Churches advised to oppose BSA bankruptcy plan |
More than 9,000 United Methodist churches with a history of sponsoring Scouting troops have a say in the Boy Scouts of America’s sex abuse-related bankruptcy proceedings. With a deadline looming, United Methodist leaders earlier this week began advising those churches to vote “no” on a proposed BSA bankruptcy reorganization plan.
A press release reiterating that recommendation went out on Dec. 2.
The plan seeks to halt a deluge of lawsuits against BSA by creating a fund for those who, as Scouts, experienced sexual abuse from troop leaders or others. Under the plan’s latest version, nearly $1.9 billion has been committed to the fund. A next step in the complicated litigation is an approval vote for the plan. Learn more…
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Latino Commission Christmas Gathering Dec. 4 |
The EPAUMC Latino Commission will have its annual Christmas Gathering on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 12 to 4 PM, at Lehman Memorial UMC, 300 South York Road, Hatboro.
“We will have Christmas food, participation from different churches and lots of fun,” promises the Rev. Luky Cotto, Latino Ministries Coordinator. Contact Cotto at [email protected] or 215-470-2229 to RSVP. Download the flyer: English | Spanish
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Professor urges justice for Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women |
Ongoing efforts toward “Seeking Justice for Murdered & Missing Indigenous Women” were the focus of a recent talk by Elizabeth Rule, assistant professor of critical race, gender, and cultural studies at American University in Washington, DC, and a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation.
EPAUMC Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) members Sandi Cianciulli and Verna Colliver went to hear her speak at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa., Oct. 26. Learn more…
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Church exits, COVID lead to steep proposed budget cuts for 2023-2026 |
What does a predicted denominational split and an unpredictable pandemic mean for The United Methodist Church’s bottom line? The General Council on Finance and Administration board grappled with that question as members revisited the denomination-wide budget that will go before the coming General Conference.
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Seeking ‘faithful stewards of God’s grace’ for disaster response |
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” –-1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Whether it’s “time, talent and treasure,” as cited in several biblical passages, or the “prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness” of The United Methodist Church’s membership vows, the sharing of God’s many gifts and merciful grace is key to the lives of faithful stewards.
United Methodists are sending donations to the Eastern PA Conference for its Disaster Response Fund to help neighbors recover from Hurricane Ida’s remnant storms that devastated a church and several communities in our area in early September. We received $32,780 in donations from individuals, churches and districts as of Nov. 30, plus a $10,000 grant from the UM Committee on Relief (UMCOR, which we support through our connectional giving).
But that is only a start, and more is needed. You can support the conference Disaster Response Fund by visiting our Giving Page. Make checks payable to "Eastern PA Conference" and mail them to: Eastern PA Conference, Attn: Accounting, PO Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482. Write the name and fund number (Disaster Response Advance Special project #0345) on your check memo line. Or use our convenient Online Giving Page.
While some are giving directly to affected churches, the conference is raising funds and seeking grants to respond broadly to unmet needs and to support home restoration efforts with the help of hard-working teams of volunteers. The conference hopes to recruit and deploy more Volunteers in Mission this month to join already engaged Early Response Teams in Downingtown, who work along with volunteers from Hopewell UMC and the community. Learn more...
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LOCAL CHURCH MINISTRY NEWS |
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Yardley UMC's Pumpkin Patch: The Year of The Most Ever!
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By Denise J. Harris, Yardley UMC Youth Minister
This year was our 8th year of the Yardley UMC Pumpkin Patch! In every way possible, it was the Year of Most Evers! On Oct. 16 the most YUMCers we have ever had came to unload pumpkins--39 people gave up their afternoon to unload 700 pumpkins.
As we unloaded by our most efficient way ever, we successfully unloaded 700 pumpkins in 40 minutes. However, there were still more pumpkins in the truck. Since we were the last stop, we had to take all the pumpkins. So, as a thunderstorm moved around us, we continued to unload for a total of 1,087 large pumpkins… the most pumpkins ever! Read more…
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Church works with Lehigh Valley Outreach Depot to aid Afghani refugees |
As they watched the frantic evacuations of people from Afghanistan on their televisions in August, several members of Wesley UMC in Bethlehem approached the Rev. Candy LaBar, pastor, asking, “How can we help?” Communities across the U.S. were asked in September to prepare to welcome over 50,000 refugees.
