Connect, Grow, Equip From our Bishop Lewisburg District DS Installation Around the Conference Spiritual Growth Resources Events - Susquehanna ...
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A WITNESS TO MAKING DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD
MARCH 2021
Connect, Grow, Equip
PAGES 4-6
From our Bishop
PAGES 6-9
Lewisburg District
DS Installation
PAGE 10
Around the Conference
PAGES 14-17
Spiritual Growth Resources
PAGE 19
Events
PAGES 20-22
I am the resurrection and the life.
Whoever believes in me will live,
even though they die.
John 11:25 CEB
grow equip connect
1
SUSQUEHANNA FIND US ON
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CONNECTING MINISTRIES
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VOLUME 11 Phone: 717-766-7968 www.facebook.com/susumc
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NUMBER 2
MARCH 2021 EQUIPPING VITAL CONGREGATIONS
Phone: 717-545-0525
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is published bi-monthly by The deadline for the MAY issue of
Connecting Ministries,
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Susquehanna LINK is APRIL 10.
Send your stories to link@susumc.org
The United Methodist Church
303 Mulberry Drive Bishop Jeremiah Park������������������������3100
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Christy Mackey�����������������������������������3100
Phone 717-766-7441
E-mail link@susumc.org Greg Myers�����������������������������������������3103
Sarah Filizzi����������������������������������������3104
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Please send your email address
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Subscription” in the subject line. FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
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Unsubscribe by sending your Ann Watts�������������������������������������������3501
email address to
link@susumc.org with Darlene Eisenhuth������������������������������3504 Susquehanna Annual Conference
“Unsubscribe” in the subject line. Jason Mackey�������������������������������������4104 2017 - 2020
Mark Knecht���������������������������������������3503 This phrase reflects what a connectional church such as ours is all about.
Mollye Inners��������������������������������������3000 It affirms and celebrates the stronger and bigger mission and ministry we can
Bishop - Harrisburg Episcopal Area accomplish as a connectional church. It also points to the mandate of
Jeremiah J. Park SEEDLING FINANCIAL MINISTRY unity for Christian witness as it sums up the spirit and the focus of
Phone: 717-591-4099 Jesus’ prayer for the oneness of his disciples. In the Gospel of John chapter 17,
Director of Connecting Ministries Jesus repeats these words of prayer: “They may be one as we are one.”
Rev. Victoria Rebeck
Christine Sims������������������������������������3500
Lauren Hokamp����������������������������������3502 Prayer connects the people of faith to God’s way and God’s future.
Director of Prayer is an unequivocal expression of faith that, no matter what we go through,
Communications Ministry we put our trust in God and we know that God is in charge. As we face the
HARRISBURG DISTRICT
Janelle Walker unprecedented challenge of the unity of our church, we are to rely on God for a
Phone: 717-766-8124 Fax: 717-766-3887
Communications Specialist breakthrough by the gift and power of prayer more than anything else.
Barry Robison�������������������������������������3202
Web/Graphics In sync with the ardent prayer of Jesus for oneness,
Stacy Eckert
Kaiti Gallaher Lucente������������������������3200
each year we will lift up a prayer that we offer at the Lord’s Table as a theme:
Karen Atanasoff����������������������������������3201
Communications Specialist 2017-18 - “Better Together: Make Us One”
LINK/Photography
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 2018-19 - “Better Together: One with Christ”
Sandii Peiffer
Larry McCleaf�������������������������������������3106 2019-20 - “Better Together: One with Each Other”
Nate Smith������������������������������������������3107 2020-21 - “Better Together: One in Ministry to All the World”
**********
Find e-mail addresses at I believe that God has plans to give our church hope and a future. I excitingly
www.susumc.org/conference-center anticipate what God has in store for the Susquehanna Annual Conference.
COVER PHOTO: May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in God,
morguefile.com
www.susumc.org
so that we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 15:13)
2 With You in Christ’s Ministry, Bishop Jeremiah J. Park
Connecting Ministries
Future Trends That Will Shape Church Ministry
REV. VICTORIA REBECK While knowledge is information (and Further, don’t use music primarily
Director of Connecting Ministries that is necessary), wisdom entails as a tool to energize worshipers or
deeper virtues of gratitude, wonder, otherwise influence a group mood.
I f we’ve learned anything over the
past year, it’s that the world can
change in what seems like an instant.
humility, forgiveness, and more. It’s
obtained through life experience and
transmitted through media such as
Rather, incorporate art and music to
illuminate who God is and how God
acts in the world.
And the fact that the pandemic art, music, drama, and story. This is also true when inviting people
continues even after a year proves In some ways this also speaks to to explore Scripture or engage in
that we cannot simply hunker down “customization.” Story communicates compassion ministries together.
and wait until we can go back to what on many angles. The hearer brings “People don’t just want to know
we were doing. We could do that— to her listening her own experiences what’s true; they want to know what’s
but if our aim is to invite, form, and
and concerns. The gathered group real,” Nieuwhof says. “And what’s real
send disciples to help transform the
listens to the same story, but each is deeper than just an idea—it’s an
world into the realm of God, our old
person may walk away having experience.”
familiar ways won’t get us there.
learned something different, based on This suits us as Methodists. After
We also learned last year how difficult God’s leading. all, Charles and John Wesley, the
it is to predict the future. But we can
Furthermore, each person has their founders of Methodism, both had
observe trends that could help us
own stories from their own lives. “heart-warming” experiences of
invite and welcome new people into
When given a safe place in which assurance from God and considered
a relationship with God and God’s
to tell others of these experiences, such experiences important. Why not
people.
people learn from each other. reclaim this?
