As the new episcopal leader for the Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church, I have enjoyed traveling throughout the area getting to know Western Pennsylvania United Methodists and their hopes and dreams for the future, including the Bradford area community.

My passion for the local church runs deep, and I know that the love of local congregations and pastors holds the power to transform lives. The Western PA Conference is committed to coming alongside the Bradford Cooperative Ministry as, together, we reimagine mission and ministry in the Bradford area community.

Bradford Cooperative Ministry, comprising four area United Methodist churches, began in 2023 to share resources and become a more unified witness to God’s work in the Bradford area. In their time together so far, they have seen God enable collaboration to provide worship, growth and services to the community, which are greater than anyone could have managed as individual congregations.

Combined worship services between the four area United Methodist congregations have continued to draw record attendance numbers. And, additional “Gathered Ministry” events have been instrumental in reaching out to community children, students and teachers — spreading the love and good news of Jesus Christ beyond the walls of church buildings.

I look forward with hope and joy to continued partnerships between the Bradford Cooperative Ministry and the Bradford community.

Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball, Resident Bishop, Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church