So, Wesley, whose motto is “People Blessing People,” decided to do just that.
“Through the Lehigh Valley Outreach Depot, we’re uniquely positioned to meet some of the key transitional needs of our new neighbors, including furniture, housewares, cleaning supplies, and other necessities,” said LaBar. “Now we’ve also developed new relationships with community partners which will lead to vital ministry in the years to come.” Learn more...
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What is your church doing for Advent and Christmas? |
What is your church doing for Advent and Christmas? Hanging of the Greens? A decorated Christmon tree? A Christmas cantata or pageant or caroling? Special community outreach activities? Gift-giving to others in your community or around the world? What about Advent Bible studies or special Advent or Christmas Eve services?
We’re looking for glad tidings of churches sharing and celebrating hope, faith, joy, peace and love. Please send us your church news, promotional flyers and photos of your events to [email protected]. Or use our Submit News web page.
[Photo: Hanging the greens at Wesley UMC Bethlehem. Sue Kiefner photo]
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We’re looking for glad tidings. Please send us your church news! |
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#StillInMission Final Episode! |
The UMC missions agency, Global Ministries, and the UM Missionary Association will sponsor the final 2021 episode of #StillInMission on Zoom, Dec 9, at 9 AM, as a special Virtual Christmas Celebration with missionaries from around the world--”from everywhere to everywhere.” Missionaries want to celebrate the Advent season with you! This event will feature missionaries in worship, praise, and reflection on holy scripture.
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‘In God we live, move and have our being’ |
This monthly gathering introduces the rhythm and tools of a “Wisdom way of knowing,” an ‘integral way of knowing’ which engages and harmonizes our three intelligence centers: heart, mind and movement. This will be an experiential gathering with a balance of centering, teaching, Lectio Divina and gentle body prayer to weave different components of wisdom into daily life and spiritual practice. Fridays, Dec. 10 and Jan. 14, 1:00–3:00 PM, ONLINE via Zoom. Cost: A suggested love offering of $20. Register for Dec. 10 or Jan. 14.
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January 2022 Book Club: Being the Church in a Post-Pandemic World
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Dates: January 12, 19, 26; February 2, 9 (5 weeks)
Study led by: Kay Kotan (author)
Sponsored by: EPAUMC Congregational Development Team (CDT)
The first 25 people to register will receive a free Kindle version of the book.
Focused specifically on how to help churches as we emerge from the pandemic. This will be a dynamic, interactive study that you and your church leadership will not want to miss! Learn more... Register now!
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2022 book studies to offer lively Learning for Leaders |
Learning for Leaders is a new series of four Conference-Wide, Author-Led Book Studies that will continue in January 2022. The lively, guided, hourlong discussions will continue on Wednesdays, at 11 AM via Zoom. Having the books' authors lead those discussions makes them deeply insightful with personal, first-hand wisdom for participants.
The books to be studied are:
These studies gather clergy and lay leaders who are passionate about lifelong learning, personal and church growth, and leadership development. The real bonus is learning with others in dynamic group settings, even online. The diversity of experiences and open minds and open hearts has enriched the Conference-wide book studies throughout 2021.
The 2022 studies are sponsored by various Conference ministry teams. For each book study, the first 25 registrants will receive a free e-copy (Kindle edition) of the book! Download and share the flyer!
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A Dismantling Racism Advent resource for churches |
Dismantling Racism: As you prepare to lead your church through this Advent season, prayerfully consider incorporating this theme into your preaching and teaching while adapting any of the following elements for use in your context. This Advent resource was prepared by the Eastern PA Conference Connectional Ministries Office, incorporating a similar resource created by the UMC Council of Bishops.
It features timely Scriptures from Lectionary Year C from the Gospel according to Luke. Included are a season prayer and theme-related song, from “O Holy Night,” verse 3. A key line from that song is highlighted: “And in his name all oppression shall cease.”
