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NEW INFO NEW INFO NEW INFO
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D.S. Chung's father-in-law passes
We just received news that the father-in-law of the Rev. Bumkoo Chung, new Superintendent of the Southwest District, has died. The Rev. Hyosuk Lee, a retired elder in the Korean United Methodist Church, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Many in the district and conference have been praying for his recovery. Condolences may be sent to the Rev. and Mrs. Bumkoo Chung, 135 Garner Drive, Avondale, PA 19311. Rev. Chung's wife's name is Debra. Please keep their family in prayer.
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Bishop calls for accountability in wake of Mo. crisis
 Bishop Peggy Johnson, upon returning from her visit to East Congo on Aug. 22, felt compelled to offer a public statement to United Methodists in response to the crisis in Ferguson, Mo., which was just unfolding when she left 10 days earlier. Her essay "Standing our ground: 'We are all accountable,'" can be found on her Bishop's Blog. Writing about 18-year-old Michael Brown, who was killed in a confrontation with Ferguson police officer David Wilson, she concurred with Bishop Minerva Carca�o's recent statement: "We are all accountable for his death and accountable to the African American young people in our communities everywhere."
"Michael was our child," writes Bishop Johnson, as were other youth of African American and other races killed before and after him, in cities and towns across our nation. "We must assert clearly, loudly that every life has value and promise, especially every young life, even in the most unpromising circumstances. And the loss of each life, no matter how distant or disparate from us, diminishes us. ...We are all vulnerable when any one of us is vulnerable. There is no us and them. There is only us."
Bishop Johnson suggests various ways for churches to help in the search for serious, creative remedies--ways that start with seeing, hearing and witnessing to what is happening around us, and then praying and working with partners to bring an end to the stubborn ills of racism, poverty, neglect, abuse, distrust and despair. She accepts for herself and passes onto us a challenge to "Listen without prejudice, love without limits and reverse the hate." Learn more...
Becoming a Peacemaker
Also see the new, inspirational online video-photo essay produced by United Methodist Communications (UMCom), Becoming a Peacemaker.
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Bishop sees 'How Beautiful' ministry is in East Congo
 Be sure to check out Bishop Johnson's latest inspiring blog post, "How Beautiful," about her eye-opening, heartwarming tour of the East Congo Area. "How beautiful when humble hearts give the fruit of pure lives so that others may live," she begins, quoting a song recorded in 1993 by popular Christian vocalist.
She writes of a district superintendent just completing her six-year tenure, earning $10 a month and having only a bicycle to use for visiting her churches. Yet, she has established five new congregations on her district. She describes Gaston Ntabamo, a Congolese pilot for the "Wings of the Morning" aviation ministry, who has flown hundreds of critically ill patients from remote areas to the area's lone full-service hospital, as well as evacuating stranded missionaries during times of civil strife. She also was reminded of the incredible mission work happening there by dedicated church members, thanks in part to our donations and onsite visits by mission teams through the Congo Partnership of the EPA, Peninsula-Delaware and Western North Carolina conferences.
The Methodist mission at Wembo Nyama has been an important educational center for Methodists for 100 years. "I am happy to hear that the children's evangelism program started by EPA pastor the Rev. David Ryan through our Congo Partnership has spread to over 4,000 children," writes the bishop. "Parents are seeing how their children have changed since they have come to know the Lord through this vital ministry....Please continue to give to our Central Congo Partnership by sending donations to our Conference Treasurer with "Congo Partnership" in the memo line." Learn more...
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Camp & Retreat Centers to host fall events
 The EPA Conference's four Camp & Retreat Centers will host special weekend fall events for fellowship and faith formation over the next several months. For example, Gretna Glen will host its annual Confirmation Camp onOct. 10-12, wherechurches can sign up as a class and bring their own counselors, and resume Free Youth Group Nights at new time, 4:00 to 6:30 pm, on Sept. 28, Oct. 19 and each ensuing month except December. Gretna Glen will also host Autumn Leaves Senior Adults Day on Oct. 14. Find out more at on the Camp & Retreat page of our Web site, where you can see other Camp & Retreat Centers' events also.
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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 [email protected] or 302-841-2449. Attached are the FlamingosBrochure, Registration/Medical Form, and Covenant document.
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NJ Bishop responds to Atlantic City casino layoffs
 Bishop John Schol, of our neighboring Greater New Jersey Conference, was featured in a Philadelphia Inquirer Aug. 26 front-page article about the impending casino worker layoffs in Atlantic City. Staff writer Suzette Parmley reports, "When gambling was being proposed for Atlantic City 38 years ago, most religious denominations opposed casinos. They viewed gambling as a vice that could destroy families and communities. Now, many of the same churches are standing firmly by the casino workers, a number of whom fill their pews on Sundays, who are expected to lose their jobs in massive numbers, starting Labor Day weekend with the closure of the Showboat and Revel. Many houses of worship are offering counseling for the affected workers, increased food pantry hours, or just someone to pray with.
