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August 28, 2014
NEW INFO                 NEW INFO                  NEW INFO

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson announces more new appointments 

See complete lists of new clergy appointments and retirements.

 

Southeast District as of September 5, 2014

Lydia Munoz (Elder) from Plumbline Community to Plumbline Community (Central District) and West Grove: Cristo Rey UMC (Southeast District), effective September 1, 2014.
Joseph Forwood (Part Time Local Pastor) to Elam UMC Associate, effective July 1, 2014.
Carl P. Griffin (From Another Denomination) to Nantmeal UMC, effective Aug. 1, 2014. 

Clergy locator mobile app modified

Our new clergy locator mobile application has been modified to offer only church contact information for EPA Conference clergy. The app, available on Android and I-phone mobile devices, provides church addresses and phone numbers only for clergy appointed to churches. Clergy serving in extension ministries beyond a local church, clergy retirees and clergy on leave of absence are not included in the clergy locator file. Also, for clergy members serving more than one church, the file offers contact information only for the first church listed in that member's record. Finally, e-mail addresses are not included in the revised clergy locator.

 

Still, the app is a useful resource for anyone with a smart phone or tablet who needs quick access to church contact information for our clergy. If you have not yet downloaded our full menu of mobile apps--including our calendar and NEWSpirit News Digest, photos, social media, video library, a church locator and more--we urge you to do so today via Google Play or I-Tunes. Please also encourage others to download and use this resourceful mobile app. Thanks! 

Share your back to church, back to school events with us!

As we bid a fond farewell to summer, is your church doing something special to welcome members back to church or back to church-school (i.e., Sunday school)? Are you having a Rally Day this month to kick off your new Christian education year? Or are you sending students back to their schools with donated backpacks, school supplies or scholarships?

 

We've seen some exciting plans in church newsletters and heard of some through the EPA grapevine. Would you please send us information and photos--especially photos--of your back-to-church or back-to-school events or of your church's fall festival? We want to feature some photos with captions in the fall issue of NEWSpirit and on the conference Web site. Send what you can please by Sept. 24 to communications@epaumc.org or by mail to P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820.

September is National Hunger Action Month

United Methodist partner, the Society of St. Andrew, offers resources to make September a time to take a stand against hunger including a daily prayer calendar, study guides and children's sermon ideas.

World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10

Congregations throughout the conference are encouraged to remember that World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10. The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is compiling  an online tool kit to help churches hold a "Your Life Matters!" Sabbath, Sept. 12-14.

HIV, AIDS still demand our awareness, response

HIV & AIDS remains a widespread, lethal disease affecting millions of people across the U.S. and the globe;  and it remains of great concern to The United Methodist Church. A conference designed to equip advocates, health workers and concerned Christians involved or seeking to be involved in HIV & AIDS ministries will convene in Denver, Col., Sept. 11-13. Featured speakers will include four United Methodist Bishops, an international medical AIDS specialist, two seminary professors from Zimbabwe and Kenya, United Methodist pastors, a Muslim woman, and persons living with HIV. 

 

The conference, titled "Countdown to Zero: Just Save One," will emphasize how to prevent HIV infections and deaths from AIDS.  Sponsored by the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund (UMGAF), it builds on the motto "Getting to Zero: No new HIV infections, no discrimination, and no new AIDS deaths."
 
In the meantime, our own EPA Conference-supported HIV & AIDS response ministry, H.U.B. of Hope, led by the Rev. Deborah Tanksley-Browncontinues its education and advocacy efforts, urging churches to promote several upcoming national HIV & AIDS awareness days. These annual observances offer a chance to spotlight various vulnerable population groups that are increasingly affected by the disease. Sept. 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day. Sept. 27 is National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.  Oct. 15 is National Latino AIDS Awareness Day. And Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. Learn more...

 

Puppet show to benefit prison ministry

Kairos Prison Ministry of Eastern PA will sponsor a benefit performance of the Cashore Marionettes Saturday Sept. 13, at the Duffy Performing Arts Center in the Malvern Preparatory School, 418 S. Warren Avenue, Malvern, PA 19355.

