The Journey July Issue

Telephone: (570) 342-8263 Email: [email protected] Website: elmparkumchurch.org Rev. Mike Bealla Senior Pastor “Breaking News” Greetings in the name of Our be able to return home or Now… today… in 2022… Lord and Savior! reconnect as family again, God is moving among us life was miserable. again and doing something I write to you this month with new! Pastor Eric Luczak, “Breaking News.” Now, I In the midst of all of this, Pastor Tom Taylor and I have know what you are thinking! God spoke to Isaiah and in begun to develop a vision of Usually when we hear there turn, Isaiah shared God’s what it would look like for our is “Breaking News” it is rarely word with the people. It was five congregations to inten- good news. The last couple “Breaking News” for God’s tionally connect with each of years have been full of people. Isaiah’s prophecy other and claim the City of such news for us to ponder. proclaimed the God was do- Scranton as our parish! To I assure you, however, this ing a new thing and that highlight the mission and min- “Breaking News” is indeed they should forget about the istry we have already been Good News! past and begin to experi- doing and to discover new ence the new thing God had ways that we can put our The prophet Isaiah lived in a in store for them. In this prayers, our presence, our re- time of great brokenness and proclamation the word sources and our witness to- even hopelessness. With the “breaking” signaled their gether to bring Christ to the people of God experiencing “breaking free” to finally re- people in the communities living in exile in a foreign turn home and return to nor- around our churches. land, while also being sepa- mal as they had remem- rated from each other and bered that God centered Being United Methodists wondering if they would ever way of life. mean that we recognize that

2 The Journey - July 2022 there is only one United Methodist Church although we have many locations… and as one church, we have a single missional focus… “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the trans- formation of the world.” We are not talking about combining churches, or closing churches, or even merging congregations. In this vision, each of our five churches remains committed to continuing its ministry in the location God has placed it. These churches include Court Street UMC, Em- bury UMC, Asbury UMC, Dunmore UMC, and of course, Elm Park UMC. Instead, this vi- sion is about seriously seeking out God’s future for the people and communities around us and helping us serve them in the best way possible. One example might be as easy as to let the communities know that we have monthly meals provided free of charge where everyone is welcome to experience good food, fellow- ship, and a Christian environment. We call our meal the “Peace Meal”. Between us we help feed people a few times a month. Together we can promote participation by sharing our schedule and welcoming folks to each of our meals. Other visionary possibilities include working with our area schools and teachers to provide necessary supplies and food for our students who are in need. We already have a tutoring program for our African children and will be partnering with Marywood University to reach school age Latino children this Fall. Please speak to me if you are excited about being a part of a vision group working to- gether with other folks to discover what God may be calling us to do!! God is doing a new thing. It is sprouting forth around us. It is breaking forth before our very eyes! And God is asking us to be a part of this “new thing” in the coming days and years. Watch for more “Breaking News” as God “breaks into” the life of our five churches and helps us seek those yet to find Christ in their lives. Check out our Video on our website at elmparkumchurch.org/bettertogether Until next time… See you in worship! Rev. Mike Bealla For the latest news and event information, visit the Elm Park UMC website at www.elmparkumchurch.org

The Journey - July 2022 3 A Note From Our Associate Pastor Church Family, Time certainly passes by quickly. On June 9th I celebrated my 70th birthday; our granddaughter Madalyn will turn four years old on July 3rd ; our son Jacob will turn 49 on July 22nd , which will be Sandy and my 44th wedding anniversary; and our son Lucas will turn 41 on July 27th . Where does the time go? My twenty years of ministry has also gone by very quickly. It seems like only yesterday when I graduated from Seminary. After all these years later, I have fond memories of the congregations I have served. I thank God for the pathway placed before me and continue to celebrate my time with you here at Elm Park UMC. As Pastor Mike has announced, I have been re-appointed as your Associate Pastor for the upcoming year. I cannot wait to see what the new year brings. Until I can resume in-person visits when the COVID-19 restrictions decrease, please contact me at the church at 570-342-8253 or by email at [email protected] with any needs or concerns. God Bless and be safe, Pastor Andy Our Mission: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

