Transformational Leadership
Bishop Schol returns to EPA, meets with clergy
| The United Methodists of Eastern PA welcome Bishop John Schol back to provide continuing coverage as our episcopal leader through 2024. At the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference, Nov. 1-4, he was reassigned to EPA and also to the Greater New Jersey Conference for his 11th year as bishop there. When he met with more than 200 clergy on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Hopewell UMC in Downingtown, he asked three questions, seeking to learn how he can best serve EPA. Learn more. | |
Deepen Faith
Courageous Dialogues offer space for grace to those who have hearts to hear
| The Eastern PA Conference’s Camp & Retreat Centers may be ideal places for the Courageous Dialogues that began at Innabah Oct. 24 and will continue at Pocono Plateau, in the North District, on Monday, Nov. 14, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Their amiable, bucolic beauty, so open and distant from our busy, anxious population centers, offers what seems to be a space for grace. The primary goal of the Courageous Dialogues series is “authentic listening. Learn more. Register. | |
Veterans Day: Honoring former Buffalo Soldier, revered church scoutmaster
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As America honors its military veterans on Friday, Nov. 11, Wharton-Wesley UMC in Philadelphia, is proud that one of its own served during World War II in a U.S. Army unit with a special inherited history. Louis M. Stukes Sr., the church’s oldest male member at 99, was a member in 1943-45 of all-black army units known as the Buffalo Soldiers. He was also a church scoutmaster who ushered the lives of many boys into manhood. Learn more.
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More things you should know... | |
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1. Bivocational & Small Church Network to chat with Bishop Schol Nov. 15
EPA’s Bivocational & Small Church Network will welcome Bishop John Schol on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 PM, for a conversation via Zoom about the ministry concerns, challenges and opportunities of small churches and busy, bivocational pastors. The clergy and lay group meets for an hour of “prayer, dialogue, connection and resourcing” on second Tuesdays every other month. Contact the Rev. Derrick Gutierrez ([email protected] ) with any questions for the bishop in advance. To join this meeting use this Zoom link. Meeting ID: 946 6775 2196. Passcode: 651396. One-tap mobile phone call: +16465588656,,94667752196# US (New York).
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2. Next Project Restoration Youth Day of Service: East District, Nov. 19
EPA’s Project Restoration will welcome youth volunteers from the East District to spend the next Youth Day of Service working at a disaster recovery site on Saturday, Nov. 19. [See and share the flyer]. Team members are looking for 9th to 12th-graders to come and help restore damaged homes of survivors of last year’s hurricane-related floods. They will learn about home restoration teamwork. Come for the joy of service and discipleship. Remember: “Volunteering is a work of heart.” REGISTER NOW. North District youth are invited to sign up now for their Youth Day of Service on Friday, Nov. 25.
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3. Jurisdictions see shift in bishops, more cooperation
Even as the UMC faces mounting disaffiliations, those who plan to remain United Methodist are collaborating more across jurisdictional lines. Jurisdictional conferences also saw more women and more people of color become bishops and the most “firsts” since 1984. Still, the delegates and new bishops acknowledge challenges ahead. Learn more.
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4. View online Q&A on clergy housing allowance
A housing allowance is a benefit to clergy that lowers the amount of income subject to federal income tax. Bryan Mills, general counsel for the General Council on Finance and Administration, will lead a question and answer session online Nov. 14, at 3 PM. Learn more. To register.
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5. Wespath to present final session of ‘The Road to Retirement’
Clergy eligible to retire in 2023—or considering retirement in the next few years should view Wespath’s pre-retirement webinar. The final session is on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 3–4 PM. Learn more. Register now.
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6. Facts about Native People in the church & society
November is National Native American Heritage Month; and Bishop Rev. David Wilson, newly elected as the first Native American bishop in the UMC, shares “11 Facts about Native People in Society and The Church.” The infographic is on the General Commission on Religion & Race (GCORR) website, and you can download and share it with others.
Wilson writes about indigenous people as a diverse people with many tribal names (but not mascots!) who live in various settings—but not in tipis and not all on reservations. He describes their dances and regalia as “sacred” and lauds their contributions to the UMC as leaders, to America through patriotic military service, and to the world’s cultures. But sadly, indigenous persons, Wilson writes, are “the only racial-ethnic group who must constantly ‘prove’ who we are.” Learn more.
