Join Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball and other clergy and laity from around the western Pennsylvania Conference for an immersive, engaging journey of exploration and learning about the history and ongoing impact of the Civil Rights Movement on this life-changing seven-day bus tour experience. You'll learn about key moments in the movement, systemic changes, and hear from leaders who were there, as together we journey toward greater understanding and action as an important part of what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

During summer 2026, Jerra Jenrette, retired professor of history, will take interested folks on a "virtual" trip through the history of the Salem witch trials. These trials occurred during the 17th century when neighbors and family members launched a series of witchcraft allegations against people in Massachusetts Bay Colony (MBC).

Founded in 1630 by Puritans seeking religious and economic freedom, MBC leaders sought to establish what was essentially a theocratic government. Beginning in 1688, the small town/village of Salem, Massachusetts, became the focal point of the "American" witch craze. This course will examine the role of fear, faith, and women in this infamous/famous period in our history, considering the impact (short-long term) as well as how it reflected broader and deep themes in the development of this nation. During 1692-93, twenty people were executed and four others died awaiting trial, while 150-200 people were accused of witchcraft in a community whose population was 600!

During her academic career, Jerra taught several courses on the Salem witch trials, the European witch craze, and took students to visit historic sites in Salem and the surrounding area for more than twenty years.

Please RSVP to the Edinboro UMC office at office@edinboroumc.org if interested in participating.

The WPAUMC Discipleship Task Force is excited to invite women leaders, laity and clergy, to this leadership conference that aims to bring women together to affirm their call, build grace-filled relationships and mutual support, and equip hearts, minds, and hands to take the next faithful step in their mission and ministry.

Empowered together, women laity and clergy are created and called for purpose. You belong here. Join us for this affirmation of leadership, call, and connection!

Register today at wpaumc.org

The church office will be open for Summer Hours

from July 27-September 7.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 

9AM-12PM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Armendia Dixon

Mike Peirce

Phil Galbo

Donald Olah

Dan Lance

William Dean

Ross Prather

Gloria Grinnell

Evan Peterson

Patricia Shorts

Harry Jewell

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Andrew & Suzanne Lawlor

Tina & Brad Taylor

Debbie Knapp and Anne Finney

Dearly Beloved in Christ, members of the Stone and Bethany United Methodist Community,

Greetings to you on behalf of the One who is, and who was, and who is to come! (Revelation: 1:4) I trust that this finds you all well.

My name is Domingos Francisco Fernando. I am the eldest of seven siblings. I love the local Church, and I love people. Many people say that I am a “people person.” I was born in the north of Angola, in the town of Prenda, a suburb of Luanda, the capital city of Angola. I actually grew up in two places-Prenda and Rocha Pinto-Luanda, due to the early separation of my parents when I was still a child. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, my mother raised me in the United Methodist Church.

Prior to attending university, I worked in a local bank in the loan department. I received my undergraduate degree at Africa University in Zimbabwe, where I majored in Psychology. After graduation, I served for two years as a United Methodist Global Mission Fellow in Brazil, a missionary program directed by the Global Ministry Foundation of the United Methodist Church. Serving the Church in that program played a vital role in my spiritual formation. Most significantly, the experience clarified my call for pastoral ministry. While in Brazil, I was focused on social education with young adults and students. During the final term of my missionary service, I decided to apply to the Master of Divinity program at Drew Theological School in New Jersey. While at Drew, my love for people of all races, languages, ethnicities, and sexual identities broadened and grew.

Following my graduation in 2023, I began serving the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference in a local Church, the Norwood United Methodist Church, full-time, as the lead pastor. In July 2025, I joined the Great Plains Conference, where I am currently serving half-time as Campus minister and half-time as associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Pittsburg, Kansas.

I am grateful for the leadership opportunities that I have experienced both at Norwood and Pittsburg. I am excited to begin my new ministry in the Western Pennsylvania Conference, specifically in the Meadville community. I believe that God, in his wisdom, has brought us together for a special reason, as we journey together in God’s love. I believe that together, we can sow the seeds of that unconditional love in numerous ways. I am very excited to meet each of you personally and to engage in God’s ministry with you all, as we continue spreading the seeds. I am looking forward to seeing you all soon!

Blessings and warm wishes,

Pastor Domingos Francisco Fernando