Bishop Peggy Johnson announces new clergy appointment changes, effective July 1.

See complete lists of new clergy appointments and retirements.

(Some individuals may continue serving at their current appointments in retired status.)

Southeast District

Rev. Eric Carr, Licensed Local Pastor (part time), to Philadelphia: Wharton Wesley UMC.

Rev. David Brown (Deacon)from Phila.: Arch St. UMC (secondary appointment) to Phila.: Wharton Wesley UMC (secondary appointment).

Rev. Allen Keller, Provisional Deacon, to Chaplain/Pastoral Counseling Intern, Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and College Service Project Manager, Appalachia Service Project (primary appointments) and West Chester UMC (secondary appointment).

Rev. John Neider, Licensed Local Pastor (part time) from 1/4 Hopewell UMC Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries to 1/2 Hopewell UMC Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries/Director of The Well, A Hopewell Ministry.

Barry Trout, Certified Lay Minister, assigned as pastor to Pomeroy UMC.

Rev. Thomas Kinter (Retired, Greater NJ Conference) and Mr. Robert Garvey (Lay Supply) to West Willow UMC  

Linda Harnish (to be licensed) to Georgetown-Mt. Pleasant UMC and Christiana UMC 

Northwest District

Rev. Shawn Lochinger, Licensed Local Pastor (part time), to Palmyra: Gravel Hill, 1/4-time.

Rev. Peggy Reed, Licensed Local Pastor (part time), to Girardville, 1/4-time.

Rev. Betty Ford, Licensed Local Pastor (part time), to Shamokin: Zion, 1/4-time.

Rev. Matthew Whayland, Elder, to Bellegrove, 1/4-time.

James Fryer, PL, to Landingville: Welcome, ? time.

Correction:

Learning 'A Faithful Response to Domestic Violence' 

Fifty people from nine churches will convene Saturday, June 6, to explore a daunting societal scourge as together they plan "A Faithful Response to Domestic Violence." The first-time, conference-wide training event will occur at West Lawn UMC in Reading, Pa., from 9 AM to 3 PM.  "Organizing this has been a powerful experience, and I am so encouraged by the response," said Sharon Hachtman, a deaconess and nurse. "It is not an easy thing to be witnesses to the suffering of domestic violence; but in the words of Marie Fortune of FaithTrust Institute, 'Let us talk about painful things to open the eyes of others.'"  Learn more and see the list of participating churches. 

Eastern PA Conference Scholarship Committee announces restrictions

Effectively immediately (as of May 18, 2015) and until further notice, new lay applicants for Eastern PA Conference scholarships must be attending--or planning to attend--a theological school approved by the UMC's University Senate to be considered for a scholarship. At this time only students in theological school are being considered.  We apologize for any inconvenience; but we are currently restricted in how our current source of funds can be distributed.

New Safe Sanctuaries policies posted on Website 

FUMCOG to feature 'Brilliant Brass'

First UMC of Germantown will host "Brilliant Brass," this Sunday, June 7, at 3 PM. The concert of classical and popular tunes performed on brass instruments and organ will feature the debut of St. George Sinfonia, led by founder and director Harvey Felder. Proceeds will benefit FUMCOG's ministries, thanks to Felder. He is "giving back" to the church that helped and inspired him over 30 years ago, when he was a young music professor in the Greater Metro Phila. area. FUMCOG's own music director Kevin O'Malia will be featured on organ. St. George Sinfonia's brass musicians are billed as "some of the finest in the Mid-Atlantic region." Suggested donation is $20.

Training offered in Premarital/Marital Counseling

Need a VBS Program?

Need to find a VBS program for this summer? The Society of St. Andrew offers "Abundance Orchard: Where Faith Grows and Hungry People are Fed."  Download Flyer   This free  complete Vacation Bible School curriculum offers five 2- to 3-hour sessions in multiple sets for Old Testament (Year 1) or New Testament (Year 2)  Preview Online  They include biblical lesson helps for teachers, and resources for storytelling, arts & crafts, recreation, music, snacks, and missions activities, along with VBS planning suggestions, and daily memory verses. The materials are intended to raise hunger awareness and financial support for the gleaning and feeding ministries of the Society of St. Andrew, which involves people in hands-on mission, feeding hungry neighbors by gleaning and bagging fresh fruits and vegetables that otherwise would go to waste. Preview and order VBS materials online at: http://endhunger.org/vbs. Contact Lynette Johnson, Director of Church Relations, at 800-333-4597 or [email protected]. 

Seminar program offers `In Focus' introductory events

WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Deadlines are approaching for "In Focus" introductory events for youth groups and young-adult leaders of ethnic minority local churches and campus ministries on the United Methodist Seminars on National and International Affairs. The deadline for the June 24-26 "In Focus" is June 5; deadline for the July 7-9 "In Focus" is June 26. Learn more 

32nd Laity Academy set for August 14-16

Register now for the 32nd Laity Academy, set for August 14-16, once again at The Inn at Reading, 1040 North Park Road, Wyomissing, PA. The theme is "Planting Seeds: Rooted in God's Word." The online registration is now live, and you can get plenty of information about this annual education and fellowship event--the largest gathering for laity each year--on our Website.

"It's your opportunity to learn about your church, your God, and your place in God's Kingdom from seminary-level instructors. It's a joyful weekend of fellowship with like-minded others. A chance to become a Christ Servant Minister or to take advanced courses if you are already a CSM. A time to begin the journey toward Certified Lay Speaker or even Certified Lay Minister."

You can find access to the: Paper Registration Form and Course Selection Brochure; 2015 Academy for Laity Course Descriptions; and the 2015 Academy for Laity FAQs all on the event information page. We will highlight some of the courses to help promote the academy over the next few months. For more information contact Aubrey Bates or Anne Taylor. Hotel reservations must be made directly with the hotel: [email protected]. Mention "Lay Academy."

June is AIDS Education Month. Get educated!

Christian film Beyond the Mask coming to theaters

An exciting new Christian-based theatrical film, Beyond the Mask, will hit theaters Friday, June 5; but it's already viewable on-demand now. "Beyond the Mask is a revolutionary, new family film that brings history to life in a faith-filled adventure celebrating grace, liberty, and the true freedom that can only be found in Christ," reads the film's Website.