Trucker/Traveler Ministry

To learn more about trucker/traveler ministry's contact Bruce at maxwell.bruce@gatewaytravelplaza.com

Shoe Bank Ministry

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but some children don't have any sneakers to wear.
Juniata UMC in Altoona began a shoe bank ministry to help out kids in need..

To learn more about show bank missions contact the church at juniataumc@atlancticbbn.net

Altoona HUB

Mission Central has several smaller "HUBS" that allows volunteers to have more local opportunities to serve and provides faster disaster response to local areas. Above is an interview with women from the Altoona Hub.

Find a hub near you by viewing this map. Also visit the Altoona Hub Facebook page here: 

ROCK ministry

Reaching Out for Christ's Kids, an after-school program in Altoona.Click Here to learn more about Danny and the ministry.

The ROCK meets each Wednesday night from 4:30PM-7:00PM during the school year.

The Caring Closet

"It's not just giving clothes. It is giving emotional and biblical support," said Jeannie Ashenfelder about Bethany UMC's outreach mission.

On the last Saturday of every month except December, Bethany UMC opens its doors for people in the community to shop for free clothing and household items. The church had considered pricing everything at ten cents to raise funds but decided instead to simply provide the items no cost. "It's really become like a family" said Ashendfelder. "Some of the people who started as shoppers, now help out as volunteers. They're so appreciative and want to give back."

The program not only helps guests financially but also spiritually. Shoppers may submit written prayer requests on the prayer wall. "Often times we see a volunteer and a few shoppers in a circle in the back of the room praying together," said Ashenfelder.

The mission started small, but spread by word of mouth. "We currently serve about 80 people on a Saturday, "said Ashenfelder. The church has also begun adding a food component to the ministry. In the summer the church grilled hot dogs in the pavilion for guests. Throughout the winter the church will provide packaged home cooked meals for the shoppers to re-heat at home.

The ministry serves the community's needs in many ways. "Word has spread beyond Marysville to many surrounding locations," said Ashenfelder. Eventually the church hopes to have a separate building for the Caring Closet so that it can be more accessible to the community. It will happen with God's timing. It's amazing to see how often things just come together. God surely is in control, said Ashenfelder.

Hearts Strangely Warmed

I am blessed to have a job like this. I am inspired by the people I meet through both Susquehanna Xpress and interviews for our bi-monthly newspaper called the LINK.

 I just finished an article for our "Hearts Strangely Warmed" section. In this series I strive to convey stories of people's lives who have been radically transformed by our living God. It is an awesome responsibility to articulate someone's testimony. I'm continually in awe of the amazing ways God reveals his love for us. The stories inspire me and I hope that they warm your soul as well.

 As I thought about how invigorating it was to hear about God's grace and love in the interviewees lives, I realized how important it is for each of us to share our testimony. I believe that we encounter people on a weekly basis, who need to hear an encouraging story. By sharing how God has continued to love us during our low moments, we let others know that they are not alone in their struggles. Even if the person isn't struggling, your short testimony may add a little spice to their spiritual walk and remind them that our God is active, alive, and working to turn mundane into extraordinary.

Thanks for sharing your stories. Now go out and share them with the world!

You can also e-mail me and share your story with the cyber community through a Susquehanna Xpress webcast. bspriggle@susumc.org.

God bless!

November Days of Thankfulness

Yesterday was our annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner. My dad always reads some sort of story or poem before the blessing and subsequent rush to the food table. This year, he said that our society is beginning to forget the "Thanks" part of the holiday. He said that many think of the day simply as a time of gathering with family and friends for a nice meal, followed by the expected tryptophan coma and nap. We stuff our bellies full but sometimes forget how lucky we are to have such an abundance of food every day. 

Yet, there are some people that still strive to keep the holiday as a time to pause and recognize the many blessings we take for granted. I've been enjoying the recent social media trend of 30 days of thankfulness. So, I would like to share a Susquehanna Xpress themed version. Although, I'm going to do it all at once instead of spreading it out over the month for the sake of this post.