A dramatic performance by the Cashore Marionettes portrays "characters of depth, integrity, and humanity... in a celebration of life in motion." Ticket sales will support Kairos Prison Ministry of Eastern PA, which seeks to "share the transforming love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to impact the hearts and lives of incarcerated men, women and youth, as well as their families, to become loving and productive citizens of their communities."

 

Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 at the door. For tickets or more information contact Alice Ellis at 610-213-6112 or at alicecellis1016@gmail.com. See these amazing marionettes at www.cashoremarionettes.com   It is suggested that no children younger than 7 attend. This 90-minute show is highly recommended for adults. Read more...

Gifted musician to inspire church's caf� patrons

Born without arms, George Dennehy plays with his feet, and sings with his soul.

Trust me. Whatever you have planned for Friday evening, Sept. 19, chances are, this will be much better. It's a very special concert, performed by a very special musician in a very special place. Conshohocken UMC will welcome phenomenal, popular singer and musician George Dennehy to perform at its own Jillian's Caf�, a comfortable performance venue, adjacent to the church's sanctuary, that's as bright and beautiful as the person for whom it is named.

George Dennehy, born without arms, is an amazing young man who sings while playing the guitar and piano with his feet. Yes, take a moment and reread that last sentence. I'll wait.... The only sound perhaps more beautiful than his voice and his deft, soulful instrumental touch is his personal story.

It's an inspiring testimony he has shared on television and Web sites, in concerts and news publications. Learn more about him and his message to the world--a message of faith and infinite possibilities--on his Web site, where you can also hear his music. The venue for this sure-to-delight concert is ideal not only because of its acoustical attributes but also because, like George, its namesake overcame her own congenital challenges and became a grace-filled inspiration to many.  Learn more...

 

Celebrando Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month

Our nation's annual observance of Hispanic/Latino(a) Heritage Month, Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is when we especially recognize and seek to learn about the culture and history of Latino/Latina Americans and their contributions to society. The timing of this observance coincides with significant events in Latin American history. The United Methodist Board of Discipleship shares worship resources and other information.

Seminary offers UM courses online in Spanish

United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, began offering United Methodist denominational study course requirements online this fall in Spanish.  The two-credit masters-level courses will be taught by Dr. Mark Abbott, United's Director of Non-Degree programs, a former missionary to Spain and Dean of Seminario Evangelico Unido de Teologia.   United Methodist History is being offered this fall. United Methodist Doctrine and Polity will both be offered in the Spring semester. All three courses are fully online. Contact admissions@united.edu.
 

Golf outing puts 'fun' in fundraising

"Guys 'n Gals, last night I was sitting with some young people who were talking about the great time they had last year at the "Nets and Vets" Golf Outing (Sept. 20) and how they were signed up for it again this year...and were encouraging their friends to sign up," wrote Ross Brightwell, EPA Conference UM Men's president. "They said it was a fine golf course to play; there were extra fun contests around the course, such as "Beat the Pro"; the cost was cheap; the food was great; the raffle prizes were very cool; and best of all it benefits two great causes - "fighting malaria" and "providing help for veterans!"

 

United Methodist Men will sponsor the 6th annual Nets & Vets Golf Outing Saturday, Sept. 20, to benefit the  denomination's anti-malaria campaign and a local Veterans Multi-Service Center. The location will be the Skippack Golf Club at 1146 Stump Hall Road, Skippack. Open to men and women, the charity  fundraising event is named in part for the UMC's "Nothing but Nets" campaign--now known as Imagine No Malaria--and the Philadelphia center that helps returning military veterans move past barriers to transition successfully back into their communities.

 

Starting times are 12:30 pm for arrival, 1:30 pm for the tournament start and 6:30 pm for the buffet dinner. The $90 cost includes golf and dinner, as well as use of the practice range, greens fees, golf cart. Dinner only is $40. Last year $3,000 was raised for donations, but organizers want to double that amount this year. So far they have raised more than $10,000 in five years. You can register at www.netsandvets.com/reservation.htmlContact Ross Brightwell at. 215/643-1269 or rossbrightwell@verizon.net for more information. 

Time to charter a UM Men's unit at your church?

