Finding light in the darkness of 9/11 |
NEW YORK (UM News) — United Methodists remember two decades ago when they rose to the challenge of caring for survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but the trauma still affects many. One sensory memory of ground zero in New York still lingers with the Rev. Tom Hazelwood, who was there a week after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He can’t forget the “dusty, chalky, metallic smell.”
“(It was) something I’d never smelled before, nor have I ever smelled it again,” said Hazelwood, who led the U.S. disaster response program of the United Methodist Committee on Relief from 1998 to 2013. “The dust was all over everything. You couldn’t help but feel the loss of lives there. They were still digging and excavating.”
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Pastor to join in remembering heroes of 9/11 |
No doubt many clergy and laity will participate in 9/11 memorial events this weekend, especially in this 20 anniversary of perhaps the most tragic days in our nation’s history. The Rev. Kenneth Gelzheiser, pastor of St. Mark’s UMC in Broomall, Marple Township, will offer opening and closing ecumenical prayers and brief words of remembrance during the town’s commemoration at Veterans Park, on Saturday, at 6:45 PM.
First-responders and Boy and Girl Scouts will also participate, as residents, students, families, military veterans and guests solemnly witness the memorial and educational ceremony. “I will give reverence to the people who died on 9/11,” said Gelzheiser, “but also remember the 13 brave soldiers who died during the recent evacuation from Afghanistan and the people--especially the women--who are left there to suffer (under the Taliban government).”
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Rev. Theodore Loder memorial service Sunday
A memorial service will celebrate the life and leadership of the Rev. Theodore Loder on Sunday, September 12 at 1:30 PM. The longtime, pioneering, activist pastor died in April. His service will be at First UMC of Germantown, in Philadelphia, where he served as the lead pastor for 38 1/2 years, before retiring in 2000. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www,FUMCOG.org and on YouTube.
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Conference seeks to help churches recover from Ida’s storms |
The Eastern PA Conference wants to help hard-hit local churches and communities recover from severe damages inflicted by the remnant of Hurricane Ida as it swept through the Northeast region Sept. 2.
Several churches and numerous communities were ravaged by flooding and high winds, as one of the strongest hurricanes in recent memory wreaked havoc and historic destruction on Louisiana Aug. 29-30 and then careened northeast as far as Eastern PA, New Jersey and New York. At least seven tornadoes also touched down in our area.
Among the counties hardest hit by the storm were Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia. A handful of UM churches reported damages and sought to remove water, mud, and soaked debris from their buildings with the help of volunteers and donations. But further remediation will be a long, hard and expensive process for some.
Bishop John Schol (above) who became Eastern PA’s episcopal leader Sept. 1, met with the conference Cabinet and disaster response coordinator to learn about reported damages and relief efforts, and to explore how the conference might respond to the ordeal both immediately and in the long term.
That response should include funds raised through the conference’s ongoing Disaster Response Advance Special Fund (#0345). Bishop Schol appealed for generous donations and other aid in a new video message addressed to Eastern PA Conference members and churches. That video is featured in a new letter the bishop is sending to pastors and churches Friday.
“We’re all going to need to work together to help the people of eastern Pennsylvania rebuild and move forward,” he says.
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UM connection kicks in after Hurricane Ida |
BATON ROUGE, La. (UM News) — The days after Hurricane Ida have brought more reports of damage to United Methodist buildings in Louisiana and the Northeast, but also cheering accounts of the denomination's connectional strength. The Alabama-West Florida Conference sent $100,000 to the Louisiana Conference for relief and recovery. Read story
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Reckoning with Ida's destruction in NE |
MULLICA HILL, N.J. — After the remnants of Ida brought tornadoes, flooding and death to the U.S. Northeast, United Methodists are bringing solace and aid. Heather Mistretta writes about how United Methodists are responding in New Jersey. New York Conference Bishop Thomas Bickerton calls for prayer and generosity following so many disasters around the globe. Read Greater New Jersey story. Read Bishop Bickerton's statement
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Christmas Cards for Inmates Ministry returns Sept. 13 |
The Eastern PA Conference Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice Team, led by the Rev. Marilyn Schneider, will relaunch on Sept. 13 its popular Christmas Cards for Inmates Ministry, hoping to build on a pandemic-forced, scaled-down effort last year.
While most churches were closed and events were canceled in 2020, limiting opportunities to have cards produced and signed, the team still provided over 4,000 signed cards to correctional facilities for their inmates and staff. It credits that successful effort to determined team and conference members who picked up and dropped off cards at supportive churches.
The team will use the same system this year, relying on at least six-- and maybe more-- participating churches and the Conference Office as pick-up and drop-off locations for prepared cards, while encouraging churches now back in operation to make their own cards and drop them off, once signed. Instructions are on the PMRJ web page. Look for more information to come, and please uplift this important outreach ministry in supportive prayer.