I'm thankful for...

1. Pastor Pat Woolever who encouraged me to seek my God-given gifts and then use them for His Kingdom.

2. Jerry Wolgemuth, Director of Communications, for taking the time to speak with me about my search for a communication's internship as a way to grow my gifts.

3. Jerry's continual mentoring through my internship and now job here in the communications field.

4. Jerry's leap of faith to start a new webcast venture.

5. Ashley Brooks time spent editing all of the webcast videos.

6. Office-mate Sandii Peiffer's willingness to create background slates at the last minute if we need it.

7. The Bishop and Connectional Ministries Director, Mike Bealla's blessing on the mission-focused webcast.

8.All of the friendly coworkers here at the conference and their excellent cooking/baking skills : )

9. Morning devotions, prayer, sharing, and singing at the conference.

10. The wonderful people I meet through the program as well as the chance to share their stories with the world.

11. The financial resources for my position, and the technical equipment in the studio.

12. Vehicles to travel to the outer regions of our conference for stories.

13. Feedback from viewers.

14. The ability to serve a loving, living God.

15. That our workplace finds value in gathering together for monthly lunches.

16. Sharon leading us in a capella songs in devotions. She keeps us in tune!

17. Stacy being the other Perry County girl in the office : )

18. Conference church camps, of which I was privileged to attend for four years in my youth.

19. Space for our studio in the Mission Central building.

20. The people who come to clean our office.

21. The people who keep our gardens looking beautiful outside the office.

22. That I can find family in the church no matter to what state or country I travel.

23. Jesus' sacrifice of dying for my sins and providing sweet grace and forgiveness.

24.  God's love without conditions.

25. A supportive Christian family.

26. The ability to connect people and organizations through Susquehanna Xpress. Michael Gingerich's Light in the Darkness cancer devotional webcast led to a connection with a woman who works at a cancer retreat center.

27. My Aunt Judy and Uncle Jim who opened up their home to me two nights a week through my college days at Penn State Harrisburg, so that I didn't have to commute so far to work and school.

28. Supportive Penn State Harrisburg professors who showed Susquehanna Xpress in class, and have encouraged my communications work.

29. Christian music to keep me focused.

30.  Last but not least the viewers of Susquehanna Xpress.

Thank you for watching! My hope and prayer is that God uses this program to give you ideas and resources to start that mission that has been rattling around inside your soul. I'll be praying that you have the courage to act on it. You can be praying that we continue to film interviews that motivate others to live out God's call in their lives.

God bless and happy early Thanksgiving!

-Brittany

From Peace Corps to UMCOR

These three inspiring young women looked to the United Methodist Committee on Relief to continue working in missions after they left the Peace Corps.

These young people have been giving great responsibility and are making a difference in our world!

To see more videos like this visit www.umc.org/videos

Thai Mission

Karen Weiss plans a mission trip to a country with less than 1% Christian population.

Be STILL

Yesterday, the devotion leader of our Soul Food worship team, asked us to close our eyes and imagine the scene of Jesus' crucifixion. We imagined being a member of the jostling crowd in the marketplace, listening to the yells, whispers, and chatter of the people, feeling the warmth of the day fade away as a dark cloud came across the sky above the three men hanging on the crosses.

 Then we imagined that the people slowly scattered to seek refuge from impending rain, yet we stayed and walked up toward the King of the Jews and looked into his eyes.

She ended with this question: "What would he say to you as your gazes locked?" We sat in silence for a few minutes in a quiet meditation listening to what Jesus would say to us as individuals.

Perhaps today you could find a few moments to quiet your soul, imagine that scene, and listen and wait for God's message to you.

Be still and know that I am God: Psalm 42:10

U.M. Advocacy

Let us know what you think of our new introduction. To learn more about U.M. advocacy visit: www.umadvocacypa.org

Volunteers In Mission

Click here to view the calendar of upcoming Volunteers in Mission trips.