Do you have or plan to start a men's ministry? Why not take it a step further this fall and officially charter a United Methodist Men's unit at your church?  The cost is only $85, and the men will receive not only an impressive charter but also a packet of information about all the projects that the UMM sponsors in EPA and around the church.  "Our conference's UMM is very active and supports many outstanding mission programs," writes Bishop Peggy Johnson, an avid and grateful supporter. "They do great outreach and special events to offer discipleship and fellowship opportunities not only for men but for the whole family." 

 

Take a look at the UMM Charter Application. Fill it out and send it in to start your UMM unit, or to take your existing men's ministry to the next level through a fruitful, global  connection with UM Men across our denomination. You can find the application and other information at http://epaumc.org/ministry/UMM.

Camp & Retreat Centers Events  

See creativity--including your own--flourish in the midst of Creation when you enjoy special gatherings this fall at our conference Camp & Retreat Centers

 

Camp Innabah invites all to join in their 85th anniversary celebration Saturday, Oct. 4, from 11 am to 5 pm, with a ceremony, slide show presentation and special guest speaker Bishop Peggy Johnson at 4 pm in Knobler Hall. Come enjoy also pumpkin decorating, apple cider, live music, hayrides and more. But before that the camp invites supporters to come help spruce up the place during the Sept. 27- 28 Volunteer Fall Work Day. 

 

Pocono Plateau will be off to the races the morning of Sept. 20 with its Hero Dash 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. The races start at 10 am. The fundraising event will benefit the conference's "Pathways to Our Future" camp and retreat center funding initiative. Find out moreThe camp will also sponsor a Senior Adults Fall Retreat, Oct. 7-10, offering crafts, games, archery, nature walks, singing, Bible studies, musical entertainment and a campfire with 'smores! Then they'll convene knitters--new and advanced--for a Knitting Retreat, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, complete with classes and outdoor recreation. "The Tin Man Gets His Heart Back: The Choice for Abundant Life" is the title of a creative Men's Retreat occurring on two weekends: Nov. 6-9 or Nov. 14-16.


And Gretna Glen will sponsor its own Autumn Leaves Senior Adults Retreat, Oct. 14; a weekend Confirmation Camp retreat for church confirmands, Oct. 10-12; and free Sunday night Church Youth Group Gatherings each month, except in December, with fun activities and worship.

Spiritual retreat to explore healing ministries

Have you been interested in beginning a healing ministry in your church and reaching others with the love of the Lord?  Tabor UMC, Woxall, (Northeast District) will host a spiritual renewal retreat Oct. 3-4, focused on healing. We will welcome Episcopal Canon Mark Pearson, who has been active in his church's healing ministry for many years.  Pearson regularly leads healing services, trains healing ministry teams and spent several years as a Regional Warden for the Order of St. Luke, an interdenominational healing ministry.  He has authored many books and, with his wife, has developed the New Creation Healing Center, a holistic healing facility.

 

The conference will include workshops titled "The Power of God for the Purpose of God," "Being Good (Holiness) and Doing Good (Ministry)" and "Signs and Wonders: Prayer Ministry beyond Human Flesh."  Registration begins Friday from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Pre-registration costs $35 by the Sept. 26 deadline. Registration onsite is $40, with a reduced cost for Saturday-only attendance. The schedule, local hotels, registration form and more information can be found at http://eparenewal.taborumc.org. Tabor UMC is at 2209 Hendricks Station Rd, Woxall, PA 18979. Phone: (215) 234-4852.

'Christian Education is like Silly Putty

New EPA Conference Youth & Young Adult Ministries Coordinator David Piltz writes about Christian education, comparing it with the popular plaything of so many childhoods for so many years, Silly Putty. The unique, shape-shifting substance was invented by accident in the early 1940's. In Christian Education, Piltz writes, the best kind of learning often happens by accident. "We know no formula works all the time. Education is a mixture of several components in the moment. We often discover our best lessons by accident--not because we were trying to discover them but because we were trying to better ourselves and learn something new.

  
"The best kinds of Christian Education can be both rigid but flexible at the same time," he explains. "It never seems effective if it is too rigid or too flexible. Silly Putty it has both characteristics due to the cross-linking of its molecules. Christian Education needs to be cross-linked between reading, discussing, experiencing, thinking, and applying." Learn more...

