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August 6, 2014
NEW INFO

Bishop Peggy A. Johnson announces more new appointments

See the complete lists of new clergy appointments and retirements.

Northeast District as of July 13, 2014

Mr. Andrew Reitenaur (Lay Assignment) to Zionsville: Salem UMC

The Rev. Todd Glasmire (Local Pastor) from Neola to Neola & Saylorsburg: St. Peter's UMC 

Piltz to lead Youth & Young Adult Ministries

Longtime youth and adult ministry leader David Piltz, of Bristol Pa., is the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference's new Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, as of Aug. 4. The Certified Lay Minister and Conference Youth Ministry Advisory Council member is a specialist and trainer in instructional design and organizational development in both church and corporate arenas.

 

Over two decades as a youth ministry leader, Piltz has planned, participated in and led Sunday school classes, meetings, retreats, mission trips and other events across three conferences: Wisconsin, Susquehanna (formerly Central PA) and Eastern PA. His decade of mission trip experience extends from Appalachia to Nicaragua.

 

He has facilitated training for youth ministry leaders and Sunday school teachers, designed and taught Safe Sanctuaries policies, and facilitated training and coaching for pastors and church staff in organizational development, conflict management and strategic planning. Learn more...

Dalton to leave Central District post, move to NY

The Rev. Doris Dalton (Deacon), will leave her appointment as Central District Resource Assistant by the end of August and move to White Plains, NY, where her husband, the Rev. Tim Dalton, will become the pastor of  the First Baptist Church of White Plains on Sept. 7.

 

Tim, an American Baptist pastor who serves the Lower Merion Baptist Church in Bryn Mawr, accepted this new pastoral call on Aug. 3, following the White Plains congregation's unanimous vote to appoint him on July 20.

 

"We are humbled with this exciting opportunity and look forward to serving God among the people of White Plains," wrote Doris. "I am sorry to leave the people and ministries of the Central District, but I am also thrilled about this new chapter in my ministry journey with God.  Part of my internal readiness comes from the fact that I have seen and know what the congregations of the Central District are capable of accomplishing."

 

Doris is working with the Rev. Anita Powell, Superintendent, to prepare for "an easy transition" for her successor. "I am confident that when God calls God also supplies," Doris wrote.

Job opening: Central District Resource Assistant. Apply by Aug. 14

Dr. Powell hopes to have a new District Resource Assistant in the position by Sept. 1. Please see and share the job description with anyone who might be interested and suitable for this position. Interested persons may contact the District Office at 215-878-4607 or apowell@epaumc.orgResumes should be received by Thursday, August 14 

UMC responds to Ebola crisis in Africa

As the Ebola virus spreads in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, our denomination is responding through West African UMC leaders and regional health boards, United Methodist health facilities, missionaries, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), our humanitarian aid and health unit. The church has three hospitals and five clinics in Sierra Leone and one hospital and three clinics in Liberia.

 

An outbreak, which began in Guinea in February, has spread to Sierra Leone and Liberia, infecting more than 1,600 people and killing at least 887. This infectious disease causes hemorrhagic fevers, with a mortality rate between 50 and 90 percent. It has no known cure. UMCOR's parent agency, the General Board of Global Ministries, has been in contact with all United Methodist missionaries in the region. Many of them were already in the U.S. visiting churches or engaged in other work and will remain here until further notice. Missionaries in Liberia and Sierra Leone are to have emergency plans in place should their situations deteriorate. We are asked to please keep them, their families and the churches and people they work with in daily prayer, as they respond to the crisis through their various ministries."   

Learn more at The United Methodist Church Responds to the Ebola Crisis.

Humanitarian aid needed in Gaza

At our Eastern PA Annual Conference in May, we passed a resolution for aid to Gaza. This was at least five weeks prior to the present crisis. Little did we know! The resolution calls for a special offering to help with food, medicine, and other necessary supplies for Gazan families, who are always in great need, due to the blockade -- Israel on the north, and Egypt on the south.

 

UMCOR is now working with a well respected agency, ANERA (American Near East Relief Aid), who has access to West Bank and Gaza, to feed 650 families, amounting to 5,200 persons in Gaza. So, we can actually help "feed the 5,000!" This is strictly non-political; it is a humanitarian appeal. The present need is great! Please consider taking a special offering and use the Advance number, 982450, Gaza Relief, to designate it.