God's Calling Follow-Up

Do you remember the Susquehanna Xpress webcast from the God's Calling event two years ago? In that video I interview Austin Ulsh about God's calling in his life. He had graduated from college, and enjoyed his job...yet he felt God calling him to something more. So, he applied for the World Race in which a team visits 11 countries in 11 months and shares the gospel while doing ministry work such as caring for orphans, feeding the hungry, and doing volunteer construction work. 

He currently is in his last month with the World Race, and feels that a bit of his heart will be left behind in India. I wanted to share this endearing post with you. He titles it "WR=No Dating, but I fell in Love Anyway" Please read and look at some of his other posts and videos.

http://austinulsh.theworldrace.org/?filename=wr-no-datingbut-i-fell-in-love-anyway

Epitaph or Epistle?

I am a visual learner, so when pastors use props in the sermon the message tends to stick with me longer. 

I remember one sermon in which my pastor explained that we often busy ourselves with too many activities and responsibilities. She demonstrated the impracticality of maintaining such a lifestyle by holding a plate and stacked high with objects representing the activities in our lives. Any little disturbance or addition caused the whole pile to topple.

A monotonous lack-luster life with no responsibilities does not solve the solution. However, it does mean that if participating on a board, working overtime, or even volunteering too much is keeping us from completing God's plan for our lives, then it needs to be removed from our plate. In so doing, we will be more prepared to handle the tasks God gives us with great fervor and dedication.

In the book "Drive" Daniel H. Pink describes that what truly motivates people is often not money or power. One's drive comes from the desire to create and find satisfaction in work. May our drive's source be the desire to find satisfaction in the work we do for Christ, and may we have the courage to discard what distracts us from that goal.

This video offers two questions you can ask yourself to remain focused on God's will for your life.

 

 Will your life be summed up in one powerful epitaph or will it be a disorganized epistle full of a splattering of so-so work?

 God has given us the choice.

Sending God's Love Through the Air and the Engines

Ministry comes in many forms. Pastor Gathagan reaches the general public through her one minute Christian radio broadcasts and her blessing of the bikes ceremony.

Susquehanna Xpress Vibe

We are currently working on a rework of our opening logo and music for the webcast. If you had to choose three words to describe the "feeling" of Susquehanna Xpress, what would you say? I don't think that the music choice should be edgy, although, some of the missions are very unique. Yet, I don't think that it should be so peaceful that it puts you to sleep either. Any and all ideas are welcome!

Discover the Cure for the Mission Bug

"I don't know how, but next year you all are coming on a mission trip with me," Curt Knouse told his family after returning home from a Volunteers in Mission project.

He wanted them to experience the joy of sharing the love of God with the underprivileged. Sure enough, his family accompanied him on the next trip and they are now hooked on serving others. 

Once his interview is posted...you too may catch the mission bug. Knouse,director of Volunteers in Mission, has the cure for that. You can accompany him to Costa Rica or West Virginia in 2013 to see how God can use YOU to give a comforting embrace to His children. 

To learn more about upcoming missions visit the Missional Board Site.

Faith Breaks Interview

In the next Susquehanna Xpress I interview a fellow media person. She has been hosting one minute "Faith Breaks" on the radio for 15 years. It's amazing the stories she is able to share with her listeners in such a short time.

You can listen to an archive of her Faith Breaks HERE. My favorite clip is the background of the praying hands painting/symbol that we know so well. It's a story of sacrifice and love. Check it out, and be sure to check back in for the interview!

Tying the Knot, and Taking the Plunge

"Tying the Knot" and "Taking the Plunge" are phrases often associated with weddings, yet this is what I titled my testimony message a few weekends ago. You could tell I had weddings on my mind, especially since I gave my testimony at a church fair in between my friend's wedding and her reception. Yet, I think that those phrases are excellent terms for describing how to follow God's will in your life.We need to tie a rope to God, hold on and take a leap of faith.