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Youth & Young Adult Ministries back in action |
School is back in session. And so is Eastern PA Conference’s Youth & Young Adult Ministries. New coordinator the Rev. William Brawner will help “Enlighten and Engage” Drexel University students at the Open Door Campus Ministry on Wednesday, Sept. 15, when he introduces them to several Philadelphia community activists to hear about their work for social justice. The diverse, interfaith student group will share a meal at 6 PM and then engage with their guests for an hour.
“I want to suggest ideas and resources to get them thinking more about doing mission beyond the campus,” said Brawner, who will be on campus this weekend to meet returning and incoming students. The group has been to the Kensington community several times to engage in ministry with residents under their former campus minister the Rev. David Piltz. Now Brawner wants to broaden their outreach and take them to the next level.
The new coordinator also has two Youth Ministry events planned for early fall: a meeting with youth directors, youth pastors and others interested in youth ministry Sept. 28, at 6:30 PM, on Zoom; and a CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministry) barbecue Oct. 16 at Carson Simpson Farm in Hatboro. The informal gathering, from 11 AM to 2 PM, will generate discussions about youth ministry challenges, strategies and programs, as well as training and team-building exercises, worship and fellowship. More information to come.
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October 1-2 Laity Academy now online only |
Diana Wrisley, Dean of the 2021 Laity Academy, announced Sept. 9 that all classes for the Oct 1-2 academy session will be held online only, using Zoom video-conferencing. Classes intended to be held in-person at various churches are now canceled.
The Part 2, hybrid session follows a weekend session held totally online Aug. 6-7. But only 30 students have registered so far for the next session of 15 courses offered either online or onsite; and the onsite or in-person courses have only zero to one registrant. The COVID-19 pandemic, made more severe by the unrelenting delta variant and an insufficient public vaccination rate, may be the key reason for low registration for in-person classes.
“It is an obvious indicator when even our Basic course has only one student,” said Wrisley in announcing the change to her planning team and academy instructors after speaking with Conference Lay Leader David Koch. The three courses offered in Spanish are cancelled also. Learn more...
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Preparing for HealthFlex Annual Election |
It is that time of year again! Our HealthFlex Annual Election period for Clergy and Lay eligible members is November 3rd through 18th, 2021. This is your opportunity to enroll or waive coverage for yourself; add or remove an eligible child or spouse; waive coverage for eligible dependents on your HealthFlex plan or change you plan altogether!
Elections you make during this period will take effect January 1, 2022.
Unless you have previously waived coverage, you will need to access your record through Wespath and renew your selection. Please note: If you do not make an election, your enrollment reverts to the H3000 plan with no HSA contributions.
ALEX Benefits Counselor is now LIVE and updated for 2022. You can now use this feature to estimate costs and receive a personalized recommendation for your 2022 HealthFlex Elections. ALEX will remain available throughout the Annual Election period (November 3-18) and participants can visit as often as they would like. Remember, ALEX does not make or save elections. You will still need to go to Benefits Access and make your elections. Learn more...
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UMs pitch in with Afghan resettlement |
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (UM News) — With the recent tumultuous end of the 20-year Afghan war, tens of thousands of Afghans are arriving in the U.S., and United Methodists are part of the massive effort to help them make a fresh start. Sam Hodges reports. Read story
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COVID vaccination named missional priority |
(UM News) — The Connectional Table, which acts as a church council for the denomination, declared that addressing COVID-19 vaccine inequities is a United Methodist "missional priority." The leadership body hopes the church will target the disease with the same organized zeal as it has malaria and Ebola. Read story
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Congo Partnership projects update |
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference is a vital part of the Congo Partnership, an exciting relationship with the Central Congo Episcopal Area and several U.S. Annual Conferences. Learn about the Congo Partnership History & Covenant Agreement: Congo-Mission – Congo Partnership Covenant Agreement.
While financial support is given to all the Partnership Projects from individuals, churches, and districts in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, several specific projects have caught the imagination and passion of our Annual Conference in recent years. (Click here for video of projects.) Learn More...
Thanks to the Rev. Jonathan Baker for these updates on the Congo Partnership and Eastern PA's support there. Annette Onema-Orbach is coordinator of Eastern PA's role in the partnership. Contact her at congo@epaumc.org,
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Research shows Black churches' resilience |
ATLANTA (UM News) — In June, Gammon Theological Seminary joined with five United Methodist organizations, seeking to hear the voices of Black pastors and leaders who have faithfully led and served God's people amid the unprecedented COVID-19 global health pandemic. Read story
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Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month |
Swarthmore UMC (129 Park Ave, Swarthmore, PA) will celebrate National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year) with a musical celebration and fundraiser for earthquake relief in Haiti on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 PM. Celebrants will gather on the church lawn to enjoy the music of Cuban band Conjunto Philadelphia. “We want to help charter a plane for sending much needed medical supplies to Haiti via the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR),” reads the flyer. For more information contact: officeswarthmore@gmail.com or call 610-543-2110. Please share the flyer. (Church address not included on flyer.)
