1. 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. 

2. 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.

3. Christmas worship service with a sermon from Bishop Schol

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.

4. EPA local pastor to direct UMC’s Men's Ministries

The Rev. Sterling Eaton, local pastor of Prospect UMC in Prospect Park, becomes director of the UMC’s Center for Men’s Ministries, Oct. 31. Eaton serves on EPA’s UM Men’s board and is a former Christ Servant Minister. "His depth of vocational experience, pastoral experience and leadership ability is in complete alignment with our new ministry direction," said Greg Arnold, CEO of UM Men. Read press release.

5. Jurisdictions may elect 14 US bishops

The UMC’s Northeastern Jurisdiction, at a special online session Oct. 15, voted to elect two bishops when delegates gather onsite at its regular session Nov. 2-5. Faced with uncertainties about the denomination’s future and more bishops’ retirements, all five U.S. jurisdictions expect to elect a total 14 bishops, fewer than the number of episcopal area openings. Learn more.

6. NEJ BMCR to meet Nov. 10-12

Members of Black Methodists for Church Renewal’s Northeastern Jurisdiction will meet Nov. 10-12 near Pittsburgh, Pa. Registration for the jurisdictional black caucus’ 53rd annual meeting is open. Learn more on NEJ BMCR’s Facebook page.

8. Top UM executive plans to retire this year

The United Methodist Board of Church and Society, the denomination’s public advocacy arm, announced Oct. 19 that the Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe plans to retire at the end of 2022. Henry-Crowe has served as the agency’s top executive for eight years. Read story.

9. Webinar on churches working together

Authors Kay L. Kotan and the Rev. Jason C. Stanley offer a free webinar Oct. 27 about how churches working together can share the love of Jesus more effectively. Kotan and Stanley wrote the book An Effective Approach to Cooperative Parishes. The webinar will take place from 7:30 to 9 PM. Read story. Register

10. Email still relevant for church outreach

With myriad ways for people to connect, email remains a tried-and-true means of communication. Aaron Crisler shares advice from UM Communications on how churches can put together effective email campaigns. Read story

1st Courageous Dialogue on Monday, Oct. 24. Register now

EPA Conference members will engage in Courageous Dialogues to share their stories with one another in multiple sessions at EPA Camp & Retreat Centers. The first dialogues will be held Oct. 24, Nov. 14 and Jan. 30, 2023—all Mondays. See the districts and locations for these initial dialogues, plus costs and a list of “Core Values for Courageous Dialogues.” There are still slots waiting for you.  Learn more and register. 

Phone volunteers needed to aid Hurricane Ian survivors

The EPA Conference’s Project Restoration disaster recovery ministry is offering an easy way for people to help survivors of Hurricane Ian, which devastated communities in Florida. All you need are a telephone, a computer, some free time during the week and a patient, caring heart willing to hear survivors’ concerns and connect them with the help they need.

Project Restoration is partnering with Crisis Cleanup to provide phone volunteers for their web-based program to assist Hurricane Ian survivors. Volunteers are needed to take survivors’ calls on the Crisis Cleanup disaster hotline. Learn more.

Certified Lay Minister orientation for entering Class of 2023

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 Monday, Oct 24, and Tuesday, Nov. 8, both 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.  

UM Men to meet, elect new officers Oct. 30

The Eastern PA Conference’s United Methodist Men will elect new officers when they have their annual membership meeting on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 2 PM, via Zoom. All EPA men are invited to participate and urged to share this announcement with others. Following the recent passing of UMM president Clifton Hubbard, new leaders are being sought for all offices: President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Zoom access information will be shared later. For more information contact David J. Marks, UMM secretary at [email protected].

Return Christmas Cards for People in Prison by Nov. 2

EPA Christmas Cards for People in Prison program, through which we can help incarcerated persons experience God’s love, returns this year. Blank cards can be obtained online, by postal mail or picked up from convenient church locations. All signed cards must be returned by Nov. 2. Learn more.

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.

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.

Oct. 24: Courageous Dialogues. Innabah Camp & Retreat Center (for South & East Districts combined). Register.

Oct. 28-30: Dismantling Racism – Level I, via Zoom. Learn more. 

Oct. 30: UM Men to meet, elect new officers. 2 PM via Zoom. For more information contact David J. Marks, UMM secretary at [email protected].

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.