Often we veer off in many different directions while trying to find God's call. Sometimes we hear His call, yet we're afraid to suddenly make an 180 degree turn in our lives to the direction he is leading. Yet, if we are not living out God's plan for our life we will not find fulfillment. This was true in my case as I heard God's call into the communication field, but chose to stick with something more financially secure. During this time I constantly had to rely on my weaknesses to get through the day. This led to me feeling miserable not only during school but through the whole day. You're never going to be satisfied and content if you aren't walking in God's will.

I heard God say, "Why would I grant you strengths, and then ask you to live out the majority of your life barely getting-by on your weaknesses? Follow where I call."

I eventually listened to God's nudging, and you know what? God blessed me. I received this job at the conference, in which I am able to share ministry stories of the 900+ U.M. churches in our conference in Pennsylvania. I continued to receive many other blessings from God after I followed where he led. These blessings served as affirmation to me that I was living out God's will.

I will conclude by saying that God doesn't even let our 'frivolous' dreams die. I wanted to travel to Europe during college, because my sister had had the opportunity to do a semester abroad. Yet, it was my last semester of school, and the opportunity had not worked out for me. Then one day, I got an e-mail from the college saying that 12 slots were available to travel to Germany for a Conference on Media and Religion.To apply a student had to write an essay describing why he or she should be chosen. I KNEW God had provided this opportunity for me. I was working with a religious organization, and studying communications, so my background fit the trip's theme very well. Still, I was ecstatic when I opened up the e-mail that said "Congratulations, you have been chosen, to go on this trip." and that is what God is saying to you right now. "Congratulations, YOU have been chosen to go on this journey of a life time, if you only follow me."

Tie a knot to God, and take the plunge, knowing full-well that He will not let you fall. Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Mission of Peace

Brittany Halverstadt shares her experience on the Mission of Peace to Nicaragua.

Father's Day

 Every year my family vacations in Chincoteague Virginia. This year, as most years, it falls over Father's Day weekend. Unfortunately this year, Steve and I used our vacation time on our honeymoon and were not able to travel to the beach with my family. Thus, this year was the first time that I did not spend Father's Day with my Dad.

Yet, some people have spent many years without their fathers on that day. The reasons vary. It could be because their father lived far away, needed to work, spent time in jail, is estranged from the family, or has passed on. Whatever the reason, I would like us to take time during our prayers this week to remember both the father and the children in these situations.


I admit that sometimes I forget to look beyond my own family circumstances to pray for those who may not have a father as a regular part of their life. I also have a tendency to pray "thanksgiving" prayers, in which I thank God for all cf the ways He has blessed me and my family. Yet sometimes, prayer needs to go deeper than that. I hope that when I pray I begin to look at both sides of a situation. When I thank God for a loving father, that I also pray that he be with children of an abusive father and the father himself. When I thank God for a father who has provided for my financial needs and beyond, that I also pray that God lead me to a way that I can help another father in need.

This afternoon, I thank God for the loving Godly fathers who have provided a strong foundation in Christ, and I pray for those of you who long for your fathers to know God as you do. Our heavenly father loves you very much and you will always be his little princess/prince.

Love God, Others, Self

"LOVE God, Others, Self" is the Bishop's parting hope for the conference and the church.

Bishop Middleton is the first Bishop that I have had the privilege to meet. She has been supportive of my work here and Susquehanna Xpress. She has been very personable and sincere in my short time knowing her. She even wrote on the front page of my scapbook of wedding advice from coworkers at the conference.

 The communications team put together a short blooper film thanking her for the "good times." I enjoyed watching it, because I've been there running the teleprompter while she patiently waited as we prepared the media equipment (you'll see in the video that she spent her time waiting wisely...by getting in extra steps on her pedometer)

If you would like to watch the Bishop's celebration service at Annual Conference 2012, and the blooper film click Here.

Join me in praying for she and her husband Jack as they transition to a new phase of life and their retirement home in Connecticut.

God's Math

On Saturday May 19, I was joined in holy matrimony with my love of seven years, Steven. Our pastor, Rev. Pat Woolever, added a special part to our ceremony involving a braid. Not only do the husband and wife join together as one, she said. Rather, God is also woven into a marriage relationship like a braid, and the three cords create one that is much stronger.

