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November 23, 2022

Bishop announces EPA/GNJ affiliation, EPA regionalization plans

Bishop John Schol introduced in a letter to Eastern PA Conference members this week an “affiliation” of EPA’s administration with that of the Greater New Jersey Conference and the creation of two EPA regions to forge closer working relationships among the four districts.

Both changes are designed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in achieving the mission of both conferences: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ and grow vital mission congregations for the transformation of the world.” Learn more.

Growing disciples' generosity

Thankful Giving

During this Thanksgiving week we give thanks for all that we have received from God, blessings too numerous to count. But many of us engage in and give to support ministries that remind us that Thanksgiving is really about Thankful-giving. Such is the spirit when turkeys and dinners are given away or served to those who lack resources. And such is the spirit of the appeals for donations on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 29. Learn more.

More things you should know...

1. Thanksgiving, Advent playlists

EPA Christian educator Elizabeth Christie shares a brief list of holiday helpers—suggested Thanksgiving and Advent activities for families with children. She says they have “lots of Methodist flavor and are created by people from the UMC.”

  • Thanksgiving Playlist for families from Practical Resources for Churches (PRC) features “four activities for families that take little to no preparation, attach to everyday rhythms, and help caregivers/parents add new tools to their faithful parenting toolbox.” Four Advent ones will also be released the Saturday before each Sunday of Advent.
  • PictureAdvent is multigenerational and has links for each day of Advent
  • LaunchFaith Advent and Christmas playlists for families (similar format to PRC's)


Christie is education director at Fritz UMC in Bethlehem and works with EPA’s Leadership Development office. She hosted our Advent Planning Workshop for Children’s and Family Ministries Oct. 3. See the resources she shared for that occasion. 

2. What we have here is a need to communicate

In times of innovation and change, communication is critical. “How do you overcome fear of the unknown?” asks Michael Canic in Ruthless Consistency. “Make it known. Communicate. Overcommunicate during times of change. Learn more.

3. Is Advent about preparing for baby Jesus?

Advent is not intended to prepare Christians for baby Jesus, writes Ask The UMC, a ministry of UMCom. It is instead about refocusing the church, and especially those preparing for baptism, on Christ's return. Read story

4. Finding ‘God’s next’ for United Methodism

Hundreds gathered Nov. 16 recently in Dallas and online for “Space at the Table: Conversations of Hope for the UMC Future.” Organizers said the pandemic and church disaffiliations were two key reasons prompting such an event. The gathering featured individual addresses and panel discussions with UM bishops, seminary professors and young clergy. Learn more.

Reminders...

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

Donate unused Christmas cards for people in prison by Nov. 28

CORRECTION: Donated, unused cards with envelopes must arrive at the EPA Conference Office via mail or delivery by Monday, Nov. 28, addressed to: EPAUMC Prison Ministry, PO Box 820, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0820. 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. For more information contact Rev. Marilyn Schneider at prisonministries@epaumc.org

Wespath final session of ‘The Road to Retirement’ Nov. 29

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 moreRegister now.

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 umjobs@epaumc.org by Dec. 2. Learn more. Visit our Jobs & Classifieds web page to see more job openings.

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.

Calendar

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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