Check out our Local church Events page 

We have lots of exciting local church events listed for you on our Web site at www.epaumc.org/events/localchurchevents. Please take a moment to peruse them and try to attend events of interest to you. It's part of being in a connectional church. There's a train ride, an auto show, several concerts, a breakfast, a banquet, retreats focusing on Spiritual Renewal and Gifts of the Spirit, and a symposium and songfest to honor the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley.  We're adding more new, exciting local church events every week. So check out our listings, and send us your special church events too, so we can add them to the page.

REMINDERS     REMINDERS    REMINDERS

Dewees Grant deadline extended to Sept. 15

The conference's Dewees Grant fall application deadline,Sept. 1, has been extended to Sept. 15 to encourage more applications, according to Conference Treasurer Peter DiNofia. In accordance with the provision in the Dewees Will, the funds are given to the conference "to use in the mission programs of the church." Grants will typically not exceed $5,000, and they must be for initial funding of a project only. Please mail the completed application, available online, to: Treasurer's, EPA Conference,  P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820. The next deadline will be March 1. 

Boehm's Chapel to feature gravestones, Apple Fest

Visitors to the historic Boehm's Chapel Society, located at 13 West Boehm's Road, Willow Street, PA can explore the art and history of gravestones on Sept. 23, and then savor the festive flavor of apples at its Apple Fest on Oct. 11.

 

Michael B. Emery, educator at Landis Valley Museum, will present "Pennsylvania German Gravestones: Art and History in Stone"  at the chapel Sept. 23, at 6:30 pm. The evening will begin at with a brief visit to the oldest, extant tombstones in Boehm's Cemetery and progress inside for the Powerpoint presentation at 7 pm.  Boehm's Chapel will then host its 29th annual Apple Fest Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 am to 3 pm, rain or shine, on the grounds of Boehm's UMC, 13 West Boehms Road in Willow Street. Tents offering homemade apple butter, baked goods, homemade ice cream, vendors' crafts, kids' games and luncheon fare will be scattered throughout the campus. Both events are free and open to the public; but  donations are very welcome. For more information contact Dolores Myers, executive director at 717- 872-4133  or visit www.boehmschapel.org.

Need a Stewardship prescription for your church?

Popular stewardship expert Dr. Clif Christopher, author of Not Your Parents' Offering Plate and Rich Church, Poor Church, among other books, will teach two full-day workshops in October on How to Change Stewardship in Your Church for church finance leaders and teams. He will teach at Bethany UMC, Wescosville (Northeast District), on Oct. 21  and  again at Mt. Hope UMC, Aston (Southeast District) on Oct. 22.

 

Many churches have benefited from this highly regarded guru of giving, growing and managing church funds. Read about lessons churches learned from Christopher during his most recent visit to our area. These workshops are sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic UM Foundation for Stewardship and Investment Management, based at the EPA Conference Center. For more info and to register, go to http://www.midatlanticfoundation.org/category/event-type/stewardship.

Finding Our Way: Love and Law in the UMC

All clergy, lay delegates (including equalizing delegates), and all interested laity, should read this book to prepare for the October dialogues to be held in separate clergy and laity sessions during the Bishop's Days on the Districts. The book was given to all who attended the Clergy Session at Annual Conference. The dialogues were suggested and approved by conference delegates as a forum where six resolutions related to human sexuality, church law and clergy covenants could be discussed. The resolutions were referred to the Cabinet to be discussed during the dialogues rather than debated during the Conference session. An arrangement of holy conferencing table talks, similar to that used by other annual conferences, is being considered. The book is available at cokesbury for $10.39 (a 35% discount).  People with visual disabilities who use e-readers for large print or screen readers can find this book for $9.99 at http://www.christianbook.com/apps/product?item_no=64840eb;item_code=ww

Native American youth sought for leadership training

Native American youth are invited to attend the Peg-Leg Flamingos Native American Indian Youth Leadership Training event, Oct. 16-19, at our own Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center in Lebanon. The annual event, begun in 1994, is sponsored by the UMC's Native American International Caucus (NAIC) and will include a visit to the historic site of the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School nearby on Sunday, Oct. 19. Youth in grades 7 through high school who have natural leadership gifts are invited for skill-building, along with adult chaperones. The retreat includes outdoor adventures, worship, community-building and challenge-course events. The program focuses upon drug and alcohol abuse resistance, dealing with bullies, suicide prevention, and mutual support with spiritual nurture...," reads the brochure. Registration, limited to 20 youth, costs $70 each, including lodging, food and special activities. A limited number of scholarships are available.

