Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference

The Rev. Bob Zilhaver (left) is a theological traditionalist and Tracy Merrick is a progressive, but they have worked closely on Western Pennsylvania Conference matters for more than 20 years. That’s continued even in this season of disaffiliations from The United Methodist Church. Photo by the Rev. Rich Pearson, courtesy of the Western Pennsylvania Conference.

Progressive, traditionalist link arms

Tracy Merrick and the Rev. Bob Zilhaver have a long history of overcoming their theological differences to get work done for the Western Pennsylvania Conference.

Mission and Ministry

Tapiwanashe Nhunhama helps lead worship at Cranborne United Methodist Church in Harare, Zimbabwe, during a program to help support people living with albinism. The United Methodist Church’s Harare East District in partnership with the Johnstown District in the Western Pennsylvania Conference gave gifts of sunscreen, hats and food to people living with the condition. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Zimbabweans with albinism ‘feel remembered, loved’

Through a partnership between The United Methodist Church’s Harare East District and the Western Pennsylvania Conference, 73 Zimbabweans living with albinism recently received sunscreen, hats and food baskets.

Social Concerns

Anoziva Sisimayi and her son Kudzai Gombakomba receive a goat from the Rev. Austern Chepiri in Mujaji, Zimbabwe. A goat breeding program sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church has helped more than 100 orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. Photo by Pastor Hillary Mukahanana.

Goat-breeding program benefits vulnerable children

Partnership between Western Pennsylvania and Zimbabwe East conferences has empowered more than 100 toddlers through teens since 2015.

Local Church

A single lit candle in a wreath signifies the first week of Advent. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges, United Methodist churches are thinking creatively for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Photo of Glendale United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., by Steven Kyle Adair, United Methodist Communications.

Salvaging Christmas amid coronavirus concerns

Pastors already dealing with a stressful 2020 now must lead United Methodists through the seasons of Advent and Christmas as the coronavirus pandemic rages.

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