4 The Journey - July 2022 Report of the Susquehanna Annual Conference—June 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 2022 I would like to thank all members of Elm Park United Methodist Church for allowing me, Leigh Redmon, Di- ana Howe and Pastor Mike to attend the conference. This was the first year our conference met in person as a conference in over two years, so seeing people in person, face to face, made the experience enjoyable. Opening remarks were given by one of our two bishops—Sandra Steiner Ball. Bishop Steiner Ball gave us an inspiring and motivational message. She urged all of us to perceive Jesus Christ in a new way. She asked all of us to make a difference in our churches by using our talents to make disciples of Christ. She reminded all of us to stay focused on God and allow him to move us in his love and service. On our first day, the conference celebrated ministers who announced their retirements. Two such ministers served as pastors in our church: Pastor Matthew Armstrong served as associate pastor under Rees War- ring and Pastor Howard Woodruff. Day two centered itself on conference budgets and various committee reports. To me the most important activity of the day took place in the afternoon when we broke up into small groups of both clergy and laity. We faced each other and discussed what was going on in our individual churches and expressed ways God has made a difference in our lives. We heard stories of various activities such as food pantries to feed the hungry, small study groups and Sunday School classes for youth and adults, working with the disad- vantaged in our communities and taking time for personal testimonies and how Jesus Christ has changed lives!!! The time together in person was a very enjoyable experience for all in attendance. Worship experiences are changing with youtube.com and the computer but our love for Christ goes on as we adapt to many changes in our society. Joe Sadowski For the latest news and event information, visit the Elm Park UMC website at www.elmparkumchurch.org

The Journey - July 2022 5 2022 Conference Report by Leigh Redmon Thank you for selecting me to represent you at Conference, which was from June 1-3 in Hershey PA. The Susquehanna Annual Conference adopted a 2023 budget of $10,518,310, balanced by $500,000 from un- spent 2021 Shares of Ministry and by $210,366 for health insurance transferred from reserves. Since Conference I have learned that the Conference Board of Pensions has capped insurance increases to local churches at 10%, while Conference premiums went up 12%, so the composite health insurance rate for 2023 will be $16,500 instead of $15,000. The Defined Benefit amount which funds the pastoral pension plan will increase from $5,750 to $5,920 in 2023. The Conference has worked hard to hold the line on spending for several years while facing the challenges of the pandemic, but this cannot last. Four churches of the Conference have voted to disaffiliate themselves from the United Methodist Church. The best part of Conference for me was the table talk time where we met others from around the Conference and learned what others were doing and facing. We are a connectional church. The UMC is dividing over human sexuality. In the nineteenth century, the Methodist Church divided over slavery, it did not reunite for 95 years. Yet Jesus’ commandment to us to go and make disciples continues as our primary task. The Conference’ mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World is also Elm Park’s mission. One look at the news, with it’s talk of war, hunger, hate, and division makes clear how much the world needs the words and grace of Jesus Christ. Both the Conference and Elm Park face challenges. The Conference has more clergy and lay pastors retir- ing than coming in. It strives to equip the local churches for ministry, while maintaining the connection to the General Church and United Methodists worldwide. We are a worldwide church. Elm Park faces the challenge of reaching out to the Scranton area, to many people who have never heard of Jesus, or have felt rejected by God. I rejoice that the African Ministry has grown and has been included as an advance special of the Confer- ence, which may provide some additional funding, depending on donations. We continue to assist a church in Sierra Leone. The UMC in Africa is growing. There are United Methodists in Ukraine, under threat of war, terrible disruptions, some fleeing for their lives. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), which is funded by Shares of Ministry and your donations, is assisting. We are connected to our brothers and sisters. Whatever our individual circumstances, or our church challenges, God is with us, we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is moving among us. Jesus Contin- ues to guide us. We are loved. We have the Good News! Let us share the Story of God’s love, let us reach out to others, let us help others. In Christ, Leigh Our Mission: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