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Messages of hope after the storm |
BATON ROUGE, La. — The Rev. Todd Rossnagel, host of the Louisiana Conference's Louisiana NOW podcast, is asking United Methodists around the world to share messages of hope in the wake of Hurricane Ida, which slammed the state earlier this week and left millions without power. "Just a brief word of hope from so many people would do so much to help restore hope," Rossnagel said via email. He plans to collect the messages for a future podcast. Those who want to leave a message can call 504-507-1542. Learn more about podcast. UM News: Hurricane Ida takes out church buildings
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Bishops respond after Ida pummels NE |
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — After the remnants of Ida brought flooding and tornadoes to the U.S. Northeast, Bishop John Schol said the United Methodist Committee on Relief reached out to ask what was needed. For now, he said, church leaders are still assessing damage in the Greater New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania conferences. Bishop Thomas Bickerton said the New York Conference reported no significant damage to church structures, but the storm has displaced people from their homes. Read story Read Bishop Schol's letter
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Delay Scouting charters group recommends
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At an Aug. 26 meeting of the Scouting Committee of the Commission on United Methodist Men, attendees were informed that bishops and conference chancellors are advising local churches not to renew their charters with Boy Scouts of America units beyond Dec. 31. There are concerns that local churches may still have a risk of liability for damages in the BSA settlements of charges of sexual misconduct, and this delay gives denominational leaders time to work out an agreement with the organization. Read story
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Urging US to reconsider N. Korea sanctions |
GENEVA — In a Sept. 1 letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, the World Council of Churches acting general secretary appealed for reconsideration on sanctions against North Korea. "While we share many of the concerns upon which these sanctions are based, they have failed to resolve those concerns," writes the Rev. Ioan Sauca. Read letter
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Missionaries to reveal glimpses of their lives in #stillinmission on Zoom Sept.16 |
Rebecca "Becky" Parsons, UM Global Ministries Mission Advocate for the Northeast Jurisdiction (Advance #3021143), will be among five missionaries--one a missionary couple--featured in an online conversation about mission Sept.16 at 12 PM on Zoom. It's another monthly episode of the year-old, online #stillinmission program, an initiative prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on itineration travel. Join Becky and the others to learn about the joys and challenges they’ve experienced and the U.S. and abroad. Registration is required.
UM Creation Justice meeting Sept. 13
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Bivocational & Small Church Network meeting to feature clergy coach, Sept. 14 |
The Rev. Steve Petty, a certified clergy coach and consultant, will lead a discussion at the next Bivocational & Small Church Network meeting on Tuesday, Sept.14, at 6:30 PM. Petty’s work is “Helping pastors and churches survive and thrive in these interesting times.”
He will share wisdom from his November 2020 blog series “Understanding Your Church,” with relatable insights that compare churches to cats and collies. The network is a support group of part-time, bivocational pastors and lay members of small churches. It meets for about an hour every two months.
“There are many churches that have the characteristics of a Cat,” writes Petty, attributing such characteristics to about 27% of UM churches. “These churches have less than 35 in average Sunday attendance. They typically have been in existence a long time and been small a long time. Usually the pastor stays around 2 to 3 years and moves on, so the congregation does not get very attached to the pastor. ... As a result they rarely take the pastor into their confidence. When someone goes to the hospital the pastor may be the last to know.” Learn more…
“Churches with an average attendance of 35 to 100 tend to act a lot like Collies,” writes Petty, citing about 37% of all UMC’s that may fit that description. “These creatures are warm and affectionate and respond well to love and attention.
“Whereas the Cat has little interest in making their pastor happy, the Collie lives to make the pastor happy. When the pastor goes away on seminars or vacation, the collie is beside itself waiting for the pastor to return, and it wants to know everything the pastor did while away, and OH, YES, please tell me you missed me….
“The most effective pastor for this church is one who likes to build close relationships over long periods of time, a real people person.” Learn more…
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Palmer Seminary weekly chapel services feature numerous UM preachers |
Palmer Theological Seminary in St. Davids offers each Tuesday a weekly chapel service, and the next one, on Sept. 14, will feature the school's new Interim Dean, the Rev. Kimberlee Johnson (right). A longtime staff and faculty member at Palmer, she is a clergywoman in the American Baptist Churches USA. Chapel services are held at 6 PM in Room 251 of McInnes Hall, on the Eastern University campus.
The ensuing weeks will feaure mostly UM preachers. Among them, the Rev. Bron Yocum, Director Methodist Student Advising, will celebrate Communion on Sept. 21, followed by the Revs.: Dawn Taylor Storm, Director of Connectional Ministries (Sept. 28); John Bletsch, pastor of St. Matthew’s UMC of Valley Forge and adjunct faculty member (Oct. 5); Tom Ebersole, pastor of Wayne UMC (Nov. 9); and Bishop John Schol (Nov. 30), among other speakers.