The deadline has been extended to the end of September, but slots may fill up fast. Please make checks payable to "NAIC-NE Region" and send with health & consent form to:  Ragghi Calentine, 33164 Lighthouse Rd., Selbyville, DE 19975. For more information contact Ragghi at ragghirain@gmail.com or 302-841-2449. Attached are the FlamingosBrochure, Registration/Medical Form, and Covenant document.

New courses, online classes to offer local pastors new options

A new curriculum for local pastors focuses on transformative leadership, while online interactive classes will provide easier access for educational opportunities, especially for part-time local pastors who have regular employment outside the church. The new curriculum, offered by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry for Course of Study-the training and education program for local pastors who serve a specific appointment but do not itinerate-will be in use beginning this fall. The new interactive online curriculum will be available in January. Learn more...

 

And to learn more about local pastors and the Course of Study, visit www.gbhem.org/localpastors or www.gbhem.org/cos.
 

Clergy and spouses to explore roles at Midwinter Retreat

Registration is now open for the 2015 Midwinter Retreat for Clergy (elders, deacons, local pastors) and their Spouses, to gather Jan. 13-15, 2015. Once again the retreat will convene at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront, 6600 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. Retreat planners have received requests over the years to address the needs of not only clergy but also their spouses and families. The 2015 retreat promises to do just that. "We are excited to host M. Garlinda Burton, a popular and dynamic speaker, a former journalist and denominational leader, who will inform, inspire and challenge us with insightful keynote presentations on the topic Ministering to our Id-entity as a Clergyperson and/or Clergy Spouse," said Bishop Peggy Johnson. 

Prison & Recovery Ministry invites you to MusicFest 

The EPA Conference's Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice Team, along with UM Men will help sponsor a free music festival event on Sept. 13 to benefit Christian Life Prison & Recovery Ministries and its Scholarship Fund. CLPRM helps persons struggling with addiction and incarceration. CLPRM helped 36 clients financially in 2013 and 75 clients through treatment. They seek help in their fight against drug abuse and crime. Their MusicFest will happen Sept. 13, "come rain or come shine," from 12 noon to 8 pm, on the Christian Life Center campus at 3100 Galloway Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020. Come and bring a lawn chair or blanket.

 

While it is a free event you are encouraged to make donations for the event at the gate or at www.christianlifeprisonministry.org/donate. You can also send a check to CLPRM, P.O. Box 1624, Southampton, PA 18966. For more information visit www.christianlifeprisonministry.org or download the flyer here.

Campanioning on the Journey 

St. Mark's UMC in Mount Joy, Pa. will host the

Christ Servant Ministries  Advanced Course in Caregiving  Sept. 26, from 7 to 10 pm, and Sept. 27 from 8 am to 3 pm. The church address is  27-37 E. Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552. The registration fee is $40, due by Sept. 21, including Saturday's lunch, etc. 

 

Click here for a PDF of the REGISTRATION FORM and a full course description.

PREREQUISITES:  

1 - Desire to serve Christ and others

2 - Committed to witnessing in the church and community through caregiving ministries

3 - Willing to improve skills by training for service 

4 - Committed to study of the Bible and the power of prayer.

5 - Written approval from the local Pastor and/or Administrative Council. 

 

Have questions? Contact Rob Stoner via e-mail at rob@stmarksmtjoy.com. Those who complete this Advanced Course will be considered Christ Servant Ministers in Caring if they have also completed the Basic CSM course. Checks can be made payable to:George Hollich, CSM Director. The registrtion deadline is Sept. 21.

Free worship & music planning calendars
 
Start the new school, music & church year right with a free planning calendar from GBOD for your leaders, choirs, committees and people. Includes seasons, special days, celebrations and observances of both the church and civil calendars, plus lectionary reading citations for the entire year.

