July 20, 2021
Bishop’s retirement inspires sentiments, souvenirs. Join the big farewell fete on Zoom July 26, 6:30 PM 
As she nears retirement at the end of August, Bishop Peggy Johnson and the Eastern PA Conference are saying their grateful goodbyes to one another. Aside from final guest-preaching invitations, she and conference staff exchanged gifts in late June. And several conference groups have since given her gifts and created new scholarships in her honor. 
Bishop Peggy Johnson (left) receives a gift--a painting by Barry Lee--from Verna Colliver, Bob Hinderliter and Sherry Wack of the Committee on Native American Ministries. --John Coleman photo
But the real farewell fete, with family members, friends and other attendees from around the conference and beyond, will happen online via Zoom on Monday, July 26, at 6:30 to 8 PM. Hundreds, including members of the Northeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops, are expected to bid an appreciative adieu to the bishop after her 13 years of leadership among us. 

Those affectionate farewells have already been filling up an online Kudoboard, where members and friends are posting photos and messages of remembrance, gratitude and best wishes. After the party they will be converted into a hardcover book for her as a souvenir keepsake. Meanwhile, staff have converted collected photos into a colorful, uplifting, 7-minute slideshow tribute in images and music that will likely stir heartfelt reactions. And special performances, sentimental comments and other gifts will surely make the event indelibly memorable. 
 
To attend the farewell fete webinar click on the Zoom link. Webinar ID: 966 9511 7530. Passcode: 891085. Or join by telephone: US: +1 646 558 8656. 
 
Visit the online Kudoboard at Expressions of Gratitude from the Eastern PA Conference to read some messages and add your own note and/or a picture.
Conference to offer two Laity Academies
in 2021: August 6-7 online; Oct. 1-2 onsite
Registration for the August Zoom courses is now open. Register now.

It’s been over a year of shutdowns and lockdowns; learning to live differently in our homes; attending meetings, classes and worship services on Zoom; and ordering many more consumer goods online. We depended on essential workers to serve and take care of us, while some of us learned how to take better care of each other. “Handle With Care” became not only a cautionary box label but a way of being human together. 

In John 13:34, Jesus commanded us to not only care but also love one another. “As I have loved you,” he said, “so you must love one another.” The pandemic has reminded us that life is precious. How we live our lives is precious. And how we care for one another and Love one another is precious. 

Acknowledging that we are not fully back to normal, the annual conference Laity Academy will host two learning events in 2021. The theme is “Handle with Care Love.”

The first academy is August 6-7, Friday evening and all-day Saturday, using Zoom video-conferencing. The second will be on October 1-2, when in-person classes will be hosted at several churches across the conference. 

There will be one Basic course for lay ministry servants; three Caring courses (one in Spanish); four Leadership courses; and three Speaking courses (two in Spanish). These courses will teach about preaching, Bible study, pastoral care, church communications, emotional intelligence and other topics. Learn more...
Registration for the August Zoom courses is now open. Register now.

Registration for the October in-person courses will open by mid-August.

Watch a heart-lifting Laity Academy 2021 video by Sabrina Daluisio.