"Palmer has been blessed to prepare more UM clergy in the Eastern PA Conference than any other seminary, so we are delighted to welcome our resident bishop," said Yocum.
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Lancaster Seminary offers fall ministry courses |
The Rev. Darryl W. Stephens (Deacon), Director of Pennsylvania Academy of Ministry (PAM) and UM Studies at Lancaster Theological Seminary, announces two fall courses beginning in October that might interest Eastern PA Conference members:
Job-Hunting Field Guide: Bivocational Ministry and Beyond, Tuesday nights September 7– October 12, via Zoom. $100 for 2.5 CEU credits. Packard Brown, a nationally known career consultant, will teach the course. Hands-on classes will equip you to create your own promotional package, develop and hone interview skills, find jobs before they are posted, and design your own job-search campaign. This class is beneficial for secular as well as ministerial job searches. Register by Aug 31.
Money and Ministry: A Theology for Congregational Leaders, Thursday, October 14, 7–8:30pm and Tuesdays, 7–8:30pm, Oct 19–Nov 16, 2021, via Zoom. Instructor: Mike Little, Director of Faith and Money Network. 2.5 CEUs. $325. Register by October 5.
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Churches to explore how to emerge from the pandemic, Sept. 20 |
Churches Emerging from the Pandemic, a virtual seminar via Zoom on Monday, Sept. 20, 9 AM-12 noon, will help church leaders “think more deeply about the challenges they are facing as their congregations emerge from the pandemic, and envision ways to address those challenges.”
Leadership consultant and coach Mike Bonem (right) will lead the seminar. An expert on ministry leadership and congregational effectiveness, he speaks to audiences nationally and internationally and is the author or co-author of several books: Leading from the Second Chair, Thriving in the Second Chair, In Pursuit of Great and Godly Leadership, and Leading Congregational Change.
Bonem spent 11 years as an executive pastor. With an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, he also has consulted with Fortune 100 companies and lead a start-up business.
Pastors, associate pastors, other staff and key lay leaders will all benefit from participating in this 3-hour event, which will include a presentation and interaction. Bonem will help attendees consider what is happening around us as we emerge from the pandemic, what it may mean to our congregations, and what it can mean for Christian leaders.
Those considerations may include impacts and trends, challenges and characteristics of congregations seeking to survive and thrive as the pandemic wanes, and what steps to take now (even if the future is unclear). One impact to be considered is the overall health of church leaders in the wake of the pandemic. Please register today for this webinar.
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Post-Pandemic Clergy Group
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Next conference-wide Book Club study: Plantation Jesus
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The Eastern PA Conference’s Congregational Development Team (CDT) and Commission on Religion & Race (CORR) will collaborate again in October on a second conference-wide book study that focuses on racism in America. The weekly study, via Zoom, will gather readers for lively discussion on Wednesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11 AM to noon, to explore the racially conscious 2018 book Plantation Jesus.
Writer Ande Cumbo-Floyd co-wrote the book with Rick Wilson, an Emmy Award-winning media producer and writer who died in 2014, and Skot Welch, founder of Global Bridgebuilders, a consulting firm focusing on cultural transformation and inclusion. Wilson and Welch co-hosted the popular radio program Radio in Black and White.
Cumbo-Floyd will lead sessions of the study, which, like the book, will cover challenging topics related to race, ethnicity, American Christianity and cultural competence. Cumbo-Floyd led CORR members in a deeply insightful, candid study and discussion of Plantation Jesus this summer, prompting the commission to recommend it for the entire conference.
CORR members will facilitate the study, which will include breakout rooms for small-group discussion. CORR and CDT together will offer free e-books to the first 50 study registrants. The book is available in paperback, Kindle and Audible formats. Register here.
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Advanced Financial Leadership Academy starts in October |
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The Mid-Atlantic UM Foundation has graduated over 200 clergy in three conferences from its Financial Leadership Academy (FLA) so far. Now it will help a cadre of those alumnae to further their financial wisdom in its first Advanced Financial Leadership Academy, starting in October. The advanced academy’s three sessions will end in September 2022.
Clergy recommended and selected for this next-level series of courses will be able to advance their financial leadership skills as they “prepare for the new world in church economics and for any future conference/executive level leadership” opportunities.
Continuing the FLA’s cohort learning model, clergy colleagues will address the need and possibilities for unique streams of income, trends and threats to watch out for in a post-COVID world, and how to find and develop resources for mission and ministry. Participants will receive coaching around key goals they establish and then watch their visionary goals and plans come to fruition.
Onsite accommodations for the three overnight sessions—October 11-12, 2021; March 7-8, 2022; and September 12-13, 2022—will be at the Eden Resort in Lancaster, PA. There will also be interim video-conferencing sessions offering with coaching for groups and individuals.
