Gulf Port Mission Trip

Dear VIM Leaders and Friends of Mission,

Hurricane recovery (from Katrina and Rita) is still happening in Mississippi and Louisiana – probably for another year.  The following invitation is to join a team going to Gulf Port, Mississippi.

Dates:  April 18-26

Leader:  Rev. Mark Blair (Mt. Morris, PA)

            Cost:  $300 (Covers transportation and food for the week.  Meals while traveling will be additional.)

            Mark can accommodate 5 more people on his team.

            Get additional info by contacting Mark Blair:  phone 724-324-9147 or cell 724-833-2266 … revmrb@live

Please keep me posted about your VIM activities.

Diane Miller

WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator

724-652-9182

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Invitation to Rebuild Russian Embassy of Love UMC

Dear VIM Leaders and Friends of Mission,

 

Last week I sent around an email telling of the fire that destroyed the Embassy of Love UMC building in Syktyvkar, Russia.  Yesterday a plate of cookies was passed around at the meeting of the WPA Russia Initiative Committee.  Symbolic of Fat Tuesday?  Of the richness of our lives in the midst of a world of want and poverty?  One of the main agenda items of that meeting:  finding ways we can assist the pastors and congregation of the Embassy of Love UMC.

 

Today, Ash Wednesday, when many Christians around the world will experience the imposition of ashes, the sign of the cross placed on their foreheads with ashes, it seems fitting that I invite you to remember also the ashes of our sister church in the Komi Republic of Russia.  Many people give up something for Lent.  When we are hungry for something, it is a reminder of the suffering of the Christ – of the extreme hunger of many people around the world. Maybe that can also be a reminder of the loss of a house of worship in a country that just a few years ago had a government that promoted atheism.

 

During Lent, some Christians take on certain disciplines – as preparation for the Feast of Easter.  This is an invitation to add the pastors, Olga and Pavel, and the congregation of the Embassy of Love to your prayers during Lent.  This is an invitation to give something to help rebuild that church.  Please share this with your congregations and others who have an interest or passion for offering Christ in Russia.  

 

Make out checks to …

WPA United Methodist Church

Note in the memo line: 

New Church Starts – Embassy of Love, Advance #SS001810R

Send to:

 

The United Methodist Center

1204 Freedom Road, PO Box 5002

Cranberry Township, PA  16066-0002

 

I've attached a list of speakers willing to talk at local church and UMW meetings about the Russia Initiative and the Embassy of Love mission opportunity.  Invite one of them during Lent to offer this story of faithful United Methodists in a far off land.

 

Diane Miller

WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator

724-652-9182

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Spring VIM Update

Spring 2009 New Orleans Mission Trip

Once again responding to God's call, Trinity is now forming its next work trip (and possibly our last) to New Orleans. Dates of this event are May 9th through May 17^th.

An informational meeting will be held at Trinity UMC on Thursday March 26th at 8:00pm. The trip registration deadline is April 15th.

The trip is open to members of Trinity and their family and friends.

Many thanks for the continuing financial and prayerful support of Trinity's congregation as we to rebuild homes and lives of those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Questions may be addressed to either Larry Buterbaugh or Pastor George Porter.

VIM Leader Training

Dear VIM Leaders and Friends of Mission,

If you are one of those extraordinary United Methodists who have answered the "call" to lead a team of volunteers to Mississippi or Louisiana or Russia, or …, this email is for you.

• When was the last time you attended a training event for VIM leaders?
• Have you ever taken advantage of one of these training opportunities?

There are many folks who have never gone through the training process who lead volunteer teams and do a fine job. If you are one of those leaders,

• Could you improve your organizing and leadership and make this a better experience for volunteers in your teams?
• Might you share some of your insights and experience during a training event so that it becomes a richer experience for leaders just starting out?
• Do you have all the information you need and are you aware of "best practices" as you work out travel, feeding and sleeping arrangements for those volunteers in your care?
• Have you worked out as many details as possible to keep your volunteers safe? Have you insured your volunteers? Have you developed a schedule that is reasonable, productive, and allows for some reflection on the spiritual journey the team is experiencing?
• Have you set a budget? Are there ways you can assist participants and your congregation in getting everyone involved?

