“Prior to, during and since Annual Conference we have been taking steps to strengthen our purpose: Recruit and develop transformative leaders who lead to make passionate disciples and grow vital congregations for the transformation of the world.” So writes Bishop John Schol in a new letter to EPA members that reviews our Annual Conference in May and reports on next steps to implement groundbreaking decisions made there. Read more.

Church Revitalization for Small-Membership Churches will be the focus of the EPA Bi-Vocational Pastors and Small Church Network’s next meeting on Tuesday, July 12. The group’s usually hourlong meeting will expand to two hours—6:30 to 8:30 PM—for two expert presenters to share valuable insights via Zoom: Kenneth Priddy, Executive Director of the Go Center; and The Rev. Steve Morton, EPA’s new Leadership Development Manager.  Read more.

After weeks of staff training and preparations, summer camps are fully underway at EPA’s four Camp & Retreat Centers, delighting children, youth and adults with memories and friendships that may last a lifetime. Beyond all the expected fun and fellowship, many will also learn about faith in God and following Christ through theme-based teaching, worship and other interactions. Read more.

1. Semana Latina Anniversary Celebration, July 4

 EPA’s Latino Commission and its constituent churches and ministries will celebrate their Semana Latina (Latino Week) Summer Camp at Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center July 4-8. This will be the 43rd anniversary of Latino Week at the camp, and it will kick off with their annual gathering of campers with their families on Monday, July 4. 

The gathering will begin at 2 PM and include games, music, worship, fellowship and dinner featuring Latino food at 5 PM. ¡Venga y celebre con nosotros los 43 anos de existencia! (Come and celebrate with us 43 years of existence!) Download the flyer! REGISTER / INSCRÍBASE  

2. Bishop Schol: ‘United Methodists and Abortion’

“Good and faithful United Methodists have a range of beliefs and convictions about abortion,” Bishop John Schol writes in a new letter of response to the U.S. Supreme Court landmark majority ruling Monday that ended the federal right to abortion after 50 years. That regressive ruling allows states to outlaw the medical procedure, as some are already doing. Responding to the question many United Methodists seem to be asking, Bishop Schol cites our official denominational position on abortion, found in our Book of Discipline, under the Social Principles. Read Message from Bishop Schol, United Methodists and Abortion.

3. United Methodists react to end of Roe v. Wade

UMs across the nation are responding with different viewpoints to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling ending federal abortion rights. Our Social Principles value “the sanctity of unborn human life” but also acknowledge “tragic conflicts of life with life that may justify abortion.” Read more.

4. Offering hope in a hurting world: UMs stand with Ukraine 

United Methodists in Eastern Europe have been welcoming Ukrainian refugees since Russia’s brutal war there began. Many offer shelter, solace and daily necessities, while others host refugees and send food and medical supplies to help survivors there. Read a UM News account and view compelling photos.  

5. Church responds after mass death of migrants 

UMs are responding to the deaths of over 50 migrants found in an abandoned tractor-trailer in Texas. Bishop Robert Schnase and other leaders are grieving the loss and urging the church to work for justice for migrants. The United Methodist Church has long had a commitment to immigration reform. Read story. Also, read UM News: Church leaders explore ways to help migrants in Mexico.

6. Study grant applications being accepted 

The deadline for women to apply for a travel and study grant from United Women in Faith is July 12. The Theressa Hoover Community Service and Global Citizenship Award offers funds to travel to another country to explore and study. Priority will be given to projects addressing climate justice and the criminalization of communities of color. Read press release.

7. Christian Education Week curriculum available 

Lesson plans from Discipleship Ministries can help congregations learn about the impact of and ways to become peacebuilders. The curriculum is available for use during Christian Education Week. Read press release. Download lesson plans.

8.  Amid division, group commits to be United Methodist 

Even as some depart the denomination, the National Association of Filipino American United Methodists announces its commitment to the mission and unity of the UMC. “As we move forward, we are committed to keep the main thing the main thing: the centrality of our faith in Jesus Christ,” says their statement. Read statement.

9. UM agency teaches advocacy on Voting Rights in Wednesday Witness:  The General Board of Church and Society invites all to participate in Wednesday Witness, a virtual mini-series of conversations that will “teach and equip United Methodists to respond to social injustice in the church and community.” The first event, on Wednesday, July 6, at 3 PM, will focus on Voting Rights. Learn to advocate for justice from GBCS grassroots organizers. Register here. 

10. Agency unveils e-newsletter

The UMC's Commission on the Status and Role of Women has introduced "Wisdom Talks," an e-newsletter that communicates information to facilitate the advancement of women at all levels of the life and mission of The United Methodist Church. The agency has also released a video celebrating its 50th anniversary.  View resource.  Watch video