"There are going to be a lot of people hurting," said John R. Schol, bishop of the United Methodist Church's Greater New Jersey Conference...which has 572 member churches. "No matter what industry, we want to be there to support them." Schol helped lead a march and prayer service with clergy and casino workers last week and is calling for other responses by United Methodist churches. Learn more...
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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.
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Drive-thru Prayer Ministry a Twitter favorite
"Loved the article about your drive-thru prayer ministry. I attend the New Chapel UMC in Springfield, TN. Would love to start such a ministry here. Could you send me a picture of the prayer square that you hand out? God bless."
That message from Charlene Sullivan was one of several responses Ruth Portzline, a member of St, John's UMC Ivyland, received after EPA Conference Communications reported her church's new Drive-thru Prayer Ministry to the United Methodist News Service. UMNS featured a link on the denomination's Web site (www.umc.org) to Ruth's article on our Web site and then tweeted the link to its Twitter followers. We retweeted it, and others did as well; and suddenly it was going semi-viral. Several people are asking to know more about the simple but innovative ministry.
Ruth, a new Certified Lay Minister, responded to Charlene that she will send a picture of the prayer square when she returns to the church office Sept. 2. "We feel so blessed to be a part of this new ministry and wish you the best in starting one at your church," she wrote. "If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by email or phone." No doubt, her invitation is open to anyone in the EPA Conference as well. You can reach her at 215-357-6998 ext. 309 or [email protected].
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'Gathering storm': the Philly riots of '64
Have you seen this riveting story by reporter Will Bunch in the Philadelphia Daily News? (Another version by Jeff Gammage, titled "Lasting Damage," appeared in the Sunday Phila. Inquirer.) It recounts the tumult 50 years ago on Aug. 28 of the riots that may have changed race relations in the "City of Brotherly Love" forever, an untimely anniversary in the wake of the recent civil unrest in Ferguson, Mo.
Richard Watson, then 18, witnessed the growing commotion, "like a gathering storm," that became "the worst outbreak of civil unrest in modern Philadelphia history." Bunch calls it "a political and moral awakening...for much of the city, a giant tipping point." He also asserts the following: "The question reverberates in 2014: Could it happen again? The answer of those who witnessed the furies of 1964 may not be exactly what Philadelphia wants to hear."
"It could definitely happen - there are so many fuses that are exposed," Watson tells Bunch. "Until there's a reckoning of spirit and integrity and right-thinking about the people of the world, these fuses are ripe to be lit at any time, by any circumstances."
Learn more...
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Top ministries for men, youth to be honored
United Methodist Men will honor the top 30 local churches that engage in ministries designed to transform the lives of men and youth. The agency will also honor 10 districts and 10 annual conferences that provide life-changing ministries to men and youth in their areas. Rich Peck of United Methodist Men reports that only churches with chartered United Methodist Men's units may participate, but districts and annual conferences may participate if at least one-fourth of their churches are chartered. Learn more...
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Yrigoyen awarded by Historical Society
The Historical Dictionary of Methodism (third edition), edited by the Rev. Charles Yrigoyen Jr., of the EPA Conference, and Susan E. Warrick, is the 2013 Saddlebag Award Winner. The Historical Society of the UMC presents the award annually for the best book on the history of United Methodism, or its predecessors, that was published in the previous year. The new edition contains more than 700 articles by 80 contributors, including Yrigoyen.
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 Grant aids deacon's community labor ministry The Rev. Eddie Cameron, just commissioned a Provisional Deacon at the 2014 EPA Annual Conference, (see his photo on page 1 of NEWSpirit's summer issue), received an Emerging Ministry Grant of $2,500 from the UMC's General Board of Higher Education and Ministry to help create a "community-wide Day of Service in the NE section of Lancaster City, designed to bring hope to the city through acts of service, love, justice, mercy, and grace." The board Division of Ordained Ministry awards the one-time grants of up to $5,000 to deacons and diaconal ministers to encourage them to establish new peace with justice ministries that reach outside the walls of the church. They may be one-time events or ongoing programs. Learn more about the Labor for Lancaster event, happening on Sunday, Aug. 31, and come join this "community-wide movement designed to engage and empower the people...as we seek to shine the light of Lancaster City brighter through acts of compassion, hope, and kindness." Its nifty slogan is "Hope Happens Here." Scheduled times are 12:00-4:00 p.m. for the labor and 5-6 pm for the community meal.
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Central District events open to the full Conference
- "Leading from the Heart" Worship Conference, Sept. 6, at Paoli UMC. Registration closes Aug. 31! There is still plenty of room, but don't delay. Register now.
- Conflict and Mediation Skills Laity Training, Sept. 13, at Ardmore UMC. Plenty 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 Douglassville. Register 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.
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REMINDERS REMINDERS REMINDERS
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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.
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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.
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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 [email protected]. 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.
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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
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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...
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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 [email protected] or 610-965-2290 (H) or 610-442-3140 (C). You can also find out more at www.christservantministries.net/certified.htm.
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 Christ Servant Ministry Training,
Oct. 3-4
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. |
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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.
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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, [email protected] 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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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:
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church
980 Madison Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403
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