Dec. 18, 2023 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

Even in the darkest of nights, a weary world rejoices. This season, we gather as United Methodists, confident that Hope shall be born! Read a Christmas message from Bishop LaTrelle Easterling.

As we observe the holiday, the BWC Mission Center will be closed from Dec. 22 - Jan. 2. The e-connection will return Jan. 8. We pray that God will bless you and your family with hope, peace, joy and love in this sacred season.

With the dedication of a mural of the Last Supper, retired Wesley Seminary professor and artist Catherine Kapikian reinforces the essential contribution art makes to the church and discipleship. Each person, Kapikian says, bears the divine image. Creative capabilities are a birthright, she said, and United Methodists are learning how art can accompany the holy. See the story.

At Emory Fellowship in Washington, the congregation opened their hearts and doors to the Holy Spirit, by creating Heaven's Closet to provide the blessings of Christmas to those in need in the community. Sharon Milton shares the story.

New and Featured

Today is International Migrant Day. Learn more from the United Nations.

In the generosity accompanying the Christmas season, we're praying that your church will remember and support the thousands of migrants arriving in Washington by bus from southern border states. Your congregation is encouraged to take an offering, and individuals are asked to give generously. Learn more and give.

Community Organizing Retreat: Are you passionate about encouraging your congregation to be more involved in your community? Do you want to work more effectively on justice issues? Join leaders from across the BWC in a community organizing training retreat on Jan. 5 - 7 at West River Camp near Annapolis. The three-day course, led by Kristin Kumpf and the Rev. Dorlimar Malave, will empower you to advocate for the issues that matter most to you and your community. Scholarships are available to make the retreat free for young adults. 1.7 CEUs will be offered to clergy. Learn more and register.

This month's Bulletin, a reproducible resource for your congregation, focuses on Christmas in 1784 when Methodists formed a new denomination, a look at the possibilities of spirituality and the arts, and Bishop Easterling's Christmas message. See The Bulletin.

Last week's Training Tuesday webinar has been moved to Jan. 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The training will be on the church statistical report with Dave Schoeller and John Gauthier. Learn more and register. As always, Training Tuesdays are recorded, but we encourage you to attend on Jan. 9 so that you have the opportunity to ask questions.

Deaf Ministries expanding: The Rev. Leo Yates shares news about how microgrants are making a difference in Deaf Ministries around the nation. Read the story.

The General Board of Global Ministries and UMCOR share Christmas wishes as United Methodists make a difference around the world.

The Longest Night:

• Hancock UMC in Hancock will hold a Blue Christmas Worship Service on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. On the longest night of the year, this worship service acknowledges the sadness and grief people feel at Christmas time and looks to hope and healing.
• Nottingham Myers UMC in Upper Marlboro is hosting a Blue Christmas service, a gentle, meditative service for those carrying pain or loss during this season of celebration, on Thursday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.

Becoming More Vital in the New Year

So You Want to Repurpose Church Property? Repurposing church property effectively is more than just a real estate transaction to make more money. There are several elements required to see a successful effort come to pass. Join the Rev. Joe Daniels and leaders from Emory UMC in Washington, D.C., as they share their story of going from a part-time appointment and a congregation that was presumed dead to a revitalized congregation that facilitated the construction of a $60 million multi-use building project with 99 units of affordable housing. Register for the Jan 20 event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Emory UMC.

Cooperative Parish Summit: Churches considering joining in creative ways with other faith communities to do vital ministry are invited to join a Cooperative Parish Summit on Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the BWC Mission Center in Fulton. The pastor, lay leader and SPRC chair (or their designee) of each interested church are encouraged to attend. A World Café featuring rapid conversations with five current Cooperative Parish leaders from the BWC will be held in the morning, and a strategy session will be held in the afternoon. Register before Jan. 19. Learn more and register.

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 "It's Better to Give than Receive."

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