Dean McIntyre

Director of Music Resources

Leadership Ministries

GBOD | The United Methodist Church

 

PO Box 340003; Nashville, TN  37203-0003

GBOD: www.GBOD.org

Music: www.gbod.org/music

Missionaries to visit EPA Conference in October

The Rev. Mutwale Ntambo Wa Mushidi and Kabaka Ndala Alphonsine, United Methodist missionaries in Tanzania, East Africa. will itinerate in the EPA Conference for nearly three weeks in October, visiting churches, sharing their stories and meeting new friends and supporters. In Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, they are involved in evangelization and church growth, Christian education, women's activities and training, community development, health education and refugee ministries. They are supported by our  conference and will visit congregations and attend events here Oct. 1-19. If you want to invite them to your church, contact the Rev. David J. Davis. Conference Secretary for Global Ministries. Learn more... 

CLM Orientation begins for admission to 2015 class

Orientation sessions for admission to the Certified Lay Minister (CLM) Program's Class of 2015 begin next Saturday, Aug. 23, and will continue through the fall. These two-hour sessions are the first required step in the admissions process. The 10 sessions will occur at Asbury UMC Allentown,, West Lawn UMC Reading and the EPA Conference Center in Valley Forge. View the schedule and contact Judy Ehninger, CLM Program Coordinator, to register or ask any questions. Her contact info is Ehninger@ptd.net or 610-965-2290 (H) or 610-442-3140 (C). You can also find out more at www.christservantministries.net/certified.htm.  

Christ Servant Ministry Training,
Oct. 3-4  
Do you feel God's nudge to lead? Register for Christ Servant Minister training on Oct. 3, 7 pm to 10 pm, and Oct. 4,  8 am to 3 pm, at Campbelltown UMC. Register today. Sign Up for:   Basic CSM Training  or Preaching 1

Perhaps it's an encouraging word from someone in your church or the sense that as specific scripture was written just for you.  Maybe you've accepted a position of leadership and are hoping for information on how to live into that role according to God's plan for you.  Lay leadership is critical to the life and health of our churches.  And, you can explore concepts of Christian leadership within the United Methodist Church  as well as your own potential as a leader in an interactive training experience coming this fall.   

YES: Youth Call to Ministry
Retreat, Nov. 22

Invite and schedule promising young people you know now to attend the YES: Youth Call to Ministry Retreat, for students in grades 9 through 12, on Nov. 22, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, at New Life UMC, 2600 Bond Ave., Drexel Hill, Delaware County.  This event gives older teens the opportunity to ask and discover where God may be calling them to serve in the body of Christ. The day will include powerful worship, fun games and activities, an opportunity to meet people who work in many different ministries, and a time to reflect and listen for God's voice. The retreat will close with our own Bishop Peggy Johnson sharing her call to ministry.  Please share this information with your youth leaders and senior high youth. Registration information will be released soon.

New Changing Racism Course
set for Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Do you need to take the Changing Racism course?

The next one is Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.  Do not wait to register; these trainings typically fill up quickly. This class is titled "A Personal Approach to Multiculturalism, Inclusion and Equality." It satisfies the requirement for Healing the Wounds of Racism training. Two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be awarded upon completion.
Location: National Christian Conference Center, 1485 Valley Forge Road, Phoenixville, PA 19481. For full information, including online and paper registration, please go here: https://www.epaumc.org/stories/news/2014-changing-racism.  

Please note that this is not a commuter event. All details and registration are located here: https://epaumc.smartevents.com/public/events/2014-changing-racism.

Safe Sanctuaries district trainings to clarify new child safety laws

The EPA Conference's new Safe Sanctuaries Committee wants to be sure every church knows that new changes in state law will require them to modify their church policies and practices. Churches need to be sure they have leaders or teams present at the Safe Sanctuaries district trainings, on Oct. 25, to ensure they can comply with new laws.

 

There has been a great deal of child abuse prevention legislation working its way through the state legislature and the governor's office this year. Most of the changes go into effect at the end of 2014. Learn more 

Hopewell UMC's next Planting Seeds for Growth set for Nov. 15

Hopewell UMC will host its annual Planting Seeds for Ministry Growth event Saturday, Nov. 15, from 2 p.m. to 5:25 p.m., followed by a closing worship service. The Rev. Steve Morton, pastor, announced the keynote speaker will be Clint Jenkins, PhD, Vice President of Research for the Barna Group in Ventura, CA.  Barna is the leading voice in America on issues and trends among young people and their interest and involvement in religion. Jenkins' presentation and workshop at Planting Seeds will address how we can make our churches increasingly "young adult-friendly."