 

--By the Rev. Bob Hannum, Member, Bishop's Committee on the Middle East 

View Mike Slaughter's Annual Conference presentation online

Great news! You can now view online the Rev. Mike Slaughter's May 15-16 presentation about church growth and vitality at the EPA Annual Conference. Just visit our Video Gallery at www.ourchurchvideos.com/19482/epaumc.

 

You'll see two Mike Slaughter videos there, one for each day's presentation (Thursday and Friday). We thank Mike Slaughter and RCTV, our Annual Conference video projection team, for generously making these video recordings available for all to see.

 

The bad news is that Mike asked us to not include in our Video Gallery the short videos he showed during his presentation, probably because of copyright restrictions. However, you may be able to find them on YouTube or other video-sharing sites. For example, you can find a short video about the featured Ft. McKinley UMC, a new church planted by Ginghamsburg Church in Dayton, Ohio. See it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1XMatQh_64. It was produced by the West Ohio Conference in 2011.

 

When you finish viewing each video, please tell us and others what you thought of it by posting comments in the Video Responses section below the video screen. If you have any problems viewing the videos contact us at communications@epaumc.org. 

Sign up now for Aug. 20 MissionInSite Webinar

Whether your church's community is urban, suburban or rural, you can get valuable demographic info about it for free from MissionInSite for free because your conference's Congregational Development Office pays for it, thanks to your apportionment giving.  

 

We will sponsor two MissionInSite workshops, led by Peter Wernett to show you how to acquire and use the info. A Webinar is scheduled for Aug. 20 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.  Also, West Chester UMC will host an onsite workshop on Sept. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

 

The Aug. 20 Webinar is limited to 20 online participating locations. The Rev. Gordon Hendrickson, Congregational Development Coordinator, will
need the names and e-mail addresses for all who plan to participate by Monday Aug. 18. This is a must for any church seeking to grow and revitalize its outreach mission and ministry by first knowing its community.

 

Peter Wernett will use the Webinar to support registered MissionInSite users who have selected, downloaded and completed three steps. They will need to have these documents available:


*    the Getting Started tab on the Welcome Screen
*    the "Introduction to Neighborhood Discovery" directed study

*    the "Compare Your Congregation to Your Community " directed study.

 

For more info on the Aug. 20 Webinar and/or the Sept. 20 workshop contact Gordon Hendrickson at gordonacts6@gmail.com.

A video pictorial essay on our
2014 Annual Conference 

EPA Conference photographer Sabrina Daluisio shares her video-pictorial report on the 2014 Annual Conference, featuring some of the dramatic images she captured there (many of them featured in NEWSpirit and in our Google Picasa photo gallery). Sabrina, a true blessing to the Communications Office, presented this report, which includes music and narration, to her church Lima UMC. Use it freely if you wish, but please credit her. You can contact her at
gig4mom@gmail.com

Join online discussion for
and with pastors in recovery

Susan, a pastor in recovery from addiction, invites others like her to participate in an online video-conferencing forum on Tuesday, Aug. 12, from 12 noon to 1 pm (Eastern Time), for mutual sharing, support and fellowship. This is an ongoing, modified 12-step recovery forum for clergy in recovery. Participants will decide on the nature and format of the group. Discussions will vary as participants choose such topics as:

  • How do I preach about my addiction?
  • When is self-disclosure appropriate and pastorally helpful?
  • In what ways is my church offering recovery or prevention ministries?
  • What are my current pastoral or recovery struggles?
Clergy are invited to call in to discuss the unique challenges and strengths of being in ministry and in recovery.  The sponsor is the United Methodist Church's Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV), an initiative that works to raise awareness and equip church leaders to effectively respond to alcohol, chemical abuse and dependency and related violence. Visit the SPSARV Web page to learn more and participate in this event

UM News features Bishop's essay on young people in mission 

The United Methodist News Service's Daily News Digest on July 30 featured Bishop Peggy Johnson's Bishop's Blog post from June 6, titled "Hope is seeing young people answering call to missions." Her upbeat commentary lauds several impressive young adults--two from the EPA Conference and one from the Peninsula-Delaware Conference--working in mission assignments through the General Board of Global Ministries. Rebecca Parsons, of Wooddale UMC in East Stroudsburg, is working in Roanoke, Va. Brittany Abdullah, of Tindley Temple UMC in Philadelphia, is in Athens, Ga. 