6 The Journey - July 2022 Vacation Bible School is back in-person! The dates are July 25th-29th, 2022 for Vacation Bible School. Our theme will be: “Food Truck Party: On A Roll With God!.” All children ages four throughout those who have finished fifth grade along with parents and other adults are welcome! All Young Adults and Teens grades 6th-12th are welcome to come as well July 22nd-23rd, 2022 to experience VBS them- selves before helping out. Many helpers are needed. Please consider sharing your tal- ents, skills, and energy. If you would like to volunteer in any aspect please let Wesley Bealla know by calling the church of- fice at (570) 342 –8263 ext. 4 Online Registration is Now Open! For the latest news and event information, visit the Elm Park UMC website at www.elmparkumchurch.org

The Journey - July 2022 7 For more information or to register go to: elmparkumchurch.org/vbs If you would like to volunteer at either the weekend and/or the week long VBS events you must register as well. If you have any questions or need an paper registration form call the church office at (570) 342-8263 Our Mission: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

8 The Journey - July 2022 Quick reminder that if you have an event or article that you would like to be published in an edition of The Journey they must be submitted by email to either myself at thejour- [email protected] or to the church office of- [email protected] by the 20th of each month to be published. Also another quick reminder is that if you haven’t already Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to make sure to get all of our announcements within minutes. We post both the Weekly Journey and The Journey Newsletter on both platforms first. We also post event fliers on both platforms as well as our Sunday Service Livestreams. You can find both links on our Website! - Wesley Bealla, Director of Communications & I.T. For the latest news and event information, visit the Elm Park UMC website at www.elmparkumchurch.org

The Journey - July 2022 9 Keeping Up Our Tradition 100% We have just received a commendation for having paid our “Shares of Ministry” in 2022! “Shares of Ministry”, once known as “apportionments,” are the life blood of our con- nectional church life. Every United Methodist Church is asked to support our world- wide mission and ministry through our Shares. Based upon a formula which consid- ers each church’s ability to pay (as indicated by expenses) for the greater ministry, these dollars are used to enable ministry in our own communities, the Conference area, and the General Church mission that extends to most countries in today’s world. The long- standing tradition of paying these shares in “full”, helps asses the vitality of each individual congrega- tion’s ministry, and their heart for mission and those who are hurting. It is indeed a “big deal” that Elm Park continues to be 100% faithful in supporting not only our own local ministry and outreach, but exciting to realize how much good our giving does everywhere that our connectional church wor- ships and lives. From the inner city to the African brush, we are there!! Thank-you to our faithful leadership who make this mission an annual commitment to Christ and his Kingdom! And thanks to you as your regular giving does change lives! JUNE & JULY ALTAR FLOWERS June 5th - In Memory of Bill Jenkins & all Veterans given by Mary Gordon June 12th - Available June 19th - Father’s Day June 26th - Available July 3rd - Available June 10th - Available July 17th - Available July 24th - Available July 31st - Available AVAILABLE DATES FOR ALTAR FLOWERS: August 7, 14, 21, & 28. Please call Marie Priblo at 570- 342-8263 Ext. 10 if you are interested in any of these available dates. Thank you. Our Mission: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

