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Observing Juneteenth, almost 300 people showed up for a tour of the historic cemetery of Mt. Zion UMC in Georgetown. But soon after, vandals desecrated the grave of Nannie, an 8-year-old child who died in the 1850s, breaking the tombstone and burning toys left in memorium. An article on this hate crime appeared in the Washington Post.

The Rev. Gerry Green, superintendent of the Greater Washington District, retires July 1. During the coming year, three other superintendents will provide leadership. Olivia Gross will be the district administrator of the Washington East District. See a listing of specific coverage.

The Rev. Lillian Smith of Cheverly UMC recently published “Rooted Again: Re-Establishing Forgotten or Abandoned Connections with God and God's Kingdom Mandate.” In the book, Smith explores how congregations can disconnect from God, lose focus, and forget their kingdom assignment. It provides insight into the situation's causes, identifies possible spiritual hindrances to ministry, and offers strategies for reclaiming a church’s spiritual foundation and calling.

A.I.M., (Administrators in MInistry) is participating in UMCOR’s Feminine Hygiene Kits Assembly project. On July 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., A.I.M. members and other volunteers will assemble much-needed “Period Packs,” which provide necessities to support vulnerable menstruating populations.

The kits are distributed during disasters, whether socio-economic or as the result of a natural occurrence. If you would like to support this minsitry, consider purchasing the items needed for the kit. Select the items you wish to give on the Amazon Wishlist; items will be shipped directly to the Conference Center. If you prefer, you can also drop off items at one of our designated drop sites.

For more information on the items needed, drop sites, and/or to register to participate, visit https://www.adminsinministry.org/umcor-project.

Individuals and church groups are invited to join in Second Saturday Serve Volunteers in Mission projects across the BWC. The next project, which includes scraping and painting, will be at Bethel UMC, at 21006 Twin Springs Drive in Smithburg, on July 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The $25 per person cost covers materials, lunch and insurance. Register.

Archaeology dig this week: Join BWC’s Archives & History at Old Otterbein UMC at 112 W. Conway St. in Baltimore for a Public Archaeology Dig today, tomorrow and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (The rain date is June 29.) Volunteers are needed to help excavate our early Methodist History under the direction of the state archaeologist. Wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes. Bring water and lunch. You can stay all or part of the day. If you have any questions, or to RSVP, contact Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Director of Museums & Pilgrimage.

Mission u, sponsored by United Women in Faith and the BWC's Wellness and Missions team, is a retreat designed to explore current issues that impact our culture. This year’s Mission u for the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Conferences, which will explore the Lord's Prayer, is July 22 at Community UMC in Crofton. Learn more and register. Registration closes July 9.

A new Certificate in Congregational Leadership (CCL) program uses online learning to provide a comprehensive approach to developing leadership excellence in the local church. The courses, which take about 10 hours to complete, can be taken for personal enrichment or certification. The courses focus on church administration, sacraments, pastoral care, Wesleyan theology, time management, and United Methodist history and doctrine. To access the core courses, you will need an account in Assembly, the conference's online learning portal. If you do not have one, you can register directly on the site.

Celebrating summer praise: Emory Grove, located in Glyndon, has been a center for summer worship for 156 years. On July 5 at 7 p.m., Emory Grove will open its 50^th year of hymn sings during July and August. The Cow Truck of Reisterstown will supply Italian ice and frozen custard. See the story.

The BWC and the UMC’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee will offer a Church Interpreting Academy on Sept. 23 from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Zoom. The three tracks to choose from include Introduction to Sign Language, Introduction to Church Interpreting, and Learning Religious Signs and Phrases. The webinar is free. Contact Rev. Leo Yates with questions. Register. BWC members will gather to celebrate Deaf Awareness Month on Sept. 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Glen Burnie UMC.

Nan McCurdy and Miguel Mairena, BWC missionaries serving in Mexico, are offering a study/mission opportunity with Give Ye Them to Eat in Puebla, Mexico, Nov. 10 - 19. The trip includes almost three days of educational tourism, including the colonial city of Puebla and the Cholula Pyramid. Most of the time, you will be learning, working and building relationships near the small town of Tlancualpican, where the Tree of Life Training Center is located. The VIM experience, sponsored by the Rev. Marian Hartman of Pennsylvania, is $1,050 plus airfare and $300 for a work project.

Campus Ministry interns sought: The University of College Park Terp HUB (Here You Belong) campus ministry is hiring interns. HUB interns work six to eight weeks to lead discussions, coordinate social media, invite others to participate in The Terp HUB, meet with students, plan gatherings, and coordinate ministry logistics. They are paid $16 an hour. Send your resume and a cover letter to Francess Spaine by July 31.

Level Up is a video series that provides lessons in church leadership using best-selling secular writings by the Rev. Jack Shitama of the Center of Vital Leadership. This week, Shitama explores "Why church leaders need to think big and act small."

EarthKeeper Training: The BWC has 20 commissioned EarthKeepers and is seeking more United Methodists to lead grassroots environmental projects that are action-oriented, antiracist, bold and entrepreneurial. EarthKeepers is a program that equips the laity and clergy to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. The next in-person Global Ministries EarthKeepers course is Oct. 5 - 8 in Birmingham, Alabama; Denver, Colorado; and Hartford, Connecticut. The cost of the program is underwritten by the Board of Global Ministries (except your transportation the location). Learn more.

CLM Class begins: July 1 is the application deadline for the next class of Certified Lay Ministers, the Baltimore-Washington Conference Class of 2023-2025. Learn more. The next class will start in September and is a two-year commitment. Questions can be directed to Linda Flanagan, the Conference Director of Lay Servant Ministries.

Baltimore County's 40th Christian work camp is less than a month away. Register by July 1 if you plan to attend the July 16 kick-off dinner and/or the July 22 wrap-up lunch. Register by July 14 to attend any daily breakfast or Tuesday/Thursday dinner.

Pop-Up Jazz Jam: New Waverly UMC, at 644 E. 33rd St. in Baltimore, and the Maryland State Arts Council will host a Baltimore Pop-Up Jazz Jam on Tuesday, July 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The church will also hold a pop-up shop on July 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors are being sought. To learn more and reserve a space, contact newwave3217@gmail.com.

Stone Chapel UMC will host a spaghetti dinner on July 22. Pre-ordering opens on July 15. Call 410-635-2102 and leave your order in the message. Dinner includes spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce, a salad, and bread. The cost is $10.

Mt. Carmel UMC in Frederick will hold a Golf Tournament on July 31 at Holly Hills Country Club in Ijamsville with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. The fee is $150 per golfer or $550 per foursome. Learn more and register.

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