An Easter message about sacred spaces

Sent last week from the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Superintendent, to the South District:

This week, as I watched fire cause massive damage to Notre Dame, I began to ask myself: "Why do sacred spaces matter in the 21st century?" I believe they matter because they lift our eyes upward, putting our lives in perspective. They matter because they remind us to pause, to keep gratitude as our constant companion, to see holiness in our world and in one another. We wept as Notre Dame burned because we remember sacred spaces matter.

Jesus understood the importance of sacred space. As a teenager, he stays behind in the Temple, in his "father's house." For their last meal, Jesus gathers his disciples in an upper room. Sacred spaces or liminal spaces are not just found in buildings. Jesus takes his disciples up a mountain, and Jesus prays in a garden.

On our district, our faith communities move beyond churches to encompass community centers like The Well and The Annex, where children are taught and the wise of our world find respite. Every Wednesday, our newest faith community meets in Coatesville around a table for a hot lunch and the gift of fellowship. On Easter morning, I will gather at 6 am in a local park to offer the bread and cup to our community, watching the sun rise in God's cathedral.

So often, especially in today's world, we forget that sacred spaces matter. It is too easy to see our work as insignificant. But this week, as a nation wept with Paris, we remember that our steeples do matter.

This Easter, I will be praying for the 106 faith communities across our district, as together we proclaim that death does not have the final word, that God is not done with us yet. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. 

Celebrate Earth Day and God’s Creation, April 21-22

Earth Day in 2019 is on Monday, April 22, a time to celebrate God’s Creation and to work and advocate for its protection and careful stewardship. At almost 50 years old, it is now a global event, when over a billion people in 192 countries take part annually in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world.

And on Easter Sunday, April 21, we celebrated Festival of God’s Creation Day, always the Sunday closest to Earth Day. Also, See what one church has done for 10 years for care for the health of its environment . Learn more…

Registration for Annual Conference is open!

Annual Conference 2019, June 13-15, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA.

Register online by May 24

“Tell to the Coming Generation,” from Psalm 78:4, is the theme Bishop Peggy Johnson has chosen for the 2019 Annual Conference, which returns to the Expo Center in Oaks, Pa, June 13-15 . Learn more about the speakers and programming in our article "2019 Conference to explore ministry of generations."

Clergy, Lay and Equalizing Delegates should register for Annual Conference through the link above or on our website at www.epaumc.org/annual-conference . The registration fee this year is $260, which includes meals for all three days and will help to cover the cost of several improvements to the Annual Conference Sessions. These include better quality chairs in the dining area, the voting machines for delegate nominations, and new Spanish-language interpretation services.

Registrations received after the May 24 deadline will be considered walk-ins and will incur a $50 late fee. Please contact Regina Raiford Babcock at [email protected] or (484) 762-8222 with any questions about the registration process.



On our Annual Conference information page you will find our video livestream of Annual Conference sessions as they occur in real time, beginning June 13 at the opening session . Be sure to also keep up with the hashtag #EPAUMC19 across all social media platforms to read and respond to key actions, special moments and important comments.

Centrists, progressives discuss church's future

Unhappy with the results of General Conference 2019, about 600 centrist and progressive United Methodists from across the United States will meet May 20-22 at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (COR) in Leawood, Kansas. The question being asked: What should become of The United Methodist Church?

Ten nominated representatives from each of the 54 U.S. annual conferences will be invited, as well as active U.S. bishops and top executives of church agencies. Nominations are due by Monday, April 22. Those wishing to nominate themselves or someone else for an invitation to the UMC-Next Gathering, May 20-22, can use this link .

The Rev. Adam Hamilton, COR pastor, is shepherding the dialogues, along with host bishops and others. Among many progressives and traditionalists, he sees ample room in the center for compromise among those who are “compatibilists,” which he finds in greater numbers than non-compromising “incompatibilists” at the margins. Learn more...

Moreover, two recent statements signed by progressive Eastern PA Conference clergy and laity protest the Special General Conference’s approval of the Traditional Plan and its aftermath.  Learn more...

Good News CEO to speak at AC2019 breakfast

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Evangelical Connection will host a breakfast during Annual Conference, featuring remarks by the Rev. Rob Renfroe, president and publisher of Good News, on Friday, June 14, from 7 to 9 AM. Pre-registration is required by June 7. Download the flyer.

