Baptism Reaffirmed, Priorities Set at Annual Church Conference

Members of Monaca and Aliquippa First UMCs gathered in the Fellowship Hall of Aliquippa First on Monday, September 25, 2023, for the churches’ annual combined conference with District Superintendent Deborah Ackley-Killian, “DS Deb.”

As part of the conference, Pastor Jim shared that his vision for each church is to be known as “the church that loves people.” He explained that in order to achieve that vision, we need to build on what we are currently doing and extend further into the community. He acknowledged sparks of the Holy Spirit moving in both congregations.

Attendees also heard from Shane Siciliano, who serves in extension ministry out of Monaca and Aliquippa First UMCs. Shane is a licensed social worker and a drug and alcohol therapist at Pittsburgh Mercy.

Normally, council and committee members for both churches are elected through this conference; however, due to this year’s timing of the conference (which was held much earlier in the season than in prior years) each church council was granted the authority to complete internal elections by the end of the year.

After the remaining administrative business was completed, DS Deb offered prayer and an interactive discussion on how we carry out our membership vows through prayer, presence, gifts, service, and witness. She then led attendees in the reaffirmation of their baptism, welcoming each attendee to receive the sign of the cross in water, before concluding the conference.