I hope your answers to the above will prompt you to attend one of the Volunteer in Mission (VIM) training events scheduled for this year. Check your calendar and see how the following dates match up:

• March 21 – Conference Center, Cranberry Township (this location can be changed if a cluster of participants is coming from one location and a church in their locale wishes to host the training) – 9:30-3:30. Trainer: Diane Miller
• May 30 – Conference Center, Cranberry Township – 9:30-3:30 – emphasis on teams incorporating Youth. Trainers: Diane Miller, Renaye Hoffman, Beth Nelson, and others with specialized skills.
• July 13-17 - School of Mission, Grove City College. This training will include learning how to construct handicap ramps by modules. Trainer: Greg Forrester.

COST: Knowing that budgets are tight, the fees for these training events have been reduced. $10 will cover the cost of lunch, the VIM Handbook, and the CD for the first person who registers from a church. For additional participants from a church, $5 will cover the cost of lunch. For those who take the training at the School of Mission in July, $5 will take care of the Handbook and the CD. If you indicate the July 13-17 training on your registration form, I'll send you information about registering as a commuter or resident for the School of Mission.

Any one of these training events will provide your VIM Leader Certification. If you've got questions, give me a call.

Diane Miller, WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator, 724-652-9182

Conference VIM Trips

• Native American VIM - The Native American Fellowship Dayspring Church is building a log cabin church. Did you know that Illinois has more American Indians than North and South Dakota combined? This is a ministry to urban Indians, not those living on a reservation. Dates: June 19 or 20 through June 27 or 28, 2009 – volunteers will have the option of making this trip with two shorter travel days or one long day of driving to and from East Peoria, Illinois. Carol Lakota Eastin is the pastor of this Native American congregation. The church has been erected; the congregation is worshipping in the basement fellowship hall. By June they will be in need of help with plumbing, electrical, drywalling, painting, finish carpentry, landscaping, and pond construction. This new church is located on 43 acres of donated wooded land at the edge of the city of Peoria. Check out the church website: http://www.nafdayspring.com/component/option,com . For those of you interested in Native American Spirituality or the Native American study Schools of Mission offered in 2008 and again in 2009, this is a VIM trip for you. Contact Diane Miller for a Registration Form. Cost: $350.

• Cooperative School of Christian Mission – the best kept secret in mission education, inspiration, and hands-on mission. This is not just for United Methodist Women or adults. Schools of Mission are for people with a passion for mission. In addition to the adult schools, there are simultaneous schools for children and youth during the week session, and for children during the week-end session. Child care is provided if requested. Besides dozens of short mission presentations to choose from, the following are offered courses: Giving Our Hearts Away, Native American Survival; Sudan; and VIM Leader Training which will include learning to make handicap ramps by modules. The Plenary will focus on Food and Faith, with Rev. Neal Christie from the General Board of Church and Society as the presenter. Dates: July 13-17 and July 17-19. Location: Grove City College. Cost varies according to which event you register for, and whether you commute or bring children. Early bird special – price increases by $10 if registration is postmarked after June 30. Contact Registrar Mary Jo Grumling: grammamj@verizon.net or 814-467-7633

• Haiti VIM – There is great need in Haiti for rebuilding due to the four hurricanes that hit the island last season. Team leaders for this VIM trip will be Diane Miller, and Calvin and Gayle Cook. Gayle worked in Haiti as a missionary for a few years. She and Calvin are Connellsville District VIM Coordinators. Dates for this Conference VIM trip are to be determined, but we're aiming for the end of August.

• Israel/Palestine VIM – a combination pilgrimage and volunteer experience. Since this will be the one and only trip that many participants make to the Holy Land, it will include visits to historical and traditional sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem. Participants will learn about the Bible with experienced tour guides in the locations of the Bible stories. We will visit Qumran, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea and take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The volunteer experience will unfold as participants register and we determine the gifts and skills of our team. Right now we're exploring the option of helping with the olive harvest, though this will not be possible if the current drought continues. My experience with VIM teams has always been that the teams embody the gifts and skills to meet the needs where we are. Projected Cost: $3000. Dates: October 11-24.

