The Susquehanna Conference of The United Methodist Church gathered at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on May 30 – June 1, 2024. The theme for 2024 was “The Harvest is Plentiful.” Bishops Sandra Steiner Ball and Cynthia Moore-Koikoi presided.
Bishop Steiner Ball delivered the sermon during opening worship, inspiring the congregation with a message that spoke of the parable of the sower. “We can’t know in advance where all will fall, so just sow,” she urged. “Just sow! Sow the good seeds of God’s word and trust God to bring life to the seed we cast!”
The Celebration of Ministry Service was held on the evening of May 31. This worship service celebrated the plentiful harvest, culminating in the commissioning of one and ordination of three.
- Christina D. Moyer – Commissioned as a provisional elder.
- Elizabeth G. Jackson – Ordained as elder
- Christopher E. Weems – Ordained as elder
- Adam W. Miller – Ordained as Elder
Twenty-three retirees were recognized and thanked for their service.
In their State of the Church Address, Bishops Moore-Koikoi and Steiner Ball directly addressed the clergy and laity of the Susquehanna Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Highlighting the diverse make-up of participants from various geographical and social contexts, the bishops shared a message of resilience, unity and renewal amidst the challenges faced by the church.
BIBLE STUDY
The Rev. Dr. Ron Bell, Director of Healing and Resilience for Discipleship Ministries, led the Friday and Saturday morning Bible studies. On Friday, Bell focused on the Book of Joshua to talk about transition and the ways that transition can be handled in healthy ways. The following day, he explored Genesis 1:1-3 to emphasize ways to be in touch with our own emotions and remain connected to God. “Trauma and stress can change our brain chemistry and cause our emotions to become confused. That is why it is important to carefully consider the truth of what we are feeling. Resetting is important because it allows us to get in touch with our true thoughts and emotions.”
LEADERSHIP REPORT
Every year, the Susquehanna Conference Coordinating Cabinet delivers a Leadership Report highlighting the past year while looking toward the future. This year, they focused on what it means to say “YES” – and encouraged a commitment to collaboration, creativity, community outreach and discipleship. This report not only reinforced the core values of The United Methodist Church but also set a proactive agenda for our Conference to explore and implement throughout the upcoming year. The call to action was clear: to embrace the spirit of “YES” in every facet of life and leadership as we move forward together as the Susquehanna Conference. Incoming superintendent the Rev. Dr. Lillian Smith concluded the report with a word of prayer.
LEGISLATION
Resolution 1: Mental Health
Resolution 1 was passed with amendments. This resolution resolves that the Susquehanna United Methodist will observe Mental Health Awareness Month by dedicating the third Sunday in May for a special offering. This initiative is designed to enhance educational efforts for our members, clergy, and the wider community, emphasizing the church’s commitment to mental health and wellness. The original resolution (before amended) recognizes Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month in September, and that Mental Health Awareness week be marked by a day of prayer. Amendments were made to add additional observations for Overdose Awareness Month, National Suicide Prevention Month and World Mental Health Day.
Resolution 2: Disability Awareness Sunday
Resolution 2 was passed without amendment. Disability Awareness Sunday will be recognized by the Susquehanna Conference on the second Sunday in October (Oct. 13, 2024). The purpose of Disability Awareness Sunday is to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the life of the church. It is our goal to empower clergy with disabilities and to offer support to laity with disabilities. Local congregations are encouraged to observe Disability Awareness Sunday by inviting people with disabilities to help to lead worship or share their testimony.
Resolution 3: Resolution of Acknowledgement of Hope Made Real/Urukundo Foundation
Resolution 3 passed without amendment. Therefore, we affirm, support and acknowledge the relationship that exists between the people of the Susquehanna Conference and the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, “Hope Made Real.”
Resolution 4: Church & Land Use
Resolution 4 was passed without amendment. The purpose of this resolution is to honor our Creator through good stewardship of God’s Creation. Our local churches, camps and individuals are encouraged to consider actions to care for the environment.
Resolution 5: A Resolution to Declare Gun Violence a Public Health Emergency
Resolution 5 was passed without amendment. This resolution encourages every church in the conference to respond to gun violence as a community-wide health care emergency by entering into courageous conversation on the causes and effects of gun violence and by taking steps to prevent violence.
Resolution 6: Five District Plan Moving Forward in Mission and Ministry
Resolution 6 was passed without amendment. Effective July 1, this legislation will set the number of districts in the Susquehanna Conference at five. The Bishops and Cabinet will continue to balance the newly aligned districts and each new district will hold a District Conference in the Fall of 2024 in order to complete district nominations and to attend to other matters as needed.
OTHER DECISIONS
- The Conference voted to support three camping and retreat locations and sell two others. The proceeds will benefit the enhancement and strengthening of the other camps in the program. The programs that currently exist at these camps will be transitioned to the other locations.
- A budget of $7.6 million was approved (a decrease of $1.3 million). A motion was made to amend the recommendation that would limit a local church’s increase in Shares of Ministry. The recommendation of an increase of no more than 20% was amended to decrease the percentage to 10%. This amendment was passed, and then the body passed the main motion.
To see the full report, visit: https://susumc.org/susquehanna-link/2024-annual-conference-wrap-up/
Statistics
Membership stands at 121,140; down 2,776 from the previous year.
Worship attendance stands at 25,263; down 6,903.
Church school attendance stands at 7,098; down 2,982.
Professions or reaffirmations of faith for 2023 is 523; down 500 from 2022.
Adults and young adults in small groups for 2023 is 15,589; down 4,447 from 2022.
Worshippers engaged in mission for 2023 is 18278; down 3176 from 2022.
Liz Lennox, director of communications, Western Pennsylvania & Susquehanna Conferences