The venue will be the Theatre Room of Arnold’s Family Fun Center (next door to the Oaks Expo Center). Renfroe will speak and answer questions on the topic “Is There a Future for United Methodism?” The cost is $20 for a full buffet breakfast and presentation.  Learn more...

Reflecting on 200 years of mission

ATLANTA — Through a website, video, conference and other activities, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries marked 200 years of mission this year. The recent bicentennial conference “embodied the heart of the Methodist mission movement, evident in Wesley’s concern for social and personal holiness and a deeply rooted desire that everyone have an opportunity to experience the healing love of Christ.”  Watch bicentennial video.   A time for connection and reflection

Bishops discuss GC2019 outcomes with black caucus

ATLANTA (UMNS) — African American bishops and other members of The United Methodist Church’s black caucus recently joined in the many conversations happening in the wake of the denomination’s recent General Conference. John W. Coleman has the story and Mike DuBose has the photos.  Read story

BMCR explores 'reset' from past to future

ATLANTA (UMNS) — Speakers challenged The United Methodist Church’s African American caucus and church leaders to work to become more relevant to younger members. The comments came during the Black Methodists for Church Renewal annual meeting. Pittsburgh Area Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi urged caucus members to “stay woke,” the popular rallying cry of the Black Lives Matter movement. John W. Coleman has the story and Mike DuBose has photos. Read story

Camphor Memorial to join Korean church in worship April 28

A 31-year partnership

In 1988 Camphor Memorial UMC, a historic African American church in West Philadelphia, began a partnership with the First Korean Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia (FKPCP), then located in Philadelphia’s Olney community. It led to shared fellowship and a scholarship exchange program. FKPCP is now located in Ambler, PA.

On Sunday, April 28, at 4 PM, the two churches will celebrate their 31st joint service, the longest-continuing intercultural church fellowship event in the region. Once again, the churches will award a student from each congregation a $500 scholarship. When that happens, the two churches will have given to their respective students more than $31,000 since the program’s beginning 31 years ago.

For 10 years, the two churches have invited participation from other racial-ethnic congregations throughout the city, including Latino, Filipino, Japanese and Caribbean churches. "We are proud to continue this unique tradition that celebrates the common bond of faith here in our communities," the Rev. Frank Moore, senior pastor of Camphor.. "It has been a wonderful partnership that we look forward to pursuing for years to come."

The multicultural service and fellowship dinner will be held this year at Camphor Memorial UMC, 5620 Wyalusing Avenue, Philadelphia, at 4 PM. The event is free. For more information, call 215-747-2600 or email [email protected].

Focus Group for Spouses of Part-time Pastors

 Artos Retreats will facilitate a focus group discussion on Sunday, April 28 , 6:30 to 8 PM, at Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, Philadelphia. Eastern PA Conference clergy spouses are invited to come participate in this interesting small group conversation and help shape future clergy spouse programs to include their unique needs. Share your experiences, tips, and suggestions in the following areas:

Rest assured; only summarized and anonymous comments will be shared outside of the focus group meeting. Healthy snacks provided. There is no charge for this event; but you must register soon because space is limited.

Resources for Native American Ministries Sunday, May 5

Native American Ministries Sunday will be May 5, or on any other Sunday a church chooses.

Whenever you celebrate it, consider how small groups in your congregation can engage in studies to learn more about the Native Americans, including those who are United Methodist. Request information or Invite guests from the conference’s Committee on Native American Ministries. Contact the Committee at [email protected] .

Research and report on the traditions and heritage of Native American United Methodists and explore our denomination’s history with First Americans, including our 2016 Act of Repentance and Reconciliation . Show the presentation that outlines ” Five Reasons We Celebrate Native American Ministries Sunday .”

Download the Leader’s Kit and find valuable resources to engage your congregation fully in this special offering on Native American Ministries Sunday. It contains promotional resources like devotional messages, social media graphics, a poster and bulletin insert.  Get resources .

UM Discipleship Ministries also useful provides resources about Native American ministries . Your support provides Native American seminary scholarships and outreach that honors and celebrates Native American heritage, culture and communities. 