"Nothing gives me more hope for the future of the church of Jesus Christ than to see young people be involved in mission work," the bishop writes. Read more.  

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 Palmyra First 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.   

World Communion Sunday, Oct. 5

Our church is at its best when we reach out to sisters and brothers in need. World Communion Sunday calls the church to reach out to all people and model diversity among God's children. United Methodists relate to World Communion Sunday by celebrating communion with other Christians around the world on this special Sunday. Churches are also encouraged to receive an offering to support ethnic undergraduate and graduate students, which often enables first-generation students to attend college. 
 
Download the World Communion Sunday pastor's kitOrder leaflets with offering envelopes and posters to enhance your World Communion Sunday celebration at www.umcgiving.org/ss or call 888-346-3862.

Fall retreats, events at Pocono Plateau 

Pocono Plateau Camp and Retreat Center,

304 Pocono Plateau Road, Cresco, Pa., has exciting fall events coming soon. Learn more.

Senior Adult Fall Retreat, Oct. 7-10: Come for 3 nights, 4 days of fun and fellowship for ages 55 plus. Activities include crafts, games, archery, a nature walk, singing, Bible studies, a trip to the House of Candles and Ross & Ross Nursery, an evening of entertainment with Debi Irene Wahl and a campfire with 'smores! Cost: $169 per person. Download the flyer. 

Knitting Retreat, Oct. 31-Nov. 2: For new knitters and advanced ones too. The retreat will include knitting classes, Bible studies/reflection, fellowship, ziplining (optional), boating, hiking and time to enjoy creation. The Program Director is Clara Masessa. Cost: $135 per person includes lodging (dormitory style or similar lodging with hall bathrooms), meals snacks, ziplining, knitting booklet and yarn. Bring your own needles!

Men's Retreat,Nov. 6-9 (Cost: $169), or Nov. 14-16 (Cost: $115): Theme: "The Tin Man Gets His Heart Back - The Choice for Abundant Life." Men of all ages can enjoy a weekend of fellowship and studying of God's Word with fellow Brothers-in-Christ. The Program Director is Rob Loughery and the Band of Brothers from Doylestown, PA. REGISTER On-line HERE or contact the camp office at 570-676-3665

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.

Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary has online courses

In recognition of the growing number of distance learners, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary now offers in an online format all six United Methodist foundational courses mandated by the Book of Discipline for ordination and ministry certification. These courses are designed and taught by the seminary's core UM faculty members, including those in the fields of United Methodist studies, evangelism, liturgy, theology and mission, and church leadership. The courses combine the convenience of online education with rigorous academic engagement. Learn more...  

 

Sometimes 'tis better to give and receive. Use the new Available Items and Needed Items section of our online Classifieds page 

Do you have something to give or some donated items you need to receive to support or enhance your church's ministry? Then this new section of our Web site is for you.  

 

A church van, choir robes or hymn books, tools or computer equipment? Whatever you have, chances are someone needs it. And whatever you need, chances are someone or some church has it to share. So let us know about your special, non-monetary ministry needs or your items to donate, and we'll try to advertise them for you for free.  

 

That word has a nice ring to it, doesn't it. Well then, let freedom ring. Send us your details, and we'll post them on the Classifieds page as soon as we can. Of course, you might find something you need there also. So, take a look every so often, and let your fingers do the shopping through our Classified pages. 

 

Our first available item that might interest you or your church is a Baldwin electric two-manual organ ready to be given free to a new home or church.

The organ is approximately 54x54 inches, with all keys and pedals working. The current owners are looking to give it away within the next 3 weeks. The only condition is that you must be able to bring a truck and pick it up from its current home in Wayne, PA. Find out more, and if you're interested e-mail Felicia Anderson in EPA Connectional Ministries (for just this item only!) at 

fanderson@epaumc.org. The organ will be given away on a first come, first serve basis. So don't delay. 

