The Advance - for Christ and His Church
What is the Advance?
The Advance after your church fulfills its Shares of Ministry budget ("first mile giving"), individuals, church groups, congregations, districts and annual conferences may go "the second mile" by voluntarily supporting special mission projects and ministries of their choice. These ministries are called The Advance for Christ and His Church.
Since 1948, United Methodists have given more than three million Advance gifts totaling over one billion dollars for thousands of ministries in more than 100 countries.
One hundred percent (100%) of your Advance giving goes to the mission project or ministry you choose. None is used for overhead, because administrative and promotional costs of the Advance are covered by other funding sources.
Conference Advance Specials
The purpose of 1 this Conference Advance list is to promote mission within the structure or bounds of the Susquehanna Conference of the United Methodist church. These groups have been reviewed by the Missional Board as worthy ministries for second mile giving consideration by the local congregations. These “Advances” are given access to the addresses and contact information for our congregations and are authorized to solicit funds from all United Methodist congregations within this Conference.
No other groups are given such access.
Contact: Anna Layman Knox - aknox@susumc.org or Paul Amara - pamara@susumc.org
The Beloved Community Fund will help Susquehanna United Methodists connect churches to their neighbors, resist racism, promote diversity, support cross-racial appointments and build strong race relations.
Contact: Rev. Jennett Wertz, jwertz@susumc.org 307 South St, Lewisberry, PA 17739 (h)717-212-2550; (w)717-938-2093; (c)570-295-6389
The Bolivia Mission Initiative is a multi-faceted connection with our brothers and sisters in the vicinity of Cochabamba in central Bolivia and also with the medical clinic in the La Paz/El Alto area. Children’s, Medical, Evangelism, and Community developments programs are all a part of this ministry.
Contact: Fern Wilcox, Executive Director, 125 N. 18th Street Harrisburg, PA 17106 717-230-9898 admin@daystarrecovery.com
This ministry provides addiction recovery services and requires clients to connect with the spiritual community. They offer daily devotions, individual and group counseling, life-skills training, case management, weekly Bible studies and small group ministries.
Contact: Douglas Hoy 717-766-7441 ext 3402 drc@susumc.org
Through the connectional system of the United Methodist Church and in partnership with UMCOR, the Disaster Response Ministry provides training, assistance, resources, and financial support to the congregations and communities within the Susquehanna Conference to support disaster readiness, relief, recovery, and restoration efforts prior to, during, and after a disaster.
Contact: Tammie Storrs, PO Box 201 Troy, PA 16947 570-596-2039 tstorrs@npacc.net
Physical site address: 81 Mission Center Lane, Troy, PA
The EMMC reaches out to people in need in the Bradford County region and is committed to sharing the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Through creating an atmosphere of trust and compassion people are ministered to in all areas of need.
Contact: Barbara Gay 331 Stinson Lane Tunkhannock PA 18657 570-836-3884 email: skyhaven@epix.net Haiti Partnership Website: www.haitipartnership.com
The Haiti Partnership’s mission is with the people of Haiti to form relationships with them based on mutual respect and love in Christ. VIM Teams are regularly sent, and updated information is available through the website above.
Contact: 5 Pleasant View Drive Mechanicsburg PA 17050 Phone: 717-766-1533 Email: missioncentral@susumc.org
Since 2002, thousands of volunteers have come in service to “connect God’s resources with human need.” We process UMCOR "Relief Kits" for use around the world, provide all types of needed supplies for local and national ministries, and assist many projects that are sending God’s love, locally, nationally, and around the world.
Contact: Quetrina Sims-Shelton 717-233-6541; Qsims-shelton@neighborhoodcenter.org
Neighborhood Center serves at risk, low-income, and inner-city children, youth, and families with educational, cultural, human service, basic needs, and recreational programs in the name of Jesus Christ.
Contact: Kris Sledge ksledge@susumc.org
This ministry has expanded to include Exodus Ministry. The Prison Ministries has provided camp scholarships to children of those incarcerated within our congregations, has provided counseling to inmates re-entering the community, and supports local congregations and other groups ministering to those imprisoned.
