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Middle PA News...
Middle
Pennsylvania District e-LINK November
13, 2009 1.
Footprints '09 2.
District Conference Wrap-up 3.
Heritage Fair Totals 4.
Area Gatherings 5.
Across Middle PA Churches 6.
The Village at Morrisons Cove 7.
Renewal at the Threshold 8.
Continuing Education Event 9.
Calendar 1)
Footprints '09 Calling
all senior high youth to an exciting weekend at Rhodes Grove Retreat
Center in Chambersburg on November 20-22, 2009. You may remember this
event as the Eastern Regional Youth Conference. This year it has a brand
new look and a new name, “Footprints.” The title comes from the idea
that each of us is on a journey. Our footprints are taking us in new and
exciting directions as each of us strives, in our own way, to follow in
the footsteps of Christ. Footprints is also about community and impact.
The speaker for the conference is David Radcliff, director of the New
Community Project. There will be several workshops to choose from and a
service project. Cost is $125 for youth and advisors.
The late fee has been eliminated. Questions may be directed to
Karen Duhai at 814-643-0601 or email kduhai@hotmail.com. 2)
District Conference
The 148th
Middle PA District Conference had a new twist this year with an
unexpected early snow fall in the days leading up to the conference that
required cautious travel for some .
Pre-conference activities began
Friday evening with the annual Ministers’ Banquet. Seventy ministers
and their spouses enjoyed a wonderful buffet dinner that was provided by
Juniata College and hosted by President Tom Kepple.
District Conference opened Friday evening , gathering under the
theme God Lives in Us, 1 John 4:11-12, with worship. Kurt Borgmann,
pastor at Manchester Church of the Brethren and guest speaker preached
on “To Love One Another.” Kurt has family ties to the Roaring
Spring Congregation and was a camper in his formative years at Camp Blue
Diamond. Kurt married Loyce (Swartz) who grew up in the Spring Run
congregation. Kurt’s thought provoking message to the 179 who attended
was that we all have our own opinions but must remember that our love of
God cannot be void of love for those we disagree with. Marty
Keeney, Stone Church, shared his talents as Music Coordinator for the
conference. Keeney Brass and Stone Church Women’s Ensemble shared
music during Friday evening worship. Katie Kensinger (Martinsburg
Memorial) shared a liturgical dance, I Love You Lord, and Moderator
Lori Knepp served as worship leader.
Friday evening business convened with approval of the minutes,
audit reports of the District finances and Disaster Response Action
Team. David Steele, District Minister, shared in his report to the
conference body of the need to be better stewards of our resources and
the need to join our ministries together, finding ways to share
ministries, programs and even leadership with neighboring Church of the
Brethren congregations. Our ministry focus should not be to be bigger
and better than our neighboring churches, but to come together and focus
on doing the ministries of Jesus Christ. He challenged those gathered to
be more intentional in our efforts to be invitational to those who have
no church home – for each church to disciple 5 new members in the next
year.
The delegate body gathered on Saturday morning with worship. Joel
Nogle, pastor at Memorial Church of the Brethren, preached and his
sermon was entitled “Who’s Your Daddy.” Through story,
humor and music, Joel shared an energizing message reminding us that no
matter where you come from that your heavenly Father is “Your
Daddy.” Nicholas Neal (Roaring Spring) shared his gifts at the piano,
Jeremy Santos (Stone) offered special music, and Lowell Witkovsky,
moderator-designate, served as worship leader.
Moderator Lori Knepp, reconvened the business session of District
Conference. The slate of leadership
was affirmed.
The Coordinating Team used their reporting time by inviting
District Ministry leadership to share with the delegate body some of the
ministries of their respective teams, i.e. The Shalom Team, the Calling
& Credentialing Team, the Ministers’ Education & Support Team,
etc. Several individuals from congregations also shared of the way
district ministries have aided them in their local ministries.
The Coordinating Team reporting culminated after lunch with the
presentation of the 2010 Mission Plan. The $211,700 Plan, which
represents a $9,945.00 reduction from the 2009 Plan and included no
program, ministry or outreach cuts, was affirmed by the delegate body.
The Youth Ministry Team shared their gifts by inviting the
gathered body to refocus through music and devotion which was followed
by a service of consecration for the ministries they share throughout
the district.
