June was an unusually busy month for SUMC’s Leadership Board; one that took us north to Lake Erie, challenged our brains to think in different ways, and introduced us to new people and processes.
2025 United Methodist Church Conference
Pastor Hannah, Jenine Furry, and Lynn Colosi from the Leadership Board along with church members Robert and Linda Wright took a trip to Erie for the Western Pennsylvania Annual United Methodist Church Conference from June 12th to 14th. Led by new Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, the conference focused on reconnecting with God and each other and reinforcing the UMC’s mission to use our leadership and resources to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Over the three-day conference, we conducted business, attended training, served those in need, and found time to have fun with each other.
We invite you to learn about our new Bishop by visiting Western Pennsylvania’s Conference webpage. In the meantime, here’s Bishop Steiner Ball’s favorite Bible passage for you to contemplate.
Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
The Challenge to Resolve Conflict Peaceably
On June 18th, the Leadership Board held our monthly meeting, working through an agenda that concentrated on conflict resolution and how to resolve our differences amicably and successfully. Not just conflicts that might arise during debates at our Leadership Board meetings, but those that happen at home and at work and in our communities. The Board meeting culminated a four-month review and discussion of Anatomy of Peace, a book that “explores how we often misunderstand the causes of our conflicts and shows us the paths to achieving true peace within ourselves and our relationships.” Considering the harsh political and social climate we face nearly every day in our country, the Leadership Board decided to continue developing conflict resolution skills by reading another book, this one titled 3 Practices for Crossing the Difference Divide. This book is intended to help “…people who aren’t ready to accept this as our new normal — where we have no choice but to write off relationships that mean a great deal to us.” The book’s principles are based on “…reaching clarity and understanding and choosing to connect or protect, depending on what’s warranted.” We encourage you to read these books too. Members of the Leadership Board have used the tactics derived from the books and can testify that the principles work if a personal commitment is made to use them.
New Members Class
If it seems to you like SUMC just conducted a New Members Class, you would be correct! This is just more tangible evidence that our church is growing!!! On the heels of receiving 16 new members in March, SUMC is starting another New Members Class, this one with seventeen congregants who desire formally to join SUMC and engage actively in our church community. The class will last 6 weeks, and new members will officially be recognized during our services on Sunday, July 20th. Please welcome the new class!
Interviews for the Education Coordinator Position
In June, SUMC posted the Education Coordinator position on Indeed, an employment website that connects organizations and job seekers to new opportunities. We received interest and resumes from four potential candidates and conducted two interviews. Our goal is to find a candidate that is the right fit for SUMC and our Education Ministry and fill that position in July. We have enough money in SUMC’s current budget to fund the Education Coordinator position through the end of this year and will begin actively fundraising to cover the position for the next two years ($44,000), then permanently roll the expenditure into the 2028 budget.
Christian based Seminar on Wills and Estate Planning
SUMC, under the guidance of Leadership Board member Jere Cowden, conducted a seminar on Wills and Estate Planning on June 24th. The seminar was geared to those who have plans but need to review them due to changes in circumstances and tax laws, and to those who should have a written will but do not yet have one. The seminar, presented by Ed Bailey of The United Methodist Foundation, provided information to ensure that:
You have a plan that takes care of your dependents
Your money and assets go where you want them to go
Your plan and charitable giving are set up to minimize tax burdens
If you would like a copy of the Wills and Estate Planning presentation or have any questions, please contact the church office at 412-741-9430, and we will see to it that you get what you need.
As a reminder, the Leadership Board holds its meetings on the third Wednesday of every month starting at 6:30 pm in the Library. You are welcome to attend any Leadership meeting and to observe the work of the church and hear our discussions.
Sincerely,
Leadership Board