October 30, 2023 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

Bishop LaTrelle Easterling affirms Bishop Peggy Johnson's statement to the people of the New England Annual Conference and joins them in praying for all those affected by the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, last week. See Bishop Johnson's statement and watch a prayer service. (The gunman was found dead, by his own hand, after this statement was issued.)

We mourn the loss of Bishop William Boyd Grove, a retired bishop from the Northeast Jurisdiction, who died Oct. 27. See his obituary.

Catonsville UMC sets the table for you to serve

Catonsville UMC started a new ministry last summer – a Warm Welcome Lunch, which they serve free to anyone seeking a delicious meal and fellowship on Wednesdays.

They are looking for more people to prep, cook, serve, clean up and sit with those who come for the meal. Members from nearby Trinity UMC in Catonsville have joined them in the past and they would love for you to participate as well. The church is also offering winter coats, hats, gloves, socks and blankets.

Join them on Wednesdays at 6 Melvin Ave. in Catonsville. Enter at the red awning on the parking lot side of the church. For more information, call 410-747-1886.

Resources and Information for Faith Leaders Regarding the Israel-Hamas Conflict: As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, the Department of Homeland Security has seen an increase in reports of threats against faith communities and institutions. See a variety of Homeland Security resources for faith leaders. Join other United Methodists as we pray for peace.

The BWC’s first children’s retreat will be held Friday, Nov. 10 through Sunday, Nov. 12, at West River Camp in Churchton. The retreat is designed for 1st through 5th graders. Churches may bring a group with chaperones, and families can attend as a unit. There will be crafts, games, fellowship, camp activities, and worship. The cost is $120/child and $130/adult. Learn more and register.

A Legislative Advocacy Training Day will be held Nov. 18 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mission Center in Fulton and online via Zoom. Register. The 2024 Legislative Advocacy Days for Maryland will be held Feb. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Asbury UMC in Annapolis; federal legislation on Sept. 18, 2024, and D.C. legislation on Oct. 23, 2024.

The Gender, Race, and Ministry Study was a two-year effort that explored how one’s race and gender impacted one’s experience of ministry. The final report offers a window into ministry experiences in our conference and key recommendations for strengthening our collective capacity to flourish in ministry. We invite all members of the annual conference to learn more about the study and its findings through the recording of the recent online presentation.

Training Tuesday: How can church trustees be good stewards of the church's limited resources and accomplish God’s mission in your community? The Nov. 7 Training Tuesday webinar will focus on Aligning Money and Mission. It will explore renting well, using assets, building projects and other issues and challenges facing church trustees. Learn more and register.

Deacon Information Session: An online exploration session for those wishing to learn what it means to be a United Methodist deacon will take place on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m. Attendees will learn about the history of deacons and the role they play in the church, today. To learn more about the session, contact the Rev. Leo Yates. Register.

Fowler UMC and Cecil Memorial UMC will hold a Fall Festival at 15 Patrol St. in Annapolis on Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Mt Carmel UMC in Frederick will celebrate all those living and dead who shine hope, healing and wisdom into the community in a Triumph of Light with an outdoor luminary walk and indoor labyrinth on Nov. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. Learn more or place a luminary in memory/honor of a loved one.

Towson UMC's Fellowship Players at Hampton Lane proudly present CSI: Neverland for one weekend in November: Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. Buy tickets.

Community UMC in Crofton will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a weekend of activities and fellowship on Nov. 3, 4, and 5. Learn more.

Oakland UMC in Eldersburg will hold its annual Holiday Bazaar on Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Mt. Olive UMC, at 2927 Gillis Falls Road in Mt Airy, will hold a buffet Country Breakfast on Nov. 4 from 7 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 10.

Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City will host the 7th Annual Jewels for Hope on Nov. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This fundraising event will feature thousands of pieces of gently worn jewelry and scarves for sale. All proceeds benefit HopeWorks, Howard County’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Center.

Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City will host a free Community Health Fair (with annual flu shots) on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. See the latest health fair information.

Reisterstown UMC will host Holly Fair on Main Street with 40 juried artisans and crafters on Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.

Wesley Grove UMC in Gaithersburg will hold a Holly Days Bazaar and Luncheon on Nov. 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Asbury UMC in Shepherdstown, W.Va., will hold a men's weekend breakfast and program with speaker Kenneth Willmore on Nov. 11 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. RSVP to 304-876-3112.

Good Hope Union UMC in Silver Spring will host a fundraising gala on Nov. 18 from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets include dinner, entertainment and dancing. Proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund and the retirement of the mortgage.

Westminster UMC will host a "Night in Bethlehem," a dramatic Christmas event, on Dec. 8 and 9. Tours are scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Lessons in Leadership

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 for Vital Leadership. This week, Shitama explores how to "Beware the Quick Fix."

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