Contact: Kevin Witt, 717-766-7441 ext 3603, kwitt@susumc.org
The Susquehanna Conference’s camp and retreat ministry provides five sacred spaces whose goal is to cultivate authentic connections with Christ, community and creation. These places of holy common ground host our conference’s summer camps and many religiously affiliated and nonprofit retreat groups throughout the year who are also doing good in the world. This advance supports the work of the conference at Camp Penn, Mount Asbury, Greene Hills, Wesley Forest and Sky Lake.
Contact: James Jacobs - jjacobs@susumc.org
SLI provides financial assistance to clergy in Sierra Leone through an affirmed covenant relationship between the Susquehanna and Sierra Leone Conferences and the General Board of Global Ministries.
Contact: Rhonda Strauss 717-249-1512 ext. 249 centerformation1@gmail.com
The Center for Spiritual Formation seeks to advocate and demonstrate the disciplines of Christian Spiritual Formation through retreats, seminars, continuing education events, a two-year Ministry of Spiritual Direction Course, a two-year Lay Seminary, and a family-systems tutorial for active clergy. The Center includes a retreat center where events are held as well as the ability to bring workshops to churches located throughout the Conference.
Contact: Michelle Schwartzman, 717-766-7441 ext 3105, vim@susumc.org
VIM is a grassroots movement of United Methodists who seek to put their “Christian Love in Action.” VIM offers a connectional framework through which disciples can engage in short-term mission journeys locally, nationally, and globally. VIM provides training, resources, insurance, and support to our VIM teams.
Contact: Michelle Schwartzman, 717-766-7441 ext 3105, vim@susumc.org
This ministry helps with the costs of materials for VIM work including local mission, domestic and international VIM journeys.
Contact: St. Pauls United Methodist Church, State College PA 814-237-2163 Sarah Voigt - svoigt.wesley@gmail.com
St. Paul’s UMC & Wesley Foundation serves all students at Penn State University Park. The Abba Java Coffeehouse, a mission of campus ministry, serves an aggregate average of 1,000 students a week, providing free Equal Exchange Fair Trade coffee and tea as well as snacks. The Wesley Foundation also provides students a space for internship opportunities, for leadership and mission, faith exploration and worship. The Wesley Foundation at Penn State depends on Conference and Congregational support. Thank you in advance for helping us nurture and care for the students at Penn State. Please use #7100 in the memo for any donations coming through the conference.
Contact: Laura Graver - laura.graver@wolfgangco.com
The York City Day Camp is a 4-week summer day camp for York City children entering grades 1 through 6. The vision of the Christian-based camp program is to share Jesus with children from York City while providing them with a structured and nurturing environment for 7 hours each weekday. The goals of the day camp are to develop a Christian community among the campers, to experience weekly field trips to community parks and public places for recreation and to learn life and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Contact: Rev. Marian Hartman - mhartman@susumc.org
GYTTE was founded in 1977 as a social outreach project of the Methodist Church of Mexico to combat hunger and poverty in the rural sector. The purpose of the "Give Ye Them to Eat" program (GYTTE) is to strengthen the capabilities of marginalized people and communities to meet their basic needs, and to determine and sustain a just and integrated development process. Participatory methods and development tools are used to create conditions in which change can take place from within the communities. The “Tree of Life” training center in Tlancualpican conducts workshops and hands-on opportunities in the areas of health, sanitation, animal care and breeding, agricultural methods such as terracing, composting and irrigation. Workshops also go “on the road” for VBS, Holy Week and Advent resources. The Susquehanna Conference has been sending work teams for over 20 years. Rev. Marian Hartman will lead several trips in 2020-2021.
District Advance Projects
for special promotion and support within those districts (2012 Book of Discipline para.655).