Also a part of conference business was the Query – Cooperative
Ministry Among the Brethren. (The query can be found at the Middle PA
web-site: www.midpacob.org). The query originated from the Area 3 pastors and was passed on to the
delegate body for consideration by the Coordinating Team. Although the
motion from the Coordinating Team offered no direction other than to
pass the query on to District Conference, the intent of the Team was
that the concerns and questions within the query are significant and
relevant and that we (the District) should spend time studying and
working at the query ourselves as directed by Annual Conference query
guidelines. After discussion, a motion from the floor to send it on to
Annual Conference was defeated. A second motion to pass it back to the
Coordinating Team for study and action was passed.
Delegates also heard reports of the ministries of the Village of
Morrisons Cove, Trucker-Traveler, Juniata College, together with a
combined report from the Annual Conference agencies: Bethany Theological
Seminary, On Earth Peace, The Mission and Ministry Board of the Church
of the Brethren and Brethren Benefit Trust.
Friday evening offerings totaling $1,087.00 were designated to
District Youth Ministry and the Pennies For Congregational Ministries
offering on Saturday totaled $5,547.77. The District Conference outreach
project was non-perishable food items and monetary donations given to
the Huntingdon Area Food Pantry. Jean Gutshall accepted the items on
Saturday on behalf of the Food Pantry.
Lowell Witkovsky, 2010 District Moderator, was consecrated for
his leadership for the coming year and asked for the congregations to be
in prayer for the tasks ahead of us. The 2010 District Conference will
be held on October 15-16 at the Maitland Church of the Brethren.
2010 Mission Plan Summary
The 2010 Mission Plan of $211,700 was
affirmed by the District
Conference delegate body. The
2010 Plan represents a $9,945.00
reduction from the 2009 Mission Plan.
It maintains 2010
budget expenses in most areas at the 2009 levels. This funding will
assure that we
provide essential services and ministries, while not diminishing
support to churches. This
conservative budget proposal is dependent
upon all
of our 55 churches “stepping out” and fulfilling commitments
to support District Ministries. We understand that some churches
may have
limitations to maintain support at the 2009 levels, yet others
may see opportunity to increase their support for the 2010 Mission Plan.
May we celebrate and live out of the abundances that God has
provided! May we also joyfully and faithfully continue the work of
Jesus –
Simply – Peacefully –Together.
You can find a copy of the 2010 Mission Plan at www.midpacob.org. 3)
Heritage Fair The
29th Annual Heritage Fair was held Saturday, September 26 at Camp Blue
Diamond. To date approximately $28,000.00 has been raised for the
Outreach Ministries of Middle PA District and Camp Blue Diamond. Heritage
Fair Quilt Rotation The
Heritage Fair Committee is working on a district quilt rotation to
accommodate all the churches in Middle PA District. Your congregation
received a letter detailing this rotation. If you have questions or
concerns, please call the District Center at 814-643-0601. The following
is a list of where the quilt will be the next several weeks: · November 15 Rockhill · November 22 Valley Point · November 29 Sugar Run · December 6 Beech Run · December 13 James Creek · December 20 Christmas · December 27 State College 4)
Transforming Mission & Ministry
The Coordinating Team would like to invite you to attend the last of the
5 area gatherings. If you have missed or were unable to attend the
gathering in your area, please come and join us. Many
of you gathered two years
ago to “celebrate what’s right with the church.” In those two-hour
gatherings we spent time listening to one another share stories of your
transformational ministries. We have much to celebrate! We would like to
again engage your creativity and wisdom as we prayerfully and faithfully
work to “transform our mission and ministries.”
Our final gathering will be held at
the Holsinger congregation on November 15 and will begin at 2:00 p.m.