10 The Journey - July 2022 01 Robert Granza Jr 16 Rory Flynn ANNUAL 01 Jonathan Kowalski 16 Morgan Mayenschein SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 01 Joy Price 16 Madisyn Peoples It is that time of year when the 02 Timothy Keller 16 Lois Phillips church awards the Jenkins 02 Jacob Shoener 16 Diana Powell Scholarship and the Elm Park 03 Eleanor Rogers 17 Barbara Dakin Service Award/Scholarship. 04 Gianna Adomiak 17 Marcy Jesse 04 Lynn Dehart 18 Brian Hoffner The Jenkins Scholarship was established by 04 John Granche 18 Gregory Hoffner Mrs. Joyce McClure in memory of her par- 04 William Hall 19 Sara Snyder ents, Winifred and Clarence Jenkins. It is 05 Sandra Dippre 20 Faith Severini open to members of Elm Park who are ac- 06 Carol Bish 21 Kimberly Diaz cepted by institutions of higher learning be- 06 Christopher Ferrario 22 Donna Mang low the graduate level. First year applicants 06 Robert Granza 22 George Rushin should provide a copy of the acceptance 06 Joseph Lees 23 Melissa Salimini letter with the application. 23 Diane Strulic 23 Sarah Vandermark The Elm Park Service Awards/Scholarships 24 Colette Guzik are open to all currently participating mem- bers of Elm Park United Methodist Church pursuing education beyond high school who have been actively involved with worship and church activities. Contact the church office for application in- formation. The deadline for application sub- mission for the 2021-2022 Academic Year is July 31st. All applications must be re- ceived by that date for consideration. 06 Justine Lishman 25 Brenda Martin 07 Vilma James 25 Joseph Murray 07 Jennifer Smolley 25 Jeremy Noyes 08 Kyle Snyder 26 Kim Emick 09 Emily Carpenter 26 Natalie Hreha 09 Daniel Granche 26 Dante Lombardo 09 James Zarick 27 Edward Caswell Jr 10 Susan Muro 28 Kecia Snyder 10 Julia Pauli 28 Nevaeh Harrington SUSUMC CAMP REGISTRATION 11 Felicia Bock-Carl 28 Kristy Perrotti NOW OPEN! 12 Karen Pfefferkorn 29 Jeffrey Brooks 14 Janine Arcadipane 29 William Pabst Jr Financial assistance is available through 14 Amanda Howe 29 William Pabst the 14 Bruce Van Deusen 30 Peter Licata 14 Halle Whyte 30 Emily Rogers campership program; print an applica- 15 Sarah Cooper 31 Sophia Mansour tion at www.susumcamps.org. 15 Louise Jones 31 Norman Resseguie You will also find the camp brochure, forms, and additional information at this site or contact the camp office at 717- 766-7395. For the latest news and event information, visit the Elm Park UMC website at www.elmparkumchurch.org

The Journey - July 2022 11 This is a snapshot of Events & Activities scheduled for the month of July. A full schedule is available on our website. Should you like to schedule an activity or have questions, please contact Marie Priblo at 570-342-8263 ext. 10. Weekly Events for July Rev. Mike Bealla - Senior Pastor Phone: (570) 342-8263 Ext. 2 Monday 10:00 AM Staff Meeting (L) Email: [email protected] Tuesday 10:00 AM Lectionary Meeting (L) [email protected] Wednesday 10:00 AM Bread Basket (MPR 1) Rev. Andrew Weidner Associate Pastor/Visitation Pastor Sunday 10:00 AM Sanctuary Service (Sanct./Online) Phone: (570) 342-8263 Ext. 3 12:00 PM African Prayer & Praise Service Email: [email protected] Funny Signs! Marie Priblo Sponsored by Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper Betsy Miller Phone: (570) 342-8263 Ext. 0 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Wesley Bealla Director of Communications and I.T. Phone: (570) 342-8263 Ext. 4 Email: [email protected] [email protected] Mike Heffron Director of Maintenance Phone: (570) 342-8263 Ext. 6 Email: [email protected] [email protected] George Simmons - Director of Music Phone: (570) 342-8263 Ext. 5 Email: [email protected] Our Mission: Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World

Elm Park UMC 712 Linden St. Scranton PA, 18510 Address Service Requested In This Issue Worship Times 8:30 AM Chapel Service A Message from our Senior Pastor 9:00 AM—10:00 AM Fellowship time A Note from our Associate Pastor 10:00 AM Sanctuary Service 12:00 PM African Service Vacation Bible School Annual Conference Recap Keep Our Tradition A Reminder From our Communicator