Curriculum topics will include:
- Creating multiple streams of income to expand mission and ministry, including property development, starting nonprofit 501c3’s, and community engagement.
- Changing the “culture of generosity” in the congregation: learn how to seek large gifts, maximize assets, and fund new staff for ministry expansion.
- Enhancing the life-giving spirit of generosity: renew your spirit and perspective; hear great ideas about expanding generosity; present projects to the group.
Participants will have opportunities to create projects to benefit the life of their congregations. Completion of the program and the project will form the basis of consideration for a post-academy grant.
Enrollment is limited to 35 clergy; so register here now to secure your place. The cost is $1,200, to be paid in three installments. A $400 deposit is due at registration. Questions? Email Karin Walker at Karin.walker@fallstonumc.org.
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Advanced Sexual Ethics course to examine pornography link to child sex trafficking |
The next Advance Sexual Ethics course will study The Impact of Pornography and the Intersection with Child Sex Trafficking and Abuse, Sept. 29, 10 AM to 1 PM, on Zoom. The cost is $35.
The workshop will delve into the world of pornography and its impact on congregants, children, communities and ourselves. The workshop will focus on common types of pornography, trends in the use of porn and its impact on the human brain, and connections between pornography and the growing problems of domestic child sex trafficking and child sexual abuse.
Prior to the workshop, registrants will receive links to two videos to view and worksheets to complete. The facilitators are from Safe Communities Lancaster PA, including Linda Crockett, founder and director. Contact the Rev. Jacqueline Hines for more information at pastorjacquelineumc@gmail.com or 410-963-1721. Learn more…
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Healing Communities Training on Zoom in Sept. |
Co-sponsored by the Conference Prison Ministry and Restorative Justice Team and the West Chester Mission Link.
3 ZOOM sessions in September:
- Tuesday, Sept 21, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
- Saturday, Sept 25, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Tuesday, Sept 28, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
- 2 additional hours of homework to be completed outside of the Zoom sessions
1.0 CEU to be provided for CSM, CLM, and clergy, upon completioin of all 3 Zoom sezzions and the 2 hrs of out-of-class work. Cost: $10
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October seminar to focus on domestic violence in marginalized communities |
The Eastern PA Conference will explore this fall how domestic violence is experienced and addressed by people who face injustice, neglect and other disadvantages because of their race, ethnicity, disability, nationality and other circumstances that relegate them to the margins of society.
“Seeking Justice and Mercy: Social Justice for Marginalized Communities Experiencing Domestic Violence” will be the broad focus of a weekend Zoom webinar Oct. 15-16. The conference Domestic Violence (DV) Committee is organizing the Friday evening (7-9 PM) and Saturday morning (9 AM to 12:30 PM) online event.
Maria Sofia Gattorno, an attorney at HIAS PA's Domestic Violence Initiative, will keynote the webinar, following introductions and devotions on Friday at 7 PM. At HIAS she provides free legal services to immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault who reside in Chester County.
“Voices of Survivors” will follow, featuring testimonies and reflections by a diverse panel of women—including one who is deaf—about their struggles for justice and equity in seeking help and healing to overcome domestic and intimate-partner violence.
Saturday’s agenda will feature more panelists sharing how non-mainstream cultures may be uniquely impacted by domestic violence, and what needs to be done—in the faith community and beyond—to respond to their challenging needs and circumstances. Learn more…
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Moravian Seminary offers courses to laity |
Moravian Theological Seminary in Bethlehem will offer three courses to laity, both onsite and online through Zoom this fall, through the Crossroads program. Register and learn more at www.moravianseminary.edu/crossroads. Contact Dr. Jill Peters, Missional Leadership Developer, at petersj2@moravian.edu with any questions. The courses are held at 6 to 9 PM and cost $240 each. They are:
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Traditions, a look at world religions and other Protestant denominations, on Mondays, Sept. 13–Nov. 1.
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Creative Worship on Thursdays, Sept. 9–Oct. 28.
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Unpacking the Scriptures, twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays, Nov. 4–Dec. 2.
More courses on Missional Leadership, Congregational Ethics, the Story of Christianity and Formative Spirituality will be offered during winter 2022.
"Moravian Theological Seminary is one of the schools of theology approved by our University Senate, where United Methodist students may earn their seminary degrees on the path to ordination,” said Bishop Peggy Johnson. It also offers continuing education classes and workshops. United Methodists and Moravians are in full communion. And John Wesley, our Methodist founding father, learned much from the Moravians during his time of spiritual formation. The ties have been strong ever since."