Here are a few trends I’ve learned Relationships are strengthened Mission
from a variety of sources and some among people and with God.
possible implications for churches. Nieuwhof reminds us that our task
Moments is to invite people not only to attend
Story and experience
Churches habitually turn to events worship, but to take part in the
Virtual reality—computer-generated and gatherings to teach or otherwise church’s mission. Many people,
simulation of a three-dimensional communicate. In his “6 Disruptive especially young adults, are not
environment that allows people to Church Trends that Will Rule 2020,” looking for ways to fill their calendars
interact with it in a way that seems pastor and author Carey Nieuwhof with activities and committee
physically real—will continue to grow, observes people today have different meetings. However, they do want
writes Prasenjit Roy in “Marketing in expectations for gatherings. These to make a positive difference in the
2025: Five key trends that will drive still have value; we simply need to use world. The church calls this mission,
the future.” them for different purposes, he says. and this passion among young adults
I’m not suggesting we abandon Information is much more easily is a gift from God that the church can
reality in favor of virtual reality. obtained in the age of the internet, embrace and harness.
But we can adapt two aspects of so that need not be a significant How is your church making God’s
this technology: storytelling and part of a gathering. People do not realm a reality in your community?
customized experiences. The church have to be in the same room to Providing groceries for school
has something real to offer the world. obtain information, and they are less children to bring home to their
If virtual reality orients our culture likely to come to an event—even families who would not otherwise
toward story and custom experiences, weekly worship—for that purpose. have enough? Organizing visits to
the church can offer these through However, people will still gather legislators to call for public policy
engagement with real people. for “movements, moments, and that would honor God’s good
Story is something that should missions,” as Nieuwhof calls them. creation or confront discriminatory
come naturally to the church. After Worship and sacraments have long housing practices? There are people,
all, Jesus frequently taught by been the church’s way to connect including young people, who are
using stories. Story, unlike simple people with God and each other. Avoid eager to take part in this.
instruction or direction, draws people letting Intentional, reverent, creative, Movements
into being full participants in their and thoughtfully planned worship get
spiritual growth. Don’t assume that your church
bogged down by information-sharing
Story also communicates wisdom. or announcements. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
3
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 provide meaningful community that for people to encounter God and find
introduces others to the unconditional a home with God’s people.
has to invent these opportunities.
and life-changing love of God. Our mission is the same as it has
It is likely other organizations in
your community are addressing People are finding out about events been for 2,000 years. Regardless of
them. Demonstrate your church’s largely online, and particularly what the future holds for The United
commitment to the wellbeing of the through social media, Edgehill told Methodist Church or the world around
wider community by collaborating me. This winter, I helped welcome us, our mission remains. Over the
with these efforts, recommends Dr. visitors to Mount Asbury’s Christmas centuries, the church has adapted to
Penny Edgell, a prominent sociologist lights display. When we asked our change in order to stay faithful to its
of religion. (These are what Nieuwhof guests how they found about the mission. This is the church’s task in
calls “movements.”) event, many said they saw it on all times. When we have a missionary
a community Facebook page or passion to bring God’s love and grace
These are opportunities not only to
received a friend’s recommendation. to their neighbors, though words and
follow the prophets’ instructions to
Be sure to use these ways (among actions, we will learn new cultural
love our neighbors, but also provide
others) to invite others. languages to tell the “old, old story” of
us a chance to build relationships
Ultimately, we hope to help people God’s love.
with our neighbors. Make sure to
meet those who are attending, experience the power of God’s grace
particularly those who are not part of that transforms lives. Moments,
your church. Listen to their interests movements, and mission cannot
and concerns. This information manufacture life transformation, but
will help your church know how to they can set a hospitable environment
Growing Spiritual Transformational Leaders
Courageous Conversations are Possible!
KIM SHOCKLEY Conference are partnering with The course is organized in four
Coordinator for Pathways of Spiritual Leadership Discipleship Ministries to present sessions which include a video
Courageous Conversations, a four- teaching from Scott, additional
O ne of my blessings during this
pandemic and the resulting
consequences of working from home,
session online course that will help
us to gain confidence in how we have
hard conversations. The instructor
articles to read, and an opportunity
to answer questions in a format
that will allow you to interact with
lots of Zoom meetings, and some (and creator) of Courageous Scott and others taking the course.
opportunities for introspection has Conversations is Rev. Scott Hughes. There is a downloadable booklet
come through a new focus on the Scott is the Director of Adult that accompanies the course. This
last statement of Micah 6:8 “...walk Discipleship and Executive Director of material embodies the Fruit of the
humbly with God”. The Courageous Congregational Vitality & Intentional Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience,
Conversations course became an Discipleship for Discipleship kindness, gentleness, goodness,
avenue in which I learned more Ministries, an agency of the United faithfulness, and self-control in order
about how walking humbly is tied Methodist Church. Our partnership to have Courageous Conversations!
to listening to understand and even with Discipleship Ministries will Against such things there is no law!
picking up the adage that, ‘I could be allow participants to use the course (Gal 5:22-23)
wrong.’ The humble statement about – a special edition that will be only
being wrong allows me to be more available to the Susquehanna
present with people as I learn from Conference – and offer CEU credits
them and expand my understanding. for taking it.
Even if we disagree, we are able to Registration for the course is
preserve our relationship because now open at: https://susumc.org/
we understand each other, without wp-content/uploads/2021/01/
having to convince the other person Courageous-Conversation-flyer.pdf.
that I am right. Be sure to use the special code that
The Grow, Equip, and Connect allows 100 participants to take the
ministry areas of the Susquehanna course without cost.
4 Connect with the Susquehanna Conference at www.susumc.org
Equipping Vital Congregations
Becoming a Vital and Thriving Post-Pandemic Church
REV. GARY ALAN SHOCKLEY than being informed about Jesus. We presence will ensure that we stay
Director of Equipping Vital Congregations already know more about Jesus than connected with those whom we have
we need to do be about his WHY met online (maybe God has sent us)
T here’s quite a bit of speculation
going on right now about what
the church should look like post-
for us! What are you doing, or will
you do, to help your people become
formed in the image and likeness of
during this pandemic. How will we
continue to connect with people we
may never see in person and disciple
pandemic. For sure, it will look Jesus? them in the ways of Jesus? Think
different. The idea of going back to #3 Recapture a sense of being a Both/And when planning worship
normal is a fantasy because “normal” neighborhood church. Your church with a mixture of in-person and virtual
has changed. exists in the community for a reason. experiences.
