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Feb. 10, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

The United Methodist Council of Bishops sent a letter last week to President Donald Trump about the recent Executive Order to suspend U.S. Foreign Assistance programs.

The bishops respectfully asked the president "to consider the moral imperative to assist those in need and the significant contributions programs supported by U.S. foreign aid make to humanitarian relief and peace." See the letter.

We celebrate the ministry of Linda Flanagan, a leader in the BWC who was elected President of the Association of Conference Directors of Lay Servant Ministries at its annual convocation in Nashville.

Joan Lockman, the spouse of the late Rev. Irvin Lockman, died on Jan. 25. A memorial service was held last week at Metropolitan UMC in Baltimore. Condolences can be sent to her daughter, Joanne Lockman at 6573 Hall Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD 21060.

We pray for Bishop Easterling, the Cabinet, and pastors and churches experiencing changes in pastoral appointments. See the appointment list. See a list of Clear Opening church profiles.

In a season when many people are seeking ways to respond and lead in troubled times, the 2018 book Sacred Resistance, by the Rev. Ginger Gaines-Cirelli, pastor of Foundry UMC in Washington, D.C., offers a practical guide to Christian witness and dissent.

Town Hall on revitalization and restructuring on Feb. 11

As the churches of the BWC grow in vitality and prepare for restructuring, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling invites everyone to an online Town Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. Register.

An overview, Implementing Vital Change: Collaborative Hubs and Connecting Churches, provides details about and insights into restructuring for you to review before the town hall.

• See the video with Bishop Easterling on restructuring
• Learn more about Creating Vital Change
• Explore Wave One of Vital Change resources

New and Featured Ministries

United Methodists stand at a critical juncture in our society. The continuous shifts in immigration policies directly impact the lives of God’s children, the Rev. Giovanni Arroyo, general secretary of the Commission on Religion and Race, said. "As a denomination, we are called to lead — to step into spaces that may feel uncomfortable, even risky, but where our presence is both necessary and transformative." Read his remarks.

United Methodist leaders will gather for a webinar tonight, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m. to discuss the denomination’s response to immigrant justice. The event is a joint effort between the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the Commission on Religion and Race, the Immigration Law and Justice Network, the Council of Bishops Immigration Task Force, and El Plan for Hispanic/Latine Ministry, with support from United Methodist Communications. Register.

As new federal regulations go into effect, the BWC has created an FAQ for churches serving in ministry with immigrants. See the FAQ.

Only 11 more days to register for IGNITE

IGNITE, a youth conference for the young people of the Baltimroe-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware Area, will be held March 7-9 at the Convention Center in Ocean City. It will feature powerful messages from speakers Pastor YaNi Davis, Rev. Mike Whang, and our own Bishop LaTrelle Easterling. There will also be remarkable worship with music from North Point Worship, Dove-Award-winning artist Angie Rose and D.J. El Vow, and opportunities for fun, fellowship, growth, and spiritual adventures. Learn more. Registration closes Feb. 21. Register today.

Resolutions to be considered at this year's session of the BWC Annual Conference are due Feb. 14 and should be submitted to Kevin Silberzahn, the BWC Secretary. Learn more.

Webinar shares information about regionalization: The Council of Bishops, Connectional Table and other leaders are presenting a webinar at 11 a.m. on Feb. 20 on the significance of worldwide regionalization for The United Methodist Church. The regionalization package of amendments, approved last year by General Conference, will be among the amendments to the church’s constitution up for a vote this year at annual conferences. Learn more. Register.  See a UMNS story on the constitutional amendments.

Discipleship Opportunities

The BWC’s 2025 Maryland Legislative Advocacy Day will be Feb. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Asbury UMC in Annapolis. The event is an opportunity for United Methodists to meet their representatives and advocate for United Methodist values. Learn more and register. A Federal Legislative Advocacy Day will be on March 26 at Capitol Hill UMC and a D.C. Legislative Advocacy Day will be held April 30 at Asbury UMC in Washington.

The BWC’s 2025 Immigration Border Immersion is a transformative experience open for clergy and lay people, especially young adults, seeking to learn more about migration. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to God through the voice of the immigrant and be part of the change as they implement and take action in their local communities. The trip to San Diego, California and Tijuana, Mexico, is April 23 to 27. The cost, which includes airfare, is $1,480. To learn more about scholarships for young adults, contact Christine Taylor. Register.

Mission Trip: Westminster UMC will host a short-term Mission Trip to the Dominican Republic with The Least of These Ministries on April 21-26. The team will serve with impoverished communities in Barahona on a service project and in a food distribution program. The trip is $645, which covers everything except airfare. Learn more.

Mustard Seed Grants: United Methodist churches in the U.S. can help immigrants, migrants and refugees living in their local communities. UMCOR’s Mustard Seed Migration Grant program provides congregations with up to $2,000 for a one-time, community-based service project. The application process is open and up to 100 churches will be awarded a grant. Learn more.

Vow Renewal: BWARM, Baltimore-Washington Area Reconciling United Methodists, will hold a vow renewal and blessing for couples who want the church to bless their marriage, commitment or union on Feb 15 at 11 a.m. at North Bethesda UMC. If you plan to participate, contact the Revs. Deb Scott or Mary Jo Sims. The service will include an opportunity to remember those partners who have been lost to death.

Save the Date: The BWC’s United Women in Faith will host a Critical Race Theory Workshop on April 26 at 1 p.m. at the BWC Mission Center in Fulton. Registration opens soon.

See a listing of more discipleship ministries and local church events

Learn more about 100% of churches at 100% vitality.

See church classified ads

Pecometh Camp is hiring a Director of Retreat Ministries and a Director of Facilities. For more information, contact Pecometh’s executive director Augie Lankford.