. The Conference has two Administrators handling this process which will be through the Camping Office. If you need to know who from your church has been approved, please call or e-mail the camping office and we will provide you with an excel spread sheet as to who has been approved to work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
If you have just completed a new check within the last two years, they will be valid for three years at which time they will need to be renewed. It is the Safe Sanctuaries Committee’s hope this will be a simpler process for all involved. If you have additional questions, please contact Anne Horton, ahorton@susumc.org.
UMC SPECIAL SUNDAYS OFFERINGS
Six times throughout the year, United Methodist congregations celebrate church wide Special Sundays with offerings. Your support is critical to the survival of these important ministries and for sharing God's gifts around the world.
Church wide Special Sundays with offerings enable United Methodists to offer refuge in times of disaster, promote peace and justice, provide scholarships and student loans, reach out to the community, teach skills to encourage self-sufficiency and share the love of Jesus Christ with God's people everywhere. Your support is critical to the survival of these important ministries and for sharing God's gifts around the world. A planning resource available for download explains the six Special Sundays and how to promote theme: Planning Guide.
Human Relations Day, Jan. 15, 2012
One Great Hour of Sharing, March 18, 2012 (Easter April 8)
Native American Ministries Sunday, April 22, 2012 (Easter April 8)
Peace with Justice Sunday, June 3, 2012 (Pentecost May 27)
World Communion Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012
United Methodist Student Day, Nov. 25, 2012
Do you have questions about a specific Special Sunday? Go to UMCgiving.org to find the answers.
CHRISTY MACKEY NAMED EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
As of December 21, Sandy Rollason has retired as the Executive Administrative Assistant to Bishop Jane Allen Middleton. Sandy was in this position for 14 years. Christy Mackey, a graduate of Lebanon Valley College and participant at Crosspoint UMC in Harrisburg, has assumed this position. We are grateful to Sandy for her dedication, commitment and warm welcome to all in the conference and feel a loss upon her retirement. Christy brings many gifts and will be a fine addition to our conference staff. Any communication for the bishop should now be sent to cmackey@susumc.org.
Bishop Jane Allen Middleton
Resident Bishop
Harrisburg Episcopal Area
Susquehanna Conference
ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR 2012 CAMP REGISTRATION is now available online atwww.susumcamps.org or the forms may be downloaded and mailed to the camping office. A 50% deposit will be required per registration. There are many camps available for ALL ages including some new ones. Online the entire brochure may be viewed as well as a full schedule of events at Camps-at-a-Glance. The new camp brochure will be mailed very soon. We are looking forward to seeing YOU at camp next summer!
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