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7. Celebrate, give on UM Student Day, Nov. 27
The official date for celebrating United Methodist Student Day this year is Nov. 27, although churches may celebrate on any day of their choosing. Our gifts to the Student Day special offering support over 70 much-needed loans and scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students in our church. Learn more. Get your 2022 United Methodist Student Day Pastor and Leaders’ Kit.
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8. United Methodists are called to care for the vulnerable
For migrants seeking safety in the United States, vulnerability becomes a constant companion. The Rev. David Maldonado writes that United Methodists are called to care for the vulnerable, be their needs physical, financial, legal or political. Read commentary
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HealthFlex Annual Election for 2023 Nov. 2–17
Our HealthFlex Annual Election period for eligible clergy and lay staff members to choose their 2023 health coverage is Nov. 2-17. This is your opportunity to enroll or waive coverage for yourself; add or remove an eligible child or spouse; waive coverage for eligible dependents on your HealthFlex plan or change your plan altogether. Learn more. Also, see other information about your conference clergy and employee benefits.
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Safe Sanctuaries training scheduled, Nov. 12
EPA will offer a virtual Safe Sanctuaries training on Saturday, Nov. 12, 10 AM to 12 noon, via Zoom. This training is vital for all church leaders and pastors, especially those who relate to children and youth in church facilities. The Rev. Jacqueline Daniszewski, Conference Safe Sanctuaries Committee Chair, lead the training. Learn more and register.
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2023 Equitable Compensation Application due Nov. 15
The Equitable Compensation Application for 2023 funding is due Nov. 15. Each year at Annual Conference the Commission on Equitable Compensation recommends the base compensation standards for pastors in our EPA Conference, which is then approved by vote at each session of Annual Conference. Local churches that are not able to pay the full amount of the minimum compensation to their pastor may receive supplemental funds from the conference. Apply here.
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Disaster Response ERT recertification training Nov. 19
Bob Simcox, EPA Disaster Response Coordinator, will lead an Early Response Team (ERT) training for recertification on Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 AM-12 noon, at Hope UMC in Douglassville. Registration and more information to come. Note: this half-day training is for recertification only. C on Nov 14.
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Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry, Dec. 3
All are welcome to attend the Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry course Dec. 3, 9 AM to 4 PM, at Fallsington UMC (East District). A full-day’s attendance is required, along with completion of an assignment prior to the class. For more information contact Judy Ehninger, instructor. Download the registration form at: PDF Registration Form - Dec. 3, 2022. Visit the Christ Servant Ministries Website.
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EPA, GNJ cabinets to gift churches with recorded Christmas service
Bishop John Schol and the cabinets and staff of both EPA and Greater New Jersey will work together to produce a full worship service on video, including liturgy, music and a sermon preached by Bishop Schol. The video gift will be a Christmastide service designed for churches to use on Christmas Day Dec. 25, or on New Year's Day, Jan 1. Look for more information soon!
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Two confirmation retreats at two Camp & Retreat Centers
EPAUMC churches will have two Confirmation Retreat options at our Camp & Retreat Centers in Spring 2023. Gretna Glen and Pocono Plateau will each offer a chance for confirmands to explore their Christian identity, grow in their faith journey, and understand their gifts and roles as part of the body of Christ.
The cost for both retreats is $120 per confirmand and $50 for confirmation leaders and chaperones. Check each camp’s website for registration information. See and share the flyer. Also, check out Pocono Plateau new website.
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Nov. 12: Safe Sanctuaries training, 10 AM to 12 noon, via Zoom. Learn more and register.
Nov. 14: Courageous Dialogue, Pocono Plateau Camp & Retreat Center, 9 AM to 1 PM.
Nov. 15: Bivocational & Small Church Network meeting with Bishop John Schol 6:30 PM. Zoom link. Meeting ID: 946 6775 2196. Passcode: 651396.
Nov. 19 : Disaster Response ERT recertification training
Nov. 19: Project Restoration Youth Day of Service (East District ) REGISTER.
Nov. 25: Project Restoration Youth Day of Service (North District ) REGISTER.
Nov. 27: United Methodist Student Day. Learn more.
Dec. 3: Introduction to Christ Servant Ministry course, 9 AM to 4 PM, at Fallsington UMC
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