It was a beautiful metaphor that reminded me of another one. It is an image of triangle with God at the top and the husband and wife on either side. The closer that the husband and wife grow with God, the closer that they also grow to each other.

This is my hope for Steve and I in marriage. That we may always seek our Father first, and by doing so build a stronger relationship and grow closer together.

Mission Central Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Bishop Neil L. Irons shares the history, ministry, and vision of Mission Central, the mission warehouse of the Susquehanna Conference, The United Methodist Church.

U.M. General Conference 2012- A Time of Discernment

The Bishop, our communications director, and several other coworkers returned this weekend from two weeks at the United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Florida. The General Conference calls together delegates from all of the United Methodist conferences all around the world to discuss important denominational issues. 


The biggest change is that clergy appointments will no longer be guaranteed. "Guaranteed appointments are a major contributing factor to mediocrity and ineffectiveness, the ministry study commission told the United Methodist Council of Bishops at its recent spring meeting," wrote Heather Hahn of the United Methodist News Service. This concerns some pastors who feel they could quickly be dismissed if not viewed as effective clergy members.


"The Rev. Jim Bryan, senior pastor of Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia, Mo., and a former district superintendent, said sometimes the most gracious and loving thing is for church leaders to help ineffective pastors find their true calling outside pastoral ministry," wrote Hahn.


Other issues discussed at the Annual Conference often had a fair amount of dissenting views. Part of the beauty of the United Methodist Church is that we gather together 988 international lay and clergy delegates to decide on a direction for the future of our denomination.  Much of the fodder on Twitter circled around the feeling of under-representation. While this may be true, we still should feel blessed that we are given the opportunity to peacefully convene together, rather than being locked out of a room with a handful of people making key choices for the future of the church.


May we remember to pray for these leaders as they have the difficult task to listen to God's people and prayerfully discern God's will amid many complex issues.

Love is...

What is the first scripture that comes to mind for the word "love?" Most people automatically think of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.  Though, sometimes it is so overused that we tune out. 


The world has many different definitions of love. Yet, only one book holds love's true meaning.


Today I would like to break down this meaningful scripture.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8
New International Version (NIV)

4 Love is:


patient, love is kind.- Patience. I know I will need to lean on God for patience as I enter into married life. It will be an adjustment to live with someone else who does things differently than I do. Yet, I will need to rely on God to remind me that different is not bad. It is just...different.

It does not envy, it does not boast-This scripture is a great equalizer. My love must not weigh one person's pit falls as greater than another, at the same time my love must not brag that one person's successes are greater than another.


 it is not proud.- We can achieve nothing on our own, so we must not fervently pat each other on the back for our successes. Instead it should be a moment to come to our knees and thank God for His provision and blessings.

5 It does not dishonor others,- It is easy to fall into the trap of making ourselves (and our loved ones) look better by pointing the finger at someone else. It is very difficult to love not only those who love us, but those who hurl insults at us. We love them by not returning the degradation, but turning the other cheek in silence.

 it is not self-seeking,- This reminds me of integration. When school's began to mix ethnicities, the parents of the affluent children increased support and funding for the schools because they wanted their child to have the best, not because they suddenly felt compassion to the other students. It is very difficult to have a love so large that it extends beyond our own blood and friends.


it is not easily angered,- Anger alters our ability to think clearly. It is important to practice remaining calm so that we can earnestly listen to one another.

it keeps no record of wrongs.- Ay yi yi. We say we forgive, but do we really forget? True love forgives and forgets. It does not bring old wounds into existing battles as weapons. Psalm 103:12 says that the Lord has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. We need to call on his strength to follow that example of forgiveness.

 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.- Love does not wish harm on someone that "deserves it." Love prays that they may be saved by the Truth.

7 It always protects,- Love is like a caring big brother. Love stands up for what is right despite persecution and humility.

 always trusts,- Love believes in the good of people. It is not wary and skeptical.

 always hopes,- Love always believes that a person will find The Way, despite how many wrong turns that they have made.

 always perseveres.- Love lasts....forever.