Like many of you, I’ve been reading Do you know what that is? When we #5 Learn how to pivot more quickly
blogs of popular authors and church begin to see our community as part as the world around us changes at
experts and have read books seeking of our church parish (and vice versa) a dizzying pace. They will learn how
to describe what a post-pandemic we will begin to treat those who live to abandon the things that no longer
church might look like. This is my around us as though they already work in fulfilling their mission. They
attempt to summarize. belong to us. We will learn their will practice simplicity by letting go of
names. We will hear their stories. We those things that drain away energy
My goal here is to give you the broad
will feel their pain. We will recognize and limited resources and may not
categories and encourage you to
their needs. And we will become their serve the mission (the WHY). They
have conversation, in your own
friends. Together, we will be on the will encourage families who have
context, about what this means for
journey as God’s beloved people found opportunities to spend more
the future of your church. Please
transforming the neighborhood and time together during the pandemic to
know that the offices of Grow,
the wider community for good. Is continue doing so rather than creating
Equip and Connect are available to
your church neighborhood friendly? new ministries and programs that will
resource, coach and consult your
Well, how thick is your policy manual try to pull them back into business.
congregation in this time of transition.
designed to protect your building #6 Take seriously a call to prayer.
Churches that will thrive from outsiders? Do your policies May I ask you directly? When was the
post-pandemic… make it easier for the people of your last time you prayed for your church?
#1 Get clear about and stay community to use your facilities? Your pastor and staff? Your leaders?
focused on WHY. “Why do we Do you understand your buildings Your community? Your people and
exist?” This doesn’t require a lengthy as God’s gifts intended for your your newcomers by name? Now,
process a developing a finely crafted community? when was the last time you sat and
mission or vision statement but #4 Move more fully into the digital listened for response from God? I’d
simply to go back to the beginning of world. In person worship will continue like to add a simple prayer for your
what Jesus intended the church to post-pandemic but will likely be use especially as you move back to
BE and Do. I would invite you to read smaller in attendance for some time. in-person gatherings: “Lord, what do
the following scriptures, preferably Online worship, online small groups, you want to do through ME (or US
with a group, and then write in virtual community engagement, are in a corporate setting) to fulfill your
your own words a Why Statement not just temporary things we do until WHY for my/our church?” Simple.
of less than 15 words that begins the pandemic is over. Our digital Powerful. Revitalizing. Take time to sit
with, “Our church exists so that…” presence will become one of the most and listen. “To be a Christian without
Once you have agreement on the essential evangelism tools we have prayer is no more possible than to be
WHY, everything (and I do mean to fulfill our mission. Much like God
EVERYTHING) your church does CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
used the persecution of the early
should align with that WHY. (Matthew church to move it out of its comfort
22:34-40; Matthew 25:31-46 and zone (Jerusalem) God is using this
Matthew 28:16-20) pandemic to move us out of our
#2 Focus on formation rather than comfort zones to meet people where
information. Discipleship is less they are…online! How wonderful
about knowing who Jesus is and that many of our congregations have
more about doing the things that experienced a growth in worship
Jesus did. Being formed in the image attendance through digital means.
of Jesus is vastly more important Maintaining and growing our digital
5
Find tools and training to equip your church at facebook.com/EquippingVitalCongregrations
Dear Beloved Sisters and Brothers of the Susquehanna Conference,
Grace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Healer of our brokenness, and Hope of the World!
for you. I hope that you will find ways to share this letter
2020 Apportionments Paid at 100% with your congregation.
January 29, 2021 As we move together into this new year, I stand with you,
It is with immense humility and profound thanksgiving that strong in our faith and the sure and certain knowledge
I write this letter to you. Our Susquehanna Conference that our God is able and God is in charge. God is with us
honored the apportioned commitments to the General and God’s love for us is steadfast. So together we move
Church again in 2020 as it has done so for the last seven forward toward God’s plans for us, plans to give us hope
years. It is a compelling testimony to the faithfulness of our and a future.
people in any year, particularly in 2020.
I know only too well how challenging and tough most Cabinet Position Extended
of 2020 has been for our churches and members. The
COVID-19 pandemic has created havoc with lives, with February 11, 2021
health, and with the economic realities of our churches
and our people. In keeping our people safe, most of our
churches have paused in-person worship. This has caused
O ne of the important responsibilities of the Office of
Bishop is found in the 2016 Book of Discipline in
paragraphs 417 and 418. These paragraphs specify
financial hardships for local churches. that a Bishop is to appoint elders to serve as district
superintendents. While the normal tenure of District
Yet, despite these difficulties, the people of the
Superintendents is up to six years, their term may be
Susquehanna Conference have been generous beyond
extended. This extension is at the discretion of the Bishop,
measure. You continue many ministries; you find ways
in consultation with the Cabinet and the District Committee
to reach out to church families and your communities;
on Superintendency.
and you have been truly faithful and generous in working
toward honoring your connectional covenant of Shares of With joy, I share with you the continued appointment of
Ministries. Under the severe hardship, you demonstrated Rev. Barry Robison for his seventh year as the Harrisburg
that Shares of Ministry is about touching and serving lives District Superintendent. He is greatly appreciated for his
with the love of God. You are living witnesses of ways that outstanding leadership by the people and congregations
God works miraculously even in the most trying times as he serves. The continued appointment of Rev. Robison
you excel in the grace of giving. was also strongly affirmed by both the Cabinet and the
Harrisburg District Committee on Superintendency.