 

The Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, who becomes Southeast District Superintendent July 1, expressed"deep appreciation to Hopewell, a Teaching Church for our conference, for offering this gift to us all.  We are excited about the potential of this training opportunity and want folks to save this date now."  Hopewell's Planting Seeds event will also provide advanced training for Christ Servant Ministers.

Local Pastor Licensing School

 

Interested in Pastoral Ministry as a certified and licensed Local Pastor? Come to a Licensing School sponsored by the EPA Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and held at each teaching pastor's church or the EPA Conference Center in Valley Forge, PA. Course instructors are clergy in the EPA Conference and from the Path1 UMC Initiative. The cost is $1000 for all five segments or $250 per segment.

Five Major Areas of Study:

- Preaching/Worship/Sacraments, taught by the Rev. Tom Haugh on Oct. 4, 25, and Nov. 8 at Mt. Hope UMC.

- Christian Education, taught by the Rev. Michael Roberts on Dec. 6 and Jan.10 and Feb.7, 2015, at Eastwick UMC in Phila.
-Church Administration: Leading a Congregation, taught by the Rev. Larry Leister on March 14, 28 and April 18, 2015, at Lititz UMC.

- Pastoral Care, taught by the Rev. Truman Brooks on June 13, 27 and July 11, 2015 at West Chester UMC.

- Growing Church/Multiplication July/August/Sept. 2015 taught at the EPA Conference Center. 

Central District events open to all
  • Conflict and Mediation Skills Laity Training, Sept. 13, at Ardmore UMCPlenty of space here but don't wait too long because there is a cap of 36 participants. Register now.
  • Conversations on Intercultural Communications, Sept. 19, at Hope UMC DouglassvilleRegister now.  There is a brochure with more information about the content of this training.
     
  • Conversations on Intercultural Communications, Sept. 20, at Hope UMC Douglassville. There is a brochure with more information about the content of this training. Register now.
     
  • Conflict Resolution and Mediation Skills 1 and 2, Sept. 24-25, at Hope UMC Havertown.  This excellent training for all clergy offers more tools on how to address conflict in congregations in constructive and helpful ways.  Candidates for Ministry are encouraged to attend. Registration is open. 
Please Save These Dates!   
  

Installation services for new District Superintendents


Sept. 7: The Rev.
Dawn Taylor-Storm, Southeast District, 4 pm, at St.Daniel's UMC 315 Edwards Street Chester, PA 


Sept. 14: The Rev. Bumkoo Chung
, Southwest District, 4 pm, at Lancaster: First


Sept. 21: The Rev. Tracy Bass
, East District
, 4 pm, at Lehman Memorial UMC 300 S. York Rd., Hatboro

  

Sept. 30: Advanced Level Sexual Ethics Workshop

"Sexual Infidelity Among Clergy Members: Understanding Risk Factors and Prevention from and Attachment Framework" - Tuesday, September 30, 2014, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. West Lawn UMC, 15 Woodside Avenue, West Lawn, PA. $30/person including continental breakfast, lunch and materials. More info. 


Sept. 15-17:
An Event for Young Clergy, Atlanta, GA 

New to ministry? Are things going slowly while you try to figure it all out? Or, have you been around for a while and are more confident and trying new things? Put yourself at the top of your list! Plan to attend this energizing event and "R

Rev-It-Up for a Lifetime in Ministry!"   This event for young clergy, ages 25-39, offers a unique opportunity to enhance some of the personal, financial and leadership interests and skills that can improve your life and help sustain your ministry. Learn ways to dissolve your seminary and personal debt. Gather practical tips for resolving conflict and living a healthy and balanced life. Network with other young clergy from across the denomination. Earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for attending this event. To learn more visit http://www.gbophb.org/events/revitup/.