• The Nyadire Connection (TNC) – VIM experiences in Nyadire, Zimbabwe. This outreach ministry is acclaimed by UMCOR as a unique mission model in a very challenging setting (Zimbabwe). Check out their web site (and within their web site, their newsletters) for information about this mission that reaches out through education, ministry to orphans, health care, agriculture, and providing potable water: http://www.nyadire.org/ . You can also download a registration form from this web site. Contacts: Rev. Kimberly Greway (kgreway@mlumc.org or 412-531-7131), Drew Harvey (drewharvey@verizon.net or 412-344-3684) and Sara Dickey (sarich@aol.com or 412-914-0121). Trips are cancelled if leaders deem it unsafe to travel. TNC has four trips scheduled for teams of 6-8 volunteers:
• April 13 – May 3
• June 18-July 4
• Aug 6-22
• Oct 8-24

For more information on any of the above, contact …

Diane Miller, WPA Mission/VIM Coordinator, 724-652-9182

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Bishop Appoints Porter...

as Franklin Superintendent!
from InterLink - January 30, 2009
By Jackie Campbell, Staff Writer

Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton has appointed the Rev. George Porter Jr., pastor of Trinity UMC in Indiana, as the new superintendent of the Franklin District, effective July 1. Porter will succeed the Rev. James Tubbs, who will return to local church ministry after serving the district for eight years, the maximum allowed.

“George has always been a faithful servant of the church,” the Bishop added. “He has served the local church with a strong spirit of pastoral care and grace. He has served the Conference with integrity and focus. He has lived out his calling with a sound theology and a wonderful spirit of love and grace.

“Besides his pastoral experience in churches of all sizes and his faithful service in Conference leadership roles, George’s varied background in the four areas of focus of United Methodist ministry make him ideally suited for his new leadership role at this time,” the Bishop added. “He has headed agencies that minister to the poor in Johnstown and Erie; worked in camping and campus ministry, served in leadership of the Board of Ordained Ministry ,and been part of mission teams to Africa, the Gulf Coast and other areas. He served in a leadership role at the start of our strategic planning process, so that, coupled with his long-time service on the Conference personnel committee ,gives him a good understanding of the goals and action steps underway as we seek to provide leadership, training and resources to make disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world.“I am very pleased to have George and Kathleen join our cabinet family and look forward to this opportunity of working together in ministry.”

You may view the complete article on Pastor Porter at www.wpaumc.org.

LENT 2009 Highlights

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner – Tuesday February 24,
5:30 PM, Plan to come to this fun evening You may sign up to help to cook, decorate or clean-up

Wednesday Evening Lenten Worship
Begins on Ash Wednesday February 25 Worship in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. each Lenten Wednesday. KNO is joining Ash Wed Services.

Soup and Bread Meals – Begin Wednesday, March 4 at 6:00 PM. This is an opportunity to bring neighbor, family and friend. You may volunteer to bring soup and bread to share. Helpers needed for set-up/clean-up.

Children's Post

Children’s Winter Party

Saturday, February 7, 2009
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
“Abe and the Amazing Promise”
Join us as Bob the Tomato brings the Bible story of Abraham and Sarah and their wait for a promised son to life. “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” Hebrews 6:15
Reservations made to the church office (724-465-2015) help us to plan.

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Calling All Children In Grades 2- 5!

We would like to have a more formal song time on Wednesday nights during Kids Night Out. Now that we once again have a good solid group of singers in your age group, we would like to try some more challenging pieces of music. Please plan to join us on Wednesday nights for Kids Night Out and some great singing. Cindy and Patti

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Young Bell Ringers

Pastor Jude and Jeff Wacker are seeking to know if there is an interest among our young people in forming a young bell ringers group. We would need a minimum of seven ringers but could take more than that. If you have a child who has some interest in being part of this group please call the church office and let Dawn know. If we receive enough interest we will begin forming the group. Prior experience or the ability to read music is not a necessity at this point. We are looking for any young people who are in the 4th grade up to those who are in college. If you have questions please see Pastor Jude or Jeff Wacker.