District Conferences to meet May 5

All district conferences will be held on Sunday, May 5, around 3 PM at host churches. Members will hear reports about important district matters and resolutions coming to the Annual Conference in June. They will also elect Equalizing Lay Members to Annual Conference.

Moreover, districts will celebrate milestones in the lives of their clergy--those retiring from ministry; those being commissioned and ordained, and those moving in and out of the district. We will report more plans and information as they become available.

Who should attend?

North District Conference, 2:30 PM , Bowmanstown: Faith Alive UMC 678 Pine St, Palmerton, PA. This year, we will celebrate the promises made in our baptisms. Bethlehem Korean UMC will provide special praise music . Our offering will support the Helping Hands Ministry, an impressive food ministry that operates all around Lehighton.

South District Conference; 3 PM  Lima UMC, 209 N Middletown Road, Lima, PA. The offering will support the South District Mission Project "Abundant Life Locally & Globally." Since the District Conference falls on Cinco de Mayo, guests will be treated to steak; chicken and veggie burritos and the ministry of music will be provided by El Buen Samaritano. A highlight of the afternoon will be our South District John Wesley Awards celebrating Leadership Development Initiatives and New South District Ministries.

West District Conference, 3 PM: Salem UMC 140 North Penn St., Manheim, PA.

East District 3 PM: Lighthouse Fellowship UMC  137 N Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 

New book looks at church vitality

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Rev. Olu Brown , pastor of Atlanta’s Impact Church, takes a critical and inspirational look at four aspects of 21st-century ministry and church vitality in “4D Impact: Smash Barriers Like a Smart Church.” Impact is one of the fastest growing United Methodist congregations in the U.S. Read press release .

Visionary professor to discuss church and ‘Volcanic Culture’

Church and culture visionary Dr. Leonard Sweet will give a seminar on the 21st Century Church and Volcanic Culture June 10 , 9 AM to 4 PM, at Quakertown UMC, 1875 Freier Rd., Quakertown, PA. He will speak from his upcoming book, Rings of Fire , a sequel to his Soul Tsunami, due out in November. Conference members can earn .6 CEU credits. The cost is $20, including breakfast and lunch. 

Download the registration form!  Please direct questions to Pastor Lori Wagner of Quakertown UMC, at [email protected]. Also, join Quakertown UMC's in its “Fire Up!” Methodist Revival Tent Meeting on Sunday, June 9 , from 8 AM to 8 PM. Guest Preacher: Leonard Sweet. The agenda will include worship services with altar calls all day, Bible storytelling, prayer meetings, a gospel singalong with a live band.

Annual Conference updates

Krystl Johnson , a member of St. Daniel’s UMC Chester and a lay delegate to the 2016 and 2019 General Conferences, will be the featured speaker at the Laity Session, prior to Annual Conference, on June 13. The session will begin at 1 PM. Johnson serves on the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and on several conference committees. She is vice-coordinator of the Black Methodists for Church Renewal Philadelphia caucus.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Evangelical Connection will host a breakfast during Annual Conference, featuring remarks by the Rev. Rob Renfroe, president and publisher of Good News, on Friday, June 14, from 7 to 9 AM. Pre-registration is required by June 7. Download the flyer.   See related story.

'Churches as First Responders' rescheduled

The recently postponed  Churches as First Responders to the Military and Veteran Population training event for clergy and laity is rescheduled for Nov. 2 , 9 AM to 12 PM, at First UMC Phoenixville, 865 Main St., Phoenixville, PA

Agencies offer support to disability ministries

BALTIMORE — Representatives from general agencies discussed ways to better minister with people with disabilities. The agency executives met with leaders from the United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities and the DisAbility Ministries Committee . The Rev. Leo Yates Jr. reports.  Read story

New CLM Graduates to be recognized June 2

Conference members are invited to a service of recognition honoring new Certified Lay Minister graduates of the Spring Class of 2019 on Sunday, June 2, at 4 PM, at Lititz UMC (201 Market Street, Lititz). Bishop Peggy Johnson will preach.