I know that Conference Council of Finance and
Administrations (CFA) and the Cabinet join me in saying We are in the midst of significant transition and uncertainty
THANK YOU for your abundant generosity. You continually in the United Methodist Church. We are facing many
give testimony to your faith and your commitment to serious challenges. There is no more demanding
the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the appointment than to serve as a district superintendent in
transformation of the world. How can we thank our God our church for such a time as this.
enough for you! Barry continues to be a steady and calm presence amid
Together, with other faithful United Methodists of the these unsettling times. His spiritual maturity, effective
global connection we give credence to the fact that indeed leadership, faithful discipleship, and commitment to
“the world is our parish.” By paying 100% of our General Christ and Christ’s Church are a gift to our church.
Church apportionments we have been able to reach God’s Our Susquehanna Conference is truly blessed by his
people in our communities and throughout the entire world. outstanding ministry of Superintendency among us.
We have been able to connect with least, the lost, and the I am also happy to announce that Barry will continue to
lonely and have made a difference and have transformed serve as Dean of the Cabinet for the 2021-2022 year.
lives locally, nationally, and globally Continuity and steady leadership are critical in these times.
Please know that as your Bishop, I am eternally grateful I know that you, the clergy and laity of the Annual
6
Conference will join me in praying for Barry, Joni, and their Please read the attached recommendations carefully
family as well as for all members of the Extended Cabinet. because they provide important elaboration on these
They work tirelessly on behalf of Jesus Christ so that points. We recommend that a team of laypeople along with
disciples are made for the transformation of the world. your clergyperson/pastoral leader work together on the
I give thanks to God for the Cabinet of the Susquehanna discernment, decision, and planning for your faithful next
Conference. I also give thanks to you, the faithful sisters steps in returning to in-person gatherings.
and brothers of this Annual Conference. It is indeed my joy We have learned that ionization systems installed in air
and privilege to serve our beloved church with all of these handling systems (HVACs) can, when used in addition
remarkably gifted, grace-filled, committed and dedicated to face coverings and social distancing, decrease the
servants of God. amount of the virus in the air. Ionizers emit ions (charged
particles) that may capture some of the contaminants
that otherwise would be too small to filter out. The
Reopening Guidelines Susquehanna Conference is willing to offer churches a
February 2, 2021 $500 rebate toward the cost of ionizers installed in their
air handlers. Installations made since March 2020 are
Y ou have been waiting patiently through the pandemic
for the day when you can reopen your church buildings
for in-person worship. In the meantime, you have initiated
eligible. To receive this rebate, please email proof of
purchase/installation from the vendor to Darlene Eisenhuth
at deisenhuth@susumc.org and copy your district
some creative ways to offer worship, compassionate administrative assistant.
ministry, and faith-formation ministries. Though COVID-19
may be limiting our physical movements, it does not at all Pastors, please consider the health of you and your
restrict the Holy Spirit. God is working in this world and we family as you think about returning to in-person worship.
are still part of it. Thanks be to God! If health issues put you and/or your family at high risk,
please continue to keep your Staff/Pastor Parish Relations
I am pleased that many of our churches put together Committee and district superintendent informed about your
discernment groups that have been keeping up with concerns. You and your leadership may want to continue
COVID developments in their areas and have prayerfully to lead worship in alternative ways rather than in-person.
listened for God’s guidance in how to respond. These
groups have helped maintain the spiritual center of their Clergy are in the 1B category for receiving the vaccine in
churches’ pandemic response. I am grateful for all who Pennsylvania. I urge you to get the vaccine as soon as you
have committed their time, hearts, minds, and prayers to can, not only for your wellbeing but that of others. If you
this ministry. need verification of your status and you cannot locate your
credentials or something from the church (like a pay stub)
Recently, I alerted you that the Cabinet would gather please email verification@susumc.org and proof of status
information and discuss in prayerful discernment how will be sent to you.
to advise our churches as they consider opening their
buildings for in-person worship. We gathered information Remembering that Jesus told us to love our neighbors, I
from many sources, some of it from our pastors. We also continue to implore you to uphold high standards of safety
convened a meeting with medical researchers who are on protocols to prevent the spread of this terrible virus. In all
top of the developments in COVID-19 and its emerging of your considerations, I strongly encourage you to put this
variants (and who are faithful members of our churches). commitment first. You may find it wise, in your church’s
We used what we learned to develop guidelines. situation, to exceed the guidelines we are suggesting here.
We know that every church has its particular mix of Our conference disaster response coordinator, Doug Hoy,
congregation size; the average age of worshipers; the and our medical advisory group members are available to
location, age, and condition of church buildings; and other consult with you should you want additional assistance in
factors. These guidelines are adaptable to these various your COVID safety planning.
contexts. May God continue to bless your faithfulness and your
I wish to highlight these points: perseverance.
• The most important factor is to be sure that the room In Ministry with you,
you use for worship has excellent air exchange. We Bishop Jeremiah J. Park
are told by experts in the field that COVID is spread
primarily through airborne particles and can stay
suspended in the air for 13 hours.
• Emerging variants of the virus are even more
contagious and will be spreading to Pennsylvania. Be
sure to factor this into your decision.
• If and when your church decides to open the building for
worship, wearing face coverings and maintaining social
distancing are still essential and required practices.