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Modern culture teaches people to be brave and not show vulnerability, but even Jesus wept. What brings people to tears may reveal their most authentic selves, as well as offer a space to commune with God. Crystal Caviness has the story. Read story
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Don't let pandemic halt Sunday school |
Five new curriculum options from Cokesbury Kids can keep children learning whether they're doing Sunday school at church or home. With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, the new programs are flexible enough to fit either venue. Read press release
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Examining Jesus' most difficult teachings |
Amy-Jill Levine, New Testament and Jewish studies professor, will discuss with writer Rob Simbeck her new study, "The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings." The Amplify Media webinar is set for Sept. 14, at 3 pm. Read press release. Register
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Resilience conference set |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Healthy spiritual practices will be explored during an online conference designed to help participants be more resilient in the wake of difficult events like the coronavirus pandemic and racial upheaval. "Resilience: Healing Practices for Mind, Body and Spirit" is set for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2. Read press release See schedule Register
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Dewees Grants deadline extended to 9/20 |
The Dewees Grant applications fall deadline, usually Sept. 1, is extended to Sept. 20 this year. Funds are given to the Eastern PA Conference “to use in the mission programs of the Church.” Grants typically do not exceed $5,000, and must be for the initial funding of a project only. Churches should send their completed applications to their district superintendents. Committees, boards and agencies should send their applications to the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministries.
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Grants available to support ecumenism |
WASHINGTON — The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church invites applications for the 2022 Local Initiatives Grants, which support ecumenical and interreligious work. The Council of Bishops offers three grants of $1,000 each to groups within conferences for special projects. The deadline is Sept. 17. Read press release. To apply (PDF)
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Conference sues for control of megachurch |
MARIETTA, Ga. (UM News) — After a failed attempt at mediation, the monthslong dispute between the North Georgia Conference and Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church has landed in civil court. The conference trustees are suing the megachurch seeking the transfer of property and assets. Read story
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Seminary reaches debt-reduction goal |
DAYTON, Ohio — United Theological Seminary, one of the 13 United Methodist seminaries, has reached, through gifts and pledges, its $4 million Burn the Mortgage campaign goal. The Rev. Kent Millard, the seminary's president, and Callie Picardo, its vice president for development, shared the debt-reduction news in a video. Watch video
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Perkins dean preaches on US divisions |
DALLAS — The Rev. Craig Hill, dean of the Perkins School of Theology, focused on the polarized U.S. atmosphere in a sermon for the Feast of Beginnings, a worship service marking the start of Perkins' school year. Hill titled his sermon "A Modest Proposal: Let's Tell the Truth About Each Other." Read sermon Read press release about service
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Christian witness and critical race theory |
CARMEL, Ind. — There's been confusion as to what critical race theory is, blurred by people with agendas trying to define it to suit their own purposes, says Bishop Julius C. Trimble of the Indiana Conference. Some of this uncertainty is an attempt to distract from things such as the assault on voting rights of American citizens, childhood poverty and attempts at racial healing, he writes.
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Notice: Email Spoofing & Fake Texts |
Email spoofing is once again at work using conference leaders as the sender. Remember, spoofing is when the sender of the email forges (spoofs) someone’s email address, so that the message appears to come from a legitimate email address.
Also, if anyone receives texts asking for a favor and requesting the purchase of gift cards to address some need, they are most certainly part of a periodic, widespread scam. Such texts have been reported by persons identifying the senders as Eastern PA Conference clergy, including district superintendents.
Please do not respond to any emails or text messages from your District Superintendent requesting money, your time, an email response, etc.
Do not respond to these fake texts. Delete them immediately. Learn more…
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Conference Office now open daily, 8 to 4 |
The Conference Office returned to its regular schedule Sept. 7. All staff are in the office on Mondays and will take turns working at the office on other days, reports Jo Fielding, Director of Administrative Services. Office hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. If you visit the Conference Office please wear a mask and try to maintain at least 6 feet of social distancing. Do not come to the office if you do not feel well, have a runny nose or cough (non-allergy), or have a fever. |
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Welcome celebration for Bishop Schol to be livestreamed only |
The Eastern PA Conference celebration to welcome Bishop John Schol as its next episcopal leader, on Saturday, Sept. 18, at 10:30 AM, will be livestreamed only; and only key participants in the program will be present at West Chester UMC. That decision was made today, August 19, “out of an abundance of caution,” due to the present surge in COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates, caused mostly by the virus’ lethal delta variant. All persons who have registered to attend will be notified.
Bishop Schol, who leads the Greater New Jersey Conference, will also lead the Eastern PA Conference beginning Sept. 1, at least until the next Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference and election of bishops in November 2022. He will be installed by conference leaders Sept. 18.
A diverse assemblage of clergy and lay leaders, along with children and youth and guests from the Greater New Jersey Conference Cabinet, was to participate in the welcome celebration. Many of them, as well as Bishop Schol’s wife Beverly Schol, will still be there to participate, but not the expected congregation, which will now watch via livestreamed video. The program will include a covenant service, presentation of symbolic signs of the episcopacy, Holy Communion, special music and a message in response by Bishop Schol.