ALTOONA DISTRICT
Contact: Bruce Maxwell, Chaplain 814-977-6964 or maxwell.bruce@gatewaytravelplaza.com
Mission Outreach Team for truckers and travelers, through a Chaplaincy Program at Breezewood. “A Friend on the Road” newsletter is available through Bruce Maxwell, Chaplain. You may reach Bruce at maxwell.bruce@gatewaytravelplaza.com or mobile number 814-977-6964. Personal, hands-on opportunities are available.
Contact: Rev. Carol Gathagan 814-742-8209 or cgathagan@susumc.org
Mission Outreach Team for the Radio Ministry. This ministry began in October 1997. The goal is to be a gentle reminder to all people that God loves us and is with us and because of that we have hope for today and the future, no matter what. The radio ministry is heard on Q94 - 94.3 FM, WBRX-Mix- 94.7 FM, WTRN Classic Favorites 96.09, 100.7, 1340am between 10-10:45am and 3-3:35 pm on all three stations. Faith Break is also on the web at myfaithbreak.org and as Faith Break on Facebook. The writer and producer of Faith Break, Broadcasting Seeds of Hope, is Rev. Carol Gathagan.
Contact: Joy Shields at vimaltoona@susumc.org·
The Altoona District Mission Team began in March 2006 with Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent need for drastic and ongoing aid. Our VIM team continues to assist victims of natural disasters on the eastern side of the USA. Our VIM (volunteers-in-mission) Teams have one common goal to be “God’s Builders”, reaching out to help neighbors in need after a flood, tornado, or hurricane. VIM Teams have made over 49 trips and traveled to 16 different states. Altoona VIM is also involved with the Blair County Emergency Management Office in response to local disasters should they occur.
Altoona District Mission Central HUB works as our local division of Mission Central. Our focus is on assembling Baby Care Kits (sent to Mission Central), Cleaning Buckets, School Kits, and Hygiene Kits (all of which are sent to UMCOR). We strive to share with our local outreach programs which we have done with 115 different mission outreach, social service, and after school programs since we began 13 years ago! Some of these include Family and Teen Shelters, Precious Life, LOVE. INC, St. Vincent de Paul Ministries, and Bountiful Blessings. In addition, our own Jean Quilt Ministry has made and given 804 quilts to the homeless. Our work is supported by our annual blueberry sale and the donations from local churches and volunteers. See us on Facebook at Altoona District Mission Central or at https://missioncentralaltoonahub.weebly.com/ . The Altoona District Mission Central HUB is located at 1738 N Branch Avenue, Altoona and is open Mondays & Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm.
HARRISBURG DISTRICT
Contact: Fern Wilcox, Executive Director, 125 N. 18th Street Harrisburg, PA 17106 717-230-9898 admin@daystarrecovery.com
This ministry provides addiction recovery services and requires clients to connect with the spiritual community. They offer daily devotions, individual and group counseling, life-skills training, case management, weekly Bible studies and small group ministries.
Contact: Gary Fallings 717-233-6541 ext 301; gfallings@neighborhoodcenterumc.org
Neighborhood Center serves at risk, low-income, and inner-city children, youth, and families with educational, cultural, human service, basic needs, and recreational programs in the name of Jesus Christ.
Contact: Ruth I Stoll, Development Committee, 248 Seneca Street, PO BOX 5870, Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-775-1111
Beacon Clinic is a not-for-profit, free, faith-based primary healthcare clinic serving adults ages 18-65 living in the Greater Harrisburg Community, including the working poor, homeless, prisoners-in-transition, diverse immigrant groups, unemployed and others.
Contact: Carol Crossley, 717-461-2568 or 717-379-9030, 4starfishministries@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/starfishministries.hbg
Starfish Ministries, based on The Starfish Story, began with a retired grandmother who had a desire to reach out to the homeless of Harrisburg and supply them with their basic daily needs. While handing out toiletries and snacks, her second desire grew...to give them hope to return to society. On the second Sunday of each month Starfish Ministries is on the streets of Harrisburg handing out basic needs to the homeless, now serving about 75 homeless people.
