Advance Specials
The Advance - for Christ and His Church
What is The Advance?
After your church fulfills its Shares of Ministry commitment (“first-mile giving”), The Advance provides an opportunity for individuals, congregations, and conferences to directly support mission projects and ministries.
Since 1948, United Methodists have supported thousands of ministries around the world through The Advance. Because administrative costs are covered separately, 100% of every gift goes directly to the designated ministry or project.
Conference Advance Specials
Within the Susquehanna Conference, Conference Advance Specials are ministries that haved been reviewed and approved as trusted partners in mission. These ministries:
- Support the mission and ministry within the Susquehanna Conference
- Have been approved for second-mile giving
- Are authorized to share their work with congregations across the Conference
When you give to a Conference Advance Special, you are directly supporting ministries connected to our shared mission.
Contact: Rev. Kristopher Sledge - ksledge@susumc.org or Rev. Kevin Witt - kwitt@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 - admin@daystarrecovery.com
125 N. 18th Street Harrisburg, PA 17106
717-230-9898
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: Disaster Response Coordinator - drc@susumc.org
717-766-7441 ext 3402
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 - tstorrs@npacc.net
PO Box 201 Troy, PA 16947
570-596-2039
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: 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.
Contact: Barbara Gay - skyhaven@epix.net
331 Stinson Lane Tunkhannock PA 18657
570-836-3884
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: missioncentral@susumc.org
5 Pleasant View Drive Mechanicsburg PA 17050
717-766-1533
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 - Qsims-shelton@neighborhoodcenter.org
717-233-6541
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: Rev. Kristopher 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: Rev. Kevin Witt - kwitt@susumc.org 717-766-7441 ext 3603,
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, Wesley Forest and Sky Lake.
Contact: Pastor 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 - centerformation1@gmail.com
717-249-1512 ext. 249
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: Rev. Sara Shaver - vim@susumc.org 717-766-7441 ext 3105
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: Rev. Sara Shaver - vim@susumc.org
717-766-7441 ext 3105
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.
District Advance Specials
Each district also recognizes ministries that serve their local communities and provide opportunities for congregations to support mission close to home.
Freedom Trail District
Contact: Joy Shields - 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.
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. Personal, hands-on opportunities are available.
Contact: Rev. Carol Gathagan - cgathagan@susumc.org or 814-742-8209
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 Faith Break on Facebook. The writer and producer of Faith Break, Broadcasting Seeds of Hope, is Rev. Carol Gathagan.
Contact: Rev. Mark Terwilliger - mterwilliger@susumc.org
Hungry Hearts offers Dinner Church every Thursday with a message, music and prayer, followed by a free hot meal to the diverse community of Chambersburg. This ministry also includes a weekly food pantry and clothing ministry. Hungry Hearts opens their space to social agencies that are not conveniently located for the clientele to be present at these events.
Contact: Rev. Mark Terwilliger - mterwilliger@susumc.org
Facebook Page
School of Hope was formed out of an ecumenical partnership with First UMC and L’Eglise Primitive du Salem Haitienne in Chambersburg. While the Haitian congregation is being incorporated into first UMC’s membership, both congregations partner together to provide a K-12 school and orphanage in Petit Goave Haiti.
The partnership also provides a home for a worshipping congregation in Chambersburg and other support for Chambersburg’s growing Haitian community.
Mountain Valley 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 35 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.
Contact: Pastor James Jacobs - jjacobs@susumc.org; 814-571-5046
The Sierra Leone Advanced initiative is in need of your support! Our current area of need is in pastoral salary support which allows our fellow pastors the opportunity to dedicate their time to full time ministry. We are also in need of funds to help support several building projects that are in process but need support to finish the project. If your church is interested in supporting this conference initiative, please give Pastor Jim Jacobs a call at 814 5715046 or email at jjacobs@susumc.org.
North Central Rivers 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 - getGHPinfo@gmail.com 200 Arthur Ave. Scranton, PA 18510 570-344-9186
Website: 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 the 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.
650 Harter Ave, Nescopeck, PA, 18635
570-752-3502
Provides food to upwards of 200 families who show up at 10 AM on each second Tuesday of each month. NACC gives thousands of pounds of food away with no questions asked of the person, other than proof they are living in the Berwick Area School District.
Berwick First 200 N Market St, Berwick PA 18603
570-752-2591
Provides new socks and shoes to the children of the Berwick Area School District. Holy Shoe and Sock bank: We give a new pair of shoes and socks to all children who come in ages 0 to 18.
info@wv-hfh.org
303 Market Street Kingston, PA 18704 570-820-8002
Website: http://www.wv-hfh.org/
Building simple, decent homes with families in need.
Northern Wilds District
Contact: Pastor James Jacobs - jjacobs@susumc.org or 814-571-5046
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".
Supports Food Banks and Food Pantries in the Danville, Northumberland, and Sunbury areas. Support goes to each of the established and well-recognized food banks serving their respective communities, as well as the smaller food pantries that reach people who might not be connected to the larger food banks. Reaching out and supporting the need for food and most importantly food security.
1157 Market St, Williamsport, PA 17701
(814) 330-6804
Website: https://www.dwellorphancare.org/
We exist to support and encourage foster and adoptive families in Central PA. While mobilizing and equipping the community and local churches so that children have a safe, loving, forever home in which to DWELL
11 East Third St. Watsontown, PA 17777
(570) 838-3133
Website: https://hiskingdomkidz.org
A volunteer ministry, mission is "Presenting quality programs through excellent puppetry and providing educational experiences to foster individual creativity in order to encourage others to make a difference and to help us to show people they matter.”
wesleyforest@susumc.org
PO Box 35, 58 Wesley Forest Ln,
Weikert PA 17885
(570) 922-1348
Wesley Forest Camp & Retreat Center shines upon the western front of our district. Since 1961, it has been a safe haven for kids, teens, and adults of all walks of life to encounter creation, community, and Christ!
River Valley District
Contact: Marsha Curry-Nixon - amiracle4sure@gmail.com
717-603-0444
Amiracle4sure is a nonprofit organization based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, committed to living out Matthew 25 by serving justice-impacted individuals and their families in Harrisburg and surrounding areas. They provide mentoring for those who are still on the inside and supportive services for them as they transition home. Amiracle4sure hosts an after-school program for children with absent parents as well as providing the essential supportive services for newly released individuals returning home. Their commitment to this ministry is to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. They provide training to local churches and communities who are seeking to serve justice impacted individuals in their families.
Contact: Beth Kempf, Executive Director
50 West Penn Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Website: www.morethanshelter.org
Community Cares operates the homeless shelters in Cumberland County, one in Carlisle and one in Shippensburg. The housing crisis is one of the biggest challenges of southcentral Pennsylvania. Community Cares is addressing this crisis head on. In addition to housing assistance, Community Cares provides a wide range of social services, utility assistance, and educational programs.
Contact: Fern Wilcox, Executive Director - admin@daystarrecovery.com
125 N. 18th Street Harrisburg, PA 17106 717-230-9898
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 - gfallings@neighborhoodcenterumc.org
717-233-6541 ext 301
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.