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'Turn It Up' at 2022 UM Women’s Assembly |
“Turn It Up!” is the theme for the United Methodist Women’s 21st Assembly, May 20-22, 2022. Thousands of women are expected to attend the celebration in Orlando, Fla. The Assembly website (assembly2022.org), contains information and resources regarding the upcoming event. (And it features former guest speaker Bishop Peggy Johnson’s photo.)
Registration opens Sept. 1 for both the in-person event and the virtual experience. Register early online at assembly2022.org until Nov. 20 to receive the early bird discount of $30 off the regular registration fee. Proof of vaccination and/or wearing a mask may be required to attend Assembly. The UMW National Office follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and will comply with all applicable health and safety guidance to protect the safety of event attendees.
The UMW will sponsor an online “Turn It Up! Virtual Teatime” Sept. 8, 7-8 p.m, to provide information about its Assembly 2022 and how to promote attendance to local and conference UMW units . Use this link on Sept. 8 to join the virtual marketing kickoff.
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Please visit our Churches in Mission web page; and send us news of your church outreach mission efforts so we can share the good news with our conference.
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2 churches partner for prayer & praise rally |
Since 2017, New Life UMC and Berwyn UMC have partnered to co-host an annual outdoor Prayer and Praise Rally for Peace in Upper Darby. They will do it again on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 10 AM, in front of Philadelphia's 69th Street Transportation Center. The rain date is Oct. 16. Come out and support their rally. For information contact Yattah Jones.
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Saving Grace: A Wesleyan take on personal finance |
(UM News) — Jesus talked a lot about money. So did John Wesley, Methodism's founder. Wespath and the United Methodist Publishing House have collaborated on a personal finance program called Saving Grace that is meant to reflect Wesleyan Christian values. Read story
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Weekly Preaching Forum returns with more sermon ideas to share |
The Preaching Forum, a popular presentation and discussion session offered to preachers weekly via Zoom, returned Sept. 7. The conference Congregational Development Team sponsors this growing ministry. The Rev. Jeff Raffauf (right), the longtime lead pastor of West Lawn UMC in Reading, shared his thoughts on one of the Revised Common Lectionary’s Year B Scripture readings for Sunday Sept. 12.
A dozen more highly regarded preachers will offer sermon ideas, sources, preparation tactics and preaching pointers in the follow weeks through Nov. 30. (Note: Year C begins Nov. 28 with the first Sunday in Advent.) Don’t miss this always enlightening encounter and generous exchange of ideas among preachers (that is of interest to non-preachers, too). Register now and add this special appointment to your weekly calendar.
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Churches to mark Gun Violence Awareness Day, Sept. 19 |
Participants will gather at two other Valley Forge churches for an information forum, interfaith worship and a call to action. They will then do a “witness walk” to St. Matthew’s for an outdoor remembrance service amid colorful, standing t-shirts inscribed with the names of gun violence victims. The compelling display, known as the Memorial to the Lost, is a familiar feature of such Heeding God’s Call-led events.
Following the service, participants will engage in advocacy by signing letters to send to state and federal lawmakers calling for common-sense gun legislation and better enforcement. The event’s goal is to educate faith institutions and mobilize advocates to change our nation’s gun-obsessed culture and to reduce the rampant gun trade and violence afflicting Philadelphia and other towns and cities. For more information contact St Matthew’s Eleanor Carroll at el.carroll@verizon.net. See and share the flyer.
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Local Pastor Licensing School begins Oct. 1 |
The Eastern PA Conference's next Local Pastor Licensing School begins Oct. 1-2 and will run for eight weeks total but with two intervening weeks off for completion of assignments. That means six weekends of online class attendance, again via Zoom.
The total cost has been reduced from $1,100 to $800 to make it more affordable and to reflect cost savings. There is a $300 non-refundable deposit due at registration, and the remaining balance must be paid by the end of the program.
The first 2021 session of the newly designed school—historic in its use of video-conferencing and offering faster completion of classes— ran from Jan. 15 to Feb. 28 and graduated 15 students. Certificates of completion are being prepared now to award to graduates of both 2021 classes.
The Rev. Dan Lebo, Dean of the Licensing School for education and preparation of Local Pastors, wants to offer the courses twice a year, based on student interest and availability of faculty. Persons from other conferences are welcome to attend. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and convenience, all 2021 classes are meeting via Zoom.
Below is the Fall 2021 schedule that includes clergy-taught classes in: Educational Ministries; Mission and Evangelism; Pastoral Care; UM Tradition; Leadership and Administration; Spiritual Direction; and Preaching: Public Worship and Liturgy.
