News

Dunn Named Johnstown District Superintendent

  The Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn expects some challenges when she begins serving as Johnstown District Superintendent on July 1, but she’s not particularly worried.   “I am looking forward to this new experience and all the opportunities that God will give me to be in ministry in a new way,” said Weaver Dunn, who is completing her 7th year as pastor of Trinity UMC in Brackenridge. “I know that there are challenges that lie ahead, but I also know that if God...

Conference Offers College Scholarships to Western PA United Methodists

The Conference provides scholarships for undergraduate education to members of local churches. Some scholarships are provided in the annual budget of the Conference, while others are supported by individuals. Criteria to win these scholarships are may include academic performance and potential, financial need, and past and future service to The United Methodist Church and the community. Full-time enrollment is required for all scholarships listed. The WPA Higher Education Scholarship...

Help Build the Body at Healthy Church Leadership Days

Healthy Church Leadership Days, scheduled this winter and spring at various locations around the Conference, are aimed not so much at improving individual health as at energizing and revitalizing the body of Christ in Western PA. “It would be an understatement to say that I’m tremendously excited about what these healthy church events might mean to the vitality of our annual conference,” said Washington District Superintendent Eric Park, who will serve as a keynote...

Christian Education Sunday Helps to Form Disciples

In September,Western PA United Methodist churches celebrate Christian Education Sunday. In the midst of launching new Sunday School classes, begin new ministries, planning for Volunteers in Mission trips, starting new mid-week studies, and  invite and welcoming visitors, we give thanks for all of those who pass on the faith through Christian education and celebrate the ministries that help to form disciples. This year, Sept. 13 is the day set by our annual conference members as...

March 5, 2010 The Journey Continues

There was once a young soldier who was traveling through the country when he stopped to rest his horse in a small village. As he walked around the small houses, he spotted a wooden fence. On the fence were nearly 40 small chalk circles. In the center of each was a bullet hole. What amazing accuracy, the soldier thought as he examined the fence. There is not a single shot that has not hit the bull’s eye. The soldier quickly set out to find the one who possessed such great skill. He was...

Sept. 4, 2009 The Journey Continues ...

As is typical this time of the year, another wildfire is burning its way across California. Containing such fires requires a 24-hour effort by dedicated professional firefighting crews. One lesson they've learned is that fire creates its own wind, and that wind can cause the fire to spread more quickly than anyone expects. This week I read an opinion piece sent across the church by a prominent leader in our denomination. He devoted significant space to justifying his position on certain issues...