Engaging disciples in mission & outreach
Black Creek UMC provides new home for busy food pantry
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“Black Creek UMC is famous for our homemade food!” proclaims the website of the small, friendly church in aptly named Sugarloaf, Pa. “Folks come from all over to try our famous cooking and enjoy a good time with family and friends.”
Now food-insecure folks will also come from all over to get much-needed free food for their homes, thanks to the recent relocation there of the Black Creek Food Pantry (BCFP). After months of preparation, the pantry moved into the church and began distributing food to its neighbors Nov. 9. Learn more.
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Ending the sin of racism
CoNAM learns about oppression of Indigenous people in 2 events
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The coincidence of Native American Heritage Month and Thanksgiving Day both happening in November may be troubling to some who know the grim history of brutal oppression and exploitation of Indigenous Americans by early European invaders and settlers. EPA’s Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) had two opportunities to learn more of that history this month. Learn more.
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More things you should know... | |
1. EPA Benefits Associate job opening. Apply by Dec. 2
EPA seeks a Benefits Support Associate to provide administrative support to the conference benefits office and congregations by resourcing, enrolling, and maintaining benefit plans and providing support to churches, pastors and laity. Responses should be sent to [email protected] by Dec. 2. Learn more.
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2. EPA UMM elects new president
EPA’s UM Men elected a new president at its annual membership meeting, Oct. 30. Now the group is searching for a few good men to fill other leadership positions. Edward Gale, president of the UMM fellowship at Bethel Hill UMC in Lansdale, takes the helm, following the death of former president Clifton Hubbard. Meeting attendees honored Hubbard with a moment of silence. Delno Moyer continues his role as treasurer. The group seeks a new vice-president and secretary, as Herman Turnage and David Marks, respectively, leave those offices. UMM’s goals include recruiting active members, especially young adults, ages 18-35.
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3. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month
The UMC observes Native American Ministries Sunday on the third Sunday of Easter. But we are also encouraged to celebrate the nation’s Native American Heritage Month in November and to learn about the rich diversity of cultures existing here long before Christopher Columbus journeyed to "the new world." Also, UMs this month elected the denomination's first Native American episcopal leader, Bishop David Wilson (above). See worship resources. Also read UM News’ South Central elects Wilson as bishop.
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4. Donate unused Christmas cards for people in prison
The Philadelphia Prison System’s head chaplain again requests donated, unused Christmas cards (with blank envelopes) to be given to incarcerated persons so they can send Christmas greetings to their loved ones. Recipients of the cards in 2021 deeply appreciated their help in maintaining relationships with family and friends on the outside. Note: These cards must be plain and NOT have any glitter, stickers, foil or anything glued-on as part of the design.
Deliver or mail donated cards with envelopes by Monday, Nov. 28. to the EPA Conference Office, labeled for Prison Ministry: EPAUMC Prison Ministry, PO Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820. Questions? Contact Rev. Marilyn Schneider at [email protected]. Learn more about EPA’s Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice efforts.
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5. Healing Communities training Jan. 25-Feb. 1
EPA’s Prison Ministry & Restorative Justice Team will sponsor a virtual 2023 Healing Communities Training in three sessions via Zoom, Jan. 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; and Feb. 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Two hours of pre-class work is required in addition to 10 hours of CEU credits. Cost: $15. Register by Jan. 15.
The training provides information and perspectives on the criminal justice system and its impact on victims, survivors, offenders and their families. Church leaders will gain ideas and develop action plans to engage congregants in fostering ministries of hope, healing and reconciliation. Learn more and register. Save & share this flyer.
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6. 3 Tools for Ministry dates, sites set for March 2023
EPA has set three March dates and three locations for the 2023 Tools for Ministry church leadership education events. The half-day academies, each offering two sessions of diverse courses, will occur onsite, rather than online, for the first time since 2020. EPA members may attend any Tools session at any location.
The South and East districts will host a session together March 4 at Palmer Theological Seminar in St. Davids. The North District will host a session March 11 at Asbury UMC in Allentown. And the West District will host a session March 18 at Church of the Good Shepherd UMC in Lebanon. More information and registration to come.
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7. 2023 Denman Evangelism Awards nominations due March 1
The Eastern PA Conference Congregational Development Team is now accepting nominations for clergy, lay and youth to receive 2023 Denman Evangelism Awards. The Harry Denman Evangelism Award honors selected United Methodist clergy, lay and youth whose exceptional outreach to others invites and brings people into a life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. Awardees are honored at Annual Conference. Learn more and download nomination forms. Send completed nomination forms to [email protected]/ by March 1, 2023.
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8. Bishop Peggy Johnson to lead New England Conference
Retired Bishop Peggy A. Johnson will serve as interim bishop for the New England Conference (Boston Episcopal Area) from Jan. 1, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2024. The UMC’s Council of Bishops approved that recommendation from the Northeastern Jurisdiction’s College of Bishops and Committee on the Episcopacy. Johnson, who retired in 2021 as bishop of the EPA and Peninsula-Delaware conferences, will relocate to New England from her home in Virginia. The NE Jurisdictional Conference, which did not assign a bishop to the Boston Area this month, may elect bishops again in 2024. Read more at https://www.neumc.org.
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9. Next book study: Tempered Resilience by Tod Bolsinger
EPA’s Congregational Development Team (CDT) invites all to attend the next EPA book study in February 2023. Tod Bolsinger, a top leadership coach and former pastor, will lead us in a group study of his new book Tempered Resilience, How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change. He’ll help us explore adaptive leadership qualities we can develop in changing times to overcome the external challenges we face and the internal resistance that holds us back. The study meets via Zoom on Wednesdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, at 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Register now and order Tod’s new book. It’s available for free to the first 25 registrants. Learn more. Also, see the new Learning for Leaders flyer promoting all four, seasonal book studies in 2023.
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10. What does it mean to be a United Methodist?
UM Communications’ research team wants to hear from you about what it means to be a United Methodist. The agency wants feedback on various topics, as it listens and learns from church members to help inform its work. The survey takes about 10 minutes, and all of the information provided will be kept strictly confidential. Questions can be directed to Teresa Faust at [email protected]. Take survey.
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Tell us what your church is planning to make Thanksgiving week special!
What will your church do to celebrate Thanksgiving week in your community? Please send us news of your plans by Tuesday, Nov. 22 to [email protected].
Salem UMC in Springtown will enjoy a Friendsgiving meal after worship on Sunday, Nov. 20, inviting everyone to bring something to share. “I learned that there are folks here who spend Thanksgiving alone because their families are away,” said Salem’s new pastor Sue Kiefner, CLM. “Sharing a meal together at church can bring a feeling of inclusivity and comfort to them.” Want to know more about Friendsgiving? Read “What Is Friendsgiving and Where Did The Holiday Come From?”
Wesley UMC in Bethlehem plans a Stuffing Showdown after worship Sunday, where people will compete to offer the best-tasting stuffing! Summerfield/Siloam UMC in Philadelphia will welcome neighbors for Thanksgiving Day Community Brunch in the morning.
And Fallsington UMC will add a special touch to its annual Thanksgiving Eve Service, Nov. 23, at 7 PM, by giving small, donated loaves of bread to all who attend as a gesture of hospitality. They’ll offer a diverse selection, such as spice breads, banana nut breads, pumpkin breads, etc.
Again, tell us what your church is doing for Thanksgiving week. Please send us your news (and photos if you have any) by Tuesday, Nov. 22. Thanks!
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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. 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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