7
Lent and Easter - God With Us
My beloved Sisters and Brothers, Psalm 22 talks about how forsaken we sometimes feel,
Grace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, especially in the face of death. The very next Psalm,
Healer of our Brokenness, and Hope of the World! however, Psalm 23, is one of solace and assurance. Our
God is like a shepherd who safely and securely cares for
We have lived in the midst of the COVID pandemic for us. This God, even in the midst of COVID, leads us to the
at least a year. With tears in our eyes and with a heavy calm waters where our souls can be comforted, rested,
heart we have learned that over 500,000 people in the and refreshed. Eugene Peterson says in The Message,
United States have died because of COVID. Two and a “Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I’m not
half million lives have been lost from COVID worldwide. afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s
The number of deaths is staggering and so difficult to crook makes me feel secure.” He finishes that familiar
comprehend. Psalm with the words, “I’m back home in the house of God
While we cannot grasp the enormity of that number, it is for the rest of my life.”
far more than just a statistic. Each one counted in those What I know, what I have experienced, and what I believe
numbers represents a mother, a father, a grandparent, a with all my being is that even in the darkest times our God
child, a husband, a wife, a sibling, a beloved child of God. is with us. Those dark times may linger, but the dawn will
To each of us, they are the faces of our loved ones—our surely break through. Just as a rainbow appears after the
family, our neighbors, our friends, and members of our storm, the light of hope and healing will ultimately pierce
churches. They are the people who mentored, nurtured, the darkness and shine bright.
cared for, and loved us. They are the ones whom we
cherish in our hearts and minds and memories. They are In these weeks of Lent, we walk with Christ in the final
greatly missed. weeks and days of his life. When Lent is over, we will
welcome in the new dawn of Easter. Joyfully we will join
Our hearts are filled with sorrow as our tears flow and at Christians all over the world as we proclaim: “Christ is
times the nights are long and painful. The sun does not risen! He is risen indeed!” This Easter, even with tears and
seem to shine as brightly as it once did. For some of us, sadness our hearts will sing our alleluia:
our grief is almost unbearable.
Lives again our glorious King,
We are living in a time that none of us has ever Where, O death, is now thy sting?
experienced. At times it feels as though all is dark and
hopeless. Like the Psalmist we cry, “My God, my God, why Once he died our souls to save,
have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping Where’s thy victory, boasting grave?
me, from the words of my groaning?” (Psalm 22:1). We Soar we now where Christ has led,
hear “great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children” Following our exalted Head,
(Matthew 2:18) echoing in our ears. We hear our friends Made like him, like him we rise,
and family mourn those who have lost their lives and we Ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
weep for those we know in our own churches who have
been lost. (“Christ the Lord is Risen Today,” by Charles Wesley; United
Methodist Hymnal, 302)
We cannot explain why COVID has happened. We have
no words or phrases that will suddenly make our grief go May God continue in these times to keep you and your
away. What we can do is give witness to a God who cares loved ones safe, strong, and hope-filled. May you know
for us far more than we can ever know or comprehend, more fully the love of our God who loves us more than we
even for such a time as this. In the midst of our deepest ever deserve or can imagine. May you be comforted and
valley, we know we are not alone. The God who knows assured that God’s love will never ever let us go.
the depth of our pain is with us. The God we worship and In God’s Comfort and Care,
serve is a tender, caring, and nurturing God who wipes our
Bishop Jeremiah J. Park
tears away, comforts us in our sorrows, and surrounds us
with loving arms.
8
General and Jurisdictional Conferences
March 1, 2021 • Announcing episcopal coverage of areas for the
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great Jurisdiction
cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders • Determining if and how many bishops will be elected
and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with following the postponed General Conference to be
perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our held in 2022
eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who It is expected that a regular Jurisdictional Conference will
for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its also be held, possibly in the fall of 2022. This will occur
shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of after the postponed General Conference in 2022.
God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)
I know that for many of our people and congregations,
By now you probably have heard that the Commission the waiting in these days of uncertainty can be difficult. I
on the General Conference has again postponed the am grateful for your patience in this liminal time. We must
2020 General Conference. This difficult decision to continue to hold steady until the General Conference can
postpone was not made lightly, but only after much meet in person to prayerfully discern God’s future for our
prayer, conversation, and study. (Click here to read the beloved church. We must trust in the leading of God. God
Commission’s press release) will lead God’s people forward according to God’s plan in
Many factors led the Commission to make this decision. God’s time.
Some of those factors include: There are many significant issues that we must consider
• The COVID situation continues to be a serious threat as we look to the future of our beloved denomination.
to safety worldwide Please continue to pray for our denominational leaders
• A vaccine is not expected to be widely available this in this uncertain time. Also, please lift the Susquehanna
year in many countries Conference Delegates whom you have elected to serve
at the General and Jurisdictional Conferences. (Click the
• International travel is extremely difficult links to see the list of General Conference Delegates
• Report of the Technology Study Team, whose job was and Jurisdictional Conference Delegates) May they be
to explore many options including utilizing technology encouraged and supported by God’s leading and our
and online voting. (Click here to read the Study prayers.
Committee’s report) As we continue together on our Lenten journey, let us walk
The new postponed dates of the General Conference will with perseverance in faith and commitment. May we cling
be August 29 - September 6, 2022. It is hoped that by ever closer to Jesus the Christ for His strength, patience,
August 2022 General Conference delegates will be able to grace and peace for such a time as this.
travel and meet in person. Blessings in this Lenten Season,
In consultation and collaboration with the Commission, the Bishop Jeremiah J. Park
Council of Bishops has called a Special Called Session of
General Conference. It will be held virtually on May 8, 2021.
The call is very specific. The purpose is to suspend the
rules of General Conference so that all delegates shall
use paper ballots to consider only 12 pieces of legislation.
(Click here to see the 12 pieces of legislation to be
Equipping Vital Congregations
considered) These 12 pieces of legislation that require
votes were determined to be critical to being able to move CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5
forward until General Conference can meet in person. alive without breathing.” (Martin Luther)
According to the Constitution of The United Methodist Many more books and blogs will likely be written with
Church, the delegates elected to the postponed 2020 better lists than mine. But this is enough, I believe, to
General Conference will be the delegates for these two get us started. I encourage you to print this and use it for
sessions. conversation with your leadership team.