Go Loud, or Go Home!

I have been part of a praise and worship team called "Soul Food" for the past year and a half. None of us consider ourselves expert musicians, yet we have a passion to worship our Lord. One of our pastors, Bob, joined the group as a novice guitarist. He played  very quietly so that we couldn't hear his mistakes. Yet, it is impossible to learn if no one can hear you and help you. Therefore, I jokingly said to PB (as we affectionately call him) "You've gotta either go loud or go home!"

We all laughed about this, and it became our motto. He even put the phrase on our Soul Food shirts. 

Yesterday, Soul Food presented a few of PB's favorite songs as a departing gift. PB will be moving to a church that is closer to his college. I hope that as he moves to his new church he won't be timid and afraid to make mistakes. If God is urging us to do something big and risky, we need to trust that He will guide us. We can't hold back for fear of failure, raised eyebrows, or mockery. As Christians, we must bodly proclaim the Word of Christ. 

“And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:19-20)

"Do Something More Ministry"- Richfield UMC

Richfield UMC reaches out to their community.

Where do you see God?

Although I love all of the four seasons, spring is my favorite. Part of the reason I love it is because it reminds me of God's promise never to leave us. We were fortunate to have a mild winter in Pennsylvania this year. However, many winters feel unbearably long, cold, and windy. Yet, I still enjoy winter because it helps us to gain greater appreciation for the returning warm weather, green grass, and chirping birds. 

Spring truly does provide a great metaphor for hope and joy after dark and cold times. I look out at the blossoming trees and say a little prayer thank the Creator for providing such beauty. It is as if God is physically reaching out to us with the warm embrace of the sun, the gift of  wild flower 'bouquets', and the kiss of a gentle wind.

The beauty of spring is one of the places that I most clearly see God on Earth. Where do you see God in an earthly form? Feel free to post comment on my blog, or send photos with a description to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/susxpress.

For more photo ideas check out "God's Photo Album" http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1008002.God_s_Photo_Album.

God Grants Respite and Joy, Let Us Be Thankful

Today in devotions we read about praising God even in the mundane. When God brings us out of great distress we are very thankful. Yet, eventually we forget that feeling of gratitude. The author wrote that God provides little respites for us every day.


She compared God's respite to the shade provided by a small tree while working with HOT asphalt. I could relate to this, because I have helped paving crews in summers past. She said the cooler temperature may not be much, but in that moment it is very welcome and appreciated. However, soon the paving truck moves forward and the shade disappears. Yet God's love is everlasting.


Recently I was reminded that it is not just respites but small joys that God provides for us to let us know he cares. I desired to travel abroad while I was in college. Yet, every time I had tried, it didn't work out for some reason or another. In my last semester I began to think that the dream of traveling at that time in my life, would just have to pass. Yet, God provided the opportunity for me to travel to Germany with Penn State for a conference on "Religion in the Marketplace."


One of my friends has a similar experience. She desired to travel to Alaska some day. God turned that desire into a reality. She currently is fulfilling her final physical therapy requirements for her doctorate in Alaska and staying with a loving Christian family. God did not just provide a neat place for her to finish her clinical rotation. No, he provided the exact location of her dreams.


I don't believe these are coincidences. God provides blessings for those who believe. I'd like to share lyrics from the "Child of the Promise" CD when Elizabeth receives word that she is pregnant after many years of being barren.

When the Dream Never Dies

The Lord has done this for me

He has looked on me kindly

He has heard all my cries

He has given back what I laid

at his feet

It must be God

When the dream never dies

Sharing God's Love One Sip at a Time-The Perking Point

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."- Psalm 34:8. The Perking Point, Crosspoint United Methodist Church's South Hanover Campus, shares God's love 7 days per week...one sip at a time.


Learn more about Perking point on their Facebook page or their website.