In the spirit of Advent and what churches are called to do in anticipation of Christ’s coming, the four weeks are themed: “We Watch,” “We Prepare,” “We Act” and “We Rejoice.” Each week emphasizes a particular racial injustice concern in our society and invites us to “Learn,” “Watch,” “Pray” and “Act.”
“We hope churches will make good use of this helpful resource, as together we continue to commit ourselves to dismantling racism in our church and society,” said the Rev. Dawn Taylor-Storm, Director of Connectional Ministries, who composed EPAUMC’s portion of the blended resource. “We pray that our churches will discover deeper and broader dimensions of Christ’s mission and message for us, as we seek to make disciples for the transformation of the world.” Get the resource...
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Bible study helps churches cross-racial divide |
TERRELL, Texas — As part of the North Texas Conference's Journey Toward Racial Justice effort, predominantly white First United Methodist Church in Terrell and nearby Warren Chapel United Methodist Church, an African American congregation, have developed closer ties. The churches are joining in a Tuesday night Bible study, and youth programs have become more integrated as well. Read story. |
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Grants to aid AU in malaria fight |
MUTARE, Zimbabwe — Two grants worth $2 million will help Africa University make strides in the fight against malaria on that continent.
Africa accounted for 94% of malaria cases and deaths in 2019. The money will help establish a malaria entomological center of excellence to foster research and innovation at the United Methodist university. Read story
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Africa Univ. theology graduate returns to serve in East Congo |
Faithful United Methodists in the East Congo Conference welcomed home the first student from the conference to graduate from Africa University in Zimbabwe. Pastor Raphaël Makanga Mikuwa received a scholarship in 2016 to attend the United Methodist university.
Hervé Tshoso Mboko, Kindu District youth president, expressed happiness with Mikuwa’s return. Our geographic location does not allow children to reach Africa University. Young people express the need to go there, but are often limited due to lack of means of transport,” he said. “Raphaël’s parents sacrificed to send their child to Africa University. We encourage other young people to follow the same model to transform our young episcopal area.” Learn more...
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December webinar series on climate justice |
Following COP26, the U.N. Climate Change Conference recently held in Glasgow, Scotland, the UMC's Board of Church and Society will host a winter webinar series called "Climate & Community: A Faithful Action for Climate Justice." At the Dec. 6-9 event, attendees will hear from experts and assemble toolkits to take the next steps in calling for creation care. Registration is required. Read press release
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Churches who help Afghans eligible for grant |
Churches helping refugees from Afghanistan resettle in the U.S. are eligible for $1,000 grants through a partnership between the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Church World Service. Recognizing that providing resettlement support to refugees presents congregations with new responsibilities, the relief agency is offering to share some of the costs. Applications are being taken through April 30. To apply. Learn more. UM News: Global Ministries, UMCOR approve $10M in grants
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Majority of churches offering hybrid worship |
HARTFORD, Conn. — A new study exploring the pandemic's effects on U.S. churches has found that eight in 10 of them now offer hybrid worship services, meaning in-person and online. The Hartford Institute for Religion Research study is part of a broader, five-year research project done with Faith Communities Today. United Methodist Communications is a member of Faith Communities Today and is working with United Methodist leaders and members to assist the ongoing research. Adelle M. Banks reports for Religion News Service. Read RNS story Read study Read about research project
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BOOM assistance available for clergy counseling, spiritual direction |
The EPAUMC Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) recognizes the importance of clergy practicing good self-care through both spiritual direction and counseling. The board wants to ensure that all clergy are aware of financial resources available for both counseling and spiritual direction.
Insurance should be used first when seeking counseling. If additional support is needed, BOOM provides financial assistance for counseling and spiritual direction. Clergy may choose their own provider; but the counselor or spiritual director needs to be licensed.
The board provides $75 per session for up to 6 months available. Except where BOOM has required otherwise, pastors are expected to contribute to their own care. For further information or application, contact the Rev. Greg Impink, BOOM Chair of Pastoral Care, at [email protected]. All names and identifying information are held in confidence by the Pastoral Care Chair.