LEWISBURG DISTRICT
Contact: 1 Gate House Drive, Danville PA 17821, 570-275-6766, gatehouse5@verizon.net. www.thegatehouseshelter.com
Since 1997, the Gate House has provided shelter for residents of Montour and Columbia Counties who find themselves without a home. Gate House residents are often facing personal crises – such as unemployment, death in the family, abandonment, divorce, illness, or accident – or have been victims of misfortunes such as fire, flood, rent increases, or evictions. The Gate House provides shelter for both homeless men and women, along with their children. Located on East Market Street in Danville, it sits at the southern entrance to the State Hospital.
Contact: Christy Zeigler, Director, 1043 S. Front Street, Sunbury PA 17801, 570-286-1672, havenministryinc@gmail.com.
Haven Ministry is a non-profit organization guided by a Board of Directors composed of both clergy and lay people. The mission of Haven Ministry is to respond, through faith in God's covenantal relationship with us, to the basic needs of God's people by providing emergency shelter, nurturing, and advocacy for individuals and families in the Central Susquehanna Valley Area.
Contact: Woody Wolfe, 799 E Front St, Danville PA 17821, 570-271-0622, www.hearttohandministries.com
Heart to Hand Ministries, Inc. was started in November 1992 by Woody Wolfe, Jr. and a few friends, after Woody had spent nearly eleven years visiting hospitalized children in a children’s hospital in his hometown. Woody now ministers weekly in four Pennsylvania hospitals. Two in the Susquehanna Conference are: The Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, Danville and Penn State Children’s Hospital, Hershey. He also visits hospitals in other states. In addition to hospital outreach, Heart to Hand has been involved in outreach to the orphaned children, and those with special medical needs, of Ukraine since Woody’s first visit there in 1998.
SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE DISTRICT
Contact: HUB Coordinators: Kristi Lyons, kristiliumc@gmail.com or 570-262-0382 and Sally Kennard (570-333-4218) for furniture needs
The former Shoemaker Memorial Church, West Eighth Street, Wyoming, has been transformed into a Mission Central HUB of Mission Central, located in Mechanicsburg, PA. Under the leadership of the Kristi Lyons and the local Board of Directors, the Mission Central HUB will be a place where groups can come to assemble various types of response and relief kits, provide resources and furniture for persons in need, and eventually offer places to study and worship for folks who traditionally find it hard to enter the doors of our churches.
Contact: Rev. Mike Bealla, mbealla@susumc.org 570-342-8263
With a growing number of Central African families finding homes in the Scranton Area, Elm Park has been blessed in its ministry with this community. This vital ministry provides for weekly worship services (in Swahili and English), assistance to refugee families, English as a Second Language tutoring as well as providing for a African student intern from Drew Theological School. Your gifts to this Advance Special will help support the current and evolving ministries with this growing local mission opportunity.
Contact: Jane Risse 200 Arthur Ave. Scranton, PA 18510 570-344-9186; getGHPinfo@gmail.com https://scrantongreenhouse.org/
Begun in 2002, The Greenhouse Project (formerly Shalom Scranton) evolved from a Shalom Ministry and is now growing a sustainable community through education, wholesome food and healthy living through programs such as: edible gardening and cooking, and focusing on a health and disease prevention through diet and exercise. We operate two community gardens and a 3000 sq. ft. greenhouse in Nay Aug Park. Recipients of 2019 Environmental Partnership Award and with many programs specially designed to serve senior citizens as well as school field trips, we offer free and low-cost education programs.
STATE COLLEGE DISTRICT
Contact: Amy Ritter, Executive Director, amemorysaved@hotmail.com, 814-499-2287
The Mommy Shoppe began as a vision to help pregnant mothers who needed a hand with essentials for their baby, up to kindergarten age, and to offer items free of charge. Soon after it’s beginning, the age limit was quickly increased to include older children and pre-teens up to age 18. The Shoppe is open every Tuesday from 7 – 9 p.m., every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again at 7 – 9 p.m. for buy only shopping and volunteers. They are also open for free bag shopping every third Saturday each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Monday after that from 6 – 8 p.m. Currently, the average attendance for shopping is 65-90 families a month with 150-200+ children served a month. There are over 700 registered families. Clients include single mothers, fathers, grandparents raising grandchildren and foster parents, as well as two parent families who struggle with unemployment or under-employment. In February of 2017, The Shoppe applied for 501(c)3 status and was approved.