Certified Lay Minister Graduates, Spring 2019

East District

North District

South District

West District

Methodist Night with the Phillies July 27

Join fellow United Methodists and their guests for our annual United Methodist Night with the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, July 27, at 7:05 PM, at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies will host the Atlanta Braves that night and celebrate their fans, including the many who will attend from United Methodist churches. This annual event is sponsored by, and benefits the ministries of, Eastern PA Conference UM Men. Learn more and get discounted tickets before they run out! ( https://www.mlb.com/phillies/tickets/specials/methodist ) 

CONAM gathering to learn about missing, murdered Native women

 

The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) will sponsor its annual Spring worship service , along with a light supper and fellowship, at Camp Innabah on Sunday, April 28, 4 to 6 PM . Innabah is located at 712 Pughtown Road, Spring City PA.  

This could be a great opportunity for anyone to celebrate United Methodist Native American Ministries Sunday (May 5) early by attending this event with fellow church members. CONAM sponsors spring and fall worship, learning and fellowship events, among other ministries, with funds it receives from our conference's participation in the churchwide Native American Ministries Sunday offering.

 

The April 28 program will present a video interview with Annita Lucchesi , creator of the only national database to track abducted and killed Native American women. Viewers will see her illustrated report, titled Native Crisis: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.   Learn more… 

Also, bring a red dress to display in solidarity

During the Spring worship service, CONAM will feature a “ REDress installation” in recognition of missing and murdered indigenous women, similar to the one pictured here displayed at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. To support this effort, CONAM invites attendees to wear red and please bring a red dress on a hanger to donate to the display.

Urban Alliance & Urban Initiative grants

The Urban Commission of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference will award grants to assist in funding Urban Alliances or Urban Church Initiatives. Churches in 10 urban areas can apply for Eastern PA Conference Urban Ministry grants by May 30, 2019 .

Learn more and apply:  Application for Urban Alliance / Urban Initiative Grants

UMC NEWS BRIEFS

Help for arriving pastors & churches with clergy spouses

Two Eastern PA Conference workshops for two groups: one to help pastors transition into new appointments; the other to help Staff-Pastor/Parish Relations committees (SPPR) and other church leaders understand and relate well to clergy spouses. Both events--”proactive, dynamic, relational and even, at times, humorous”--will happen June 8 at Holy Cross UMC , 329 N. 5th Street, Reading, PA.

Registration Closes on May 24, 2019.

Download the flyer and learn more.   Register today .

Video series can help win disciples

A new teaching series offers instruction in making disciples for Christ by emphasizing relationships and stopping attempts to fix churches. The "See All the People: Discipleship Begins with Relationship" course is free and available through the internet.  Read press release   Enroll

Pocono Plateau events for men and boys

Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center wants men to sign up now for its next annual men's weekend retreat , Friday, September 27, (8 pm) to Sunday, September 29 (1 pm). This year’s theme is "Worthy Competitors." 

Living and surviving in our demanding, competitive world can be exhausting and distracting. How do we stop the cycle and begin to view the world less competitively and more compassionately? Come to this men’s retreat in September to find out, as you learn how to play the “infinite game of faith.” Speaker: the Rev. Eddie Cameron  Learn more.  

Also, coming April 26-28: the annual  Dangerous Retreat for Boys & Dads. For boys in grades 3 - 10 with their dads. Cost: $99 for boys, 89 for Dads. www.poconoplateau.org

What Are You Doing This Summer?

All of our Camp & Retreat Centers are signing up young campers and searching for staff and volunteers for another summer camp extravaganza. Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center invites interested, eligible persons to apply for positions there.

“Our mission for the summer staff team is to provide opportunities that will bring out your God-given talents, strengthening you through training and hands on experiences,” says Gretna Glen director Apryl Miller. View their Summer Staff Promo Video,  titled “This Could Be You!” Then come spend your summer spreading Christ's love, being a role model, learning lifelong skills and building lifelong friendships. Learn more.

Register for summer camp by March 30 to receive a 2019 themed t-shirt Free! Also, check out these upcoming events :

Basic & Advanced Sexual Ethics 2019 Workshops

Advanced Sexual Ethics April 30th 2019 at Asbury UMC in Allentown led by Rev. Beverly Andrews and Mrs. Elaine Spanger. Cost is $35. Lunch is provided.

Contact Jacqueline Hines for more info at [email protected] or 410-963-1721.