The Council of Bishops also has called for a Special These are the things we in the church should have been
Session of the US Jurisdictional Conferences. The date doing all along. We lost our focus (our WHY) became
will be in July 2021. These Conferences will be held distracted by our own needs and desires and forget to stay
virtually and will occur at the same time. focused outward where God is working in the world.
The call for the Special Session of Jurisdictional Isn’t it wonderful how God is using this present crisis to
Conference is very specific. The only items that will be bring us back to center? How exciting to contemplate the
considered are: marvelous works of God ahead of us and to know that we
• Retiring bishops in the Jurisdiction are still invited to be partners in it!
9
God is Doing
a New Thing
On Sunday, October 18, 2020, the third of four services
celebrating the appointment of our four new district
superintendents was streamed from Watsontown
UMC. (View here: tinyurl.com/DSinstallGW) This service
celebrated the appointment of Rev. Dr. Gary D.
Weaver as the new Lewisburg District Superintendent.
Following is an edited version of his installation
address.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:18-19, Psalm 100, District Superintendent in the Lewisburg District?!
Ephesians 4:1-7, 11-16
I will be brazen enough to say that not so long ago, none
Rev. Dr. Gary D. Weaver of us imagined…and yet God knew and our God continues
Good and Gracious God, may only your word be spoken to know.
and may only your word be heard. AMEN. The chosen scriptures takes us into the Old Testament and
I
n the scripture from Ephesians, the Apostle Paul does into the present day movement of God. These words tell
not ask us to lead a life worthy of the call, he does not us—remind us—that our God declares, that our God saves
encourage us to lead a life worthy of the call and he and that our God proclaims; that our God makes a way
does not challenge us to lead a life worthy of the call, he in the sea, a path in the waters; that our God does and is
begs us to lead a life worthy of the call. (v.1) doing a new thing! A new thing!
I don’t know if you have ever begged anyone for anything. Now a bit of self-disclosure. Interestingly enough, I am not
If you have you know it was a desperate time. You were a car guy. Our oldest son, Isaac, is a car dealer in Arizona.
in a situation, a place, a season when you really needed I appreciate cars and I am thankful for my car and all that
things to change or you desperately needed things to it provides me, but I am not a car guy. I married into a car
remain the same. family though, when families were strongly brand-and-
maker-loyal—remember those days? There was only one
I must admit, I am not sure if the Apostle Paul needs us to car in Cindy’s family and that was Ford. I am absolutely
change our practices of humility and gentleness, but he sure that my father-in-law, if he were alive today, would roll
begs us to practice them, in what seems to many to be a his eyes to the fact that I drive a Mini Cooper!
world gone off track, with greater patience, bearing with
one another in love as we make every attempt to maintain But I do, like most of us, love the smell of a new car, the
a unity of the Spirit as we are called to. freshness of a new car. That smell and freshness offer
possibility. Maybe it’s because people associate the smell
On this Laity Sunday (October 18, 2020), where we with the luxury of having purchased a new set of wheels,
celebrate the role of laity in the church – which needs to or for me the idea that a Mini Cooper makes me look cool
be a year-round celebration – the appeal is to join and knit — the smell of a new car offers possibility.
together as we promote the building up of the church, but
more importantly the building up of the Kingdom of God as That is what, I would say, the scripture offers us today.
we know it. Possibility.
Although Installation Services focus on the District I would like to zero down on Isaiah 43:18-19.
Superintendent being installed, what is worthy of “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things
celebration today is the cooperative mission and ministry of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth,
of lay folk and clergy together, as we humbly attempt to be do you not perceive it?”
a part of God’s vision for God’s people. I hope we can get behind that today. We can get behind
Little could any of us predict where we are today. Who the idea—we might even say, “amen!” to the idea—that
could have imagined us sewing masks, wearing masks, God is doing a new thing. We might even enjoy what
fighting over masks? Who could have imagined this God is doing. Today, we gather in the Lewisburg District
awkward season of opportunity that we call Covid? And on where new things are happening, where new things are
a personal note, who could have imagined me serving as a springing forth.
10And so just like the freshness of a new car, the possibilities Remember, Isaiah’s writing is to the children of Israel at
that lay before when we embrace that God is doing a new a bleak period of their history: They are in captivity. They
thing call out for an “amen.” have lost everything they thought they would keep forever.
I love a good amen—I believe we all love a good amen They were homesick for the land and the blessing God
whether we proclaim it out loud or sing it silently. Amens had promised them.
are living testimony that our God is doing a new thing even And the words, “do not remember the former things” really
now. Even now. say, “change your focus.” Quit looking behind, start looking
In the Lewisburg District we are saying, “Amen!”: ahead to a new thing. You see, if you are continually
looking behind you can’t see where you are going and
“Amen!” to local church hospitality that feels very more importantly you can’t see where God is. If you are
different in this Covid season, yet is spiritually radical. ever going to move on to new things in Jesus Christ, you
“Amen!” to churches where pastors and leaders are must learn that you cannot depend on your past victories
creating discipleship pathways while we are all trying to to sustain you.
simply find our way. The children of Israel had many victories in their past:
“Amen!” to a communion table where all are invited and leaving Egypt, conquering the land of Canaan, fighting
welcomed, even when done uniquely. prospective conquerors, and surviving a split in their
country.
“Amen!” to a cluster that is planning to celebrate
Christmas at a drive-in theatre. But, now they are in captivity. All their previous victories
were doing nothing to set them free. They needed a new
“Amen!” to the local church that brought in 14 new
work, a new miracle, a new victory, a new thing.
members in the Covid season.
The question isn’t ‘What has God done?’, the question for
“Amen!” to an offering plate that is more full of sacrifice
you, for our church, and for the Lewisburg District must be
than full of money.
‘What is God doing right now – what is the new thing that
“Amen!” to virtual nativities offered to the community this God is doing?’
Advent Season.
Just like we cannot lie in the past successes, we also
“Amen!” to a full back pew of those who can’t hear yet cannot allow your past failures to possess us. Do not dwell
are present each Sunday. on the past.
