Mission Is Ongoing

Then he said to his disciples "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Matthew 9: 37-38

21 New United Methodist Missionaries

On April 29, 2020, 21 new United Methodist Missionaries were blessed virtually for service all around the world. These missionaries completed six days of virtual and other sessions. Out of the 21 missionaries, one will be serving in Western PA as a Church and Community Worker. Colleen Miller-Donor is from Western PA and she will be serving at All God's Children Ministries. To meet all missionaries visit the Global Ministries Page.

United Methodist Human Services of Johnstown

The United Methodist Human Services of Johnstown, one of our regional mission agencies, has been continuously serving the area during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Franklin Street Food Pantry provides foods to approximately 450 individual each month and has seen an increase in delivery to senior citizens. Over the past six weeks, the food pantry has distributed approximately ten months worth of food. They have also seen a high demand for diapers and baby care items.

Their Bridges to Success Program offers people an opportunity to learn ways in which the can get out and stay out of poverty. They have continued this program by having ongoing basic classes online and 70 % of their graduates continue to stay active by enrolling in more classes.

Most of the ministry's volunteers average 75 years of age which caused a minor set back at the onset of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the ministry was able to maintain a solid group of volunteers, and adhere to health guidelines by moving the pantry outside.

The ministry is asking for general monetary donations to increase the emergency financial help program. As they continues to collaborate with other partners in the area such as Catholic Charities and the United Way, they foresee an increase in assisting with rents and utility shutoffs. To find out more about the ministry and donate please visit their page.

UMCOR Grants

UMCOR initiated a COVID-19 Response Fund and plans to release grants for partners working with vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic around the world. Grants of up to $20,000 will be dispersed and will address pressing needs in the areas of health, food insecurity, water, sanitation and hygiene and economic instability. To donate or apply please visit the COVID- 19 Response page.

UMVIM- NEJ Mission E- Academy

UMVIM-NEJ has canceled the Mission Academy due to the pandemic. As a result, the Jurisdiction has decided to offer some of these courses online. All courses are free of charge, but people are encouraged to contribute a donation. For more information visit the UMVIM-NEJ page.

Like the new UMVIM Facebook page and follow for more information.

Future Mission Opportunities

An NEJ UMVIM Team is forming for long-term recovery in Puerto Rico, October 1-8, 2020. Cost is $850 plus airfare. Contact Tom Lank if interested: coordinator@umvimnej.org.
Applications will be available soon for a Young Adult Mission Journey to serve in the Blackfeet United Methodist Parish in Browning, Montana in July 2021. United Methodists ages 18-35 are encouraged to apply and will be trained as Team Leaders during the journey. More details in the upcoming newsletters.

Relief Supply Network

UMCOR is accepting requests for Hygiene Kits for shelters. If you know any shelters in the conference in need of Hygiene Kits, please suggest they fill out the Relief Supply Request Form, or have them contact our Disaster Response Coordinator, David Kissinger at dlkissinger22@gmail.com

UMCOR summer collection points around the conference

Be sure to contact collection sites before drop off to make sure they are open and still accepting especially on the specific dates listed below.

Erie-Meadville District

Park Northeast satellite - June 10 and July 15
Ron Holl 814-725-3014. 103 Clay St., Northeast, PA,

Indiana District

Smithport UMC - June 20 and July 18 from 9-12
Alyson Reitz 814-590-4880. 47 Smithport Rd. Glen Campbell, PA

Johnstown District

David Kissinger - 814-243-3254. Zion Elton,1089 Mount Airy Drive Elton, PA

WPA Conference Center

724-776-2300. 1204 Freedom Road, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066

Butler District

Mission Barn. Katie Peterson 724-856-8241. 226 Church Lane, New Castle

Greensburg district

Bethel UMC-June 20 from 9-12
Rev. Lynette Moran, 512-547-0032. 150 Alder Street in Lower Burrell, PA 15068

Pittsburgh District

Coraopolis UMC- both June 20 and July 18 9-12
Rev. Dennis Lawton, (412) 264-3727 (church), 814 706-8164 (Dennis's cell)
1205 Ridge Ave, Coraopolis, PA 15108

Trinity Tower UMC
Rev. Dale Reese, 412-793-9000 (church), 6729 Saltsburg Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15235

Kane District

Smethport UMC
West King Dr.,Smethport PA 814-887-2455

Connellsville District

Connellsville Area Community Ministries
110 W. Crawford Ave., Connellsville, PA 15425 724-626-1120

From Everywhere to Everywhere

The General Board of Global Ministries has been hosting Global Mission during a pandemic conversations, with General Secretary Thomas Kemper on FacebookLive; Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am EST

Extension Ministries

All God's Children Ministries and EUMA's 8th Annual Shoe Drive is underway. This is a way for churches to be in mission and still socially distance. With the rescheduling of Annual Conference, drop off locations, dates, and times are fluid right now. More information will be forthcoming in the near future. Please spread the word to your church, family, and neighbors that we need their gently worn used shoes. Information on packaging instructions and ways to increase your collections will be coming soon. Now more than ever, we need your help to continue services to our neighbors in need. For more information please contact Deacon Debbie Hills. deacon.dhills@gmail.com, 440 812-4624