Fall 2021 Local Pastor Licensing School Schedule
Weeks 1 and 2 (October 1st-2nd and 8th- 9th):
Rev. Dr. Michael Roberts (Educational Ministries; Mission and Evangelism) and Rev. Dr. Truman Brooks (Pastoral Care)
Week 3 : Off
Weeks 4 and 5 (October 22nd-23rd and 29th-30):
Rev. Dr. Jim Todd (UM Tradition; Leadership and Administration) and Rev. Dr. Truman Brooks (Spiritual Direction)
Week 6: Off
Weeks 7 and 8 (November 12th-13th and 19th-20th):
Rev. Dr. Suzanne Duchesne (Preaching: Public Worship and Liturgy)
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Celebrating Asbury’s voyage to Americas 250 years ago |
Methodists in the U.S. and in Great Britain will simultaneously commemorate the 250th anniversary of the voyage and arrival of American Methodism’s first bishop, Francis Asbury, who journeyed here from our mother country in October 1771. He was sent by Methodism’s founder John Wesley to organize the new church in the British colonies.
The Oct. 30-31 celebration at Historic St. George’s UMC in Philadelphia will feature a banquet and program Saturday, Oct. 30, at 2-4 PM, and a special commemorative worship service on Sunday, Oct. 31, at 10 AM.
The Asbury Crossing: Responding to Call celebration begins on Saturday with a banquet and keynote address by John Wigger, noted historian and author of American Saint: Francis Asbury and the Methodists. The Philadelphia UM Mass Choir, conducted by the Rev. Eric Carr, will perform music. And historical actor Peyton Dixon, who performs in St. George’s popular Time Traveler programs, will offer a dramatic portrayal of Francis Asbury. Learn more...
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Annual Conference May 20-21, 2022, at Expo Center
The 2022 Eastern PA Annual Conference will return to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, May 20 21, with rehearsals on May 19. The brief, less-costly, two-day schedule may entail a number of changes, including scheduling Laity and Clergy sessions at a church in April, and not having a half-day teaching session next year. More information to come.
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Update your church's Find-A-Church webpage |
Update your church’s Find‑A‑Church webpage to offer potential visitors current, helpful information. As people begin to seek in‑person connections once more, they’ll be searching online for information about local churches. Be prepared to welcome them with an updated Find‑A‑Church profile! Include a note about who you are as a congregation, links to your website and social media channels, location details and more.
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Conference Leadership Opportunities for all! |
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Visit our Local Church Resources webpage |
Do you find yourself wondering where you can obtain a 501(c)3 letter? Clergy W-2s? Various other bits of information that is crucial for churches? Look no further than the Local Church Resources page under the Administration tab on the EPA website and you can answer these questions.
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Let's stay connected. Send us your newsletters |
Please add our Communications Office to your church newsletter's digital and/or print mailing lists. We find much of our news in church newsletters (when we find time to read them), and we try to report local church news and events as much as possible. (We also love seeing Conference news reported in your newsletters. Thanks!) However, we want to receive only your church newsletters please, not other e-mailed church announcements. Thanks!
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Missed any past issues of NEWSpirit Digest? |
You can still read or share informative, colorful back issues of our weekly e-newsletter on the Eastern PA Conference Website at https://www.epaumc.org/news/newspirit/newspirit-digest. Share this link with others who might want to stay informed about our news, events, resources and concerns. And please encourage them to subscribe by e-mailing communications@epaumc.org. Thanks!
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September
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September 18: Welcome Celebration for Bishop John Schol, 10:30 AM, live-streamed only. Learn More.
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September 22, 25, 28: Healing Communities Training on Zoom. Sept. 21 & 28 at 6:30-8:30 PM. Sept. 25 at 8:30 AM-12:30 PM.
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September 29: Advanced Sexual Ethics, on Zoom. 10 AM - 1 PM. “Impact of Pornography and the Intersection with Child Sex Trafficking and Abuse.” Register.
October
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October 1-2: Implicit Bias Workshop. Friday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 12:45 PM, on Zoom. Download the flyer. Register.
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October 1-2: 2021 Laity Academy, part 2. Learn More. Register.
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October 1-3: IGNITE Conference for youth, grades 6-12, in Wildwood, NJ. Sponsored by the Greater New Jersey Conference with Next Generation Ministries. (Eastern PA youth are invited to register and attend.)
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October 15 & 16: Domestic Violence Workshop. Friday October 15 from 7 PM – 9 PM & Saturday October 16th from 9 AM – 12 PM. Learn More. Register.
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October 23: Faith Sharing Evangelism Training with Rev. Olu Brown
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October 23: UMW Annual Celebration
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October 29 - Nov 1: Dismantling Racism, Level 1, Virtual. Register.
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Oct. 30 & 31: Celebration of the 250th Anniversary of Francis Asbury’s Arrival. Learn More. Register.
November
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November 6: Basic Sexual Ethics, on Zoom. 9 AM - 12. $35.
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November 13: Dismantling Racism II. Details TBA.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church
980 Madison Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403
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