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Faith-Sharing Seminar (Oct. 23) recording available |
The recording of the Eastern PA Conference’s 2021 Faith-Sharing evangelism seminar, Oct. 23, featuring the Rev. Olu Brown, founding pastor of one of the UMC’s fastest-growing churches, is now available for all to view (at https://youtu.be/TMGuRPj1vOg). CEU credit certificates were also emailed this week.
The webinar topic was “Doing Church Differently.” Brown leads Impact Church, in East Point, Ga., part of Metropolitan Atlanta. His vision and leadership has taken the multicultural church from 25 people at its birth in 2007, to more than 5,000 worshipers online now, with 62 staff and a $4 million budget. He taught about “Rethinking evangelism and connecting in innovative ways with people and communities to share the love of Christ. Learn how to rethink your evangelism model by embracing the world, using technology and pursuing the Great Commission with a grassroots approach.”
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Also, view recordings of many other recent online events on our Event Recordings webpage. Share them with your congregation and church leaders. Use them as a training resource.
Please tell us if and how you use our Event Recordings and if they are valuable to you. Write to us at [email protected].
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EPAUMC Cabinet to gift churches again with recorded Christmas worship service |
Bishop John Schol and the EPAUMC Extended Cabinet are preparing and offering a recorded worship service as a gift suggested for use by churches on Dec. 26. The worship service will include a sermon by Bishop Schol. Focused on Colossians 3:12-17, the Christmas worship will remind us that as God's people, we are to "clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience." Above all, Paul reminds us to "clothe yourselves with love."
Recorded music will be provided by a church choir in each district. Churches are welcome to show the complete worship service, in full or in part, on December 26, either onsite in their sanctuaries or online using their preferred media. The service will be offered in English but also in versions with Spanish and Korean subtitles.
The Cabinet’s hope is that this Christmas worship service will provide a much-needed respite for our pastors and lay worship leaders who continue to serve faithfully.
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Annual Conference May 20-21, 2022, at Expo Center
The 2022 Eastern PA Annual Conference will return to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, May 20 21, with rehearsals on May 19. The brief, less-costly, two-day schedule may entail a number of changes, including scheduling Laity and Clergy sessions at a church in April, and not having a half-day teaching session next year. More information to come.
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Update your church's Find-A-Church webpage |
Update your church’s Find‑A‑Church webpage to offer potential visitors current, helpful information. As people begin to seek in‑person connections once more, they’ll be searching online for information about local churches. Be prepared to welcome them with an updated Find‑A‑Church profile! Include a note about who you are as a congregation, links to your website and social media channels, location details and more.
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Conference Leadership Opportunities for all! |
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Visit our Local Church Resources webpage |
Do you find yourself wondering where you can obtain a 501(c)3 letter? Clergy W-2s? Various other bits of information that is crucial for churches? Look no further than the Local Church Resources page under the Administration tab on the EPA website and you can answer these questions.
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Let's stay connected. Send us your newsletters |
Please add our Communications Office to your church newsletter's digital and/or print mailing lists. We find much of our news in church newsletters (when we find time to read them), and we try to report local church news and events as much as possible. (We also love seeing Conference news reported in your newsletters. Thanks!) However, we want to receive only your church newsletters please, not other e-mailed church announcements. Thanks!
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Missed any past issues of NEWSpirit Digest? |
You can still read or share informative, colorful back issues of our weekly e-newsletter on the Eastern PA Conference Website at epaumc.org/news/newspirit/newspirit-digest. Share this link with others who might want to stay informed about our news, events, resources and concerns. And please encourage them to subscribe by e-mailing [email protected]. Thanks!
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January 2022
January 7 & 8: Implicit Biases Workshop. Friday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 12:45 PM, on Zoom. Download the flyer. Register.
April 2022
April 20-24, 2022: Dismantling Racism – Level I. Virtual, via Zoom. Learn More.
October 2022
October 28-30, 2022: Dismantling Racism – Level I. Virtual, via Zoom. Learn More.
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Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church
980 Madison Avenue, Norristown, PA 19403
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