Faith Sans Action = Dead Faith

One of the upcoming webisodes takes us to Richfield United Methodist Church. A woman in this community needed help securing a safe environment for her family. The woman did not ask for assistance, however someone saw her difficulties and asked if the church could give her a helping hand. The church jumped into action, taking the necessary steps to provide her family with a warm, safe home. 


I was stuck by their immediate response of faith and action. They did not simply say that they would offer prayers that God would help her. No. They realized that God was using them as His instruments, here on Earth, to show His love, compassion, and provision. 


It reminded me of the James 2 verses 14-17

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

St. Augustine said "Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you." In other words, it is important know that nothing is impossible with God. Yet, understand that God may be calling you to action to help fulfill his plan.


As we go through Lent this year, perhaps instead of choosing to sacrifice by removing something from our diets or lives, we could sacrifice by adding a labor of love and faith into our daily schedules. Has God been calling you to start a project? Have you felt nudged to volunteer in your community? Is their a neighbor in need that would be blessed by an anonymous monetary gift? 


Athletes are known to follow the motto: "No pain, no gain" The same is true with faith. A sacrificial offering of your time and effort may cramp your lifestyle for a short while. However, soon you will notice revitalization and growth in your faith. 

I dare you to test that theory!

Deacon Description

If Rev. Adam's interview sparked your interest in the role of deacon, please read the following excerpt from from The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church- 2004.
Deacons are:


Called and Set Apart for a Ministry of Service 
From the earliest days of the church, deacons were called and set apart for the ministry of love, justice, and service; of connecting the church with the most needy, neglected, and marginalized among the children of God. This ministry grows out of the Wesleyan passion for social holiness and ministry among the poor.


The ministry of the deacon is a faithful response of the mission of the church meeting the emerging needs of the future. Deacons are accountable to the annual conference and the bishop for the fulfillment of their call to servant leadership. (¶328)


Ordained to Word and Service 
Deacons are persons called by God, authorized by the church, and ordained by a bishop to a lifetime ministry of Word and Service to both the community and the congregation in a ministry that connects the two. Deacons exemplify Christian discipleship, create opportunities for others to enter into discipleship, and connect the needs and hurts of the people with the church. In the world, the deacon seeks to express a ministry of compassion and justice and assists lay persons as they claim their own ministry. In the congregation, the ministry of the deacon is to teach and to form disciples, and to lead worship together with other ordained and lay persons. (¶329)


Deacons give leadership in the church’s life:
• in the teaching and proclamation of the Word
• in worship and in assisting the elders in the administration of the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper 
• in forming and nurturing disciples
• in conducting marriages and burying the dead
• in the congregation’s mission to the world and
• in leading the congregation in interpreting the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world 

If you feel called to become a deacon, please contact the conference office at 717-766-7441.

The Role of Deacon

Pastor Adam Estep explains the role of Deacon in ordained ministry. Look for more information on the differences between ordained elder and ordained deacon soon.

Judge Not

My Dad shared a touching story with me last night that reminded me of James 1:19:

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry."


It is about a father waiting on a doctor to perform life-saving surgery on his son. Read the full story HERE.

Drive-Through Prayer

Sometimes churches can learn tips for reaching people from successful business. Drive-Through windows at fast-food restaurants are very popular for their convenience and speed. It also is a nice way to grab some food  without sitting by yourself at a table and getting pitiful looks from others. 


One United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia has taken these principles and applied them to provide holy sustenance to travelers. The church is located near a busy highway, so it is a prime spot to reach many passersby. Volunteers from the church stand outside holding signs for "Drive-Through Prayer next right."


The program has been gaining attention not only from the people who stop and ask for prayer, but also for people who are prompted to pray for someone as they sit in traffic. 


This is one way that a church has gone outside-the-box to reach out to the community. These church members looked at their church and realized its location could be a prime tool for a unique kind of ministry.


What makes your church location unique? Look for ministries that match that location. Is it near a prison? You could have a prison outreach. Is it in a serene area? Perhaps you could provide a place of retreat for people to de-stress. Is it near a school? Kids could walk down to a Released Time out-of-school program at the church. 