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CAMP 2009

Get your applications in early—some of the more popular camps fill up quickly. Remember--- attending camp is a great way to make friends, have new adventures, and get to know God in a very real and personal way. See Cindy for more information.

Committee Reports

MISSION COMMITTEE
Dispersed through Marie Moore Fund in January:
$200 Big Hearts, Little Hands
$500 Karen Ujereh
$500 House of the Carpenter
$300 Mission Central
$300 Circles (through ICCAP)
We will be renewing our covenant relationship through the General Board of Global Ministries by contributing $2500 to support Karen Ujereh’s ministry in Senegal, Africa for another year.

UMW - UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
The annual prayer and self denial offering will be received at the United Methodist Women Meeting on Tuesday February 3rd at 2:00 p.m. This year’s theme is “Creating Communities through Information Technology”. Technology sends information quickly and is also involved in many facets of education. The 2009 Call to Prayer and Self-Denial offerings will fund grassroots projects that support local communities with opportunities for computer literacy, information technology training, English-as-a-second-language classes, and career enhancement and job-seeking skills. Marginalized populations, such as the poor, the physically challenged and others – especially women, children and youth – will gain access to information technology with these offerings. Please use one of your Special Offering church envelopes to contribute, marking it Prayer & Self Denial.

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
What is a steward?
One definition states that a steward is a person who manages the affairs of a household or the estate forthe owner.
A Christian steward serves God. Out of love and gratitude for these gifts, knowing that it’s not how much we have but what we do with what we have that is important. “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with what ever gift each of you has received.” (I Peter 4:10)

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE STACEY ROBERTSON
We are continuing to send notes and cards to our students and service members, but we need your help.
With each mailing we get a few cards returned because addresses have changed; please keep us updated on new addresses or students who have returned to school. If we have missed anyone, please let us know and
we will be happy to get the next mailing to them. The addresses for our service members are in the bulletin each week and some extra mail would be great. Please continue to pray for and with our students.

CAMP STEWARD CINDY LONG
Despite the wind chill and the snow on the ground, it is time to be thinking about summer and church camp. The brochures have arrived, loaded with fun activities for children, youth, and adults. You can select a focus camp such as sports, swimming, sailing, horse, drama or dance. If you would like to dabble in all aspects of camping, there is a sampler camp just for you. Camps are scheduled for those young enough to want to still have mommy or daddy at camp with you as well as those youth who want to get away from the family in order to meet new and old friends in a great setting.
Trinity Church has a long record of supporting any children or youth
who want to attend camp, so don’t let money be the issue that stops you
from attending camp. If you want to attend camp, we will see that you
receive some help in that area. If you are interested in helping children and youth from our church, please mark your envelope with that information.
Get your applications in early—some of the more popular camps fill up quickly. Remember--- attending camp is a great way to make friends, have new adventures, and get to know God in a very real and personal way.

ATTENTION FORMER CAMPERS---if you have any photos of you at camp, please consider lending them to me for a short time

Confirmation

CONFIRMATION Begins Sunday March 8
Confirmands and Parents, 5:30 PM, Covered Dish Dinner.
The Confirmation class will begin to meet on a regular basis in March.
Meet the Bishop / Mission Trip – Thursday, Friday, March 13
The Confirmation class members will receive letters about the schedule.
Sign-up NOW!!!!

Volunteers in Missions

February Volunteer Opportunities: (Contact the office for details.)

Quilting – Each Tuesday Morning – Folks gather at Trinity church to quilt blankets for others in
need.

Food Pantry Distribution – The second Tuesday of each month we distribute food to Indiana
residents in need. Help is needed to pack bags, welcome individuals, carry
groceries and to eat snacks!