Dr. Todd Allen of Messiah University shared during The children of Israel had failed God miserably. Every time
a “Dismantling Racism” conversation the idea that God blessed them with good things, they returned to God
conversations that end with “amen” are needed but evil things:
conversations that end with “ouch” are needed as well.
1. God gave them the Temple: They gave God idol
Not many of us love a good “ouch.” worship.
It has been said that “When it hurts, don’t be afraid to say 2. God gave them truth: They lived and proclaimed a lie.
ouch!” (Mary Buchanon)
3. God gave them commands: They lived like they were
As a church, as those who sit in the pews, as those who suggestions.
stand behind the pulpits, as those who lead outside the
4. God gave them wealth: They used it to abuse the
local church, and as the man who stands before you, we
poor.
need to be able to say, “ouch” to where the church has
been, “ouch” to where the church is, and maybe even Like us today, the children of Israel did not deserve to
“ouch“ to where the church may go. receive anything from God. Yet our God still loved them
and still loves us.
As a people of faith and as faithful people we live between
the “amens” and the “ouches.” As we hear today, being told not to remember the former
things does not fully entail a criticism of them. What these
We can embrace that God is doing a new thing—”Amen!”
words say to us is that we need to let go of the former
When Isaiah spoke to the people of the day, the new thing things in a way that allows God to be praised; to let go of
that God was about to do signaled the freshness of God’s the former things that continue to separate us from the
ways and the continual possibility of a sudden, unexpected fullness of knowing our God.
turn of fortune.
Isaiah’s word is to encourage us. Make no mistake, God
Throughout scripture the amen idea that God is doing a truly is doing a new thing even in this Covid season. Do
new thing appears frequently enough that we ought to be you not see it? And the scripture asks, “do you not see it?”
sure we understand it. It is fundamental to how our God
I want to take you to a place where many of you have
works over time, as much now as in Isaiah’s time.
been professionally and personally—to a bedside.
Yet, being told to not remember the former things may
This happens to be the bedside of my mother. Now there
seem a bit ouchy.
are a few things you need to know about my mother and
I like to remember the former things; recall the days gone my growing up. I had a childhood that was best described
by. I like to look back and act like there was a better time.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
11God is Doing a New Thing
sacredness of the moment. Many of you have been in that
place as you anticipate a life-well-lived ending.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 None of us are sure how, but somehow the three of us
found ourselves in the communal kitchen across from my
as eclectic. You know when I first jotted that word down I mother’s room—my mother was alone. We were not there
started to wonder what would eclectic means in reference but a moment when a nurse came to us and said, “You
to a family? will want to come back in, your mother’s breathing has
In the world of design, eclectic is about harmony and the changed.” Your mother’s breathing has changed. What a
coming together of different styles, juxtaposing textures, gentle way to tell us that the life-well-lived was over.
and contrasting colors to create a cohesive beauty. The church, as we know it, is in the midst of its breath
That just might be my family: different, juxtaposing and changing. Some of us stepped out of the room even for
contrasting and coming together to create beauty. a moment and the church changed and to be honest
My father died when I was young and in that time I because I believe we can be honest, parts of the church
became aware, in a new way, of my mother’s sister, Aunt need to change.
June, and Uncle Manny and my cousins. My mother and Now, let me make myself clear, I am not painting a picture
her sister had a very close relationship and so when my of a dying church. I am painting a picture of a church that
Uncle Manny died after my father died, my mother and just might, like my mother, find a new life in the release of
aunt made a covenant that they would never leave each heaven.
other. Throughout the years, that played out in many ways
as they lived out their lives as widowed sisters. I can not bring my mother back, and we can not bring the
pre-Covid church or the church as we idealize to have
But let me take you back to my mother’s bedside. been years ago, but we can forget the former things and
My mother lived her last several weeks in an in-house we can stop considering the things of old as we see the
hospice in Lancaster County. In those weeks my sister new things that God is doing in our midst.
was that amazing family member who was by our God, through Isaiah’s voice, is calling us to release heaven
mother’s side constantly. My Aunt was there often and to the people around us as God makes a way in the
not being able to be there always she needed to know wilderness and as God makes rivers in the desert.
that someone would be there. Simply, she did not want
my mother to ever be alone. The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, Episcopal Diocese of
Atlanta, Ga., once said, “You and I have been called to
In that time I was serving in the then Wellsboro District, release heaven wherever we are. And you and I have
appointed to Calvary Church, Lawrenceville on the been given the capacity to release heaven wherever we
Pennsylvania-New York border, so I would visit when I find ourselves. And the more heaven gets released every
could. day, you and I press on with Jesus.”
One day, my sister, my aunt and myself were gathered So today, together, we must keep our spirits open to the
around my mother’s bed and were silently counting new things that God is already doing. And to that I say,
her breaths, wondering, feeling lost, but valuing the “ouch” and “amen.”
12UMCOR MARCH 14, 2021
S U N D AY
MAKE A BIGGER DIFFERENCE TOGETHER.
“Our faith in Jesus allows us to look beyond ourselves
and help others. We connect with those who are in the
midst of a disaster, and our response is to support
them in any way possible. It’s not just recovery. It’s
also meeting emotional, spiritual and basic needs.
THE GOAL IS TO MAKE EVERYBODY WHOLE.”
- Esmeralda “Missy” Gordillo, UMCOR Case Manager
www.umcgiving.org/UMCOR
13PHOTOS: MICHELLE SCHWARTZMAN, VIM COORDINATOR
Due to the global COVID pandemic, Susquehanna Conference Volunteers in Mission held a virtual mission trip to McCurdy Ministries
Community Center in New Mexico this year. Page 7: photos from prior in-person trips to McCurdy Ministries in New Mexico.