Perhaps your church already does one of these things. Don't stop looking for new ideas! I believe each of you  could come up with a creative ministry to help serve God's people. What is he calling you to do?

Christian Camouflage

"This little light of mine. I'm gonna let it shine...Hide it under a bushel? No. I'm gonna let it shine."


Choruses like this bring our memories to pleasant times singing with church friends. Lovely tunes with a bit of nostalgia. Yet, that's not all they should be. Although this is a popular song for children to sing it carries an important message for all Christians, especially as adults.God has granted us love and grace that should be bursting out from us. It was not given to us to keep for ourselves, but to let it shine for others.Easier said (and sung) then done.


Recently, I forgot my lunch for work, so I headed down the road to the local McDonald's. As I sat down, I noticed a young woman, about my age, sitting in a booth alone. Her face was blotched with red and white patches as tears streamed from her red eyes.


I sat down at a booth, bowed my head, and said a silent prayer for her. I hoped that if I sat there long enough, I might build up the courage to go and offer her a kind word. Yet I kept thinking, what if she doesn't want anyone to acknowledge that she's crying? What if she thinks I am too 'preachy?' I don't know her.


I got up to get some napkins and ketchup and when I turned around, she was gone. I missed the chance. I felt guilty knowing that perhaps the reason that I forgot my lunch that day, was so that I could go to McDonald's and share Jesus' love with this young woman. Yet, I didn't act on it when I first felt the nudge. Instead I waited for some physical holy kick in the tush to prompt me to speak to her. Yet, sometimes just like in hunting, there is only a short window in which to act. You may only get one opportunity.


The incident kept rolling around in my head. I wondered why I was so afraid just to pass by and at least say, "Hi, I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you." or "Are you okay? May I help you?" If she didn't respond, I could have just left it at that, and then returned to my table to pray. By doing that she at least would have known that someone in that room and in the world cared about her.


Instead, after she left I kept looking at all of the people who had been sitting around her, just like me. We all had given her a quick glance, and then pretended that we didn't notice that she was crying because we didn't know how to make it better. I'm sure some of them were Christians. Yet, how would she know? We all sat there camouflaged among the rest of the lunch-goers. 


Although we may have sent God earnest prayers, we did not let our light SHINE. She could not feel the warmth of God's love through us, she could not feel the happiness of the rays of SUN and joy we get from having God in our lives. 


I pray that someone later that day did have the courage to share God's love with her. I also pray that God grant me urgency and strength to reach out, despite my earthly excuses.


My pastors offered guidance on how to prepare for this situation. One suggestion was to start each day with a prayer, committing yourself to God's work. In that way, we mentally prepare ourselves for being used by God each day. We can simply say, "Here I am God, What do you have for me today?"



You can also reference John's Wesley's Covenant Prayer


I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt;
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
exalted for thee or brought low by thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
let it be ratified in heaven.  Amen.

Relationships Bloom into Roses

I know I've written about it before, but I think that setting aside time daily to become aware of the positives in our lives make us happier and more grateful people. My sister has a nighttime ritual with her daughter in which they discuss their favorite and least favorite parts of the day, they call it their "rose and thorn."


Yesterday, my sister, nieces, cousin and I visited the Pennsylvania Farm Show. We enjoyed the sights,sounds, taste, touch, and well, not so much the smell at the event. Though even the farm smells, added to the sensory experience that makes the event so wonderful for kids and adults alike.


However, none of the activities or sights at the show made it to the top of the list for my nieces favorite part of the day. Instead the part she enjoyed the most was playing kitchen and reading with a distant cousin that she doesn't see very often.


It is wonderful to know that even in this age of limited attention spans and constant entertainment, people still find the most value in relationships with each other. We do not need to feel intimidated to initiate these relationships with each other. In fact Rachel Held Evans wrote a blog post called "Blessed are the Uncool." She says "We are all uncool. We are all in need of a Savior."


I challenge you to spend a few quiet moment with God and prayerfully listen to what relationships he is asking you to nurture. You never know, the time spent with that person might just be their rose of the day.