 Download the flyer for the full 2019 Sexual Ethics Workshops Schedule . Or visit the schedule on our special Board of Ordained Ministry webpage.

Rekindle the Flame: Children’s Ministry Conference, May 4

Saturday, May 4, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, at Cedarville UMC

(1092 Laureltown Road, Pottstown, PA)

Plan and register now to attend the conference’s next Children’s Ministry Conference for training, networking and resourcing with church staff and volunteers who work with children.

Mentoring Sessions will focus on:

Conference Youth Diversity Retreat, May 3-5

Plan and register now to attend the conference’s second Youth Diversity Retreat, May 3-5, for youth in grades 8–12, at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center.

This weekend is designed to explore the concept and possibilities of diversity in human relationships. Youth will learn to:

The retreat begins Friday at 7 PM and ends Sunday at 2 PM. Activities will include worship, diversity games and simulation exercises, a campfire with singing and s’mores, recreation and meals that reflect cultural diversity. Bishop Johnson will join the retreat on Saturday.

Cost is $95 (a $20 discount) with available scholarship help if needed. Register online at www.gretnaglen.org, or call the Gretna Glen office at 717 -273 -6525!Contact Dave Piltz at [email protected] or Carlen Blackstone at [email protected] for more information.

Download and share the event brochure . 

Denman Evangelism Award nominations sought now

Deadline extended to May 15

It is time again to recognize persons from our Annual Conference—clergy, laity, and youth—who have made an impact by sharing their faith and coming alongside others to encourage a relationship with Jesus. The conference Congregational Development Team (CDT) invites nominations from anyone for the Harry Denman Evangelism Award by May 15. Information and applications can be downloaded by visiting the UMC Foundation for Evangelism website.

Forward entries to the Congregational Development Team (CDT) via email to Suzette James at [email protected] or via postal mail to Eastern PA Conference UMC, P.O. Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820. ATTN: Gordon Hendrickson or Mike Netznik (CDT Chair). Download the flyer.

The Foundation helps annual conferences honor extraordinary clergy, youth, and adult laypersons with this annual award to promote the importance of sharing with everyone, through a variety of ministries, God’s message of love through Jesus Christ. Please nominate persons to receive the 2019 Denman Evangelism Award, which signifies a remarkable commitment to introducing others to the living gospel in ways and places where “new believers can encounter Christ.”

2 Christ Servant Ministry courses offered May 17-18

Two Christ Servant Ministry courses will be offered May 17 and 18 at Asbury UMC Allentown (1533 Springhouse Rd.).

Judy Ehninger will teach “Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry” for persons who want to learn about how Christ Servant Ministry can help members grow in a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. The Rev. Harold Burkett will teach “Speaking 1.” This advanced course is open to members who feel called to witness by effectively telling others how God's Holy Spirit is working in and through their lives.

A $35 registration fee for either class helps pay for class materials and light refreshments. Registration is required. Additional information and /or registration materials, are available from George Hollich by email at [email protected] or calling 717-838-2812.  

Registration forms:

2019 EPA Conference Laity Academy

4 When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch….“Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” –Luke 5:4,10b

Are you prepared to navigate the deep waters? Our lives and ministries are constantly bombarded by the waves that distract us from our commitment to Christ. When you are asked to cast your net and fish for disciples, do you know where to start? Do you know what to say?

Come join us at the 2019 EPA Conference Laity Academy, August 2-4 , on the scenic campus of Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa., for an exciting weekend of classes, fellowship, worship, entertainment, food and service. Learn how you can Gather Disciples and Grow your Ministries. There are many more new classes this year including topics in Ministering to an Aging Congregation, Working With Conflict: Making the Most of Diversity, and more to be announced.

Watch for registration details.  Sign up to be notified when the registration is open!  If you have any questions contact Rick Wrisley, Laity Academy Dean, at [email protected].

New resources: The Movement Continues  

Following General Conference 2019, many are contemplating what the future of The United Methodist Church will look like. It is easy to forget the shared values and ministry that bring us together. A new campaign, “The Movement Continues,” reminds us of our commonality by illustrating different ways God’s call moves us to action. Local churches can participate in the movement via a small group discussion guide, imagery and more.  Learn more…