 
  REMINDERS       REMINDERS        REMINDERS

Apply for Equitable Compensation funds by Sept. 28

The Rev. Lou Hornberger, Chairman of the EPA Conference Equitable Compensation Board, reports that the updated Application for Equitable Compensation Funds, for 2015 Grants, is now available online at http://www.epaumc.org/resources/churchlead/finance. Churches needing Equitable Compensation assistance should complete and submit applications for 2015 grants by Sept. 28, 2014.

 

  
UPDATE: Please remember that these applications must be reviewed and approved by the District Superintendent before they are submitted. Your D.S. will submit an email stating that he or she is endorsing the request. However, the submission of the application and all supporting documentation is the responsibility of the individual church, not the District Office. Submissions are accepted by email only.

 

EPA to host Interim Ministry Training in October

Attention interested clergy: The next Transitional-Intentional Interim Ministry Training Seminar, Phase 1, will be hosted by the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference at the National Christian Conference Center in Phoenixville on Oct 7-10, 2014. Register online now at:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e8v2ivaddde4c5a4&llr=ozzg4xn6


 
Note: room and board is not included. You must contact Amy Botti, abotti@epaumc.org for details and registration information. You can also use the provided form for manual registration. The Intentional Growth Center at Lake Junaluska (NC) is the pioneer in Transition-Intentional  Interim Ministry Training and is recognized by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry as a TIIMS provider. In the past 10 years IGC has conducted more than 45 training seminars, preparing nearly 500-plus United Methodist Pastors for this ministry.

Parkinson's event to feature health and spirituality expert

The Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County in Delaware will co-sponsor, with Bethel and Epworth UMCs, a weekend Symposium on Health and Spirituality Oct. 10-12, in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Dr. Harold Koenig, of Duke University's Center for Health and Spirituality, will be the featured speaker all three days.


 
Koenig, a distinguished professor of psychiatry, behavioral sciences and medicine at Duke in Durham, NC, will present a free community forum on latest research in "Religion, Spirituality and Health" at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes on Friday evening, Oct. 10, 7 to 8:30  p.m. He will keynote the Saturday, Oct. 11, all-day symposium on "Quality of Life and Parkinson's Disease" at Epworth UMC in Rehoboth Beach. He will also speak on the relationship between faith and health on Sunday, Oct. 12, at the 10 a.m. worship service at Bethel UMC in Lewes. Cost for the event is $30.


 
Register and find more information online at

www.delmarvaparkinsonsalliance.org. You can also call Dennis Leebel, leader of the Parkinson's Education and Support Group at 302-644-3465.

NEWSpirit summer issue is online! 

Get the 'real deal.' Subscribe to NEWSpirit in print!

If you do not receive the quarterly NEWSpirit newspaper by mail but would like to, please let us know. Annual subscriptions are only $12. But the enjoyment and convenience of receiving and reading your own full-size newspaper at home or on the go is priceless. 

Just send $12 per subscription to the EPA Conference Treasurer, P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820.
Conference Center offices closed on Fridays through summer
Beginning the first Friday in June (June 7) through Labor Day. We will be open Mondays through Thursdays and closed on Fridays.

Reading assignment for Oct. dialogues

 Finding Our Way: Love and Law in the United Methodist Church is the book all clergy, lay delegates (including equalizing delegates), and all interested laity should read to prepare for discussions on covenant and sexuality during the Bishop's Days on the Districts. (See the online NEWSpirit article about these discussions.) This book was given to all clergy who attended the Clergy Session at Annual Conference. It is available at Cokesbury for $10.39 (a 35% discount).  

 

Also, for more related insights, visit the www.umc.org feature section titled What We Believe: Topic-Human Sexuality (at http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/human-sexuality).

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.

Kochenderfer UMC to host Revelation Festival August 9 

Revelation Festival, set for August 9, is Lebanon's new premiere Christian music festival planned In partnership with Kochenderfer UMC. It's in its freshman year.  

 

"We have been working on this for months and can't wait for everyone to join us," writes Alex Shepler, one of the organizers. "It will offer both nationally known bands and locally known bands so you're getting the perfect mix of music. We will offer Christian Pop, Rock, Electronic, and even Punk music. Tickets are on sale now; order them by visiting www.rev-fest.com .