During this time we will worship and then invite you to share
with us from your knowledge and/or understanding : · The
purpose of the District and what is needed to fulfill that purpose. · How
the wider District and its staff is or could be a part of the ministry
and mission of your congregation. · How
the District could better serve your congregation. · The
gifts that your congregation might share with the other 54 churches of
Middle PA. 5)
Across Middle PA Churches ·
Community Thanksgiving
Dinner New Enterprise Church
will host a Community Thanksgiving Dinner on November 26 from 11:30 to
2:30. Enjoy turkey, all the fixin’s and various pies. This meal is
free and open to the community. ·
Alternative Christmas
Fair University Baptist and
Brethren Church in State College is offering their annual Alternative
Christmas Fair on Sunday, December 6 from 11-2. The fair offers 20
local, national and regional charitable organizations that offer goods
and services to those in need. Enjoy soup/sandwich mission lunch, baked
goods and Christmas cookies. Children’s Alternative Store and Games
11-1:30. Make a difference! · 100th Anniversary Celebration & Dedication A celebration weekend is being planned for Stone Church in Huntingdon on December 12-13. “Grounded in our faith and Growing for the future.” A celebration of the 100th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone for Stone Church and the completed renovations to the church building. They will recognize their history, celebrate the past, and look to the future ministries of Stone Church. Tours will be given on Saturday with a concert featuring the handbells and choir at 4 p.m. Sunday morning beginning at 9:30 a.m. Andy and Terry Murray will sing and share the renovation story followed by worship with Earle Fike, former pastor. Lunch will be served at Noon with Steve Engle and his puppet, Hilde, and hymn singing with Nancy Faus. Celebration is open to the public. 6)
The Village at Morrisons Cove ·
One of the exciting
projects starting is the sale of SERRV items in the gift shop.
Starting with a limited amount of items, hoping to be able to
increase inventory soon. Gift
shop hours are 9-4 Monday thru Friday, and usually 10-3 on Saturday. ·
New cookbook arriving the
first week in December "Past and Present Meals of Brethren
Women." This book is a
reprint of the original 1960's cookbook, with about 200 new recipes
added from congregations throughout the district.
(We are having advance sales, cookbook cost of $13, ordered and
paid before December 1st. After
that date, they will $15, available at our gift shop in the main
building at the Village. ·
Annual cookie sale on Dec.
3. A wide variety of
homemade cookies and candy will be available for purchase by the boxful.
Sale begins at 2 in the activity hall and continues until all are
sold. 7)
"Renewal at the Threshold" Clergy
women from ANE are sponsoring a Clergy Women Retreat: “Renewal at the
Threshold,” January 13 & 14 at Camp Swatara, Bethel, PA, for
licensed and ordained women of the Atlantic Northeast, Middle PA and
Southern PA districts. Guest leader will be Deanna Brown. Cost is $55
for the retreat, $65 if you wish to receive CEUs. For a brochure, please
contact Pam Reist, reistp@etown.edu or 717.367.1000. Capacity is limited to 30, so please register as soon
as possible. 8)
Upcoming Continuing Education Classes ·
Brethren Polity and
Practice will
be offered November 20-22, 2009 at Young Center, Elizabethtown College
with instructor Warren Eshbach. For registration details with SVMC
contact 717-361-1450 or SVMC@etown.edu.
Academy Certified Training System (ACTS)
Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
Contact Amy at 717-361-1450 or email:
svmc@etown.edu ·
Introduction to Theology
with David Banaszak on Tuesday
evenings January 19, 26, February 2, 16, 23, 2010; 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the
District Center. ·
Interpreting the Bible
with Connie Maclay on Tuesday evenings March 16, 30, April 13, 27, May
11, 2010; 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the District Center. ·
Song, Mission &
Culture with Gill Waldkoenig
on Feb. 5-6; 12-13; 19-20; 26-27, 2010 at Elizabethtown College, Young
Center. Reg. deadline is Jan. 22, 2010. ·
History of the Church of
the Brethren with
Dr. Jeff Bach on March
12-13, March 19-20, April 16-17, April 30-May 1, 2010 at Elizabethtown
College, Young Center.
Church Planting...Continuing the
Conversation
On Monday, December 14
at 6:30 p.m. you are invited to the District Center for continued
conversation on church planting. Several weeks ago many gathered in
conversation with Jonathan Shively and will come together
to continue the conversation. If you are interested in church
planting, please plan to attend this meeting. 9)
Calendar
Nov. 20-22
Footprints '09, Rhodes
Grove Retreat Center
Nov. 26-27
District Center Closed
Dec. 14
Church Planting...Continuing the Conversation, District
Center Email
Kris at kshunk.midpa@verizon.net
if you have things to share with other congregations; would like to
receive the e-LINK by email; or to be taken off our email and mailing
lists. Keep
up to date visit our website http://public.juniata.edu/midpa/
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