The Shoppe is a store, with all clothing tagged and sized. The families registered for free items can choose up to a bag of clothes, per child per month at no cost. The volunteers with The Mommy Shoppe are excited and humbled in realizing that this is making a difference in the community.
Contact: St. Pauls United Methodist Church, State College PA 814-237-2163 Sarah Voigt - svoigt.wesley@gmail.com
St. Paul’s UMC & Wesley Foundation serves all students at Penn State University Park. The Abba Java Coffeehouse, a mission of campus ministry, serves an aggregate average of 1,000 students a week, providing free Equal Exchange Fair Trade coffee and tea as well as snacks. The Wesley Foundation also provides students a space for internship opportunities, for leadership and mission, faith exploration and worship. The Wesley Foundation at Penn State depends on Conference and Congregational support. Thank you in advance for helping us nurture and care for the students at Penn State. Please use #7100 in the memo for any donations coming through the conference.
WILLIAMSPORT DISTRICT
Funds provide financial assistance to clergy in Sierra Leone through an affirmed covenant relationship between the Susquehanna and Sierra Leone conferences and the General Board of Global Ministries.
STM is a district mission into God's Frontier to build bridges between the traditional church and those disenfranchised and alienated by it. The initial portal is the Sojourner Cafe where Christ centered fellowship is shared around a table of food and drink. Touching lives with the love and care of Christ is our mission and vision.
Founded in 1988, the former Wellsboro District GSF allows churches across our district to respond to the financial crises of our community members. Disbursements from the fund are made from the district office, upon request by pastors and laity. Send contributions to the conference treasurer's office # 9060 marked "Good Samaritan Fund".
Mercy Kasambira was an African pastor in our conference who was both recommended out of the former Wellsboro District and also served within its bounds twice before dying in an automobile accident in 1995. Mercy was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The Kasambira Scholarship Fund continues her legacy at Mansfield University. Churches of the district can support the GSF by sending contributions to the conference treasurer's # 9055 marked "Kasambira Scholarship Fund"
YORK DISTRICT
Contact: Pastor Tanya Brubaker - tbrubaker@susumc.org
The York City Day Camp is a 4-week summer day camp for York City children entering grades 1 through 6. The vision of the Christian-based camp program is to share Jesus with children from York City while providing them with a structured and nurturing environment for 7 hours each weekday. The goals of the day camp are to develop a Christian community among the campers, to experience weekly field trips to community parks and public places for recreation and to learn life and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Contact: Pastor Tanya Brubaker, tbrubaker@susumc.org
Genesis at Calvary UMC reaches the Latino population primarily in the York City area with a variety of high energy and spirit-led worship and Bible study efforts. We offer creative Sunday worship in the building as well as on-line services all in multiple languages--English and various dialects of Spanish to suite those who come from various Latino backgrounds.
We have mid-week Bibles studies and Home Church opportunities. This is a great time for families--children, youth, and adults--to be involved together in worship and spiritual development.
Contact: Rev. Steve Livermore - slivermore@susumc.org
School of Hope was formed out of an ecumenical partnership with First UMC and UB Salem Haitienne in Chambersburg. Both churches partner together to provide a school for 209 students in Petit Goave Haiti. The partnership also provides a home for a worshipping congregation in Chambersburg, offering ESL classes and other support for our Haitian community. In regular times, a team travels to Haiti at least once a year.
Flo Waybright
Conference Secretary, Global Ministries
waybright5@comcast.net
Deb Currinder
Disaster Response Coordinator
drc@susumc.org
Michelle Schwartzman
Volunteers In Mission Coordinator
vim@susumc.org