November 28, 2023 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

How Great Thou Art: A Sacred Celebration -- National UMC in Washington, D.C., is the setting for a very special concert, premiering tonight at 8 p.m. and later this week on PBS. Join Kristin Chenoweth, Patti LaBelle, Will Liverman, Sandi Patty and more for a night of uplifting sacred music. Learn more.

A Celebration of the Life of the Rev. Donald S. Stewart, Jr., a retired Elder in the BWC, will be held Saturday, Dec. 9, at 11 a.m. at Friendship United Methodist Church at 22 West Friendship Road in Friendship. Following the service, friends are invited to visit during a luncheon in the fellowship hall. Clergy who are attending the service are asked to arrive by 10:30 a.m., wear white vestments with either a red or a celebratory stole, and process in as a group. For those unable to attend in person, the service may be viewed on Friendship UMC's You Tube Channel, Friendship United Methodist Church - YouTube. 

The Rev. Lillian Smith, pastor of Cheverly UMC, is the author of the new book, Rooted Again: Re-Establishing Forgotten or Abandoned Connections with God and God’s Kingdom Mandate, which highlights the importance of strengthening discipleship and dismantling spiritual hindrances to ministry. Read her thoughts on how prayer and fasting contribute to creating a vital faith.

Donations sought for urgent needs of migrant community

Dec 3 is Global Migration Sunday. To support the immigrants arriving in Washington by bus from Texas, the BWC is raising $40,000.

Your congregation is encouraged to take an offering and individuals are asked to give generously. Learn more and give.

The BWC’s Quality of Life Committee, which educates, supports and empowers people living with HIV/AIDS, is offering Christmas cards for sale to support this life-giving ministry.  Learn more.

Strawbridge Shrine will hold its annual Candlelight Worship Service in its historic Log Meeting House at 2650 Strawbridge Lane in New Windsor on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. Experience worship as it was in the 1760s in a replica of the first Wesleyan Methodist Meeting House.

Correction of the date: The Rev. Chris Holmes will hold a Holiday Fine Arts Show, featuring a collection of 30 watercolors and prints, on Dec. 3 from 1-4 p.m. at the Arts Lab of South County, 312 Deale Road in Tracys Landing. See his work. Learn more.

Faithful & Fearless: Igniting Purpose, Organizing for Change: A Community Organizing retreat will be held Jan. 5-7 at West River Retreat Center in Churchton. Led by Kristin Kumpf and the Rev. Dorimar Malave, this event will teach you the essential skills and knowledge to be an effective community organizer and help you understand the dynamics of change and policy-making, empowering you to advocate for the issues that matter most to you and your community. Learn more and register.

A Table Church: Wards Chapel UMC in Randallstown will hold the second community fellowship event on Dec. 2 from 3 to 5 p.m. The church has created a Table Church pilot project with food, music, a silent auction of quilts and a car show. This time they host Santa to come for children. 

On Nov. 28, Training Tuesday will explore "Toward Better Meetings: Crafting Meaningful Discussions, Decisions and Change." The church council has a vital responsibility to steward the vision and mission of the local church. This Training Tuesday will provide some helpful resources to better use your time and resources as a council or any church leadership team. Learn more and register.

The BWC Clergywomen's Christmas lunch will be held Dec. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Morningside Inn near New Market. The cost is $30. Make reservations now with the Rev. Debbie Scott.

The BWC Creation Care Team reminds you that in your every day and holiday choices you can express gratitude to the Creator and care for Creation. Your actions speak loudest. Here are some tips. Get a potted tree and plant it after Christmas. Use LED lights. Take the train or bus instead of driving. Keep the car/truck engine off while you wait. See more at umcreationjustice.org/november-tips.

EarthKeepers: Global Ministries seeks U.S.-based United Methodists to lead grassroots environmental projects that are action-oriented, antiracist, bold and entrepreneurial. Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program that equips United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities. The next EarthKeepers training will be held online in March 2024. Learn more and apply.

Local Church Activities

As we enter the season of Advent, churches throughout the BWC are holding a number of programs and activities. See a listing of some of the celebrations and ministries in the area.

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 "Three Ways to Be Quick, But Not Hurry."

See church classified ads now online.

Free Toner to good home: St. Paul's UMC in Kensington has swapped out its copier for another model and now has eight boxes of unopened Konica Minolta #TN514 Toner and one waste toner box available for free, including: black, magenta, yellow and cyan. Shipping within the Conference is available for $30. Contact Tracey Furman, the facility manager, or call the church at 301-933-7933.