VIM Journeys to McCurdy Ministries Community Center
By Linda Gilgore, York, PA but the purpose of each project is the same. Having the
I
t has been 14 years since my first of many trips to opportunity to lend a hand to the important ministries of
McCurdy Ministries Community Center in the beautiful McCurdy to their community has been and continues to be
Española Valley of Northern New Mexico. At the time, incredibly challenging, as well as incredibly rewarding and
I was a senior high youth leader at a United Methodist often life-changing. When realizing that cleaning, stripping,
church in York, PA. cleaning, and waxing floors in a building will make an
impact on the school year for the kids, it makes the task so
That first trip turned out to be much more than I expected. much more relevant and enjoyable.
It took very little time for me to decide that McCurdy would
always be in my heart and that the staff at McCurdy were Not being able to go to McCurdy in 2020 for our annual trip
the best examples I had ever seen of walking in faith, was disappointing for us but even more disappointing for
being Christ-like humble servants, and truly being a light McCurdy, who were left with a lot of projects to complete
in a community. It was both heartbreaking and refreshing. during a pandemic without the much-needed help that
Their struggle was real and their commitment to making comes from VIM teams. As a result, we decided to lead
their corner of the world a better place was inspiring. a Zoom virtual mission trip to McCurdy. By participating
in a virtual mission trip, we were able to promote VIM
Each summer we return to McCurdy for a one-week trip. trips in general and McCurdy specifically. We have been
We love the relationships we have built with the staff at able to share our love for McCurdy and the importance
McCurdy, we love the variety of projects that we work on, of connecting as a team for a common purpose and to
we love the gratitude shown us for literally the smallest of connect with some of the beloved McCurdy staff.
tasks completed, and we love the traditions and history of
Northern New Mexico. Each night at devotions we would Each year at the end of our week at McCurdy it is
hear from the team members about their experience. bittersweet. We have laughed and cried, worked hard, and
We love to have youth on our trips because it is a rare enjoyed the beauty and majesty of Northern New Mexico
opportunity to see how other youth live and how they with some side trips. And we are always reminded that
can survive and even thrive with very little “stuff”. I would there are “McCurdy’s” in every community. Even though
venture to say that most nights on most trips there are we will keep returning to McCurdy, we can also find ways
tears of being overwhelm at the magnitude of the struggles in our own communities to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
in the area and tears of joy being the hands and feet of The same underlying issues are in lots of communities
Jesus for a moment in time. such as, poverty, mental illness, addiction, etc.
Every year the dynamics of the team going to McCurdy Over 100 years ago, one person made one decision that
are different, but the mission of each team is the same. changed the trajectory of Española, New Mexico. You, too,
The variety of the projects needing completion is different, can choose to be the light in your valley.
14Pictures from prior years’ trips to McCurdy Ministries
Together with God, we are transforming the world!
The Building the Beloved Community Fund
will help Susquehanna United Methodists:
• Resist racism
• Promote diversity
• Connect churches to their neighbors
• Support cross-racial appointments
• Build strong race relations
Projects by churches and conference organizations
will benefit from these funds.
Please contribute to this Conference fund by giving through
your church. Designate your offering to “BBCF (9300).”
To learn more go to:
15 susumc.org/endracismPHOTO: MORGUEFILE.COM
Wandering Through a Pandemic
By Douglas Hoy, Disaster Response Coordinator Commandments and covenanted with the people.
A
s we approach the one year mark since the Of course, there is much more that occurred during the
pandemic forced us all to change the way we go Israelite’s trip to the “promised land,” a trip that eventually
about daily living, I am reminded of the challenges lasted 40 years. But, each step of the way, God met them
faced by the Israelites in Egypt. While enslaved there, where they were. He provided for them in his own time.
God protected them and provided for their needs. He sent And, He did not keep them in the desert forever. It wasn’t
Moses to demand their release. Each time, when Pharaoh easy. But, in the end, it was worth it.
refused, God inflicted plagues on Egypt. He turned the
As we continue to face the challenges presented by the
Nile into blood, covered the land with frogs, turned dust to
pandemic, consider looking back over the last year. Think
gnats, brought flies into the houses of Pharaoh, and sent
about the trials you faced? Did God meet you there? If
disease and disaster to kill Egyptian livestock and people
you are like me, you certainly had questions. Did you take
and destroy crops. Exodus 12 reveals to us that God then
them to Him? And, did He provide you with answers? What
brought about plague to kill all firstborn Egyptian males.
miracles have you experienced during the pandemic?
Before doing so, He instructed Moses to tell the Hebrew
people to cover their door in the blood of a lamb, leaving I pray we do not have to wander through this pandemic for
a sign of protection for their families. After spending more 40 years. The days and months ahead may be difficult at
than 400 years suffering in slavery, God, through Moses, times. And, we will become frustrated and have questions.
led them to freedom. But, we must rejoice in difficult times “…knowing that
suffering produces endurance and endurance produces
As they made their way to the “land of milk and honey,” the
character, and character produces hope” (Romans 5:3–4).
people began to question if they would survive or die in
Remember your covenant and find hope and reassurance
the desert. Their fear grew as the armies of Egypt pursued
that God is with you, just as He was with Moses. He
them. God provided a miracle by allowing Moses to part
promised “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you
the Red Sea. After crossing the sea to safety, the people
rest” (Exodus 33:14). Commit to trusting Him every day.
praised God but soon began to question their supply of
He will answer your prayers, provide for your needs, and
food and water. Again, God provided, sending manna
give you rest. It will be worth it.
from heaven. The Israelites faced war during the exodus,
and God provided them with victory. For months, God ***
provided safe passage, eventually bringing them to Mount Contact Doug at drc@susumc.org. Check out the Disaster
Sinai. And, during this time, God gave Moses the Ten Response Weekly updates at tinyurl.com/DRweekly
16 LINK articles can be viewed and shared from susquehannalink.blogspot.comYou can also read