 

Sept. 25: Annual Clergy Retirees Association Banquet.  10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Simpson House, 2101 Belmont Ave., Philadelphia. Retirees can enjoy a reception, dinner, business meeting, worship, with the Rev. Michele Wright Bartlow preaching, and music and singing led by Andrew Monath, music director at Arch Street UMC, Philadelphia. We will honor 2014 retirees and clergy celebrating their 50th anniversary of ordination. Contact: the Rev. Richard Howarth, President of the Retirees Association at rwhjwh@yahoo.com or 484-794-9211. See the Retirees' Reporter newsletter, edited by the Rev. Amy Smith, for information and a reservation form.

 

Oct. 1-23:  Bishop's Days on the Districts (Meetings with Clergy & Laity) 

Northeast District: Wed. October 1    

            9:00 am - Clergy: Allentown: Asbury UMC

            1:15 pm - Clergy: East Stroudsburg UMC

             7:00 pm - Laity: Moore Township: Covenant UMC  

Central District: Thur. October 9

            9:30 am - Clergy: North Wales: Sanctuary UMC

            6:30 pm - Laity: Valley Forge: St. Matthews UMC
 Northwest District:
Wed. October 15

            8:30 am - Clergy: Cleona: Immanuel UMC

           12:30 pm - Clergy: Shamokin: First UMC

             7:00 pm - Laity: Schuylkill Haven: First  

Southwest District: Tues. October 21

            8:30 am - Clergy: Lancaster: Hempfield UMC

            1:00 pm - Clergy: Willow Street: Boehm's UMC

            7:00 pm - Laity: Lancaster: Hempfield UMC
 East District: Wed. October 22

            9:00 am - Clergy: Bensalem UMC

            7:00 pm - Laity: Bensalem UMC
 Southeast District: Thu. October 23

            8:30 am - Clergy: Elam UMC  

            7:00 pm - Laity: Willistown UMC  

The fall clergy gatherings will include conversation about the meaning of covenant. Clergy are asked to read the book Finding Our Way: Love and Law in the United Methodist Church, edited by Bishop Reuben P. Job and Neil M. Alexander.  

 

Oct. 17-18: Training in Latino Ministries for Non-Latino Churches,
Friday, Oct. 17, 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location to be determined. Sponsored by the EPA Conference Latino Commission. Contact: Esdras Seda, Coordinator of Latino Ministries, at
eseda@epaumc.org

or 267-253-8737.   

 

Oct. 21-22: Change Stewardship in Your Church, with Clif Christopher,  renowned stewardship expert and author of Not Your Parents' Offering Plate and Rich Church, Poor Church. Full-day workshops for individuals and teams from all EPA churches. Oct. 21 at Bethany UMC, Wescosville (Northeast District); and Oct. 22 at Mt. Hope UMC, Aston (Southeast District). Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic United Methodist Foundation for Stewardship and Investment Management (based at the EPA Conference Center). www.midatlanticfoundation.org.

 

Oct. 17 - 20--Christian Educators to meet in Nashville
Christians Engaged in Faith Formation will host this annual event with the theme "May the Circle be Unbroken," The premier conference for Christian Educators will feature speeches, presentations, Bible studies, worship and fellowship opportunities, plus more than 50 workshops. A visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame will be a highlight. The event will be at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel. For more information or to register, visit www.cefumc.org.

Oct. 25: Safe Sanctuaries training
for church leaders held simultaneously on each district. More information to come. Check with your district office.

NEW! Nov. 22: "YES" Call to Ministry Retreat  

This annual retreat will be held 9 am to 5 pm at New Life UMC, Drexel Hill. Pastors please start thinking about youth from your congregation who may be thinking about future ministry. Information will be announced later with details for registering, etc.

April 12, 2015   District Conferences, 3-5 pm, Locations to be determined.

 

April 26-28, 2015: Annual Retreat Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors

(2.5 CEUs) Location: Black Rock Retreat Center. More details to be announced later. Retreat Chairperson is Rev. Mark Beideman 610-585-0575

May 14-16, 2015
     EPA Annual Conference,  
Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks PA.

 

Aug. 14-16, 2015    Laity Academy

 

Sept. 9-12, 2015     Laity Retreat

 

July 10-15, 2016, EPA Conference to host the 2016 UMC Northeastern  

Jurisdictional Conference Lancaster County Convention Center and the Penn Square Marriott Hotel. Each district will serve as the Hospitality Team for one day.

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church
980 Madison Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403

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