‘One in Ministry to All the World’
Historic NEJ Conference seeks hope, healing amid troubles
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As the UMC’s Northeastern Jurisdiction met Nov. 2-4 in College Park, Md., with the theme “One in Ministry to All the World,” host Bishop LaTrelle Miller Easterling welcomed guests from the 10 conferences to “the home of Methodism and the seat of justice.” Indeed, the unity and disunity in Methodism’s past and present, but also its persistent quest for justice and wholeness, resonated throughout the historic session.
History was made when the Rev. Hector Burgos, a superintendent in the Greater New Jersey Conference, became the first Latino bishop elected by the Jurisdiction and the first Puerto Rican bishop in the denomination. Learn more.
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More things you should know... | |
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1. 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.
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2. Family missions: Build a life of service
Busy families might find it hard to dedicate time and energy to mission projects or serving others, but it doesn't have to feel that way. Reconsider what this type of work looks like and build a missional lifestyle that will nurture and strengthen lifelong faith. Here are practical ideas for families searching for ways to live their faith. Read story
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3. What Has the Church Learned from the Pandemic?
A free webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 PM, about lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Many of us are still in awe of how well congregations found ways to still be the church in a strange new world. Even some of the most ‘change-resistant’ in the church became Zoom pros, video editors, or online study conveners. And in the process, we found ways to reach out and touch some folks who thought the church wasn’t interested in them. As we slowly find our way beyond the pandemic into whatever will be the new normal, join the Rev. Ken Sloane, Discipleship Ministries Director of Stewardship & Generosity, and explore what we might want to take with us.” Learn more Register
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4. Global Mission Fellows applications due
Young people interested in social justice ministries can apply to be a Global Mission Fellow. The first application deadline is Dec. 1 for the US-2 fellows, who serve two-year terms in the U.S. Several current fellows offer their perspectives on the program. Read story
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5. Calling for prayer following tragedy in Korea
Bishop Hee-Soo Jung of the Wisconsin Conference has issued a call to prayer following the tragic crowd surge during Halloween festivities in Seoul, South Korea, that killed more than 150 people. In his prayer, Jung cites Isaiah 40:1: “Comfort, O Comfort my people, says your God.” The Rev. Ioan Sauca, acting top executive of the World Council of Churches, also expressed great sadness and extended condolences on behalf of the global ecumenical fellowship. Read bishop's statement. Read World Council of Churches statement.
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6. 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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7. 2024 General Conference to meet in Charlotte, N.C.
The Commission on the General Conference announced today that the 2024 United Methodist General Conference will be held April 23 – May 3, 2024, at Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. The Commission selected Charlotte as the best of three considered sites. The Western North Carolina Conference and North Carolina conferences will cohost the gathering of UM delegates from across the U.S. and around the world. Learn more.
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CONAM to explore Doctrine of Discovery, Nov. 6 at Innabah
The Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) will present a lecture and discussion on “The Doctrine of Discovery: Enabling Oppression and Exploitation,” led by CONAM member Ron Williams, on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 4 PM. The free fall event returns to Innabah Camp & Retreat Center in Spring City. It will include a light supper and a free-will blanket offering. Please register in advance. Attendees may earn Advanced Dismantling Racism course credit for this event. Learn more and register. NOTE: CONAM will attempt to livestream this event from Innabah via the EPA Conference Facebook page.
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Certified Lay Minister orientation sessions Nov. 8 & 19
EPA’s is offering in its annual orientation for persons interested in becoming Certified Lay Ministers. Attendance at one orientation session, via Zoom video conferencing, is required for admission to the Class of 2023 (to be certified in 2024). The remaining two-hour sessions will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 8, at 6:30 PM, and on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 9:30 AM. Contact Judy Ehninger, CLM Program Coordinator, with questions and to register for an Orientation Session. Phone: 610-442-3140. Or [email protected]. Download for full information: CLM orientation for admission 2023.
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Bishop Schol to meet with clergy, assigned pastors, Nov. 9
Bishop John Schol will meet with all EPA clergy and assigned pastors (CLMs, CSMs and Lay Supply pastors) Nov. 9, from 10 AM to 12 PM, at Hopewell UMC in Downingtown. They will discuss EPA goals, priorities, progress and priorities, plus updates on the NEJ Jurisdictional Conference and sharing in joint ministry with Greater New Jersey. This will also be an opportunity to hear and ask questions about current challenges and opportunities for congregational vitality. Learn more. Please Register.
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New 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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Next Courageous Dialogue Nov. 14 at Pocono Plateau
EPA Conference members will engage in Courageous Dialogues to share their stories with one another in multiple sessions at EPA Camp & Retreat Centers. The Courageous Dialogue for North District members (although members of all districts may attend) will be held at Pocono Plateau on Monday, Nov 14. Learn more and register. C on Nov 14.
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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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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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Bishop Schol, Cabinet to offer recorded Christmas worship service to churches again
Bishop John Schol and his Cabinet will once again provide a pre-recorded Christmas worship service to EPA congregations, including liturgy, music and a sermon preached by Bishop Schol. Churches can use the recorded program on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, or anytime during the Advent/Christmas season. Look for more information soon.
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Who We Are
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection - we are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. We are more than 12 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors. Learn more.
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Nov. 6: CONAM to explore Doctrine of Discovery, at Camp Innabah, 4 PM. Learn more and register.
Nov. 9: Bishop Schol meeting with all clergy & assigned pastors, 10am-12pm at Hopewell UMC. Register.
Nov. 12: Safe Sanctuaries training, 10 AM to 12 noon, via Zoom. Learn more and register.
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