Having trouble viewing this email? Click here

Feb. 3, 2025 | "Transformed Lives Transform Lives"

Prayers of the People

See 29 ways you can participate in Black History Month from the General Commission on Religion and Race.

Black History Month began with Baltimore County leaders walking and gathering at Emmarts UMC in Windsor Hill, which served as a safehouse on the Underground Railroad, WJZ reported. See the story.

Arleeta's Pantry, an in-house food pantry at Silver Spring UMC, has been awarded a $3,000 Purple Line Beyond the Rails Community Grant.

A Homegoing Service for Donte A. Cross, the son of Pastor Brenda Lewis, will be on Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. at Union Memorial UMC at 2500 Harlem Ave. in Baltimore. A family hour will be at 10:30 a.m. On Feb. 5, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., a viewing will be held at Wylie Funeral Home in Randallstown.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Dean A. Titcomb, husband of the Rev. Andrea Titcomb, on Feb. 23, at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1120 Spa Road in Annapolis. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with the service beginning at 12:30. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Changes at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) raised questions about ICE agents being present at Glenmont UMC in Silver Spring. The Rev. Kelly Grimes shares what happened in a story from Religion New Service.

A sermon at the National Prayer Service following the inauguration inspired Mark Gruber-Lebowitz, a hymn writer from Grace UMC in Baltimore, to write the hymn “When We Speak Truth to Power.” See the story from United Methodist Insight.

We give thanks for the ministries of the Revs. Mark Gorman of Calvary UMC in Mt. Airy and Mandy Sayers of Glen Mar UMC in Ellicott City who are two of the denomination’s Committee on Faith and Order, a 16-member commission responsible for leading The United Methodist Church in informed theological reflection and discernment. At the commission’s first meeting of the quadrennium, members agreed, among other things, to further revisions to the proposed ecclesiological statement “Sent In Love: A United Methodist Understanding of the Church;” to review sacramental theology in light of the COVID pandemic, particularly the practice of virtual/online Communion; and consider the publication of an official catechism for The United Methodist Church.

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.

Town Hall on revitalization and restructuring on Feb. 11

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

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

Engage. Learn. Ask: IGNITE offers info session on Feb. 4

IGNITE, a youth conference in Ocean City, will be held March 7-9 and 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.

All are invited to engage in IGNITE 2025: Engage. Learn. Ask. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. This online info session and Q&A will feature Eric Drew, who will share the vision and purpose behind this catalytic conference for young people's ministry. YPM organizers Meghan Humbert and Chania Dillard will cover everything you need to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually impactful weekend. Plus, discover how young adults can lead and serve as part of the IGNITE Squad. Whether you’ve registered or are still deciding, bring your questions and get ready to leave inspired and prepared to make IGNITE unforgettable! Register for the info session.

New and Featured Ministries

United Methodist leaders will gather for a webinar to discuss the denomination’s response to immigrant justice. “Solidarity with the Sojourner: Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond” is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Feb. 10. The event is a joint effort between the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the Commission on Religion and Race, 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. Speakers include Bishops Julius C. Trimble and Minerva G. Carcaño and the Revs. Giovanni Arroyo, Kendal McBroom and Lydia Muñoz. Space is limited and registration is required. Register.

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.

The BWC’s Strengthening The Black Church in the 21st Century ministry and Wesley Theological Seminary will hold a forum, “Strengthening Our Prophetic Witness in This Present Age,” on Feb. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kresge Building at Wesley Seminary. The event is for black pastors, congregations, advocates, and faith leaders to explore the prophetic power and witness of the Black Church today. Register.

Camping Sunday is Feb. 9: See a worship liturgy for your church. Last summer, more than 1,300 campers participated in the BWC's summer camp programs led by nearly 200 volunteers and 75 part-time/seasonal staff. Visit Camping and Retreats Minstries' redesigned website.

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.

Discipleship Opportunities

A Summit on Countering Religious Nationalism will be held at the United Methodist Building in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The ecumenical summit will promote strategies to protect democracy and religious freedom, human dignity, and human rights. Registration is $30. Upon registration, a Zoom link will be provided for those who are unable to join in person. Register.

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.

Confirmation Pilgrimages available for local churches Feb. 15 and 23

This Spring, the BWC will offer opportunities for Confirmation Pilgrimages to learn about our United Methodist history and heritage. Two tours will be offered -- on Saturday, Feb. 15, and Sunday, Feb. 23. They will include visits to Lovely Lane UMC, Old Otterbein UMC and Sharp Street UMC in Baltimore. RSVP by Feb. 7 at noon to Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Director of Museums & Pilgrimage, with a headcount and approximate number of vehicles.

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.

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.