Shut-in Care – Contact George P. if you would like to spend some important time caring for Trinity folks who are homebound. (Telephone, personal contact, and more.) You control your schedule.

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VOLUNTEERS IN MISSIONS UPDATE:

ALL ABOARD THE ST. CHARLES STREET TROLLEY-NOLA VII
Never been to New Orleans? Never participated in a mission trip? Feel called by God to reach out to victims of Hurricane Katrina? Been-there-done-that, but want to experience it again? Well, another opportunity is opening! Trinity has set the dates for our next mission trip (our Seventh!) to New Orleans: May 9th through May 17th. The trip involves 4 days of travel, 4 ½ days of construction work on homes, ½ day of touring New Orleans, wonderful fellowship and faith-sharing, and the rewarding feeling of reaching out with unconditional love in the name of Jesus Christ. The cost will be approximately $325(or less) per person.

This UMCOR/Louisiana Conference-sponsored Disaster Recovery Center in New Orleans will probably conclude operations within the next year, not because the city is rebuilt, but because their project backlog is projected to be cleared and funding is due to expire. While we hope to be able to have a work trip to New Orleans this fall, that is not a guarantee.

NOLA VII Trip meetings are scheduled at Trinity as follows:
- Thursday March 26th 8:00pm – Orientation
- Wednesday April 15th 8:00pm – REGISTRATION DEADLINE & review
- Wednesday May 6th 8:00pm – Final planning meeting

Please contact Larry Buterbaugh or Rev. George Porter, Jr if you have any
questions concerning this mission trip.


WPA CONFERENCE YOUTH MISSIONARY TO NICARAGUA
Four months ago a VIM team of 27 volunteers spent two weeks on a VIM trip to Paraguay. What an experience. Six of our team were under 21 years of age. Their enthusiasm and energy inspired us all. One of those “just graduated” teens – Bekah Swineford – had made a decision to delay going to college for a semester. She came home, re-packed, and left for Chacocente, Nicaragua.

Check out the message below fromBekah. Better yet, check out her witness through her blog. What an incredible missionary experience for an 18 year old. Diane Miller, Missions/VIM Coordinator

Hola to all my family and friends!
Today I am heading back to the US of A. As I hope you all know, I've
spent the last 4 months in Nicaragua working as a missionary volunteer
at Proyecto Chacocente. It has been the most amazing experience, and I am just not ready to leave yet.
While I have been here I have kept a blog of my doings... http://www.rebekahlovesnicaragua.blogspot.com
If you hadn't had a chance to look at it and are interested - there's the
link! I pray you all have a very Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!
Thank you for your continuous prayer and support!
Love,
Rebekah Swineford

PRIMETIMERS OPPURTUNITIES
Primetimers is an outreach of the UMC General Board of Global Ministries
which offers educational and mission service opportunities for adults 50 years and older. Each event offers an opportunity to learn about and be a part of the exciting ways that United Methodists are engaged in mission around the world. For Primetimers opportunities in 2009 check out the following site: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/about/us/mv/programs/primetimers/events

Fellowship and Support

Do You Like Camping, Music, and Fellowship? Then Creation is the event for you!
Creation is June 24th to June 28th at the Agape Farm in Mt. Union, PA. For the past few years the youth of Trinity have gone to Creation and had a wonderful time. This year they want to invite you to attend with them. We want to transition Creation from a youth event to a family event. There are things to do for people of all ages. From the children’s tent to speakers for adults to the music that reaches every level it is an amazing event. If this sounds like something that would interest you and your family please attend an nformational meeting on Sunday, February 22nd at 6pm. If you are unable to attend this meeting but are interested in going please see Pastor Jude.

