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 148^th 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/

rs