 

"It's gonna be a great festival and we can't wait! I encourage you to visit our website (www.rev-fest.com) for more information. Keep up to date with the latest news and updates regarding Revelation Festival by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter and Instagram (@revelationfest).

Come see beauty amid the beasts and enjoy United Methodist Day at the Philadelphia Zoo Aug.16 

A delightful day is in store for all EPA Conference members who gather as family at one of the premier zoos in the U.S. Awesome animals, lush, colorful settings--come witness the stunning beauty of God's creation, face to face, in a place pulsing with the rhythms of life. Bring your family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, church members. Or come alone... because you can always talk to the animals.

 

The Philadephia Zoo (http://www.philadelphiazoo.org/ ) 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA. Phone: 215-243-1100 Hours: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Sponsored by the EPA Conference United Methodist Men.

 

SPECIAL BONUS: You can save $8 on admission with a UM Day Coupon! Print yours and make copies today. Each ticket, usually $20, will cost only $12 with a coupon. And children under 2 get in free.

 

Recommend to your older members that this is a great opportunity to take children and grandchildren to a fun, fantastic UMC adventure. Bring a busload. The UM Men will have a booth at the ZOO entrance so stop by and say hello. For more info contact Ross Brightwell at rossbrightwell@verizon.net or call 215-643-1269. 

Celebrate Campus Ministry Sunday on August 24

As college and university students return to their campuses, Sunday, August 24, may be an ideal time to celebrate the vital importance of campus ministry to them and to congregations that are, or can be, involved in their lives and their formative faith journeys.  

 

The EPA Annual Conference and Cabinet heard recently from the Rev. Christopher Kurien, Director of Connectional Ministries, about the growing interest in resurrecting the Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry to support and play a greater role in ministries among students at higher education institutions in our area.

 

Churches are asked to receive a second-mile offering on Campus Ministry Sunday, August 24, to support the development of campus ministries conference-wide.  

 

Congregations already involved in campus ministry may retain 50 percent of their offerings to help fund their efforts; but they and others are asked to share the remainder with the EPA Conference to support its connectional campus ministry efforts. Look for more news and information in the near future about campus ministry as a vital arena of ministry in the EPA Conference. 

2014 Charge Conference Forms now Online

All Charge Conference documents are available at

http://www.epaumc.org/resources/2014-charge-conference-forms.  Please note that on the 2014 Church Forms Schedule the Finance Committee Report and the Trustee Packet are due August 31.

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. 

Dunkle-Mackey Preaching Seminar Sept. 15 in Delaware

It is time for another Dunkle-Mackey Preaching Seminar Sept. 15, from 9:30 am to 4 pm, at Grace UMC, Wilmington, Del., arranged and promoted by the Dunkle-Mackey Preaching Seminar Foundation. With the theme "Delivering the Gospel," the focus this year will be on the presentation of the sermon. Presenters are:
  • Dr. John M. Stapleton, a United Methodist minister, Theologian-in-Residence at St. John's UMC in Aiken, SC., former actor and director and preaching professor; and
  • Karen Demauro, Director of The Acting Center in New York City, who has taught, coached and performed effective, dramatic communication for various audiences, including clergy and laity.  

The seminar is open to all clergy, including retirees, at a cost of $30. See the flyer for more details; and also answer the questions on the survey form if you wish to be on the discussion panel. For more information visit Grace UMC's Web site or visit the seminar Facebook page. Or contact Doug Ridley, Registrar, at 443-521-0039. 

 

Please Save These Dates!   

Sept. 6: "Leading from the Heart: Reviving Worship for the 21st Century," 9 am to 3 pm, at Paoli UMC. Regular registration, for $45, ends Aug. 31 or when we reach capacity at 200 registrants.  Register online now.
[https://centraldistrict.smartevents.com/public/events/leading-from-the-heart-reviving-worship-for-the-21st-century].  

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. 10: Advanced Level Sexual Ethics Workshop:
"A Preacher and a Shrink Talk about Sexual Ethics" 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Ruhl's United Methodist Church, 4810 Elizabethtown Road, Manheim, PA  

$30/person including continental breakfast, lunch and materials. More Info

 

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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