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Caregiving Support – For Adult Caregivers Who Care for Other Adults

Are you caring for another adult in your home, or caring for someone in a nursing home, or caring for another adult who lives out-of-town? If you are, you know the challenges and joys of helping another adult in a difficult time of their life.We meet to talk with one-another, pray and sometimes have a special program intended to meet the special needs of adults who cares for other adults. Please stop by on the third Wednesday. 3:00 PM (February 18)

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Faith, Family & Fellowship

Faith, Family and Fellowship welcomes all families with young children. Join us the second Saturday of each month at 6 p.m. We always have good fellowship and seek to build faith. Our meals are sometimes covered dish, or sometimes pizza, or sometimes a picnic in the park. February: Join us February 14 at 6 p.m. for a special Valentine’s Day appetizer and dessert covered dish dinner. Bring your favorite appetizer and /or dessert to share and your own place settings.

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Calling All Young Adults!

We are inviting all Young Adults (anyone who thinks they are) to come to a gathering on Saturday, February 28 at 6pm (after worship) for a covered dish dinner. Bring the whole family if you like. After we all eat together; childcare will be provided and the adults will meet for a “Seen It” game in the youth room. We will be done by 7:30pm or so. If you are interested please RSVP with the church office by Sunday, February 22nd. If you have questions please see Pastor Jude.

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Pysanka Egg Classes

Lent is almost here and it is time to consider signing up to learn how to create your own Ukrainian Easter Egg! Carol Buterbaugh will instruct us in the art of Pysanka eggs. These eggs were first made at Easter as a way to acknowledge the new life that God has made possible for us through Jesus Christ. The eggs are decorated with wax and different colors of dye.

The first class will meet on Saturday, March 7 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in Bishop Hall. This is for those folks who do not have any experience in this art. Please note -- parents must plan to accompany children, and children must be Kindergarten age and older.

A second course will be offered, Saturday, March 21, again from 10 a.m. to noon. This class is for those folks who want to develop their skills to the next level.

To help ensure everyone who wants to attend a class gets to attend a class we are requesting that you register for only one class. Registration is limited to the first 25 people so call early. Please help us to plan by calling Dawn at the Church Office (724-465-2015) by February 20th to make your reservation. If you have any questions about the class, please call Carol Buterbaugh at 724-349-2337.

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Bishop Bickerton on the District Monday, February 2nd 6:00 PM Punxsutawney Grace United Methodist Church Everyone is invited to come spend an evening with Bishop Bickerton.

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CAREGIVERS Cold Weather Safety Tips for Seniors:

Cold weather can create safety risks for seniors. Yet with planning, preparation and caution, seniors can stay safe and even enjoy some time outdoors this season. Here are seven tips for senior safety in cold weather:

1. Make sure your home and its heat source are safe, secure and reliable. Before the weather turns cold, have your home’s furnace serviced. Change air filters throughout the house every 30 days. Check the insulation in your attic to ensure it meets government standards.
2. Stay in touch. Isolation can be a problem for seniors throughout the year, but it can be lifethreatening in bad weather. Be sure you check in regularly with someone whenever the weather turns bad. Establish a call schedule with a family member or another senior so they know to expect you to check in regularly.
3. Outdoor exercise in fresh, brisk air can be beneficial to your mental and hysical well-being. Take care when walking outdoors on ice or snow. Invest in equipment that can help you stay sure-footed, like Stabilicer Lite, a cleat-like device that fits over most shoes and provides traction on snow and ice.
4. Be extra cautious when driving. Be sure your vehicle is in good repair and not likely to leave you sitting on the roadside in dangerously cold weather. Invest in good snow or all-weather tires, or snow chains if you live in an area that permits them. Avoid non-essential driving when the roads are bad, and schedule necessary trips during daylight hours.
5. Stock up on non-perishable food items. Choose options like peanut butter, almonds, other nuts, cheeses and boxed milk that provide heat- and energy-generating protein. Keep some items on hand that require no cooking, in case you are without power during or after a winter storm.
6. Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries, candles, a fully charged cell phone and a portable radio on hand for emergencies.
7. Be sure your home is well-lighted inside and out during winter months when sunlight is dimmer and a covering of snow can impair your vision. When walking outside on a bright, snow-covered day use polarizing sunglasses to diminish glare and improve visual acuity.

Please join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, February 18th at 3 p.m. If you have any questions or need assistance before our next meeting, call the church office.